can afford O how many do that daily indeed which they durst not do by an express bargain with the Devil 27. For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels and then he shall reward every man according to his work 27. Believe it I shall come at last in Judgment in Divine Glory attended by Angels and then I will reward those that were faithful to me or perfidious and all men according to their works therefore whatever you suffer now propare for the judgment of that day 28. Verily I say to you There be some standing here which shall not taste of death till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom 28. And I tell you least you think this my coming in Glory to judgment incredible that some here shall live to see a visible representation of that my glorious appearing Note That this is meant of his transfiguration the addition of it in the several Evangelists sheweth Nor is Dr. H. his reason against it from the former verse of any force it being not the same coming that is here spoken of but its representation CHAP. XVII 1. ANd after six days Jesus taketh Peter and James and John his brother and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart 2. And was transfigured before them and his face did shine as the sun and his rayment was white as the light 1 2. And as Christ had promised them a glimpse of his Kingly Glory so within six days he performed it to Peter James and John whom he selected for peculiar favours in a high mountain he was transfigured into a glorious appearance his face shining like the Sun and his raiment like light Note Christ would have this help of sense to confirm their Faith Of this transfiguration I have written at large in a Book called My Dying Thoughts 3. And behold there appeared to them Moses and Elias talking with him 3. Note 1. Moses whose body was buried and Elias whose body was but changed appeared alike 2. The chief Legislator and chief Prophet appeared to shew that the Law and the Prophets did but lead to Christ 3. Did not the departed Saints live after death they could not appear in Glory 4. They talked with Christ of his sufferings at Jerusalem 5. Either Christ told the three Disciples who they were or their own appearance shewed it 6. How much better company is above than here 4. Then answered Peter and said to Jesus Lord it is good for us to be here if thou wilt let us make here three tabernacles one for thee and one for Moses and one for Elias 4. Note 1. We are apt to desire more of Heaven on earth than God will allow But not so apt to desire to go by death to that glory where it is Fain we would have it come down to us 2. A glimpse of glory is enough to rap a Soul into extasie 3. We know not what we say when we talk of felicity in Tabernacles on earth 4. A glimpse of glory will make us out of love with worldly company and vanity How loth then would the Souls in Heaven be to come down 5. While he yet spake behold a bright cloud over-shadowed them and behold a voice out of the cloud which said This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased hear ye him 5. Note 1. Heavenly inhabitants must not stay on earth nor Heavenly visions and raptures be here long or frequent 2. God again owned his Son by a voice from heaven as perfectly Righteous and as pleasing him by mans redemption and reconciling us to him and teaching the doctrine which is pleasing to him 6. And when the disciples heard it they fell on their faces and were sore afraid 6. Note The voice of God even when he speaketh mercy is enough to humble and prostrate man 7. And Jesus came and touched them and said Arise and be not afraid 7. N. It is Christ that must raise our troubled and humbled Souls from our dejectedness and fear 8. And when they had lift up their eyes they saw no man save Jesus only 8. Note Christ will stay with us when Moses and Elias will not nor are earthly comforts durable 9. And as they came down from the mountain Jesus charged them saying Tell the vision to no man till the Son of man be risen again from the dead 9. The reason is before mentioned After the resurrection was the fittest season 10. And his disciples asked him saying Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come 10. Why say the Jewish Doctors that Elias must come before the Messiah if this was he that we saw 11. And Jesus answered and said to them Elias truly shall first come and restore all things But I say to you that Elias is come already and they knew him not but have done to him whatsoever they listed likewise also shâ—â—l the Son of man suffer of them 13. Then 〈◊〉 disciples understood that he spake to the 〈◊〉 John the Baptist 11. c. It is 〈◊〉 that is said out of Mal. that Elias must come but it was John that was meant under the name of Eâ—ias 〈◊〉 â—â—ey knew not but killed him while they looked for him and so they will do by me 14. And when they were come to the muâ—◠〈◊〉 there came to him a certain man knâ—â—â—â—g down to him and saying 15. Lord have â—ercy on my son for he is lunatick and sore vexed for oft times he falleth into the fire and oft into the water 16. And I brought him to thy disciples and they could not cure him 14. N. By Lunatick is meant one that had the Epilepsie or some such disease upon the change of the Moon A real disease of which yet the Devil was the executioner and further joyned with it extraordinarily 17. Then Jesus answered and said O faithless and perverse generation how long shall I be with you how long shall I suffer you bring him hither to me 17. It is long of your own unbelief and perverseness that they could not cure him how long shall I work miracles among you before you will believe will you drive me from among you by your unbelief to go to others N. This seemeth plainly spoken to the man of himself and such others and not as some say to the disciples 18. And Jesus rebuked the devil and he departed out of him and the child was cured from that very hour 19. Then came the disciples to Jesus apart and said Why could not we cast him out 20. And Jesus said to them Because of your unbelief 18 c. Your unbelief as well as the mans was that which hindred you you are all therein to be blamed 20. For verily I say to you If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed ye shall say to this mountain Remove hence to yonder place and it shall remove and nothing shall be impossible to you 20. For if you have the least
epistle of Christ ministred by us written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God not in tables of stone but in fleshly tables of the heart 3. For your Conversion openly proveth that you are as it were Christs own Epistle by our Ministry written by the quickning Spirit of the Living God and not with Ink not as Moses's Law on Tables of Stone but on your very Hearts And therefore as you are the Epistle or Testimony of the Work of Christ so of me as his Minister 4 5. And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God 4 5. It is of God that I have this Confidence and Glorying Far be it from me to think that I have any such Sufficiency of my self to convert Souls but my Sufficiency and the Success is all of God 6. Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament not of the letter but of the spirit for the letter killeth but the spirit giveth life 6. It is he that hath made me an able Minister of the New Covenant not a Preacher of the Law of Moses written in Stone but of the Gospel of Christ who sendeth us forth by his Spirit and giveth his Spirit by our Ministry For the Law of Moses curseth Sinners and sheweth them Sin and condemneth them But the Spirit of Christ doth quicken them and kill their Sin and lead them in the way of Life 7. But if the ministration of death written and ingraven in stones was glorious so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance which glory was to be done away 7. For if that Ministry of Moses which by consequence was of Death or of a Law that condemned but gave not the Spirit of Life written and engraven by God in Stones was accompanied with so great Glory that the Israelites could not endure to look Moses in the Face for the Glory of his Countenance which yet is now done away 8. How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious 8. Must not the more excellent Ministry of a durable Gospel by which God giveth Men his Spirit be more glorious though we the Ministers seem contemptible 9. For if the ministration of condemnation be glory much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory 9. The different Covenants shew the different Glory of the Ministry For if Moses's Ministration of a condemning Law was Glory our Ministration of a justifying saving Gospel-Covenant must needs exceed his Ministry in true Glory 10. For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect by reason of the glory that excelleth 10. For as a greater Light maketh a lesser seem as none so the Mosaick Ministry of the Law had as it were no Glory being clouded by the Glory of the Gospel 11. For if that which is done away was glorious much more that which remaineth is glorious 11. For if the Law of Moses considered formally as such and given to the Jews to rule their Common-wealth and lead them to Christ which was to cease when the Gospel came to which it was a Schoolmaster was yet given in Glory much more is the Gospel which is to continue and its Ministration glorious 12. Seeing then that we have such hope we use great plainness of speech 12. Wonder not then that we speak boldly to you when we can shew such Authority 13. And not as Moses which put a vail over his face that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished 13. We do not as Moses veil our Faces signifying that the Israelites could not well look to the true End and Meaning of their own Law which is Christ to whom by Types it pointed them nor see that it was to be abolished by his better Covenant as it now is We speak freely to you with open Face 14. But their minds were blinded for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament which vail is done away in Christ 14. But the Minds of the unbelieving Jews were blinded and to this day the Veil remaineth by this their Blindness so that they understand not the End and Design of the Old Testament when they read it Bâ—t it 's taken away by Christ to true Believers 15. But even unto this day when Moses is read the vail is upon their heart 15. Their Unbelief sheweth us that the Veil and Blindness is on them to this day 16. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord the vail shall be taken away 16. But when they shall be converted to Christianity the Veil shall be taken away and they shall understand the Meaning and Tendency of the Law 17. Now the Lord is that Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty 17. And as the Letter doth but point unto the Spirit without which it doth but kill so it is Christ who is that Spirit which is the Sum and End of the Letter and Types And where the Spirit of the Lord is there is Freedom and Power of Speech as well as Deliverance And therefore we use that Freedom with you 18. But we all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord are changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 18. And so all true Christians not veiled as the Jews but with open Face in the open Light though yet but as in a Glass behold the Glory of the Lord and by our Spiritual Renovation are changed into the Image of Christ from one Degree of Glory to another by the Spirit of the Lord who will perfect his Work ANNOTATIONS THe fear of favouring Antinomianism hath tempted some to pervert this Chapter about the abolishing of Moses's Law I know of no Man that hath written so much against the Antinomians as I have done nor with so much success in casting down their Libertine Errours in this Land And yet I abhor running into the contrary Extreme And therefore I say that it is evident to any unprejudiced considering Reason that Paul here affirmeth That the very Law written in Stone is abolished and done away To say It is only the Glory of the Burning Mount or of Moses Face that is done away is plainly contrary to Ver. 7 9 10 11 13. I will not tire the Reader with Arguments from so plain Words The Truth is this 1. The Law of Nature is not done away by Christ but made part of his own Law into whose Hands that and all things are given 2. The Ten Commandments except the Preface and a Word or two in the Second Commandment and the Determination of the Seventh Day in the Fourth Commandment are the Common Law of Nature 3. Christ also hath expresly made them his Law
