1. As to the Hiftorical Books, the principal matters are there recorded with fuch Circumstances as mutually confirm and fupport each other 20 2. The harmony and agreement between the old and new Teftament is a convincing proof of the truth of both 23 3. It was fit that the mystery of our redemption fhould be opened by degrees, according to the capacities and exigencies of feveral ages, 26 4. The plain and inartificial Style which the holy Writers make use of, is a great Argument of their Truth and Sincerity 30 A fhort defence of fuch Paffages as feem to contain trivial and inconfiderable Matters CHA P. III. 35 An anfwer to another popular Objection against the reading of the Scriptures, taken from their obfcurity; and fome Rules laid down to remedy this Difficulty 38 All things neceffary to falvation are plainly reveal'd 39 General Reafons affign'd of the obfcurity of the Scriptures 43 From hence appears the Obligation lying upon the unlearned to fubmit to the judgment of their lawful Paftors 47 Four Rules laid down for the right understanding of the Scriptures I. Rule 52 1. Rule, that we should begin with reading the plaineft Books II. Rule, that we should have a regard to the analogy of Faith in judging of the sense of par- . ticular Texts 54 III. Rule, to compare one place of Scripture with another 59 IV. Rule, to have an especial regard to the judgment and practice of the primitive Church 63 68 This Rule of great ufe to filence the disputes about rence CHAP. IV. 72 Concerning the historical Books of the old Teftament, and what things are chiefly obfervable in our reading of them 74 A general divifion of the Books of the old Teftament, into Hiftorical, Moral, the Pfalms and the Prophets 77 75 The advantages of the Scripture history above all other hiftories Several paffages in the three firft chapters of Genefis explain'd and vindicated from the exceptions in the Theoria Sacra, and Archæologia Two fchemes or fyftems of Religion, laid down in the writings of Mofes Reafons affign'd for the ritual ordinances in the law of Mofes 79 84 87 Concerning Concerning the account Mofes gives of God's chufing Abraham's family, and the promise of the Meffias 109 The old Teftament history an evident proof of an over-ruling providence III The Scripture hiftory of the Jewish nation writ with greater care and fidelity than those of other countries. CHA P. V. 114 Concerning the moral writings of the old Tefta ment The usefulness of the Book of Job 118 119 And of the Proverbs; and in what reSpects that book exceeds the writings of the heathen moralifts The proper use of Ecclefiaftes CHAP VI. I 20 124 139 Concerning the prophetical writings, and their usefulness The hiftorical and prophetical books do mutually fupport and confirm each other 140 The ufes we ought to make of the plain prophecies 151 That feveral Prophecies have a mystical fenfe, prov'd The reafons affign'd why a mystical fenfe is fometimes involv'd under a literal CHAP. VIII. 152 Obfervations upon the Gospels, in order to the more ufeful reading that part of holy Scripture 168 The difference between the new Covenant and the old In the Gospels four things chiefly to be obferv'di 169 1. Our Saviour's doctrine, which is deliver'd either in fermons or parables 2. His miracles 176 192 The difference between true and falfe miracles briefly ftated 3. Our Lord's manner of life and converfation 4. The circumftances of his death ibid. 196 201 The marks of integrity which appear in the evan gelical writings CHA P. IX. 204 The principle matters to be obferv'd in reading the Acts and Epiftles of the Apoftles 208 The fuccefs of the Apoftles preaching an evident proof of the truth of Christianity 209 The feveral parts of the new Teftament do mutually confirm and support each other 212 The The usefulness of the Acts and Epiftles confider'd in three particulars 217 1. As they are an authentic commentary upon the Gofpels 2. As they give us an exact idea of the faith and manners of the first Chriftians 3. 229 And likewife of the graces and virtues of the Apostles themselves 235 A brief furvey of the writings of St Peter, St James, and St John СНАР. Х. 247 The advantages of Revelation above natural light, or any fyftem of the law of nature This prov'd by three arguments. 252 1. Becaufe Revelation explains our duty more fully and diftinctly 254 2. It enforces it by a more commanding authority 3. 261 The arguments it makes ufe of are more powerful, and withal better fuited to common capa cities The Conclufion 264 274 |