To the Christian Reader .

THE holy Genealogie of Iesus Christ ( may not be reckoned in the number of those prophane ones , which S. Paul condemneth in 1. Tim. 1.4 . for it ) doth not consist in a vaine repetition of Names , ( as many doe thinke ) neither is the knowledge thereof superfluous , ( as some doe affirme ; ) But verily ( if it be rightly vnderstood ) it is of exceeding great vse and consequence ; not onely to prooue Christ to be the promised Seede , ( which is a weightie poynt ; ) But also it serueth as a speciall guide , to direct vs in the true vnderstanding of all the Holy Storie : For the natiue iudgement of all men teacheth , that Histories cannot be learned rightly , without knowledge of the Persons vpon whom the Narrations goe . That beeing so , all that looke for Saluation by Scripture , which calleth vs vnto our Sauiour , should haue a special care to know our Lords Line : for vpon it , all the Stories go principally ; either in open phrase of words , or else with some close relation : as hee that will take but a serious view of our Lords line of Fathers , shall soone see , how all the Holy storie dependeth vpon it , and from it , as from a Fountaine , doth branch it selfe into a most pleasant varietie of all Gods holy proceedinges , in the wonderfull preseruation of his Church , and in the fearefull ouerthrow of all the enemies thereof .

The Ebrew hath kept a perfect Register of all their Names vnto Dauid ; but after that Dauid had the promise of the Celestiall Throne , ( 2. Sam. 7. Then our Lords kindred was kept in priuate Recordes , all sauing foure : As Nathan for the first , and three others of him , that inherited Salomons right : And yet notwithstanding the God of Wisedome , hath not suffered those Names ( which the Ebrew hath omitted in the old Test . ) to perish in obliuion ; But the Holy Ghost hath been exceeding carefull , to set downe ( in Greeke ) a perfect Register of them all , in the very forefront , ( euen like a most stately Vlam or Porch , ) before the Temple of the New Testament .

And yet , it is a most lamentable thing to consider , how many men doe peruert and obscure this glorious entrance of the blessed Gospel , to the great hurt of all Christianitie , & to the great hardoning of the poore blind Iewes in their obstinate resisting of all our Gospel : For say they , If so many grosse errours ( as many Christians haue broched for currant truth ) be set in the very forefrunt of all the N. Testament ; then Christ is not come in the flesh , neither is our N.T. from God. Which assertion cannot be denied , if it be true , as many doe affirme : First , That Salomons house did end in Achazias . Secondly , That King Ioas in Mat. 1. and Simeon in Luk. 3. are all one man. Thirdly , That Ioachaz a younger Brother , was made Father to Ioakim two yeares his elder . Fourthly , That Salathiel was the naturall Sonne of Iechonias , notwithstanding Gods Oath , that he should die childlesse . Ier. 22.

But to cleare the holy Genealogie of Iesus Christ from these , and many other grosse errours , it will not be amisse , first to lay downe a briefe Table , to reconsile S. Matthew and S. Luke : which shall begin no higher then Dauid ; because the maine errours , are chiefly found in his posteritie . And after this , shall follow a more large Table of all our Lords Fathers , with briefe obseruations vpon their Names ; which shall be layde downe in their true distinctions , and with notations agreeable to the Ebrew , and to occasions , holden fitte to giue them names at their birth times : And herein we may consider the wonderfull prouidence of God , closely disposing their Names , to that which in Storie should be most famous : For it is euident , that the Names of our Lords line , were sagely giuen by the guidance of Gods spirit , and in more wise sort , then euer any fieigner could thinke vpon ; as the discreete Reader may easily discerne , by the correspondance of their Names , which abridge the Holy Story . The Syriaque or Chaldy , Arabique and Ethiopian , are as Ebrew .