When man consents it is a Law accepted a gift and Testament accepted and a mutual actual Covenant the Law hath its introductive History and Doctrine its precepts prohibitions promises and threats And the Covenant hath the same parts only denominated from mutual consent But because there are Laws of more or less rigor and of various tenours it is the Law of Faith or Grace which is the Covenant Testament and Gospel which is now before us denominated from the Donative and Promissory parts though precept and threatening be included IV. It is of great importance that we err not by giving too little or too much to the sacred Scriptures from both which extreams many dangerous errours How 1. On the left hand those err that deny it to be Gods word of infallible truth intelligible and perfect as to its proper use without humane supplements written or orall Doctrinal or Canon Laws and those that deny it to have infallible ascertaining evidences of its truth These be-friend infidelity heresies prophaness Church Tyranny leaving it to Clergy-men to make us a new Faith New Sacraments and a new Religion at their Pleasure and to persecute good men that dare not renounce the Scripture sufficiency and Christs perfection by obeying their dictates and Cannons as Co-ordinate with Christs if not co-equal These make Church-concord utterly impossible while they deny the sufficiency not only of the essentials but of all the Bible to be the terms of Concord without their supplements or additions as if Christ that is the Author and finisher of our Faith and the maker of his own Church had not so much as told us what a Church or a Christian is or whom we must take for such into our love and Communion nor fixed the necessary terms of Union but left them to none knoweth whom even fallible men lyable to error and Tyranny that can but get uppermost and say then that they are the true Church and the Masters that must be obeyed while they are themselves of as many minds as they are of different Countrys interests and degrees of knowledge and sincerity 2. On the other side those overdo in ascribing to the Scripture who say that God had no Church or the Church no infallable rule of Faith and life before the writing of iâ— and who say that men converted by the Creed Catechismes preaching or tradition without knowing the Scripture can have no saving faith and that think none can be saved that doubt of any Canonical Books text or matter whether it be Gods word or that say Scripture is so perfect that there is no humane imperfection of the Pen-Men founâ— in phrase word or method and that God could not have made it better or that every Book may be known to be Canonical and every reading to be right when copies vary without Historical tradition by its own evident light and that we have no more cause to doubt of any word or matter than of the truth of the Gospel and that Reason is of small use either for the proof or exposition of the Scripture but the most illiterate if he found a Bible that he had never heard of may by its own light know its truth and sense as well as studious learned Men and that no other Books need to be readâ— and that the Scripture is a sufficient teacher of Physick Logick Grammar c. and that nothing is to be used or done in the External Forms Modes and Accidents of Gods Worship but what is particularly commanded in Scripture and that it telleth every man whether he be sincere and justified or not and not only telleth him â—ow to know it by inward evidence with many other such mistakes proceeding from mistaking the use of the Scripture by which its perfection must be measured Which all tend to confusion and at last to infidelity or doubting of the whole when these errourâ— are discerned V. And tho all the Scripture be of equal truth as it is Gods word yet many untruths are in it as uttered by Men and Devils which God truly recordeth And all parts are not of equal necessity or weight And as many err by casting off the Old Testament so others err by equalling it to us with the New It is Gods word left to acquaint us what was heretofore and to shew us how Christ was prophesied of and expected and how the Church was governed in the darker and more servile state and times But we have great cause to take heed of overvaluing its use to us lest we contradict Paul that saith that even that which was written in stone is done away and the Law Changed with the Priesthood and the old and faulty Covenant for a Better of which see the nine first Chapters to the Hebrews c. Judaizers are they that most of Pauls Epistles are writtâ—n against And as John Baptist waâ— greater than the Prophets so the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he Evâ—n the holy Patriarks and David had a far more obscure Revelation of Christ and grace and the love of God and the glory to come then we have And accordingly we should have much more faith holiness and comfort than they It is dangerous making the best of them our Examples in points of faith or duty wherein they came far short of Gospel light and grace God doth not now bear with Poligamy as lie did then nor with such divorces nor doth the Gospel countenance such streams of blood as the Israelites ordinarily shed nor such lies as David was oft guilty of nor such a strange life as Solomon lived I mean that such faults will not now consist with true grace under our fuller light and mercy as would do then to men in a darker infant Age and therefore let us take heed of presuming on their Examples Christ and his Apostles are far fitter for our imitation David fills most of his Psalms with such complaints of his Enemies and curses against them as shew a far deeper sense of the suffering of the flesh and the concerns of this life than Peter and Paul shewed who suffered far more and for a holier cause and rejoyced in tribulation and then is suitable either to the precepts or examples of Christ All was not well said and done by good men which is recited in the New Testament much less in the old So far are they mistaken that say the Jews and Gentiles were bound to believe the Apostles in no more than they proved out of the Scripture that most of the Creed was to be believed by other evidences And Christ and his Apostles gave us so full proof of the truth of the Gospel as that their attestation of the Old Testament is to us a more convincing proof of its Divine Authority than any others Therefore Christians must read and honour the Old Testament and study it but the New far more to which it is that the Heart and Life must be conformed There Heavenly glory shineth far
Note It is the part of Learners to ask their Teachers help to understand that which they understand not 37. He answered and said to them He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man 38. The field is the world the good seed are the children of the kingdom but the tares are the children of the wicked one 39. The enemy that sowed them is the devil the harvest is the end of the world and the reapers are the angels 37 c. It is Christ that soweth the good seed by Preaching the Gospel and planting the Churches by himself and his servants The World is the first object of the Gospel preached and out of which believers are gathered The good seed as sown is the Gospel but as springing up in fruit are the faithful who are properly the members of the Church of Christ The Tares as sown are evil doctrines and temptations but as sprung up in fruit are the Children of the Devil who is the father of wickedness The enemy of God and goodness and man that sowed them by himself and his servants signifieth the Devil the time of harvest is the end of this world even the day of judgment The reapers or executioners are the Angels 40. As therefore the tares are gathered and burnt in the fire so shall it be in the end of this world 41. The Son of man shall send forth his angels and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend and them which do iniquity 42. And shall cast them into a furnace of fire there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth 40 c. So in the end of this World Christ shall send forth his Angels as his executing Ministers and they shall gather out of the world which he is over and specially out of the visible Church all rebellious unholy wicked scandalous carnal men and shall cast them into hell which is likened to a lake of Fire where they shall in torment and a self-afflicting Conscience 43. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father who hath ears to hear let him hear 43. Then shall the righteous who are now obscured by infirmities and malignant slanders and are oppressed in the world shine forth in glory in the Kingdom of Love even of God as their Father in Christ as the Sun shineth in the heavens in resplendent glory As ever you will use your ears or understandings believe and foresee this glorious blessed day to Believers 44. Again the kingdom of heaven is like to a treasure hid in a field the which when a man hath found he hideth and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath and buyeth that field 44. The way of Salvation by Christ sheweth men the certain hopes of so inestimable a treasure in the life to come as maketh the saithful choose it for their best and part with all the pleasure profit and honour of the world to obtain it 45. Again the kingdom of heaven is like to a merchant man seeking goodly pearls 46. Who when he had found one of geat price he went and sold all that he had and bought it 45 46. Note He that findeth not by faith enough in the love of God and heavenly glory and in Christ the way thereto to make him consent sincerely and practically to sell or part with all the world rather than lose it is not capable of a just title to it nor shall obtain it 47. Again the kingdom of heaven is like a net which was cast into the sea and gathered of every kind 48. Which when it was full they drew to the shore and sat down and gathered the good into vessels but cast the bad away 47 48. The Church is gathered as men by casting a net into the Sea gather fishes good and bad And at the day of judgment Christ will take the good to heaven and cast away the bad to hell Note 1. It is not to be wondered at that the visible Church hath good and bad 2. Yet this is not the