M K.^ ■* ¥ C^ •^ REESE LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA. Received ^^^MOOljJ rSS//' Accessions No.^.Z^^L^ Shelf No e^ ^-^ - •k ^^ . /.><•.- . '« . ^^*i-<^ /SU„ ." /^ ^^, ^P -■■' *""M^:-JS'--* f-- . Vi*^'.' i A SHORT VIEW OF THE WHOLE SCRIPTURE HISTORY A CONTINUATION OF THE JEWISH AFFAIRS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT TILL THE TIME OF CHRIST; AN ACCOUNT OF THE CHIEF PROPHECIES THAT RELATE TO HIM : 'Represented in a'^Va^ &f ^lestion and ,^nswer* Illustrated with THE PATRIARCHS, JEWS AIVD CHRISTIANS, AND OS THE LAWS, GOVERNMENT, SECTS, CUSTOMS AND 'WRITINGS OF THE JEWS. B¥ I. \yATTS, D. D. ^UNIVEESITY B9jg;x)N: :i liter. 1819. :2,S"i-'^''^ THE PREFACE, SHEWING HE DESIGN OF SUCH A SHORT VIEW OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY, AND THE ADVANTAGES OF IT. The Holy Scripture is divided into two books, which are commonly called the Old Testament and the New. And as each of these books contains several articles or propositions which God has revealed to men for the direction of their faith and practice in the successive ages of the world ; so there are several histories contained in them, or narratives of the lives and deaths of men, of the affairs of nations, and especially of the transactions of God with mankind. Some knowledge of these historical matters is necessary and useful, in order to obtain a more clear and full acqumntance with the principles of our holy religion, as well as to assist and engage us in the practice of it by way of motive. It is the history all along introduces the peculiar doctrine and duties ; and all the latter revelations of the mind and will of God, relat- ing to religion, have some connexion with and dependence upon the events which went before. The very Gospel of Christ consists partly in the history of his life and death ; nor can the otljer part of it, namely, the doctrines and duties, be so well understood without some knowledge of the law of iMoses, the ceremonies of the Jews, the religion of tlie patriarchs, and the transactions of God witli Adam, the first father of all mankind. The great and blessed God at one single view surveys all his own works and designs, from the beginning to the end of them ; awA every part of his grand scheme stands in a delightful har- mony with the rest, ile has ordained all his more early deal- ings with men in such a manner, us to let in divine light by several gradations upon a dark world, and to lay a happy foun- dation for its latest and bejU revelation made by his own SoB»> i> PREFACE and his apostles: and in many cases the former laM's, ordi- nances, and transactions, are evidently designed to prefis-ure and shadow out, as well as to introduce those which follow. Adam, our first father, by whom sin and death were brow^ht into the world, was a type or figure of Jesus the second Adam, who brought m righteousness and life. Rom. v. 14. 1 Cor. xv. 21 22, 45, 49. The law of Moses was a shadow of the sood tfiinel tvhich were to come ; but the body and substance of these Wessmgs was given us by Christ our Saviour. Col. ii. 17. Heh. X. I. And it is certain we may obtain a more extensive and complete knowledge of Christianity, by our acquaintance with the sacred affairs of Adam and Noah, of Abraham and Moses, and the sons of Israel. Besides, it is the history of the Bible, which hath conveyed down to us the knowledge of those miracles and divine won- ders which have been wrought by the prophets, the immediate messengers of heaven, to prove that they were sent of God : It IS m this history we read those prophecies of things to come, together with the accomplishment of them, which stand in a Deautiful connexion from the beginning of the world to the days of the Messiah, All of them join to confirm our faith in the several revelations of religion which God has made to the sons of men ; and all concur to establish the last and noblest scheme of religion, that is, Christianity. Thus the very history of Scripture has a powerful and rational influence to establish our behef of the Gospel, and to make us Christians upon solid and reasonable grounds. I add yet further, that in the historical part of Scripture we read the holy laws of God, exemplified in the life and practice of good men in several ages of the world r and when we see the rules of religion copied out in the M'ords and actions of our fel- low creatures, it renders the performance of them more practi- cable and more delightful to us. While the word of command stands in the law to require our obedience, the actual obedience of our fathers to those commands recorded in the history invites our imitation, and makes the work more easy. To conclude : we find not only the precepts but the sanctions of the law of God exemplified in the narrative of Scripture. How often do we read the promises of God fulfilled in the re- wards of the righteous, and his threatenings executed against wilful transgressors ! These things set the government of God before our eyes in a stronger light ; they shew us that his words of promise and threatening are not empty sounds ; and make it appear with sensible conviction, that he will certainly reward, and that he will as certainly punish. The many wonderful in- stances of a divine Providence which concerns itself in the af- fairs of men, and which are recorded in the word of God, have ' •• PREFACE. ▼ tU natural tendency to awaken our fear of so great and glorious a Being, and to encourage our hope and trust in liiA. In a word, the perfections of God, whereby he made and governs the world, are set before our eyes by the Scripture history in auch divine colours, as give us a more awful and amiable idea of God himself, than any words of description could have done, without such an historical account of his works of nature, grace, lud providence. Since then it appears, that some knowledge of the history of Scripture is necessary and useful to every one among us who would know and love God, and be a partaker of his favour, the next thing to be inquired is, how this knowledge may be best attained ? How shall persons, whose capacity is weak, or who have little time to employ on these subjects, be led in the shortest and easiest way to a competelft acquaint^ce with the sacred history ? And how shall those who are young in years, be trained up in the plainest and most alluring manner to some knowledge of these important affairs, till their growing age and further advantages, shall give them a more extensive and capa- cious-view of all the transactions between God and men record- ed in Scripture ? The Bible itself is a very large book, and though it ought to be read (at least many parts of it) by persons o( all characteis nd conditions, yet the reducing of the several things contained I it to a short and narrow view, by way of abridgment, is so acceding useful,, that I had almost called it necessary^ at least r yoiith, and for persona in the lower ranks of life, who have iewer conveniences and advantages of knowledge. I have made this sufficiently e\-ident with regard to the doctrines and duties of religion, in my Discourse concerning the Composition and Use of Catechisms^ to which I refer my reader: and the same arginnent will hold good Avith regard to the historical part of Scripture. There 1 have shewn particularly How needful it is to collect the great articles and rules of our religion, which lie scattered up and down in the Bible, into a shorter scheme for. the use of younger understandings ; and I have given my rea- Mjns also, why the catechetical method of question and an- swer is preferable to all other methods of instruction ; and I need not repeat tlie same things here, with regard to sacred history. It is proper the reader should know, that at the end of the History of the Old Testament I have inserted on€ chapter^ wherein the Jewish affi»irs are continued from the time of Nehe- miah (where the sacred writers end) down to the time ofChrist and the Gospel. This is borrowed from the best ancient mit- ijigs we have of these events, namely, the books of Maccabees •1 the Apocrypha, and tlie history of. Josephos, though I aQi vi PREFACE. greatly indebted also to Dr. Prideaux's Historical Connection of the Old and New Testament, wherein these narratives are so happily reduced to a chronological order, and embellished and improved with many valuable hints from heathen historians. And to render the work yet more useful in tliese days of in- fidelity, I have added another chapter^ which I call a Pro2)het- ical Connection between the Old and JVew Testament^ wherein the most eminent prophecies relating to our blessed Lord are set down in one view, together with their accomplishment ; that younger minds may see how much this great Messiah, or anointed Saviour, was foretold and expected through all ages, and may have their faith of Christ built early upon a solid foundation. I have nothing more to add, but to acquaint the reader with the method I have taken in composing this work, and with the tise that he should make of it In framing this book, I have observed the following rules, namely, I. I have proceeded, for the most part according to the order of things as they lie in the books of Scripture ; but still endeavouring to maintain some connexion throughout the whole history. Yet I cannot say I have always reduced things to rhat order in which they were transacted : for in several places 1 found that a strict observation of chronology would have inter- mingled too many incidents of different kinds, would have broken the scheme of things I had proposed, or interrupted the narrative of some particular event, and rendered the history much more unconnected and disagreeable to those for whom I write. II. Though I have not been solicitous to insert every inci- dent, and the name of every person contained in the Old Tes- tament, yet I have omitted scarce any name or remarkable, transaction which has been referred to or cited in the New, or has any connexion with the Gospel of Christ, which is the religion of Christians. It was not possible to insert all the par- ticular narratives contained in the Scripture, without makings another book almost as big as the Bible itself: whereas my prime design was to give an abstract or short view of the sacred history, for the use of persons of such age, capacities or condi- tions of life, as are not able to attend to much reading, nor gain a fuller and more accurate knowledge of the transactions o> God with men. II1» I have added the chapter and verse of one or more tgxts of Scripture to every answer that required it, that the reader might be invited to search his Bible, and there gain a larger and more particular acquaintance with those historical matters which. I have briefly mentioned in a line or two.. If- PREFACE. . vii young persons by this means are allured to grow familiar with ihe word of God, I am persuaded the advantage fhey may reap thereby will richly compensate all their labours in reading thia historical abridgment of Scripture, and all my pains in writ- ing it. IV. It is all divided into chapters, and some chapters into sections, with a new title to each. This will, in some measure, give a comprehensive view of the method and order of the tVhole. It is evident that the catechetical form of question and answer takes off the tiresomeness of reading from younger minds, and perpetually allures their inquiry and coriosily on- ward by short answer?, without that weariness which arises from many long continued pages of mere narrative : and in the 5ame maimer a proper distinction of the history into chapters and sections under differenl titles, renders the work of reading much more delightful by the frequent returning rests and pauses. V. Since I intended it originally for persons of younger Acars, and the common rank of mankind, I have studied gene- rally to use such words and forms of speech as are most plain and easy to be understood. It would not have answered my design so well, if I must have sent ray reader too often to his dictionary to inquire the meaning of hard words and Latinized expressions. VI. Yet I have not so confined myself to the service of mjr tmleamed readers, as to neglect all useful criticisms and occa- sional remarks to clear up difficulties : but have freely inter- spersed them throughout the whole book, so far as may inform the inquisitive, and give some hints to the more intelligent reader, for the further illustration of some passages of Scripture both in the Old Testament and the Uew. If there should be found any mistakes in drawing up this history, which might have been rectified by further consulting- the writings of the learned, I would only mention one apology for myself ; and that is, a great part of it was drawn up in the country, at a distance from my usual habitation, where I had no learned writings to consult, and was confined to my Bible alone. A friendly notice of any such mistakes might occasioa, a correction of them. Let me here speak a word or two more of the particular uses which may be made of this summary of ssrred history. It may not be an improper book to lie couctantly in the nursery or the parlour, to assist the instruction of children, or the conversation of grown persons. And if this and other useful books were suffered always te lie in the places appointed for servants, especially in great families, it might be an allurement to them to employ some of their leisure iu a profitable manner. The placing it in aoj room of usual residence^ may entice per- viii PREFACE. sons often to look Into it, and lead them into an easy acquaint- ance with the various dealings of God witli men from the be- ginning of the world. Nor can I think it would be a vain or useless employment for persons who are not furnished with better advantages for Scripture knowledge, to read it over once in a year or two, in order to keep these sacred memoirs ever fresh in their minds. Half a chapter in a week would be eo heavy task, and this would finish it in one year's time. May the divine blessing attend this feeble endeavour of ipine to diffuse the knowledge of divine thmgs among mankind, and to furnish families with useful matter for conversation, wher^iby they may be better secured against the temptations of loose and vicious writings, and vain discourse, which give an unliappy tincture to the imagination in early years, and tend to defile and destroy the soul. <> THE TABLE OF CONTENTS, THE OLD TESTAMENT. PAGE. The Introduction, - 1 An Account of the several Dispensationa of God toward Men, 2 Chap. I. The History of Mankind before the Flood, nameljr, of Adam, Eve, (Jain, Abel, Enoch, &c. . 3 Chap. IF. Of Noah, Abraham, and their Families after the Flood, 9 Sect. 1. Of Noah and his Sons, . . . .9 Sect. 2. Of Abraham and Lot, Ishmael and Isaac, 12 Sect. 3. Of Esau and Jacob, and their Posterity, 17 Chap. III. The Dehverance of the Israelites from Egjrpt by Moses and Aaron, ...... 21 Chap. IV. Of the Moral Law, . . . . 2U Cliap, V. Of the Ceremonial Law of the Jews, . 28 Sect. 1. Of the Ceremonies of Purification, . 29 Sect. 2. Of the Holy Persons, namely. Priests, Le- vites, Nazaritep, . , 32. Sect. 3. Of the Holy Places, particularly the Taber- nacle, ........ 34 Sect. 4. Of the Holy Thini??, namely, the Ark, Table, Candlestick, Altars, Laver, Holy Garments, Sacrifi- ces, Incense, Ointment, Water of Purification, &c. 36 Sect. 5. Of the Holy Times, Feasts and Fasts, the Sabbaths, the New Moons, the Pass-over, Pentecost, Feast of Tabernacles, Day of Atonement, &c. 44 Sect. 6. The Use of the Jewish Ceremonies, both te tlic Jews and to Christians, .... 49 CONTENTS. X PAGE, €hap. VI. Of the Political or Judicial Law of the Jews, namely, of their Wars, Marriages, Food, Raiment, Cattle, Sabbatical Year, Jubilee, &c. . - 52 Chap. VII. Of the Sins and Punishments of the Jews in the Wilderness, ^^ Chap. VIII. Of the Jews' Entrance into Canaan, and their first Government by Judges, . . . 62 Sect. 1. Of their Possession of Canaan, and destroying the old Inhabitants, 62 Sect. 2. Of the Government of the Jews by Judges, namely, Ehud; Shamgar, Deborah, Gideon, Jephthah, Samson, &c. . . • .... 68 Chap. IX. Of the Government of the Jews under their Kings ; and first of Saul and David, . . ..75 Chap. X. Of the Reign of Solomon and Rehoboam over all Israel, and the Division of the Nation into two Kingdoms, . . » ^^ Chap. XI. Of the Kings of Israel , ... .89 Chap. XII. Of the Kings of Judah, . . • ^^ Chap. XIII. Of the Return of the Jews from Captivity, and the building the City of Jerusalem and the Tem- ple, under the Conduct of Ezra and Nehemiali, 108 Chap. XIV. The History of Job, . . • .117 Chap. XV. The History of Jonah, . . . .12a Chap. XVI. The History of Jeremiah, ... 122 Chap. XVII. The History of Daniel, ... 128 Chap. XVIII. The History of Esther, . — . 133 Chap. XIX. A Continuation of the Jewish History from the End of the Old Testament to the Times of Christ, 137 Sect. 1. Of Nehemiah's further Reformation ; ofSyn- ag02:ue?, Targuras, Samaritans, Proselytes, &:c. 138 Sect. 2. Of the Jewish affuirs under the Persian and Grecian IVTonarchies, and particularly under Alexan- der the Great, .•„.•■*•' Sect. 3. The Jewish Affairs under the Ptolemies Kmgs of Egypt. Of th^ great Synagogue, the Mishnah and Talmud, and Septuagint, or Greek Translation of the Bible, ^^"^ Sect. 4. Of the Jewish Affairs \mder Antiochus the Great, Seleucus, and Antiochus Epiphanes, Kings of Syria, • 1^4 CONTENTS. xi ^ PACK. Sect. 5. Of Mattathias the great Reformer, the Father of the Maccabees, • . . . * . . 158 Sect. 6, Of the Jewish Government under the Asmo- neans, or Maccabees ; and first of the three Brothers, Judas, Jonathan, and Simon, .... 161 Sect. 7. Of the Posterity and Successors of Simon, and of the several Sects among the Jews, namely, Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, Herodians, and Kara- ites, ......... 176 Sect. 8. Of the Government of Herod the Great, and his Posterity, - . , . . - . 191 ^hap. XX. A Prophetical Connection between the Old Testament and the New, by a View of the Prophecies relating to Christ, and their Accomplishment, . 203 THE NEW TESTAMENT. Chap. XXL Qf John the Baptist, . . . 2® Chap. XXII. Of the Birth and Childhood of Jesus Christ, 227 Chap. XXIII. Of the public Life and Ministry of Christ, 230 Introduction. His Preparation for his public Work, 230 Sect. 1. Jesus Christ's Appearance, with the Charac- ters of the Messiah, 232 'Sect. 2. Of the Subjects of his Preaching, his Parables, Disputes, &c 234 Sect. 3. Of the Miracles of Christ, . , . 241 Sect. 4. The Example of Christ, . . . 242 Sect. 5. His calling the Apostles, and instructing them, 244 Sect. 6. His appointment or Institution of the two Sacraments, 246 Sect. 7. Remarkable Occurrences or Transactions in the Life of Christ, 248 Chap. XXir. Of the Death, Resurrection, and Ascen- sion of Christ, ...... 252 Sect. 1. Of his Sufferings, Death, and Burial, . 252 Sect. 2. Of the Resurrection of Christ, and his seve- ral Appearances to his Disciples, . . . 259 Sect, 3. Of hi£ Ascension to heaven, . . . 262 xu CONTENTS. PAGE. Chap. XXV. Of the Acts of the Apostles, chiefly Peter, and John, and the Deacons Stephen and Philip, . 263 Chap. XXVI. The Acts of Paul the Apostle, his Travels % and Sufferings^ hisCiife and Death, . . . S73 OF THE WHOLE SCRIPTURE HISTORY, &c. The History of the Old Testament. THE INTRODUCTION. THERE is no liistory in the world so ancient as the Bible, nor is there any whicli gives us so early an ac- count of things. The Old Testament begins with the creation of the world, brings us into accjuaintance with Atlain and Eve, our first parents, informs us of their state of innocence, their sin a;^ainst God, and their being driv* on out of paradise ; it recounts the first generations of men, and their multiplied iniquities, which provoked God to destroy tiiem by a flood. Then it treats of the character, circurastanceA and c«)nduct of Noah and Abraham, and of their families af- ter tlie flotHl,eidarging most upon the iiousehold of Jacob, or Israel, tl^e gnnulson of Abraham, who, at the invitation of his s»)n Joseph, went down witli his family to dwell in Egypt, vhere triey were enslaveod created them both m his ov/n likeness, in a holy and happy state, which is called tiie stale of inno- cence. Gen, i» 26. 15 Q. Where did God put Adajn and Eve when he jiad made them ? Jl, Into the garden of Eden, to keep it, and take care of it, that even m the state of innocence and happiness, they miglit have some work tOr be employed in. Geiv, ii. 15. 3 6 Q. What was their food in^ that garden ? Ji. God gave them, leave to eat of any of the herb?, plants, or fruits, that grew tliere, except the fruit of oii>i tree, which he forbid them to taste of on pain of death. Gen. i. 29, and ii. 16,. 17. 17 Q. What was tl-.e name of that tree ? A. It was called the tree of the Knowledge of good and evil, because as soon as man eat of it,, he would know evil to his sorrow, as well as h.e knew good before to his comfort, ver. 17, and chap. iii. 5. 18 ({, As there was one tree so dangerous, that it Ohap.!. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 5 exposed him to death if he eat of it, w as there not also a (tree that would secure lam from death r [ *.9. Yes ; there was a tree called the tree of life y placed in the midst of the garden, whose fruit was also able to have preserved him in life, if he had continued to obey God, Gen. ii. 9, and chap, iii. 22, and it is reasonably supposed to be designed as a pledge or seal of eternal lite to him, if he had continued in his innocency. 19 ^. What was the religion of Adam in the state of innocency? .^. Tiie practice of all the duties toward God, and toward his creatures, which the light of nature or reason could teach him ; together with his observance of this one positive precept of abstaining from the fruit of the tree of knowledge ; and this was g;iven him as a special test or trial of his obedience to his ^laker. This is call- ed the DlSl»ENSATION OF INNOCKNCE. 20 (I. How did Adam behave himself in this time of his trial r A, He eat of the fruit of thf" tree of knowledge, which G(xl had forbid him^on pain of deatn. Gen. ii. IT, and chap. iii. G. 21 (^. How cai»e Adam to disobey God, and eat of this forbidden tree r A, Eve first was peisuaded to eat of that deadly fruit, and then she persuaded Adam to eat of it too. Gen. iii. 12. ' • 22 ({, Who tempted Eve to eat of it ? J], The Evil Spirit, that is the Devil, which lay hid In the serpent. Gen. iii. 1. 2 Cor, xi. 3. and for this reason he is called the uld Serpent. Jtev. xii. 9. 23 ({. What mischief followetl from hence ? A. As Adam sinned against God, so he brouglit inc' sin and death among all mankind, who were his chil- dren, and they have spread through all generations. Jiom.v. 12. 24 ^. Then God did not put Adam and Eve to death as soon as they had sinned r jL No ; but they were condemned to die ; and be- came liable to sickness and death ; they were driven out 6 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. of the garden of paradisej tliat ihey might not taste of the tree of life, and they were appointed to labour hard for their food all their (lavs. Gen. iii. 19, 23. 25 Q. I>id God, who spared their life, shew them any further pit^ ? *4. Yes; he ^ave them a kind promise, and clothed them with the skins of beasts, because thej were naked.. Gen. iii. 15, 21. 26 Q. What was the kind promise. that he gave them ? •S. That the seed of the woman shonld break the head of the serper/f, who tempted them to sin. Gen.. iii. U~. 27 ^. Who is this- seed of the woman ? J. The Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who in due time was born of a woman Gal. iv. 4. 28 (I. What is meant by his tweaking the serpent's head ? A That Clirist should diestiH)y the wicked works and designs of the Devil, and thereby save mankind trom the sin and death, \<^hich were brought in among them by his temptation. 1. John i\\.^8. Ileb.u.14,15.. 29 ^. Whence came the skins* of the beasts with which God clothed Adam and Eve?.» ►3. It is likely God taught Adam to offer sacrifices^ at this time, and that these were the skins of the beasts that were offered in sacrifice. J^ote. Whether flesh was eaten by the religious families be- fore the flood, is uncertain ; but it does not appear that God had given Adam express leave to eat flesh, Gen. i. 29, chap. \'u 26, and ix. 23, and then there could be no skins to be had from beasts killed for food. But the sin of man deserved death %, and it was probably at this time that God appointed beasts to be sacrificed or put to death, to shew that sin deserved death^ and to make a sort of typical atonement, or answer for the sin of man; since cutting and burning- God's living creatures does act seem to be a contrivance of man himself to appease God for his own sin. Then it is natural to suppose that God clothed Adam and Eve with the skins of those beasts which were sacri- ficed, to shew them, in a typical or figurative way, that as clothes covered the naked body from shame and harm, so sacri- fices, ofl'ered according to God's appointment, should in some isensfr protect them from the punishment which sin had descrv - ed. Chap. 1. SCIUPTUIIK 1I1ST0R\ . 7 And it is very possible Cod mit^it inform Adam fhat all lliet^fr appointments were only a figure of Chri-t the e;reat ^acri^lcc» the seed of the vuman^ who shauld nialcf- a real and efTectunl atoaeiiicnt for sin hereafter by his own death. I confes* all this does not so evidently a}»pear in the writinj^ of Moses, nor conld it be expected, where the account of things* in these eariy tiine:» is so exceed rnc short ; though it is Tery agreeable to the dis- coveries made in the following parts of Scripture. I add yet further that siicrifices might be instituted at this time with this view and design,, even though Adam himself might not be in- formed of it: for tfie great tfod does not always imraediatelv reveal to his creatures the reason and design of all his j ' or his providence*. Job xxxiii. 1-1. SO Q.. What was the religion of man after the fall or sin of Atlnm? »?. All the duties of tlie \vA\i of nature which were 1 ecjuired before : and besiiles these he was now called to repentance for sin, faith or trust in the mercy of God, expectation of the promised Saviour, and ottering of saciificesi. This is called the Adamical DisrENSAriON uf tlie covenant of grace, and it reached to Noah*s floods 31 i^. >Vho were Adanir's tirst children? »^, Cain and Abel. Gen,\\\ 1,2. 3^2 Q. AVhat was Cain ?- J. Adam's eldest sou, and he was a tiller of tins . oumL Geii. iv. 1, 2. 33 Q. But what mischief did Cain do? J. He killed his brother Abel, who was a keeper of sheep. Gen. iv. 2, 8. 34 q. Why did Cain kill him ? %7. Because his own works were evil, and Go the fountains of the credit deep under ground, and caused it to rain forty days, and forty niglits. Gen. vii. 4, 11. 3 ^. H(jjjv was Noah saved ? .?. In an. ark, or great ship or vessel, which God * iiight him to build. Gen. vi. 9» 14, &.c. Xoie. Noah had warnincf of this jndsjment of God one hun- •cd and twenty yrars before it came to pa?^. (Jtn. vi. 3. \nd as he was a preacher of righteousne.-s^ 2 Pel. ii. 5, so we nay iii«(lj suppose he cave continual warning to a sinful world h]le the Ark was building. 1 Pet. iii. 19, -20. lieb. xi. 7. 4 ({. Who was saved with him ? •>!. All his family, and s(Mne liviug cre.;tnrfsof everv kind, liarr.ely, two of every unclean bea?t and bird whicli •. (te neither fit for food or sacrifice, and seven of every c lean creature wb.ich were fit lor one or both uses. 6reK* >iii. ^,3, 13, 14. J ({. How long^ did Noah tarry in tliis ark ? 10 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 2. Jl. At nine months end he sent forth a dove, which brought in an olive-branch, to shew him that the waters were abated ; and at the end of twelve months and ten days he came forth, and the creatures which were with him. Gen.xu. 11, and viii. 5 — 13. 6 ({. What commands did G(kI give Noah B t^. The oftering of sacrifices was continued, ^en, viii. 20, 21. Flesh was given to man for food,, as ht^-bs were before. Oen. ix. 2, 3. Blood was forbidden to be eaten, the blood of man was expressly forbid to be slied, and murder was to be punished with death. Gen. ix. 4, 5,6. JVb/e. Tlie religion of Noah -wns the 5ame with that of Adam- after his fall, {See Chap. I. Q. 30) >vith these few additions^ here mentioned. And this was the Noaiichical dispensation of the covenant of grace, whereby all men, from Noah to Abra- ham, were to seek salvation ; and whereby all besides the family of Abraham were to be saved, even all the heathen world, till they hear of Christ. 7 (^. What promise did God make to Noah ? •/?. That the world should never be drowned again> and it pleased God to appoint the rainbow to be a token of it. Gen, ix. 13— 15. 8 Q. Was there no rainbow before the flood ? J]. It is probable that there was no raifi before the flood, for the earth was watered daily by a tliick mist. Gen. ii. 5, 6, and then there could be naturally no rain- bow, for it is made by the sunbeams sbining upon falling rain. 9 Q. Wlio were Noah*s three sons ? J, Shorn, Ham, and Japliet ; and they were tiie fethers of all mankind after the flood. Gen. ix. 18, 19, and X. 32. 1 Q. AVlio were the offspring or posterity of Shem r •B. The Persians, who came from Elam their father ; tlie Syrians from Aram ; the Hebrews from Eber, a^ is supposed : and particularly tlie Jews, with other inhabi- tants of Asia. Gen. x. 21. 11 Q. AV!io were the posterity of Ham r «ectl. 8CRIPTURE HISTORY. 11 J. The Canaanitcs, the Philistines, and others in Asia, and the Egyptians, with other inhabitants or Africa. Geu. X. 6, &c. 12 4{, Who were the posterity of Japhet? •i. Gomer, supposed to be the father of the Germans, Javan of the Greeks, Meshech of the Muscovites, and other families tliat dwelt in Europe. Gen, x. 2. 13 Q. Wherein did Ham the father of the Canaan- itcs do amiss ? J, He saw his father Noah naked, and made sport with him, and lie was cursed under the name of his son Canaan. Grew. ix. 21, 25. J^'ote. It is probabJe that Canaan joined with his father Ham in the mockery of his grandfather Noah, and therefore he Mas cursed : and besides, this gave early notice to the Israelites, that the Canaanites, whose land God gave them to possess, were a people unJer an ancient curse. 14^. What did Shem and Japhet do on this occa- >ion ? J. They covered their father with a garment, and concealed iiis shame, and were blessed. Gen. ix. 23, 26, 27. 15 Q. Did mankind freely divide themselves after ttie flood into several nations? JL No ; but being all of one language, they agreed ilher to build a chief city with a tower, tiiat all men !2;ht be joined in one natnm or kingdom. Gen.xi. 4. rJ (J. How did God scatter them abroad into difter- !.t nations? J. By making them speak different languages, and len they ceased to build the tower, which was calleil Jiabel, or Confusion, Gen. xi. T — 9. 17 Q. Did God preserve the true religion in any of ilieir families ? Ji, It is supposed to have been chiefly preserved in x\\c family of Shem, for God is called the Lord God of Shem. Gen. ix. 26. JS'ole. Thougb tbe knowledge of the true God and religion were chiefly preserved in the family of Shem, yet it is evident pare them ? »?. Yes ; Abraham pleaded with God to spare Sodom, and God would have done it, had there been but ten lighteous men in all the city. Gen. xviii. 23 — w53. 30 Q. How did Lot escape ? •9, The two angels, which were sent to destroy Sodom, persuaded him to flee away with his family first. Gen. xix. 15. 31 ^. How many of his family e8cai)ed tliis judg- ment ? Jl, Only himself and his two daughters, for his two -ons-in-law' refused to remove. Gen. xix. 14. 32 Q. What became of Lot's wife ? Ji, She went with him part of the way, bi?t when she looked back, hankering after StHlom, she was struck «lcad immediately, perhaps with a blast of that lightning which burnt Sodom, and she stood like a pillai' of salt. Gen. xix. 26. 33 (J. Was Lot a religious man ? Jh Ves ; and his righteous soul was daily vexed with ihe wicked convei-sation of the men of Sodom. 2 Fet ii. 7,8. 14 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 2. 34 Q. Did he maintain his righteous character ever afterwards? *3. He once was enticed into the sin of drunkenness, and then he let his two daughters lie with him and abuse him. Gen. xix. 30, &c. 35 Q. Had Lot any children by this sinful action ? *5. Yes; Moab was the son of one daughter, and Ben-ammi of the other ; and they were afterwards the fathers of the Moabites and Ammonites, who proved to be sore enemies of God's people. Gen. xix. 37, 38. 36 Q. Thus ends the tiistory.of Lot and Sodom : let us return now to Abraham : in what part of the country did he dwell ? •A. When he removed from Lot he went toward the west, and travelling on toward the southwest, he sojourn- ed in the land of Abimelech. Gen. xx. 1. 37 Q. Who was Abimelech ? A. He was king of Gerar in the country of the Phi- listines. Gen. XX. 2, xxi. 32. 38 a, Wliat did Abimelech do at Abraham's coming? d. He took Sarah, Abraham's wife, into his house ; but being warned of iGrod, he restored her again. Gen. XX. 2, 6^ J 4^ 39 Q. How came Abiuifilecli to take Abraham's wife ? A. Because she was a beautiful woman, and Abra- ham did not call her his wife, but his sister ; and by this means he exposed her to be taken by other men. Gen. XX. 2. 40 Q. What sons had Abraham ? A. The two chief were Ishmael and leaac. Gen. XXV. 9. 41 Q. What was Ishmael ? A. He was the son of Abraham by Hagar his servant maid. Gen. xvl. 1 5. t 42 Q. How came Abraham to take his maid to be his concubine ? A. God had promised him a son, and he tliou^ht his wife Sarah was too old to' have a child, and therefore by hev advice he took Hagar. Gen. xvi. 1, 2. Sect. 2. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. IS 43 Q. AVhat became of Ishmael ? A. Abraham, by the command of God, turned Ishma- el and his mother out of his house into the wilderness, because they mocked and abti*ad'^9 younger son Isaac. Gen. w'u 9, &c. 44 Q. Did Ishmael perish in tile wilderness ? A, The anj^el of God appearecVto'^agjar, and shew- ed her a spring of water, when they^;m^*^'^dying with tlnrst: and Islmiael grew up to be a great mait^jnd the father of a large nation. Gen. x\i. 16 — ^0, ahi%kv. 16, 45 Q, Who was, Isaap*s mother? ' i A. Isaac was the son'of AbFaHam, by Sarah Ins wife, according to the promise of Goil, when they were both grown old. Gen. xxi. 1, &c. Rom. ix. 7, 8. 46 Q. Why is Abraham called the father of the faithful, i. e. ot the believers ? A. Because he believed the promises of God against all probable appearance, and was a pattern to other be- lievers in all ages. Gen. xv. 16. Rom. iv. 11, 12. 47 Q. What were the three chief promises which God gave v^braham? A. (I.) That he should have a son when he was a Inindred years old. (2.) That his children should pos- sess the land of Canaan, when he had not eround enough to set his foot on tliere. And (3.) that all the families of the earth should be blessed in him and his offspring, when he was but a private person. Gen. xvii. 8, 16, 17, and xii. S. Acts vii. 5. 48 Q. What did this last promise mean ? A. That Jesus Christ, the Sa^^our of men, should ' ome from his family. Gal. iii. 8, 16. 49 Q. What did God appoint to Abraham for a to- ken of these promises and this covenant, and of his own acceptance with God ? A. He commanded him and all his sons to be cir- cumcised in all generations. Gen. xvii. 7 — 10. Rom» iv. 11. 50 Q. What was the religion of Abraham? A. The same with the religion of Adam after the fall iu Chap. I. Q. 30, and the religion of Noah under Chap. 16 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Ghap. 2. IL Q. 6, with the addition of circumcision, and the ex- pectation of Canaan to be given to his seed, as a type of heaven; and a tnist in the promise of the Saviour, who should spring from him, and bless all nations. J^ote. This was called the Abrahamical dispejjsation^ but it was confined to the family of Abraham in the literal sense of it ; with those temporal precepts and promises, of circumci- !*ion and the inheritance of Canaan, r though in the spiritual sense of it, it reaches to every good man ; and thus Abraham is their father. Rom. iv. 16, 17. 51 Q. How did Abraham further, and most eminent- ly shew his obedience to God ? »A. In his readiness to qffer up his son Isaac in sa- crifice to God's command. Gen, xxii. 12. 52 Q. And did he offer him in sacrifice ? ■ Ji; No ; God withheld his hand, and sent a ram td. be sacrificed in his stead. Gen. xxii. 13. 53 Q. What farther favom'S did Abraham receive from God ? S, God visited him and conversed widi him as a friend several times in a visible manner, and changed his name from Abram to Abraham. Gen,. xv» and xvii.. and xviii. James ii. 23. 54 ^. What is written concerning Sarah, Abraham's wife ? ^, She believed God's promise, and had a son at ninety yea^s old, and her name also was changed from Sarai to Sarah. Gen.xvii. 15, 17. Heb. xi. 11. J^ote. Some learned men have supposed, that the addition, of the Hebrew letter h to the names of Abraham and Sara/i^ signifies a new relation to God,, whose name is Jah : others think it to be a part of the word Hamon^ which signifies a mul- Htudc ; because God promised many nations to spring from them when he changed their names. Gen, xvii, 5, 16. 55 Q. What is recorded concerning Isaac their son ? j3. He feared the God of his father Abraliam, he had frequent visions of God, and went out into the fields to. meditate or pray, and offered sacrifices to God.- Gen. xxiv. 63, and xxvi. 2, 24, 25. Sect. 5. SCRIPTURE HISTORW 17 5^ ^. Who was Isaat's wife ? J. His father Abraham sent afar, and took a wife for him, even Rebecca, out of his own family in Meso- potamia, because he was unwilling he should marry amon^ the wicked Canaanites whom God had doomed to destruction. Gm, xxiv. 3, 4, 51, &c. 57 Q. What children had Isaac ? A, Two sons,£sau and Jacob, Gen. xxiv, 25, 26. A Sect. III. Of Esau and Jacob, and their Posterity. 58 Q. What was Esau ? J. He was Isaac's eldest son, bred up to hunting rather than husbandry, who sold his birth right to his brotlier for a mess of pottage when he was faint with hunting. Gen. xxv. 31, 33. 59 Q. What was Jacob ? »^. The youngest son of' Isaac, who by his mother** contrivance obtained his father's blessing, though not in a right way. Gen.xvn^^T. 60 Q. By what treachery did he obtain tlie blessing 2 J. When his father Isaac was old and his eyes dim, by order of his mother, he put on Esau's clothes, and told his father he was Esau his eldest son. • Geru xxvii. 61 q. How did Esau take this.? J. Esau threatened to kill him, and therefore he left his fathei-'s hoase. Gm. xxvii. 41, 43. Whither did Jacob go ? .aban the Syrian, who was his motlier's broth- er. Ge7i. xxviii. 2, 5. 63 Q. What did he meet with in going thitlier ? Ji. He lay down to sleep on a stone at Bethel, and had a holy dream of God, and of angels there ascending and descending between heaven and earth. Gen. xviu. 12—14. 64 Q. What did he do in Labiin's house ? J. He kept his uncle Laban's cattle, and he married his two daughters Rachel and Leah. Gen. xxix, 15, &c. 62 ^ W J. ToLz 18 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. ^. 65 Q. How long did he live tliere ? d. Twenty years, till he had got a large family of childten and servants, much cattle and great riches. Gen. XXX. and xxxi. 41. 66 Q. What did Jacob meet with in his return to Canaan ? d. He had a vision of God as of a man wrestling with him. Gen, xxxii. 24, &c. 67 Q. Why was Jacob- called Israel ? •9. Because he prayed and prevailed with God for a blessing, while he wrestled with him in the form of a man. Gen. xxxii. 28. Hos. xiii. 4. 68 Q. How did his brother Esau meet him B .5. God turned Esau'S heart, so tiiat he met him with great civility, though he came out with four hundred men (as Jacob feared) to destroy him. Gen. xxxii. 69 Q. What posterity had Esau ? A. A large posterity,. who chiefly inhabited Mount Seir, and were called Edomites, from their fatiier*s other name Edom. Gen. xxxvi. 8, 9. 70 Q. How many sons had Jacob ? A. Twelve, and they were called the twelve Patri-^ archs, because they were the fathers of the twelve tril>es of Israel. Gen. xxxv. 22. Acts vii. 8. JVumb, i. 71 Q. What are their names ? A:, Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Ze-- bulon, the sons of his wife Leah ^ Joseph and Benjamin, the sons of his wife Rachel ; Dan and Napthali, the- sons of Bilhah his concubine ; and Gad and Asher the sons of Zilpah his concubine. Gen. xxxv. 23 — 26. 72. Q. Who were the most famous of all these in sacred history ? A. Levi, Judah, and Joseph. 73 Q. What is there remarkable concerning Levi ^ A. The priesthood, and other things relating to the worship of God, were committed to Levi's family in fol- lowing times. Ikut. xxii. 9, and xxviii. 8, 10. 74 Q. But did not Levi do a very wicked thing m billing the Shechemites ? A. Yes ; he and his brother Simeon dealt very Sect. S. SCRIPTURE HISTORV. I^ treacherously and cruelly with them, in slaving them after they had made a covenant of peace with them, Geu. xxxiv. 75 Q. How did Jacob bear this? A, He severely reproved them for it, and upon his death-bed, by the spirit of prophecy, pronounced a curse upon them, that they should be scattered abroad through all the land of Israel. Gen. xxxiv. 30,. and xlix. 5. 76 Q. Was this curse executed r J, Yes,, in some measure ', for the Simeonites as well as Levites had their possessions scattered among all the tribes of Israel ; but the curse of the Levites was light- ened by their having the priesthooil given them. Jush- na xxi. 77 Q. What is there remarkable relating to Judah ? A. He dealt very basely with his daughter in law Taraar, and committed sliameful wickedness. Gen^ xxxviii, 78 Q. Did God forgive tliis sin ? A* Yes ; God forgave it so far as not to punish his posterity for it : for the kingdom and government in fu- rure ages was promised chiefly to his family. Gen. xlix. 10. 79 Q. AVhat is there remarkable said of Joseph ? A. His brethren sold him for a slave into Egypt, where he became the ruler of the land. Gen. xxxvii. 27, andxlii.40. ^cfs vii. 9. 10. 80 Q. Why did they sell him r A. For envy^ because his father loved him, and made him a coat of many colours, and because he dreamed that they should bow down to him. Gen. xxxvii. 3, 4. 81 Q. What was his first station in tlie land of Eg\'pt. A, He was a servant in the house of Potiphar, a captain of the guard, and by a false accusation of his master's wife he was cast into prison, tliougli he was en- tirely innocent. Gen. xxxix. 82 Q. What was the occasion of his advancement? A. He interpreted the dreams of some of his fellow prisoners, and when the interpretation proved true, then lie was sent for to court to interpret tne king's dream Gen. xli. so SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. € 83 Q. And did this raise Joseph to be the ruler of Egypt ? J. Yes ; he was thus advanced] because he foretold the seven years of plenty and seven years of famine, which Pharaoh the king dreamed of under two different emblems of good and bad ears of corn, and of seven fat kine and seven lean ones. Gr^w. xli. 39. 84 Q. How did Joseph carry himself towards his brethren in his advancement ? Ji. In the famine they came down to buy corn in Egypt, and bowed down to him, according to his dreams ; but he treated them roughly at first, as a great lord and a stranger, till their consciences smote them for their former cruelty to him. Gpn. xlii. 7, 19, 21.. 85 Q. Did he then revenge himself upon them ? »/?. No ; but he made himself known to them with much affection and tenderness. Gen. xlv. 86 Q. How did he manifest his forgiveness of them ? A. He sent for his father, and bid his brethren bnng all their families into Egypt, and he maintained them all during the famine. Gen, xlv. 4 — 7. 87 q. Did Jacob die in Egypt ? A. Yes ; but according to his desire his body was^ carried up to the land of Canaan, and was buried there, in the faith of the promise, that his seed should possess that land. Gen. xlix. 29, and 1. 13. 88 Q. What became of the families of Israel after Joseph's death ? Ji. They were made slaves in Egypt, and a new king, who knew not Joseph, sorely oppressed them, and en- deavoured to destroy them. Exod. i, 1 3, 14, 1 6,^ 22. 89 Q. Did Joseph, as well as liis father, profess any hope of his family and kindred returning from Egypt in following times ? Ji. Yes ; he died in faith of the promise mad^ to his fathers, that they should go and possess the land of Ca- naan ; and therefore he required them, when they went, to carry up his bones and bury them in the promised land. Gen. I. 24, 25. Chap. 3. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 21 CHAPTER III. The Deliverance of the I^raeliten from Egypt, and of \)ioses and Aaron, 1 Q. Who delivered the Israelites from the slavery of Egypt ? J. * God heard their cry, and delivered them by the hand of Moses and Aaron. ' Kxod» iii. 9, 10, and xii. 31. Josh. xxiv. 5, 6. 2 Q. Who was Moses ? A. He was one of the family of Levi among the people of Israel, who was wonderfully^aved from drown- ing; when he was an infant. Exnd. ii. 1 0. 3 Q. How was he in danger of drowning ? A. Pharaoh tlie king of Egypt had commanded every male child to be drowned ; and when Moses's parents could hide him no longer, tliey laid him by t!ie bank of the river in an ark or box of bulrushes. Exod. i. 22, and ii. 3. 4 Q. How was he saved ? A. Tlie king of Eff}^pt's daughter found him by tlie river, and pitied the child, and brought l\im up for her own son. Exod, ii. 5, 6, 9. 5 Q. Did he continue a courtier in Egypt ? ^ A. No ; for when he was grown a man he shewed pity to his kindred in their slavery, and slew an Eg;vp- tian ; wliich being known, he fled from the court of Plia- raoh. Exod,\\.\\ — 14. 6 Q. Whither did he fly ? A. To the land of Midian, where he kept the sheep of Jethro a priest, or prince of the country, and married his daughter. Exod, ii. 14, and iii. 1. 7 Q. How did God appoint him to deliver Israel ? Jl. God appeared to liim in a burning bush, as he was keeping Jethro's sheep, and sent him to Pliaraoh, to re- (juire the release of Israel his people. Exod. iii. 1 — 18. 8 (f. What was his oftice afterwards } ((, God made him the leader arid lawgiver of the 22 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. S. people of Israel. Exod, xxxii. 34. Deut, xxxiii. 4^ 5. John \. 17. 9 Q. Who was Aaron ? A. He was brother to Moses, and he was sent of God to meet him as he was returning to Egypt, and appoint- ed to assist him in his dealing with rharaoh the king. EocodAv. 14, 27. 10 Q. What was Aaron's office afterwards? Ji:, He was made the first high priest of IsraeL JScToc?. xxviii. I . J^t-fe. V. 1,4. 11 Q. How did Moses and Aaron prove to Pharaoh, and to the people, that God' had sent them upon this errand ? Jl. Thej had power given them from God' himself to work several miracles, or signs and wonders,.to convince the people of Israel, as well as Pharaoh, that thej had a commission from God. Exod. iv. 1- — 10.^ 12 Q. What was the first miracle ? d» Aaron cast down his rod, and it became a serpent ; and when Pharaoh's conjurors did so too, Aaron's rod swallowed theirs all up. Exod,\\i. 9 — 12. 13 ^. What did Moses and Aaron- da further to de- liver that people ^ A. Upon Pharaoh's refusal to let the people of Israel go, thej brought ten miraculous plagues upon the king, and upon all the land, by the authority and power of God. Exod. vii. viii. ix. x. xi. and xiv. 10, &c. Psalm cv. 26, &c. 14 Q, What were these ten plagues ? J. (1.) Water turned into blood. (2.) Frogs. (3.) Lice. (4.) Flies. (5.) Murrain amon^ cattle. (6.) Boils and blisters on man and beast. (7.) Thunder, lightniri^ and hail. (8.) Locusts. (9.) Thick darkness. (10.) The first-born slain.. 15 Q. Were Pharaoh and his people willing to re- lease the Israelites at last? A. Yes ; when they saw they were all like to be de- stroyed ; for there was not a house wherein there was not one dead : then they hastened them out, and lent them jewels and gold to adorn their sacrifices and wor* ship. Exod. xii.. 29—36.. Ghap.- 3. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 23 16 ^. How great was the number of the Israelites that went out of Kgjypt ? »7. Six hundred thousand men, besides children, and all went on foot. Exod. xii. 37. 17 Q. Which way did the Israelites bend their journey ? Jl. Toward the wilderness of the Red Sea, as they were guided by God himself marching before tliem in a pillar of cloud by day, and in a pillar of fire by night. £.vod, xiii. 18, 21. 18 <^. But did not Pharaoh and his army pursue them after they were gone ? •i. Yes ; they repented that they let them go, and pursued them to the Red Sea, resolving to destroy them. Exod, xiv. 5, and xv. 9. 19 Q. How did the people of Israel, who came out of Egypt, get over the Red Sea ? •9. When they were in distress, with the Red Sea before them, and Pharaoh^s army behind them, they cried unto God, whereon Moses bid them stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. Then, at the command of God, Moses struck the sea with his rod, and divided the waters asunder, and the children of Israel went through upon dry larid. Exod. xiv. 10, 16, 21, 29. 20 ^. What became of the Egyptians that followed them ? •S, God troubled their array, retarded their march, and when Moses stretched out his hand over the sea again, the waters returned upon them, and tliey were drowned. Exod. xiv. 28. ' 21 (^, Whither did the children of Israel go then ? J. They went wheresoever Go •••, and ilifit under every dispensation. 2. He may be considered as the God of Irroel, or lue Jews, ;is a church outward and visible ; whom he had sepu'-dled from the rest of tlie nations to be a peculiar people to himself; and 5 he prescribed to them peculiar forms of worship, and special ceremonies and rites 6f religion, as tokens 6f their duty and his grace. 3. He may be considered as the proper^ King of the Israel- ites as a nation, and as they M'ere his subjects, and so he gave them judicial or political laws, which relate to their govern- ment, and the common affairs of the civil law. — Btit these three sorts of laws are not kept so entirely distinct as not to be inter- mingled with each other. It is all indeed but one body of laws, and given properly to that one people iinder different dispensa- tions. And on this accovnt it is sometimes hard to say, under which head some of these commands of God must be reduced. J?orae commands relating to their houses and garments, their plowing and sowing, and the prohibition of particular sorts of food, are naturally ranked under their fo/t/icoi lares: and yet there is plainly something ceremonial or religious desijmed or Included in them, ^gain, that which we call the moral late, or ♦ he ten commands, litor the most part the law of nature, but it - something of a positive institution, ceremonial or ritual, in 4 26 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 4. it. This is very plain in the fourth command, of the seventh day sabbath : But in this catechism it Avas not proper to enter into too nice inquiries on this subject. The three branches of this distinction of the Jewish laws in the main are evident enough, though they happen to be intermingled in some Jnstan- CHAP. IV. Of the Moral Law, 1 Q. "Which was the moral law given to the Jews? ^. All those commands which relate to their beha- viour, considered as men, and which lie scattered up and down in the books of Moses ; but they are as it were re- duced into a small compass in the ten commandments. £ Q. How were these ten commands first given them ? ^. By the voice of God on Mount Sinai, three months after their coming out of Egypt : and it was attended mth thunder, and fire, and smoke, and the sound of a trumpet. Exod, xix. 18, 19, and xx. 1 — 18. 