H. Broughton .

A BRIEFE TABLE , RECONCILING S. Matthew and S. Luke : with Notes to cleere them from the errors of some , aforenamed . DAVID . Math. 1. SALOMON . Roboam . Abia. Asa . Iosaphat . Ioram . a Achaziah , These badde 3. and worse Iehoiakim , which were kild for euill ruling , S. Matthevv omitteth . Ioaz . * These badde 3. and worse Iehoiakim , which were kild for euill ruling , S. Matthevv omitteth . Amaziah . These badde 3. and worse Iehoiakim , which were kild for euill ruling , S. Matthevv omitteth . Ozias . Ioatham . Achas . Ezechias . Manasses . Amon. b Iosias . c Iakim , or Iehoiakim . Iehoiachin , or Ie-chonias . Hee ended Salomons race : for God swore , that he should leaue no Child behind him , Ier. 22.24 . Wherfore it is flat atheisme to prate , that he naturally became father to Salathiel . Although S. Luke had neuer left vs Salathiels familie vp to Nathan , yet Gods oath , Jer. 22. should make vs beleeue it . And when Zorobabel of Salathiel is chosē for Gods signet ( in the place of Jec●onias ) Aggi , 2.24 . then Zacharie taught chap. 12.10 . that they were of the familie of Nathan . And yet it is true also , that Jechonias begat Salathiel ( to wit ) as a successor to the Kingdome ; and so S. Matthevv doth meane : for any Learned know , that he beginning with the term● of begetting , might not depart frō it , where the custome of speach suffereth the catachresis : But yet the Iewes in Sanedrin foll . 38. say , That Jechonias by repentance called backe Gods oath : and still they teach , that Christ must come of Jechonias . That errour sendeth millions dayly to Abaddon . Luk. 3. NATHAN . Mattatha . Mainan . Melea. Eliakim . Ionan . Ioseph . Iuda . Simeon . Leui. Matthat . Iorim . Eliezer . Iose . Er Elmodam . Cosam . Addi . Melchi . Neri . Salathiel . Pedaiah . Zorobabel . ZOROBABEL . Mat. 1. * Abiud . He was also called Mosollam , 1. Chr. 3. That is , Hee shall be setled in Salem● ( and so Naaslon named Salmon , in this sence . ) The Crovvne belonged vnto him , and to the rest : and although Heathen kept them from it , yet they vvere setled in the Salem of a better kingdome , foreuer & euer . Dan. 7.18 . Eliakim . Azor. Sadoc . Achim . Eliud . Eliazar . Matthan Iacob . Ioseph . Hee should haue been King , if Tirants would haue giuen all men their right : and so our Lord ( his sonne by Lawes esteeme ) had been King of the Iewes : But would haue it in no other right , that his heauenly Kingdome might be knowne . Luk. 3. ☽ Rhefa . Hee is also called Ananias , 1. Chro. 3. A remēbrance of Annanias the noble martir ; the glory of men , that quēched the fire : he was fitly tearmed so , a father to Christ ; that quencheth Hell fire , from burning his seruants . Ioanna . Iuda . Ioseph . Semei . Mattathias . Maath . Nagge . Essi . Naum. Amos. Mattathias . Ioseph . Ianna . Melchi . Leui. Matthat . Eli. Mary . IESVS CHRIST .

In this emptie place ( seeing we are in reconciling of the beginning of S. Luke and S. Matthew togeather ) it will not be amisse , to speake a litle in particular of their seuerall beginnings .

Of S. Matthewes beginning .

S. Matthew begins the storie of our Lords Fathers , no higher then Abraham : First , because the Land of Canaan , where the Kingdome should arise , was first promised to Abraham . Secondly , Christ was first promised to him in open distinct plaine words . Thirdly , he is made Father of all the Heathen , which should follow his beliefe : & the Heathen were to offer first fruites at Ierusalē ; as Maimony noteth , Bechor . per. 4. and so for Iewes & Gentiles , the beginning from him , is very fit .

Of S. Lukes beginning .

S. Luke , ( before he comes to lay downe the whole Naturall line of Christ ) hee doth in the first place ▪ ioyne the end of the Old Testament , to the beginning of the New : A most heauenly worke . And heere note the very names . Zacharj & Malachj , end the speach of God in the old Testament : and Zacharj and Malachj ( that is , Iohn Baptist ) are the first speach of the Angell Gabriel in the New. So sweetly both Testaments doe kisse one another : that it is not fit for the hid Apocrhipha to come betweene , to hide and obscure their glorious coniunction .