design of the Gospel which is fitted to make all good but by the intrusion of Hypocrites Nor is it an excuse for the neglect of discipline and the just discrimination of the good and bad 49. So shall it be at the end of the world The angels shall come forth and sever the wicked from among the just 50. And shall cast them into the furnace of fire there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth 49 50. These plain and dreadful words more need belâ—â—f and deep consideration than exposition 51. Jesus saith to them Have ye understood all these things they say to him Yea Lord. 52. Then said he to them Therefore every scribe which is instructed to the Kingdom of heaven is like to a man that is an housholder which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old 51 52. All that are furnished with holy knowledge and are fitted to teach others must have an habitual treasure of it in their minds from whence they may be able to open the truth exhort reprove and confute all the erroneous on all just occasions as a House-keeper is stockt for the provision of his family 53 54. And it came to pass that when Jesus had finished these parables he departed thence And when he was come into his own countrey he taught them in their Synagogue insomuch that they were astonished and said whence hath this man this wisdom and these mighty works 55 56. Is not this the carpenters son is not his mother called Mary and his brethren James and Joses and Simon and Jude and his sisters are they not all with us whence then hath this man all these things And they were offended in him 53 c. Note 1. Familiarity breeds contempt It is no impediment to our faith that we saw not Christs person parentage and education 2. Carnal men are not satisfied by the evidence of Divine attestation unless they can give a reason of it and overcome the difficulty and scandal of objections 3. It is uncertain whether Mary had other Children after Jesus or these were his brethren or only his kindred 57 58. But Jesus said to them A prophet is not without honour save in his own countrey and in his own house And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief 57 58. Unbelief made men uncapable receivers of those miracles which else Christ would have wrought CHAP. XIV 1. AT that time Herod the Tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus 2. And said to his servants This is John the Baptist he is risen from the dead and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him 1 2. Note That Herod did believe the Immortality of the Soul else he could not have believed Johns Resurrection 3 For Herod had laid hold on John and bâ—und him and put him in prison for Herodia's sake his brother Philips wise 4. For John said to him It is not
way to avoid sin but dismembring thy body it would be a duty and no loss to do it Note 1. Christ had said this before Mat. 5.30 It s no fault to say the same thing often 2. If it be so dangerous to be tempted by others it s worse to be our own tempters 10. Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones for I say to you that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven 10. Note O what men are they that read and preach this and yet not only despise them but first ignorantly or maliciously slander them and then by this justifie their railing persecuting and destroying them 2. What a comfort is it to the least true Christian that they have their Angels that have charge of them who always see Gods face in glory And shall not we then see it 11. For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost 11. And I that came into the world to save sinners will require it at your hands if you wrong or persecute them or hinder them from the way of their salvation 12. How think ye if a man have a hundred sheep and one of them be gone astray doth he not leave the ninety and nine and goeth into the mountains and seeketh that which is gone astray 13. And if so be he find it verily I say unto you he rejoyceth more of that sheep than of the ninety and nine which went not astray 12 13. Christ likeneth himself to men that have by unexpected success in recovering the lost a more sensible joy than for the rest tho not a higher esteem And if he so much rejoyce in them how will he take it of those that hate persecute or tempt them 14. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish 14. God loveth them better than you love sheep therefore he will save them and judge all those that would afright or drive away from their duty the meanest person 15. Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone if he shall hear thee thou hast gained thy brother 16. But if he will not hear thee then take with thee one or two more that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established 17. And if he shall neglect to hear them tell it to the Church but if he neglect to hear the Church let him be to thee as an heathen man and a publican 15 c. And according to this compassionate tenderness of God and your Saviour must be your dealing with one another not to favour sin in any but to seek by love to save the sinner Therefore if any one that thou hast brotherly communion with do trespass against thee by injury or by scandalous crimes within thy notice go and tell him his fault privately in brotherly love and tenderness yet shewing him the evil of his sin that he may repent If he hear thee so as to repent and amend thou hast won him from the danger of his guilt which may be a comfort to thee But if he defend his sin or will not repent and amend cease not thy love or labour but take with thee one or two meet persons that two or three witnesses may the more aw him or credibly convict him And if he neglect to hear them having exercised due patience for the trial and fit means to convince him then make it publick by telling the Church in whose communion he liveth either by opening it in the Congregation that the Church-Guides may reprove him and exhort him to repent and pray for his repentance or when that is not convenient tell it the Guides of the Church that they may make it publick and do their office And if he neglect to hear this publick exhortation have no more communion or familiarity with him than with a Heathen or Publican but so carry it that he and others may see that thou esteemest him not as one of the Christian Society whom Christ will own Note This Text which is Christs Law of Church-discipline is perverted divers ways by several sorts of mistakers Some feign that it speaketh not of sins against God but of injuries against men and that by the Church is meant the Civil Judicature that then was inferiour or superior Sanhedrim But 1. it is evident that it is to Christians or Disciples that Christ giveth this Law others received no Law from him And it was how to deal with a Brother in order to Repentance and Salvation as the foregoing verses shew 2. Christ knew that the Sanhedrim were his deadly enemies and foretold that they would condemn him And therefore never made a Law to his Disciples to use them as their ordinary Judicature 3. He knew that they would hate and persecute his Disciples and therefore never sent them to them for right 4. He came to ubrogate Moses Law and overthrow their Mosaick policy And therefore did not establish it by this Law 5. He could never mean that Christians must take him for a Heathen that heard not the Jews Council when â—he foretold them how that Council would scourge them in their Synagogues and cast out their names and say all manner of evil of them falsly 1 Nor did Christ set up a Christian Judicature of Magistrates having the power of the sword instead of the Jewish For 1. Christ himself refused to use such a power on earth 2. He forbad it his Disciples that strove for it 3. The Text speaketh of no forcing power but perswasive and of no penalty but Alienation and disowning 4. The Apostles did never set up any such coactive Civil Judicature nor the Church after them for 300 years and much more which they would have done had Christ commanded it 5. But they did set up such Ecclesiastick Judicatures wherever they gathered Churches which was their actual visible exposition of this Law of Christ 6. It is not restitution or recovery of Lands Goods or Rights that is here mentioned as the end but the Winning of a brother by repentance 7. And what is more noted by Christ as an offence or trespass against us than scandal and dishonouring the Christian name and society and grieving good men by sinning against God I think these evidences prove past doubt that it is the discipline of Christian Churches Christ here institutes by a standing Law for which he gave the power of the Keys 2. The Church is told and heard when the Rulers are told and heard either before the whole congregation or that they may publish it The whole congregation is not to speak and be heard nor necessarily to be told by the offended himself But as the city is said to Receive and to Execute any Order from the King when the Magistrates do their part in it and the people theirs so it is with
his shewing unto Israel 80. And John with his increase of age and strength shewed great strength of the Spirit of God in him and he dwelt in the wilderness or say some in the hill Countrey of Judaea bred up in a life of holiness and mortification till the time that he sett upon his publick ministry of preaching the Kingdom of the Messiah and repentance and baptizing CHAP. II. 1. ANd it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Cesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed 2. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria 3. And all went to be taxed every one into his own city 1 2 3. Augustus decreed that all the Empire called the Roman world should be enrolled in their several Families and Cities That he might know the state of his Empire and how to tax them 4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth into Judea unto the city of David which is called Bethlehem because he was of the house and lineage of David 5. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife being great with child 4 5. She was now marryed though called espoused 6. And so it was that while they were there the days were accomplished that she should be delivered 7. And she brought forth her first-born Son and wrapped him in swadling cloths and laid them in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn 6 7. Note It should be rather in the stables than in the manger Had Joseph been a rich man its like he would have found better room 8. And there were in the same countrey shepherds abiding in the field keeping watch over their flock by night 8. Some one part of the night and some another by turns as is most likely 9. And lo the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone round about them and they were sore afraid 10. And the angel said unto them Fear not for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people 11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord. 12. And this shall be a sign unto you ye shall find the babe wrapped in swadling cloths lying a manger 9 10. Glory is Light Christs birth is cause of universal joy 12. stable 13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying 14. Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace good will towards men 13 14. Note Angels are the heavenly host Note Gods praise and Glory is the end of all his works Note Angels rejoiced at Christs birth and for mans redemption 14. In Christ the Redeemer God will be glorified in Heaven Peace will be made on Earth by this great Reconciler and Gods Love or Benevolence will be towards men Or Glory be to God in the Heavens through the Redeemer and Reconciliation or Peace on Earth to men that are the objects of Gods good will Q. Is it necessary or lawful to keep a day as holy in remembrance of Christs birth Ans 1. If any should appoint a weekly day for it it would be an usurping of the same power that hath already separated a weekly day for it it would be an usurping of the same power that hath already separateh a weekly day for commemorating the work of Redemption though specially for Christs Resurrection And it would seem an accusing Christs Law of insufficiency 2. And if any should make a yearly days observation necessary to the universal Church 1. They would usurp a power not given to any to make Laws for all the Church 2. And they would accuse Christs Law as imperfect But if particular Christians Churches or Countries voluntarily agree to celebrate yearly the memorial of Christs birth it is but what almost all the Churches on earth do and have done at least 1300 years And iâ—â—â—lawful to keep a yearly day of remembrance for aâ—y 〈◊〉 deliverance or mercy to the Church even in an Apâ—â—â—le But if any Christian think that it is an unlawful addition to the institution of the Lords day which Goâ— set a part for our commemorating the whole work of Redemption such shâ—uld not be forced to keep it against their Consciences but must avoid affronting them that do 15. And it came to pass as the angels were gone away from them into heaven the shepherds said one to another Let us now go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass which the Lord hath made known unto us 16. And they came with hast and found Mary and Joseph and the babe lying in a manger 17. And when they had seen it they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child 18. And all they that heard it wondred at those things which were told them by the shephards 19. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart 20 And the shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen as it was told unto them 15 16 17 18. In a Stable 19. Regarded themâ— as tending to what was promised her 20. Angel are not first sent to Princes but to poor Shephards who must preach Christ 21. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child his name was called Jesus who was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb 21. Jesus is a Saviour He was circumcised as bound to keep the Law of Moses not as a seal of pardon of sin to him 22. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished they brought him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. 22. To the Priest as in Numb 3.12.46 23. As it is written in the law of the Lord Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord 24. And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord A pair of turtle doves or two young pidgeons 23 24. See Levit. 12.6.8 25 And behold there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon and the same man was just and devout waiting for the consolation of Israel and the holy Ghost was upon him 26. And it was revealed unto him by the holy Ghost that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord Christ 25. Note The Messiah was much expected at that time Note It is Just and Devout men that God specially favoureth by exâ—raordinary gifts of his Spirit 27. And he came by the spirit into the temple and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him after the custom of the law 28. Then took he him up in his arms and blessed God and said 29. Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word 30. For mine eyes have seen thy
salvation 31. Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people 32. A light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel 27 28 29 30 31 32. Praised God saying now thou hast performed thy word by letting me live to see Christ let me die in Peace as soon as it pleaseth thee For I have seen the Saviour whom thou hast appointed to be a light to the gentile World to lead them into the way of Faith and Righteousness to thee and to be the honour of the Jews of whom he is born after the flesh but the special glory of all that by Faith receive him 33. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things that were spoken of him 34. And Simeon blessed them and said unto Mary his mother Behold this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel and for a sign which shall be spoken against 33 34. He shall prove eventually a stumbling block on which many Israelites shall fall to their destruction and the chief Corner Stone on which Believers shall be built up to Salvation and the talk and obloquy of Men. 35. Yea a sword shall pierce thorow thy own soul also that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed 35. Yea thou also shall bear a deep part in sufferings by grief of heart and Men in these Tryals shall shew what they are even the different State of their secret Thoughts 36. And there was one Anna a prophetess the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Aser she was of a great age had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity 37. And she was a widdow of about four-score and four years which departed not from the temple but served God with fastings and prayers night and day 37 36. She kept close to the Temple Worship and was constant in the duties of Fasting Mortification and Prayer Note It is not proved that she deserted all outward calling or labour in the World on pretence of Religion while she was able for it And if it be done but when age or sickness disableth one it is lawful and well Note Some think Fasting unfit for age and weakness But digestion being then weakest and most dying by that suffocation of crudities and not by mere defect of nutrimental matter moderate Fasting may be fit for the aged as well as for the young Note She was not of the sick mind of the prophane nominal Christians that cannot abide long Prayers and Religious strictness 38. And she coming in at that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem 38. She was inspired then to come in and to Prophecy of Christ and declare him to the People that lookt for the Messiah 39. And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord they returned into Galilee to their own city Nazareth 40. And the child grew and waxed strong in spirit filled with wisdom and the Grace of God was upon him 39 40. Q. What increase of Spiritual strength was Christ capable of and what greater fulness of Wisdom and Grace Ans His Divine nature was capable of no increase But the humane was capable 1. Of increase of bodily stature and strength 2. Of seeing more objects then he saw at first 3. Of actual knowing them by that sight 4. Of improving them to holy uses as known which he did not in Infancy 5. Of doing many good works which he could not do in Infancy 6. And of the increase of such habits by all these acts as are acquired by them As Adam when new Created had perfect faculties but not perfect knowledge of all the Creatures before he saw them nor the fullest improvement of them nor the perfect habit of such use as it is distinct from the faculties perfection 41. Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover 42. And when he was twelve years old they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast 43. And when they had fulfilled the days as they returned the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem and Joseph and his mother knew not of it 44. But they supposing him to have been in the company went a days journey and they sought him among their kinsfolks and acquaintance 41 42 43 44. Note It may seem an unnatural neglect of a Child But they had found him so manlike in all other matters that they trusted him with himself 45. And when they found him not they turned back again to Jerusalem seeking him 46. And it came to pass that after three days they found him in the temple sitting in the midst of the doctors both hearing them and asking them questions 45 46. Note Christ himself disdained not to hear the Jewish Doctors and to ask them Questions 47. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers 48. And when they saw him they were amazed and his mother said unto him Son Why hast thou thus dealt with us behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing 47 48. Note If Christs Holy Mother blamed him as dealing ill with his Parents by mistake for want of true knowledge of the inside of the case what wonder if the best Person do by the like ignorance of the case by mistake blame and censure one another and misreport accordingly 49. And he said unto them How is it that ye sought me wist ye not that I must be about my Fathers business 50. And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them 49 50. Where should I be but in my Fathers House about his work your ignorance maketh you blame me 51. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was subject unto them but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart 51. Note Christ who submitted in his Humanity to a state of Infancy sanctifying that state and shewing that as an Infant was yet in title King and Head of the Church so Infants may be Members of him and it did also in his Childhood subject himself to his supposed Father and to his Mother reverencing them and obeying them both as part of his meritorious Humiliation and to sanctifie a state of subjection and become a Pattern thereof to us all And it will greatly condemn proud rebellious Children and Youth who will not obey the just government of Parents but their fleshly appetites and lusts whâ—â— the Son of God Incarnate condescended to subjection Mary's laying up all these sayings was the working of her Faith and Hope perceiving that God was going on to fulfil the Promises made to her 52. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and man 52. His Humane Nature increased as in stature so in actual Humane Knowledge and its habits knowing more than he knew in Infancy as Man And God that by way of approbation and complacence loveth all things so far as