3 Q. Where was this moral law more especially written ? w3. In the two tables of stone which God wrote with his own hand, and gave to Moses. Exod. xxiv. 12, chap, xxxii. 15, 16, and xxxiv. 1. 4 Q. What did the first table contain ? w3. Their duty towards God in the first four com- inandments. See Exod. xx. 3 — 11. Deut, v. 22. 5 Q. What are these four first commandments ? Jl, (1.) Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (2.) Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven im- age, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water un- der the earth : thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them ; for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers* upon the cliikl^ Ten, unto the third and fourth generation of them that liate me, and shewing mercy unto thousands of them tliat Ibve me, and keep my commandments. Chap. 4. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 27 (3.) Thou shalt not take i\\e name of the Lord thy Gotl in vain ; tor the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh liis name in vain. (4.) Remember the sabbath day to keen it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy worK, but the sev- iith day is the sabbatli ot" the liord thy God : in it thou halt not do any work, tliou, nor thy son, nor thy daueh- |ter, nor thy man servant, nor thy maid servant, nor tny cattle, nor tlie stranger that is within thy gates ; for in six days tlie Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested tlie seventh day : where- fore the Lord blessed the sabbatli day, and hallowed it. C ^. Is God's resting from his works of creation the seventh day, tlie only reason why the Jews were requir- ed to keep the sabbath or day of rest ? ^. This latter part of the fourth commandment, namely, the reason of the sabbath, taken from the crea- tion, and God's resting on the seventh day, is entirely omitted in the reliearsal of the ten commands in the fifth ot Deuteronomy : and instead of it the Jews are re- (juired to obseiTe this command of tlie sabbath or holy rest, for another reason, namely, because they were slaves in Kgypt, and God gave them a release and rest from their slavery. Deut. v. 15. Though it is possible l)otii reasons of this command miglit be pronounced from Mount Sinai, and only that mentioned in Exodus be writ on the tables of stone. 7 ^. What did the second table contain ? •'1. Their duty toward nran in the si.v last coromaml- ments. E.vud. w. \2 — 17. Deut. \, ^22. 8 ({. What are these six last commandments ? Ji, (5.) Honour thy fatlier and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy GcxI giveth thee. (Qf^ Thou shalt not kill. uS Thou shalt not commit adultery. ?8.) Thou shalt not steal. (9.) Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. (10,) Thou shalt not covet l!iy neighbour's house; 58 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 5. thou shalt not covet thj neighboui-*s wife, nor his man servant, nor his maid servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's. 9 Q. Were these ten commands given to the Jews only, or are they given to all mankind ^ Jl, Almost every thing contained in these commands is taught by the light of nature, and obliges all mankind : the honour that is done them in the New Testament in- iimates this also. But there are several expressions in these laws by which it plainly appears, they were pecu- liarly appropriated and suited to the Jewish nation ki their awful proclamation at Mount Sinai. 10 Q. Wherein does it appear so plainly that these laws, as given at Mount Sinai, have a peculiar respect to the Jews ? , •^. This is evident in the preface, where God enga- ges their attention and obedience by telling them, that m was the Lord their God^.who brought them out of the land of Egypt. This appears also in the fourth com- mand, where the seventh, day is the appointed sabbatlv for the Jews : and in Deut. v. 15, God gives this reaso?i for the sabbath, that /ze brought them out of Egypt with a mighty hand. It is vet mrther manifest in the fifth commandment, where the promise of long life in the land, literally refers to the land of Canaan which God »ave to that people : that thy days may be long in the land which the JLord thy God giveth thee* Yet, as is before intimated, the citation of them by the apostles in ihe New Testament as rules of our duty, doth plainly enforce the observation of them so far on the consciea- <'o?; of Christians.. CHAP. V. Of the Ceremonial Law of ihe Jews. L ({. What was the ceremonial law ? Ji. All those commands which seem to have some religious design in them, especially such as related to Sect. 1. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. ^ their cleans! n<2;s from any defilement, and their peculiar forms of worship. Xote. I have hinted before, that several of the political laws, which were given to the Jews by God as their Kinsr, have some- thing ceremonial in them ; and they were designed to be k^mblem?, types, or figures of some spiritual parts of religion, ""^herc were also some parts of their ceremonies of purification, and thf ir rites of religions worship, which have a political as- pert, and were prescribed by God as King of their nation. But I choose to rank all their purifying rites, and their rules of wor- .'hip, rather under this head of the crrenionial or rtligiout laws, because their forms of purification do more plainly and eminent- '.V typify or represent to us how much care the people of God >!iould take to be separated and purified from every sin, and iVom the communion of sinners : and the Jewish rites of worship It-present to us, by way of type or emblem, that spiritual and «vangelic worship which should be paid to God, especially un- tier the ^evf Testament, as the Lord of souls and consciences j as well as those blessings of the Gospel, which are brought vat. by Christ and the Holy Spirit, are represented hereby* Sect. I. Of the Ceremonies of Purification^ 2 Q. What were the chief rites or ceremonies ap- pointed for purification or cleansing amon^ the Jews ? *?. Wasning with water, sprinkling \\ith water or blood, anointing with holy oil, shaving the head of mai» or woman, togetiier witli various sorts of sacrifices, and some other appointments. Heh. ix^ 10, 13, 19. Lev, xv* xvi. and xiii. 33. *^'umh. vi. 19. E.vod. xL 9. 3 ^.. What were those things or ])ersons among the Jews which were required to be purified ? Ji, All persons, houses or buildings, garments, or other things, which were set apiirt for the service of God ; and all such as had been defiled by leprosy, by touching human dead bodies, or the carcases of any unclean ani- mal, or by other ceremonial pollutions. See Lpv. xi. xii- xiii. xiv. and xv. Ea'0(1, xl. 9 — 15. JV)iinb. vUi. 6. and xix» 9, &c. 4^ 30 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 5'. 4 ^. How were the persons or things of the gentiles to be purified for the use of the Israelites ? ^, The things whicji could endure the fire, were to pass through the fire ; other things were to be washed with water. JSTumh, xxxi. 20 — 24. And the maidens were to have their heads shaven* and their nails pared, before an Israelite could take any of them for a wife. Deut. xxi, 12. 5 Q. Were there not some things which could not be purified at all by any ceremonies ? A, All the several nations of Canaanites, and the males among other gentile captives in war, who had re- fused the offer of peace, were judged so unclean and polluted, that they were all to be destroyed. Deut. vii. 1—4. Josh. \-i. 21, vii. 26, and x. 28, 30, 32, 40, &c. Deut. XX. 13 — 17. And the houses and garments of the Israelites, where the leprous spots could not be taken away, were to be destroyed also. Lev, xiii. 57, and ch. xiv. 45, and those Israelites in whom the leprosy prevail- ed, were to be shut out of the camp as unclean. Lev. xiii. 45, 46. 6 Q. Were there any crimes of real immorality or impiety which could be taken away by any of these out- ward ceremonies of purification ? •4. The mere outward performance of any of these ceremonies did purify the persons defiled no further, than to set them right in their political state, as subjects under God as their King ; and to cleanse them, as mem- bers of the Jewish visible church, fix)m ceremonial defile- ment. Heb. ix. 13. The blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer^ sprinkling the unclean, sanc' tifieth no further than to the purifying of the flesh. But Heb, 10. 4. It is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins ; that is, as they are committed against God as the Lord of their souls and consciences. 7 Q. How then were the sins of the Jews cleansed or pardoned, I mean their real immoralities and impie- ties against God, as the Lord of conscience ? A. They obtained pardon of God at^cording to th'e Sect I. SCUIPTUUE HISTORY. 31 discovery of grace and forgiveness scattered up and down through all tlie five books of Moses, and especially according to the promises made, and tlie encouragements given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and in general to all those who sincerely repent of sin, ami trust in the mercy of God, so far as it was then i-evealed, and to bt^ further revealed in tinje to come. Exod. xxxiv. G, 7. Deut. Iv. ^9 — 31. Isa. Iv. 7, &c. But this forgiveness is owing to the effectual atonement of Christ, which was to be made in due time, and which took away sins past as well as to come. Bom. iii. 21, 24, 25, 26. 8 ({. Did these outward rites of purification then do nothing towards the removal of their moral defile- ments or sins ? J, As their outward or ceremonial defilements were appointed to be emblems and figures of the spiritual or moral defilement of the soul by sin, so many of these ceremonies of purification, and particularly tiiose bv wa- ter and blootl, were pledges and tokens to assure them that God would forgive sin ; and they were also figures and emblems of the removal of moral defilement or sin from the souls of men by the atoning blood of Christ, and by the sanctifying spirit of God, whicli is represent- ed under the figure of clean water. See Heb^ ix. and x. J\'ole. The following question perhaps might come in pro- perly after the account of sacrtjices : But having here inquired whether the ceremonies of purification did any thing txjward the removal of the moral defilement of sin, I thought it as proper to introduce it here, ixa a kind of objection against tb'' fbregoing answers. 9 ^. But were there not some Jewish sacrifices and methods of purification and atonement, appointed for some real immoralities and wickedness, as when a man had committed a trespass against the Lord, by lying to his neighbour, by cheating or rf)bbing him, or by swearing falsely, when he had found any thing tliat was lost, and withheld it from the owner? Lew vi. 1 — 7. Is it not said, He shall brin^ his trespass offering to the Lord, and the priest shall make an atonement for him before the Lord, and it shall be forgiven him? S2 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 5. J, This trespass offering would set him right in- deed in the sight of God, as King of the nation against whose political laws the man had committed this tres- pass ; but it never was designed to free him from the guilt of his sin in the sight of God as the liOrd ot con- science, unless lie repented of this sin in his heart, and trusted in the mercy of God so far as it was revealed in tliat day ; for it is a certain truth, that the blood of bedsts cannot talce away sin, Heb, x. 4. Sect. II. Of the Iloli/ Persons. 10 Q. Having finished the rites of purification, let us inquire now what were the most renuarkable things relating to tlieir forms of public worship? Jl. These five, namely, holy persons, and holy jjlacet-', holy things, holy times, and holy actions. 1 1 Q. What mean you by calling all these holy ? Ji. I mean such persons^such places, such things, and such times and actions^ as were devoted to God and his worship, or appointed for his special service. JS'umb. xvi. 5. Lev. xxi. 8, and xxii. 15. 12 Q. Who might be called the holy persons among the Jews or Israelites ? A, The priests and the Nazarites, and all the Levites* Lev. xxi. 1, 6. JK^umb. vi. 2,. 8, and viii. 14, though sometimes the whole nation are called holy. Exod. xix. 6. 13 Q. Who were appointed to be priests 9 Jl^ First Aaron himself, and then the eldest of Aaron's family were appointed to be high priests in succession ; and the rest of his sons and their posterity were the priests, provided they had no blemish in their bodies. Lev. xvi. 32, and xxi. 17. Exod. xxix. 30. JSTumb. iii.. 3, 4, 10, 32, chap. iv. 1 6, c/ia|7. xvi. 40, and xx. ^5, 26. 14 Q. How were they made priests ? Ji, They were solemnly separated at first to the priest's office by anointings, and purifications, and sacri- fices.. Lev. viii. Sect. 2. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 3S 1 5 Q- What was tlie business of the priests ? Ji. Their chief business was to orter sacrifices to the Lord, to burn incense before hiin in the holy place, to kindle the lamps, to do the higher services of the sanc- tuary, and to instruct the people. Leu. i. 5, 7, 8, and ii. 2. A'««6. xvi. 40. Exod. xxx. 7. 16 ^. What was the office of the high priest ?' »'i. He was appointed to come nearer to God, even TO enter into the most holy place, to do special services on the yearly day of atonement, to oversee all the pub- lic worship, and to judge among them, in many civil matters as well as religious. Acts, xxiii. 4, 5. Isev. xvi. ».VumL iii. 4, 6. Dent. xvii. 17 ((. Was there any work which tl»e priests per- formed in common with the high priest? A. All the priests were to teach the people their du- ty, to assist in judging of civil and religious matters, and bless the people in the name of the Loixl. Deut, xvii. 8 — 13, and xxi. 5. JVumh. vi. 23. MaL ii. 7. Xole. The priests were appointed to give the sense of the law in civil as well as religious concerns, because the same God who was the object of their worship was also King .of their, na- tion. 18 Q, ^^'ho were the A\izaritPA.^ A, \len or women of any tril)e who separated or de- voted themselves to the Lord for a time by a particular vow. A'limh. vi. 19 ^. What were the ndeS of aNazaiite's vow oi snpaitilioii r A» He was to drink no wine nor strong liquor, to • ouie at no dead body, nor to suffer any razor to come upon liis head, but let liis hair giow all the time, unless he fell under some ceremonial defilement. •Wimb.y'i. >, n. 9, «cc. 20 ({. How was his vow to be finished or ended ? A, Hy shaving his head at the door of the tal>ernaclp, offering a sacrilice, and buriiini: iiis iiair in the fire of it. ,yuiiib.\l 13, 18. ?1 f{. AVho were the Lei'lte.< / ^4 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 5. ^. All the tribe or family of Levi, for they were ta- ken into the service of God, instead of the first-born of all the tribes of Israel, w^hom God claimed as his own. jyumb. iii. 40, and viii. 13 — 19. 22 Q. Why did God claim all the first-born of Israel ? */3. Because lie saved them from the destroying an- gel, when he smote all the first-born of Egypt. JSTunib* viii. 14—18. 23 Q. What was the business of the Levites ? •5. To wait on the priests in their office, and to do the lower services of the sanctuary or holy place. JSTumb, viii. 19, and iii. 4, 6. 24 Q. How were the Levites separated to the service of the sanctuary ? •^. By sprinkling water of purification on them, shaving their flesh, washing their garments, and the peo- ple laying their hands on them, as well as by several sacrifices. J\''iimb» vi. 6 — 16. Sect. III. Of the Holy Places, particidarhj the Tabernacle. 25 Q. Next to the holy persons let us inquire what, were the holy places ? Ji. The tabernacle in the days of Moses, and the temple in the days of Solomon, each of which is some- times called the sanctuary, JExod, xxv. 8. 1 Chron. xxii. 19. 26 Q. What was the tabernacle ? *.^. It was a sort of moveable building, made of pil- lars and boards, set in sockets of silver, and fine linen curtains embroidered with cherubs, and coupled witli loops and tacks of gold, that the whole might be taken to pieces, and carried with them in their journies. See Exod, xxvi. JVote. When Moses had received Adl orders for making thi^ fabernacle, he canie down from Mount Sinai and found the «ect.3. SCRlPTUttE tttSTORV. 55 pie had been guilty of idolatry, in making a golden calf: Kitn it is said, Ht took the tabernacle^ arid pitched it icithout tke camp^ and afar from the camp^ and calltd it the Tabernacle of the Congregation : and every one that sought the Lord uent out to this tabernacU. This is supposed to be a little occasional tabernacle, made like a small chapel for present worship ; for God resided there at the door of it in a cloudy pillar; and Mo- ses went into tljis tabernacle and talked with God there. Exod. xxxiii. 6, 7, &c. But when the great tabernacle was finished, according to God^s appointment, it stood not without the camp, as appears in the following question. 27 ^. Wliere did the tabernacle stand when it was reared up ? Ji. It stood within a large space of ground which was called the court of the tabernacle, one hundred cu- bits long, and fifty cubits broad. E.vod. xxvii. 9 — 1 8. and all the tribes pitched their tents round about it. JVumb. ii. 28 ^. How was the court of the tabernacle en- closed ? ^. It was enclosed by a row of pillars on each side, with curtains reaching from pillar to pillar. Exod, xxvii. 9—18, and xl. 33. 29 Q. How was the tabernacle covered ? ^. With four vails or curtains; one of fine linen, one of goats hair ; the third was made of the skins of rams dyed red, and the fourth or outermost of badger skins to endure the weather. E.vod. xxvi. 1 — 14. 30 Q, Into what rooms was the tabernacle divided ? A. Into the holy place, where the priests entered to minister daily, and the most holy place, where none but tlie high priest entered, and that but once a year. Heb, ix. 6, 7. 31 ^. How was the holy {^ace divided from the most holy ? .'?. By a curtain or vail of fine linen of various colours embroidered with cherubs, and hung on four pillars overlaielonging to it. Exod. xxvii. 1 — 5. 48 Q. What was the use of it ? A, AH the burnt-offerings and sacrifices were oflTered upon it. £^oc?. xxxviii. 1. 49 Q. What was one of the chief glories of it ? A. That the first sacrifice that was offered upon it, was burnt by fire from heaven, and that fire was always kept burning there for holy uses. Lev. ix. 24, and vi. 13. 50 Q. What was the tnver ? A, A vast vessel of brass containing a large quantity 61 water. Exod. xxx. 1 8—2 1 . 51 Q. What was the design of it ? ^. For the priests to wash their hands and their feet, when they went to do service in the tabernacle. Exod. xxx. 18—21. 52 ^. Where did the altar of burnt-offering and the laver stand ? A, In the court of the tabernacle, under the open sky. Exod. xl. 29, 30. 53 Q. Having seen the holv things that belonged to the tabernacle, let us now inquire what were the priests' holy garments ? Ji, The common priests^had a vest called an ephod, and some peculiar garments of fine linen appointed them when they ministered in the tabernacle; but the gar- ments of the high priest were very peculiar, and exceed- 55 q, Ji, It Sect 4. SCRIPTURE HISTOftV ^ S9 ing rich and glorious. 1 q. What was the hrenst-plate ? Ji. It was made of the same work as the ephod ; of a span square, with twelve jewels set in gold, ranked in four rows and fastened to the ephod. Exod. xxxix. 8> 9, 10. 57 Q. What was engraven on these jewels ? Ji. The twelve names of the children of Israel, that the high priest might bear them on his breast, as a memorial before the Lord. Exod. xxviii. 32, and xxxix. 14. 58 q. What was the Urim and Thummim on the breast-plate ? ^i. It was something whereby the mind and will of God were made known to the high priest, when he in- quired incases of difficulty. £.Torf. xxviii. 30. JVumb. \xvii. 31. A*o/e here, on this ephod was tije Urim and Thummim in tlie brea&t plate, which are j^ometimcs called the oracle^ because the high-priest by consulting this in any inquiry of importance found the mind of God, and told it to tlie inquirer. But we know not what this Urim and Thurnmini were, or by what signs or tokens, or in what manner the mind of God was made known, on or by this breast-plate to the priest, whetlier the an- swer was given by a particular lustre on such letters on the breast-plate as spelled out distinct words, or whether by a voice from the ephod, or from the mercy-«eat, is not hitherto agreed by the learned, and their conjectures about it are very various and uncertain. 40 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 5, 59 Q. What was the girdle of the ephod ? *9, A curious linen girdle of embroidered work, to bind the ephod with other garments close to the body, Kxod. xxviii. 8, and some suppose it to have been fasten- ed to the ephod. 60 Q. What was the rohe of the ephod ? A. it Avas an upper garment woven all of blue, with wrought pomegranates, and golden bells hanging on the liem, to make a sound when the high priest went into the holy place. Exod. xxxix. 31, So, &c. 61 $. What was the co«i:^ •4. An under garment, closer to the body, made T)f linen, and finely embroidered. Eocod. xxviii. 4, 59. 62 Q. What was the mitre ? Jl. It was a cap of fine linen, with a plate of pure gold fastened on the fore part of it with a lace of blue. Exod. xxviii. xxxvi. and xxxix. 28, SO. 63 ({. What was engraved on this plate ? Ji. Holiness to the Lord, because Aaron w\is to bear the iniquity of tlieir holy things, that they might be accepted before the Lord. Exod. xxviii. 3fc — 38, and xxxix. 28,30, 31. 64 (^. Thus much for the holy garments : now let ns hear what are the sacrifices that were appointed, which are also numbered among the holy tilings ? •3. All sacrifices were offerings made to God : some were of corn, or wine, or oil ; and others were ofFerinp of living creatures, birds or beasts, which were generci4ly td be slain : But all sacrifices must be perfect in their kind, and without a blemish. Lev. xxii. 1 9, 20. JVo/e. There is one single exception to this rule, Lev. xxii. 23, where a bnllock or a lamb, which had no other blemish but some small natural imperfection or superfluity, might be offered in the case of a mere free-uill offering^ but in no other cases. The current language of Scripture seems every where else so plainly to require sacrifices without a blemish, that some com- mentators think this text must be explained some other way. 63 Q. Where were these sacrifices to be offered ? Jl, In no other place but at tiie door of the taberna- cle, or the temple. Lev. xvii. 8, 9. Deut. xii. 13. Sect 4. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 41 66 ^. But do we not read of Gideon and Samuel, and David, and Elijah, building altars, and offering sa- crifices in other places ? ^. This was not lawful to be done but by prophets and inspired men, or at God's express command. 67 ^. How were the sacrifices ofll'ered to God ? ^. In some sacrifices the whole was burnt on the al- tar ; in others, a part was burnt, and otlier parts were given to the priests for their subsistence : And in some sacrifices the person who offered them was allowed to partake also. See the seven first chapters of Leviticus, 68 ^. What was done witii the blood of the living creatures that were sacnficed r Ji. The blood was never to be eaten, but to be pour- ed out or sprinkled, according to God's appointment; for the blooelonging to the most holy place ; the vessels belonging to the table of shew-bread ; namely, the bowls, and dishes, and spoons, and covers ; the vessels belonging to the candlesticks and lamps, namely, tiie snuffers and snuff-dishes, &c. Heh. ix. 4. Exod. xxxvii. 16, 23. 89 Q. What instruments were made of silver ? *3. Besides the hooks and fillets of the pillars of the court, and the sockets of some of the pillars, and of all the boards of the tabernacle, which were of silver, Exod, xxvi. 19, &c. and xxvii. 10, &c. there were chargers and bowls of silver, offered by the princes for the use of the sanctuaiy, JWmb. vii. 13, and trumpets of silver. JS'umb, x,2. 90 ^. What were the instruments of brass ? A. Those which belonged to the altar of burnt-offer- ing, namely, the pots, shovels, basons, and flesh-hooks, and fire pans, beside the brazen grate of net work. Exod, xxviii. 3, 4. Also the common censers for in- cense were supposed to be vessels of brass fit to hold fire^ JVMmfe. xvi. 17, 37. 91 Q. What were the instruments of woorf.^ Ji. The staves fixed to the golden rings to bear both the ark, the incense altar, and the golden table, were ail made of shittim wood, and overlaid with gold. Exod. xxxvii. 4, 15, 28, but the staves to bear the altar of burnt- offering were overlaid with brass. Exod, xxxviii. 6^ Sect. V. Of the Holy Times mid Holy dctions, 92 Q. Having surveyed the holy things of the Jews, let us inquire what were the chief of the holy times or days appointed to them 2 Sect. 5. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 45 wJ. The weekly sabbaths, tlie new moons, the feast of the passover, the feast of pentecost, tlie feast of tium- pets, the preat day of atonement, and the feast of taber- nacles. See most or all these holy times prescribed in Lev. xxiii. and the several sacrifices belonging to them in wV«»i&. xxviii. xxix. 93 ({, What was the weekly sabhnth ? Jl. The seventh day of every week was a day of ho- ly rest from all tlie common labours of life, and a day of assembling, or worship, which is called an holy convoca- tion,' Exod, XX. 8, 10. Lev. xxiii. 2, 3. 94 ^. What special public service was done on this day ? A. The daily sacrifice was doubled, JS'*iimh. xxviii. 9, and it is very probable, tliat sonie portions of the law were to be read, and perhaps expounded, chiefly by the priests and Levitcs, as was practised afterwartl in the synagogues, Jicta xv. 21, and perhaps also this might be done, at least in the following times, on all days of holy convocation. 95 ^. Why was this day sanctified or made holy ? .^. Partly from God's resting from the work of crea- tion on the seventh day, and partly in remembrance of the Israelites' deliverance and rest from tlieir slavish la- bours in Esjypt. Exod. xx. 11. Deut. v. 15. 96 Q. What was the /<^as^ of the new-moons? *i» In the beginning of their months, which they reckoned by new-moons, they were to blow the silver Trumpets, and offer a special sacrifice. JVumb, x. 10. -wiii. 11. 1 Sam. xx. 5. Psalm Ixxxi. 3. 9r ({. What was the/fas^ of tlie pass-tjver ? .^. It was kept for seven days in their first month, \bib, by sacrificing a lamb, and eating it in every fanu- iy, in remembrance of God's passing over the families of Israel, when he slew the first born in every house of the Egyptians. Exod. xii. 18, &c. Here nole., that the first month of tlie Jpw*:, for all the com- mon iiff.iirs of life, which are c;illc(l civil iifTairf;, wasTisri, which in part answers to our September, and is Uie first month after the autumnal equinox : and it was always so to continue for 46 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 5, civil affairs, as appears from Exod. xxiii. 16, chap. xxiv. 22, and Lev. XXV. 8 — 10. But as to ecclesiastical or religious matters, the first month after the vernal equinox, called Abib, which an- swers partly to our jMarch, was designed to be the beginning of the year to the Jews, in memory of their great deliverance from Egypt. 98 Q. In what manner was the feast of the pass-over kept ? A, On the fourteenth day of the month, they were ta roast a lamb for supper, and to eat unleavened bread that evening, and seven days after. Exod, xii. S, 8, 19. JSTumb. xxviii. 16, 17. 99 Q. Was there any particular worship performed on these seven days ? .4. Yes; there were special sacrifices every day, a sheaf of the first ripe corn, that is, barley, was now of- fered to God ; and on the first and last day there was an holy convocation or assembly for worship. Exod. xii. 16. JYumb, xxviii. 16, &c. Lev. xxiii. 10. 100 Q. What was the /rumb. xxix. 105 ^. What was to be done on that day? Ji, This was the day when tlie high priest, dressed in his richest gannents, was to enter into the most holy place witli the blood of a peculiar sacrifice, and sprinkle it upon tlie mercy-seat before tlie Lonl. to make atone- ment for the sins of the whole nation, and to offer in- cense on the golden censer. See several more ceremo- nies helongin*: to this day. Lev. xvi. Let it be ob- served also, tliat in the year of jubilee, on this great day 48 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 5. of atonement, the trumpet of jubilee was to be sounded through the land, to proclaim liberty to all the inhabi- tants. Lev. XXV. 8 — 10. 106 Q. What was Hht feast of tabernacles? A. On the fifteenth day of the sevendi month, at the end of all their harvest, they begun this feast, and dwelt seven days in booths made of the boughs of trees. Deut. xvi. 13. 107 Q. What was the design of this ceremony ? A. To keep in memory their dwelling in booths in the wilderness, when they went out of the land of Egypt. Lev. xxiii. 39 — 44. 108 Q. How was this feast observed? Ji. By peculiar sacrifices every day of the feast, and a holy assembly on the first day, and on the eighth day. JWimb. xxix. 12. 109 Q. At what hour did their sabbaths, and all their feasts beo-in and end ? w3. The Jews counted their days, and particularly their holy days, from the evening at sunset to the next evening. Gen. i. 5. Lev. xxiii. 5, 32. 110 Q. At what place were the feasts to be kept? Ji. At the place which God should choose for the residence of the ark and tabernacle; which was first at Shiloh, afterwards at Jerusalem ; though the blowing of trumpets to proclaim the beginning of the year was prac- tised in all the cities of Israel. See Deut. xvi. 16, and Pool's Annotat. on Lev. xxiii. 24. 2 Kings, xxi. 4. 111 Q. How then could all Israel keep these feasts ? A. At the three chief feasts, namely, the pass-over, pentecost, and the feast of tabernacles, all the males were to appear before God in one place with some offer- ing. Exod, xxiii. 14 — 17. Deut. xvi. 16. 112 Q. What was the offering they were to bring unto God when they appeared before him at these sol- -emn feasts ? *5. The tithe or tenth part of their corn, wine, and oil, and the first born of their cattle ; but they themselves were to partake in eating of it, Deut xiv. 22, 23, though the bulk of it was to be given to the priests and Levites. See Chap. VI. ^uest. 1 5, 16. Sect. 6. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 49 1 13 Q. Was it not dangerous for them to leave their own dwell in}z;s, in towns and villages which bordered on their enemy's country ? A, God promised them, that when they should go up to appear before him thrice in the year, no man should desire their land, Exod. xxxiv. 5i3, 24, which was a standing miracle during that dispensation. 114 Q. Having heard this account of holy persons and places, things and times, let us now inquire what were the holy actions ? A, All those actions may be called holy, which were appointed to be a part of this ceremonial worship ; but the actions relating to the natural worship oi God, such as prayer and praise, are in themselves holy and Sect. VI. The Use of the Jewish Ceremonies, l\5 ({. What were the chief uses of all these cere- monial commands ? A. These three : (1.) To distinguish the Jews from all otiier people, as a holy people, and God*s peculiar visible church, who eminently bore ttphis name and hon- our in the vrorld. Lev. xx. 22 — 26. (2.) To employ that people, who were so much given to idolatry, in many varieties of outward forms and rites of religion, lest they sliould be tempted to follow the su- ?erstition and idolatry of the nations round about them. )eut. vi. 1, 2, 14, ir. Deut, xxix. 1, 9—18. (3.) To represent by types, figures and emblems, many of the ofliccs of Clirist, and the glories and bless- ings of his Gospel. 1 16 Q. ll()w doth it appear that any of these Jewish jcnionies are emblems or types of Christ and his 'i OS pel? , J. (1.) This appears from many places in the New Testament, where Jesus Christ and tlie blessing of the 'Josi>eI are called by the same names; so Christ is called f 50 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 5. our High Vriest, Heb. iii. 1, and iv. 14. He is the Lamb that was slain. Rev, v. 6. 1 Pet. i, 19, 20* Our Pass- over ^ 1 Cor. V. 7, and Sacrifice to take away sin. Heh. ix. 26. The atonement or Propitiation for sin. Pom, iii. 25. 1 Jo/?w ii. 2. His body is called the Temple^ because God dwelt in it as in the Jewish temple. John n. 19, 21. CoL ii. 9. (2.) This appears yet further from the evident and in- tended resemblance which the Scripture represents be- tween several of the Jewish ceremonies, and the thing* of the Gospel. The blood of Christ obtained eternal re- demption for us, as the blood of bulls and goats cleansed and freed the Jews from ceremonial defilements. Heh. ix. 12, &c. His blood is called the blood of sprinkling, Heb, xii. 24, to sprinkle or cleanse us from a guilty con- science, as the sprinkling of the blood of the Jewish sac- rifices purified the people. Heb. ix. 20, and x. 22. The "most holy place, where God dwelt of old on the mercy- seat, is the figure of the true heaven, where God dwells on a throne of grace. Heb, ix. 8, 24, and iv. 16. The high priest's entrance with the blood of the sacrifice, and with the names of the tribes on his breast, into the most holy place, to appear before God there for the Jews, is a plain figure of Christ's entrance into heaven with liis own : blood, to appear before God for us. //e6, ix. 12, 25. The Jewish incense was a type or figure of prayer. JUv, v. 8, and viii. 3. The Jewish sabbatli, or day of restj as well as the land of Canaan, was a type of the rest and release of believers from sin and guilt, and from an uneasy conscience, under the Gospel, and the final lest of the saints in heaven. Heb. iv. 3, 4, 9, 10. This might be proved more at large by some other scriptures, where tlie Jewish rights in general are called figures or shadows of the good things of the Gospel. Col ii. 16, 17. Heb. viii. 5, and iv. 1—14, 23, 24. 117 Q. Did the Jews themselves understand the spiritual meaning of these ceremonies ? Ji. Perhaps a few of them, who were more enlighten- ed, might understand the meaning of some of the chief- cst and most considerable ivpe^i ; but the bulk of the*" .Sect. 6 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 5i people can hardly be supposed to have understood the spiritual meaning of them ; at least the Bible gives us no intimation of it. 118^. How could they be appointed as types and figures of spiritual things, if the people, who were re- fjuired to use tliem in tlieir worship, did not understand the spiritual meaning of them ? jL (1.) The Jewish dis|>ensation was the childish or infant state of the church of God, as it is described, GaL \\. 1, 2, 3, &,c. JNow, children are sometimes employed in several tliiogs by their wiser parents, the chief design and meaning whereof they understand not till riper years. ['■2.) If these ceremonies were not understood by the .aicient Jews, to whom they were given, yet they might be desigi^ed as t}'pes and figures of Christ, and the bless- ings of the Gospel, in order to confinn the religion of (Jirist and the Gospel, when it should be afterward^ published to the world, by seeing how happily it answers those ancient types. 1 19 <^. Wfiere doth this appear ^ Ji. St. Paul does actually confirm Christianity this way, especially in his epistle to the Hebrews, by shewing how these ancient types and ceremonies are fulfilled in the Gospel of Christ. J^ole. As K prophecy is the foretelling of things to come, in vv M\;-. eo a type is the foretelling of something to come, in some ' i ' iiiblem or figure or resemblance of it: now as there are .iiuiry ancient prophecies which were not understooil by the f)er?on!« to whojn they \#^re first =poken, nor by th*^ persons v.iio ^-poke them, 1 Pel. i. 11, 12, yet when they are fulfilled I hey come to be better nnderstood, and bear witness to the liand of (iod, both in (he prophecy and in the accomplishment. Ho though types may be obscure, when they are fir>t appointed, yet when tliey are accomplished or fuhllled, they are lie tter un- derstood, and shew the hand of (iod, both in appointing the sign, and b.-tnging to poi-s the (hin<^ ^ilcnified. 120 Q. Can these thines bo suid therefore to be ful- filled or accomplished in Christ, since the meaning of all those ceremonies or types rs not yet known even to ( hristians themselves r 52 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 6. J, The New Testament has revealed to us^ and taught us to understand the chief ami most considerable both of the types and prophecies ; but neither one nor the other are understood fully : and yet we make no doubt but the prophecies are, or shall be accomplished in Christ; and why not the types also? Probably it is re- served as one part of the glory of that happy day, when the Jews shall be convened, that the rest of their pro- phesies, as well as thorites and ceremonies of their ancient worship, together with their accomplishment in Christ and the Gospel, shall be more completely understood. CHAP. VI. Of the Folitical or Judicial Law of the Jaws. 1 Q. We have had a particular relation of the moral and ceremonial laws of the Jews; say now what was 1 government as their judicial or jiflitical law ? *^. That which related to their civi a nation. 2 Q. Who was their governor? S. God himself condescended to take upon him the title of their King, and he appointed various kinds of governors under him, as he thought tit. Judges viii. 23. 1 Sam, xii. 12, 13. Isa. xxxii. 22. JVote. Since the same person w^ both their God and their King, the tabernacle and the temple may be considered not only as the residence of their God, but as the palace of their King also. Tiie court of ihe tabernacle was the court of the palace ; the holy of holies was the presence chamber ; the mercy-seat was his throne ; the cherubs reprcisented his atten- dants as God, and the priests were his ministers of state as King ; the high-priest his prime-minister ; thu Levites were his officers, dispersed tlirough all the kingdom ; the table of shew-bread, together with some part of the sacritices which were given to the priest, did represent the provision for his household, Szc. Whatsoever other governors were made from time to time, cither captains, judges or kings, they were but deputies to God, who })iit them in and turned them out at pleasure. Chap.C. SCRIFrLRE HISTORV. 3S 3 ^. Wliat did the political or ci\il laws, or com- niaiuis, oblige the people to r Jl. To many particular practices, relating, (1 .) To war and peace. (2.) To husbands and wives. (3.) Pa- rents and children. (4.) Masters and servants. (5.) Food and raiment. (6.) Houses and lands. (7.) Corn and husbandry. (8.) Money and cattle. (9.) The birds and beasts. (10.) The first-born of all thin^. (11.) The maintenance of the Levites and priests, (12.) The care of the bodies and lives of men. 4 Q. What were some of the more peculiar lawa about war and peace ? J}. That they should make no peace with the seven nations of Canaan, but that they should destroy them utterly ; and that when they went to war, every soldier who was afraid might go home. Dent, vii, 1, 2, 3, and chap. XX. 8. 5 Q. \^'llat were some of their peculiar laws about husbands and wives ? Ji, That a man sliould marry his brothei^'s widow, it' his brother died childless : and that men were permitted ~ uj to put away their wives by a writing of divorce. Dent, 'v XXV. 5, xxiv. 1. And that adultery was to be punished with death. Lev, xx. 10. V^ 6 ^. What weie some of their special laws about ^ parents and children ? ^ Ji. The first-born son was to have a double portion : ^ and that any child wlio smote or cursed his father or his mother, or was obstinately rei)eUiouj* and inconigible, was to be put to death. Deut, xxi. 17, 18 — 21. hxod, xxi. 15, 17. 7 Q. What are some of their special laws about "^ masters and servants ? A. Any servant might ^o free if his master had maimed him : and an Isi-aelitish servant, though he were bought with money, shall go out free for nothing in the seventh year ; and' if he will not jijo out free, his master shall bore his ear through on the door post with an awl, and he shall serve him forever. Exod. xxxi. ^.^^\ and ver, 26, 27. 6» 64 yCRIFrURE HISTORY. Chap. 6, J^ote. This word, /orerer, signifies till the year of jubilee ; for all servants or slaves who were Hebrews were then to have their freedom, and return to their own lands and posses- sions, in their own tribe. See Lev. xxv. 39 — 42. And this is the best way of reconciling Exod. xxi. with Lev. xxv. where one text saith, The servant shall go out free in the seventh year., and another in the year of jubilee^ and the third saith, he shall serve forever. 8 Q. What special laws had they relating to their food f Ji. That they should eat no blood, nor the fat of the kidneys, nor any tiling that died of itself, or was torn of wild beasts, nor any of the beasts or birds, or fishes, which were pronounced to be unclean, Lev^ xi. and xvii. Deut. xiv, 21. And therefore they would not eat with heathens, lest they should taste unclean food. 9 Q. What were some of the laws relating to their clothing ? *S, A man must not wear the raiment of women, nor a woman the raiment of men : they must wear no mix- ed garment made of woollen and linen ; and they were required to make fringes in the borders of their garments, and put upon the fringe of the borders a ribbon of blue,^ tliat they might look upon it, and remember to do the commandments of the Lord. JSTimih. xv. 38, 39. Deut. xxii. 5, 11, 12. JVo/e. In our Saviour's time they wrote sentences of the law on parchment, and put them on their fore-heads and their gar^ ments : these were called phylacteries. Matt, xxiii. 5. 10 Q. What are some of their special laws about houses and lands ? A, That every seventh year the land should rest from ploughing and sowing ; and God promised to give them food enougli in the sixth for the three years. And every fiftieth year, which is the year of jubilee, all liouses and lands that were sold, should return to their former pos- sessors, except houses in walled towns.^ Lev, xxv. 2 — 17, 20, 21, 30, &c. JVb/e. Every seventh year, in which the fields were not to lae tilled, was called a sabbath, or sabbatical year ; aud after (hap. -CRIPTURE HISTORY. 56 < rrn .sabbatical years, that is^ forty-nine years, was the year ol tbilec, in the fiftieth. Though ?orne have supposed the jubilee be the forty-ninth year its-elf, that fo two sabbatical years ii.ight not conic; together : for in the jubilee it is plain, ther«? was to be no plougliing, nor sowing, nor reaping, not vintage. Ltr. XXV. IK 1 1 ({. What were some special Jewish laws about roiTi and hushanciry / J?. Thry were forbid to plouo;li with an ox and an ass together; to sow their fields with seeds of different kinds; or to make clean riddance of their hanests, either of the fiekl or of the trees, for the gleanings were to be left for the poor. Beut. xxii. 9— -11. L^r. xix. 9, 10, 19. And any travellers might eat their fill of grapes or corn in a field or vineyard, but migjit cany none away. Beut. xxiii. 24, 25. " . 12 Q. What were some of their peculiar laws about monpyy ^oo(h, and cattlp ? Ji. They might lend money upon usury to a stranger but not to an Israelite. That a thief should restore double for whatsoever thing he had stolen ; but if he stole cattle, and killed or sold them, he must pay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. Ejcod. xxii. 22. Deut. xxiii. 19,20. Exod. xxii. 1—9. But if he had nothing to pay, the thief should be sold for his theft. ver, 3. 13 Q. Wlrat special laws related to beasts and birds ? Ji. They were forbid to muzzle the mouth of the ox that trod out the coru, that so he might eat some while he was treading it : nor wiien they took a bird^ nest in the field with eggs or young ones, were they per- mitted to take the dam witli tliem. DeuU xxv. 4, and xxii. 6, r. I 14 Q. What laws were given them about the first- bom ? Ji, The first-born of man and beasts were devoted or ffiven to God, as well as the first-fruits of the trees and of the field. Exod. xxii. 29, 30. JVm7n6. xvii. 12, 13. 56 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 6. J^ote. The first-born of men were redeemed by the Levites. The first-born of beasts were to be sacrificed or some way put to death, if not redeemed. Exod. xii. 2, 12, 13, 15. JVuinb. iii. 41. 15 Q. What were the laws about the maintenance of the priests ? Ji. The priests were to be maintained by the first- born of all cattle, and the first-fruits of oil, and wine, and corn, and tliey had a share in various sacrifices, namely, the Jieave-offerings, the wave-breast, and the right shoul- der, &c. wTw?ji6. xviii. 8 — 19. Ao/e. Hcavt-offerings were to be moved upwards and down- wards, towards heaven and earth. Wave-offerings were to be shaken to and fro, or moved toward the four quarters of the heaven. All this is supposed to signify an ofiering of them to God, as universal Lord of all parts of the creation, and who dwells everywhere. 16 ^. What were the laws about the Levites' main- tenance ? »4. They were maintained by the tenth or tithe of fruits and corn, which God appointed for them. J\'umb. xvii. 21,24. And they had some cities and their su- burbs, given them out of every tribe. Josh. xxi. 17" ^. W^hat were some of their special laws about the bodies and the lives of men '/ Jl, He that killed, or stole, and sold a man, must die for it. Exod, xxi. 12, 16. And in all cases of real in- jury or mischief, life was to pay for life, an eye for an eye, a hand for a hand, or a foot for a foot. Lev. xxiv. 17 — 20. And this was the penalty of a false witness, who intended to bring any miscliief whatsoever on an- other, i>eM^,xix. 18, &c. for the same was to be executed on the false witness. 18 Q. Was there no pardon for him that killed an- other ? Ji, If he did it wilfully there was no pardon ; but if it was done by chance, there were six cities of refuge in the land of Canaan appointed, to which the raansiayer might fly and be safe. But he was bound to dwell there till the death of the high-priest. JS'Uiinh. xxxv. 11 — SS- Chap. 6. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 57 1 9 ^. Was the taw the same for the servant or sla ve, and for the freeman, iii case of maiming; and of murder? J. Not entirely tiie same ; lor in some cases of maiming or killing a slave, the offender was not punish- ed to the same dej^ree as if the injured person had been a freeman. Exod. xxi. 20, 26. 20 Q. What were some of the usual punishments of criminals appointed in the Jewish law? Ji, A fine of money or cattle to be paid, a cutting off froDi the people or congregation, scourging or beat- ing, at most with forty stripes, the loss of a linib, or the loss of life. Exod. xxi. 19, 22, 36. Lev, xix. 20, c/mp. xxiv. 17—20. 21 ^. What is tise meaning of being cu^ q^/ro?/i the people, or the conf:;reguiion? Jl. \n some greater crimes, such as presumptuous rebellion against the laws of God, wilful sabbath-break- ing, &c. it may signify capital punishment or death by the hands of tiie magistrate. J\*uwh. xv. 30, 31. Exod. xxxi. 14. In some cases it niny intend a being devoted to some judgment by the immediate hand of God. Lev. XV ii. 10, and xx. 5, 6. But in some lesser crimes, per- iiaps, it may signify no more than to be excommunicated, or shut out of the congregation of Israel, and the privi- h'ges thereof; as for eating leavened bread at the time 'f the pass-over, Exod. xii. 1.5, or for a man's going unto lie holy things with his uncleanness upon him. Lev. xii. 3, wUere it is expressed, that that soul shall be cut dX from tit p presence of God. But this (juestion hath '••me difliculties in it, and learned men difler about the -ense of these words, being cut off. 22 ^. If the Jews were pertnitted to give forty -tripes, how came Paul five tinies to receive but forty -tri|>es save one from the Jews, who so much hated him ? 1 Cor. xi. 24. J. Because they pretended to be very scrupulous mi obseniog the law exactly, and therefore thev never in- flicted more than thirty-nine stripes, lest tKev shoubl liappen to mistake in the tale while they were inflicting 'urty, and thus transgcess the law. 58' SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. T. 23 Q. What were their most common ways of putting criminals to death ? ^. By hanging them on a tree, or by stoning them with stones. J^umL xxv. 4. Beut xxi. 23, xiii. 9, 10. JWmb. XV. So. 24 Q. How many witnesses were necessary to con- demn a criminal to death ? ^. At the mouth of two or three witnesses shall he that is worthy of death be put to death, but not at the mouth of one witness. Veut, xvii. G, 7. 25 Q. What was the design of God in giving them so many peculiar laws about their civil or political af- fairs ? ,&, (I.) To let them know that God was their King as well as their God, and to keep them distinct and separate from the rest of the nations, as his own people and kingdom. (2.) Many of these laws were in themselves excel- lently suited to the advantage of that people, dwelling in that country, and under those circumstances. (3.) Some* of these laws had a moral or spiritual meaning in them, which might partly be known at that time, and which was further discovered afterwards. 26 Q. What instances can you give of moral lessons taught by these political laws ? ..'i. l^hou shall not take the dam with the youn^^ Dent. xxii. 6, 7, is to teach men mildness and compas- sion. Thou shall not muzzle the ox that tr^ids out the corn, JDeut. xxv. 4, is to shew that ministers, who pro- vide us spiritual food, ought to be maintained themselves, I Cor. ix. 9, 10, for so the apostle Paul has explained it. CHAP. VII. Qf the Sins and Punishments of the Jews in the Wil^ derness. 1 Q. After all this accouut of the moral, cerema- nial, and judicial laws, can you tell me whether the children of l,sraet obeved them or no ? ,,ai). r. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. >9 .1. No ; they often broke the laws of God, and sinned as^ainst him, and were often punished. Jsa. Ixiii. 10. Psalm Ixxviii. 52 — 34. 2 Q. What were the most remarkable sins against God in the wilderness ? *i. Besides their murmurings at some difficulties in the beginning of their journey, their first remarkable and notorious crime was their making a golden calf, and worshipping it at the foot of Mount Sinai. Exod. xxxii. 4,8. 3 Q, What temptation, or what pretence could they have for such a crime ? •4L Moses was gone up into Mount Sinai, and tarried there so many days longer than they expected, that they wanted some visible token of God's presence among them ; and so they constrained Aaron to make this gol- den image, to be a representation of the presence of God, but without God's appointment. Ejcod. xxxii. 1 . JVb/«. It is scarcely to be supposed that this was the mere image of a comraou calf, or that the Jews could fall down and -worship such an image ; or that they could suppose an ox or ralf, which was the idol of their enemies the Egyptians, was a proper emblem of the God of Israel, their deliverer from Egypt. Probably therefore it was the image of a cherub, partly in the form of a wingtd ox. And since God was represented imme- diately afterward by Moses as duelling among the cherubims on the mercy-seat, this might be a common opinion or notion beforeliand among the people even of that age.