The holy Genealogie of IESVS CHRIST : Both his naturall line of Fathers which S. Luke followeth , chap. 3. And his Kingly line , which S. Matthew followeth , chap. 1. With fit notation of their names . ADAM , Earthy . In my Obseruations vpon these first 10. Fathers , their notation is more largly opened . Seth , Sette . Called so properly by foresight , that his house onely should continue . Enosh , Sorrowfull . So called , for Idolatrie then arising . Kenan , Lamentable . So called , for Idolatrie then arising . Mahalaleel , Praysing God. As in sorrowes , that is all our comfort . Iared , Descending . Called so , because the world went from euill to worse . Enoch , Dedicated . Meant to God : as he walked with him . Methushelah . A weapō against death . Because during his life , he kept off the flood ▪ Lamech , Smitten . For not til his dayes , the Fathers die ; & then al sorrowes come to ripe hart smiting . NOAH . 10. Comfort . His notatiō is manifest Gen. 5. Shem , A name . His notation is opened in a treatise of Melchisedek . Arpachsad , A healer of very ruines . S. Luke ioyneth Cainan to Arpachsad ; vvhich the 70. first feigned , to delude Heathen : vvhom S. Luke ▪ follovveth as a reporter , but not as a iudge . Shelah , A Branch or Twigge . Eber , Passing : In and out , as the branches of a tree doe . Peleg , A deuision . In his time Tongues were deuided , and mans age halfed by the building of Babel . Rew , His like . Both liued iust equall yeares . 239. Serug , A principall ●ine . Nahor , Heated . As continuing the strength of the Vine . Terah , A scent . It should haue bin as that in Cant. 1.2 . but it fell out contrary . ABRAM , A father high . A name too stately for a mā , & therfore better changed Abraham , A father of a great multitude . A name too stately for a mā , & therfore better changed Isaak , Laughter , or Gladnesse . Iacob , A supplanter . Called also , Israel , Mightie with God. Heere beginneth the distinction of Iewes from Gentiles . Iudah , Prayse of God. Phares , A breach maker . By occasion at his birth . Hezron , The middle of ioy . He was borne in the middle , betwixt the Promise and the Lambe . Aram , High. Though borne in basenesse , in Egipt . Aminadab , A noble people . Though base in Egiptian eyne : all good are Aminadab , in Cant. vvhere the Latine keepeth the terme Aminadab . Nahashon , Experimenter . He had experience of the Promise from Egipt . Salmon , Set at rest . ( In the land . ) Booz , In him shal be strength . That appeared , when old Booz begat Obed Obed , A seruant . A stay to his old kindred . Ishai , Substanciall . Though base in Sauls eies ; yet he is honorably mentioned a Father of Christ : The root of Iessai .

The Kingly line by Salomon : which S. Matthew followeth . chap. 1. DAVID , Beloued . ( Now for the Naturall line , looke to Nathan . ☞ — Bathseba , The daughter of oath . Kimchi thinketh that Dauid swore that her Son should reigne , whē her name was but Bath-shuange ( a noble daughter ) and was changed therevpon into Bath-shebange . Salomon , Peaceable . Roboam , The inlargement of y e people . Though it fell out othervvise . Abia , My Father is Iah , God. Asa , Healing . Syriaque : It fell out fit , in his seeking to Phisique . Iosaphat , The Lord is Iudge . His name is vsed appellatiuely in Ioel. for Gods iudgement . Ioram , God is high . Achaziah , God catcheth . As he did him indeed , Ioas , Desperate . And so he had bin , but for Iehoiadah , that saued him frō Athaliah . Amaz-iah , Strong in God. He vvas so in his ovvne conceit , as Ioas king of Israel telleth him : But Ioas his father in Barachias dayes , gaue him a name , that might haue kept him from Edoms Gods , to cleaue vnto God , that made him conquer Edom. Vziah , or Azariah , Iah - God is my strength . Io-tham , Iehouah is y e perfect . Achas , ( God ) catcheth . Ezekias , My strength is Iah-God . And so he vvas against Zaneherib : but vvhen he began to boast in his vvealth , as his strength , then he is told , that his posteritie shall serue in Babels court . Esa . 3.9 . Manasseh , A causer to forget : The former ruines of Iudah ; but he caused more . Amon , A Nurse . But he nourished Idolatrie . Iosias , My fierie ( zeale ) is Iah-God . So named whē Ieroboā fell to Idolatry . Iehoiakim , God will stablish : The seat of Iudah , though Babel captiue it . Iehoiachin .