that his Glory may be the Glory of thy Power Wisdome and Love to Man 2. As thou hast given him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him 2. As thou hast advanced him to this Power to be the Owner and Lord of all flesh for Disposals Legislation Judgment and Execution to order all things so as may secure the Possession of an Eternal Life of Happiness to all that thou hast given him by effectual Decree to be certainly eventually saved All things being for the good of thine Elect. 3. And this is life eternal that they might know thee the onely true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent 3. And what is Life Eternal but that perfect knowledge of thee which fills the Soul with Love and Joy and the knowledge of thy Glory shining forth in thy Son Jesus Christ with his Body the Heavenly Society And the beginning of this knowledge is the beginning and way to Perfection 4. I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do 4. My Doctrine Example and Miracles have here shewed forth thy Glory I am neer the end and have almost finished that work on Earth for Mans Redemption which I undertook 5. And now O Father glorifie thou me with thine own-self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was 5. As I have almost performed my part perform thou thy part of the Covenant of my Mediation and give me the Son of Man a due participation of that Glory which my Divine Nature had with thee from Eternity Note This Text is by divers diversly Expounded First Some say that Christs humane Soul was Glorified before the Word was Secondly The Arians say that he had a superangelical Nature only before the World was which united it self to a humane Soul say some or only animated a humane Body say others Thirdly Others of late say he hath three Natures uniting it self to the Prime Created Superangelical Nature And this uniting it self to a humane Soul and Body say some or to a humane Body alone say others Fourthly But the plain Paraphrase which I have given is the Doctrine of the Orthodox universal Church 6. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world thine they were and thou gavest them me ad they have kept thy word 6. I have made known thee and thy Will to them whom thou gavest me out of the World to be my peculiar Disciples They were thine as their Creator and thou gavest them me to be their Redeemer and I have taught them thy word and they have kept it 7. Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee 7. They have known this Fundamentally that I and my Doctrine and Works are all of thee 8. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me and they received them and have known surely that I came out from thee and they have believed that thou didst send me 8. Note that Christ insisteth so much on this because to believe that he and his doctrine and Works are all of God is virtually to believe that they are all true without searching after any other Reason of yours For he is mad that believeth not that there is a God and he believeth not a God who believeth him not to be perfect and therefore to be Just Good and True and not the Deceiver of the World 9. I pray for them I pray not for the world but for them which thou hast given me for they are thine 10. And all mine are thine and thine are mine and I am glorified in them 9 10. It is out of special Love to them for the Salvation and welfare of these that I now pray to thee and not for the meer Worldlings and Enemies of thy Kingdom though for them also I have such desires and Prayers as signifie my common Love and the Elect among them yet unconverted I have such requests for as are suited to their state But these that thou hast given me peremptorily to save are the People of of thy peculiar Love as well as mine And all that I so Love thou lovest also and it is in them that I am glorified and my Person Office and Grace is honoured which others do but Swinishly despise 11. And now I am no more in the world but these are in the world and I come to thee Holy Father keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me that they may be one as we are 11. And now I am leaving the Word but must leave them in it to Tryals and Persecutions while I am with thee And seeing their Union by one Faith and Love is their Character strength and safety without which they will fall into Scandal and dissolution O keep them by Concentring in thee and thy Will and not distracted by humane Devices and Interests that they may be one in Faith Hope and Practice as we are one 12. While I was with them in the world I kept them in thy name those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost but the son of perdition that the scripture might be fulfilled 12. All that thou gavest to be my adherent followers I have kept in thy Name save the Son of Perdition in whose Revolt and Treachery the Scripture is fulfilled 13. And now come I to thee and these things I speak in the world that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves 13. I Come to thee but I leave them my Word to fortifie them with that joy which they will need in their Afflictions 14. I have given them thy word and the world hath hated them because they are not of the world even as I am not of the world 14. It is not all the World that will be saved by me but a select People to whom I effectually give thy Word and the World hateth them because their Doctrine Mind and Life do differ from the World and they are of another Spirit and Society of which I am the Head 15. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil 16. They are not of the world even as I am not of the world 15. They have work to do in the World from which I do not pray thou shouldest take them but that thou keep them pure from the sins Temptatations and Malice of the World as those that are separa-from it to obey thee as I their Leader am 17. Sanctifie them through thy truth thy word is truth 17. Qualifie and separate them by thy Truth to propagate thy Truth even thy Word which is Truth 18. As thou hast sent me into the world even so have I also sent them into the world 18. As thou sentest me for the work of a Redeemer into this sinful World so have I sent them for
graffed in If the Jews be cut off boast not against them for the Covenant and Gospel was not first given to you that now receive its Benefits but to them and from them to you 19. Thou wilt say then The branches were broken off that I might be graffed in 20. Well because of unbelief they were broken off and thou standest by faith Be not high-minded but fear 19 20. If thou say That God more esteemed me than them because he broke them off that I might be graffed in Be not deceived It was for their own Unbelief and by it and not undeservedly that they were broken off And it is by Faith and not for any Worldly Preeminence that thou art graffed in Therefore be not pufft up but fear that Sin that cut off them 21. For if God spared not the natural branches take heed left he also spare not thee 21. For if God cast off them with whom he first made the Covenant of Peculiarity take heed of sinning as they did by Pride and Unbelief against his Gospel lest he also cut off thee 22. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God on them which fell severity but towards thee goodness if thou continue in his goodness otherwise thou also shalt be cut off 22. Rather here reverently admire Gods Goodness and Severity On the sinful rejected Jews Severity of Justice but Mercy to thee which shall continue if thou continue in the Faith and Obedience and Gratitude him Otherwise thou also shalt be cut off As alas most of the Eastern Churches are 23. And they also if they abide not still in unbelief shall be graffed in for God is able to graff them in again 23. And God hath not excluded them from the Grace of the Gospel so as to make their Recovery impossible If they be converted from the Unbelief which God can effect they shall be graffed into the Catholick Church 24. For if thou wert cut of the olive-tree which is wild by nature and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive-tree how much more shall these which be the natural branches be graffed into their own olive-tree 24. For if thou wert cut off from the Wild Olive-tree which was natural to thee and besides or above Nature and contrary to thy Desert wast taken into Gods Covenant and Church how much more will God take them in when they believe who were Abraham's natural Seed and first in his Covenant 25. For I would not brethren that you should be ignorant of this mystery lest ye should be wise in your own conceits that blindness in part is hapned to Israel untill the fulness of the Gentiles be come in 26. And so all Israel shall be saved 25 26. For I would not have you ignorant of this Mystery of God's Providence lest Ignorance puff you up with false Self-conceits That part of the Jews are now left in this Blindness till the Gentile Churches be advanced to an Honourable State and Fulness And then all the Israel of God the true faithful Seed of Abraham and therein the main Body of the Jews shall make up the Catholick Church and be saved from their State of Unbelief 26. As it is written There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob. 26. As Isa 59.20 it was prophesied That out of Sion a Saviour should arise for Israel to turn them from iniquity 27. For this is my Covenant unto them when I shall take away their sins 27. As he saith That his Covenant made with them is to take away their Sin 28. As concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake but as touching the election they are beloved for the fathers sakes 28. For your Conversion they were permitted as Enemies to Christ to drive away the Gospel from them to you But yet God hath not quite nulled his Covenant with their Fathers but will perform it in the Conversion of all of them that are Elect. 29. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance 29. For God is not mutable and will not for the Sin of these Men forget his Covenant with their Fathers but will yet perform it in the full sense of it and not repent of it and null it 30. For as you in times past have not believed God yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief 31. Even so have these also now not believed that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy 30 31. For as you were formerly in unbelief and disobedient and yet now are converted by occasion of their Unbelief so the unbelieving Jews shall be brought by Mercy into the Church by the Preaching that shall be sent from the Gentile-Churches and by the Power and Glory of the Church under Christian Emperours and Governours and by your good Example 32. For God hath concluded them all inunbelief that he might have mercy upon all 32. For God in Justice and Wisdom hath for a time left the main Body of the Jews in Unbelief as formerly he did the Gentiles that in his time he might in mercy call in the main Body of them into the Catholick Church as he hath done you 33. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and his ways past finding out 33. When we think of these mysterious Providences of God freely shewing Mercy to the Unworthy and permitting presuming Men to miscarry and yet making use of their Sin for good we should be so far from questioning God's Mercy or Justice herein that we should admire the depth of the Riches of his Wisdom whose Judgments are unsearchable and his Counsels and Ways not to be traced and fitly judged of by the Wit of Man 34. For who hath known the mind of the Lord or who hath been his counsellor 35. Or who hath first given to him and it shall be recompensed unto him again 34 35. How little know Men of the Mind of God Nothing but what he freely tells them He is not guided by the Counsel of Man nor is Man acquainted with his secret Counsels Who can oblige him to recompense by his Gifts or hath any thing but what God giveth him 36. For of him and through him and to him are all things to whom be glory for ever Amen 36. For as all Creatures have three sorts of extrinsick Causes viz. the Efficient Dirigent and Final God is all these the Chief Efficient Chief Dirigent and Chief Final Cause of all things All is Of him By him and To him and he of None He is All in All things And as he made and doth all things for his Glory his Glory shall for ever shine forth in all which Angels and Saints shall intelligently see and praise for ever Amen ANNOTATIONS THe great Doubt about this Chapter is what is prophesies of the full Conversion of the Jews Concerning which I shall onely speak so much as is certain and leave the rest to