* And it might be made as a visible representation of the presence of God, for they proclaimed a feast to Jehovah, rcr. 5, in the same manner :is Jeroboam, long afterward, made perhaps the same sort of images for the same purpose, which are caJled calves. But both iliis ajid that being done without God"'s appointment, it was all idolatry, and hi a way of the utmost contempt, it was called nonhipping a calf ; and was accordingly punished as highly criminal. See Cfiap. v. Q. 37. • Thei-e were some things relalinjf to the worship of God which that people h:ul some eeneral notion of, before Mosts went up into the mount to learn all the particul.irs from Gotl : as for inslance, they had altart, and sacrifices^ »inl Hpritiklint^ of blood. Ilxod. xxiv. 4, 6, 8. Tliey had prientSy Erod. xix. 2*2, ii4, and a tabcv. 'fvcnblc chapel. Exod- xxxiW. 6,7 Ani. By looking up to a serpent of brass, which Moses put upon a high pole at Goa's command. J)rumb, xxi. S, 9. 1 8 ((, What was the sixth remarkable sin of Israel ? t/*/. Wlioredom and idolatry ; for they loved the Mid- ianitish women, and worshipped their gods. ^"iimb. XXV. 1, 2. * Vet in JVnmb. xx\\. 11, the sonj of KoriAt are eicei»tc-d. f 62 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 8. 19 ^. How was this whoredom and idolatry punish- ed? d. By the command of God and Moses to kill the offenders, and by a plague which slew twenty-four thou- sand. JSTumh. XXV. 4, 5, 9. 20 Q. Who tempted them to this idolatry ? A, Balaam, the wicked prophet and soothsayer. *iVMwi&. xxxi. 16. £1 0. Why did he tempt them to it ? •4. Because God hindered him from cursing Israel, when Balak the king of Moab had hired him to do it JSTumb, xxii. 5 — 12. 22 ^. How did God hinder him ? ^. Three ways. (1.) By forbidding him to go at first, though afterwards he permitted him. (2.) By making his own ass speak to him, to stop him when he was going. (3.) By inspiring him with prophecies, and compelling him to bless Israel three or four times, instead of cursing them. See JSumb, xxii. 12, SO, 31, and xxiii. 7, 8, &c. 23 Q. What became of Balaam at last? A, He was slain among the Midianites by the men of Israel, under the conduct of Moses, before they came to the river of Jordan. •IWimb. xxxi. 1 — 8. CHAP. VIII. Of the Jews* Entrance into Canaan, and their Gov- * ernment by Judges, Sect. L Of the Israelites* Possession of Canaan, 1 Q. What became of the people of Israel after all their wanderings in the wilderness ? Jl. Though their sins and punishments were many and great, yet they were not destroyed ; but God brought them at last into Canaan, the land which he promised to their fathers. JosIhi.ll. Sect. 1. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 6% 2 Q. Did Moses lead tliera into that land ? Ji. No ; lie was only permitted to see it from Mount Pisji^ah, and there he died, and God buried him. Deut. xxxiv. I — 8. 3 Q. Did Aaron go with them into Canaan ? J, Aaron died l^fore Moses, and Eleazar his son was made high priest in his room. J\*nmb. xx. 24 — 28. 4 Q. Why were not Moses the lawgiver, nor Aaron the high priest suffered to bring the people into the land of promise? j]. Because they had both sinned and offended God in the wilderness, and God would shew his displeasure against sin. Deut. xxii. 48 — 51. 5 ({. What other lesson might God design to teaclv us by this conduct of providence ? J. Peril aps Gotl might teach us hereby that neither the laws of Moses, nor the priesthood ol Aaron, were sufficient to bring us into the possession of the heavenly country, of which Canaan was a ligure. 6 ((. Who was appointed to lead tlie people of Israel into the promised land r J}. Joshua, wliose nanje is the same with Jesus, and who came to be the governor and ^ptain of Israel after Moses died. Josh, ili. 13 — 15. 7 ^. I!ow did they get over the river Jordan ? •S. As soon as the priests who bore the ark dippeJ their feet in the brink of the river, the waters which were above rose up in an heap, and the channel was left dry while all the people passed over. Josh. iii. 14, 15. 8 (I. What memorial did they leave of their passing over Jordan on foot ? •i. By God's appointment they took up twelve stones out of the midst of Jordan, where the priests stooil with the ark while the tribes passed over, and set them up a*; a monument in the place wherein they lodged the first night. Josh. iv. 3 — 9, 23. 9 Q. How were they conunajided to deal witli the Canaanites when they took their land? .?. They were required to tfestroy them utterly, lest 64 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 8. if they should live they might teach Israel their idolatries and their wicked customs. Beut, vii. 16 — 26. 10 Q. But what right had the Jews to destroy them, and take their country ? J, The Canaanites were abominable sinners, and God, by particular inspiration, made the Jews the execu- tioners of his wrath against them, just as he might have used a plague, or the beasts of the earth to have destroy- ed them ; and then, as the sovereign Lord of all, he gave their forfeited country and possessions to whom he pleased. Zr^i*. xviii. 24, 25. Psalm cxxxvi. 17 — 22. Here let it be observed, that this awful instance of one na- 1 ion's destroying: another, and seizing their lands and posses- sions, Avas authorised by God himself, the righteous Judge of the world, in and by a long train of most conspicuous and public miracles and prophecies ; so that the Israelites could not be de- ceived in their divine commission for this bloody work. Nor i« it liable to be made a precedent, or a pretence for any other nation or person to treat their neighbours at this rate, be they fver so wicked, unless they can shew such astonishing and un- doubted attestations of a plain commission from God, the righte- ous Governor of the world, and the sovereign Lord of all. 11 Q. What was ^he first city they took in Canaan ? Ji. Jericho, whose walls fell down, when by God's appointment they sounded trumpets made of rams' horns, ./os/e. vi.5, 20. 12 f^. What did they do when tliey took the city r Ji. By God's command they devoted it as the first- fruits, to be a sacrifice to the Lord, and therefore they i)urnt all the goods in it, together with the city, as well us destroyed all the inhabitants, except Rahab the harlot, and her kindred. Josh. vi. 24, 25. 13 Q. Why was Rahab spared ? J}. Because she believed that God would give Israel ilie land of Canaan, and she hid and saved the spies whom Joshua sent. Josh, ii. 9 — 14, and vi. 25, 26. Ileh. xi. 31. 14 Q. How did the army of Israel succeed against {lie nven of Ai? A. God suftered Israel to be put to flight before the Sect I. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. §>& men of Ai, because Aclian an Israelite had stole and hid «ome of the sj)oil of the city of Jericho, which was ao cursed, and 8, and xviii. 10. 26 Q. Did not the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and half Manasseh, go to iielp their brethren in destroying the Canaanites? J. Yes ; by the appointment of Moses, they weat over Jordan to assist their brethren, till they were settled in the land. JVumb. xxxii. 16 — 33, and Josh. i. 12 — 18. 27 Q. What memorial did these two tribes and an half leave in the land of Canaan, that they belonged to the nation of Israel 5 ^. They built a great altar upon the borders of Jor- dan, not for sacrifice, but merely as a memorial of their interest in the God of Israel, in the tabernacle^ and in the worship thereof. Josh. xxii. 28 Q. Where was the tribe of Levi disposed of? ^, Toeing devoted to the service of the tabernacle and religion, they were not fixed in one spot of ground, but had a share in the inheritance of every tribe^ that Sect. 1. SCRIPTITIE HISTORY. m they mi^ht teach every city the laws of God and their duty. Josh. xxi. 3. 29 Q. ^^ hat did Joshua do just before his death ? A. He summoned the people togetlier, and made a most solemn covenant with tliem, that tliey should sei-ve the Lord. Joi^h. xxiii. and xxiv. 1 — 28. 30 Q. Did the Israelites go on to drive out the in- habitants of Canaan after the deatli of Joshua ? A. Yes ; by the appointment of God, the tribe of Ju- dali went up an;ainst Bezek. Jud^. i. 1 — 4. 31 ^. What did tlie Israelites do to Adoni-bezek (or the kinp; of Bezek) when they took him ? A. They cut off' his thumbs and great toes. 3ud^. \. 6. 32 ^. What remark did he make upon it x A. He confessed tlie justice of God in this punish*^ ment, for he had cut off the thumbs and 5;reat toes of threescore and ten kin;^s, and made them gather meat under his table, ver. 7. 33 O. Did the Israelite* drive all the Cajiaanites out of the land ? A. No ; for there were some left for several hundred years after Joshua's death : the Jebusites and the Philis- tines continued till the days of David. 2 Sam, v. 6, 17. 34 Q. Why did not God assist Israel to drive them all out ? A. Because Israel did not obey the commands of God, and some of the Canaanites were left to prove Is- rael, whether they would obey the Lord, and to be as thorns in their sides, to punisli them for their sins. Josh, xxiii. 12, 13. Judg. ii. 3, 21, and iii. 1 — 4. 33 <^. What were the most common sins that Israel was guilty of after their settlement in Canaan ? A. They fell to idolatry, or worshipping tlie gods of tlie nations round about them, after Joshua was dead> and the elders of the people of that age that outlived Joshua. Judg,'\u6 7 10 — 15. 68 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. B. Sect. If. Of the Government of Israel by Judges. 36 Q. Who governed the people of Israel after Josh- ua's deatli ? J. God was always the King and Ruler of Israel, and under him the several tribes probably chose their own judges, magistrates and officers, according to the appoint- ment of Moses. Exod. xviii. Lent. i. 13. Josh. xxiv. 1, Nole. These officers, or judges, Avhich were set over the people by Moses, at tlie advice of Jethro, were at first chosen by the people in their several tribes, just after they came out of Egypt. Exod. xviii. Moses says to the people, Take ye wise men^ Sec. Deuf. i. 13. The seventy or seventy-two elders, were the gravest and most venerable of these officers, six out of every tribe ; for God says to Moses, Gather to me seventy men of the elders of Israel^ tvhoni thou knoivesf, to be oncers over thtm. J^urah. xi. 16. These were to meet together, and con- sult upon extraordinary occasions, as when a sort of sedition was raised by the murmurings of the people, Kumh. xi. or in such like cases of danger.^ The high priest was the chief counsellor, and sometimes a. judge ; for the oracle of God was with him, and he was sup- posed to be chiefly skilled in the laAV, especially if he were an elderly man. The common priests and Levites Avere also as- sistants to the judges, by way of counsel, and in deciding con- troversies in every tribe. Deut. xvii. 9 — 12. But still the ex- ecutive power was vested in the judge of each tribe, and God himself was their King, and the centre of union and govern- ment. But when, through their idolatry and wickedness, God for- sook the people, and their officers and judges neglected their duty, the people sustained the iiiiseries and confusions of an anarchy, as it is several times expressed in the book of Judges ; There was no king in Israel^ and every one did lohat was right in his own eyes. And by their disunion and want of govern- ment they were weakened, and became an easy prey to their enemies round about them : but at particular seasons God rais- ed them up extraordinary judges to recover them from slavery, and to restore government among them : and these had a do- minion over many, or all the tribes, being raised up eminently by God himself. ' That this was the original and appointed method of the gov- ernment of Israel, as I have described it, we may learn partly .Sect. 2. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 69 fKfmDeut. i. 13, where the officers are chosen, and Deut. xvii. 8 — 12, and xix. 16 — 18, where Mo.»es appoints the business ot* the priests and the judges ; and partly Trom 2 Chron. xvii. 7 — 9, and xix. 5 — 11, where Hezekiah makes a reformation tlirough- out the land, and appoints the judges to be executors of jus- tice, the priests and Levites to be the teachers of the people, and counsellors to the judges, and the high yn-iest to be the chief counsellor : and sometimes he was a judge also, as wa» before intimated. 37 Q. Was not the high priest their ruler under Goy s|)ecial inspirsition, he raised up extraordinary ju(lj:;cs 10 rescue them from the haiul of tlieir enemies, and U> vestore jjovernment among them. Jiidg,'\\. 16 — 19. 7& SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 8. 41 Q. Who were some of the most remai'kable of these extraordinary judges? J. Ehud, and -Sliamgar, Deborah and Gideon, Jeph- thali, Samson, and Samuel. 42 Q. Who was Ehud ? J. A man of Benjamin, who delivered Israel from the oppression of Eglon king of Moab. Judg, iii, 12, 15. 43 Q. How did he deliver them ? »^. By bringing a present to Eglon, and then stabbing him with a dagger. Judg, iii. 16, 17. 44 Q. What did Shamgar do toward their delive- rance ? A, He rescued Israel from the oppression of the Philistines, and slew six hundred of them with an ox'& goad. Judg, iii. 31. 45 Q. W ho was Deborah ? ^i. She was a woman, a prophetess, who delivered Israel from the tyranny of Jabin, king of Canaan, who liad nine hundred chariots of iron. Judg. iv. 2, 4. 46 Q. How did she deliver Israel from his hand ? »^. She sent forth Barak to battle against him, who routed his army, which was commanded by Sisera his general. Judg. iv. 5. 47 Q. How was Sisera slain ? •S. By the hand of Jael, a woman, who when he came to rest himself in her tent, drove a nail into his temples. Judg. iv. 18 — 22. 48 q. Who was Gideon ? ^. The son of Joash ; he was called by an angel, or by God himself, to destroy the worship of Baal, and to deliver Israel from the hands of the Midianites. Judg. vi. 11^14. Jfote. Gideon liad sufficient evidence that this was a mes- sage from God himself, for the angel talked witli liim ; and when Gideon had fetched some flesh and cakes to entertain him, the angel bid him lay tliem upon a rock, and pour out the broth upon them, then with one end of his rod the angel touchcd them, and lire arose and consumed them. 49 Q. How did he begin his work ? -cci. 2, SCRIPTURE HISTORY. .1 J. He first threw down the altar of Baal the idol by uiglit, and cut down the idolatrous giove, and then offer- ed a sacrifice to the Lord, according to the order he had received from God. Jiidg. vi. 25 — 28. 50 Q. Wliat farther sign did God give him of suc- cess? JL At his request God made a fleece o*' wool wet, when the ground all around it was dry ; and again, lie made a fleece of wool dry, when the ground was wet Judg. vi.-Sb— 40. 5 1 Q. How many men did God appoint for Gideon's army r •S, Out of thirty-two tliousand he appointed but three hundred men. Judg. vii. 3, 6, 7. 52 ^. How did three hundred men conquer Midian? v4. Each of them, by Gideon's order, took a trumpet, and a pitcher with a lamp in it, and coming at midnight on the camp of the Midianites, tliey broke their pitchers, and frighted them with a sudden blaze of lamps, the sound of tlie trumpets, and loud shouting. Juag, viL 20—23. 53 Q. Did Gideon reign over Israel after this great victory ? « Ji. No ; he refused it, for he said God was their King. Judg, viii. 23. 54 Q. Did Gideon's sons govern Israel afterwards ? •^. None of Gideon's threescore and ten sons set up themselves, but Abimelech, tlie son of his concubine, made liimself king. Judg. ix. 1, fi, 6, 55 Q. How did Abimelech advance himself to the kingdom r •tf. He slev/ all his tlireescore and ten brothers ex- cept tlie youngest, who escaped. Judg. ix. 5. 56 O. How was Abimelech slain r A' When he was besieging a city, a woman cast a piece of millstone upon his head? Judg. ix. 51 — 53. 57 ^. Who was Jephthah? »4. A miglity man of valour, who delivered Israel ► from the power* of the Ammonites, Judg. xi. 1, 32, 3 >. 58 Q. "What was remarkable concerning liim r 7% SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 8. »3. He made a rash vow to saciifice to God the first thing that came to meet him after his victory, and that liappened to be his daughter and only child. Judg. xi. .30, 31, 34. JVo/e. It is a matter of doubt and controversy among the learned whether Jephthah, being a soldier, in those days of igno- rance, did not really offer his daughter for a sacrifice, according to his vow^ as the Scripture seems to express it ; or whether he only restrained her from marriage and bearing children, which in those days was accounted like a sacrifice, and as a sentence of death passed on them. 59 Q. Who was Samson? Ji. The son of Manoah,and he delivered Israel from the hands of the Philistines. Judg, xiii. and xiv. &c. 60 Q. What was his character ? A, He was the strongest of men, but he does not f,eem to have been the wisest or the best. 61 Q. Wherein did his strength lie? A. He was a Nazarite, devoted to God from his birth, and so was bound to let his hair grow, and then God wus with him ; but when his hair was cut, God left him. Judg, xiii. 7, and xvi. 17. 62 Q. What instances did he give of his great strength ? A. He tore a lion asunder, he broke all the cords with which he was bound, he slew a thousand Philistines -with the jaw-bone of an ass: and when he fell in love •with a harlot in Gaza, and the Philistines beset the city gates, he carried away the gates and gate-posts of the city with him, when he made his way out and escaped. Judg. xiv. 5, 6, and xv. 13, 14, and xvi. S, 11, 13. 63 Q. What befel him afterward ? A. He fell in love with Delilah, another of the Pliilis- tine women, who cut off his hair, and then she betrayed him to the Philistines, who put out his eyes, and made him grind in a mill. Judg, xvi. 4 — 21. 64 Q. What was Samson's end ? Ji» Thousands of the Philistines were gathered to- gether to make sport with Samson ; and, in order to re- venge himself of the Philistiaes, and to destroy the ene- JJtict. i2. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. ?3 mies of Israel, he pulled the house down upon their heads and his own. Judg, xvi. 30. 65 Q. Who judged Israel after Samson ? J. Eli tlie liigh priest is said to judge Israel forty >ears; but he is not supposed to be one of the extraor- dinary judges who delivered them, but rather that he was made an ordinary magistrate, perhaps, over some part of the land. 1 Sam. iv. 18. 66 Q. AVho was the last of these extraordinary judges? J. Samuel the prophet, the son of Hannah, a pions woman, who had no child before, and requested of God to o;ive her one. I Sam. i. 20. 67 O. What is written in honour of Hannah ? A. When she was greatly provoked and grieved in spirit, she prayed to Goa at the tabernacle, and she went away cheerful. 1 Sam. i. 15 — 18. 68 ^. Where was Samuel brought up ? Jl. As he was requested of tlie Lord, so he was giv- en to the liord, and was broudit up at the tabernacle in Shiloh under the care of Eli the high priest 1 Sam. j. 22, £8. 69 ^. What was Samuel's office ? Ji. He waited on the service of the tabernacle as a I^erite, being the firet-born, and being given to God. I Sam. ii. 18. 70 Q. Was he not also a prophet? Jl. Ves; God called him three times in oHe night when he was a cliild, and made a piophet of him, and told him what calamities should belall the house of Eli the high priest. 1 Sam. iii. 4 — 14. 7\ ({. What was the great crime of Eli ? Ji. Though he loved and honoured God himself, yet he did not i\*strain his sons from wickedness. 1 Sam. lii. \?>. r!2 ((, In what manner did Goil shew his displeas- ure against the house of Eli ? A. His two sons were slain by the Philistines in bat- tle, and the liigh •)>riest}iooil went into another branch of \3roii\ HmilK. 1 Sam. ii. 27 — 5(\ 1 Kings ii. 27. s 74 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 8. 7S H, What became of Eli himself? A» When he heard that the ark of God was taken by the Philistines he fainted for grief, and falling down backward he brake his neck. 1 8am, iv. 17, 18. 74 q. What did the Philistines do with the ark of God? A. They brought it into the house of their idol, Da- gon, and the idol fell down and broke off his head and his hands upon the threshold. 1 Sam. v. 2 — 5. 75 Q. What punishment did the Philistines suffer for keeping the ark ? J. In several cities where they placed it, God de- stroyed many of the inhabitants, and smote the rest with sore diseases. 1 Sam, v. 6 — 12. 76 Q. What became of the ark then ? A, The Philistines put it into a new cart drawn by two milch kine, whose calves were shut up at home, and yet they carried it directly into the land of Israel to Bethshemesh. 1 Sam. vi. 12. 77 Q. What did the men of Bethshemesh do ? •3. They looked into the ark, which was utterly for- bidden, and God smote many of them with a great slaughter, and they sent the ark away to Kirjath-jeaiim. 1 Sam. vi. 19—21. 78 Q. How did Samuel deliver Israel from the Phi- listines when they made a new war upon them ? ^. He offered a burnt-offering, and prayed to the Lord, and God fought against the Philistines with thun- der from lieaven, and scattered and destroyed them. 1 Sam, vii. 9, 10, 13. 79 Q. How did Samuel govern the people ? •3. He travelled through the land every year, he judged Israel witli great honour and justice for many years; but in his old age he made his sons judges, and they oppressed and abused tlie people. 1 ^am. viL 15 — 17, and viii. 1 — 4, and xii. 1 — 5. 80 Q. What was the request of the people on this occasion? w3. That they might have a king like the rest of the nations. 1 Sam. viii. 5, Chap. 9. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 75 81 Q. What did Samuel do in this case r J. He would have advised them a^aiust it, because was tlieir king, but thej still persisted in desiring a man for a king. 1 Sam, viii. 6, 7, 19, 20. 82 ((. Did Samuel gratify them in tliis desire ? *^. Being admonished of God he complied with their desire,, and appointed a king over them. 1 8'am. viii. 22, CHAP. IX. Of the Government of Israel under their Kings f and first of Saul and David, 1 Q. Who was the first King of Israel ? *i. Saul, a very tall young man, the son of Kish a Benjamite. 1 Sam. ix. 1, 2. 2 Q. How did Samuel first meet with him ? A. Saul was sent by his father to seek some asses that he had lost, and asking Samuel about them, Samuel took him aside privately, and anointed him king of Is- rael. 1 Sam. ix. 15 — 27, and x. 1—8. 5 Q. But how was he made king publicly ? •^. God chose and determined Saul to be king by casting lots among the tribes and families of Israel. ] .Sam. x. 19 — 25. 4 Q. How did Saul behave himself in his kingdom i Ji. He governed well at first for a little time, but afterward he disobeyed the word of God in several in- stances, and God rejected him. I Sam. xiii. 13, and \v.2rj. .'5 Q. Whom did God clioose in his room ^ Jl. David, of the tribe of Judah, who is called the man after God*s own heart. 1 Sam. xvi. 1, and xiii. 14. ^cts xiii. 22. 6 Sa7?i. xvii. 19—54. 15 Q. How did Saul employ him afterwards ? S» He sent him out against the Philistines, and he slew manv thousands of them. 1 Sam. xix. 8. Chap. 9. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 77 16 Q. How came Saul then to bear him an ill-will ? A. From mere envy, because the women of Israel sung to their instruments of music, Saul had slain his thousands, and Bavid his ten thousands. 1 8am. xviii. 5, 6, 7. 17 Q. Wherein did Saul discover his ill-will to him? A. He threw a javelin at him, and often attempted to kill him. 1 Sam. xviii. 21. 1 8 Q. Did not Saul marry his second daughter Mi- chal to him ? A. Yes ; but he required of him the slaughter of a hundred Philistines instead of her dowry, hoping that David himself would be slain in the attempt. 1 Sam. xviii. 17 — 30. 19 Q. Who then were the friends of David when the king was his enemy ? A. All the people of Israel loved him, and so did Jonathan the son ot Saul, who skreened him often from his father's malice. 1 Sam. xviii. 5, and xix. 2. 20 Q. But how could David escape so long when Saul ordered his servants to kill him ? A. He fled from place to place in the land of Israel, and was hunteil like a partndge on the mountains, till at last he was forced to hide himself twice amon^ the Pliilistines. 1 Sanu xxi. 10, and xxvi. 20, and xxvii. 1. 21 q. What did he do there? A. When he was at Gath the. first time, he feigned himself mad, lest Achish tlie king of (Jath should kill him. 1 Sam. xxi. 12, 13. 22 q. Ho^v did David save his father's hoose from SauPs rage ? J. Kc desired the king of Moab to let his father and his mother dwell there, but he himself went into the land of Judah. 1 Sam. xxii. 1 — 5. 23 Q. How did Saul further manifest his rage against David? A. He slew fourscore and five persons of tlie priests of the Lord, because he supposed they had concealed ft* 78 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 9. David, and did not tell the king where he was. 1 Sam. xxii. 17, 18. 24 Q. Had David any army under his command at that time ? ^. Yes ; he had gathered together about four hun- dred men, which grew in a little time to six hundred. 1 Sam. xxii. 2, and xxiii. 13. 25 q. Did David fight with Saul all this time ? •i. No ; he avoided him, and fled from him continu- ally, by shifting his place whensoever Saul pursued him ; and at last was forced to go into the land of the Philis- tines again. 1 Sam. xxiii. and xxiv. and xxvii. 26 q. Did David never attempt to kill Saul ? *^. No ; but he spared his life twice when he had it in his power to kill him. 1 Sam. xxiv. 7, 8, 10, 11, and xxvi. 11, 12, &c. 27 Q. Had this kindness of David no influence to soften the heart of Saul toward him ? »9. Yes ; it did for the present ; but Saul's envy and malice were so rooted in his heart, that they prevailed above all the principles of kindness and gratitude. 1 Sam. xxiv. 16 — 21, and xxvi. 1 — 3, and xxvii. 1. 28 Q. What became of Saul at last ? •^. The Philistines invaded Israel, and Saul was in great distress, because God gave him no directions, nor answered him by dreams, nor by the priests nor prophets. 1 Sam. xxviii. 4 — 6. 29 Q. What did Saul do then P •/}. He inquired of a woman who had a familiar spirit, and there he was told by an apparition of some- thing in the shape of Samuel, that he and his sons should die on the morrow. 1 Sam. xxviii. 8, 19. 30 Q. Did this come to pass ? .5. Yes ; the Philistines slew several of his sons, and wounded him sorely in the battle, and then he fell upon Jiis own sword, and slew himself. 1 Sam. xxxi. 3, 4. 31 Q. Where was David all this while ? ^. He was fled the second time to Achish king of Gath, and he had been just then employed in destroying the Amalekites, who had plundered the eity of Ziklag, Chap. 9. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 79 wliere he dwelt, and had carried away his wives. 1 Sam. XXX. 16—20. 52 Q. Did not David ofter his service to the Philis- tines ? J. Yes ; but he always avoided fijjhting asjainst tlie Israelites ; and besides, the lords ol the PhHistines at this time would not sufter him to continue in tlieir army : which was done by the kind providence of God, that David mi^ht not figlit against Israel. 1 Sam. xxvii. H — 11, and xxxix. 4, and 2 Sam. i. 1. 53 O. What did David do upon the death of Saul ? Ji. He made a very fine elegy upon him and Jona- than his son, and went up to Hebron, a city of Judah, by God's direction, where the men of Judah made him their king. 2 Sam. ii. 1 — 4. 34 ({. Who then reigned over the rest of the tribes of Israel ? Ji. Ishbosheth, another of the sons of Saul. 2 Sam. ii. 8, 9. 35 O. How came Ishbosheth to lose tlie kingdom ? wJ. He quarrelled with Abner the general of his army, whereupon Abner joined with David ; and after tliis, two of Ishbosheth's own servants slew him in hia bed. 2 Sam. ii. 7 — 10, 17, 18, and iv. 5, 7. 36 Q. How long did David reign in Hebron ? A. Seven years and an half; and tlien all Israel came to him and chose him for their king, and brought liim up to Jerusalem. 2 Sam. v. 1 — 6. 37 ^. What was the first thing David did when he came to Jerusalem ? ^. He took the strong hold of Zion from the Jebu- sites, who had iield it to that day, and called it the city of David. 2 Sam. v. 6^9. 38 ^. Where was the ark of God all this while ? Jl. At Kirjathjearim, whence David now fetched it up by God's direction to Jerusalem in triumph, and placed it in Zion. 2 Sam. vi. 1 — 17. 1 Chron. xiii.5, 6. 39 Q. What was David's pious design toward the ark of God ? A. He had a mind to build a house for the ark of 80 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 9. God, which had hitherto dwelt in curtains. 2 Sam» vii» 2, 3. 40 Q, Did God encourage him to proceed in it ? ^. No ; God did not encourage him, because he had shed much blood ; but he promised that he should have a son, who should build him an house. 2 Sam. vii. 2, 3. 41 Q. Had Da\dd no wars after this.*^ A. Yes; he had many battles, and was victorious over his enemies round about him ; namely, the Philis- tines and Moabites, the Syrians and Edomites, &c. 2 Sam, viii. I — 14. 42 Q. How did David govern Israel ? .5. He executed judgment and justice among all the people. 2 Sam. viii. 15. 43 ({. What were the chief blemishes of David's life? •(3. His adultery with Bathsheba the wife of Uriah, and his pride in numbering the people of Israel. 44 Q. How came David to fall in love with Bath- sheba ? A. David from the top of his house happened to see her washing herself, and sent for her and defiled her. 2 Sam. xi. 4. 45 Q. What aggravation attended this sin ? A. Besides the heinous crime of adultery in the sight of God, here was vile ingratitude and base carriage to- wards Uriah, who at that time was abroad fighting for him against the Ammonites. 2 Sam, xi. 6. 46 Q. How did he try to hide it from Uriah and from the world ? w3. When he could not persuade Uriah to go to his _own house, he sent an order to Joab his general, that he should set Uriah in the hottest place of the battle, and retire from him and leave him to be slain. 2 Sam, xi. 15, 47 Q. What followed upon the death of Uriah which David had thus contrived ? A, David added Bathsheba to the rest of his wives, and she bare him a son. 2 Sam. xi. 27. 48 Q. How was David convinced of his sin ? A, By an ingenious parable of Nathan the prophet, Ctiap. 9. SCRIPTURtr HISTORV. 8t concerning a rich man who robbetl \\\^ neighbour of an ewe-lamb, thougli he had large flocks of his own. 2 Sam. xu. 1—8. 49 Q. How (lid Gotl testify his displeasure against David for his sin ? .'?. He struck the child that was born with sickness and death, and threatened David that the sword should never depart from his house, and that his own wives should be publicly abused. 2 Sam. xii. 9 — 14. JVofe. David tcj-fifiod Iiis deep rrjTcntance for this sin in the fifty-first Psalm, and perhaps also in some others ; yet God saw it proper to punish him severely, because he had given the cnc- mies of God occasion to blaspheme. 2 Sam. xii. 14. 50 Q. What were some of the chief troubles that actually came on David's family on this account ? *^. The troubles ^hat he met witli from three of his sons, namely, Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah. 51 ^.* AVhat was the trouble he met with Irom Am- non ? ^. Amnon defiled his sister Tamar by force, upon which Absalom slew him, and then fled out of the land for fear of justice, 2 Sam. xiii. 14, 28, 37. 52 O. Did Absalom never return again ? •^. Yes ; Absalom returned after two years, when David was pacified, and by his subtil carriage he raised a rebellion against the king his father, and made himself king. 2 Sam. xiv. and xv. 53 Q. What followed upon tliis wicked practice of Absalom ? J. David being forced to flee from Jerusalem, Ab- salom entered the city, and defiled His father's concu- bines publicly. 2 Sam. xv. 14, and xvi. 21. 54 ({. W ho was Absalom's cliief counsellor in this rebellion r Jl. Ahitophel, who, when he saw that his last counsel was not followed, went hon»e and hanged himself. 2 '\hic]) were afterwards united intb opf under the name of Jews. 1 l&ngs xi. 31, and xii. 20, 2i, and 2 Chroiu xi. 12. 18 ({. Was this fulfilled in Solomon's day? r 88 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 10, A. No; for it pleased God to M'ithhoW these calam- ities from the house of Solomon till the days of his son. ver. 23. 19 ^. Did Solornon ever repent of his sins that pro- voked the anger of God against him ? A, It is generally supposed that the book of Ecclesi- astes is a sort of proof that Solomon repented, because he there describes the vanity of every labour and every enjoyment under the sun, and sums up all in the Fear df God and keeping his commandments, as the whole duty and chief interest of man. Mccle. i. and ii. and xii. 13, 14. £0 Q, How long did Solomon reign ? J. Forty years ;. and thougli he had such a shameful number of wives and concubines, yet he left but o"ne son behind him, whose name was Rehoboam, to succeed him in the kingdom of Israel. 1 Kings xi. 3, 43. 21 Q, What ^^'as the character of Rehoboam ? A, Though Solomon had written so many excellent lessons of morality and piety for his son in the book of Proverbs, and given him so many warnings, yet he fol- lowed evil courses ; and Solomon himself seems to inti- mate it in the book of Ecclesiastes, Chap. ii. 19. Who Icnoiveth whether his son will be a wise man or a fool? 22 (J. What further occasion did Rehoboam give for the revolt of the tribes of Israel from him ? A . Upon tlie death of his father, and his accession to the throne, he despised the counsel of the old men, and hearkened to the advice of rash young men ; he threatened the nation of Israel to w.ake their yoke heav- ier than his father had done, that is, to lay heavier taxes upon them. 1 Mngs xii. 8, &c. 23 ,Q. What followed upon this threatening of king Uehoboam ? Ac All the tribes of Israel, except Judah and Benja- n\in, made Jeroboam their king: and thus the nation was divided into two kingdoms, which were afterwards called die kingdom of Judah, and tke kingdom of Israel. 1 /t'ii/o'S xii. 15, 20. 2 Chron, xi. 1 1> 12. Chap. 11. SCRIPTURE ills i UK V'. 89 CHAP. XI. Of the Kings of IsraeL 1 Q. How many kin»9 reigned over Israel after they were separated from Judah ? A. 'I'hese nineteen, and not one of them were good ; Jeroboam the first, Nadab, Baashah, Elah, Zimii, Omri, Aliab, Ahaziah, .lehoram, Jehu, Jehoahaz, Joash, Jerobo- am the second, Zachariah, Shallum, Menaliem, Pekahiah» Pekah and Hoshea. 2 Q. Wlio were the most remarkable among these kinj«5 of Israel ? A. Jeroboam the first, Omri, Ahab, Ahaziah, Jehu, Joash, Pekah, and Hoshea. 3 ({. What was the chief character and crime of Jeroboam ? •4. Instead of worshipping God who dwelt betweea the cherubs in the temple at Jerusalem, he made two golden images, wliich are called calves, and set tliem up jn two distant parts of the land of Israel, namely, Dan and Bethel, and tauglit the people to worslup before theui. 1 Krn^s xii. 28 — 30. 4 ({. What was tlie worship he appointed ? *'i. Something like the worship which God appointed at Jerusalem, with an altar, and priests, and sacrifices, and incense, ver. 32. 5 Q. Wherein did it differ from the worship at Jeru- salem r A. l^sides the forsaking of the temple and the place which God appointed, he also made priests of the lowest of the people, instead of the sons of Levi, and ordained feasts at a different time from tiiat which God liad a|>- poiiited, and set up the images of calves to represent the presence of God. ver. 23, 32, and 2 Chron, xi, 6, and xii. 13, and xiii. 8, 9. JVote. Here it is not to be supposed that Jeroboam forsook tlie God of Israel, and tan^ht the people to worship auere Ives ; but Dnly that he devised of bis own btirt other tiAQ0 9^ 90 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. U- and places, and other forms and circumstances of worship t& be paid to the God of Israel ; and that by images or idols, which were probably the figures of the cherubs on the mercy- seat, where God dwelt ; but the Scripture in contempt, calls them calves. See Chap. V. qu. 37, and Chap. VII. Qw. 3, And the worship is called idolatry and the worship of other gods. The prophet Hosea, who lived in the days of Jeroboam the second, the son of Joash, perpetually rebukes this sin of idola- try, and inveighs against these idols, the calves. Hos. i. 1, and chap. viii. 3, 5, and chap. x. 5, and xiii. 2. 6 Q. For what end did Jeroboam do this ? A. He feared, if the people went up frequently to sacrifice at Jerusalem, they would be tempted to return again ta Rehoboam king of Judah. ver, 26, 27, 28. 7 Q. What visible token of displeasure did God manifest against this worship which Jeroboam set up ? ^. ' He sent a prophet to the altar at Bethel, who foretold that a son of the house of David, Josiah by name, should burn the bones of Jeroboam's priests upon the al- tar. 1 Kings xiii. 1, 2. 8 Q. What sign did the prophet give that this pro- phecy should be fulfilled ? .5. The prophet foretold that the altar should be rent asunder, and the ashes poured out, both which were ful- filled immediately : and Jeroboam's hand withered when he stretched it out to lay hold of the prophet, ver. 3, 4, &c, though at the prayer of the prophet,^ God restored it again. 9 Q. What other token did God give of his anger against Jeroboam ? J, God threatened Jeroboam and his family with ut- ter destruction, so that none of them should find a grave, besides Abijah his youngest son, because there were found in him some good inclinations towai'd the God of Israel. 1 Kings xiv. 13. 10 q. Who was Omri ? j3. The captain of the host of Israel, who was made king by the people when Zimri set up himself. 1 Kings xvi. Id. 11 Q. What is recorded concerning Omri ? ^, (1.) That he besieged Zimri his predecessor so Chap. II. SCRIPTLKE IIISTOKV. 91 closely ill Tlizali, the royal city, that Zimri burnt himself and the palace together, and died. (2.) That he built Samaria for the royal city, on a hill. And (;1.) That he walked in all the smful ways of Jeroboam, ver. 17 — 28. 12 ^. Who was Ahab, and wliat was his character? •9, Ahab was the son of Omri, who followed the wick- ed ways of his predecessors ; he sinned aj^ainst God and man grieviously, and provoked (jhx\ beyond all who were before him. ver. 29 — S3, and 1 A'ings xxi. 25. 13 ^. How did God signify his displeasure against Ahab? »9. He sent Elijah the prophet to reprove him, and to foretel that there should be neither dew nor rain for sev- eral years, which accordingly came to pass. 1 Kiugn. xvii. 1. 14 Q. How was Elijah himself fed duiing this fam- ine? Ji. He was appointed to hide himself ^ the brook Cherith, and the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the mornino; and the evening, and he drank of the water of the brook, ver. 5, 6. 15 Q. Whither did the prophet go when tlie brook was dried up ? Ji. God sent him to a woman of Sarepta near Sidon, to be maintained by her, when she had only a liandful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruise. 1 Kings xvii. 9, &c. 16 ^. How could this maintain tlie woman, her son, and the prophet ? ^. God wonderfully increased the oil and the meal, so that the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruise of oil fail, till God sent rain upon the land. ver. 14, &c. 17 Q. What further miracles did Elijah work in this woman's family, to prove that he was sent from God? Ji. When her son died, the prophet raised him to life again, ver. 21 — 24. 18 ^. What special deliverance did God give Israel in the time of Ahab ? D2 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 1 1 . J2, Thoi:gli Ahab was so great a sinner, yet God made Israel victorious over the Syrians who invaded them, because Beniiadad the king of Syria boasted, and blasphemed God. 1 Kings xx. 10, 28. 19 ((, What were some of the special sins of Ahab against God ? J. Besides tlie idolatry of the calves, he also set up the idol Baal, he caused Israel to worship it, and by the influence of his v/ife Jezebel, slew a great number of tlit^ prophets of tho. liOrd. 1 Kings xviii. 4. 20 ^. Were any of the prophets of the Lord saved ? A, Obadiali, the governor of Aliab's house, liid a hundred of them in two caves, and fed them wltii bread and watei-, while Elijah iled wheresoever he could find a hiding place, ver. 5, 6, 10. 21 (I. Hov/ did Elijah bring about the destruction of Baal's prophets ? A, He boldly met Aliab, and bid him summon all Is- rael top;ether, and the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, that a sacrifice mi^ht be oftered to Baal and to Je- ]iovah,to make an expermient which was the true God. 22 Q. How did he convince the people that Jehovah was the true God ? A. Fire came from heaven and consumed Elijah's sacrifice, after he had poured great quantities of water upon it ; which the prophets of Baal attempted in vain to procure on their altar, though they cut themselves with knives, and cried aloud to their god. 1 Kings xviii. 17-- 38. 23 Q. What influence had this upon the people ? A. They fell upon their faces, and acknowledged Je- hovah to be the true God ; and then at the command of Elijah, the people slew all the prophets of Baal. ver. 39, 4a 24 Q. How did God further manifest his approbation of this conduct of Elijah ? A, He immediately sent rain, and put an end to the famine, ver. 41, 45. 25 Q. What was one of the most remarkable sins of Ahab against man ? Chap. U. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 93 Ji, He coveted the vineyard of Naboth, and by the help of false witnesses stoned Nabotli to death for blas- phemy, and took possession of his land. I Kings xxi. 0—14. 26 (I. What was the manner of Ahab's death at last, after so wicked a life ? Ji. In opposition to tlie prophecy of Micaiah he went to fight wit!» tiie kinj^ of Syria, and received a mortal wound. 1 k'ings xxii. 34. '27 ({. Wherein did the judgment of God against Ahab appear in his death ? ..i. The doijs licked up his blood on that spot of ground where Naboth's blood was shed, according to the prophecy of Elijah. 1 K'ings xxi. 19, and xxii. 38. 28 (^. What sort of a man was Ahaziah ? •'i. Ahaziah, the son of Ahab, mIio succeeded him in !)is kingdom, followed his wicked ways. 1 h'ings xxii. 51. 29 f^. Wliat particular crimes of Ahaziah are re- corded ? .?. When he was sick, he sent to inquire of Baalze- bub, the god of Ekron, about his recovery ; and because Elijah reproved him for it, he sent three captains each with fifty men, to make Elijah their prisoner. 2 Kings i. 1,9. 30 Q. What did Elijah do on this occasion ? A. He brouglit down tire from heaven, whicli consum- ed the two first'of them with their troops, but he spared ' the third uj)on his entreaty, and then went down with him to king Ahaziali, and told him that he should surely die. ver. 9—16, 31- ({, How did Elijah leave the world ? .^. He was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, by a cliariot and horses of fire, and left his mantle behind him. 2 Kings ii. 32 Q. Who succeeded Elijah in tlie office of prophet? »^. Elisha, who was with him when he was taken up to heaven, and had a double portion of the spirit of Eli- jah given him. I'pr. 9, 10. 33 ^. AVhat were some of the chief miracles and irophecies of Eli-ha ? 94 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. ir. ^d. (I.) He smote the waters of Jordan with Elijah'.^ mantle, saving, Wherp. is the Lord God of Elijah ? and the waters divided for him to pass over. (2.) He cured tiie unwholesome water near Jericlio, bj casting salt into it. (3.) He cursed some children that mocked and reproached him, and there came two slie-bears out of Ihe wood and tore to pieces fortv-two of tnem. (4.) He brought water in a time of drought to supply three ar- mies, namely, those of Edom, Judah, and Israel. (5.) He increased the widow's pot of oil that it was sufficient to pay her debts and maintain her. (6.) He promised a son to the Shunamite v/oman who entertained him, who was before barren, and raised this son to life again when he died. (7.) He healed Naaman the Syrian of his le- prosy, by bidding him wash in Jordan. (8.) He pro- nounced the plague of leprosy on Gehazi,his own servant for his covctousness and lying. (9.) He made the iron liead of an axe float on the water that it might be restor- ed to its owner. (10.) He discovered the king of Syria's private counsels to the king of Israel, and smote his ar- my with blindness. (11.) He foretold vast plenty on the morrov/, in the midst of a siege and famine in Samaria. (12.) He foretold the death of Benhadad the king of Syria, and that Razael should succeed him, and treat Israel with cruelt}'. Sez the second book of Kings, from the second to the eighth chapter. .'?4 €(. "Who was Jehu, and how came he to the king- dom ? Jl. Jehu Avas a captain, who was anointed king by the prophet whom Elisha sent for that purpose, according to the appointment of God and Elijah. 1 Kings xix. lO, and 2 Kings ix. 1, % &c. Sj ^. Wluit was the great work for which God rais- at Dan and Bethel ?^ Jl. Yes ; and he slew the priests of the higli places, and bumt the bones of the priests that had been buried there, upon the altar, according to the word which the old prophet spake to Jeroboam. 2 K'ln^s xxiii. 15 — 20. \ fCinga xiii. 2. 106 SCRIPTURE IIISTORV. Chap. U, 61 Q. How came Josiah by his death ? •5. He went out to figlit with the kin^ of Egypt, with- out the direction of God, and he was slain, and great la- mentation was made for him. 2 Chron. xxxv. 20 — 25» 62 Q. Who succeeded Josiah in the kingdom ? ^ Jl. His son Jehoahaz, who when he had reigned three months, was put in bonds by the king of Egypt, was car- ried thither, and there he died. 2 Kings xxiii. 31 — 34. 63 Q. Whom did the king of Egypt make king in his room ? A, Eliakim his brother, and gave him the name of Jehoiakim. 2 Kings xxiii. 34. 64 Q. What sort of governor was Jehoiakim and what was his end ? •^. He did evil in the sight of the Lord, several neighboring nations beset him round about, and Nebu- chadnezzar, king of Babylon, sent up his forces against him, took some captives, bound the king in fetters, and he died in shame, liis dead body being cast without the gates of Jerusalem, and witliout a burial: and his youn^ son Jehoiachin reigned in his stead. 2 Chron. xxxvi. 5—8. Dan. i. 1—3. Jer. xxii. 18, 19. 65 Q. What became of this Jehoiachin, who is also called Jechoniah and Coniah ? A. When he had reigned three months, Nebuchad- nezzar took the city of Jerusalem, and carried him to Babylon, together with ten thousand captives, and rich treasures of silver and gold that remained in the temple and in the king's house. 2 Kings xxiv. 8 — 17, Jer. xxii 24 — 30. 66 Q. Was there any king in Judah after Jehoiachin ? A. Yes; the last king was Zedekiah, his father's brother, whom Nebuchadnezzar made king in Jerusalem. ver. 17, 18. 67 q. What fell out in the days of Zedekmh ? Ji. He rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar, to whom he had sworn subjection by the name of the true God, whereupon Nebuchadnezzar came up and took the city of Jerusalem again, after a siege of two years. 2 Kings^ ^xv. 1 — 4, Chap. 12. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 107 68 Q. How (lid he punish Zedekiah for his rebellion r ^. When Zedekiah ded from tiic city, he was seized by the Babylonians ; Nebuchadnezzar ordered his sons to be slain before his face, then his eyes were put out, he was bound with fetters of brass, and carried to Babylon, and there was no more a king in Judah. Mer, 6, 7. 2 Citron. XXXV i. 13. 69 ^, What became of the city and temple at this time? Ji. The king of Babylon burnt the temple of the Lord, the palace of the king, and all tlie houses of Jeru- salem ; he brake down the walls of the city, and carried away the rest of the people captive ; together with all the vessels of gold, sdver, and brass, great and small, that belonged to the temple. 2 Kings xxv. 8 — 17. 70 Q. But were the people punished thus for the sins of tlieir king ? A. The princes, and the priests, and the people, had a large share in the common idolatry and wickedness, togetner with the kings, and that in opposition to all the warnings of tlieir prophets, whereby God was provoked to punish them all. 2 Chron. xxxvi. 14 — 21. 71 Q. Was there any ruler of the scattered people that remained in the land of Israel ? •4. Gedaliah was made covemor by the king of Babylon, but he was slain in a little time by a faction un- der Islmiael, one of the seed-royal ; and there was noth- ing but confusion and disorder in the land. 2 Kings xxv. '12, Ike. 72 Q. Wliat became of the people afterward ? ^. Johanan, the son of Kareah, one of the captains under Gedaliah, routed Ishmael, and drove him out of the land ; yet being afraid of the anger of the kin* of Babylon, and his resentment of the murder of Gedaliah his governor, he was tempted to fly into Kgypt, and to cany most of the people thither with liim, wnere tliey were dispersed into several cities. Jer. xli. 13—18, and xlii. xliii. 73 Q. Was this done by any divine order ? »S. No : but directly against the word of the Lord, lOB SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Cbap. 13. by the mouth of Jeremiah the propliet, who was left among them in the land; and they carried him also into' Egypt with them. Jer. xliii. 1 — 9. 74 ^. Did the Jews behave themselves better in Egypt after all their aflHctions and distresses? A. They practised idolatry in Egypt with insolence, in opposition to the reproofs of Jeremiah the prophet. Jer. xliv. 75 Q. Did they perish there, or return ? w3. Jeremiah was ordered by the Lord to foretel the destruction of Egypt by the king of Babylon, and to de- nounce utmost calamities and death, by sword and fam- ine upon the Jews that sojourned there ; and that but a very small number of them should ever return to the land of Judah, though he foretold the return of their brethren from their captivity in Babylon. Jer, xliii. 9. and xliv. 11, 28, &c. CHAP. XIII. Of the Return of the Jews from Captivity in Baby- lon, and the Rebuilding of the City of Jerusalem, and the Temple, 1 Q. How long did the nation of the Jews continue in their captivity, and their land lie desolate ? Ji. Though the land lay not utterly desolate till the, final destruction of Jerusalem, in the days of Zedekiah, which was between fifty and sixty years before their first release; yet, from their first captivity by Nebuchad- nezzar in former reigns, their land was in some measure desolate seventy years, according to the prophecy of Jere- miah. See 2 Chroru xxxvi. 21. Jer. xxv. 11, 12. Here let it be observed, that as there were several seasons, and under different kings, when part of the children of Israel and Judah were carried into captivity, and several periods whence their desolations may commence ; so there were seve- ral seasons also of their return and restoration : but the chief duration of their captivity and desolate circumstajices was se^-en- Chap. IS. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 10& fy years. See 2 Kings xxiv. 1, 2, 10 — 14, and chap. xxv. 11, rompared irith Ezra i. 1, 2, and chap. vi. 1 — 12, chap. vii. 7, •ind Kehem. ii. 1, &c. 2 ^. Who gave them release from their captivity in Babylon ? Ji. When Babylon was taken by Cyrus, the general of the army under Darius, the king of the Medes, the Assyrian or Babylonish empire was finished. After Da- ri\is*s deatl), Cyinis himself became king of Persia, and he not only gave the people of the Jews a release, but gave tliem also a commission to rebuild tlie temple, and restored to them the vessels of gold and silver ; and this Ire did by the hand of Shcsbazzar, a prince of Judah. Ezra i. 7 — 11. JVo/c. Now was that prophecy fulfilled which Ipaiah pro- nounced above a hundred years before, Isa. xliv. 28, that it was Cyrus who shoiild say to Jerusalem^ be thou built ; and to tht temple., be thy foundation laid ; and chap. xiv. 13, who should build the city of God., and release his captivef. 