God will settle . The Infidell Iehoiakim gaue him that name in disgrace of Ieremie , telling of the Captiuitie : But God reuenged it ; for in him , Salomons race ended , the Crowne subuerted , and the Diadem was cast away : Then his race fayling , they were to seeke an Heire of the next of kin ; And that was * Salathiel ☞ the naturall Sonne of Neri , of the line of Nathan , the brother of Salomō , ( for from him by right , was to spring the successors of Iudahs Kingdome : ) So that Salathiel the naturall sonne of Neri , in succession of place , is called the Sonne of Ieconiah , 1. Chro. 3.17 . who had indeed ▪ no sonne by naturall propagation , but dyed childlesse , Ier. ●2 . 30 . And yet in right of the Kingdome , Salathiel succeeded him as Heire . And in that sence S. Matthew doth say , Iechonias or Iehoiakim begat Salathiel . Math. 1.12 .

Marke the woonderfull prouidence of God in this Familie , that all this while , nor after for the Kings line , they neuer named two by one name ; because it would much haue troubled mens memorie : as the nigh names Iakim & Iachin , haue troubled Greekes and Latines exceedingly , taking one for the other .

The naturall line by Nathan , which S. Luke followeth chap. 3. The line of DAVID by Nathan , is called the Holy seed . Esa . 6.13 . NATHAN , is Salomons brother of Bathsheba . 1. Chro. 3. * Giuen ( God ) hath giuen . The Prophet Nathan told Dauid of this speciall Sonne : and after the Prophets name he vvas to name the Child of vvhom Christ should come . Againe , Nathans sonne * Mattatha , hath a name of the same force , to cause better marking : as tvvise also Matthat , and tvvise Mattathia . All call to ma●ke Nathans name & case . A principall matter . * Mattatha , A Gift : As euery Child is for the Parents . Mai-nan , Waters of breeding . Be like the mother bore many other childrē , or the familie was populous . Melea , Full. That seemeth to be giuen by like occasion . Eliacim , God can settle . Ionan , It is all one with Iohn In the Greeke . 1. Chro. 3. or after the tongue of Ismael , much neere Isaaks . So it is in the Arabique translation ( in the secund Ioanna . ) Ioseph , God will adde . They name not their children by any younger Patriarke then Iudah , except by the vvorthy Ioseph . The onely named after the Patriarkes . In Genesis their notation lieth . Iudah , 2. Prayse of God. They name not their children by any younger Patriarke then Iudah , except by the vvorthy Ioseph . The onely named after the Patriarkes . In Genesis their notation lieth . Symeon , Hearing . They name not their children by any younger Patriarke then Iudah , except by the vvorthy Ioseph . The onely named after the Patriarkes . In Genesis their notation lieth . Leui , Coupled . They name not their children by any younger Patriarke then Iudah , except by the vvorthy Ioseph . The onely named after the Patriarkes . In Genesis their notation lieth . Matthat , A Gift . As Mattatha , and Nathan . Iorim , God will make high . As Ioram . Eliazer , My God hath the strength . Iose , Saluation . As the Aethiopiā translation follovveth the Ebrevv terme vvith the letter Ain in the end : vvhich later Greeks omit , & the Ierusalemie , & the other Talmud Er , God is vigilant . Elmodam , God measureth . A memorie of Ioctans familie . Cosam , Foretelleth : Or all one with Chusan . A memorie of the Aramite Chusan , for some high cause ; as that Manasse or Amon were new Chusans . Addi , My Ornament : As any good child is to his parentes . Melchi , The King is mine . Neri ,

The Candle is mine . As Dauid is called Ner ( Light of Israel . 2. Sam. 21.17 . ) they knevv by Sop. 1.8 that Salomons race should faile , * ☜ — and theirs be heires to Dauids Throne .