kept secret since the world began but now is made manifest and by the scriptures of the prophets according to the commandment of the everlasting God made known to all nations for the obedience of faith 27. To God only wise be glory through Jesus Christ for ever Amen 25 26 27. I conclude as Christ taught us in his Prayer with that which is the End of all Religion and of our Lives and salvation it self the Glorifying of God To him that can make all our Exhortations effectual and is of Power to establish you according to that Gospel which we preach as it is now a Mystery openly revealed which was more darkly delivered from the beginning and not clearly understood by Jews or Gentiles but now is openly made manifest by Christ the Light of the World and his Spirit in his Servants and by the Scriptures of the Prophets now opened and agreeing with our Gospel which by Gods Command we make known to all Nations to bring them to this Faith which now is the eminent and necessary Obedience to the Command and Covenant of Grace I say To God only be Glory as the End of all our Grace and Glory through Jesus Christ whom he hath ordained to be the Chief Means and Glass in whom his Glory shall shine forth to Man for ever Amen ANNOTATIONS WHy do we read so much in the scriptures of the Obedience of Faith Some would not have Faith called Obedience lest that signifie Works Ans God hath not made Believers or Unbelievers Lawless or under no Command No Act of Man pleaseth God whicn is not Obedience to his Will When God sendeth abroad the Gospel or Word of Faith he commandeth Men to hear it believe it and obey it But bare Commanding is not all but with it he giveth convincing Evidence of its Truth and persuading Reasons and Motives to obey it Therefore we translate the same Word sometime believing and sometime being persuaded and the same sometime unbelieving and sometime unpersuaded and disobedient And Christ is called The Author of eternal Salvation to all them that obey him To say that Faith as it is Obedience is the Condition or Qualification for Salvation but not for Pardon or Justification is a perverse Invention of Mans Brain But cannot Men distinguish between obeying the Law of Innocency or of Moses and obeying the Law of Faith and Grace yea and between obeying this Gospel initially by believing repenting and entring into the Baptismal Covenant which entreth into a State of Justification and Right to Life and the progressive Obedience of performing that Covenant to the End which is necessary to Survivors for actual Glory Christ knew what he said to the Jews This is the work of God that ye believe on him whom the Father hath sent and Paul was sent to the Gentâ—le World to preach the Obedience of Faith that is that Obedience which consisteth in actual Faith performed to the Doctrine and Command of Faith and which hath the Promise of Pardon Grace and Glory freely given for the Merits of Christ The First Epistle of PAUL the Apostle to the CORINTHIANS The INTRODUCTION WHen it was that Paul wrote this Epistle and when these Corinthians were converted to Christianity and what Wealth and Reputation Corinth a Chief City of Achaia was then of I pass by as things presupposed The Occasion of writing this is of nearer concern to be known for the understanding of it It was not unusual with him as to visit the Churches which he had planted so to write to them for their Establishment when he could not be present with them But as to the Matter and Manner of his Writing the Case of the Corinthians was the Occasion 1. There were several Cases which it seems they proposed to him which he resolveth as about Church-Order and Prophesie and Prayer about Eating things offered to Idols about Marriage and Separation c. 2. There were many Scandals among them which he endeavoureth to heal by convincing Reproof as 1. â—actions and Schisms by setting up Teachers in envious Competition 2. Conceitedness of more Wisdom than they had 3. Hearkning to envious Teachers that villified him and defamed his Person and Ministry 4. The favouring of Incest and Scandal and neglect of Discipline 5. Going to Law against one another and that before Heathen Judges when they should have decided their Differences by amicable Arbitration 6. Defrauding and wronging one another 7. Too easie Thoughts of Fornication 8. Scandalous eating things offered to Idols 9. Too much backwardness to maintain the Ministers and the Charges of their Work 10. Prophane Disorder at their Love-Feasts and Sacrament even to partiality and Excess of Drink and scandalous Unreverence for which God punihsed some in the Flesh 11. Overvaluing Gifts and undervaluing lower Christians that wanted them as not enough sensible of the Necessity and Extent of Christian Unity 12. Disorder in their Sacred Assemblies in the Exercise of their Gifts 13. Some erring about and against the Resurrection and others too much hearkning to them These things Paul reproveth and blameth them for not reforming but persuadeth none to separate from that Church for all these Corruptions But by this we may know what must be expected from young unskillful Christians and what Faults will be in such Churches as ours though the Pastors were the best when the Churches were so faulty in the Apostles Time and Presence and how far they are from the Apostolick Spirit Skill Love and Lenity who would Excommunicate all as intollerable Schismaticks who Conform not to all their devised unnecessary Additions and dare not subscribe their Justification or Approbation of all their Forms And they also that quarrel with their Teachers and forsake them when Men of New Opinions and Zealous Confidence tempt them And they that in stead of doing their own part to reform the Corruptions of such Church and in Love and Tenderness to draw Sinners to Repentance do take the dividing lazie Course to separate from such Churches with a few counted the best who will put them to least Labour and Trouble in Discipline Paul himself held Communion with this and other such Churches notwithstanding all these Faults And we find not that he Excommunicated any one though he require them to do it and decreed to do it but on one 1 Cor. 5. and reverst that Purpose I find not in all the New Testament that there was ever two Christian Churches in any one Town or City upon any Difference among them unless you will call the condemned Nests of Hereticks such CHAP. I. 1. PAul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God and Softhenes our Brother 2. Unto the church of God which is at Corinth to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus called to be saints with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord both theirs and ours 1 2. Paul a called Apostle by the special Electing Will and Favour of
by reciting them preceptively And so they bind all Christians now as the Law of Nature and the Law of Christ 4. God by giving the Jews their Laws gave us Directions to know in the like Cases what is equal or wrong to us 5. But formally as it was Gods Law delivered by Moses to the Jews it binds not us and it 's done away For 1. It never as such bound any but the Jews and the few Proselytes among them For it was never promulgated to the World And even the Decalogue was Political and all made for that Common-wealth And all the World was never bound to turn Jews nor to dwell or come into a remote Country no bigger than half England 2. The Jews own Commonwealth is dissolved and so are their peculiar Laws 3. The Apostle expresly saith That the Law written in Stone that was glorious is done away ver 7. 11.13 compared 4. Moses was no Ruler or Mediator to the whole World 5. If one part of Moses Law as such bind then all of it bindeth a quatenus ad omne and so we must turn Jews 6. Paul expresly nameth Sabbaths as abolished that is A Day of Ceremonial Rest which the Fourth Commandment ordaineth as a Type of Spiritual Rest by Christ The Sum is That we are bound to the Law commonly called Moral as it is the Law of Nature and of Christ but not formally as the Law given the Jews by Moses or as written in Stone CHAP. IV. 1. THerefore seeing we have this ministery as we have received mercy we faint not 1. Therefore having received a more honourable Ministry than that of Moses Gods Mercy encourageth us and keepeth us from faâ—nting in our Labours and Sufferings 2. But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully but by manifestation of the truth commending our selves to every mans conscience in the sight of God 2. But have renounced those things which cannot endure the Light lest they should be shamed but are craftily carried on in the dark nor do we use deceiving Arts in handling the Word of God but in the open Light by Evidence of Truth we expose our selves to trial and expect Success 3. But if our gospel be hid it is hid to them that are lost 3. So that if our Preaching be not yet understood and believed it is not for want of our clear Delivery but from the miserable Case of lost uncapable Hearers 4. In whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ who is the image of God should shine unto them 4. Because the Devil by the love of worldly things ruling the Hearts of worldly Men hath blinded them that they may not believe the Gospel and see that Glory which shineth in Christ who is the Image of God 5. For we preach not our selves but Christ Jesus the Lord and our selves your servants for Jesus sake 5. It is not our selves that we commend by preaching to you or set up for you to believe in but it is Christ Jesus the Lord else indeed our Ministry were inglorious and we only manifest our selves to be faithful Servants for your Salvation by Christ who hath called us hereto and whose Glory we proclaim 6. For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ 6. For God who by his Word created Light hath shined by Spiritual Light into our Hearts giving us that Knowledge of God which gloriously appeareth in the Person Doctrine and Works of Christ which he commandeth us to communicate to others 7. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us 7. But we that are thus trusted and honoured of God are our selves poor frail afflicted Mortals that it mâ—y appear that it is by the Power of God and not of Men that the Gospel prospereth 8. We are troubled on every side yet not distressed we are perplexed but not in despair 9. Persecuted but not forsaken cast down but not destroyed 8 9. We are many ways troubled but not brought to any extreme distress in straits but not in despair persecuted by Men but not forsaken of God cast down low and yet upheld and not destroyed 10. Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body 10. We still bear in our Bodies a memorative Conformity to our suffering dying Lord that our delivered Bodies also might have some conformity to his Life by whom we live and whom we preach 11. For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus sake that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh 11. For we that yet live are in continual danger of death by Persecutors for Jesus sake that we might be Emblems of Christs Resurrection and Life and a Proof that he liveth who preserveth us while we preach that blessed Life which he possesseth and hath purchased and promised 12. So then death worketh in us but life in you 12. So that in our Sufferings Christs Death is resembled but his Life in your Conversion and Preservation 13. We having the same spirit of faith according as it is written I belived and therefore have I spoken we also believe and therefore speak 13. But we have the sâ—me Spirit of Faith as you have and therefore say with David That we speak because we believe 14. Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus and shall present us with you 14. For he that raised up Christ shall raise us up both from our Sufâ—erings and Death and present us with you who are the Bâ—essings of our Labours 15. For all things are for your sakes that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God 15. For it is for you that we suffer and labour and are preserved that as many have the Benefit so God may be glorified by the Thanksgiving of many 16. For which cause we faint not but though our outward man perish yet the inward man is renewed day by day 16. Therefore we are not tired in our Labour or Suffering but while our Bodies suffer and perish our Souls receive daily new Supplies of Strength and Comfort 17. For our light affliction which is but for a moment worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory 17. For all our Sufferings for Christ and Bodily Afflictions are very tollerable and light and so short as to be but as for one moment and so gainful that they are the Means appointed to procure us a Crown of Glory which is weighty and of exceeding Worth and Everlasting 18. While we look