3 ^. Which of the tribes did accept of this commie- *iion, and return to their own land ? ^. There were many persons and families of seve- lal tribes of Israel who took this opp'brtunity of return- ing ; vet it was cliiefly those of Judah and Benjamin, with tfie priests and several of tlie Levites, wiio return- ed, and were now all united under tlie name of Jews. Ezra i. 5, and iv. 1 :2. 4 ({. \Mio were their first leaders and directors ? Jl. Zorubbabel, a prince of Judah, of the seed-royal, whose Chaldaick or Babylonish name was Shesbazzar; he was their prince or captain, and Jeshua or Joshua was their liigh priest. Ezra i. 1 1, and ii. 2, and iii. 8, compar- pd ivitUy, 14 — 16, and Zech. iii. and iv. .Xnte. This Sheshazzar, or ZerubbabeJ, was the son of Sa- i .thicl, the son of Jeiioiarhin or Jechoniah, king of Judah : he v.a-' made efovemor of the land, under the title of Tirshatha, l)Y a ■ ' ' ,1 from Cyrus, jei^hua \va.«» the son of Jozadak or J( >on of Seraia, wlio 'vas hi2:h prie>-t when Jeni- s^aiciii v'«i, -'il u 1.'. >« :.- i-'i( to death by N* hiichad- 110 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 13. 5 Q. What was the first thing they did after their return ? ^, They made a large contribution toward the re- building of the temple, they gathered themselves together to Jerusalem, they set up the altar of the God of Israel and offered sacrifices upon it. Ezra ii. 68, and iii. 1 — 6. 6 (J. In what manner did they lay the foundation of the temple ? Ji. While the builders laid the foundation, the priests and the Levites sung and praised the Lord with trum- pets and other instruments, after the ordinance of David. Eizra iii. 10, 11. 7 ^. What remarkable occurrences attended the laying of the foundution of the temj^e ? J. While -the younger part of the people shouted for joy, many of the ancient fathers wept with a loud voice, when they remembered how much more glorious the first temple was than the second was like to be. ver. 12, IS, and Hag. ii. 3. Here it may be observed, that though the foundation of the second temple stood on the same compass of ground as the first, yet a company of poor exiles, returning from a long captivity, could not promise os hope for so glorious a building as the temple of Solomon, neither in the richness of the materials, nor in the magnificence and curiosity of the workmanship. See Dr. Prideaux's Connection^ Vol. I. p. 143. The Jews also generally suppose five things to be wanting in the second temple, after -it was finished, which did belong to the first; namely, (1.) The ark of the covenant, and the mer- cy-seat, which Avas upon it, with the cherubs of gold, together with the tables of stone in which the law was -written, which were in the ark when it was brought into Solomon's temple ; 1 Kings viii. 9. 2 Chron. v. 10, though one would think they should have made an ark and a mercy-seat, before which the high priest should officiate once a year. Some learned men supposed there was such an ark made, and that Ezra's correct copy of the Bible was laid up in it : and tiiat it is in imitation of this, that the present Jews in all their synagogues have such an ark or coflfer, wherein they keep the law- (2.) The She- chinah., or divine i)resence, in a cloud of glory on the mercy-seat. (3.) The Urini and Thurimim., whence the oracle came, or divine answers to their inquiries. (4.) The holy fire upon the altar, which came from heaven. (5.) The spirit of prophecy. For though Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi lived while the Chap. IS. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Ill second temple was building, and prophecied after it was built, yet on their uoath the prophetic spirit ceused from among then. 8 Q. Wh^t was the first hindrance thej found in tlie buihlino; of the temple ? J]. The Samaritans desired to join with them in their buildinj!;, and because the Jews forbid them, tliev gave them continual trouble in the days of Cyrus. Ezra iv. 1—5. 9 ^. What was the second hindrance they met with ? */l. When Artaxerxes the first came to the throne of Persia these people wrote an accusation against the Jews, that the city of Jerusalem had been rebellious in former times ; whereupon Artaxerxes caused the work to cease fill tlie second year of Darius, ver, 7 — 24. JSTote. This was not Darius, the first king, and be who took Babylon, and released Daniel from the lions' den ; but another, who reigned several j'ears after him, and was called l^ariiis Hystaspes, as the best authors assert : and tliis also was iong before that Darius whom Alexander subdued, and put an end to the Persian kingdom. Here let it be observed in general, that it is not a very easy matter for learned mt:n to agree exactly in adjusting the time > r all these events, and the particular accomplishment of everj ^)r'ip}iecy, because there were several kings of the same name ; as, three or four Artaxerxes's, and three or more Darius's, Sic. And there were four decrees from the kings of Persia in favour of the Jews : the first from Cyrus to Zerubbabel or Shesba/zar, I prince of Judah. Esra i. 1 — 8. The second from Darius the -econd to the enemies of the Jews, to forbid their hiiulrance of Uie v.ork. Ezra vi. 1 — 7. The tliird from Artaxerxes the se- cond to Ezra, recorded in Ezra vii. 11. The fourth from the -;ane Artaxerxes to Nehemiah^^written in Kthtnt. ii. 1 — 9. 10 ^. Who persuaded the Jews to go on with their work under the reign of this Darius ? *;1. The prophets of God which were with them en- couraged and required them in the name of the Lord, to go on with the work of the temple ; for several of them were too negligent, and God punished them for ii with scarcity of corn and wine. Ezra v. 1, 2. Ua^^ i. C — 11. Zec/z. i. 7, &c. and chap. iii. and iv. 112 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 13. 1 1 Q. What encouragement did thej meet with from the Persian court ? »^. The governors of the provinces at this time see- ing them renew their building, sent to incfuire concerning the order which Cyrus gave for it : and Darius having iound this order among the records of Babylon, gave a fresh command for the rebuilding of the house ot God. Ezra V. S — 17, and vi. 1 — 14. 12 Q. When was the temple finished ? J. Through many delays, arising partly from the negligence of the Jews, partly from the opposition of their enemies, it was twenty years in building : nor was it finished till the sixth year of the reign of Darius, at which time they dedicated it with many sJicrifices, and kept the pass-over with joy. Ezra vi. 15 — 22. Here it may be worthy of our observation, that the threaten- ed destruction of Babylon kept pace with the promised re- storation and joy of the Jcavs. It was Cyrus who, as general «f the army of Darius the first, took Babylon by siege, with blood and slaughter, who also released the captive Jews, when -he came to be king of Persia. Then the river was turned in upon the country round it ; Avhich Isaiah foretold, chap. xiv. 2.7. Ji7id it became a j^ossession for bitterns and pools of water^ and the sea covered it. Yet Babylon was not then destroyed. But when tlie BabylMiians revolted, in the fifth year of Darius Hystaspes, and he besieged them with a vast army, their deso- lation was very great. They themselves slew almost all their women and young children, to make their provisions hold out. Then the prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled, chap, xlvii. 9. Two things shall come to them in one day., the loss of children and widoivhood. Darius took the city in the end of the sixth year of his rejbath, by buying and selling, and bearing burdens ; and punished the Jews who married strange wives. jYehem, xiii. 4 — 29. 32 ^. What remarkable instance did Nehemiah give of his zeal in punishing those wiio married strangers ? A. He drove av/ay one of the sons of Joiada the son of Eliashib the high priest, for marrying the daughter of Sanballat the Heronite, who had hindered the Jews so much in their building several years before, ver, 28. .Yo/e. This young man''s name was Manasseh, as Josephus informs ns. 33 ^. Had Nehemiah no prophet to assist him in this difficult work ? Jl, It is supposed that Malachi, the last of the pro- phets, prophesied about this time, for he doth not reprove them for neglect of building as Haggai did. Hag. i. 4, 9, nor does he speak of the finishing of the temple, as Zech- ariah did. chap. iv. 7, 9. But supposing that already done, he reproved them about their marriage of stran- gers, and of several wives, or of taking concubines, MaL ii. 11, 14, 16, and their robbing God of their tithes, chap. iii. &c. and their polluting the altar, and neglect of offer- ing God the best, chap. i. which were the very things which Nehemiah corrected in his last reformation. Chap. 14. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 117 Thus far the Holy Scripture has delivered down to us the history of the transactions of God with men, and pixrticularly with his own people, the na- tion of Israel, in a long and contimicd succession of events, from the creation of the world to the return of the Jews from the captivity of Babylon, and the settling of the church and state under Nehemiah, whom the king of Persia made governor over the land. There are several other historical matters related in Scripture which belong to particular persons ; the most considerable of them are the histories of Joh and Jonah, Jeremiah, Daniel and Esther. CHAP. XIV. Tfie Hisfory of Job. 1 Q. Who was Job ? A. A most religious man in the land of Uz, who had ten children, and very great riches. Job i. 1 — 3. 2 (I. In what age of the world is Jol) supposed to have lived ? J. In, or before the days of Moses, because there is not the least intimation ofany transactions of God with Israel in the whole book of Job. 3 Q. What particular act of piety is related con- cerning him in his prosperous state r *>i. When his children had been feasting each oilier in their turns, Job offered sacritices for tliein, lest they should have sinned, and provoked God in the seasons of their mirth, ver, 4, 5. 4 Q. What were the alilictions that tell upon Job r •4. God permitted the devil, by kindling of li^^litnin?:, and by stirrnig up robbers and plunderers aiuonj^ his heathen neighbours, to bereave him of all his cattle and his wealth in one dav, and to destrov all his children. US SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 14, eveii seven sons and three daughters, by a tempest which blew down the house in which they were feasting. ver. 6 — 19. 5 ((. Was the devil suffered to vent his malice upon the person of Job ? ^. Yes ; God permitted him to smite Job w ith sore boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. Job ii. 6, 7. 6 Q. What was the design of God in these provi- dences toward Job ? .^. To try the strength of his piety, and to set him ap as an example of patience, both in the exercise of it, and in the rewards of it. Jolf xxiii. 10. James v. 11. 7 Q. What was the behaviour of Job under this trial ? *3. H§ blessed the name of the Lord, and did not murmur at his providence. Job i. 20 — 22, and ii. 10. 8 Q. What was a further aggravation of Job's dis- tress ? J. That his wife tempted him to abandon all reli- gion, because God suffered him to be thus afflicted. Job ii. 9, 10. 9 Q. Had Job any comforter ? Jt, Tliree friends came from the neighbouring places to mourn with him and comfort him. ver. 1 1 . 10 Q. How long did his patience continue in this perfect exercise of it ? A, Seven days he sat down in ashes, and was silent under the hand of God. ver. 13. 1 1 Q. Wherein did any impatience of Job at first appear ? J, In cursing the day on whicli lie was born. Job iii. 1~ 16. 12 Q. What were the sentiments of Job's three friends on this mournful occasion, and how did they car- ry it towards him ? , ^. When they saw him to be so dreadfully afflicted, they rashly concluded he had been guilty of very great sins, notwithstanding his outward profession of pietv, ;,a|). 14. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 119 and therefore they severely reproved him for hU griev- ous complaints, chap. iv. &c. 13 Q. How did Job answer to their charges ? •i. He maintained against them ail this great truth, ^hat God did sometimes afflict those who were innocent, for wise and unsearchable reasons ; and he vindicated his own innocence, placing his trust in God. chap, ix. &c 14 Q. Wherein did Job fail in his duty towards God in this matter? A. Under the violence of his distress, and the most unjust accusations of his friends, he sometimes spake words of unreasonable despair, and sometimes he used rash and unbecoming language against the great God, and vindicated himself too much, as though he had been pei'fectly innocent before God as well as before men. chap. vi. &c. 15 (^. How was the controversy between Job and his friends compromised at last r A. Eliliu, a fourth friend, who was younger than the rest, and had come to visit liim, took a middle way to end this controversy, and spoke more agreeably to the truth: and though he reproved the three friends for as- serting that God would never afflict any innocent man so much as Job was afflicted ; yet he severely reproved Job for insisting so much on his own innocence before God. chap, xxxii. &c. 1 6 Q. vVhat was the foundation of Elihu's argument on this occasion ? J. The supreme majesty and holiness of Gotl, the meanness and sinfulness of the best of men in liis sight ; his sovereij^n dominion overall things, and the unsearch- ablencss of his wisdom and conduct toward men. chap. xxxiii. and xxxvi. ccc. 17 Q. How d'd God himself manifestly engage in deciding this contitnersy r •^. He greatly confirmed the sentiments and opin- ions of Elihu, by asserting and displaying his own su- preme wisdom and power, his grandeur and dominion over all things, by a voice out of tl.c whirlwind, chap. •xxxv. &c'. 1^0 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 15. 1 8 Q. What effect had this upon his sei-vant Job ? ^. Job confessed his folly, abhorred himself for his sin under the apprehension of the holiness and the majes- ty of God, and repented in dust and ashes. Job xlii. 1 — 6. 19 Q. How did God deal with the three friends of Job? J. He disapproved of their false accusations of Job, and their wrong sentiments concerning God himself and his conduct, and bid them offer a sacrifice of atonement, and Job to pray for them. ver. 7, 8. 20 Q. WImt tokens of approbation and favour did God shew to Job ? J, While Job prayed for his friends, God released him from all his afflictions, and afterward gave him ten children, as he had at first, he doubled his estate, and prolonged his life to four generations, chap, xlii. 10—17. CHAP. XV. The History of Jonah, 1 Q. Who was Jonah? A. A prophet who lived about the time of Jeroboam the second, king of Israel. Jonah i. 1. 2 Kin^s xiv. 25. There is no need of particular citations of chapter and verse for the history of Jonah, since the whole is contain- ed in four short chapters. 2 Q. Whither did God send him ? A. He was sent to Nineveh, to pronounce destruc- tion upon tliat great city for their wickedness. 3 Q. How did Jonah disobey God ? A. He took shipping and fled toward Tarshish, from the presence of the I^ord, because he supposed that the mercy of God would spare Nineveh after he had pro- nounced destruction upon it, and then he should be counted a false prophet. 4 Q. What befel him in this voyage f Chap. . . -CRIPTURE HISTORY. 1:21 A. There arose a tei*rible tempe8t,\midi^t^fedaTigered ilie ship ; and Jonah being conscious oN^W^'^'H guilt, advisee! the sailors to cast liiin into the sea, Mi^^en the storm ceased. 5 Q. What became of Jonah ? A. A great fish swallowed him up, and he continued in the bowels of the fish three dajs and three nights. 6 Q. Did he ever come to the shore again ? A. At his repentance and earnest prayer, God com- manded the fish to vomit out Jonah upon the dry land. Jonah ii. 7 Q. What service did God assign to Jonah after iliis great deliverance ? Jl, He sent him the second time to Nineveh, to preach destiuciion against it within forty days. Jonah iii. 8 Q. What effect had this preaching upon the peo- ple? A, The king and the people put on sackcloth, mourn- ed for their sifis, turned from their evil ways, and cried mightily to God for mercy, whereupon God withheld the punishment which he threatened. 9 Q. How did Jonah resent this merciful dealing of God with Nineveh r ^. He feared he should be counted a false prophet, and, in an angry temper, desired God to take away his -life. Jonah iv. 10 Q. What did God do to convince him of the un- reasonableness of his an^er ? *.i. He made a gourtl grow up in a ni^ht, which shel- tered him from the heat of the sun, and ne caused it to ^vither the next day ; upon which Jonah murmured against God. 11 Q. How did God argue with Jonah upon this oc- currence ? J?. God rc])roved the prophet, that he should be so much concerned about A gourd, a senseless plant, which rew up in one night, and ou\^ aflbrded him some con- »eniency of life ; and that lie sliould be no more concern- ed about tlie lives of so great and populous a city, which 11 i22 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 16u besides men and women, had above six score thousand children in it. CHAP. XVI. The History of Jeremiah, i Q. Who was Jeremiah ? A, One of the priests in the land of Benjamittj whom Ood called to be a prophet when he was very young, in the days of Josiah king of Judah. Jer, i. 1 — 7. 2 Q. What encouragement had he when he was so young to pronounce the judgments of God against the people ? A. God put forth his hand and touched his moutli, te teignify liis divine inspiration, and promised his presence with him to deliver him from all that should oppose him, ver, 7 — 19. 3 Q. What was the chief message with which Jere- miah was sent to the people, and to the princes and kings of Judah ? A. That Jerusalem should be destroyed, and the peo- ple and princes should be carried away captive into Babylon, because of their sins, and remain thei*e seventy years. From chap. vii. to xxv. ver, 11, 12. 4 Q. By what method did Jeremiah set before them their sins and these judgments of God ? A, By some veiy plain and direct speeches, by an example of the Rechabites set before them, and by some parables or emblems. 5 Q. fHow did Jeremiah sliew them tlie heinousness of their sins by a view of the example of the Rechabites? A. Since all the family of Rechab abstained from jtvine, which is no unlawful liquor, merely because Jona- jdab their father forbid them ; much more should the Jews have abstained from those practices which are utterly •unlawful, when the God of Israel had forbid them^ Chap. IG. SCRIPTURE lllSTORr. t2S^ 6 ^, What were sonic of the emblems by which God onlered Jeremiah to foretel their calamities? A. A linen j^irdle, a J)otter^^ vessel, an earthen bot- tle, yokes ot" wood and of iron, &c. 7 ({. Wh;it was dcvii;ned by the linen j^irdle r A. Jeremiali was commanded to hide it in tlie hole ot a rock near the river Euphrates, and when he soucrht it aj»;ain, it was quite spoiled ; so God decreed to spod the piide of Jerusalem by the nation that dwelt near Eu- phrates, that is, Assyiia. Jfr. Xu'i. 8 ({, \V hat was intended by the potter's vessel P' J. As, when the vessel of clay was spoiled in the making, the form of it was changecl, and it was moulded up into another vessel, as the potter pleased ; so God declared his power over the house of Israel, to manage and dispose of them as he pleased ; and that he would change his pro\idences and their state, according to their behaviour. Jer. xviii. 9 Q. What further lesson was taught by an earthen bottle? wJ. Jeremiah was commanded to break the bottle in the sight of tlie priests and the elders, and to declare, Thus saith the Lord, even so will I break this nation and this citt/y that it shall not be made whole again, Jer. xix. 10 Q. What did Jeremiah teach them by the emblems of bonds and yokes? Ji. In the days of Jelioiakim king of Judah, God commanded Jeremiah to make bonds and yokes, and put them upon his own neck, and tlien to send tiiem to the kings of tlie nations round about, to assure them that they should all be made subject to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. Jer. xxvii. 1 — 12. 1 1 ((. A\'ho were Jeremiah's chief enemies ? v'J. The priests and the false prophets, who would have put him to death in the reign of Jehoiakim. Jer. xxvi. 1 — 8. 12 ^. Who saved Jeremiali at that time ? .'?. 'F'iie princes and the pe(»j)K^ saved him from death. 124 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 16. though the king slew Urijah the prophet, who. confirmed the words of Jeremiah, rer. 10 — 24. 13 Q. What abuses did Jeremiah receive from Pashur the priest ? Ji, Pashur smote the prophet and put him in the stocks. Jer, xx. 1 ^ 2. 14 Q. What evil was denounced against Pashur on this account ? Jl, God changed his name to Magor-roissabib, to de- note that he should be a terror to himself and to all his friends ; and foretold that he should be led captive to Babylon, and die there. ver> S — 6. 15 Q. How did Jeremiah's patience hold out under the many injuries he received ? Ji, In the main he continued to trust in God, but once he murmured against God, refused to prophecy, and cursed the day of his birth, ver. 7 — 18. 16 Q. In what manner did God overcome his mur- muring and his disobedience? Jl, The word of the Lord was in his heart like a burning fire shut up in his bones, and he could not for- bear speaking, rer. 9. 17 Q. How did Jeremiah publish his prophecies^ when he could not appear in public himself, being shut ap in prison ? Ji, He commanded Banich the sciibe to write the words of his prophecies from liis mouth in a volume of a book, and to read them in the cars of the people in the temple on a fast-day. Jer. xxxvi. 1—10. 18 Q. What efiect had this upon Jehoiakim the king ? A. When lie heard of it he sent for the volume, read a little of it, cut it with a pen-knife, and burnt it in the Fne, and then sent to seize Jeremiah and Baruch ; but God by his kind providence kept them hid from the king. I'er. ^2C)— 26. ^-^ , - 19 Qi W^hat was the next message from God to Jere- niiah ? .3. "That lie should take anotiier volume, and that Chap. 16. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 125- Baruch should write over again from his mouth tlie same- words, and many others of the same import, ver, 27, 32. 20 ({, What diti Jeremiah prophecy concerning Je- hoahaz, the son of Josiaii kingof Judah, who is here call- ed Shallujn ? ,i. That he should die a captive in the land of Egypt. Jer. xxii. 1 1, 12. 2 lungs xxiii. 31—34. 21 ^. What did he say concerning Jeiioiakim hi* brother ? J, That he should die unlamented, and be buried like an ass, drawn and cast out beyond the gates of Je- rusalem. Jer. xxii, 18, 20. 22 Q. Wliat did he pronounce concerning Jehoiachin, who is also called Jeconiah and Coniah? •^. That he should die in a strange land, and none of his seed sliould sit on the throne of Judah, Jer. xxii. 24 — 30, and he accordingly was carried to Babylon, and lived long there, and there he died. Jer. lii. 31. 23 ^. Wliat advice did he give to Zedekiali king of Judah ? •H. To submit willingly to the yoke of the king of Babylon, that both he and his people might meet with- better treatment. Jer. xxvii. 12, 18. 24 ({. How did the false prophet Hananiah oppose Jcren>iah ? J. He took the yoke from the prophet Jeremiah's neck, which probably he had worn for some years ; and IS he brake it, he declared, the Lord would" break the yoke of Nebuchadnez,zar in two years frmn the necks of the nations. Jer. xxviii. 1 — 11. 25 ({. How did Jeremiah answer him ? ^. Tliat God had ap|)ointed yokes of iron instead of. yokes of wood, for all the nations to serve the king of Babylon ; and tliat Hananiah should die in that year for his falsehood ; which came to pass in two months after. ver. 10—17. 26 (^. Among all these predictions of distress, did not Jeremiah prophecy any thing comfortable to the na- tion of Israel r d. Yes ; he foretold the return of the Jews to their 12* 126 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap, m own land with joy, after seventy years captivity ; and he encouraged their faith and hope by many gracious prom- ises of the Messiah who was to come, chap, xxv. xxix. XXX. and xxxi. 27 Q, How did king Zedekiah deal with Jeremiah the prophet when Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem ? .5. He shut him up in the court of the prison which was in the king's house, because he foretold that Jerusa- lem should be taken, and that Zedekiah the king should not escape, but be caiTied to Babylon. Jer. xxxii. 1 — 5. 28 ^. What did Jeremiah do in prison to assure them that the Jews should return from captivity, and possess the cities of Judah again ? A. By express order from God he bought a field of his cousin Hananeel, paid him the money, subscribed the evidence, and sealed it before witnesses, as an emblem, and pledge of what should be done in Jerusalem hereaf- ter, ver. 6 — 16, 44. 29 Q. What did J-eremiah dowhen he was at liberty ? d. He endeavoured to flee out of Jerusalem, but he was seized by the guard upon suspicion of falling away to the Chaldeans, and he was thrust down into a dungeon by the princes, because he prophecied the destruction of ihe city. chap, xxxvii. 11 — 16, and xxxviii. 1 — 6. 30 Q. What relief did the prophet lind liere ? Jl. When he sunk in the mire, Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, a servant in the king's house, drew him up> with ropes, by leave from the king j and he remained in the court of the prison till the city was taken, ver. 7—14. 51 Q. What favour did God shew to Ebedmelech- on this account ? ^. He assured him he should not die by the sword^ but his life should be given him, because he trusted in the Lord. Jer.. xxxix. 16. 32 Q. When Zedekiah the king sent for Jeremiah, what message had lie from God ? Jl. He repeated his advice to the king of Judah, to go forth and submit to the king of Babylon^in order to^ save himself and the city, ver, 17, &c. ap. 16. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 1 V S3 O. Did the king hearken to his advice ? A. No; he did not ^bey tlie prophet; so the ciiy was taken, and burnt, the princes of Judali were slain, and the king's sons were put to deatli before hiB eyes : then tlie king hatl liis eyes put out, and he was carried in chains to Babvlon, and died there. Jcr. xxxix. 1 — 10, and lii. 8— 11. Note. Then >vas fulfjlled the prophecy of Ezekiel conceni- Inwledged the supremacy of the God of Daniel, he made Daniel ruler over Babylon, and at liis re- quest made Shadrach, Meshach, and Abe»lnego, officer'* under liim. ver, 46—40. 1 1 <{. WU'At iMicame of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego ? * jL Notwitlistandiag tlic honour the king had given Ikem, yet they were cast into a fiery furnace, because 130 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap, ir: they would not worship a huge gold image which king Nebuchadnezzar had set up. Dan. iii. 1 — 21. 12 (^. What remarkable providence attended their being cast into the furnace ? S'. The king being enr^.ged at them for refusing bold- ly to worship this image, commanded the furnace to be made seven times hotter, even to such a degree, that the flame slew the men that cast them into it. ver. 22. 13 ^, How wore they saved in the fiery furnace? A. Though these three men were cast into the fur- nace bound, and fell down in the fire, yet presently af- terward, the king saw four njen loose walking in the fire, and they had no hurt ; and the form of the fourth was like t!ie son of God, ver.MS, 24, 25, tliat is, some glori- ous person whom Nebuchadnezzar could not better de- scribe than as a heavenly being, a son of God. 14 Q. AVhat influence had this upon the king? ♦5. He called them to come out of the furnace, and blessed their God wliohad sent his ai^l to deliver them, and made a decree, that no man fhould speak against the God of the Jews. ver. 26 — 28. 1 5 Q. What other dream of Nebuchadnezzar's did Daniel interpret ? •A. The dream of a tall and spreading tree that was outflow n, and the stump of it was left in the earth, and that it should have a beast's heart given it instead of a man's for seven years. Dan/wA — 16. 16 Q. Wliat interpretation did Daniel give to it? Ji. That Nebuchadnezzar the king should be driven from his kingdom, should run mad, and dwell seven years v/ith the beasts of tlie earth, and then be restored to his reason and his kingdom again. ver» 19 — 27. 17 Q. How soon was this fulfilled ? JI, At the end of twelve months he was walking in the palace of Babylon, and boasting of his grandeur and majesty, and there fell a voice from heaven that his king- dom was departed, and he should be driven from men: and immedi^ftely he was seized with madness, and the seotence was executed upon him, and he fled from the V iuip. 17. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 131 society of men, and herded with the beasts in tlie open field, rer. 28— 33. 18 Q. What did Nebuchadnezzar do at seven years end, w lien his understanding and his kingdom were res- tored to him ? Q. He did further honours to the God of heaven, and published tliis history of himself, and these signs and wonders of the great God, throu^out all his dominions. ver. 1—3. 19 Q. AVhat notice was taken of Daniel in the time of Belshazzar, the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar ? J, He was sent for to court to read and interpret three or four words which were written upon the wall by the apparition of a hand while Belshazzar was feast- ing. Dan.y.S — 16. 20 Q. What was there in Belshazzar's feast that eminently provoked God against him ? ^. He and his nobles drank in the holy vessels that were taken out of the temple of God at Jerusalem, and at the same time they praised their gods of gold and silver, of wohazzar ? J. He was slain that very night, by the army under the command of Cyrus the general, who after a long siege took the city of Babylon, and the kingdom was translated to Danus the Mede, the emperor of tl\e Medes and Persians, ver. 30, 31. 24 ({. Did Daniel lose his preferment by the change .of tlie kingdom ? ^. No ; for Darius set Daniel over all the hundred 13^ SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Cbap. 1?: and twenty princes, and made him first of the three presidents. Dan. vi. I — 3. 25 Q. How did the envy of the presidents and the princes persecute him on this occasion ? A. They knew that Daniel would pray to his God, and they persuaded king Darius to sign a decree, that if any man should ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, besides of the king himself, he should be cast into the lions' den. ver, 4 — 9. 26 Q. What did Daniel do when he heard of this •decree ? A, He went to his house, and the windows being open toward Jerusalem, he prayed to his God three times a day, according to his custom, ver, 10. 27 Q. What was the consequence of this ? .4. Though the king himself was sorry for his decree, and tried all means to save Daniel, yet his enemies pre- vailed to have him cast into the den of lions, because the laws of the Medes and Persians were not to be alter- ed, ver. 11' — 17. 28 Q. Wherein did the king further shew his con- cern for Daniel ? ^, He passed the night without music or sleep, he went early to the lions' den in the morniiigpand found Daniel safe, to his great joy ; for God had shut the mouths of the lions, that they did him no hurt. ver. 18—23. 29 ^. Wherein did king Darius manifest his resent- ment against the enemies of Daniel ? *^. He cast them with their wives and children, into the den of lions, who broke all their bones immediately. ver, 24. 30 Q. What special regard did Darius shew to the true God on this occasion ? •B. He sent a decree through all nations, that men should fear the God of Daniel, ver, 25. 31 Q. What are the other most remarkable things in the history of Daniel ? j4. The visions which he saw, the excellent prayer ^vhich he made for the restoration of the Jews from cap- Chap. 18. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 1S3 tivity, and the other prophecies which were given him by anjrcls. " 32 Q. What were some of his visions and prophe- cies ? »^. Emblems and representations of the four monar- ihies of the world, and of the kingdom of Christ; and predictions concerning future events among the Jews, and other nations of the earth ; some of which are ex- »re5sed so plainly, that the enemies of the Bible sup- pose them to be written after those events came to pass. hap. vii. and viii. and xi. 33 Q. What remarkable answer did Daniel receive 10 this excellent prayer of his for the restoration of the Jews ? A, The angel Gabriel was ordered to fly swiftly, and to inform him of his own acceptance with God ; of tlie commandment of the kings of Persia to rebuild the holy city ; of the time of the coming, and the death of the Messiah, to take away the sins of men ; and of the se- cond destruction of Jerusalem. Dan, ix. 2() — 27. 34 Q. Wliat other eminent prophecies did Daniel jcceive by his converse with angels } ji. Besides the various events relating to this world, he had some predictions concerning the Christian church and its troubles, and the period of tliem ; concerning the resurrection of the dead, everlastijig life, and ever- lasting punishment chap. xii. CHAP. XVIII. TJie History of Esther, 1 q. Who was Esther ? A. A beautiful young Jewish virgin, whose ancestors were carried captive by the kin^ of Babylon, in the days of Jeconiah, king of Judah. hsther ii. 5, 6. 2 q. Where was she educated ? A She was brought up in Shushan, the palace of the 13 134 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 18. king of Persia, by Mordecai her first cousin, for her father and mother were dead. ver. 7, 3 Q. To what honour was slie advanced ? *3. King Ahasuerus took her into his royal house, and made her queen in the room of his former queen, Vashti. ver» 16, 17. JVo/e. This Ahasuerus is supposed by Dr. Prideaux, and -that with great probability, to be that second Artaxerxes, king of Persia, who was called Longimanus ; and who, perhaps, be- ing influenced by Esther and Mordecai, gave a decree for Ezra to promote the building of the temple at Jerusalem, after the captivity in Babylon. See Chap. XIII. Qu. 9, and 13. 4 Q. What was the occasion of Vashti's disgrace ? Jl, When the king had made a most magnificent feast for all his nobles and princes, he sent for Vashti to shew the princes her beauty, and to grace the festival, but she refused to come. Esther i. 10 — 12. 5 Q. What service did Mordecai do for the king, which laid a foundation for his future advancement ? A. He gave information against two of the chamber- lains who had conspired against the king, upon which they were tried and hanged. Esther ii. 21 — 23. 6 Q. Who was made- the, king's chief favourite a lit^ tie after this time ? ^. Haman, of the seed of Agad the Amalekite. Esther ill. 1, 2. 7 > Q. Wherein did Mordecai offend Haman ? Ji. He refused to bow before him, and to do rever- ^nce to him, as the king's servants did at court, ver. 2. 8 ^. How did Haman attempt to revenge himself? d. By persuading the king to send orders to destroy all the Jews that were jn all his dominions, ver. 6, &c. 9 Q. What did Mordecai do on this occasion ? A. He desired Esther the queen to venture into the king's presence, though she were not called, in order to petition the king for the lives of her people the Jews, Esther iv. 10 Q. Did Esther comply with his request ? ,^. Though she knew it was death by the law to ven- ture jiiUo the, king's presence, unless he held "out his gol^ Cltap. 18. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. \S$ i\en sceptre to her ; yd having first fasted and prayed to God three days, and appointed the Jews in Shushan to fast and pray, slie ventured to approach the king. Est- her V. 1. m 1 1 Q. What success did queen Esther find ? A. The king heUI out his goUlen sceptre to her, and promised to {irant her request, even to the half of his kingilom. Esther v. 1 — 3. 1 2 ({. What was Esther's first request to the king ? Ji. That tiie king and Haman would come to a ban- quet which the cjueen had prepared for them ; which re- quest also she repeated tiie next day. Esther v. 3^8. 13 ^. How was Haman emploved on that day? A. He rejoiced at the invitation tliat Esther gave him, and set up a gallows for Mordecai fifty cubits liigh, expecting that at his desire the king would order Mor- decai to be hanged thereon, ver. 9 — 14. J 4 O. How did the king pass the time that niglit ? A. He could not sleep, and he had the book of re- cords read to entertain him, wlierein was written Mor- decai's information of the conspiracy against the king. Esther vi. 1, 2. 15 O. What effect had this on the king? .2. When he inquired and found that Mordecai had received no recompence for his faithfulness, he ordered. Haman to array him in royal anparel, to set him on tlie king's own horse, and to do the nighest honours to him in a public procession through the city, ver, 6—11. 16 Q. In what remarkable hour did Haman receive tliis order from the king? J. At that very time when he was come to court to -peak to the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows he had set up. ver. 4, 5. ir (I. When the king and Haman were come to the banquet, what was queen Esther's further recjuest*^ A. 'I'hat the nation of the Jews, which were her kin- dred, might be delivered from tiie general massacre that Haman liad contrived for them. Esther vii. 1 — 7. 1 8 Q. What change of alfaii-s ensued on this petition to the king? 136 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 18. A.. ! The king coimnaiided Hainan to be hanged on the gallows he had prepared for ?»iordecai ; he put Mordecai into Haman's place at court ; and sent orders tlirougliout his dominions for the Jews to defend them|^lves. Esther vii. 9, 10, and viii. 1—17. 19 Q. Why was not the order for the slaughter of the Jews rather reversed B A» Because what is written in the king*s name, and sealed with his ring, could not be reversed,, according to the laws of the govei*nment, ver. 8, and God ordered it t!ius in his providence, for the public destruction of their enemies. 20 Q. How did the Jews defend themselves in the day designed for their generif slaughter ? A* They slew seventy-five thousand of those that rose up against them, and the ten sons of Haman among the rest. Esther \x. } — 16. -^ 21 Q. What memorial of this great deliverance was preserved amongst the Jews ? »5. . All the Jews agreed, by and with the authority of Esther and Mordecai, to keep the 14th and loth day of the month Adar, every year, as a day of thanksgiving for this salvation, ver. 20 — 32. 22 Q. What was the name of this festival ? A. These two days were called the days of purim, from pur, which signifies a lot ^ because Haman had cast lots in a superstitious manner, to find out what month or day was the most lucky to execute his bloody device against the Jews. Esther ix. 26, 27, and iii. 7. 23 Q, How does this history appear to be a true ac- count of things, since there is not the least liint who was the writer of it, nor is the nam 6 of God in it ? Ji. Because it is delivered down to us among the sacred writings by the Jews themselves, who ivere the keepers]of the oracles of God. Ronu iii. 2. And because this feast of purim is observed by the Jews to this day». in memory of this deliverance. Tfie End of the Histories of the. Old Testament, Chap. 19. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 137 CHAP. XIX. ^1 Continuation of the History of the Government and Church of the Jeivs, from the End of the Old Testament t to the Times of Christ. INTRODUCTION. T}{K learned Dr. Prideaux hath written two large and valuable volumes, which he calls the Connection of the History of the Old and JVnv Testament ; wherein he gives us an account of all the most credible things that- he can find in ancient historians, relating to the Jews and their customs, as well as their history, during that period of time between tlie end of the Old Testa- ment and the beginning of the New : he intermingles al- so a large collection of historical matters relating to Persia, tiabvlon, Egypt, Syria, Asia Minor, Greece, Rome, and all the more known and remarkable nations of the earth, wherein the great aifairs of the four mon- ai'chies of the world were transacted. This renders his work a little too tedious to those who expected nothing more than a mere continuation of the Jewish history to the times of our Saviour. Now it is only a very brief abstract of the history of the Jews which 1 endeavour here to set before the read- er, that he may gain a little acquaintance with the affairs of the Jews, or the church of God, from the days of Ne- hcmiah, when Scripture history ends, to the beginning of the Gos|K'l, and the times of Christ. A greut part of it must be taken originally from Josephus, die Jewish his- Torian, and from the books of Maccabees Miiom I have consulted upon this occasion ; but I have borrowed much further light and assistance irom Dr. Prideaux in this matter, whose laborious collection from heathen writers,, and his judicious determination in many dubious points, Ms rendered his work mors complete and accurate, and inc more easy. '13* 138 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. CTiap. 19. Sect. I. Of J\*eheiniah's further Reformation, Syna- gogues, Targums, Samaritans, Froselytes, Sfc. Note. This chapter being so long, the questions of each sec" tion shall be numbered apart. y 1 Q. What fiirther refonnation did Nehemiah make in Israel? *3. It is reported by the Jews, that he himself togeth- er with Ezra the scribe, having found a great want of the knowledge of the law among the people, did about this time appoint the reading of the law in the several towns and cities ; and on this occasion, it is supposed, that synagogues began to be built throughout the land, or at least to be restored and renewed, if there had been any built before. 2 Q. "Where were the synagogues to be built ? •5. According to the account which the Jews have given us, they might be built in any town wheresoever they could find ten persons of full age, and of sucii con- dition and easy circumstances of life, as to be always at leisure to attend the service. 3 ^. What was the service performed in the syna- gogues ? Ji, Prayer and praise to God, reading the holy Scrip- tures, and preaching and expounding tiiem. 4 Q. In what manner were the Scriptures expound- ed 5 Ji, The Jews and their posterity having lost much of their own language in Babylon, did not so well under- stand the Scriptures in the Hebrew tongue ; and there- fore when Elzra read the law to the people, the sense was given to them in Chaldee, by many Levites who stood by, and caused them to understand the reading, ^ehem. viii. 4 — 8. And this manner of reading the Scriptures, verse by verse, and translating it into the Chaldee, with some little paraphrase upon it, was the manner of expounding used in the ancient synagogues- Sect. 1. SCRIPTURE HISTORY, 139 JVb/e 1. This was the original of the Jewish targums^ which word in Chaldee signifies an inttrpretation. — For when syna- gogues were multiplied among the Jews, beyond the number of able interpreters, it became necessary that such translations of the Hebrew into Chaldee should be made, for the use of the teachers and fix- n* ople ; and that in private families also, as well as in s\ , There wti' i ly many of these targums, or translations, or expo, and tUat upon different parts of Scripture, and of different sorts ; as there were also many different versions of the Scripture into Greek, in following a?es, for the same purposes. Several of these targums are lost, through length of time ; but the chief of those which remain to this day, is the targum or Chaldee paraphrase of Onkelos, upon the law of Moses ; and the targum of JonatJian Ben Uzziel, upon the prophets : Both which, some learned men suppose to be written before Christ ; *^nd are by the Jews valued as equal to the Hebrew text. As for the Jerusalem targum, it is an exposition upon the law ; and others are on different parts of Scripture ; but they are all of less esteem, and of much later date. But neither the one nor the other of the targums were much known to the primitive Christian writers, though these expositions greatly favour the Christian cause. Xott 2. Among the Jews, the books of Joshua, Judges, Sain« uel, and Kings, &c. are sometimes called the former prophets ; and the books of Isaiidj, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the trcelve mi- nor prophets, are called the latter prophets ; but they are all called the prophets : Thus the law and the prophets make up the whole Bible. Note 3. That there are in Daniel two hundred verses of the Bible written originally in Chaldee, and sixty-seven in Ezra, and one verse in Jeremiah, namely, ver. 11, chap. x. And some suppose, for this reason, there is no targum on Daniel and Ezra ; neither indeed is there on r^ehemiah, though that book be called Hebrew. , 5 Q. What were the times appointed for this service in the synagogues ? Jl. IVo days in the week, besides the sabbath and tlieir other festivals. The law bein^ divided into so many sections or lessons as there are weeks in their year, they read half a lesson on Monday morninjg;, and tl>e' oth- er half on Thursday morni..g ; and this same whole lesson they read on the sabbith, both morning; and after- noou. Jicts XV. 21. We are told tliat reading the law r40 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 1^. was a custom of ancient times on the sabbath ; and when \ reading of the prophets was added to that of the law, they observed the same order in it. 6 Q. What were the hours of their daily prayer ? J. At the time of morning and evening sacrifice and incense. Luke i. 9, 10. ^-icts iii. 1. While Zacliarias was offering incense^ the people were praying in the court : and Peter and John went up to pray in the tem- ple at this time. To these hours they conformed their prayers in the temple, and in their synagogues, and usu- ally too in their own houses. JVo/e. The Jews supposed that the ofTering up of the daily sacrifices, and the burning of incense at the same time, v^ere designed to render God propitious to them, and malce their prayers acceptable ; and for this reason they conformed their times of prayer to these hours. So David prays, Psalm cxli. 2, Let my prayer be set before thee as incense^ Sec. And Her. viii. 4, 5, — And the smoke of the incense which came with the prayer of the saints^ ascended up before God out of the angeVs hands. 7 ^. Had tiiey any other season of prayer besides these two r Ji, The Jews inform us, that laesides these they had a prayer at the beginning of night, while the evening sacrifice was left burning on the altar. Thus, by their three pr:iyers in a day, they imitated the ancients ; Da- vid prayed morning, noon, and evening. Psa/m Ivii. 17. Daniel prayed three times a day. Dan, vi. 10. 8 ^. Who ministered in the service of the syna- gogue ? . . A. The priests and Levites were consecrated to the service of the temple ; but for the service of the syna- gogue, persons of any tribe were appointed by some el- ders of that town, who were called rulers of the syna- gogue. So our Saviour, being of the tribe of Judah,- read and expounded in the synagogue. Luke iv. 16.r So after reading the law and the prophets, Paul and 'Silas were engaged in preaching, when the master of the syn- agogue asked them for a word of exhortation to the people, •icts xiii. 15. Sect.1. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 141 9 Q. But were there not other places of prayer dis- tinct from the sniaj!;oe:ues ? Ji. Tlie synagogues were sometimes called prayer- ho:iseSf yet tliore were prayer houses called proseiichai, which diftered from svna«j;(>gues in three respects. (1.) Synagogues were built for public worship, but these places of praijer for any one's private devotions occasion- ally. (-2.) Synagogues were covered liouses, but the pla-es of prayer were courts or inclosures, with walls, and open to tlie sky. (3.) Synagogues were chiefly in towns or cities, the prayer-houses in open fields, or on mountains : such are mentioned where our Saviour spent a whole night in the prarjer-hoiise, as it should be trans- lated, Luke vi. 12, and thither pious persons resorted, and prayer was wont to bejnade, Jets xvi. 13, 16. 10 /^. Is there any certainty that there were any synagogues before this time ? .!?. That there were some places of assembly for divine things in the land of Israel, before the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by Nebuchadnezzar, seems pretty plain from Psalm Ixxiv. 7, 8. 2'hey have burnt zip all the synagogues of God in the land. Though they mi^ht be but very few, and not established by any autlioriiv, nor so constanty attended as afterward. And yet considering that the Jews fell so frequently into idol- atry before, and had so few copies of i\\c \a\vl it is ques- tioned by sonje learned men, whether tliere were any such synagogues at all in the land of Israel till after the TJabylonish captivity. 11 Q. What eminent and remarkable service was tlone by these public places of wor>hip? A. It is supposed that frequent public readings of the law in the synagogues, after that time, were a special means to excite and preserve in the people of the Jews that universal a?jd perpetual hatred of idolatry, to which lliey were so shamefully prone beloi e ; and it did also dilluse and maintain the knowledge of true religion and virtue in the laneats, or were found guilty in sinning ajjainst the law in any retnarkable instances. 2() ((, What change was wrought hereby among tlie Samaritans? ^'i. Their first original was from some eastern hea- thens, who were planted there by the king of Assyria, after the captivity of Israel ; but when, on several occa- 144 SCRIPTURE HISTORY, Chap.lt). sions, the Jews flocked to them, it made a considerable change in their religion : for though before they worsliip- ped the God of Israel in conjunction ^vith other gods, 2 Kiii^s xvii. 24 — 41, they now cast oft' their idolatry : and since a temple was built amongst them, in which the Jewish service was performed, and the law of Moses read publicly, they came much nearer to the worship of the true God, prescribed in Scripture. 21 Q. Did not the Jews love them the better on tliis account ? Ji, No, by no means; but they hated them grevious- ly. The enmity which began from the opposition which the Samaritans made to the Jews in their rebuilding Je- i-usalem and the temple, was so exceedingly increased by their sheltering all the rebellious Jews, that the Jews at Jeinisalem published the bitterest curse against them, that ever was denounced against any people. 22 Q. What miseries were contained in this curse ? %A, The Jews forbid all communication with the Sa- maritans ; declared all the fruits of their land, and their cattle unclean ; excluded them from being ever received as proselytes, and barred them, as far as possible, from having any portio/i in the resurrection of the dead to eternal life. 23 Q. What appearance of this great enmity do we find in the New Testament ? A. This seems to be confirmed by the words of Scrip- ture. John iv. 9. The Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans, And the woman of Samaria asked our Sa- viour, How is it that thou, being a Jew, asketh drink of me, who am a woman of Samaria ? And when the Jews would give the worst name they could to our Saviour, they said, 'Vhou art a Samaritan^ and hast a devil. John viii. 48, Sect. II. Of the Jewish Jlffairs under the Persian and Grecian Monarchies. 