* Salathiel , Asked of God. Samuel and hee , are of one notation . Pedaiah , God redeemeth ( from Babel . ) Zorobabel ,

A fanner of Babel . This name glaunceth at Babel the Golden head beaten to dust . Hee vvas in Babel ( as Mercerus vvell gathereth vpon Aggi ) Shaeshbazar , chearefull in sorrow ( of Babel . ) A name not dangerous , as the other vvas in Babilon . Ezra . 1.

Z●robabel had sonnes , Abiud & Rhesa : S Luke prosecuteth the line of Rhesa vnto Eli the father of Mary . And S. Natthew folloveth the line by the other brother Abiud , vnto Ioseph th● husband of Mary : So that Ioseph & Mary came both of the seed of Dauid by the line of Nathan . There is no disagreement therefore found betvveene S. Matthew and S ▪ Luke , but either of them haue desc●ibed aright the true Genealogie of Christ . S. Matthew the Kinges line , S. Luke ▪ the Fathers .

Abiud ☟ * ●ooke to these marks on the other side . Rhesa . ☟ ☽ ●ooke to these marks on the other side . Zorobabel . S. Luke followeth this line by Rhesa , being the Fathers line , and Saintes of the high Trini●ie . Dan ▪ 7.18 . ☽ Rhesa , The head . Though his brother Abiu● vvas the father glory , as heyre . Ioanna , The grace of God. A memory of the famous Iohn , Iehoi●●ah , or Barachias . Iudah , Prayse of God. Ioseph , God will adde . Semei , Hearing . All one with Simeon . Mattathias , A gift of God. Ma-hath , Broken. Nagge , Light. Essi , My prayse or glory . As all good children are to their Parentes , of Chashal a Chaldie tearme ; as novv Iudah spake ●haldy . ch . or ceth ▪ is commonly omitted of the Greek●s . Naum , Comort . Amos , Strong . So was Esayes father called : or as Nahum , so Amos may be after the name of Amos the Prophet . Mattathias , A gift of God. Ioseph , God will adde . Ioanna , The grace of God. Melchi , The King is mine . Leui , Coupled . Matthat , A gift . Eli , Ascending . As in his daughter & her son , the degree was highest . Mary , High , or from bitternes of the sea . A memory of Moses sister . IESVS , A Sauiour : Being sonne of Mary , of Eli , of Adam , of GOD : and so both God and Man.

S. Matthew followeth this line by Abiud , being the Kings line . The most of these names are of notation , arguing comfort against the Persians and Greekes : And they are called in Daniel , The Saints of the high Trinitie , who shall possesse a Kingdome for euer and euer . Dan. 7 18. * Abiud , My father oweth the glory , ( Not the Persians . ) Eliacim , God will stablish . These names are taken from Psal . 89. which handleth the state of Christ his Kingdome : as these men felt it not earthly , but spiritually . Azor , Strength . These names are taken from Psal . 89. which handleth the state of Christ his Kingdome : as these men felt it not earthly , but spiritually . Sadoc , Iustice . These names are taken from Psal . 89. which handleth the state of Christ his Kingdome : as these men felt it not earthly , but spiritually . Achin , I will settle . That word is in Psa . 89. vers . 5. in the Ebrew text , Eliud , My God hath the glory . Eliazer , My God hath the strength . Matthan , A gift . Novv vvhen Iudah cast off the Greekes , the names are of other matter . Iacob , A supplanter . Remembrances of old comfort in Egipt , and the first of the Kings line , that are named after their Fathers . They novv end Israels line vvith tvvo the most famous names . Ioseph ,

God will add . Remembrances of old comfort in Egipt , and the first of the Kings line , that are named after their Fathers . They novv end Israels line vvith tvvo the most famous names .

VVho vvas the Husbande of Mary the Mother of our Lord IESVS CHRIST , vvho being to be holden Iosephs sonne , by all Lavv vvas borne King of the Iewes . That he acknovvledged , Pilate graunted ; and the Iewes could name none but Caesar , to hinder his right . Also , the Starre declared thus much ; and Herod sought one borne a King. And after that he had confirmed the couenant for many , Dan. 9. then he is made Heire of a●● ; ouer all povvers in this vvorld and in that vvhich is to come . Amen .