preach the Gospel even that Christ would call and take in the Gentiles into the Catholick Church and Covenant as his peculiar People and make them Partakers of his Promise and Gift of Life in Christ by the Gospel preached to them 7. Whereof I was made a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power 7. Of which Gospel I was made a Minister to dispence it according to that Measure of the Gift of the Spirit by Grace given to me which wrought effectually in me and by me by Doctrine and Miracles to convert the Gentiles 8. Unto me who am less then the least of all saints is this grace given that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ 8. To me who am by my former Persecution of the Church the lowest or most unworthy of all Saints is this Favour and Honour freely vouchsafed that I should preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable Riches of Christ 9. And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God who created all things by Jesus Christ 9. And to notifie to all Men the Communication and Communion of this Mysterious Grace which from the very Creation was secretly included as a Tree in the Seed in Gods making the whole World by Jesus Christ even that he would redeem and new make us all by him 10. To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God 11. According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord 10 11. That now in this Collection of the Universal Church in Christ as in a Glass or as in the clear Effects the very Spiritual Principalities and Powers above us in the Heavens might see more of Gods eternal Counsel opened and manifold Wisdom displayed than they knew before Note 1. That Superiour Spirits are Principalities and Powers either over Political Societies there or as Rulers over us here below as Guardians See Josh 5.14 Exod. 23.20 23. 32.34 Num. 20.16 Gen. 24.7 40. Psal 34.7 Dan. 10.13 c. It 's like it's both 2. That even Superiour Powers are not Omniscient but may by new Means have new increased Knowledge and therefore Saints in Heaven are not more knowing 3. That it is in Heaven that the Great Ends of God in Redeeming and Gathering his Church are attained 12. In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him 12. In whom we all that trust in him may come with boldness and confident hope of acceptance to God 13. Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you which is your glory 13. Wherefore I beseech you be not discouraged by my Sufferings for preaching to you for it is your Honour to have the Ministry of your Salvation thus attested by me 14 15. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named 16. That he would grant you according to the riches of his glory to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man 14 15 16. For this end I beg of God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ of whom all the Blessed Society in Heaven and Earth is named his Family or of which Christ Jews and Gentiles are named Christians That of his abundant Grace in which he will be glorified he will by his Spirit fortifie your Souls Note 1. It is uncertain whether of whom relate to the Father or to Christ 2. Though Paul speak specially of the Catholick Church of Jews and Gentiles there 's no reason to exclude the glorified Souls no nor the Angels from being part of Gods Family united in and under Christ 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that ye being rooted and grounded in love 18. May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height 19. And to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God 17 18 19. That Christ may by the constant exercise of your Faith upon him even dwell objectively in your Hearts as one Friend by Love and Trust doth in anothers and effectively possess and actuate you by his Spirit that by his Spirit and your Faith you may be so deeply possest with the sense of Gods Love that you may be filled with Love to him and one another and it may be the very Habit of your Souls and a rooted Nature in you that so being qualified by this Faith and Love you may be able and fit to measure and understand as all Saints in their several degrees do the vast and wonderful Dimensions and to know the Love of Christ and of the Father in him which exceedeth our comprehensive and adequate Knowledge or which is more excellent than all the Sciences which Heathens and Hereticks boast of that so by Faith and Love your Souls may be filled with the highest degrees of Grace and the Spirit of God 20 21. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us unto him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages world without end Amen 20 21. Now to that Almighty God who can do for his People exceeding abundantly above all that we can desire or ask believe or conceive in our narrow Thoughts as is intimated even in the Power of Sanctity and Miracles which he exerciseth in and â—mong us now To him I say be Glory in the Church by the Mediation of Jesus Christ in whom â—he Glory of Gods Love shineth â—o us and by whom â—e render Praise to God throughout all Ages World without end Amen CHAP. IV. 1. I Therefore the prisoner of the Lord beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called 1. Seeing then the Riches of Gods Grace in Christ is so abundant to you converted Gentiles I that am a Prisoner for declaring this Grace of Christ to you exhort you that you live according to the great obligation of your Vocation 2. With all lowliness and meekness with long-suffering forbearing one another in love 2. Such a Christian Life must be in all lowliness or humble thoughts of your selves your Knowledge your Goodness and your Power and in all meekness or gentleness towards others Love must cause you with long-suffering to forbear one another Note 1. That Forbearance is to be exercised towards evil that is Imperfections in Knowledge Vertue and Duty and tollerable Faults and Injuries against each other Therefore it supposeth us to be all faulty needing forbearance 2. That proud high thoughts of our selves and Contempt Censoriousness and Hurtfulness to others and not forbearing tollerable Offenders are
hath appointed to be Owner and Lord of all things as he is God and Man not only by the prime right of Creation but as the Redeemer of Man all power in Heaven and Earth and all things are delivered to him for the ends of Redemption And by him his Wisdom and Word he made the Worlds and all therein 3. Who being the brightness of his glory and the express image of his person and upholding all things by the word of his power when he had by himself purged our sins sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high 3. Who being the shining Beam or Splendor of his Glory by whom God shineth forth or giveth the knowledge of himself to us as the Sun is known to us by its light and the Character of his Subsistence and upholding and ruling all things by the Word of his Power as by that Word of God's Power they were made when he had by his own Merits and Sacrifice and Covenant made a sufficient Purgation to take away the guilt of our sins and so far purged them away as to enact a pardoning Covenant for all that will believingly accept it in him So that now the general Pardon wants nothing but Acceptance and none shall perish for want of sufficiency in the Sacrifice or Covenant he then ascended and is in heavenly Glory at the Right Hand of God's supream Celestial Majesty Head over all things to his Church that thence he may send down the Holy Ghost to gather his Chosen and bring his Mystical Body to Glory 4. Being made so much better than the angels as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they 4. Being in Excellency and Superiority set above the Angels as he hath by Lot or Inheritance obtained higher Titles Power and Offices than they 5. For unto which of the angels said he at any time Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee And again I will be to him a Father and he shall be to me a Son 6. And again when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world he saith And let all the angels of God worship him 5 6. He calls Christ his Son in divers Texts which though it speak partly of David yet ultimately meaneth Christ and he commandeth the Angel◠to worship him But none of this is said of Angels 7. And of the angels he saith Who maketh his angels spirits and his ministers a flame of fire 7. But he calls his Angels Spirits and Servants and a Flame of Fire 8. But unto the Son he saith Thy throne O God is for ever and ever a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom 9. Thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity therefore God even thy God hath anointed thee with the oyl of gladness above thy fellows 8 9. But to the Son he ascribeth the name of God and an Everlasting Throne and Kingdom and a Scepter of Righteousness and a Superiority by Divine Unction above all others 10. And thou Lord in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth and the heavens are the works of thine hands 11. They shall perish but thou remainest and they all shall wax old as doth a garment 12. And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up and they shall be changed but thou art the same and thy years shall not fail 10 11 12. He is said to be the Lord who made Earth and Heaven and who will remain when they perish and be the same when they are changed 13. But which of the angels said he at any time Sit on my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool 13. He never said to any Angel what he said to Christ of his Kingdom and the subduing of his Enemies c. 14. Are they not all ministring spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of Salvation 14. All those Spirits that are properly called Angels or Messengers are Spirits appointed and sent forth by God to minister for them who shall be Heirs of Salvation under Jesus Christ Annotation THE great difficulty here is to understand how this description belongeth to the Person of Christ Whether it be the Divine Nature