THE ARGUMENT OF THE BOOK
OF GENESIS.
This first Book of holy Scripture, called Genesis, which signifieth birth or beginning, Genesis written by Moyses.was written by Moyses, when he was designed by God to instruct and rule the children of Israel: As also the other foure books following. Alwayes authentical.The Authour and authority of al which five books were ever acknowledged by the faithful both of the old and new Testament: So knowen by Tradition, confirmed by Christ, alleaged also by the Apostles.and so accounted and esteemed by tradition, til Christ and his Apostles: Mat. 19.
Heb. 11.
Iacob. 2.
1. Pet. 2.
2. Pet. 2.who also confirmed them by their testimonies and allegations of the same, as of holy Scriptures. Religion revealed to special persons and so observed by traditions.From the creation until Moyses writ (which was above two thousand and foure hundred yeares) the Church exercised Religion by revelations made to certaine Patriarchs, and by Traditions from man to man, without any Scriptures or Law written. But the peculiar people of God being more visibly separated from other nations, and many errours abounding in the world, S. Aug. quest. vet & novi Testam. cap. 3.God would for correction and confutation thereof have his wil made further knowen to his children, and so remaine amongst them in written record, by his faithful servant and Prophet Moyses. Why Scripture was written.Who therefore declareth the Authour and beginning of al things, that is, How al creatures were made by God, and of him have their being, and by him only are conserved. What Moyses specially sheweth in this book.He teacheth expresly that there is one only God, against those that imagined and brought into the phantasies of men many Gods. That the whole or universal substance of heaven and earth, with their ornaments and accidents, were made in time; against those that thought the first foundation thereof had ever been. That God doth governe the same; against those that say, al is ruled by destiny or by the starres, and not by the continual providence of God. That God is a rewarder of the good, and a punisher of evil, which sinners seem either not to know, or grosly to forget. And that God created al for mans use and benefit, which should make us grateful. Man most particularly described.Wherefore holy Moyses more particularly describeth the beginning of man; what he was at first; how he fel; how al mankind is come of one man: deducing the Genealogy of Adam, especially to Noe. The right line from Adam to Noe.Then how men being more and more defiled upon the earth. with wicked, especially carnal sinnes, were by Gods just wrath drowned with a universal floud.