1 Q. How were the Jewa governed after the death of Nehemiah ? ■ct. SLRIPTCRE HISTORY. 145 J, We find not any more particular governors of Ju- dea, made by the kings or eniperoi*8 of Persia ; but Judea seems to be made subject to those whom the Persian kings made governors of Syria; and that, under them, the regulation of attairs was committed to the high priest ; so tliat he had all the sacred authority, and the civil power also, in a good measure, under the Syrian governor. 2 ({, Did tlie high priests continue their regular suc- cessions, as tlie eldest of Aaron's family ? .i. This succession was sometimes interrupted by tlie emperors of the world, or their deputed governors of the provinces, appointing another person to take that office. 3 ^. What is the first remarkable instance of that kind ? »i. When Johanan, or Jonathan, the son of Joiada, .\V/t. xii. 11, had possessed the royal priesthood several years, Bagoses, the governor of Syria, appointed his younger brother, Jeshua, to depose him, and take the priesthood ; upon which there was a tumult in the inner court of the temple, and Johanan slew Jeslma there. 4 Q. How did Bagoses, the governor, resent this ? Ji, He entered into the inner court of the temple, though tlie Jews forbid him as being unclean ; but he told them lie was purer than the dead carcase of him whom tliey had slain there ; and imposeil on tlie priests a fine of about thirty-one shillings, for every lamb tnat was offer- ed throughout the year. 5 ({. What was the next more famous difficulty and deliverance which the Je^s met with? ►i. They were most remarkably saved from the op- pression and resentment of Alexander the sreat, who was king of Macedonia in Greece, when they liad refus- ed to assist him in the siege of Tyrus. 6 Q. In what manner were they delivered ? J. When Alexander marched against Jerusalem, de- signing.to punish the Jews on this account, Jaddua the high priest, the son of Johanan, bein^; directed by a ?iight vision, met the concjuercr in his priestly robes, with the other priests attending liim in pro|.er habits, and all th^ J4 i46 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 19. people in white garments : Alexander being struck with this sight, saluted the high priest with a religious venera- tion, embraced him, entered Jerusalem in a triendlv man- ner, and offered sacrifice to God in the temple, ibr his late victories. 7 Q. How came Alexander so suddenly to change his purpose, and behave himself with so much mildness r A. Alexander declared, that he himself^ in Macedo- nia, had seen this very same person, thus habited, in a night vision, encouraging him to pursue his expedition against the Persians, and promising him success. 8 ^. What further favours did Alexander shew the Jews? ^. When Jaddua, the high priest, had shewn him the prophecies of Daniel, particularly chap, viii. ver. 21, where the he-goat is interpreted to be the king of Grecia, who should conquer the Medes and Persians ; and chap, xi. S, he bid the Jews ask what they had to desire of him : and, according to their request, he granted them the liberty of their own laws and religion, and a freedom from tribute or taxes every seventh year, because then they neither sowed nor reaped. 9 Q. Did Alexander succeed in his following wars, and his attempts against the Persian empire, according to the Jewish propliecy ? ^, When he departed out of Judea and Palestine, he marched into Egypt which speedily submitted to him : there he built the city Alexandria, and peopled it with .several nations, among whom were many Jews, to whom he gave the same privileges as to his own Macedonians. The next spring he hastened to find out Darius Codo- mannus, king of Persia, whom he had routed once before, and he now vanquished him in a final decisive battle near Arbela, and became master of the Persian empire. 10 Q. How long did lie reign after this battle ? A. He went on and conquered India; but in five years time he fell into such riot and drunkenness, that j)ut an end to his life ; though others say he was poisoned. 11 Q. What became of the Jews after Alexandei-*s lleath.? Sect. 3. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 14r •fl. A little after the death of Alexander, four of his generals divided his empire, who were the four horns of the he-goat, inentione(i by the prophet Daniel, which grew up, after breaking the first horn. Daniel viii. 22, and xi. 4. And the Jews fell under tlie dominion of Ptolemy, afterwanl surnamed Soter, who liad Egypt, Arabia, Ctelo-Syria, and Palestine, or the land of Israel, for his share. Here it may be observed, that as Ptolemy had Egypt, Pales- tine, &c. for his jrhare, so Cassander had Macedonia and Greece ; Lysimachus had Thrace and Bithynia, and some other provin- ces thereabout : Seleucus had Syria, and the northern and east- ern provinces in Asia. — Thus was the empire of Alexander the ■ great divided among his generals. Sect. III. Of the Jewish Jiffairs under Ptolemy Soter, Ptolemy Phihdelphus, and Ptolemy Philor pater^ Kings of Egypt. Of the Great Synagogue, the Jewish Traditions, their Mishnah and Talmud ; and of the Septuagint Translation of the Bible into Greek. 1 Q. IIow Sect 3. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 151 reports, that each of these seventy-two elders were put into a distinct cell, and were required to translate tiie whole Bible apart ; and that tiiey pertbrnied it so exactly alike, word tor word, that it was appro\ ed as miraculous and divine: an, Matt. xxiv. 15. Abomination^ the cominon name for an idol in ll.'e OM Testament : and when such are set up in the sanctuary, it may ^ell be called desolation, for the riests are driven away, and ti«e »rue worvhi[> wf God ceases. Obftrve vet further, that tliis Anliochu? Epiphanes is calle»d 458 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 19. by some the Jewish Antichrist ; because several of the same things are foretold of him by the prophet Daniel, which are al- so jjtedicted of the Roman Antichrist, in the Christian church, by the apostle John. 16 Q. Did any of the Israelites comply wdth his commands ? A. Though there were multitudes who would not de- file themselves, and break the law of God, yet too many of them for fear, and some out of ambition to please the king, conformed to his religion, and sacrificed, and burnt incense to idols in the streets of the cities of Judea. 17 ({. How did the king punish those that refused ? A. He put the men to death every month, he slew several women tliat had caused their children to be cir- cumcised, hanged the infants about their necks, and kill- ed those that circumcised them. This persecution may _be seen more at large, 1 Mace, chap. i. and iii. and 2. ~Macc, vi. 18 Q. What did the Samaritans do on this occasion ? A. Wlien the Jews were in prosperity, they chal- lenged kindred with the Jews : but they disowned them when they were under persecution : and therefore on this occasion they made no apology to Antiochus the king, for having heretofore used the Jewish rites ; but now having renounced them, they complied with the iieathen religion, and desired their temple on Mount Gerriziin might be made the temple of the Grecian Ju- piter, the defender of strangers. 2 Mace, vi. Sect. V. Of Mcdtathias, the Father of the Macca- bees, and the great Reformer. 1 Q. Whex the persecution was so violent in Judea, -was there any eminent public opposition made to it by any of the Jews ? *^. Mattathias, a priest of the course of Joarib, who dwelt in iSIodin, was complimented by the king's officers, mnd tempted to c(rmply with heathen worship there, ac- ct. 5. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 159 voiding to the king's commandment ; but lie boldly re- nounced their superstitions, and declared his resolution *o die in the relij^ion of the Jews. 1 Mace, ii. 2 Q. What instance did he give of his courage and zeal ? //. When one of the Jews came to sacrifice on tne heathen altar which was at Modin, he could not forbear to shew his indignation, as a zealot, but ran and slew the man upon the altar, and at the same time killed the king's chief officer there, who came to enforce these wicked commands. 3 Q. In what manner did he maintain this bold en- 'terprise } A. He cried with a loud voice through the city, Who- soever is zealous of the law let him follow me. So he and his sons fled to the mountains, and a great number of Jews fled with him, and hid themselves m the wilder- ness. 4 Q. Did not the kind's army pursue them ? •^. Yes; and campea against them, and attacked a considerable number of them on the sabbath day. 5 Q. And did the Jews make no resistance r /§, None at all, because it was the sabbath ; but they said. Let lis all die in our innocency : . whereupon a thousand people were slain. 6 Q. Did Mattathias and his friends approve of this conduct ? A. It seems as if their zeal at first approved of it : but upon better ccmsideration they decreed, it was lawful and necessary for them to defend themselves, if they were attacked again on the sabbath day. JVo/c. This decree was ratified by tlifi const nt of all the priests and ciders amongst them, and it was sent to all others through the land, and was made a rule in their following wars. 7 Q. What did king Autiochus do, when he heard of this bold and public resistance made to his command- and his government ? A. He executed very great cruelties on all the Jews tliat fell into his hands, who would not forsake tlie law of Moses ; since the mere terrors of death did not aftright l\eni. 160 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Clmp. 19; 8 Q. What very remarkable instances do we find in history of this cruelty ? »^. Seven brethren, witli their mother, M^ere terribly tormented, to constrain them to eat swine's flesh, whicK the law of Moses forbids. 9 ^. How did they endure their torments? ^^. Witl) great courage, one after another, in a Ion"; siiccession, they bore tlie various tt)rtures that were in- flicted on them, and declared they were ready to suffer rather than transgress tjie laws of their fathers. 10 Q. What tortures wove those which the king ex- ecuted upon them ?' J. A great variety of exquisite and bloody cruelties : iheir limbs were cut off, their tongues M'ere cut out, they were fried in frying-pans, the skin of the licad was toj-n off with the hair, aiid they died under the anguish ami violence of these torments; while their mother at the same time looked on, and encouraged them all to suffer boldly, in opposition to the entreaties, threatenings, and commands of the king. 11 Q. In what manner did she encourage her sons in their sufferings? *^. By the tenderest speeches of an affectionate fmother to her sons, she beseeched them to fear God, and not man ; and to endure, in hope of a happy resuncc- lion, when she should receive tliem all again in mercy. l!2 Q. Did she herself also suffer the torment? Jl. When she liad seen all her sons die like martyrs before her, she finished that sad spectacle, and died also for her religion. 2 Mace. vii. 13 Q. What did Mattathias do all this while in the mountains? Jl. lie still encouraged the Jews to join with him, and among others, there were many of the Assideans, v,ho were zealous for the law, resorted to him. 14 Q. Who were these JlssideiuiSy or Chasideans, as It ouglit to be written ? .f. A sect among the Jews, wlio were called Chasidim, or the pious, who were not only zealous of the law, but of many other constitutions and traditions, and forms of mortification, beyond what .the law renuired; whereas >ect. 6. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 161 those who contented themselves with what was written in the law, were called Zadikim, or the righteous, 15 Q. What exploits did Mattathias and his friends peiforni ? •^. They went round about the towns and villages, pulled down the heathen altars, and circumcised the children ; titej slew and put to flight many of their en- emies, and recovered several copies of the Jewish law. 16 H. When Mattathias died, who succeeded him ? /f . Just before his deatli he made a noble speech to his five sons to encourage them in the defence of tlieir religion and their country : he recommended his son Si- mon, as a man of counsel, but he made his son Judas, surnamed jNIaccabeus, tlieir captain. 17 Q. How came he to be called Maccabeus? A. The motto of his standaixl was the first letters of that Hebrew sentence, E.vod. xv. 11, Mi Camoka Back Um Jehovah ,t\mt is, JVho is like to thee among; the Gods, O Lord/ Which letters were formed into the ar- tificial word Maccahiy and all tliat fought under his standard were called Maccabees. .Vo/c. This has been a common practice among the Jews, to : ime words hi this manner. So Rabbi Moses Ben Maimon, that . the son of Maimon, is called Ranibam ; Rabbi Solomon irchi, is called Rati. Nor is the use of the tirst letters of words for such kind of purposes unknown among heathens or Christians. The letters S. P. Q. R. were- written on the Roman •^tiindard, for Senatus Popnlus Qu(t Romanits ; that i?, " \hi Roman senate and people.'' .Tesus Christ our Saviour hatij " ' a F/i7i, in Greek IX0TZ, by the fathers, because fir«t letters of those Greek words, Jems Christ, -ncT. VI. Of the Jewish Government under the .Maccnhees, or ^ismonians : and frst of the three. Brothers Judas, Jonathan^ and f^imon. 1 r^. What valiant actions did Judas and his breih- rn do, iin defence of tlie law, and against their perse- tors ? 15* 162 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 19- Ji. He won many battles against king Antiochus and his generals, and encouraged himself and his soldiers in the name of God, whensoever they began to faint. 2 Q. Where are these acts of Judas and his breth- ren recorded ? . »i. The earliest account of them is found in the first and second book of Maccabees. Here nott^ That the first book of Maccabees is a very accurate and excellent history, and comes nearest to the style and man- ner of the sacred writings : and is supposed to be written a little after these persecutions and wars were ended. But the second book consists of several pieces of much less value : It begins with two epistles from the Jews of Jerusalem, but both are sup- posed to be fabulous stories, and in some parts impossible to be true. The following parts of it pretend to be an abridgment of the history of one Jason ; it relates some of the persecutions of Antiochus, and the acts of Judas, amplified with particular cir- cumstances ; but it is not of equal esteem with the first book, for it seems to affect miracles and prodigious events, beyond reasonable credibility. S Q. How did king Antiochus resent these attempts of Judas, and his successes against him ? Ji, When he went into Persia to gatlier the tribute of "the countries there, he left Lysias with half his army, and with express orders to destroy and root the Jews out of their land ? 4 Q. Did Lysias pursue the king's orders ? » A, Yes ; with great diligence he sought to execute these cruel orders: his army, of forty thousand foot and seven thousand horse, encamped at Emmaus near Jerusalem ; and another army of a thousand merchants, flocked thither upon presumption of their victory, with great quantities of silver and gold to buy the captives for slaves. 5 Q. How did their wicked counsel to destroy Israel succeed ? Ji. When they were thus secure and confident of success, Judas and his brethren assembled at Mizpah, fasted, put on sackclotli, laid open the book of the law before God, where the heathens had painted their images, c}:ied mightily unto God for help, sounded the trumpets, Sect. G. SCRIPTURE HlSTbRV 1(1) brought the army into order, ami prepared for battle and for death, unless God pleased to make them conquerors. 6 Q. \Vhat was the event of so much pious zeal and coui-age ? A. Judas and his army put to flight and destroyed several lai-gc parties that liVsias had sent against him, they drove the enemy out of Jerusalem, and almost out of the land of Judea, and took a very large booty both from the army and at Elvmas, and had incredible riches of gold and silver, and golden annour which were laid up there. 19 ff. Did he succeed in this enterpriser 166 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 1&. *^. The people of the country, having notice of his design, joined together in defence^of that idol's temple, and beat him off with shame. 20 Q. How did he receive the news of the defeat of his generals and armies in Judea ? ^. With the utmost rage and indignation, as Avell as grief of mind ; but he resolved to make haste thitner, and threatened to make the city of Jerusalem as one grave for the Jews, where he would bury tlie whole na- tion, 21 Q. "Wliat followed upon this insolent speech of Antiochus the king ? *d!. He was immediately smitten wi'th an incurable plague in the midst of his journey, his bowels were seized with grievous torment, his chariot was overthrown, and he was sorely bruised, and forced to be confined ^o his bed in a little town on the road, where he lay languish- ing under foul ulcers of body, and sharp terror of mind, till he died. Mote. It hath been observed by liistorians, that such a sort r f death by foul ulcers, hath befallen many persecutors, both in former and latter times. 22 ^, Had he any regret upon his conscience, par- ticularly for his cruelty and wickedness practised upon the Jews ? .5. Both Jews and heathens give us an account of the dreadful anguish of mind which he then suffered ; and though the licatlien historian attributes it to the in- tended sacrilege and robbery designed upon the temple of Diana, yet the Jewish historians acquaint us, that An- tiochus himself imputed his calamities to the horrid im- pieties and cruelties that he had been guilty of against the God of Israel and his people, and bitterly repented of them with inward horror on. his death-bed. J^ott. This Antiochus Epiphanes having been a great oppres- sor of the Jewish church, and the type of Antichrist, there is a larger account of him in Daniel's prophecy than of any other prinpe. The llth chap. ver. 1.1 — 45, relates wholly to him, as well as some passages in the 8th and 1:2th chapters, the expli- cation and accompli'^hment of which in;'.y be read in Dr. Tri-" Sect 6. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 167 uux's Connection, part ii. book iii. And the accomplishment -0 exact, that Porphyry, a learned heathen in the third ceii- ry, pretends that it is a mere history, and tliat it was %rritt'jn tcT the event. 23 ^. What became of the garrison of the Syrians in the tower of Acra, which so much molested the Jews in Jerusalem ? JL Judas Maccabeus besieged them, whereupon An- tiochus Eupator, the son and successor of Epiphanes, brought a vast army against Judas, consisting of a hun- dred thousand foot, twenty thousand horse, thirty-two ■•'phants, and three hundred armed chariots of war. •24 ^. What could the Jews do against so great an army r A. Judas having given this watch-word, Victory is of the Lord, (all upon them in the night, and having slain four thousanu imn»ediately, and six hundred the next morning, made a safe retreat to Jerusalem. 25 Q. AVhat remarkable instance of courage was given by Eleazer, the brother of Judas, in this battle ? .^. When he saw one elephant higher and more adorned than the rest, he supposed the king himself was on it ; therefore he ran furiously through tlie troops, and made his way to the beast, he tlirust up his spear under his belly, and the beast with the tower that was upon iiim, falling down, crushed him to deatli. 26 Q. Had Antiochus Eupator's army any success afterward against tlie Jews ? j]. They marched to Jerusalem under the command of Lysias, they besieged tlie sanctuary, and wiien the Jews were near surrendering for want of provision, they were strangely relieved by the providence of God. 27 Q. In what manner did this relief come r J, Lysias h.earing that tlie city of Antioch was seized by one Philip, a favourite of the late king, who had taken upon him the government of Syria, persuaded the pre»- QUt king to grant peace to the Jews, which he did ; yet contrary to his own promise, he pulled down the fortifi- cations of t!^*" *'^'"' '• ■•' '••" -•" <■ ■^'■'] 'J?" »-»— ♦'•'m;y 'they were. 198 SCRIPTURE HISTOHY. Chap. 19. , 28 Q. What beearae . of Menelaus, the wicked high priest ? J, He attended the king's army in tliis expedition against Jerusalem, in hopes to recover his office, and to be made governor there : but Lysias, finding this war <}xceeding troublesome, accused Menelaus to the king as the author of all this mischief: whereupon he was con- demned to a miserable death, being cast headlong into a tower of ashes fifty cubits high. 29 ^. Who was his successor in the the priestliood ? ^, OniaSjthe son of Onias the third, and nephew to Menelaus, was the more rightful successor, but the king rejected him: and being disappointed of it, he fled into Egypt; while Alcimus or Jacimus, one of the family of Aaron, (though not in the right line of Josedek, to which the priesthood belonged) was made high priest by Antio- thus Eupator the king. J^ole. It was Joshua the son of Josedech or Jozadek, was the rightful high priest at the return from Babylon. See jBsra iii. 2, and Hag. i, 1. 30 Q. Was Alcimus admitted to the exercise of the office in Jerusalem ? •5. He was refused by the Jews, because he had com- plied with tlie heathen superstition in the time of the per- secution ; but he besought the aid of Demetrius the new king against Judas and the people, who refused to re- ceive hinu 31 Q. How came this Demetrius to be king? J. He was the son of Seleucus Philopater, who was the eldest brother of Antiochus Epiphanes ; and thougli he could not persuade the Romans to assist him in seiz- ing the kingdom of Syria, since Antiochus Epiphanes was dead, yet he landed in Syria, and persuaded the jieople tliat the Romans had sent him : whereupon An- tiochus Eupator and Lysias were seized by their own soldiers, and put to death by order of Demetrius. 32 Q. Did Demetrius establish Alcimus in the priesthood, in opposition to Judas and his people? •4. He endeavoured to do it by sending one Bac- rhides against them, but without success ; afterwards Sect 6. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 169 making Nicanor, who was master of his elephants, gover- nor of Judea, he sent him to slay Judas, and to subdue the Jews, SPi Q. What success had Nicanor in this attempt ? *i. Though at first lie was unwilling to make war on Judas, yet being urged by the king, he pursued it with fury ; and having spoken many blasplieinous words against the temple and the God of Israel, and threatened to demolish it, and to build a temple to Bacchus in the room of it, he himself was slain, and his army was shame- fully routed by Judas. 34 ^. VVh.it encouragement had Judas to hope for victory in this battle ? Jl. Not only from the blasphemies of Nicanor, but he was aniiDated also by a divine vision, and thus he en- countered his enemies with cheerfulness, and with earn- est prayer to God. 2 •Mace, xiv and xv, 35 ^. What rejoicing did Judas and the Jews make on this occasion } A. He cut off* Nicanor's head, and his right hand, which he had stretched out gainst the temple, and hang- ed them up upon one of tlie towers of Jerusalem, and ap- pointed a yearly day of thanksgiving in memory of this victory, which is called Nicanor's day. 36 (^. What was the next act of Judas for the good of his countiy ? Ji. Hearing of the growng greatness of the Romans, he sent to make a league for mutual defence with them ; to which tlie Romans consented, and established it, ac- knowledging the Jews as their friends and allies, and or- dered Demetrius to vex them no more. 37 ^. Did Demetrius obey these orders? A. Before tliese orders came to his hand, he had sent Bacchidcs tl>e second time to revenj^e Nicanor's death, and to establish Alcimus in tlie priestliood. 38 ^. What success had tins second expedition of Bacchides against the Jews "^ J. A very uaJiappy one indeed for the Jews: for he so much overpowered Judas with the number of his forc- es, who had then but three thousand men with him, and 16 170 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 19. even the greatest part of these three thousand fled from him for fear : and Judas being ashamed to fly for his life, he was slain through an excess of courage. 39 Q. What mischiefs ensued on the death of Judas ? J. The Jews were greatly disheartened ; Bacchides prevailed every where, took Jerusalem, subdued the greatest part of the country, and put to death the friends of Judas, where he could find them ; many apostate Jews sided with him. Alcimus exercised the high priesthood in a very wicked manner, and imitated the heathen su- perstition in the worship of God. He gave orders to pull down the wall of the inner court of the sanctuary, and is supposed also to break down the wall which di- vided the more holy part of the mountain of the temple from the less holy, and gave the Gentiles equal liberty with the Jews to enter there. JVo?e first. It is said in 1 Mace. ix. 54, that he actually pull- ed down the work of the prophets., whatever that was : But it is thought he only gave order for pulling down the wall of the in- ner court., which may be supposed to be the court of the priests. JVote second. It is hard to determine how far the wall, which separated the Gentiles from that outer cpurt of the temple, which was made for the Jews^ was of God''s appointment, or how early it was built. We do not read of it in Scripture, neither in the building of the temple of Solomon, where there was only the court of the priests^ and the great court ; nor in the jebuilding it by Zerubbabel does Scripture tell us of such a sep- aration. Indeed, in Jehoshaphat^s time, we read of a new court ^ 2 Chron. xx. 5. What it was no man knows certainly; per- haps it was only one court renewed- For in Manasseh's days, which was about 200 years after, there were but ttio courts, 2 Chron. xxxii. 5. Dr. Prideaux indeed supposes, that the latter prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, ordered a low wall, or rather inclosure, to be built, called C/ie/, in the second temple, within which no uncircunicised person should enter : and one reason of that opinion is, becfuise, 1 Mace. ix. 54, it is said, that Alci- mus pulled down oner in Ptoleniais, 1 ^Macc. xi. and xii, and afterwarJt xTas slain with his two son«. chap, xiii- 174 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 19. 52 ^. A¥ho succeeded Jonathan in the high priest- hood and government ? ^. Simon his brother, by the request of all the peo- ple ? 53 Q. What were some of the first enterprises of Simon ? *3. After an honourable burial of his brother at Mo- din, the city of his fathers, ami the noble and lofty mon- ument, and seven pyramids which he set up for his pa- rents, his four brethren and liimself, he fortified the cities of Judea, made a league with young Demetrius, the son of Demetrius, took the city of Gaza, cleansed the houses from idols, and built himself a house there. 54 Q. Did the garrison in the tower of Acra, near the temple, continue to annoy the Jews in their worship. w3. Notwithstanding all the attempts of Judas and Jonathan, these enemies remained still till the days of Simon, who shut them up so closely, that after great numbers perished with famine, the rest yielded up the tower to Simon : immediately he cleansed it from its pollutions, and entered into it M'ith liarps and songs, and great triumph. 55 ^. What precautions did Simon take against the like annoyance for the time to come ? Ji^ By consent and assistance of the people, he pull- ed down the tower, and reduced the mountain itself so low, that there might be no possibility of any future an- noyance to the woiship of the temple from that place. 56 Q. What further success had Simon in his gov- ernment? ^. He established Jerusalem and Judea in great peace and plenty ; he soudit out the law, and made it to be obeyed ; he beautified the sanctuary, multiplied the vessels of the tenjple, and maintained their .eligion in the divine institutions of it. 57 Q. What peculiar honour was done him by the Jews ? A. In a general assembly of the priests and elders, and the people of the Jews, met together at Jerusalem, he was constituted their prince as well as their high Sect 6. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 175 priest ; and these dignities and offices were settled upon his posterity forever. This was engraven on tables of brass, together with the good deeds of himself and his family, which had merited such an honour ; and these tables were luing up in the sanctuary. 58 Q. What regard was paid to him among the heithen nations .** *!/. Several princes and people, the I^acedcmonians, the Romans, and Antiochus, surnamed Sidetes, the son of Demetrius, king of Syria, all sought his friendship, made leagues and covenants with him, and conferred on him special honours. I •Mace. xiv. and xv. 59 Q. Did Antiochus keep his covenant with Simon ? A, By no means ; for when he had vanquished Try- phon, his rival, he brake his league with Simon, and in- vaded sonu* part of Judea ; but his j^eneral, Cendebeus, was routed by Simon, and his two eldest sons Judas and .Tohn, whose surname was Hyrcanus. 60 ^. Wiiat was the fate of Simon at last ? ^. When Simon was visiting the cities, and giving orders for their welfare, one Ptolemeus, who was his son- in-law, invited him and his sons to a banquet at Jericho, and slew Simon with two of his sons, in order to get the government of the country into his own hands ; and sent privately to kill John also. 61 ^. Did Ptolemeus succeed in this his treachery and murderous enterprise? *9. John having got timely notice of it slew the assas- sins, and was invested with the high priesthood, and tlie government after his father. Note. Here ends that excellent history, the 6rst book of the Maccabees. The following part of this account of the Jews is borrowed chiefly from Josephus, who usually calls John by the surname of Hyrcanus. 376 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 19. Sect. VII. Of the Jewish Affairfi under the Conduct of the Posteritif and Successors of Simon the Mac^ cabee ; and of the several Sects among the Jews, nameli/y Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, HerpdianSy Karaites. 1 Q. Did John Hyrcanus enjoy his office in peace ? ,3, Antiochus Sidetes being informed of the death of Simon, and being invited by Ptolemeus, invaded Ju- dea again, besieged Jerusalem, and reduced H}Tcanus and the Jews to the last extremity by famine ; but when they sued for peace, he granted it, upon condition of paying certain tributes to the king, and demolishing the fortifications of Jerusalem. J^ote. About this time Jesus, the son of Syrach, a Jew of Jerusalem, coming into Egypt, translated the book of Ecclesi- asticus, written by Jesus his grandfather, out of Hebrew into Greek, for the use of the Hellenistic Jews there. The ancients called it Panareton^ or the treasury of all virtue. 2 Q. How did the affairs of the Jews succeed under Hyrcanus ? ^. A few years afterwards he took advantage of the vast confusions that ensued among the nations, upon the death of Antiochus, to enlarge his borders, by seizing some neiglibouring towns on several sides of Judea, and to re- nounce all his dependence upon the kings of Syria. 3 Q. Was he supported therein by any foreign pow- ers d. He renewed the league of friendship which his father Simon had made with the Romans, who were then growing to their grandeur; and they ordered that lie should be freed from the late imposed tribute, and that the Syrians should make reparation for the damages they had done him. 4 Q. In what manner did Hyrcanus deal with the Edomites, or Idumeans, who were on the south of Judea ? A, He constrained them to embrace the Jewish reli- gion, or to leave their country ; whereupon they chose to forsake their idolatry, and became proselytes to Juda- , ct. 7. SCRIPTURE HIS -in, and were mingled and incorpora^ and, by this means, in less tlian two hui very name was lost. Note. In defence of this practice of iryrcanus, amonj'^e Idumeans, which seems to be so contrary to the laws of nature and Scripture, it ma^- be said, that at this time these Edomites had encroached on the land of Judca, and inhabited all the foutH part of it : so that Hyrcanu?, in banishing those who would not become Jews, did but rii.«po?sess them of that coun- try which was given to tlie Jews by God himself. Yet it must be confessed, by this practice he seems to have set an unhappy pattern to his successors, to impose the religion of the Jews on conquered countries by force. 5 Q. How did he treat the Samaritans on the north, when his power was tlius increased r A. He marched with his army and took Shechem, which was then the chief seat of the Samaritan sect; and he destroyed their temple on Mount Gerrizira, which Sanballat had built ; though tliey continued still to keep an altar there, and to offer sacrifices. G Q. How came Shechem to be their chief seat, in- stead of Samaria ? A. The J >Yt:re expelled from Samaria by Alexander, for killing one of his deputy governors m a tumult; and they retiring to Shechem, made that their chief seat ; while Alexander repeopled Samaria with heatliens of the Syrian and Macedonian race: 7 ^. Did Hyrcanus extend his power farther on tliat side of the country ? A. He besieged Samaria and took it, and utterly de- molished it ; he not only ruled in Judea, but in Galilee also, and the neighbouring towns : he became one of the most considerable princes of his age, and preserved the Jewish church and state in safety from their enemies, throughout a long government. 8 ^. What other remarkable actions are ascribed to Hyrcanus? A. He was esteemed a prophet for one or two nota- ble predictions, or knowledge of things done at a dis- tance. He built the castle Hans, on a steep rock, fifty cubits higli, without tlie outer square of the temple, but ITS SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 19. on the same mountain : this was the palace of the Asmo- nean princes in Jerusalem, and here the sacred robes of the high priest were always laid up when they were not in use. 9 (^. What use was afterwards made of this castle ? ».i. Herod new built it, and made it a very strong fortress, to command both the city and the temple ; and called it Antonia, in honour of his great friend Mark Antony of Rome : he raised it so high, that he might see what was done in the temple, and send his soldiers in case of any tumult. Here the Romans kept a strong garrison, and the governor of it was called captain of the femjile. Jlctsxxi, 51, J^oie. It was from this place the sentinel sp3'ing the Jews ready to kill Paul, gave notice to the governor or chief captain, who went down irnmediatelj with some soldiers into the court of the Gentiles, whither they had dragged St. Paul, to kill him, and rescued him, and brought him up the stairs into this castle ; and it was upon these stairs that Paul obtained leave to speak to the people, A.cis xxi. 26, &c. 10 Q. What troubles did Hyrcanus meet with to- ward the end of his life ? Ji. His title to the high priesthood was unjustly call- ed in question by a bold man among the Pharisees ; and, being craftily imposed upon to think it the opinion of all that part}^ he hastily renounced that sect, for whicli he had before the greatest value, he abolished tlieir con- stitutions, and falling in with the sect of the Sadducees, lost his esteem and love among the common people. 1 1 Q. Since you mention the sect of the Pharisees here, pray let us know what were the chief sects among the Jews ? »^. About this time, the most considerable sects were the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and the Essenes ; though in the next century arose also tlie Herodians ; and some Imndreds of years after was a sect called the Karaites. 12 Q. What peculiar opinions were held by the Pharisees ? A, The most distinguishing character of this sect, was their zeal for the traditions of the elders; for while Sect.r. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 179 they acknowledged the writing of Moses and the pro- phets to be divine, they pretended that these traditions also were delivered to Moses on Mount Sinai ; and con- veyed down without writing, through the several genera- tions of the Jews, from father to son : and by reason of their pretences to a more strict and rigorous observance of the law, according to their traditions, which they su- peradded to it, they looked on themselves as more holy tlian other men, and they were called Pharisees, that is, persons separate from others. JVo/e. These were the person* who had so much corrupted the law in our Saviour^'s time, and made it void by their tradi- tions : yet their doctrine generally prevailed among the scribe? and the lawyers, who were writers and explainers of the law ; and the bulk of the common people had them in hi^h esteem and veneration, so that they were the most numerous of anv -ect. 13 O. Is the sect of the Pharisees still in being ? •3. The present religion of tiie Jews, in their several dispersions (except among the few Karaites) is wholly formed and practised according to the traditions of the Pharisees, rather than according to the law and prophets: so that they have corrupted the old Jewish religion in the same manner that the papists have the Christian. 14 ^. What were the opinions of the Sadducees? Ji, Tlie Sadducees at first are supposed by Dr. Pri- deaux to be no more than the Zadikim, w ho only stuck to the written word of God, renouncing all other tra- ditions ; and that probably they went no farther than this in the days of Ilyrcanus ; though the talmudical writers derive their name, and their dangerous doctrines, more early, from one Zadok, as is before related. But it is certain that afterward the Sadducees denied the resurrection of the dead, and the very being of angels or spirits, or souls of men departed, and any existence in a future state : they supposed God to be the only spirit, and that he rewarded and punished mankind in this world only, and there was notliing to be hoped or feared after doatFi ; which principles render this sect an imi)i(»u» I't' men. 180 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 19. 15 Q. What did they profess as the rule of their religion ? nd. They not only rejected all WTitten traditions, but all the written word of God, except the five books of Moses ; for the doctrine of a future state is not so evi- dently taught therein : and therefore Christ argues not with them out of the Psalms and prophets, but only out of the law of Moses, when he proves a future state T)f resurrection from God's being the God of Mraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Luke xx. 37. 16 Q. How long did this sect of the Sadducees con- tinue ? Ji, Though all the common people had the chief ven- eration for the Pharisees, yet most of the richest and the greatest among them fell into the opinions of the Saddu- cees for several generations, but they were all cut off in the destruction of Jerusalem ; nor do we find any men- tion of them as a sect for many ages after, till their name was revived and applied to the Karaites by way of reproach. 17 Q. Who were these -K*ar«ifes .^ ^. A much better sect among the Jews, who in the sixth century after Christ, began to be so much offended with the incredible stories and foolenes of the Talmud, which was then published, and with the strange mystical senses which some of the Jews put on the Scriptures, that they confined themselves only to the written word of the Scripture, which in the Babylonish language is called Kara ; and for the most part, they content them- selves with the literal sense of it. They are sometimes, but very unjustly, called Sadducees, by the rabbinical or tulmudical Jews. 18 Q. Where are these Karaites to be found } Ji. Very few of them dwell in these western parts of the world. They are found chiefly in Poland, and among the Crim Tartars ; a few also in Egypt and Persia. But they are counted men of the best learning, and greatest probity and virtue among the Jews ; and it is remarkable among them, that they perform their public worship in the language of the country where they dwell. V(t. r SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 181 19 Q. What were the ^ss^n^s ? J. They seem to have been oria^nally of the same r^ect as the Pharisees ; but they set up for a more morti- fied way of living, and perhaps more unblameable. They so far agreed with the Sadducees, as to acknowledge or expect no resurrection of the body ; but they believed a future state of eternal happiness or misery ; according to their behaviour in this life. They seem to have been distributed into societies or fraternities, and to have had no piivate possessions, but a common stock for the supply of all. Tliey were in a special manner religious towarci God, both on the sabbath, and in their daily devotions ; and exceeding friendly and benevolent toward men. They did not disclaim marriage ; but they entered into that state more rarely, and with great caution : and in- stead of children of their own, they bred up poor chil- dven in their own sect. They were very abstemious as to their food, and their habit was a plain white garment. Tlieir rules of life are reported to us more at large by Joseplius and by Philo, two Jews ; they are also describ- ed by Pliny, a heatlien, and by some of the Christian* fathers. 20 ^. If they were a considerable sect in the days ol' our Saviour, how came it to pass that they are not mentioned in the New Testament ? Ji. Some have supposed that they seldom came into cities, but living so very plain and abstemious a lif©,thev resided for the most pitrt iu the country ; and thus they fell not under our Savioui-'s observation. And iK^sides, they being a very holiest and sincere sort of people, they gave no such reason fur reproof and censure, as others very justly deserved. Though it must be confessed also, that their disbelief of the resurrection of tlie bodv, their non-attendance on the temple-worship, their traditional washings, arul self-invented [)urifications, their rigorous an *be cut in pieces, and put into cauldrons over the fire to be boil- ed, as if it were for supper ; that so he might leave an opinion in that country, that his men fed upon human flesh, and thereb} might create the greater dread and terror of his army through all those parts. After this, Lathyrus ranged at liberty all over the country, ravaging, plundering and destroying it in a very lamentable manner: for Alexander, :•(>< r i\\\^ hnitlo, was in no condition to resist him. tlG Q. Did Alexander ever recover tins utlcut .- .]. Cleopatra, tjueen of Egypt, who, with her young- est son, witlilield the kini^dom from Lathyrus her eldest, did assist and support Alexander Jaunivus, lest, if Lathy- rus shotdd have become master of Judea, he mii;ht al?.. have recovered Ejjypt out of her hands; wliereupoi Alexander raised his head again, besieged other place- and took Gadara and Amathus toward Galilee, together with much treasure; but he was suq)rised^by Theodoru> piince of Philadelphia, who had laid up that treasur. tf^ere, and was overthrown with the slaughter of tei thousand men. Vet, beung a man of courage and dil' 184 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 19. gence, again he recruited his army, took the city of Gaza irom tlie Philistines, and gave thorough license to his soldiers there to kill, plunder, and destroy as tliey pleas- ed. He subdued their principal cities, and made them part oi his dominions ; Vvhtreupon several of the Philis- tiij^s turned Jews : and indeed it was now grown a cus- tom among the Asmonean princes, to impose their reli- gion upon all their conquests, leaving them no other choice but to become pro.seIytet , o!-to be banished. 27 Q. How did Ids own people, the Jews, carry it towards him ? J], The Pharisees continued their wrath against him, for rigorously maintaining the decrees of his lather, who abolished their constitutions ; and by their powerful m- fiuimce, they stirred up the people against him so far, that while he was executing the high priest's office at the altar, tliey pelted hitn with citrons, and called him re- proachful names. 28 Q. In v/hat manner did Alexander resent it ? J. He slew six thousand of them immediately, and he chose his own guards out of the heathen nations, never daring afterwards to trust himself with the Jews. At last there broke out a civil war between him and his people, which lasted six years, brought great calamity on both, and occasioned the death of above fifty thousane^ people. 29 ^. How was this war carried on ? ^. Though Alexander gained many victories over them, yet being wearied out, he desired peace, and ofter- ed to grant them whatsoever tliey could reasonably de- sire : but upon his inquiry what terms would please them,*they answered with one voice, that he should cut Ills own throat / so dreadful was their enmity against him ; and upon this answer, the war was still pursued with fury on both sides. 30 Q. How was this war ended at last ? d» Alexander Jann?eus, the king, having lost one great battle, resumed his courage, and afterward gained another, which concluded the war ; for having cut oif the greatest part of his enemies, he drove the rest into the ^ . t. r. JSCUIPTURE UlSiORV. 185 city of Bethome, and besieged them there : and liaving taken the place, he carried ei^lit hundred of them to Je- rusalem, and there caused them to be all crucified in one day ; and their wives and children to be slain before their faces, while they hung dying on tlieir crosses. In tiie mean time he treated his wives and concubines with this bloody spectacle at a feast. This terrified the Jews indeed so eftectually, that they made no more insurrec- tions against him ; though he ^ot a most infamous name by it, in that and the following ages. A dreadful in stance of the barbarity of a high priest with civil power ! 31 (?. I)i('. this cruel tyrant come to a natural death ? •^. The providence of God, which does not always punish sinners in this life, permitted him to die in the camp of a quartan ague, which had hung long upon him, while lie was besieging a castle of the Gerasenes beyond Jordan. And though he left two sons behind him, yet he bequeathed the government to Alexandra his wife, during her life; and to be disposed of at her death to which of her sons she pleased. 3^ ^. How did this woman reconcile herself to the Jews, so as to permit her to reign over them ? Ji. By her husband's advice upon his death-bed, she concealed his death till the castle was taken ; then lead- ing back the armv to Jerusalem in triumph, made her court to the Pharisees, resigned up his dead corpse to their pleasure, to be abused or buried, as they should think fit, and promised to follow their advice in all the affairs of government : ft3r he had assured her, that they were tlic best of friends and the woi st of enemies ; and that if she would but be ruled by them, they would make lier nilc over others. 33 ^. What success had this conduct of Alexandra? Ji. All the success she desired : the people were in- fluenced by the Pharisees to gi'.e the corpse of iier hus- band an honourable funeral, s'le herself was settled in the "[ovcrnmcnt of the nation, and she made her eldest son Hyrcarius hidi priest 34 ({. How did she administer the government under the direction of the Pharisees ? 186 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. IP. *A. She immediately revoked the decree of John Hyrcanus, whereby he had abolished their traditional constitutions; by which means the Pharisees, and their traditions, grew into greater esteem and power than ever ; and she permitted them to put to death many of those who advised the late king Alexander to deal so cruelly with the people ; and some others of their own adversa- jies also were executed on this pretence, by her leave; for she dreaded a new civil war, and of two evils she thought to choose the least. 35 Q. To whom did she leave the kingdom at her death ? Ji. To Hyrcanus her eldest son, who had been en- tireljr bred up under the influence and tutorage of tlie Pharisees. 36 Q. Did this Hyrcajius the second continue to reign in peace ? S, Aristobulus, the younger son, finding that the army and the people were weary of the oppressive ad- ministration of the Pharisees, raised an army against his brother Hyrcanus, put him to flight, forced him to resign the kingdom and the high priesthood, and to live a private life ; which he consented to, after he had been king three months ; for he naturally loved his own ease and quiet more than any thing else. 37 Q. Was Aristobulus disturbed in his government ? Ji, There was one Antipater, an Idumean, (whose lather was advanced to the government of Idumea by the late king Alexander) and he himself being bred up with Hyrcanus, in the court of Alexandra, prevailed upon Hyrcanus to accept of the assistance of Aretas, the Ara- bian king, to restore him to the kingdom ; for he assured him that his life was in so great danger from his brother Aristobulus, that he could save it no other way but by dethroning him. 38 Q. What success had Hyrcanus in following this counsel of Antipater? Jl. By the help of Aretas he gained an absolute vic- tory over Aristobulus, drove him into the mountain of the tempW, ami tlwre besieged him ; where the pvie^s Sect. r. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 137 stootl by Aristobulus, while tlie people declared for Hyr- canus. 59 Q. What heinous murder were the people guilty of at this time ? Jl. There was one Onias at Jerusalem, so holy a man that he was tliought by his prayers to have obtained rain from heaven in a great drought : and the people conclud- ing that his curses would be as powerful as liis prayers, pressed him to curse Aristobulus, and all that were with him. The good man finding no rej^t from their impor- 1 unities, lift up his hands toward heaven and prayed thus : O Lord God, Rector of the universe, since tliosc that are with us are ihif people, and they that are be- ^ ^^ie,s;ed in the temple are thy jn-iests, I pray that thou '^j^^ouldst hear the prayers of neither of them a»'ainst the, ^ other. Hereupon the multitmie were so enraged, that they stoned him to death. 40 (I. Did Hyrcanus's paity prosper after this mur- der? J. Hyrcanus and his people fell under great disap- pointments at first ; for the Romans spreading their em- pire far at this time, and being largely bribed by Aristo- bulus, they forced Aretas tt) raise the siege ; wliereupon Aristobultts pursued and routed him in battle, and slew multitudes or Hvrcanus's party. 41 Q. In what manner was this contest carried on afterwards ? J], The two brothel's Hyrcanus and Aristobulus, first by their ambassadors, and afterwards in pei-son, pleaded tJieir cause before Pompey, the general of the Ronians, who was now at Damascus: while, at tlie same time, tlie people declared against both: for they pretended they were not to be governed by kings, but by the priests of God. 42 Q. How was the controversy decided ^ A. Pompey not giving a speedy determination, and Aristobulus suspecting the event, he retired and prepar- ed for war : whereupon Pompey seized Aristobulus in one of his castles, and confined him to prison, and laid siege to Jerusalem ; and being received into the city by 188 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap, la Hyrcanus's party, besieged also the temple and the castle Baris,and took it in three months time. 43 Q. How came the Romans to take so strong a place so soon ? Ji. Though the Jews had learnt from the beginning of the Maccabean wars, to defend themselves when at- tacked on the sabbath ; yet being not actually assaulted, they permitted the Romans to build up their works and engines on the sabbath, without disturbing them ; where- by the tower or castle, and with it the temple, were taken. 