Exercitations on the Epistle to the Hebrews

That there is some difficulty in finding out the true and exact computation of § 1 the time here limited, all Chronologers and Expositors do confess: Neither is there any thing that belongs unto the account of the times mentioned in the Scripture, that hath been debated of old, or of late, with more difference of opinion, or diligence of endeavour. And the Holy Ghost himself by the Angel seems to intimate this difficulty unto Daniel in the double caution given him about it in the preface of the Revelation made unto him, v. 23. [Greek or Hebrew] and [Greek or Hebrew] declaring that not ordinary wisdom, diligence, consideration and understanding, is to be used in the investigation of the time here determined. Nor is it necessary to suppose that Daniel himself exactly understood the beginning and ending of the time or weeks mentioned. The hiding of the precise time intended, was also greatly subservient unto the providence of God, in the work he had to do by the Messiah, and what that people were to do unto him. The general notation of it, sufficed for the direction of the godly, and the conviction of unbelievers, as it doth unto this day. And it may be, we shall not find any computation, that will exactly answer in all particulars and fractions to a day, month, or year. And that either because of the great darkness and confusion of some of the times falling under the Account, or else because perhaps it was not the mind of God that ever the time should be so precisely calculated, or that any thing which he revealed for the strengthening of the faith of his Church, should depend on Chronological niceties. It shall suffice us then to propose and confirm such an Account of these Weeks, which infallibly comprising the substance of the Prophecy, contains nothing in it contrary to the Scripture, and is not liable unto any just rational exception. And herein I shall not examine all the several Accounts and Computations that by learned men of old, or of late, have been given, (being eleven or twelve in number) but only mention those which carry the fairest probability, and the greatness of whose Authors or Abetters, call for our consideration.

THat there is some difficulty in finding out the true and exact computation of § 1 the time here limited, all Chronologers and Expositors do confess: Neither is there any thing that belongs unto the account of the times mentioned in the Scripture, that hath been debated of old, or of late, with more difference of opinion, or diligence of indeavour. And the Holy Ghost himself by the Angel seems to intimate this difficulty unto Daniel in the double caution given him about it in the preface of the Revelation made unto him, v. 23. and declaring that not ordinary wisdom, diligence, consideration and understanding, is to be used in the investigation of the time here determined. Nor is it necessary to suppose that Daniel himself exactly understood the beginning and ending of the time or weeks mentioned. The hiding of the precise time intended, was also greatly subservient unto the providence of God, in the work he had to do by the Messiah, and what that people were to do unto him. The general notation of it, sufficed for the direction of the godly, and the conviction of unbelievers, as it doth unto this day. And it may be, we shall not find any comptation, that will exactly answer in all particulars and fractions to a day, month, or year. And that either because of the great darkness and confusion of some of the times falling under the Account, or else because perhaps it was not the mind of God that ever the time should be so precisely calculated, or that any thing which he revealed for the strengthening of the faith of his Church, should depend on Chronological niceties. It shall suffice us then to propose and confirm such an Accunt of these Weeks, which infallibly comprizing the substance of the Prophecy, contains nothing in it contrary to the Scripture, and is not liable unto any just rational excption. And herein I shall not examine all the several Accounts and Computations that by learned men of old, or of late, have been given, (being eleven or twelve in number) but only mention those which carry the fairest probability, and the greatness of whose Authors or Abetters, call for our consideration.