44 Q. On what day was the temple taken ? A. On tlie very day which the Jews kept as a solemn fast, for the taking of Jerusalem and the temple by Ne- buchadnezzar: and it is remarkable, that the priests who were at the altar continued their devotions, and their rites of worship, till they peiished by the hands of the enemy. 45 Q. What blood and plunder ensued in the tem- ple? A. Twelve thousand Jews were slain on this occa- sion, partly by Pompey's army, and partly by their own brethren, oT the party of Hyrcanus. But when Pompey entered the sanctuary, he forbore to touch any of the sacred vessels thereof, or the two thousand talents which were laid up there for sacred uses ; he ordered the temple to be cleansed, and sacrifices to be offered there according to their own laws. J^ole. Though Pompey was so moderate in his victory, yet in a little time after, Crassus, another Roman general, in his march through the country, seized and took away those two thousand talents, and the golden vessels of the temple, and rich hangings of inestimable worth. But the vengeance of heaven seemed to follow him : his counsels in his wars from this time forward, were under perpetual disappointment ; he was slain in a war with the Parthians : his head was cut off, and melted gold was poured down his throat, by way of insult over his insatiable covetousness. 46 Q. What wa^ the final effect of this victory of the Romans ? Sect. 7. SCRIFrURE HISTORY. 1^ *^. Pompey demolished the walls of Jerusalem^ put to deatli some of the cliief supporters of Aristobulus, re- stored Ilyrcaiius to the hij^h priesthood, and made liiiii also governor, but under tribute to the Romans, and re- duced his dominions to narrower bounds : then he car- ried Aristobulus, witli his children,, prisoners to Rome ; except his eldest son, who escaped. JVole. From this quarrel between Hyrcanus the second and * - ' ' ilug, tlie ruin of Judea and Jerusalem must be dated ; ; loss of the liberty of the Jews, and the translation of • reign authority to the Romans ; which had till then de- scended with the priesthood, and been possessed by the Jews, though often under some tribute to heathen princes. 47 Q. Did Aristobulus or his sons ever attempt the recovery ot* their power and government ? *!?. Being escaped from prison they made several vigorous attempts, but without success. 48 Q. What changes did Jerusalem pass under tlirough these times r *?. Gabinius, a Roman general, marching through Ju- dea, in a little time made a great change in the govern- ment, lessened the power of flyrcanus yet further, alter- ed the constitution of the Sanhedrim or Jewisli senate : but all was restored again shortly after by Julius Caesar: for, at Hyrcanus*s reijuest, he gave him leave to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, and by a decree from the senate of Rome, the ancient friendship with the Jews was re- ncweel. 49 i(. AVhcre was Antipater all this while, wlio had excited Ilyvcanus to recover the government of Judea ? »'i. He did many services for Cajsar in his wars in the neighbouring countries ; whereupon he was made his lieutenant in Judea, under Hyrcanus, who was con- firmed by Ciesar in the government and high priesthood : and, at the same time, Antipater procuretl rhasael, his eldest son, to be made governor of the city of Jerusalem ; and Herod, his second son, governor of Judea. J^'ote. This Herod grew tip to hiiegp. 192 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 19. 5 Q. Did he carry this plate at last ? Ji, He took Jerusalem by storm, after six montlis liard and bloody service in the siege, at which the Ro- mans being enraged, ravaged the city with blood and plunder, notwithstanding all that Herod could do to pre- vent it; and having taken king Antigonus there, and sent him to Antioch, Herod persuaded Mark Antony, by a large bribe, to put him to death. ■ Note. Here ended the reign of the Asmoneans, or Macca- bees, after that race had held the government one hundred and twenty years. During great part of this time, as well as before, the various changes of these Jewish governors, or the interrup- tion by heathen conquerors, filled the country of Judea with in- numerable calamities and desolations, of which Jerusalem itself had a very large share, nor did they cease in the following years. 6 ^. How did- Herod begin his reign? A. As he was forced to make his way to the king- dom through much blood, so he established himself by the same means, putting to death several of the partizans of Antigonus, and among them all the counsellors of the g^ieat Sanhedrim, except Pollio, who is called Hillel, and feameas, who is called vShammai ; for both of them had encouraged the city to receive Herod ; though it was not out of love to him, but merely on this view, that it was in vain to resist him. Note. This Hillel and Shammai were too very great and eminent teachers among the doctors of traditions in the Jewish schools. 7 Q. Who was made high priest after the death of Antigonus, who was both priest and king ^ A. At first Herod made one Ananelus or Ananus i»igh priest, who was an obscure man, but of tlie house of Aaron, educated among the Jews afar oft' in Babyh)nia, and therefore not so likely to oppose any of Hcrod*s de- signs in Judea. 8 Q. Did Ananelus continue in the high priesthood ? *5. Herod's beloved wife, Mariamne, and her mother, being of the race of the Maccabees, were ever teasinj^ him to make Aristobulus, Mariamne's brother^ a lad or cu 8. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 193 seventeen years old, high priest in Ananelus's room, to whom indeed it ratlier belono:ed as an heir male of that family : tliis he at last complied with against his will ; but in a very little time he procured him to be drowned under pretence of bathing. 9 Q. What became of Hyrcanus all this while ? J, Though he liad been banished for so many years among the Parthians and Babylonians, yet he returned to Jerusalem upon the advancement of Herod, presuming that the marriage of his grand-daughter, ana his own former merits towards him, would secure to himself a peaceful old age in his own country under Herod*s pro- tection. 10 O. How did Herod deal with him ? «4. He received him at first with all respect, but some time after found a pretence to put him to death, when he was above eighty years of age, lest one time or other, bein^ of the family of the Maccabees or Asmo- neans, he should be restored to tiie kingdom. 1 1 (I. Besides all these confusions, what other ca- lamity liappened to tlie Jews about this time ? A, A terrible earthquake ran through the whole land of Judea, and buried thirty thousand of tlie inhabitants in the ruin of their houses, in the seventh year of Herod*s reign ; a grievous pestilence followed it m a little time, and a desolating famine a very few years after, at which time Herod was very liberal to the people, but he could not gain tlieir hearty aftection. 12 Q. Did Herod maintain his government, when his i;ieat friend Mark Antony was ruined, and vanquished by Octavius ? ,i. He took care to make early submission to Octa- vius; he laid aside Ims diadem when he waited on him, and witii open heart he confessetl his former fiiendship for Aiitory, but he now assured Octavius of the santei faithful friend;^hip and obedience, if he niidit be trusted : upon which, Octavius, who noAv assumed the name of Augustus CVsar, bid him resume his diadem, confirmed him in the kingdom, and was his friend and protector nven to his death. 18 194 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 19. 13 Q. Did he then continue to reign in perfect peace? J. Domestic troubles broke the peace of his mind, and threw him into violent grief and rage, which further soured his temper for all his life after. 14 Q. What were those domestic troubles ? ^. He was jealous lest any man should possess so great a beauty as Mariamne his queen after his death, and lest any remains of the family of the Asmoneans should hinder the succession of liis own family to the kingdom of Judea ; and for these reasons he gave private orders, that in case he died, both his wife and her mother should be put to death : which dreadful secret being communicated to his queen, she resented it to such a degree, that she would never afterwards receive him; but notwithstanding all his kind addresses and importu- nities she perpetually followed him with sharp re- proaches for the murder of her relations, by which he secured the crown to himself, and upbraided his mother and sister with the meanness of their parentage. So that between his excess of love and rage and jealousy, he •was so tormented, and so wrought upon by the artifices of his mother and sister Salome, that at last he put his beloved Mariamne to death, under a pretence of an at- tempt 4o poison him, and he executed her mother too a little after the daughter, for a real plot against his life. 15 Q. Did the death of Mariamne relieve him from this tumult of passion ? A. By no means ; for now his love returned with violence, and his grief and vexation joined with other passions to render him a most miserable wretch, a tor- ment to himself, and outrageous to all about him. 16 Q. What course of life did he follow afterward? A. He grew more arbitrary and cruel in his govern- ment ; he put what persons lie pleased into the hidh priesthood, and turned them out again at pleasure : he made several innovations in the laws, customs, and re- ligion of the Jevv s ; and introduced spectacles of wrest- lers, of combats between wild beasts and criminals, &g. in conformity to the heathens; pretending it was all Sect 8. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 193 necessary to please Caesar : anJ thus set the hearts of the Jews mucli more against him, who were very jealous of their religion and customs. Then, thinking it needful for his defence, as well as for his grandeur and glory, he built several strong places and towers within and with- out Jerusalem ; he raised temples in several cities, and dedicated them to Ceesar, who was his great friend; and though sometimes he remitted part of tne taxes, and did several beneficent actions to ingratiate himself with the people, it was all in vain ; he could not obtain their love. 17 Q. What was his greatest and most considerable attempt to please tlie people, and to perpetuate his own name? Ji. He proposes to rebuild the temple at Jerusalem : for it having now stood near five hundred years, and be- ing so often injured, broken and repaired, he persuaded tlie people that a new one should be built with much more magnificence and glory. 18 <^. But could he persuade the Jews to consent that their temple should be demolished, in order to re- build it ? Ji. Not till he had assured them that the old temple should remain untouched till all materials were ready to build the new one ; which he actually provided at vast expense and labour in two years time, by employing ten thousand artificers for the work, a thousand wagons for carriage, and a tliousand pi*iests for direction. 19 ^. Did he fulfil his promise in building this new- temple ? Ji, Yes ; be performed the work with prodigious cost and splendour, as it is described by Josephus : it was built of large stones, each twenty- five cubits long, twelve cubits broad, and eiglit in thickness, which the disciples desired our Saviour to take notice of with wonder. Mark xiii. 1, 2. The sanctuary, that is, the holy place, and the most holy, which were more properly called the temple, were finished in a year and a half, so^at divine worship was performed there ; and in eiiit years more we SCRIPTURE HISTORY, Chap. ig. he completed the several walls, and galleries, and pillars, and courts, according to his design, 20 Q. How could it be said then, John ii. 20, Forty> and six years was the temple in building ? Ji. it was begun near forty-six years before that pass-over, when our Saviour, being near thirty-one years old, was present at Jerusalem ; and though the grand design and plan was executed in nine years and a half, yet Ilerod and his successors were always building out- works round it, or adding new ornaments to it, even to that very day when Christ was there and long afterward* 21 Q. When was it dedicated ? ..?. The same year when it was finished, and on the- anniversary-day of Herod's accession to the crown, and on this account it was celebrated with a vast number of sacrifices and universal rejoicing.. J^ote. Within four years after this dedication, Jesus Christ our Saviour was born, and was presented there an infant, ac- cording to the law. 22 Q. Was not this then the third temple of the Jews? »5. No ; it was called the second temple still, because though it was built anew from the foundations, yet it was only by way of reparation, it not having been rased and demolished with a ruinous design, nor did it lie in ashes and desolation, as it did when Nebuchadnezzar destroyed it. 23 ^. Did Herod do any thing after this in favour of the Jews ? J. When the Jews who were scattered throughout Greece and Asia Minor grew very numerous,, and were mucli disturbed and oppressed by the other inhabitants, Herod procured tor them a new establishment of their liberties and privileges, and permission to live in other countries, according to their own laws and religion, which had been granted them before by the kings of Syria and by the Romans. 24 ({. What further troubles did Herod meet with in his family ? A, His two eldest sons by Mariamne, namely, Aris- tobulus and Axander, whom he had sent to Rome for Sect 8. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 197 education* being returned to Jerusalem in the heat of their youth, they frequently expressed their resentments for the death of their mother, and thereby they became obnoxious to the rage of Salome, Herod's sister and fa- vourite : and thus she, who had been one great and con- stant instrument to blow the coals of jealousy and dis- content between Herod and his queen, and at last to occasion her death, pursued the same course to make liim jealous of some designs of his sons against his life ? 25 Q. What issue had these quarrels and jealousies? A* They continued several years; plots were invent- ed on both sides : these gave Herod in his old age per- petual disquietudes, suspicions and fears : but Salome nis sister prevailed so tar by her craft against his two sons, that after many accusations and acquitments of them, she at last procured their condemnation and exe- cution by Herod's order and the consent of Augustus Cft-sar. This was about a year or two before the birth, of Christ. 26 ^. What was the general state of the heathen world atmut this time ? J. All the known parts of the world were subdued to the Romans, and tiie nations were in peace ; on which account the temple of Janus was shut up at Rome, whicb had never been shut but five times since the first building^ of that city; and then Jesus Christ the Prince of peace came into the world and was born at Bethlehem. 27 Q. Wherein does it appear that the world was thus all at quiet under the government or dominion of tlie Romans ? ►i. Augustus Caesar^ the emperor of Rome, issued out a decree tliat year for a general register of his whole empire, which St. Luke calls a tajcin^,^r enrolling of all the world, Luke ii, 1. This brought Mary the mother of Christ to Bethlehem, the city of David, to which fam- ily she belonged ; and while she was there, she brought forth her son Jesus, as- it is written, Luke ii. 1 — IK Kotc. This year, in which Christ was born, according to bishop Usher^s exact cornputation, is the four thousandth year from the creation ; which faljs in with, an old traditioa of tho 18* 198 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 19. Jews, that the world was to last six thousand years ; namely, two thousand years before the law, (or before Abraham, who was the father of circumcision and the JeAvs;) and two thou- sand under the law ; that is, from Abraham to the Messiah ; and two thousand under the Messiah. And here I might conclude this chapter, having brought the JeAvnsh affairs down to the birth of Christ. But it may give some light to the New Testament to carry it on a little farther. 28 Q. What piece of cruelty was Herod guilty of, when he heard that a child was born, who was to be king of the Jews ? Ji. He slew all the young children in Bethlehem, that he might be sure to destroy Christ, and that his own posterity might be kings of Judea. 29 Q. Whom did Herod design then for the succes- sor to his kingdom ? J. Antipater, his eldest son by Doris, a wife which Herwl had before Mariamne ; his father had raised him to some post of honour upon his displeasure with his other sons, and he liad been also active and busy himself towards procuring the death of those two brothers. 30 Q. Did Antipater succeed his father in the king- dom, according to Herod's present design ? •B. Antipater longing for the crown and for his fath- er's death, did really conspire to poison him, and being- convicted thereof, had a sentence of condemnation pass- ed upon him : and it being confirmed by Augustus Ctesar, was executed by his father's approbation. Tliis was the third son whom Herod put to death. 51 Q. When and in what manner Aid Herod die ? J. In tlie seventieth year of his age, and five days after the execution of his son Antipater, Herod himself died by a dreadful complication of diseases. He had a slow fever, an asthma, an ulcer in his bowels and his lower parts, which bred worms and lice ; he languished under extreme pain and torment till he expired, and seems to have been smitten of God in a signal and terrible manner for his cruelty, and the multiplied in- iquities of his whole life. 32 q. What instance of cruelty was he guilty of even at his death ? Sect. 8. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 19^ A, Knowing how much he was hated of the Jews, he concluded there would be no lamentation for him, but rather rejoicing when he died ; and to prevent this, he framed a project, one of the most horrid tliat could en- t€r into the heart of man ; he summoned all the chief Jews over the whole kingdom on pain of deatli to appear at Jericho, where he then lay ; he shut them up piison- ers in the circus, oi* public place of shews, he ordered and adjured his sister Salome and her husband, who were his chief confidents, to send in soldiers as soon ;i« he was dead, and put them all to the sword ; Fur this, id he, will jii'ovide mourners for my funeral all the .and over. 33 ^. Was this bai-barous and bloody command ex- ecuted) .3. His sister Salome, as bad as she was, cliose rather to break her oath to him than to execute so horrid a de- sign, and therefore she released them all after his death. 34 ^. What posteiity did Herod leave behind him ? A. He had nine wives, and such of his posterity as are najned in Scripture, are these that follow, namely, Archelaus his son, who succeeded him in the kingdom of Judea and Samaria, *Matt. ii. 22 ; Herotl Antipas, te- trarch or governor of Galilee, wlio cut oft' John tlie bap- tist's head,..Vrti^ xiv. 1, 3, 6; Philip, governor of Iturea and Toachonitis, Luke iii. 1; and Herod Philip, who married his own neice, Herotlias, and had a da»?ghter by her called Salome, who danced well : but Herodias after- ward left him, to marry Herod Antipas his brother, for which John tlie baptist reproved this Herod Antipas. Luke iii. 19. Tliis Herodias was daughter of Herod*s son Aristobu- lus, whom he put to deatli, and sister of Herod Agrippa, who slew the apostle James, Jcfs xii. 1,2, and was af- terwards smitt^'n of God, at Ciesarea. ver. 20 — 23. Of this Hei-od Agrippa was born, that king Agrippa tlie se- cond, before whom Paul pleaded his cause, Jicta xxv. and xxvi. and his two sisters were, Drusilla, wife to Felix the governor, Jicts xxiv, 24, and Iknuce, who attended her 200 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 19. brother Agrippa to hear Paul plead. This genealogy is borrowed from Dr. Prideaux. 35 Q. Did Archelaus continue long in his govern- ment? .5. He was guilty of many and great instances of tyranny, for which he was deposed, and banished to a town in France by the Roman emperor, when he had reigned in Judea between nine and ten years. 36 Q. How was Judea governed afterwards ? .^. The Romans were so much displeased with the evil practices of Archelaus, that they reduced Judea to the form of a Roman province, and ruled it afterwards by procurators or governors, who were sent thither, and recalled at their pleasure : the power of life and death was taken out of the hands of the Jews, and placed in the Roman governor, and their taxes were paid more di- rectly to the Roman emperor, and gathered by the pub- licans. 37 Q. How did the Jews resent this ? »9. The Pharisees, and the people under their influ- ence, thought it unlawful to acknowledge a king who^ was not a Jew. Deut, xvii.'15. From among thy brethren shalt thou set a king over thee : and therefore, though they were constrained to pay tribute to Csesar, yet they scarce allowed it to be lawful ; upon this account they looked upon these publicans with greater detestation than any of the tax-gatherers in former ages, while their governor was of the Jewish nation or religion. JVb/e. Though Herod was an Idumean by nation, yet all the Idumeans having received the Jewish rehgion, Herod Avas so far counted a lawful governor, as that they did not scruple paying taxes to him. 38 Q. How was the high priesthood carried on at this time ? *S. As Heroil had done before, so the Roman govern- ors continued to make high priests, and to depose them as often as they pleased, to answer their own purposes. 39 Q. Who was iiigh priest when our blessed Savioup was put to death ? Sect 8. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 201 Ji, Caiaphas, trho was son-in-law to Annas, who had been liimself high priest for fifteen years, and was de- posed bj one of their governors. Note. Caiaphas was not iinniediale successor to Annas, for there were three high priests carae between them, who hacT been instituted in that office, and deposed by tjK' Romans : Hence it may come to pasp, that in the history of the Gospels we frequently read of several chief priests at the tame time, and of Annas and Caiaphas being high priests at the beginning of John the baptisfs mini^^lry. Lukt iii. 2. For >vliether they had any concurring power givt n them by the Romans or no, yet being ?tDl alive, after they had been in tKat office, they might have their title give n them by the peoi»le, and some of them had probably' coiisiderable influence in the Jewiish affairs. In tiie case of Annas and Caiaphas, some suppose one to have been head of the Sanhedrim, and to have chielly managed in civil affairs, the other in sacred. Others fancy one to have been the high priest, and the other the deputy high prieat, or Sa^an^ . ' . Iways ready to perform the office, if the high priest ^ ed or hindered. And some think they might rule all'- .--,., tr together, by permiskjon, or appointment of the RomauF. It is evident the sacred }aw9 of Moses were not strictly observed at that time among them, nor long before. Xott. This Annas is supposed to be the same person with tliat Ananiu.o, whoai Paul did not seem to acknowledge for God's high priest, when he reproved him, and called him, Thou tchilcd wall. Actt xxiii. 3 — 5. 40 (^. Who was governor of Jutlea at tliat time ? Ji. Pontius Pilate : for Tiberius C?esar (who had reigned two or three years togetlier \\itli Augustus at Uomej and had after liis death succeeded him now nine- teen yeai-s in the empire) liad a few years before made this Pilate governor : lie was a man thoroughly prepared for all manner of inic|uity, which he executetl throu^i his whole government ; and gave further proof of it in tliat unjust sentence, which lie passed even against his own conscience, for the crucifixion of our blessed Lord, at the request of tlie wicked Jews. 41 ^. What became of Pontius Pilate at last? A* He was in a very short time recalled by the Ro- man emperor for misdemeanors in his government, and 502 SCRIFrURE HISTOEY. Chap. 10. banished to Vienne in France, where he is reported to have put an end to his own life by the sword. 42 Q. Did the Jews grow wiser and better after- wards ? Ji. They went on by persecution and rage against the Gospel^of Cinist, and t!ie professors of it, and by many other crimes, to fill up the measure of their iniqui- ties, till at last, upon their insurrection against the Ro- mans, they were exposed to the fury of a conquering army, their city and temple were utterly destroyed, ac- cording to the prophecy of Christ ; eleven hundred thou- sand of the people perished, and the remains of their nation have been scattered abroad through the earth unto this day. 43 Q. What general remark may be drawn from the whole history of the Jews since their return from the captivity of Babylon ? *A, That the affairs of their church and of their state have been for the most part so unliappy, they have been so much disquieted by the invasions and persecutions of the kings of the earth, so wretchedly corrupted with the introduction of human traditions, rharisaical supersti- tions, and heathenish rites among them ; and so frequent- ly and grievously oppressed by their own priests and princes, as well as strangers, that they never did enjoy so peaceful, so pious, and so flourishing a state, as to give a full accomplishment of all those glorious prophecies which relate to their happiness after their return from captivity. 44 Q. What follows from this remark ? A. That there must be, in the decrees and provi- dence of God, a further reserve of peace, holiness and happiness for the seed of Israel, which shall be conferred upon them in the latter days : and therefore we cannot but expect a more large and general conversion of the Jews to the faith of Jesus the true Messiah, than hath ever yet appeared, with greater blessings upon that peo- ple who were once so dear to God, and are beloved for their father's sake. St. Paul, in his eleventh chapter to the Romans, abundantly confirms what the prophets en- courage us to hope for. Chap. 20. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 203 CHAP. XX. Of the Prophecies which relate to Jesus Christ oiir Saviour, and their Accomplishment ; or, a Propheti' cat Connection between the Old and •^'*ew Testament, INTRODUCTION. As I have given an Historical Continuation of the affairs of the Jews from the time of Nehemiah, where the Old Testament ends, to the time of Jesus Christ our Lord ; so I have here inserted a chapter of some of the plainest predictions or prophecies which are found in the Old Testament, that relate to the person, offices and glories of the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour, and are ful- filled in the Gospel : and it may be called A Prophetical Connection between the Old Testament and the iVew. And because I would not give offence by introducing such prophecies as are either much doubted or denied by any Christians ; therefore I shall scarce mention any but what some of the writers of the New Testament either directly cite, or to which they have a plain refer- ence in some of their expressions. 1 ^. Since the great subject of the New Testament is our Lord Jesus Christ and his Gospel, tell me now what arc the chief discoveries or representations made of him in the Old Testament ? J]. Besides the types or emblems of Christ and his Gospel, which are found in the Jewish worsiiip, there are also several plain expressions in the books of the Old Testament, which are predictions or prophecies con- cerning him, long before he came into tlie world. See some of the types in chap. V. ^. 116. 2 Q. What is tlie first and earliest prophecy of Christ? A. Gen, iii. 15, where God said to the first wo- man, tliat is, to Eve, that her seed should bruise the head of the serpent. 204 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 20. 3 Q. Wlierein is this prophecy fulfilled ? A, Gal, iv. 4, God sent forth his Son made of a wo- man. 1 John iii. 8, The Son of God ivas manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil ^ that is, he should destroy the mischievous designs and deeds of the devil, who lay hid in the serpent, when he tempted Adam and Eve to sin; and this, in the language of prophecy, is called, bruising the serpeTtt's head. 4 ^. What is the next plain prophecy of Christ ? •41. Gen. xviii. 18, ana xxii. 18, where God tells Abraham, that in him and his seed shall all the na- tions of the earth he blessed. 5 Q. How does this appear to have a reference to Christ? •4. Gal. iii. 8, TJie Scripture preacheth the Gospel unto Jibraham^ sayings In thee shall all nations be bless- ed $ ver. 16. JVow to Mraham and his seed were the 2Womises made: He saith. To thy seed, which is Christ; who was to be derived in a long course of generations from Abraham, and therefore Christ may be called the Son of Abrahamu Matt. i. L 6 \. To whom was this promise given besides Abra- ham ? Jl. It was given to Isaac the son of Abraham, Gen. xxvi. 4, and to Jacob his grandson. Gen, xxviii. \A. In thee and in thy seed shall all nations be blessed. 7 Q. Did Jacob prophecy concerning Christ ? Ji. Yes, in his dying speech to his son Judah, Gtn. xlix. 10. 77ie sceptre (or tribe ^ as the word signifies) shall not depaH from Judah, nor a lawgiver from be- tween his feet y until Shiloh come, and till the gathering cf the people be unto him. 8 Q. How can you prove that this prophecy relates to Christ'? A. Shiloh signifies one that is sent, which is the fre- .t Solomon also prophecy of Christ ? 19* 210 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 20. ^. Many Christians, in elder and later times, have supposed that the eighth chapter of Solomon's Proverbs speaks of Christ in his divine nature, under the character of wisdom. JVo/e. Some of the ancient fathers suppose wisdom in this chapter, to denote Jesus Christ ; some think it means the Holy Spirit : But other writers question whether there be any such full and sufficient proof of either of these opinions in the New Testament, as to write them down with assurance. Athanasius sometimes explains it of Christ's human nature. And on these accounts Dr. Patrick himself doubts, whether this be a prophe- cy of Clu-ist, or no ; or whether it only relates to divine and human wisdom. 14 Q. But did not Solomon write the Song of Songs : and is not Christ there foretold as the bridegroom and husband of the church ? Ji, The metaphors and similitudes of the same kind which are used in the 45th Psalm, and in some of the Epistles, and the book of the Revelations, have generally persuaded our Christian expositors to apply this song to the spiritual characters and transactions of Christ and his church : but tl\e expressions are so much borrowed from the affairs of a human love, that they hardly afford such sufficient argument for the proof of the Messiah as more evident and direct prophecies, which is my present chief business ; nor indeed do I know that the If^ew Tes- tament cites any of Solomon's writings as prophecies olt' Christ. 15 Q. Which is the next of the prophets which speak of Christ, as they stand in order in our Bible ? Jl. Isaiah, who was called the evangelical or Gospel prophet, because he foretels the greatest variety of events that relate to him, namely, , 1. That he shall be born of a virgin. Isa, vii. 14, ^ ifirgin shall conceive and bear a sa?i, ajid shall call his name Emmanuel ; which was explained and accomplish- ed when the virgin Mary brought forth her son Jesus* Matt, i. 20 — 23. The name Emmanuel signifies God with us, 2» That he shall be of the family of Jesse or David, Chap. 20. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. ^11- who shall be king of Israel ; that his name si will be the mighty God y and his kingdom shall stand tor ever. Isa. xi. 10, In that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people: to it shoU the Gentiles seek. Isa, ix. 6, 7, IJnto us a child is born ; unto us a son is given ; the government shall be upon his shoulders, and his name shall be called IVonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, Vie everlasting Father, the Prince of peace. "^ Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end : upon the throne of Da- vid, and upon his kingdom, to order it and to establish it with judgment and justice, from henceforth even for ever. 3. And yet tliat he should be rejected by many of the Jews, and sliould be received by the Gentiles. Isa. viii. 14, He shall be for a Sanctuary; that is, a Refuge for mankind : but for a Stone of stumbling, and Rock of of- fence to both the houses of Israel ; that is both to Judah and Benjamin who made up the Jewish nation ; or to the two kingdoms both of Juuah and Israel, as they were distinguished in former times. Now this text is applied to Christ. Rom. ix. 33. 1 Fet. U.S. His rejection by the Jews is foretold also in Isa. liii. 1, 2, 3. JFho hath be- lieved, aw. vii. IS, 14. Now our blessed Saviour is continually called the Son of man in the history of the Gospel ; and is said to come in the clouds of heaven. Matt. xxiv. SO, and xxvi. 64, and uni- versal dominion is given him, Matt, xxviii. 18. There is also another very remarkable account of Jesus Christ, or the Messiah, given to Daniel by the angel Ga- briel, Dan. ix. 24, &c. that before the full end of seventy iveeks, that is seventy times seven days, which, in pro- phetical language, are four hundred and ninety years, af- ter the commission to Nehemiah to restore Jerusalem, and the church of the Jews; the Messiah shall be cut off, but not for himself: that tliis term of years is appointed to finish transgression, to make an end of sin, to make reconciliation for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up the vision and j^rophecy, and lhap.£a SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 215 anoint tiie Most Holy. And after this, the people of the prince that shall come, that is, the Romans, shall de- stroy the city and the sanctuary. All which were ful- filled in their proper seasons, by the death of Christ, his atonement for sin, and the destruction of Jemsalem and the temple some time after. 19 ^, What is the next remarkable prophecy con- cerning Christ in the books of Scripture ? ^. 3licah tells us the place where Christ should be born. Mic. v. 2, Thou Bethlehem Epratnh, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee sJwll he come forth unto me, that is to be Ruler in Israel, lohose goings forth have been from old, from everlasting. Which prophecy is plainly fulfilled. Matt. ii. 1—6, and Luke iL 4, 5, when Mary the mother of Christ went up to Bethlehem to be taxed there, being of the family of David, together with Joseph her husi>and, of the same family, and there she brought forth her son Jesns. 20 Q. What did Haggai foretel concerning Christ ? .S. Hag. ii. 6—9, For thus saith the Lord of hosts, ■ipt once it is a little while and I mill shake the heavens d the earth, and the sea, and the dry land : and I will Hike allnations; and theDesire of all nations shallcome, and I u' ill Jill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts: and the glory of this latter house shall be great-' er than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts. Which is naturally explained thus : he who was the Desire of all nations, or who should be desired as a Saviour by the Jews and Gentiles, should come (as Malachi expresses it) into his temple. Mai. iii. 1. And by tins means, even by his own presence, should make the latter temple, which was built after the captivity, more glorious than that of Solomon's ; though its riclies and magnificence, mall outward respects, were far inferior to Solomon's: this is the only reasonable constiuction that can be put upon those words. 21 ^. Does Zechariah tell us any thine: conceminff Christ? ^ o o Ji. Though his prophecy be generally pretty obscure, yet in several places he speaks those things wliich plain- 216 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 20. \y relate to the Messiah ; some whereof are cited and applied to Christ in the New Testament, and several of them were attributed to the Messiah bj the ancient Jews. See the texts that follow. He tells us in chap. vi. ver. 12, Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, sayings Behold the man whose name is the Branch, he shall build the temple of the Lord, he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne, and he shall be a Priest upon his throne, and the council of peace shall be between them both : and they that are afar off shall come and build in the temple of the Lord. Wherein the prophet informs us, " that this person, whom foregoing propliets have called the Branch out of the root of Jesse, shall build up the church of God in the world, shall be both a Priest and a King with counsels of peace ; and the heathens that are alar oft' shall come and assist this work of building up the church." This same prophet declares also that Christ should come to Jerusalem as the King of Zion, meek, and bringing salvation, riding upon a colt the foal of an uss. Zech. ix. 10. Which was fulfilled. Matt. xxi. 5, and John xii. 15. 22 Q. Does this prophet say any thing concerning the remission of sins to be obtained through Jesus Christ? A. Yes ; there is a remarkable prophecy in Zech. xiii. 1, which must be referred to this subject. In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David, €ind the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uur cleanness ; that is, by the death of Christ, and his blood making atonement for sin. And ver. 7, his sufferings are described, which should be inflicted on him, when God himself should bruise him, and make his soul an offering for sin, as Isaiah expresses it ; and that his disciples for a season should forsake him. Zech. xiii. 7, Jiwake, O sword, against my Shepherd, and against the Man that is my Fellow, saith the Lord of hosts. Smite the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. Which was fulfilled. Matt. xx>i. 50. Chap. 20. SCRIPTCRE HISTORY. 517 And besides all this, his sufferings from the hands of men are also described, namely, that he should be sold for thirfjf pieces of silver, which should be given to the jwtter, Zech, xi. 12, 13, which the prophet speaks as per- sonating the Messiah, as David had often done before : and it was fulfilled. »Matt. xxvii. 9, 10. The prophet foretels also the manner of his death, namely, that he should be pierced; and intimates the conversion of some of those Jews who crucified him. Zech. xii. 10, / ivill pour out on the house of Davidy and the inhabitants of Jerusaiem, the spirit oj grace and supplication ; and Viey shall look on me ^or him) whom they have pierced, and mourn for him : fulfilled in John xix. 34, 36, when his side was pierced with a spear, and his hands and feet with nails ; and Jets ii. 23, 36, 37, 41, when his cruci- fiers were converted ; whereof a fuller and more glorious accomplishment is expected in the latter days among the Jewish nation, who have been piercing him with re- proaches almost ever since. 23 Q. And what does Malachi the last of the pro- phets speak concerning Christ? Ji, His prophecy is expressed in pretty plain lan- guage. Chap. in. 1, Behold I will send my messenger, fnamely, John the baptist) and he shall prepare the tvay oefore 'me. Matt. xi. 10. And the Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to his temple, even the Messenger of the covenant whom you delight in. And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver ; and he shall purify the sons of Levi, that they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness. Now this was accomplished M'hen Christ came into the temple, and when he reformed the evil practices of the priests and tlic people. 24 Q. You have ij^ven us a large account of what the Jewish prophets have foretold ; but were there no others besides the Jews which prophecied concerning Christ? J. Yes ; there are two very remarkable persoiis who were not Jews, whose expressions have a reference to our blessed Saviour ; and these w ere Balaam and Job. 25 Q. What did Balaam say concerning Christ ? 20 218 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 20. .5. There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moah, and destroy all the children of Seth ; Seir and Edom shall he a possession; and out of Jacob sliull come he who shall have dominion. JWimb, xxiv. 17, &c. 2fi ^. What reason is given to prove that this refers to Christ ? *i. Christ is called the Morning Star. Rev, xxii. 16. He was of the family of Jacob or Israel : he shall smite and destroy the enemies of the church, and have the hea- thens for a possession, and his dominion is everlasting. Psalm ii. 6 — 9. 27 Q. What is the remarkable prophecy which Job spake concerning Christ ? .^. Job xix. 25, 26, I know that my Redeemer liv- ethy and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth : and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. 28 Q. When is this prophecy to be fulfilled ? A. Wlien Christ the Redeemer, who lives in heaven, shall come to raise the dead, and to judge the world, he shall stand at last upon the earth, after his enemies are conquered ; and the children of God in their new raised bodies shall see God ; that is, shall see Jesus Christ the Redeemer, who is Emmanuel, or God with us ; and who is described as God manifest in the flesh. 1 Thess. iv. 16, 17. 1 Cor. XV. 24—26. 1 Tim. iii. 16. 29 Q. What great and evident truths may be infer- red from this long rank of prophecies concerning Jesus Christ our Saviour ? ^. We learn, that from the beginning of the world, ever since the sin and fall of Adam, throughout the seve- ral ages of mankind, tliere hath been a continual succes- sion of prophecies given from God, who foreknows all things, ccmcerning some great and glorious Deliverer and Saviour, who should be manifested to the world in time ; and tliat he should appear as the King of Israel, and for the salvation both of Jews and Gentiles: and according-; Chap. 20. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 219 ]y he has been expected by those good men in the several ages who were best acquainted with the Scriptures, and particularly in that age wherein Jesus Christ appeared. See Liike i. 69, 70, and xxiv. 27. *icts iii. 18 — 24. 30 Q. But does this determine Jesus tlie son of Mary, to be this glorious person, tliis expected Saviour? J. Since all the characters which so many prophets, I so many dillerent ages, have given concerning the Messiah or Christ the Saviour, do really agree and meet together in Jesus, and in none besides ; they leave us no room to doubt whether this Jesus of Nazareth, the son ot Mary, be the Christ or no. THE HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, ABRIDGED IN WAT OF QUESTION AND ANSWER. THE INTRODUCTION. Having finished the History of the Old Testament, and related in short the affairs of the Jews, so far as we find them recorded elsewhere, we proceed now to the History of the New. The chief subjects of it are our Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour of mankind ; John the baptist, who was the forerunner ; and the apostles, who were his followers. Tlie history of John the baptist is but short ; it contains a brief narrative of his birth, his ministry, and liis death. The history of Christ our Saviour is much larger, and it may be divided into three distinct parts, namely, the account of his birth and childhood ; the account of his public life and ministry ; and the account of his death, resurrection and ascension. The history of the apostles, after our Saviour's ascen> sion, begins with an account of the twelve apostles, in genera!, but chiefly of St. Peter and St. John ; and pro- ceeds more lar»elj^to a particular account of the travels, labours, and sufferings of St. Paul : and this concludes 20* 2£2 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 21. the Scripture History, except what is contained in the visions of St. John, in the Revelation. The writers of this history are St. Matthew and St. John the apostles ; St. Mark the companion of St. Peter, and St. Luke the companion of St. Paul. It is contained chiefly in the four Gospels, written by those evangelists whose names they bear, and in the Acts of the Apostles, of which Luke was the writer ; though some further hints and memoirs may be collected from some parts of the Epistles. CHAP. XXI. Of John the Baptist, 1 Q. As the Old Testament begins with the creation of the world, so the first question here is, who was the Saviour of the world ? J. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was sent down to dwell among men, in order to become their Saviour. Matt, i. 2L 1 Tim. i. 15. John iii. 17. 1 John iv. 14. Matt. xvi. 16. 2 Q. What notice was ever given of his coming ? ^, God himsel f, and his prophets, throughout all ages, have foretold his coming as some great Deliverer, as the Messiah, or Anointed of God. Luke i. 70. *Scts iii. 18. 3 Q. Were there any plain marks or characters giv- en him whereby he might be known ? .5. Yes ; many characters of him are found in the books of the Old Testament, as the foregoing chapter declares ; and he has answered them all, both in his life, his doctrine, his death, and his resurrection. 4 Q. Was sucli a Messiah expected by the Jews, to whom the books of the Old Testament were given ? •S. He was long expected by them, and particularly in that age wherein he came : and that both by the Jew? and by the Samaritans. John i. 45. Luke viii. 1 5. John iv. 25, 29. Chap. 21. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Ci25 .Vote, It ii worth our obst- rvation, that not only the Jews .,iiJ Samaritan*, but the lieathen* also, abjut this tiiue, expect- ed some great king or glorious person to be born. Virgil, the Romun poet, who lived in the time of Augustus Caesar, in his fourth Eclogue, is supposed to describe the bles- sings of the government and atje of some great person, who was or should be born about this tlii '' ' • . < ,.y agreeable to tlie Jewiih pro; 1, and his kingdom. Sonie suj-j- < ...... ... ., -. , .i.-c from some ancient books of the prophetesses, who were caJle Q. How did the child Jesus escape? JL Joseph, his supposed father, was warned by an .iiii2;el to take the young child and his mother and flee "ffo Egypt, tvr. 13. 230 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Cliap. 23. 24 ^. When did Jesus return into the land of Is- rael ? 4 Ji. When Herod was dead, God sent a message by an angel in a dream, to command Joseph and Mary to return with him ; so they returned into Galilee, and tlwelt in Nazareth, their city. ver. 1 9 — 23. 25 Q. Was there any tiling further remarkable in the childhood of Jesus? Jl. When he was twelve years old he went up with his parents to the pass-over, according to their custom ; but when they returned, they missed their son. Luke ii. 41 — 43. 26 Q. Where did they find him ? A. They turned back to Jerusalem, and after three days they found him in the temple, in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions, ver. 45, 46. 27 Q. What reason did the child Jesus give for his conduct ? *A. He told them, that they might have supposed he luas about his father's business ; but lie went down with them to Nazareth, where he spent the rest of his child- hood, and was subject to his parents. Luke ii. 49 — 51 28 Q. How did Jesus employ his younger years ? ,.9. It is reported by the ancients, that he was brought up to has father's trade, who was a country car- penter, and that he made ploughs, and yokes for oxen ; lor Jesus himself is called a carpenter. Mark vi. 3. CHAP. XXIII. Of the public Life and Ministry of Christ* INTRODUCTION. His Preparation for his public Work. 1 Q. At what age did Jesus begin to appear in pub- lic ? Chap. 23. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 231 Ji. At about thirty years of a^e. Luke tii. 23. • 2 Q, How was he prepared tor his public work ? Ji, He was euiinently prepared tor it by his baptism, by the descent of the Holy Spirit upon him, by his retire- ment, and his temptations. Luke iii. and iv. 3 Q. When was Jesus Christ baptized ? J, When Jolin the baptist was sent with a commis- sion to baptize men, Jesus oftered himself at the River Jordan to be baptized, that he might /u//i^ all righteouS' jifss, though he had no need to be washed from sin Matt. iii. 14, 15. 4 Q. ^^'!\at testimony did he receive from John the baptist ? Ji. John declared, that Jesus was the Lamb of God ivho would take awaij the sins of the world ; and that he himself, who baptized with water, was not worthy to loose the shoes of Jesus, because he was appointed to baptize with the Uoly Spirit and with fire. Matt. iii. 11. 5 Q. What miracle attended this baptism? J. When Jesiis came out of the water, the Spirit of God like a dove descended upon him, and a voice from heaven teas heard, saying. This is my beloved Son in ichnm I am rvell pleased. Matt, iii. 16, 17. 6 Q. Whitlier did he go for his retirement after he was baptized ? Ji. He was led into the wilderness, not only to en- dure temptation, and conquer the tempter there, but probably to spend forty days in meditation and prayer, and converse with Go(l ; as Moses, before his j|;ivino; the laws t;> I^^ael, spent forty davs with God on Mount Sinai. Mark i. 1'?, 13. 7 U. A^'as tliis the place of his contest witJi the tempter r Ji. Yes ; the devil assaulted him here with three pow- riful tomplatitms. Matt.'w. 1 — II. 8 (I. What was the first temptation? .7. The devil persuaded him to turn stones into Uroad, because he was an hungred, having fasted forty days. 9 Q. How did Christ answer liim ? 9.32 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 23. J. By shewing him that man doth not live by bread aloneybuiby the power and blessing of God. Deut.y'm.S. 10 ({ What was the second temptation r .?. The devil set him upon a pinnacle of the temple, and bid him cast himself dawn, for there was a promise, in Psalm xci. 11, thfit angels should bear him uvy so that he should receive no liurt. i 1 Q. How did Jesus resist that temptation ? Jl. By shewing that we must not tempt tlie provi- dence of God any way, Deut, vi. 16, and therefore we must not venture upon dano;ers without necessity. \^. Q. Wliat was the third temptation ? ji. The devil promised to give liim all the kingdoms af this world, if Jesus would fall down and worship him. 13 §. How was this temptation vanquished ? Ji, By declaring tluit God only was to be worshipped . _ Deut,\u\S, and x. 20. 14 ^. Whence did Jesus derive his answers to these several temptations ? ./i. From several texts of Scripture which he cited upon this occasion, and all out of the book of Deuterono- iny. 15 Q. What token of honour from heaven did Chri&t receive in the wilderness ? A. When the devil was disappointed and vanquished, and forsook him, the angels of (rod came and ministered unto him. SEcr. I. Jesus Christ's Jppearance with the Charac-^- ters of the tMessiah. IG Q. W^E are come now to tb.e public life and min- istry of Jesus Christ: let us liear what were tlie chief parts or designs of it ? Jl. The iirst design of his public life and ministry was, to appear in the world with the marks of a divine commission, and tlie characters of the Messiah upou him. .# Seci. 1. SCRIPTURE IliSTOUV. ^235 17 Q. How dill Jesus fulfil this first design of his public life ami ministry? J. He healed the sick, he raised the dead, he preach- ed the j;lad tidings of salvation to the poor, he set about the reformation of the world, and all this without noise ov uproar; and he received several testimonies from lieaven. Sec these characters of the Messiah foretold l)v tiie prophets, /sw. xxxv. 4, 5, and Ixi. 1,2, and xlii. 2. .Mai. iii. 1, 2, 3, and exemnlified in Christ, Matt. xi. 3 — 5, and chap. v. 17 — "20, and xii. 19. 18 ({. But (lid not Christ preach up his own charac- r as the Messiah, or anointed Saviour ? J]. Though he several times preached that he was sent from God ; yet he very seldom declared plainly that he was the M'^cssiah ; and even forbid the men that knew it, to publish it at that time, nor would he suffer the devils to declare it. Matt. xvi. 20. Mark i. 34. 19 ({. Wiiy did our Saviour so long abstiin from de- claring that he was tb.e Messiah who should come into tlie world ? «, , , J. Partly that men might learn his office and charac- ter in a rational way, and infer that he was the Messiah by his doctrine and his works ; and partly that he might not expose him to the ra<:e of his enemies, and to death before his time. ' Lulce vii. 19 — 23. ^ 20 ({. \Vhat were some of the testimonielF which Christ received from heaven in his life ? //. Voices from heaven at several times; once at his baptism, wldch was mentioned before ; once among the people, in answer to his prayer ; and once on the mount of transfiguration, when ^'Ioses and Elias came from heaven to attend him. 21 Q. What was that voice which came in answer to his prayer ? J. AVhen Christ prayed in public that God his Father would glorify his name ; there was an answer came from heaven, I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again. John xii. 28. 22 Q. What was the transfiguration ? .7 Jesus went up into a l.iirh mountain with three of 21*^ 234 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Cliap. 25. his disciples, his countenance was changed all glorious, and his raiment shining like sun beams; Moses and Elias appeared and conversed with him, and from a bright cloud broke forth a voice. This is my beloved Son^ hear him. Matt, xvii. 1 — 5. Sect. II. Of the Subjects of his Preaehing, his Par- ables and his Disputes. 23 Q. What was the second part and design of his public life and ministry. .4. To preach and teach many necessary tiTiths and duties to the people. Mark i. 38. Isaiah Ixi. 1. Luke iv. 18. 24 Q. In what manner did our Lord Jesus Christ preach to the world, and teach mankind ? A. He spake several things to them in public sermons or discourses, others in free conversation or dispute : sometimes he spake in plain language, at otlier times by- way of parable, or similitude. Matt. v. 2, 3, &c. and chap, xiii. 3. 25 Q. What were some of the chief subjects of our Saviop-'s public preaching ? j4. These that follow, namely, 1. He explained the law of God in its full latitude, as it reaches the thoughts, as m ell as words and actions, and rescued it from the grievous corruptions, the false glosses and mistakes of the Jewish teachers ; and by this means he convinced his hearers of sin, and shewed them the need of a Saviour. Matt. v. 6, 7. chap. ix. 12, 13. 2. He taught them the vanity of depending upon any outward privileges, as being the children of Abraham!; he shewed them the danger of putting ceremonies and forms of any kind, in the room of real and practical godliness ; he severely reproved the scribes and Pharisees on this account ; and assured men there was no salvation for them, no entrance into heaven, without being born agaiHi or becoming new creatures. See John iii. 3—?. i Sect 2. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. c/mp. viii. 33 — 41. ^Matt. vii. 24. c/ia;7.vm. 12, and xxiii. 13—33. 3. He corrected several sinful customs and practicesi, with other I'oolish traditions among the people ; and re- proved the teachers of the law for min^lin^i; their tradi- tions and tlic inventions of men with the pure a|]rpoint- ments of God. Jlarfc vii. 1 — 13. John ii. 13 — 17. ^Matt. V. vi. and vii. 4. He called the people aloud to repentance of every sin, because tlie kingdom of the Gospel was at hand. See JIatt. iv. 17. Luke v. 32. 5. He j;ave particular directions for the practice of many duties, namely, spiritual v/orship, prayer, depend- ence upon God, hearing the word, giving alms, loving our neighbours, foi*giving our enemies, &c. ^Matt. v. vi, vii. and xiii. 6. He preached the Gospel, or the j^lad tidiii^ of pardoning grace, to sinners who repented of their sins, and believed in iiim ; he promised tlie assistance of the Holv Spirit to them tliat asked it ot God ; he represent- ed himself as sent of God, ami invited all men to come to him, and trust in hisu, that they might be saved. Luke iv. 18, 21, 22, and xi. 9—13. Matt. v. 3—12, vii. 7, &c. and xi. 28. John v. vi. vii. and viii. 7. He revealed the things of the future and invisible world, the resurrection and the day of judgment, heaven and hell, beyond what the world had ever known before. 2 Tim. i. 10. Matt. v. 8, 12. chap. xiii. and xxv. &c. 8. He often foretold that the Jews would reject him and his Gospel, and should be terribly punishet'l for it; and he declared that the Gentiles would receive his Gos- pel ; and said many things to prenare the wav of the Gentiles into the church or kingdom of the Messiah, because the Jews had such violent prejudices against flieir admission into it. Matt. viii. 12, and xx. xxi. Luke XV. Matt. XX. 40, 41, and xxiii. 38. 9. He several times foretold his own death, his resur- rection, and his future glory, and liis coming to raise the dead, and to judge the world. Matt. xxi. xxiv. and xxv. John v. 27—29, xii. 23—34. Matt, xiu 40, 256 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. ^3 26 Q. Did Jesus Christ Ibretel all these things plain- ly and openly ? t3. Wliat lie spake by way of prophecj^ in private to his disciples, he spake plainly ; but what he spake of this kind in public to the multitude, was often (though not always) delivered in parables and similitudes. Mark iv. 11, 32, 34. Jiff ft. XX. 18--28. . 27 Q. But did not Christ teach the great and glorious doctrine of his ovin death as a sacrifice or ransom for sinful men, in the course of his public ministry ? A. He taught this privately to his disciples, to whom he spoke move freely of his death and resurrection to- ward the end of his life. Matt. xvi. 16 — 22. But, as for wise reasons he did not preach publicly and plainly to the people of his own death or his resurrection, so he scarce ever preached in public and in plain language those great doctrines of Christianity that depend upon his death or his resurrection : these things were wisely reserved for the ministry of his apostles, after he was actually dead and risen, and ascended to heaven, and had poured out on them the promised Spirit. Matt. x. 27, and Luke xxiv. 45 — 59. 28 Q. What were some of the most remarkable among the parables of Jesus Christ ? .5. The parable of the sower and the seed ; of the tares in tlie field ; of the merciless servant ; of the good Samaritan ; of the labourers in the vineyard ; of the wick- ed husbandmen ; of the ten virgins ; of the improvement of talents ; of t]}e prodigal son ; of the rich man and Lazarus the beggar. 29 Q. What is the parable of the sower and the seed ? Ji. As the seed that is sown, fallin* on different sorts of ground, brings forth more or less fruit, or no fruit at all ; so when ministers preach the Gospel, the word be- comes more or less fruitful, or unfruitful, according to the good or evil hearts of the hearers. Matt. xiii. 1 — 23. SO ^. What is tlie parable of the tares in the field ? A. As the enemy had sowed tares where the husband- man had sown wheat, and they were both suffered to SCKIPTURE HISTORY. tloj grow together till the hiu-vest, then the wheat was gath- ered into the barn»aml the tares were burnt ; so the devil mingles his children with the children of God in this world, but at the day of jud<;ineiit they shall be separa- ted ; the children of the devil sliall be cast into a furnace of tire, and the children of God shall shine in the king- dom of tiieir Father. ^Vitt. xiii. 24 — 43. ol ^. What means the pai-ablc of the merciless ser- vant .- J. Thougli his lord forgave hitn ten thousand talents, yet he dealt cruelly with Ids fellow-servant who owed him but a!i iiundred pence, and cast him into prison till he should pay it. W hen the lord heard of it, he re- proved and imprisoned him till the payment of his debt; and tlvjs the great God, who is ready to forgive us our innumerable sin«, will deal with us, if we for;^lve not our brethren their oftences against us. Jfatt. xviii. 21 — 35. 3-Z ^. What parable is that which is called The good Samaritan? "^ .1 When a Jew was abused and stripped, and wound- ed by robbers, and left helpless, a priest and a Levite passed by, and neglected him, but a Samaritan took care of him, and carried him to an inn for his recovery. This Jesus spake to shew that tl»e Samaritan treated the Jew as a neighbour ought to do, and that no difterences of opinion should hinder !is from actions of common hu- manity towards otiier men. Luke x. 30 — ?iQ. 33. (I. What is the desigii of the parable of the la- ijourers in tlie vin jyard ? • JL The labourers who were called at the eleventh hour, throjgli the great goodness of the master, received the same reward as those who were calleil in at the first hour ; even so the Gentiles should be called into the c!mrc!\ in the latter days, and enjoy equal privileges with' the Jews, who had been called many ages before them. J^[att. XV. 1--U3. 34 Q. What is the parable of the wicked husband- men r d. The owner of a vineyard let it out to husband- mcn, and going into a far country, fust sent his servant?. 238 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap^23. and at last Ins son, to receive the fruits ; but thej beat and slew both the servants and tiie son. Upon which at the return of the owner, these husbandmen were destroy- ed, and the vineyard let out to others : bj which our Sa- viour designed to shew how the Jews brought no fruit to God, notwithstanding all their advantages ; that thej abused his prophets, and would slay his Son; that God would turn them out of his church, and give his Gospel to the Gentiles. Matt. xxi. 33 — 43. 35 Q. What is the parable of the ten virgins? J}, Some of these virgins were wise, and some were foolish ; but they all slept while the bridegroom tarried, and at midnight when the bridegroom came, even the wise were something unprepared, but the foolish were shut out from tlie wedding: whence our Saviour draws this advice; Watch ye, for' ye know not the day or the hour when the Son of man cometh. Matt. xxv. 1 — 13. 56 q. What is the parable of the talents ? w^. Those servants who were entrusted with several talents, and had improved them, were rewarded in pro- portion to their improvement : but he who laid up his talent in a napkin, and made no improvement of it, was cast into outer darkness as an unprofitable servant. The plain design of this parable is, to shew the necessity of diligence in the improvement of all our mercies and advantages. Matt. xxv. 14 — 30. Luke xix. 12 — 27. 37 ((. What is the parable of the prodigal son ? A. The younger son of a family grew prodigal, and wasted his estate in rioting abroad ,'^Vvhile the elder son lived at home and served his father ; but upon the return of the prodigal, and his repentance, his father received him with much coujpassion and joy: at which his elder brother was angry. So shall the mercy of God be shewn to the repenting Gentiles, when they shall forsake their sins and return to God, though the Jews will be envious and quarrel with this conduct of providence. Luke XV. 11— 32. 38 q. AVhat is the parable of the rich man and Lazarus ^ J, The rich man, who spent his days in luxury, and Sect. 2. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. i239 \\ as cruel to the poor, died, and went to hell ; but Laza- lus, a bef^war, was relijiious, and went to heaven. The rich man in his torments would fain have Lazarus sent to warn his kindred of tlieir danger : but Abraham tells him, that if t/iey will not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded to leave their s'lnsy though one rose from the dead. Luke xvi. 19 — 31. 39 Q. How could the hearers of Christ understand tliese parables ? t^. There were many of them which they did not understand : but when they were retired from the multi- tude, Christ expounded the parables to his disciples. .VarAciv. 9— 12, 34. 40 Q. Besides these public sermons and parables, had not Jesus Christ some convereation and disputes with several sorts of persons ? c-'?. Yes ; he had some discourses with the multitude, and with his own disciples, which would be too long to repeat ; and besides tft8e,he had also some debates with Nicodemus, with the woman of Samaria, with the Hero- dians, with the Sadducees, with the Pharisees, and doc- tors of the law, witli the ruler of the synagogue, and the chief priests and elders of the people. 41 O. What was his discourse with Nicodemus? A, He taught Nicodemus, who came to him by night, that a man must be born ae,ain ; that is, he must have his old sinful nature renewed into holiness, if he would see the kin^^dom of God : and that God sent his only begotten Son to save as many as would believe on him. John iii. 1 — 21. 42 q. What was our Lord's discourse with the woman of Samaria ? ^. He told her of her living in the sin of fornication : and assured her, the time was just at hand when God would not regard i>ersons ever the more on account of the places in which they worshipped him, whether it were at the temple of Jerusalem or Samaria ; but on the account of the spiritual worship which they paid him from their hearts ; and he let her know plainly that he was the Messiah. John iv. 7 — 26. 240 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 23. 43 Q. What discourse had Christ with the Herodi- ans r J, They inquired of him, whether it was lawful to give tribute to Csesar ? that if he denied it, they might accuse him to the Romans ; if he asserted it, they might lender him odious to the Jews, and particularly the Pharisees ; but Jesus gave them a very wise answer, and avoided their snares, by bidding them reyider to Ccesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's, Matt. xxii. 15 — 22. 44 Q. What dispute had Christ M^ith the Sadduce^ ? Jl, The Sadducees thought to ridicule him about the doctrine of the resurrection, by inquiring, to which of her seven husbands a wife would belong in that day ? But, as he proved the resurrection to tliem from the law of Moses, so he assured them that there was no such rela- tion as marriage in that state. Matt, 23 — S3. 45 Q. W^hat disputes did our Saviour hold with the Pharisees and the scribes, and th^eachers of the law ? »B. He had many disputes with them about their ex- cessive fondness for ceremonies and traditions, wherein he shewed that they made void the law of God by their own invented tradition ; and that the duties of morality, righteousness, and goodness, were more valuable even than the ceremonies of God's own appointment, and are to be preferred where they may happen to interfere : for^ God will have mercy y and not sacrifice. Matt. xv. 1 — 20. chap, xxiii. and xii. 1 — 7, 46 Q. What was his debate with the ruler of the synagogue and other Jews ? ^. About his healing diseased persons on the sab- bath-day, at which they cavilled ; but he proved to them, that it was a very lawful thing ; even from the care tliat God took of cattle on the sabbath-day in the law of Mo- ses. Luke xiii. 14 — 17. 47 Q. What controversy had Christ with the chief priests and elders of the people ? A. About his own authority for preacliing, wherein J>e silenced them, by inquh-ing of them, what authority Sect S. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. ^1 had John the baptist, whom all th< as a prophet ? Matt xxi. 23 — 37 had John the baptist, whom all the people had esteemed Sect. III. The Miracles of Christ. 48 Q. Thus we have fmislied the two first de^ns ot the public life and ministry of Christ, namely^is appearing with the character of the Messiah upon him, and his teaching the people. What is the third con- siderable design of his public life and ministry ? ^i. To work miracles for the confirmation of his doctrine, and for the proof of his being sent from God to be tlie Saviour of the world. 49 Q. What were some of the chief of the miracles vvhich our Saviour wrought for this purpose? Ji. These that follow : 1. He turned six vessels full of water into excellent wine. John ii. 7 — 11. 2. He fed five thousand persons once with five loaves, and two small fishes ; and again, he fed four thousand with seven loaves, and at both times tliere were several baskets of fragments. Matt, xiv. and xv. 3. He gave sight to tlie blind, hearing to the deaf, speech to the dumb, strength and vigour to lame and withered limbs. Mark viii. John ix. Mark vii. Matt, XX. John v. 4. He healed the leprosy, tlie fever, the palsy, the dropsy, and other distempers, by a word of command. Mat{. viii. and ix. Mark i. Liike xiv. 5. He walked on tlie water, and suppressed a storm at sea by a reproof given to the seas and winds. Matt. xiv. 25, and viii. 29. 6. He deliverctl several ])ersons from the possession of the devil, by rebuking the evil spirits, and command- ins; tliem to depart. Luke iv. Matt. viii. Mark i. y. He raised a few persons from tl«e dead, namely, the ruler's daut^hter in the chamber, tiie \vi<'on's son in the stieet, as he was carried to his burial, and 4>^zaru8 24^ SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 25, was called out of his grave when he had been dead four days. Mark ix. Lufce vii. John xi. 50 Q. What is there remarkable in these miracles of our Saviour? J. Tliese four things : 1. That almost every wondrous work performed by Christ was a work of love and goodness, whereas many i^^he wonders of Moses were works of destruction. ^^. His miracles were very numerous, so that man- kind could not be mistaken in all of them, thpugh they should object against some. 3. They were wrought in many places of the Jewish nation, and several of them before the eyes of the mul- titude, who could attest them. 4. They were sucli miracles as were foretold should be wrought in the days of the Messiah ; and therefore he continually appeals to his miraculous works for a -testimony of his commission from God. John x. 37, 38, did p. XV. 24, and xiv. 11. Sect. IV. The Exmnple of Christ. 51 Q. Let us proceed now and intjuire, What was tlie fourth thing designed in the public life and ministry of Christ ? J). To giv€ an example to the world of universal holiness and goodness. John xiii. 15. 1 Cor. xi. 1. Jfiom. XV. 5. 52 Q. What are some of the more remarkable vir- tues, graces or duties, wherein Christ appears to be our example ? J. 1. He sought the public glory of God with the warmest zeal, and vindicated the honour of his Father's appointment against the corruptions of men. John viii. 50. chap. xvii. 4, and ii. 16, IT. JMatt, xxiii. 2. He was sti ictly observant of all the commands of God, even tlie ceremonial as well as the moral : he ob- served t))^ sabbath, he came up to the feast at Jenisalem. Sect. 4. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 24^ he desired to be baptized : he came to fulfil tlie law of Gmi, and made it his meat and his drink. Matt. iii. 15, and V. ir. John xiv. 31, chap, iv. 34, and vii. 10. 3. He was frequent and fervent in religious exercises, prayer and praise. Luke vi. 1^2, and xi. 1, 2, Matt, xiv. iJS, and xi. 25. 4. He was eminent for heavenly mindedness, self-de- nial as to the comforts of this life, and trust in God for his daily bread : he was so poor that the good women ministered to him out of thar substance, and he had not wliere to lay his head. Luke ix. 58, and viii. 3. 5. He bore the sojtows from the l.and of God with the highest submission, and the vilest injuries from men >vith perfect patience and meekness ; not returning rail- iBg for railing, but blessing those that persecuted him. 1 Pet. iL 21—23. Matt. xi. 29. Luke xxii. 42, and xxiiL 34. 6. He gave fhe most glorious instances of goodwill to men, compassion to the miserable, and love to friends, to strangers, and to enemies. He often had pity on the multitudes that followed him ; he travelled about, and took all occasions to do good to the bodies and the souls ol" men : to their bodies, by his healing and feeding them ; and to their souls, by his preaching and conversation; and at last he laid down his life for sinners. Acts x. 38. Matt. ix. 3C, and xiv. 14. John xv. 13. Bom, v. 6, 8, 10. 7. He was obedient to his parents, paying them hon- our ; and obedient to magistrates, paying tax and tribute. Luke\\.5\. Matt \\\\. 9.4. 8. H<» was humble and familiar with the poor, and even with publicans and sintiers for their goou. Matt. xi. 29, and ix. 1 1. He wasljed the feet of his own disci- ples. .John xiii. 14. 9. He was stediast in resistin?; the temptations of the devil, and opposing the inicjuiti'es of men. Matt. xiv. 1 — 11. Heb. ii. 18, and xii. 1, 2. -Va^. xxiii. John ii. 13, &c. 10. He was piiident and watchful against the snares of his enemies, and careful to«*;ive them no just occasions against him : thit> appears in the wisdqm ot his discotJr* M4 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 23^ se^, and his daily conduct. John vii. 3^ and xi. 54. Matt. xvii. 27. Sect. V. Bis calling the Apostles^, and instructing them. 55 Q, What was the fifth part of the business and design of his public ministry? Ji. To call his apostie^s, and instruct them in their great commission of preaching the Gospel. 54 Q, How many preachers did our Saviour send forth ? ^ ti. lie first sent twelve, who were called apostles, wliom he designed to make his chief ministers ; and he afterwards sent seventy through the land of Israel on ihQ same errand of preaching the Gospel. Matt. x. 1. Luke vi. IS, and x. 1. 55 Q. What was the commission that Christ gave them all ? Jl. To preach the Gospel, to heal the sick, and to cast out devils. Matt.'x. 1 — 8. Luke x. 9, 17. 56 Q. What were the names of the twelve apostles ? A. Simon Peter, and Andrew his brother, who were ^ fishermen ; James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were also fishers; Philip and Bartholomew,* Thomas, and Matthew, the publican, who is also called Levi ; James the son of Alpheus, who is called the Lord's brother ; and Jude the brother of James, who is also called Lebbeus and Thaddeus; Simon the Canaanite, who is called Zelotes;t and Judas Iscariot, who after- ward betrayed his master. Matt. x. Q — 4. Luke vi. 14—16. Gal. i. 19. * Some suppose Bartholomew to be the same with Nathanael. + Simon was not a Canaanite by nation, for the apostles were ull Jews : some therefore think it is only the Hebrew or Syriac word Cana, which signifies a Zealot^ with a Greek terminatiorx added. feect. 5. S5C11IPTURE HISTORY. 243 57 Q. Had these messengers of Christ success in their work ? «^. Yes, they had some success ; for the seventy returned with joy, saying, Lordj even the devils are suO' ject unto us thruua^h thij name. Luke x. 17. 58 ^. How did he train up his twelve apostles for their future service ? Ji. They were very frequently attending upon him, and dwelt much with him, before and after their first mission abroad ; so that they enjoyed his private instruc- tions, his prayers, and his example continually. MhtL X. 27. Luke xi. 1. JIavk iv. 34. 59 Q. What peculiar instructions did he give his apostles r .?. 1. He explained the parables to them at home, which he spake to the people, and acquainted them in private what they should preach in public. JIatt. x. 27. •Mark iv. 34. 2. He foretold they must expect difficulties and per- secutions, but he promised the aids of his Spirit, and hi* own presence witn them, and a large reward in heaven. JIatt. X. 16 — 33, and xxviii. 20. 3. He charged them to love all men, and particularly, to love one another ; and not to aft'ect dominion and au- thority over one another, so particularly, as if he design- ed to preclude the popish errour of St. Peter being made the prince of the apostles. John xiii. 34, 35, Mark XX. 25. 4. If any house welcomed and received them, tliey were ordered to pronounce the blessing of peace upon that house ; but when any town refused to receive their message, they were commanded to sliake oft* the dust of their feet as a testimony against them. Matt. x. 11, 15. Luke X. 54, 55. 5. He told them that he Mas the Messiah, and that he came to give his life a ransom for men, that he diould be crucified and put to death at Jerusalem, and that he should rise again the third da v. Matt, xvi. 16 — 22, and XX. 28. \ 6. He prayed with them often, and taught them how 546 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 25. to pray, both in their younger and their more advanced state of knowledge. Luke xi. 1, &c. John xvi. 23, 24. 7. He gave them many admirable discourses before Jiis death ; he foretold \ the destruction of Jerusalem ; and indulged their presence with him in his most excel- lent prayer to God just before his sufferings. See Matt. xxiv. John xiv. xv. xvi. and xvii. 8. He ordered them after his death to tarry at Jeru- salem till they should receive the proniised Spirit to fit them for their further service. Luke xxiv. 49. 60 Q. W ere there any of these apostles that seemed to be his favourites r ^. If there were any, they were Peter, James, and John ; for they were admitted to be present in the room when he raised the ruler's daughter ; and in the holy mount when he was transfigured ; and in the garden, when he sustained his agony : besides, that John was called the beloved disciple, and leaned on Jesus's bosom at the holy supper. Mark v. 37, 38. Matt, xvii. 1, and. xxvi. 37, John xiii. 33. Sect. VI. His S}}poinfment or Institution of the two Sacraments. 61 Q. What is the last part of the public ministry of Christ? ^, His appointment of the two sensible ordinances, which are called Sacraments, namely. Baptism^ and the Lord's Supper^ 62 Q. When did he appoint baptism ? Jl. It is supposed that he confirmed and practised the baptism of John in his life-time, that is, the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins ; but doubtless with this constant requirement, that they should believe on him as a Prophet sent from God. See Matt. iii. 11. Acts xix. 4. Matt. iv. 17. John iv. 1. Sect. 6. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 247 It may justly be doubted, whether our Saviour always from th6 begimliiig required the belief aiul profession of him to be the Messiah, as a necessary thing in order to become ouo of his disciple?, and to receive his baptism, in those early days ; since he studiously avoided the preaching up his own character as the ^Icssiah, and concealed it from the public nolice. Mnlt. xvi. 20. But after his resurrection, and new instituted form of baptism^ none were to be baptized but those Avho professed Jesus to b^'. If Christ, or the Messiah. 63 ^. Did he make any alteration in tlie form of baptism afterwards ? ^9. After his resurrection, just before his ascension to heaven, he bid his disciples, Go- teach fill nations, hap- tizins: them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Matt, xxviii. 19. 64 ^. When did he appoint tiie Lord's supper ? •^. Tiie same night in which he was betrayed, which was just after the feast of the pass-over, and a few hours fjefore his death. 1 Cor. \u 23. 65 Q, How did CInist appoint this ordinance to be performed ? .^. Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and ^ave it to the disciples, and said. Take, eat, thiA is my body, which is broken for you : and he took the cup, and t«;ave thanks, and gave it to them, sayinc:. Drink ye all of it, for this is my blood of the J^Teiv Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins ; then he said, This do in remembrance of me : and afterward he sung an hymn. Matt. xxvi. 26. 1 Cor. xi. 24. 66 Ql Do tliese ordinances of the Gospel come in the room of any of the ceremonies of the Jewish law ? J}. It has been generally supposed that baptism comes in the room of circumcision, and the Lord's supper in the room of the pass-over : but the proof of this does not belong to this place. 67 ^. How long is the ordinance of baptism to coiJt tinue ? J. Till the end of the world ; for our Saviour, upon giving; his apostles and ministei's commission to teach and baptize, promises to be wiUi them to the end of the worlds Matt, xxviii. 20, 248 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 2$, 68 Q. How long is the ordinance of the supper to continue ? *ll. He not only bid them do this in remembrance of him, but St. Paul saith, Hereby ye shew forth the Lord's death till he come ; that is, till Christ come to judge the world. 1 Cor. xi. 24, 25, 26. Sect. VII. Remarkable Occurrences in the Life of Christ, 69 Q. What other remarkable occurrences are re- corded in the life of Christ, besides those that have been mentioned ? •4. These that follow, namely, 1. When Jesus Christ healed the servant of the cen- turian at Capernaum, he only sent a message of healing by his master, without going near him himself, to shew that he had power over diseases at a distance, and could command them to depart. Matt. viii. 5 — 13. 2. When he cast many devils out of tlie man of Gadara, who lived among the tombs, the devils asked leave to enter into a herd of swine; and when Jesus permitted them, they drove the herd of swine down a ftteep place into the sea, and drowned them ; upon which tiie people desired Christ to depart out of their coasts. Mark V. 1 — 17. 3. When Jesus healed the man of the palsy at Na- zareth, his own city, he forgave his sins, and then cured his distemper, as a proof of his power to forgive sin. Matt. ix. 1—8. 4. When the woman came to be cured of her bleed- ing, with a strong belief of his pov/er and mercy, she t)nly touched the hem of his garment, and Jesus pro- nounced that her faith had made her whole* MatP. ix. 20— -22. 5. He went through a corn-field with his disciples on the sabbath, and defended them in their plucking of ears of corn, and rubbing, and eating, from the accusation of Sect. 7. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. U9 the Pharisees, who pretended this was a breach of the sabbath. Matt. xii. 1—8. 6. When the Jews demanded a sign of him, he re- fused to wive them any but the sign of the prophet Jonah, that as Jonah was three days and nights in the tvhale's belbj^ so the Son of nmn should he three days and nights in the ^rave. Slatt. xii. SH — -10. 7. When he was ,told that his mother and his bretli- ren stood without, and wanted to speak with him, lie took occasion to say, that whosoever should do the will of his Father, were indeed his nearest relations, his brother, his sister, and his mother. Matt, xii.- 40; — 50. 8. Though he wrought many miracles in his life, ye\ he wrought but few of them in liis own country, because they despised him as the son of a carpenter, and would not believe in him. Matt. xiii. 54— o8. 9. When Jesus walked upon the watei- towards his disciples in a storm, he called Peter out of the ship tO' w^alk upon the water too, and reproved him for his fear- fulness and unbelief when he began to sink. Matt. xiv. 04 — 32. 10. He commended Peter for his confession of him as the Son of the living God, and promised to build liis church upon this rock, this confession of Peter : but presently after he told his disciples of his sufterings and death, and reproved Peter severely for wishing that Christ mis;ht not suffer and die. Matt. xvi. 16—23. 11. When tribute money was required of him aU^ Capernaum, he sent Peter to catch a fish, and told him he should find money in the mouth o^ it, which he did, and paid it to those tliat gathered tlie tax. Matt. xvii. 04 07. 12. When little children were brought to him that he should touch them, his disciples rebuked those that brought them: but Jesus took them in his arms and blessed them, and said, Of such is the kingdom of God. Markn. 13— IG. IS. When a rich yoang man inquired of him trhat he should do to obtain eternal life? he tried him by saying,^ *keep the commandments, or do this and live ; for the 250 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 2S. man that doth them shall live by them ; as Rom. x. 5. But wlien the joung man was so confident of his own righteousness, and so little sensible of his imperfections, as to replj. Ml these have I kept from my youlh : ivhat do I lack more? Our Lord then put him to a further trial, bid him sell what estate he had, give to the poor, and follow him as one of his disciples. At this the young man went away sorrou'ful, because he had great possessions : whence Jesus took occasion to say. It was liard for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven. Mutt. x\x, U}^M. 14. When James and John desired to be made chief in his kingdom, and to sit on his right hand and on his left, Jesus took occasion to suppress ambition amongst all his disciples, and said. Whoever will be chief amongst yoUy let him be your servant'^ as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many. Matt. xx. 20 — 28. 15. As he was travelling from Galilee to Jerusalem, Samaria lay in his way, and when the Samaritans would not receive him, some of his disciples would have called for fire from heaven imon them, as Elias did : but he se- verely reproved them, saying, they knew not what man- ner of spirit they were of^ for the Son of man came to save men's lives, and not to destroy them. Luke ix. 51—56. 16. When our Saviour was entertained at Bethany, he gently reproved Martha for being too much cumbered with care to entertain and feast him, and commended her sister Mary, who sat at Jesus's feet, and heard his words : Mary hath chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from her, Luke v. 38—42. 17. When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, he vi'ent to the grave in company with Martha and Mary, his two sisters, and several Jews : he bid them take away the stone from the moutii of the cave and prayed to his Father, and tlien commanded Lazarus to come forth, who had been dead four days ; and Lazarus obeyed him and came forth. John xi. " 18. The Jews used to travel on foot from place to >ect.r. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 251 place, ye( when he went up to the last feast at Jerusalem, he rode into the citv upon the colt of an ass, that the prophecy of Zechanah might be fulfilled, Zech. ix. 10, ;nid a great multitude attended him as in triumph, crying, ff'jsaunah to the Son of David : so that the children learned the song, and repeated it in the temple. Matt, ■w'u 1—6. 19. When he found in the temple those that sold oxen, and sheep, and doves, and the changers of money, he made a scourge of small cords, and tlrove them all out of the temple, and overthrew the tables, with the money on them : and said. It is writieriy my house shall be called the house of prayer ^ but ye have made it a deii of thieves, and he went out of the city, and lodged tliat night at Bethany. Matt. xxi. 13, 13, 17. 20. When he returned from Bethany the next morn- ing, he cursed a fig-tree that had only leaves and no fruit on it, to shew the doom of fniitless professors of religion ; and presently the fig-tree withcreu away. This is said ^f^to be the only miracle of destruction that Jesus wrought, ^ for aM the rest were miracles of goodness. Matt. xxi. 17 — 20. Conclusion of this Chapter. 70 Q. After we have heard this brief account of the transactions of the life of Christ, tell me what was the sum of that religion which Christ taught during his life ? .J. It consisted chiefly in these few articles: 1. lie confirmed the "doctrine of the erne true God, and the revelation of his mind and will to men by Moses and the prophets. 2 He explained the moral law, and enforced the ob- fcer^ance of it forever; and summed it up in short in two great commandments, namely. Love God with all your neartt and Iovp your neighbour as yourself. S. He continued the observance of the ceremonial Jaw for the present, tliat is, wheresoever it did not inter- fere with the duties of the moral law ; but where it did ^52 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 24. interfere, he taught that the moral law was always to be preferred. 4. He required repentance for sin, and faith in him- self, as the great Prophet who came to reveal the grace of God to man, both for the pardon of his sin, and eternal life. 5. He appointed the profession of his religion to be made by baptism, to denote the washing away of our sins, and our being renewed to holiness by the Spirit of God. 6. Just before his sufferings and death, he appointed the feast of the Lord's supper, as a constant memorial of his dying for the sins of men, and our partaking of the benefits thereof. Matt, xxvi. 17 — 31. 1 Cor, x. 16, 17. JVb/e. This dispensation during the life of Christ, was a me- dium between the Jewish and Christian dispensations. CHAP. XXIV, Of the JDeathy Resurrectioriy and Jscensioli of Christ, :Sect. I. Of his Sufferings, Death, and Burial, 1 Q. When Jesus had instituted his holy supper, where did he go ? •^. He knew that the hour of his sufferings was at liand, and he went with his disciples into a neighbouring garden in Gethsemane, where he sustained great and grievous agonies and sorrows in his soul. Matt. xxvi. 38, 39. 2 Q. How did it appear that his anguish was so great ? J. It is written of him, that he began to be sore amaz- ed and very heavy, or overburdened. He told his disci- ples that his soul urns exceeding sorrowful, even unto death; and under this agony or sharp conflict, his sweat Sect 1. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 25S was like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Mark x\y. 53, 34. Lii/ce xxii. 44. 3 Q. What was the cause of these sorrows and ago- nies ? J, Thejr could not arise merely from the fears of death, or being nailed to a cross ; for then lie would not liave been a fit example of courage and patience to his disciples and followers, some of whom have suffered the same death of the cross, without such overwhelming ter- rors and fears as Christ discovered. It has been general- ly supposed therefore, and with very good reason, that these agonies of his soul arose from a sense of the anger of Gud for the sins of men, some way manifested to him : perhaps also increased by the temptations of evil angels, for it pleased God to bruise him, and make his soul an offering for siv. Luke x\u. 53. Jsa.liii. 6, 10. And it is evident the powers of darkness were let loose upon him. Luke xxii. 53. John xiv. SO. 4 IJ. What did Jesus do in these agonies? A. He prayed three times earnestly, that, ij possible, this hour mi^ht pass from him; his innocent human natqre being afraid of such sharp and smarting sorrows; yet he submitted himself to the wisdom and will of his Father, Jlark xiv. 35, 36. 5 q. What assistance had he to support him under this agony ? //. There appeared an angel from heaven, encourag- ing and strengthening him. ver. 43. 6 q. Where were his disciples at this time ? ^. He had withdrawn to a little distance from the rest of his disciples ; but Peter, James, and John, were nearest to him, J\Iark xiv. 32, 33 ; yet they could not help him ; and indeed they fell asleep part of the time. ver. 37. 7 q. Was Judas the traitor with the rest of the disciples in the garden ? wi. Judas had privately departed from them just af- ter the pass-over, and having; a^^reed with the chief priests and elders for tliirty nieces of ^Iver to bt^tray him into the hands of their oflicers, he was now at hand with a 23 S54 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 24. hand of men, with weapons and torches, to accomplish his design and betraj his Master. Mark xix. 43. Matt, xxvi. 14—16. 8 Q. How came the rulers of the Jews to be so much offended with Christ as to seek to destroy him. *8. For several reasons, namely, 1. Because he being a poor man in Israel, and the supposed son of a carpenter, owned himself to be the Messiah, whom they expected to be an earthly king, and to deliver them from subjection to the Romans. 2. Because in his sermons, and in his whole conduct, he endeavoured to reform those corruptions which the priests and teacliers, and rulers of the Jews, had brought into their religion. 3. He had foretold the anger of God against them and their nation, in some of his parables pretty plainly, for their great sins, and for their rejection of his minis- try. 4. They envied him, because many of the people fol- lowed him. 9 Q. How did Judas give notice to the officers which was Jesus ? Ji. He gave them a sign that he would kiss him ; and accordingly, wlien he came to him, he said, Uail Master ! and kissed him. Matt, xxvi, 48, 49. 10 ^. Was there any resistance made for the relief fif Christ? ^. Simon Peter cut off the ear of Malchus, the high priest's servant ; but Jesus bid him put up his sword, and healed the man's ear with a touch. Luke xxii. 50, 51. John xviii. lOo 11 Q. Did Christ shew anj^ further instance of his -divine power on this occasion ? . ^. When they asked for Jesus, he answered I am he z and they went backward^ and fell to the ground. John xviii. 5, 6. 12 Q. Did they yet ^fter this, persist to lay hands on liim ? Ji» Yes ; they took him and carried him away to Caia- Sect. 1. SCRIPTURE HISTORY^ 255 phas the high priest's house, where the scribes and elders were assembled. Matt. xxvi. 57, 13 Q. What became of his disciples ? Ji, They all forsook him and fled, as Christ ioretold them tliey would do. Matt. xxvi. 31, 56. 14 Q. What did Peter do, who particularly boasted of his love and coura^ ? ..^. Peter followed him afar oft', into the high priesfs hall, but there for fear of suftering, he shamefully denied lus Lord and Master thrice, and that with swearing and cursing. Mark xiv. 70 — 72. 15 ^. How was Peter brought to conviction and re- pentance for this sin ? A. When Jesus heard Peter a little before boastin» of his zeal and courage, he foretold him, that he should deny him thrice before the cock crowed twice ; and when Peter heard the cock crow, Jesus, standing now before the high priest, turned and looked upon him ; and his heart meltetl within him ; and he went out and wept bitterly, Mark xiv. 2. Luke xxii. 61, 62. 16 ^. What accusation did they bring against Christ ? »^. Several false witnesses accused him about words that he spake ; but they agreed not together, and there- fore they could not find sufficient cause to condemn hitn, though they sought it earnestly. Mark xiv. 56. 17 0. How did they condemn him at last ? A, The liigli priest asked him, »^irt thou the Christ the Son of God / And Jesus said, I am ; and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Whereupon they con- demned liim as worthy of death for blasphemy. Mark xiv. 61—64. 1 8 Q. Did they then put him to death immediately ? A. The Jews beino; under tlie government of ttie Romans, had not the full power of life and deatli in their own hands ; but thej^ shewed their spite against him by many indignities offered to him, and never left till tliey had procured a sentence of death against him from the Roman governor. 19 Q. What were these indignities ? 256 SCRIPTURE HISTORY, Chap. 24. A. They suffered their officers to mock and insult him, to smite and spit upon him, to blind his eyes and buffet him ; then they bound him and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the Ron\an governor. Mark xiv. Qo, and XV. 1. 20 ^. What became of Judas the traitor, when lie saw the priests had condemned Christ? Ji. He repented of his treachery, and brought the thirty pieces of silver to the priests ; he went away and hanged liimself ; and falling down, his body burst, and his bowels fell out. Matt, xxvii. 1 — 5. Jicts i. 18. 21 ^. AVhat did Pilate determine concerning Jesus? Ji. Pilate found him to be an innocent man, and that the priests and elders had accused him out of envy, and therefore he would lain have released him. Mark xv. 9, 10, and Luke, xxiii. 4. 22 ^. How did Pilate propose to release him when he was charged as so great a criminal by their accusa- tions ? A, It was the custom at the pass-over, to release some prisoner, and he offered to release Jesus to them at that season. Mark xv. 6 — 9. 23 Q. Did the Jews accept of Pilate's proposal ? Ji. No ; they chose rather to have I^arabbas released, who was a robber and a muiderer, and demanded Jesus to be crucified, ver, 7, 11, 13. 24 Q. Did Pilate yield to their demands ? A, Yes, at last he released Barabbas ; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified, even against his own conscience, ver. 1 5. 25 ^. How came Pilate to be persuaded to crucify an innocent man ? Ji, He did it partly to please the Jews, and partly lest he should be counted an enemy to Ceesar if he spar- ed Christ who did not deny himself to be a king. J^lark XV. 15. John xix. 12, 13. 26 Q. What further indignkies were cast on our Saviour ? A. They stripped him of his own clothes, and put on him a scarlet robe in mockery, because he did not d^- Sect 1. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 257 ny himself to be the Kin^ of the Jews; they platted a crown ol thorns and put it on his head, with a reed in his right hand ; they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, RUg of the Jews.' they smote him with a reed, and spit upon him, Mark xv. 27 q. How did the blessed Jesus carry it under all these anronts ? Ji, Being reviled he reviled not again, but stood be- fore his accusers and his judges as an innocent lamb stands silent before the shearers ; and made very few replies to all their accusations, charges aad inquiries. JMark xiv. 61. Jets viii. 32. 1 Fet. ii. 23. 28 Q. In what manner did they crucify him ? J, They put his own garments on liim again, they carried liim to Calvary, the place of execution, and there they nailed him on the cross ; where they also crucified two malefactors, one on his right hand, and the other on. his left Mark xv. 20. Luke xxiii. 33. 29 Q. Did our Saviour then make no resistance, nor <^ive a rebuke to their wicked cruelty ? ° A, He only prayed for them, and said. Father for- give them, for they know not ichat they do. Luke 4*xxiii. 34. ^ 30 Q; What was the inscription set over his head r J. Th is is Jesus of A^azareth, the King of the Jews^ and it was written in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. John xixt 19. , ^ 31 Q. What affronts did he suffer on the cross ? J. When the soldiers had cast lots for his garments, the rulers mocked him, many of the Jews reviled him» and so did one of the thieves that was crucified with him. Luke xxiii. 34 — 39. . 32 Q. How did tlie other thief carry it towards him r , , i , • .1. He rebuked his fellow, acknowledged his own «ruilt, and the innocence of Christ ; he prayed that Jesus- would remember him when he came itito his kingdom, /",,/^.' win, 40 — 42. 258 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 24. 33 Q. What answer did Christ make to his faith and prayer ? A. Jesus said, Verilt/t to-day shalt thou be with me in paradise, ver. 43. 34 Q. What respect did Jesus pay to his own mother, Mary, when he saw her near the cross ? v^. He commended her to the care of John, his be- loved disciple ; and from that time John took her to his own house. John xix. 26, 27. S5 Q. What were some of the last words of Jesus on the cross ? Ji, He cried out. My God^ my God, why hast thou forsaken me? And a little after he said. It is finished; then he cried with a loud voice. Father, into thy hands 1 commend my Spirit, and died immediately. Mark xv. 34. Luke xxiii. 46. John xix. SO. 36 Q. What remarkable occurrences attended the death of Christ r A. 1. At the sixth hour there was darkness over the whole land till the ninth ; that is, from noon till three o'clock in the afternoon. Mark xv. 33. 2. The vail of the temple, which divided the holy place from the holy of holies, was rent from the top to the bottom. 3. There was an earthquake, the rocks were rent, graves were then opened, and many of the pious dead arose after his resurrection, and appeared to several persons in Jerusalem. Matt, xxvii. 51 — 53. 4. The centurion who guarded the crucifixion of Christ, seeing these things^ was constrained to confess. Surely this man was the Son of God. Mark xv. 39. 37 Q. What was done to the body of Jesus after his death ? d. When they broke the legs of the tiiieves who were crucified, that they might die the sooner, and be taken down from the cross before the sabbath, they broke not the legs of Jesus, because he was already dead ; but a soldier pierced his side with a spear, and there issued blood anci water. Jo/twxix. 3! — 37. 38 Q. How was Jesus buried ? Sect. 2. SCRIPTURE HISTCJRV. C.f) A. Joseph of Arimathea, a rich mai^L^eyt to Pilate, begged the body of Jesus, wrapped it T^J&teMf linen, with spicesi, laid" it in his own new tomo^^^M^^yUed a great stone to the door of the sepulchre. TlSI<5:?riv. 43 — 46. Luke xxiii. 56. John xix. 40. 39 Q. What was done bv the enemies of Christ to secure him from rising again? A. llie Jews desired Pilate to set a guard of soldiers about tlie sepulchre ; and, that they might know if the tomb had been opened, they sealed the stone that was rolled to the door of it. *Matt. xxvii. 62 — 66. Sect. II. Of the Hesurreciion and Appearances of Christ. 40 Q. How did Jesus arise from the dead ? Jl, Early on the first day of the week there was a freat earthquake, an angel rolled back the stone from le door and sat upon it, his countenance was like lif^ht- ning, and his raiment white as snow; the keepers shook for fear, and Jesus rose and departed. Matt, xxvii. 1 — 4. 41 Q. What was the first notice the apostles of Christ had of his resurrection ? v(?. Early in the morning after the sabbath, some good women came to brin^ spices and ointments, to anoint the body, ffnd they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre; and an angel told them Jesus was risen; and bid them go tell his disciples. J^ark xvi, 1—8. 42 ({. Which of the apostles came to the sepulchre to examine this matter ? A. Peter and John both went to tlie sepulchre, and found the linen clothes and the napkin, in which the bwly was wrapped, and were convinced that Jesus was risen. John xx. 1 — 10. 43 ^. '\>'hat story did the Jews tell concerning the resurrection of Clirist ? 560 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 24. Jl. When the guards told the c])ief priests what was done, the priests and elders bribed them largely to say, that while they fell asleep, his disciples came by night and stole him away. Matt, xxviii. 11 — 13. 44 Q. How then did the soldiers come off with the governor ? A. The priests persuaded the governor to forgive them for sleeping, ver. 1 4. 45 Q. To whom did Jesus appear after his resur- rection r A. First to Mary Magdalen ; afterwards to two dis- ciples going to Emmaus ; then to the apostles assembled, without Thomas ; and all this on the day of his resur- rection : afterwards he appeared to the apostles when Thomas was with them ; again at the Sea of Tiberias to seven of his disciples ; then to eleven of his disciples on a mountain in Galilee; then near Jerusalem when he ascended to heaven. 46 Q. How long did he continue on earth after his resurrection ? S, He continued forty days, giving his disciples further instructions in the great things of the Gospel, which they were not prepared to receive before his death. Jlcts i. 3. John xvi. 12. 47 Q. How did he appear to Mary Magdalen ? Jl. When she found not Jesus in the tomb, she turn- ed away from the sepulchre, and she saw Jesus, but knew him not till he called her by her name. John xx. 14, 16. 48 Q. What did he say to her ? .?. Touch me not at present, but go to my brethren, and tell them, I ascend to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God. ver. 17. 49 Q. How did he appear to his two disciples going to Emmaus ? ,i. He joined himself to them as they were walking ; he reproved them for their unbelief; he proved to them out of the prophets that the Messiah was to suffer death, and to enter into glory ; he went into the house and eat Sect. 2. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 261 with them ; and when they began to know him, lie van- ished out of their sight. Luke xxiv. 13 — 31. 50 f/. Ilow didhe reveal himself to the apostles when Thomas was absent, the same evening? j). When the doors were shut for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst of tliem ; he blessed them, and gave them a commission to preach the Gospel ; he breathed^ on tliem, and bid them receive the Holy Ghost. John xx. 19—23. 51 Q. How did he appear to them when Thomas was with them ? A. A week after, Jesus stood in the midst of them again, when the doors were shut, and bid Thomas see and feel the marks of the nails in his Viands, and of tlie spear in his side, and rebuked his unbelief. John XX. 24—27. 52 Q. Did Thomas confess him then ? A. Thomas with surprise and joy acknowledged him ; he broke out into a rapture of zeal and worship, and said to him, >Mif Lordf ana mij God. ver, 28. 53 Q. How did he shew himself to them at the Sea of Tiberias. ^. Some of them w^ent a fishing, and cauglit nothing all night ; Jesus stood on the sliore in the morning, and bid them cast the net on the right side of tiie ship ; and they took a multitude of fishes. John xxi. 1 — 6. 54 ({. What remarkable occurrence happened at this meeting? A. When they knew it was the Lord, Peter cast himself itito the sea ; and when they were come to the shore, they eat some broiled fish, and Jesus eat with them. John xxi. 7, 13. 55 Q. How did Jesus reprove Peter for his want of love to him, and denying his Master ? •9. He rebuked him in a very gentle manner of speech, by asking Peter three times, whether he loved him or no, and then he foretold that Peter should love him so well as to suffer and die for his sake. ver. 15-19. 56 Q. How did he appear to them on tlie mountain in Galilee r 362 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 24. Ji, Jesus appointed them to meet him there ; he told them that all power in heaven and earth was given into his hands ; lie gave them their commission to preach the Gospel to all nations ; and promised his presence with them, and a power to work miracles, for the vindication of their doctrine. Matt, xxviii. 1 6 — 20. Sect. III. Of his Ascension to Heaven. 57 (^. How did he manifest himself to them near Jerusalem ? A. He met them, and led them out as far as to Mount Olivet, near Bethany ; he bid them to tarry at Je- rusalem till the promised Spirit should fall upon them ; he repeated their commission, appointed them to be wit- nesses for him in the world ; and having blessed them, lie ascended to heaven in a bright cloud. Luke xxiv. 49—51. Acts'i 4—11. 58 Q. Did he not appear to five hundred brethren at once ? A. St. Paul asserts it, 1 Cor. xv. 6, and it was nei- ther the first nor the last time of his appearance, but when it was is uncertain. Jicts i. 12. 59 ^. AVhat notice was there given from heaven of his return again ? Ji. While they were gazing towards heaven, two angels appeared, and assured them, that they should see liim return in the same manner as he ascended. Acts J. 10, U. GO Q. Whither went the disciples then ? A. They worshipped Christ when he ascended to lieaven, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, prais- ing God. Luke xxiv. 52, 5S, Chap. 25. SCRIPTURE HISTORY:. 263 CHAP. XXV. Of the Jets of the Apostles, chiefly Peter and John, and the Deacons, Stephen and Philip. 1 O, What was the first remarkable thing the apostles did toward their future ministry, after^lhey re- turned to Jerusalem? A. They chose two out of their company at Jerusa- Jem, (wliich was one hundred and twenty) that one of them might be an apostle and witness oj the resurrec- tion of Christ, in the room of Judas the traitor. Jets i. 15 22. 2 q. How did they determine which of those two should be the man ? , ^ , x J. Thev called on the Lord by prayer, then cast lots, and the lot'fell upon Matthias, who was numbered with the eleven apostles. Jets i. 24—26. , o • • 3 q. How long did they wait for the promised fepirit to fall on tliein ? J. On the day of pentecost, which was ten days attei- the ascension of Christ, the Spirit of God was sent down upon them. JctsW. }, iiic, 4 q. In what manner did the Spirit come upon them ? J, The house where they were met was filled with the sound of a rushing wind, and cloven tongues of fire appeared as sitting on all their heads, ver. 2, 3. 5 q. What was the first effect of tlie descent of the Holy Spirit upon tl^m ? A. They all spake with various tongues the wonder- ful works of God, to the ama/.ement ot the Jews, and a multitude of proselytes of all nations that were tlicn at Jerusalem, ver. A — 11. 6 q. Which of the apostles seemed to be the^ chiet speaker at that time, and what was tlieir doctrine ? J. Peter preaches to this multitude, bears witness to the resurrection and exaltation of Christ, and the pour- ing out of tijc Spirit of God on men ; partly from hi* 264 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap, 25. own knowledge, and from these present visible effects thereof among them, and partly fi^m the prophecies and promises of Scripture ; he leads them to Christ as a Sa- viour and Lordy calls them to repentance of their sins, and a profession of their faith in Jesus, by being baptized in his name. ver. 14 — 41. 7 Q. What success had this sermon ? J, '^ree thousand souls were added to the disciples of Christ, and baptized on that day. ver. 41. 8 Q. What was the temper of spirit which was ad- mirable in these primitive converts ? Jl. A spirit of devotion toward God and Christ, with a spirit of benevolence and intimate friendship toward each other ; so far, that they were daily in the temple praising God ; they were most frequently, or rather con- tinually engaged in prayer, and in remembering the death of Christ, by breaking bread with joy ; and they 50 liberally distributed to tlie poor, that none was in want. These were the glorioys effects of Christianity in its first appearance, ver. 42 — 47. 9 Q. How did the apostles effectually prove their doctrine, and their commission to preach ? d. By doing many si^ns and wonders among the. people, which were the gifts of the Spirit, proceeding from a risen Saviour, ver. SS> — 43. Note. This was the proper lieginning of the kingdom of Christ, or the Christiajv Dispensation ; which was set iip in the Avorld in its glory, at the pouring down of the Spirit, af- ter the ascension of Christ, and his exaltation to the govern- ment of the world and the church. 10 Q. What remarkable miracle was wrouglit by Peter and John at the temple gate ? Jl. A beggar that was born a cripple received the use of his limbs, when they bid him rise up and walk in the name of Jesus of JsTazareth. Jets iii. 1 — 9. 11 Q. What use was made of this miracle ? Jl. Peter took occasion from it to preach this new doctrine, namely, the resurrection of Christ, and salva- tion in his name, citing the ancient prophets to confirm it. ^c^s. iii. 12— 26. Chap. 25. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 265 1 2 Q. What was the effect of this sermon ? .'?. Five thousand were converted by it to the faith of Christ ; but the priests and rulers put the apostles in prison. Jicts iv. 1 — 4. 13 CJ. What defence did the apostles make when they were brought the next day before the priests and rulers ? *4. They took courage again, and preached to this court the doctrine of the Gospel of Christ ; and silenced tlieir enemies, by having tlie cripple that was healed stand among them. ver. 5 — 14. 14 ^. What became of them after this their de- fence ? ^. They were dismissed, and charged to preach no more in the name of Jesus ; but Peter and John declared they would obey God rather than man. ver. 15 — 20. 13 O. Whither went the apostles after their dis- charge r w^. They went to their own company, and gave glory to God in prayer and praise ; and their whole assembly was filled \vi"th the Holy Ghost, and boldly spake the word of God. ver, 23 — 31. 16 ^. What remarkable instance of goodness and Jpeompassion was practised by these first believers ? *S, The souls of all of them were so united in love to ClH-ist, and one anotiier, tliat they sold their posses- sions and goods, and tlirew all into a common stock, wliich the apostles divided to every man according to his need, ^cts iii. 44, 45, and iv, 32 — 35. 17 Q, Were they all faithful and honest in bringing the price of their estates to the joint-stock ? J. There was one Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, who sold a possession, and secretly withheld part of the money, though tliey declared they had paid it all in. Jd<, V. 1,2. 18 Q, Did they meet with any punishment for this tlieir hypm risy and deceit ? A, 'Peter charjjed them with /j/two; to the Holy Ghost, and struck them both dead with \\\& woitl. ivr. 3 — 10. 39 Q. What effect had this upon the multitude ? 24 S66 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 25, •5. It discouraged others that were in the church from practising the like deceit, and frightened hypocrites from coming into the church merely in hopes of a main- tenance, ver. 11. 20 ^. What other miracles were wrouglit by the apostles ? *i. Multitudes of sick were Jiealed, and those that were possessed with devils were relieved, both in Jeru- salem and the cities round about, ver, 15, 16. 21 Q. Did the high priests and rulers let the apostles ^0 on at this rate ? •4, They again put them in prison, but the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and sent them again to preach this Gospel, ver. 17 — 21. 22 ^. When they were brought again before the iulers, how did they behave themselves ? J. They charged the rulers with putting Christ to ileath, and declared they were witnesses of his resurrec- tion ; and that God had eocalted him to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance .and forgiveness of sins, ver. 29 — 32. 23 Q, What eflfect had this speech upon the rulers and elders ? Jl, At the advice of Gamaliel (who doubted whether the hand of God was not with the apostles) they dis- missed them again ; but they beat them fa-st, and again commanded them to preach Jesus Cluist no more. vei\ 34—42. 24 ^. When there were such multitudes of converts, how could the apostles both preach the Gospel, and dis- tribute the money to the poor ? •A. The apostles were sensible that the labour was too much for them, and therefore they bid the disciples choose out seven men (who were afterwards called dea- cons) to take care of the poor, that they might more constantly be -engaged in preaching and prayer, dcts \l 1— -5. 25 Q. How did the apostles separate those whom the people chose to this office of a deacon ? »^. They prayed and laid their hands on them, ver, 6. Chap. 25. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 26 Q. Who were the most considerable of these seven men ? Ji. Stephen and Philip, who were full of faith and zeal, and had great gifts communicated to them. 27 Q. What is related concerning Stephen ? A. He wrought wonders, and no doubt he preached the word with power, till he was accused to the council for blasjiljemv against God and Moses, ver, 8 — 15. 28 q. How did Stephen defend himself? Jl. By a long rehearsal of their ancient histories, he charged them and their fathers with resisting the Holy Spirit, with killino; the prophets, and with breaking the law of God ; and upbraided them at last with the mur- der of Christ. Acts vii. 1 — 53. 29 q. What did they do? with Stephen after so bold a speech ? J. When he told them further, that he saw the hea- lipfis openedy and Jesus standing at the right hand of God ; they cried out against him as a blasphemer, with a loud voice ; they cast him out of the city and stoned him. ver. 54 — 58. 30 Q. How did Stephen behave at his death ? A. He, being the first martyr for Christ, gave a glori- ous instance of his taith and love. 31 Q. Wherein did his faith appear? J). At his death he prayetl, and said. Lord Jesus re- ceive mi/ spirit, ver. 59. 32 q. How did he manifest his love ? ^. He prayed for his enemies, and said. Lord, lay not this sin to their charge, ver. 60. S3 ({. What is recorded concerning Philip tlie dea- con ? Jl, He went down to Samaria, and preached Christ among tliem, and healed the sick, and cast out devils* Jlcts viii. 5, 6, 7. 34 q. Did he make any converts there ? .^. Yes ; many of the Samaritans believed in Christ and were baptized, and among the rest one Simon a sorcerer, was baptized, who is commonly called Simon Magus, ver. 9 — 13. ges SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 25. S5 Q. Did these believers at Samaria receive the Holy Spirit also ? *3. Peter and John, the apostles, came down on pur- pose from Jerusalem, and laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit, ver, 14 — 17. Js^'ote. This make^ it evident, that Philip, who preached to the Samaritans, was not the apostle so named, but the deacon ; for had he been the apostle, there would have been no need for Peter and John to come from Jerusalem to lay hands on those 1 hat believed. 36 Q. How did Simon Magus betray his own hypo- crisy and falsehood ? /i. He offered them money that he might have power to communicate the Holy Ghost to others by laying on his hands, ver, 18, 19. 37 Q. How was he reproved for this his rashness and folly? ►5. Peter said to him, Thy money parish with thee! Thou hast no part with us in this matter ; for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. ver. 20, 21. 38 C(. Whither was Philip sent next to preach ? A. The angel of the liord sent him to meet a great officer of the queen of Ethiopia upon the road, as he was returning from Jerusalem, where he had been to worship as a proselyte, ver. 26, 27. 59 Q. How vras he employed when P!iilip met him ? A. He was sitting in his chariot, and reading the 53d chapter of Isaiah, where it is written. He ivas led as a sheep to the slaughter, S^c. ver. 28 — 32. 40 Q. In what manner did Philip preach the Gospel to him ? *3. Upon his inquiry, " who was the person of whom the prophet spake r" Philip preached Jesus Christ the Saviour to him. ver. 54, 35. 41 Q. What success had this discourse of Philip ? Ji. He professed his fiiith, that Jesus is the Son of God, and was baptized as soon as they came to any wa- ter, ver. 36—38. 42 Q. What became of Philip afterwards ? .5. The Spirit of the Lord caught him away, and Chap. 25. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 269 carried him to Azotus ; whence he travelled to Cesarea, and preached to all the cities upon the road. ver. 39, 40. 43 ({, What are the next remarkable actions of Peter ? *^. He went down to Lydda, and cured Eneas, who had kept his bed ei^ht years with the palsy ; and he went to Joppa, and raised Dorcas from tne dead. ,icts ix. 32—41. 44 <^. Who was this Dorcas ? A. She was a woman full of good works, and wha made garments for the poor. ver. 56—39. 45 (J. What was the effect of these miracles ? A, Many at Lydda and Joppa believed and turned to the Lord. ver. S3 — 42. 46 Q. What message did Peter receive while he wa«, at Joppa ? J, Cornelius, a centurion that feared God, and pray- ed to liim daily, was ordered by an angel in a vision to send to Joppa for Peter, that he might teach him the way of salvation, •^cts x. 1 — 6. 47 ({. Did Peter readily go upon this message, and preach to Cornelius who was one of the Gentilesr J. Peter being a Jew, would have thought it unlaw- ful to keep company with the Gentiles ; tliat is, to go and sojourn, and eat with tliem in a familiar manner, as- thinking them unclean : but God forewarned him in a vision, just before the messengei-s came to him, that he should freely go and preach to the Gentiles who sent for him. rer. 19. 20, 28,29. 48 Q. AN'hat sort of vision was this whereby God forewarned Peter tliat the Gentiles should not be judged unclean any longer : ^, Whde the messengers of Cornelius drew near the city, Peter went upon the house-top to pray ; and there was a great sheet appearetl to be let uown fron* heaven, with all manner ol unclean beasts and birds, and creeping things ; and a voice bid Peter kill and eat, nor call those tinngs unclean which God had cleansed, ver* 0, 20. 34» ^TO SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 25. J^ote. By this vision Peter seems to have been taught these two things at once ; namely, he was taught hterally and ex- pressly, that there were no more Jewish distinctions of meats to be observed ; and he was taught, by way of emblem, that the Gentiles should no longer be counted unclean, or unfit for Jews familiarly to eat and converse with. 49 Q. How did Peter begin his sermon to Cornelius and his friends ? •^. Thus ; Of a truth I perceive that God is no re- specter of persons ; hut in every nation^ he that fearetJi God, and worketh righteousness is accepted of him, .4cfs X. 34, 35. 50 Q. What was the chief substance of his dis- course ? Jl. He preached the life, and death, and resurrection of Christ ; and that he was ordained to be the Judge of the world : and that whosoever believeth in him should have remission of sins. vcr. 36 — 43. 51 Q. Had this sermon of Peter any remarkable success ? Ji, While Peter spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all those that were present ; and they spake with tongues, and were baptized in the name of the Lord, ver, 44 — 48. 52 Q. How did Peter defend himself for conversing and eating with the Gentiles, when the Jewish believers reproved him for it ? A. Peter related the whole story, both of his own Tision upon the house-top, and of the angel that was sent to Cornelius, and the wonderful success of his sermon ; upon which they held their peace, and glorified God. ^c^sxi. 1— 18. 53 Q. Were the disciples of Christ free from perse- cution at this time ? A. They had been free from persecution for a con- siderable time in Judea, and Galilee, and Samaria, till Herod killed James the brother of John with the sword, and put Peter in prison. Jlcts ix. 31, and xii. 1 — 4. 54 Q. How did Peter escape from his hands ? d. Prayer was made by the church without ceasing Chap. 25. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Sri for him ; and while he was sleeping between two sol- diers, bound with two chains, and the sentinels kept the prison-door, at nig;ht a li^ht shone in the prison, and the angel of the Lord awakened him, tlie chains fell frotn his hand», tlie n;ates opened of their own accoixl, and the angel brought him into the street and departet!. Acts xii. 5 — 10. 55 Q. Whither went Peter after his release from prison r J. To the house of Mary t!ie mother of John Mark, where the disciples were met together for prayer, and he ortlered them to acquaint the brethren of his miracu- lous deliverance, ver. \2 — ir. 56 ({. How did Herod shew his rage for his disap- pointment ? J. He commanded the keepers of the prison to be put to death, being exceedingly vexed that Peter had escaped his hands, ver. 19. 57 ({. What remarkable judgment of God fell upon Herod? ./. Upon a special occasion, sitting on his throne, in his royal robes, he made a speech to the people ; upon which* tliey cried out. It is the voice nf a god and not of a man / and immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he jjave not God the glory, and he was eaten of worms and died. ver. 21—23. 58 ((. What further account is there given of Peter in Scripture? *(?. He preached the Gospel to the world, he encour- aged the receiving the Gentiles into tiie church without ciTcumcision, by his own example ; he wrote letters to encourage the believers under j)ersecution ; till at last he was crucified, as Christ had foretold him. J)cts xv. r— 11. First and second epistle of Feter, Jo/in xxi. 18, 19. 2 /'eM. 13— 15. 59 Q. Is there any thing else recorded concerning the apostle John ? J. He also preached the wortl, and wrote the his- tory of the life and death of Christ, which is called his Gospel,; he wrote several epistles to the Christians; he 272 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 25, was bariished to the isle of Patmos for the sake of Christ, where he wrote the book of the Revelation : in what order he wrote these things, does not appear from Scripture. 60 ((. You liave informed us wliat were the doctrines, and what was the religion tliat the apostles and disci- ples taught after Christ went to heaven ; but how comes it to pass that among these doctrines v.'e do not find them insisting more expressly on that great article of the Gospel, the redemption by Christ's death, and the atonement made for sin bj his suffering's ? Ji. It is sufficiently evident that this doctrine was taught the world by Peter and John, as well as byPaul, since there is frequent mention of it in their epistles, as well as it shines every where through tlie epistles of St. Paul ; nor can we suppose their preaching utterly forgot or neglected what their writings abound with, 1 Pet. i. 18, 19, ch. ii. 24, ch. iii. 18, and iv. 1, 1 John i. 7, cli. ii. 2, cli. iii. 16, and v. 6, and therefore it is possible they might preach it sometimes at first, though it be not ex- pressly recorded in such short abstractsof their sermons, as we find in the book of Acts. Or, if this doctiine was not published at first with frequency and freedom, there seems to be a very good reason for it, namely, because neither the Jews nor Gentiles could well bear it so soon; for it was a stumblings-block to the Jews, and foolish- ness to the Greeks. 1 Cor. i. 23. And they were to be led by degrees into a full acquaintance with the mystery of the Gospel ; even as Christ himself led his own dis- ciples by slow degrees into the knowledge of thi:^ and other things, as they were able to bear them. .John xvi. 12, Chap. 26. SCRIPTURE HISTORV. CHAP. XXVI. The Mts of Paul the Apostle, hU Travels and Suffer- ings, his Life and Death, 1 Q. Who was Paul r A. He was a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, bom at Tarsus ; his name at first was Saul, he was brought up in the strict sect of the Pharisees, a man of j^ood niorals, and exceeding zealous of the traditions ot the fathers. Jicts xxiii. 9, and xxi. 39. Phil, iii. 5, 6. Oal. i. 14. Acts vii. 58. 2 ^. What was his behaviour towards the Christians while he continued a Pharisee ? J. He was a verr great persecutor in his younger years, he made havock of tlie church every where, send- ing men and women to prison, and he encouraged tliose wlio stoned Stephen. Jets viii. 1, 3, and yii. 58. 3 Q. How came he to become a Christian ? A. As he was going to Pamascus, with orders from tlie high priest to bring all the Christians he could find there bound to Jerusalem, he was struck down on the road, by a blaze of light from heaven. Acts \x, 1 — 3. 4 ^. Did he hear any voice at the same time ? A. A voice from heaven said to him, Sauly Sanly ivhtf pcrsccutest thou me ? I am Jesus, whom thou persecU' test. ver. 4, 5. 3 q. What effect had this upon Saul ? A. He trembled and ( ricd out. Lord, what wilt thou have me to do ? And the Lord bi»l him arise, and go to the city of Damascijs, and there he sliould 'oe told his duty. ver. 6. 6 Q. Did Saul obey this divine visio^i ? A, He rose from the earth, and found that lie wa^ struck blind, and he was led by the hand into Damascus, where he was three days without siglit and without food, and engaged much in prayer, tv r. 8 — 11. 7 Q. Who was sent to teach him his duty there ? .i. Ananias, a disciple, was ordered by tlie Lord in Q74 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 26. a vision to go to him in the house where he lodged, and to restore his eye sight, ver. 11, 12, and to tell him what honour and duty God had appointed for him. 8 Q. Did Ananias go willingly on this errand ? ^, He was at first afraid to go, because he had heard of his cruel persecution of the Christians ; but the Lord assured him that Saul would receive him because he had given Saul also a vision of one Ananias to pre- pare him for his coming, ver. 10, &c. 9 Q. How did Saul recover his si^ht ? .>j?. Ananias laid his hands upon him, and he received his sight, and was filled with the Holy Ghost, and was baptized, ver. 17, 18. 10 Q. Who appointed Saul at first to be a preacher ? ./J. The Lord Jesus ordered Ananias to tell him, that God had chosen him to know his will, to see Jesus, and to be a witness for Christ to the world. *^cts xxii. 14, &c. And some time after that, Christ himself in another vis- ion sent him to preach to the heathen nations, ver. 21. Ji'ofe here. In St. PauPs rehearsal of this matter to Agrippa, ..^cts xxvi. 16, Sic. Christ himself is represented as giving Paul his first commission from heaven to the Gentiles at this ^ime : jet it has been questioned w^hether the apostle does not in this rehearsal join together all that Christ said to him, both in his first vision upon the road to Damascus, and his second vision at Jerusalem in the temple, when he was more expressly sent to the Gentiles, Acts xxii. 17, 18, 21, but this is too large a debate to be assumed here. 1 1 ^. How did Saul employ himself after this won- derful appearance ? A. He was a few days with the disciples at Damas- cus, and be soon preached Christ in the syna^oj^ues, that he is the Son of God, to the amazement of them that heard him. ver. IQ — 2r3. 12 (^. How came he to learn and preach the Gospel so soon ^ S. It is generally supposed tliat he was taught the Gospel by Jesus Christ himself in the three days of \m blindness, for he declares he learnt it not from mem Gall 1, 11—16. Chap. 20 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 275 13 Q. Where did he preach the Gospel when he went from Damascus ? J. Ill Arabia, and he returned again to Damascus, and did not j^o up to the apostles at Jerusalem till three years after. 6?^/. i. 17, 18. >^ 14 Q. AVhen he returned to Damascus, how did the '- J\fws bear witli him ? ''S. They watched the gates night and day to slay him; but the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket ^cts ix. 23—25, and 2 Cor. xi. 32, 33. 15 Q, When he came ie Jenjsalem how was he re- ceived oy the disciples ? J. They were all afraid of him, because he had been so great a persecutor of the Christians but a very few years before. lyT* 26. 16 ^. How were they persuaded to believe that he was now ti disciple of Christ ? A, fiai-nabas brought him to the apostles, and gave an account of Christ's calling him from heaven, and his preaching boldly at Damascus in tlie name of Jesus, ver, 17 ^. Who was Barnabas ? Jl. A Levite of Cj'prus, whose name was Joses, who was a zealous disciple of Christ and a preacher of the Gospel, whom the apostles surnamed Barnabas, that is, the son of consolation. Jicis iv. 36. 18 Q Did Saul preacli Christ at Jerusalem ? Jl. Yes, with great courage ; but the Grecians, /that is, the Hellenist or Grecian Jewsj sought to slaj^him, and then the brethren persuaded hira to retire to his na- tive place. Tarsus in Cilicia. Jlcts ix. 28 — 30. 19 ({. What was that other vision which he had of Christ wl>en he was at Jerusalem ? A. As he was prayini; in the temple he saw the Lord, who assured him that the Jews would not receive his witness concerning him, and hid him depart from Jeru- salem, for that he would send him to the Gentiles. Jicts ■■.■■ 1-— oi. ^76 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Cbap. 26. Js'ote. Though this account of Paul's seeing Christ in the temple at Jerusalem, seems here immediately to follow the ac- count of his conversion, Ads xxii. 16, 17, yet some think he had not this vision till the second time of his coming to Jerusa- lem. £0 Q, Whither was Barnabas sent by the apostles ? •5. When tliey heard of the great success of the Gospel in foreign countries, they sent him as far as An- tioch in Syria to confirm the disciples. Acts xi. 22 — 24. Note. This great success of the Gospel at this time, was partly among the Jews who resided in other countries, and partly the Jewish proselytes of tlie gate, or the devout persons, and such as feared God. Acts x. 17, and chap. xiii. 16, 50. 21 ^. Whither did Barnabas go when he left Anti- och ? J. He went to Tarsus to seek Saul, awd brought him to Antioch, where they spent a whole year lel with some success tliere, both among the Jews and Gentiles ; till bein^ in danger of stoning, tliey fled to I^ysti-a. *icts xiv. 1 — 6. SO ({. What remarkable occurrence fell out at Lys- tra? J]. A man that was born a cripple, liearing Paul preach, was healed by Paul, and he lea|)ed and walked. ver. 8—10. 31 Q. How did this miracle affect the people ? J, They supposed Barnabas and Paul to be two of 278 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. €hap. 26. their gods, namely, Jupiter and Mercury, who were come down in the likeness of men ; and Barnabas and Paul had much ado to hinder the people from offering sacri- fice to them . ver. 8 — 1 8. 32 Q. Did the people continue in this mind ? J, They were so changeable, that by the persuasion of certain wicked Jews, they quickly stoned Paul, and left him for deadL ver. 9. 33 Q. How did Paul escape thence? Jl. When his enemies were gone, he rose up and went with Barnabas through many cities where they had preached the Gospel to confirm the disciples ; and then they returned to Antioch in Syria, from whence they had been sent forth, and recommended to the grace of God. ver. 20 — 27. 34 Q. What new troubles arose whik they were at Antioch? d. Some Jewish Christians coming from Judea, taught the brethren that they could not be saved, unless they were circumcised, and kept the law of Moses, ^cts XV. 1. S5 Q. How was this controversy determined ? ^. Paul and Barnabas were sent to Jerusalem to tlw apostles and elders about this question, ver. 2. JVb/e. It is probable that at this time Paul told Peter, James and John, of the liberty of the Gospel, -or the freedom from all Jewish ceremonies, Avhich he preached to the Gentiles, Gal. di. 1 — 9, and which he calls his Gospel, being evidently the japostle of the Gentiles. GaL ii. 7 — 9, and 1 Tim., ii. 7. 36 Q. How did the apostles and elders decide it? ^. First, Peter declared that the Gentiles had receiv- ed the Gospel from his mouth, as well as the Jews; and there was now no ditterence between them, since God had declared his acceptance of them by giving them the Holy Spirit, and tliat without circumcision. Secondly, Barnabas and Paul rehearsed what wondrous success God had given to their ministry among the Gentiles, and what miracles were wrought among them : then James .delivered hisL opinion, that since tlie Gentiles liad receiv- ed the Goj^l, as it was foretold by the prophets, they Chap. 26. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 279 should not be burdened with circumcision and other Jew- ish ceremonies: upon which, at last, the apostles and ciders, and the whole church, sent a message to Antioch, and other countnes, that the Gentile converts were not bound by the Jewish laws : yet, by the direction of the Holy Spirit, they required them at that time to abstain from meats offered to idols, from eating bhodyfroni things strangled, and from fornication, ver. 6—30. 37 ^. Why were these few things so particularly forbid to the Gentile converts ? J. Some suppose these were the things always for- bidden to the Jewish proselytes of the gate. See J^ote on Q. 20. And that it would have given too much of- fence to the Jews, as well as to those proselytes, if the apostles had not required the Gentile converts to obser\'e tliese rules, at least for the present season. JVb/e. Fornication was a thing always unlawful in itself, yet here other things are joined with it which are not sinful in their own nature : because the eating of blood and things offered to idols were frequently attended with fornication and impurity, among the Gentiles at their idolatrous feasts; and therefore this fin of fornication is expressly forbidden here, to put the Chris- tians always in mind of the unlawfulness of it ; and more par- ticularl}', because some professed Christians in that age prt^- tended it to be lawful, such as the Gnostice, Nicolaitans, &c. Abstinence from things offered to idols seems to be but a temporary command, for particuhir times and places ; since it is permitted in some ca.^es by the apostle, namely, where it gives no oflrncc. 1 Cor. x. 19 — 31. And abstine.nct from blood, not being in itself unlawful, seenjs to stand on the same foot : for it is plain, Jhat the reason given agaiiuit eating blood is, be- cause it was uevoted to Cod to make atonement for sin. Lev. xvii. 10 — 14. And the blood of beasts slain for food was to be poured out on (he ground, btcanse the life., or most noble part of the creature, teas contained in it ; and was devoted to God, as a sort of first-fruits, to sanctify the rest for the eater's use. But now, the blood of Christ having made full atonement for sin, and all sorts of food under the New Testament being sanc- tified to the eater by the xcord and prayer., I Tim. iv. 3 — 5, blood has neither of these uses continued ; and is therefore one of those meats which may be eaten with thanksgiving, though it was forbidden at first for a season, together with meats offered to idols, lest the Jews and pro^ lvt»s r-hdnl.l t;tkf ofr» ncp. 38a SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 26 58 Q. What were the next travels of Paul and Bar- nabas ? Jl, They determined to visit their brethren in every city vvliere they had preached the Gospel ; but they could not agree about taking John Mark for their assist- ant, because he had left them before in the middle of tiieir work, ver, 36 — 38. 39 ^. How was this oonfention ended between Bar- nabas and Paul r ^. Barnabas took Mark, and sailed to Cyprus ; Paul chose Silas, (who had been sent with tliem from Jerusa- lem to Antioch) and went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches, ver, 39 — 41. 40 q. Where did Paul meet with Timothy? Jl, He was a young disciple at Lystra, the son of a Jewish woman, and Paul took him for their companion in the ministry ; and they travelled through many part& of that country which is now called the Lesser Asia. Jlcts xvi. 1 — 8. JVo/e. Asia is a large country, one quarter of the world. The Lesser Asia is the same with Natolia, a square country be- tween the Euxine Sea and the Mediterranean. But the Asia %vhich the Scripture so frequently speaks of in the Acts, seems to be but a small part of this Lesser Asia, including, only Phrygia, Mysia, Caria and Lybia, which are washed on the west bj the ^Egean Sea ; and Avhere the famous seven churches were. Rtv. i. 11. 41 Q. Where was the next remarkable place of their ministry ? ^i. They were invited to Macedonia by a vision, and n they went to Philippi, a chief city of that country, and preached there with some success, ver. 9 — 15. iN'ote. Here it is probable that Luke, who wrote the Acts of the Apostles^ became a companion of Paul, because from thi<» time he uses the word we in his history. 42 Q. What miracle was wrought there ? ^ .5, They cast a devil out of a certain youn^ woman, who brought much gain to her masters by foretelling things to come. fpr. 16 — 18. Chap.a6. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 181 43 Q. How did her masters bear it when they saw their gains were gone r Ji. They brought Paul and Silas to the magistrates, and charged them with teaching strange customs ; whereupon they were beaten' and imprisoned, and their feet made fast in the stocks, ver. 19 — 24. 44 Q. How were thev released thence? A,. At midniglit Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises to God ; the prison was sliaken with an earth- quake, the doors opened, their bands were loosed; upon which the gaoler awaking, was going to kill himself, supposing tiie prisoners had been fled. ver. 25 — 27. 45 O, How was this self-murder prevented ? A* Paul and Silas shewed themselves as his prison- ers, preached the Gospel to him ; upon which he believed, and he and his house were baptized, ver. 28 — 34. 46 Q. But did the magistrates then dismiss them ? A. Yes ; they desired them to depart when they knew they were Romans, because they had beaten and imprisoned them uncondemned. ver. 35 — 40. 47 ^. What trials did they meet with at Thessa^ lonica t A. Many Greeks and Jews were converted there ; but the unbelieving Jews there rose up against them, and almost in every city where they came ; and they went next to Berea. Acts xvii. 1—10. 48 Q. What was the wise and generous conduct of the Bereaos? A. Tliey, that is, the Jews of Berea, searched the Scriptures daily ^ to find whether Paul and Silas taught i}\Q. truth ; and by this practice many of them were led to believe in Christ, reiv 10 — 13. 49 Q,. In what manner did Paul preach, when he came to Athens ? A. He disputed with the Jews in their synagojjues, with the devout persons, and with the heathen philoso- phers in the market place ; and on Mars Hill he took occasion to preach tlie true Gwl to the people from are altar he found, inscribed, To the Unknown God, rer- 16—30. 2S2 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 26» 50 Q. But did he not also preach Jesus Christ and the Gospel ? .^. Yes ; by preaching natural religion first, he led them by degrees to the doctrine of Christ, and assured them that Jesus Christ was appointed to be the Jud^e of the world, and that God had raised him from the dead> as a sure token of it. ver. ."^O, SI. 51 ^. What employment had Paul at Corinth ? A. He there met with Aquila, a believing Jew, with, his wife Priscilla, and wrought with him at his trade, for they were both tent-makers; but he preached in the Jewish synagogue every sabbath. *Scts xviii. 1 — 4. 52 Q. What effect had his preaching there ? ^. He continued there by orders^ received from Christ in a vision a year and six months ; and some Jews and many Gentiles believed and were baptized, var. 5—11. 53 Q. What persecution did he meet with there ? A, The Jews brought him before Gallio the deputy governor, but he wisely refused to take cognizance of any of their controversies about religion, unless they could have charged him with some wickedness or in* justice, ver, 12 — 16,. J^ate 1. Though Paul found such great and remarkable sue- eess in his ministry among the Corinthians, yet by the means of some false brethren, and some ambitious pretenders to apos-. tleship, there were such factions and contentions raised in this church that cost him much sorrow of heart. And this was in- creased by the irregular lives and immoral practices of some of fiis converts tliere, which occasioned his writing two large and excellent epistles to them. .ATo/c 2. It ifi thought most probable that Paul, who went from Corinth to Cenchrea, and Ephesus, left Aquila and Pris- cilla at Ephesus, where they instructed Apollos, a fervent preacher, a disciple of John Baptist, in the Gospel of Christ i but that Paul himself went to Jerusalem to the feast,^ and re- turned to Ephesus again before Aquila went thence, and before his great success at Ephesus began ; which is related in the very Oext chapter, namely, the 19th. 54 q. When Paul came to Epiiesus, what remarka- ble occurrences did he mecit with there ? Chap. 26. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 2ff5 Ji. He found some persons who were baptized only unto John's baptism, and he preached Jesus Clirist to them, and they believed, and were bapti/.ed in the name of Christ ; ami wlicn Paul laid his lianfis on them, thej received the Holy Ghost, and spake witli tonj;ues. Acts xix. 1 — 7. 53 e weakness of man- kind, who cannot easily bear a universal change of their an- ci« nl customs all at onie? And for this reason, lest the Jews «h'juld take too peat offence, St. Paul took Timothy and cir- cumcised him, m order to make him a preacher, since his mother was a Jewess, ^cts xvi. 1, 3, this being a lawful thing to him, though not necessary. At the same time he would not have Titus circumcised, because he was a Gentilq who had had nothing to do with the Jewish laM-. Gal. ii. 3. And the same apostle being a Jew, for the same reason might comply with the Jewish rites of shaving his head, and sacrificing, .->; things left indifferent to the Jews for a season, by the will of (;-.,4 ;., Ainpliynce with tfic ^\eitkn<.s- of man. 286 SCRIPTCTRE HISTORY. Chap. 9.6, 66 Q. Did this piece of compliance secure Paul from the persecution of the Jews ? Jl. The unbelieving Jews had such a rooted hatred against him for his zeal and success in preaching up Christianity, that they seized him under pretence of his having brought Greeks into the temple, though it was not true ; and they were ready to tear him to pieces, till the chief captain rescued him, and gave him leave to give an account of himself to the multitude, ver, 27—40. 67 Q. What defence did Paul then make ? d. He gave them tlie history of his being a Jew by birth, and brought up at the feet of Gamaliel, in Jerusa- lem ; of his former zeal against Christ, his being struck down to the ground on the road, and called to from hea- ven by Jesus Christ ; and also of his vision of Christ in the temple, sending him to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. Jets xxii. 1 — 21. 68 Q. How did the Jews bear this speecji ? •4. When he spake of being sent to the ^xentileSy they lifted up their voices and said, Jlway with such a fellow from the earth, for it is not fit he should live, ver, 22. 69 Q. How was he secured from their rage ? Jt. The chief captain again seized him, and brought him into the castle, and the next day he ordered the chief priests and the council to appear, that Paul might give an account of himself to them, ver, 24 — 30. 70 Q. How did Paul plead his own cause here be- fore the council ? Jl. He found one part was Sadducees, who denied the resurrection, and the other part Pharisees, who be- lieved it ; and therefore he artfully, and yet truly de- clared. It is for the hope of the resurrection of the dead 1 am called in question .* for indeed the resurrection of Christ from the dead, and our resurrection by him, were some of the greatest articles of the Christian faith, and that which Paul preached. Jlcts xxxiii. 6, 7. 71 Q. What effect had this upon the council ? J[. They fell into contention among themselves, and the Pharisees said, they found no evil in him; and again the chief captain secured him in the castle, ver. 9, 10. €hap.2G. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 287 72 §. What particular encouragement had Paul from heaven under these suffenno:s ? ^i. It was this night that the Lord Jesus appeared to him and said. Be of good cheer, Paul, for as tliou hnst testified of vie in Jerusalem, so must thou hear witness also at Rome. Jicts xxiii. 11. 73 Q. What was the next danger he was exposed to? •^. More than forty Jews had bound themselves un- iler a great curse, not to eat till they had killed Paul ; and therefore they persuaded the chief priests and elders to desire that he might once again be brought before them. ver, 13 — 15 74 Q. By what means did tlie providence of God secure Paul from this conspiracy ? A. Claudius Lysias, the cliief captain, having private notice of this conspiracy from Paul's nepliew, sent him to Cesarea, to Felix tlie governor of Judea, by night, with a guard of almost five hundred men. ver. 1(3 — 35. 75 (^, What was i\\e next step taken by the high priests and elders to condemn Paul, and how did Paul defend himself? A, They went down to Cesarea, and laid their accu- sation before Felix : but Paul defended himself by de- claring, he believed the law and the prophets ; nor was he guilty of profaning the temple, or raising a tumult, nor of anv thmg of which tliey accused him. Acts xxiv. 76 ^. What did Felix determine concerning himr A. Felix only kept him as a prisoner ; for he saw no reason to condemn him ; and often discoursed with him, hoping that Paul or his friends would give him a good bribe for a release, ver. 22 — 28. 77 ^. Had Paul's discourses any good effect upon Felix? A. Once, as he spoke concerning faith in Christ and reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and bill Paul retire tdl he had a more convenient season to hear him further, ver. 24, 25. But he kept him prisoner still to please the Jews. ver. 27. £88 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap. 26. 78 Q. Did the high priests and elders entirely drop their accusations against Paul ? »4. Two years after this, Festus was made governor in the room of Felix, and the Jews went to Cesarea, and laid grievous complaints against him. ^cts xxiv. 27, and XXV. 2. 79 Q. How did Paul come off before Festus ? .5. He utterly denied tlie chai-ge of the Jews : and when Festus would have had him go up to Jerusalem to be judged of these matters, as the Jews desired, in hopes to kill him by the way; Paul told Festus, that he knew very well he had done the Jews no wrong, that no man ought to deliver him up to the hands of the Jews, and therefore he appealed to Ccesar, ver. 9 — 12. 80 ^. What occasion had Paul then to plead his cause again before Agrippa, who was the king of Gal- ilee ? *^, Agrippa, with his sister Bernice, came to make a visit to Festus ; upon which Festus, among other conver- sation, informed him that he was going to send Paul the prisoner to Caesar upon his appeal, and he would fain send to Csesar a more particular account of the case ; upon which Agrippa desired to hear Paul himself, ver. 13—27. 81 Q. What was the substance of Paul's speech to Agrippa ? ^. Paul knew that Agrippa was acquainted with the laws and customs of the Jews, and therefore he related before him in brief the history of his younger life, as a Pharisee ; his hatred of the Christians ; his be* ing called by Jesus Christ from heaven, when he was on the road to Damascus ; and his preaching the resurrec- tion of Christ and his Gospel ever since; which he maintained to be all agreeable to Moses and the pro- phets. ^Slcts xxvi. 1 — 23. 82 Q. What influence had this speech upon Agrip- pa ? ^, Paul addressed king Agrippa in so agreeable a manner, that Agrippa declared that he was almost per^ suaded to be a Christian ; and that Paul had done no- Chap. 26. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 289 thing worthy of death, or of bonds ; and that he might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed to Ceesar. ver. 26 — 32. 83 Q. How was Paul sent to Caesar at Rome ? Ji, lie was sent thither by sea, with several other prisoners, and soldiers to guard them : they had a voj^ age of the utmost danger, through storms and dark weather, wliich Paul foresaw, and warned the sailor^ of it. They were at last shipwrecked, but all escaped safe to land as Paul had assured them by a vision ot an an- gel. The name of the island was called Melita, now Alalta. ^cts xxvii. 84 ^. Was there any remarkable occurrence fell out there ? ^i. The rain and the cold made them kindle a fire, and there came a viper from among the sticks and fast- ened on Paul's hand ; but he shook it otf, and felt no harm. »Scts xxviii. 1 — 5. 85 Q. What did the barbarous people of tlie island think of this when they saw it ? •'i. They thought at first this man was a murderer, and vengeance pursued him at land, though he had es- caped the sea : but when they saw him shake oif the viper and no harm come to him, they changed tlieir minds, and said he was a god. ver, 4 — 6. 86 Q. What entertainment did they meet with upon the island ? ^. Publius, the chief man there, lodged him three days ; Paul prayed and healed his father ofa bloody-flux, by laying on his hands ; upon which many other diseased persons came and were healed, ver. 7' — 9. 87 Q, How long did they tarry there ? •9. They tarried three montlis, because it was win- ter; and then sailed again, and landed in Italy, and travelled towards Rome. ver. 11 — 13. 88 Q. How was Paul disposed of when he came into the city .^ *^, He was suffered to dwell by himself with a sol- dier that kept him. ver. 16. 26 290 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. Chap, 26^. 89 ^. What was Paul's first work when he came t« Rome ? Ji. In three day's time he sent for the chief of the Jews that were in the city, and excused himself to them that he was constrained to appeal unto Caesar ; and af- Jierwards on a day appointed, he preached the Gospel of Christ to them out of the law of Moses and the prophets. ver. 17 — 23. 90 Q. What effect had this sermon of Paul on the Jews at Rome ? A, They were much divided; some believed the Gospel, and others opposed it : upon which Paul an- swered, that the salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles^ and they will hear it. ver, 24, 28. 91 Q. How long did Paul continue there ? A. He dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and preached the things concerning Christ to all that would come to hear him. ver, 29 — 31. J^ote. Here ends the history of the book of Scripture, call- ed the .^cts of the Apostles. AVhat remains is collected from the epistles of Paul. 92 Q. Since several of the epistles of Paul are said to be written from Rome, which are those which he is supposed to write at this time ? J. Those to the Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, and to Philemon ; and he tells them, he shall soon come to them : and about this time his bonds were manifest in all the place, having continued there so long. Phil. i. 13,26. Eph.m.SO. Col. W. IS. Philenu9,2Q. 93 Q. When he was released from prison at Rome, whither did he go ? »B. Into several countries both of Europe and Asia, preaching the Gospel, and confirming the Christian con- verts. 94 Q. Who attended and assisted liim in his minis- try and his travels ^ Jl. Sometimes Tychicus, or Timothy; sometimes Titus, Demas, or Luke, Silas, or Trophimus, whom he Chap. 26. SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 291- left sick at Miletum when he went again to Rome. See 2 Tim. iv. 10— liZ. 95 Q. What became of liini when he came the scp cond time to Rome ? *^. He was cast into close prison, and when he mad6 his first defence all men forsook him ; and Alexander the copper-smitli did him mucli hurt. 1 Tim. iv. 14 — 16. 96 Q. Did he finish his life and labours here ? ^. He now tells Timothy tliat the time of his de- parture is at hand, and he was just ready to be offered up, wlien he wrote the second epistle to him from Rome. 2 Tim. iv. 6. And when, he had both laboured and suf- fered more than any of the apostles, as he himself had told us, 1 Cor. XV. 10. 2 Cor. xi. 23,&c. he was behead- ed, as a martyr for Christ, under the reign of Nero, em-- peror of Rome, as the ancient historians inform us. My design in writing this summary of Scripture History, by way of (jucstion and answer, was chief- ly for the easier instruction of the younger part of mankind, and not so much for the improvement of the learned ; for which reason I have not been so- licitous to trace out, with a critical and chi-onologi- cal accuracy, every step of the travels of Paul ; nor relate how often he went to Jerusalem, and to other cities, in repeated voyages and journies ; but only to point out his most remarkable travels, la- bours, and sutferings. A more exact account is drawn up, with great labour and skill, by a learned writer, in his book entitled, Miscellanea !!