that is said to be appointed Heir c. the Brightness of God's Glory the Character of his Subsistence or Person made better than Angels begotten this day set on God's right hand in power c. or the Humane Or whether it be spoken of the Person of Christ as in both Natures and we must not enquire according to which Nature the words are spoken of Christ I have before said on Col. 1.15 16. how many Opinions about the Person and Natures of Christ have been pleaded for 1. That of the Orthodox who assert but one Person of Christ and two Natures though the word Person was long refused by many as not meaning the same with Hypostasis And subtil Philosophers say that the Humane Nature can be no part of Christ's Person but an Adjunct because his Person was compleat from Eternity and the Deity cannot be a Part. But if it were not that the Hereticators will quarrel with it it may be said that the word Person is equivocal and that as Hypostasis is a Person the Divine Nature is the whole Person but not as it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or a Relative Person 2. That of the wretched Socinians who feign Christ to be meer Man advanced 3. That of the Arrians who make him only the first Creature or Emanation of God incarnate super-angelical Light of Lights Very God of very God begotten by Emanation not made as other Creatures but making them all but yet not of the same Essence or Substance with the Father but from the same as a Beam or light from the Sun This the Church hath condemned these 1300 years and more 4. That of some of late who say that Christ hath three Natures 1. The Divine 2. The aforesaid Super-angelical assumed by the Divine to nearest Union 3. The Humane assumed by Both. And they think that this Text speaketh chiefly of the second as assuming the third As it is dangerous to err about any necessary point concerning Christ's Person so it is dangerous to be rash in taking up any unnecessary Opinion about so incomprehensible a Mystery and worse to urge it with pride and fury to the dividing of the Church and the damning of Dissenters To say about many Cases that have torn the Churches I know not is more pardonable than turbulent Error CHAP. II. THerefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard lest at any time we should let them slip 1. Therefore we that have heard the Gospel of Christ and specially who have professed to receive it should with great earnestness set our minds and hearts unto it lest by negligence or unbelief we should lose what we have heard and be as leaking Vessels and be lost our selves 2. For if the word spoken by
Christ â—hat hath his dreadful Justice as well as saving Mercy sendeth this Message Note Once for all here note that Churches were then named from Cities because Proximity was needful to Communion And among Christians there should be so great Unity that they that live in one Proximity like our Parishes or Towns should always be of one Church unless the uncapable multitude force them to divide in one City into many Churches in which still Proximity should be observed or unless the great Corruption or Violence of any Church do necessitate any to congregate by themselves for their safety and duty For if the faults of a Church and any of its Members be but tolerable Weaknesses it should not break their Communion but they should bear with and receive each other But if they are intolerable for which God disowneth and forsaketh them or their Worship they are no true Churches and must be forsaken of all as no true particular Christians and must be cast out 13. I know thy works and where thou dwellest even where Satan's seat is and thou holdest fast my Name and hast not denied my faith even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr who was slain among you where Satan dwelleth 13. I know with Approbation all thy good Works and that thou dwellest where Satan ruleth in the Heathen multitude having there an Idol-Temple and Roman persecuting Powers and that yet thou hast held fast the Profession of Christianity and not denyed me in Persecution even in the days when Satan's Instruments murder'd my faithful Martyr Antipas Note We have no other certain History of Antipas and his Case but only the uncertain stories of Metaphrasles and the Menology No doubt but there were many Martyrs whose History is not come down to us But Christ hath honoured Antipas by this sacred Record The time of his suffering is unknown 14. But I have a few things against thee because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam who taught Balac to cast a stumbling-block before the children of Israel to eat things sacrificed unto idols and to commit fornication 14. Though all this Good be found in thee I am offended that thou so connivest at the Heresie of the false Teachers as to permit some of them in your Communion who as Balaam for Gain taught Balac how to ensnare the Israelites into sin by Women so they lay Snares and Temptations before men by teaching them that it is lawful to eat things offered to Idols and to commit Fornication Note Had not this Church tolerated these filthy Hereticks in their Communion Christ would not have blamed them for their meer Neighbourhood 15. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans which thing I hate 15. And thou hast yet in thy Communion some that hold the Doctrine of the Nicolaitans which maketh light of Adulteries which is hateful to me Note Christ hateth all such false Doctrine as corrupteth Faith or Manners 16. Repent or else I will come unto thee quickly and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth 16. Repent of thy connivance at this wicked Sect and Doctrine and cast out them that will not be cured or else with the two-edged Sword which goeth out of my mouth I will shortly cut off these Hereticks and punish thee for bearing with them 17. He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna and will give him a white stone and in the stone a new name written which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it 17. Let no man disregard what the Spirit saith to the Churches To him that overcometh the manifold Temptations of Persecutors false Teachers and fleshly lusts I will give the bread of life that hidden Manna which is laid up in the heavenly Sanctuary even Christ and his Spirit and in the grace of that Spirit I will give him a Pledge and Title to Eternal Life and that new Name and Nature Holiness and the Divine Image the evidence of right to the heavenly Inheritance whose Nature and Worth none rightly know but those who receive it Thus shall it be done to them whom I will honour 18. And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write These things saith the Son of God who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire and his feet are like fine brass 18. To the Church of Thyatira Pastors and People represented by their Angel hear and regard this message from the Son of God whose glory and dreadfulness was signified by his appearing â—o me with Eyes like a flame and Feet shining as burnish't Brass 19. I know thy works and charity and service and faith and thy patience and thy works and the last to be more than the first 19. I know and commend thy good Works and Charity and Ministration to the Saints and thy Fidelity and constant Patience in Tryals and that thy last Works excel thy first 20. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel which calleth her self a prophetess to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication and to eat things sacrificed unto idols 21. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication and she repented not 20. Note 1. Even a few faults in a laudable Church may be a provocation to the Justice of Christ 2. Suffering corrupt Doctrines and Seducers in a Church is a sin which Christ will not pass by Suffering was not opposite to Banishing Imprisoning Killing For the Church had no such power or command But it was forbearing that sharp Reproof Confutation and Excommunication which was the Churches duty 3. Whether there were really a Woman among them that promoted this wickedness by pretence of Prophetick Inspiration or whether by the Woman Jezabel be meant the whole Sect of Nicolaitans or Gnosticks is uncertain But it 's certain that the Heresie tolerated was the same as was before reproved and that Paul was put so oft to write against viz. Fornication and Idol-Sacrifices pleaded for as lawful for Christians to partake of so they kept their faith and hearts to God 4. Impenitence after God's Patience and Warnings ripeneth men for Judgment 22. Behold I will cast her into a bed and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation except they repent of their deeds 23. And I will kill her children with death and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts and I will give unto every one of you according to your works 22 23. Instead of a Bed of Lust I will cast her and all her seduced Sect into a Bed of great Tribulation except true Repentance and Reformation prevent it so that all the Churches shall see my heavy Plagues on them and shall know that I discern and hate and judge the most secret lusts and sins and will judge you
which the superior World hath no real similitude but by fiction 6. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal and in the midst of the throne and round about the throne were four beasts full of eyes before and behind 6. Note Before the Tabernacle and the Temple there was a great broad Vessel of Water called a Sea for the Priests to wash in Exod. 20.18 1 Kings 7.23 signifying the Purity required in the Worshippers of God being as Crystal tells us that no spots or Hypocrisie is unseen to God Though some make this to signifie the multitude of Worshippers The four Beasts some say resemble the four Staâ—dards and Camps of Israel in the Wilderness or as others the four Evangelists But it is like to mean the Executioners by Providence and Miracles of Christ's Will and Power full of Eyes as knowing all the Affairs of the Sons of Men about which they are employed called Living creatures for their executive power 7. And the first beast was like a lion and the second beast like a calf and the third beast had a face as a man and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle 7. Note As these four agree with the Apparition in Ezekiel 1.10 in the main notwithstanding some small difference so it is observable which D. Hammond noteth from Aben Ezra that these were the Escutcheons on the four Ensigns or Standards of the Camp of Israel a Lion for the Camp of Judah a Man for the Camp of Reuben an Oxe for the Camp of Ephraim and an Eagle for the Camp of Dan And an Oxe and Calf are oft used for the same And these four are noted to be the chief in their several kinds the Lion among wild Beasts the Oxe among the tame and serviceable a Man among all Animals and an Eagle among Birds To conjecture what God would signifie by them to Israel must needs be uncertain I know nothing liker than an intimation of Duty and Prophecy that Israel should be victorious over their Enemies and valiant as a Lion wise and in Dominion as Man and should have a fertile and plenteous Land signified by the Oxe and be Seraphick and Divine in the holy Worship of God signified by the Eagle that mounteth Heaven-ward in her strength And it 's like such blessings are hereby signified to be conferred on the Church some fix the signification on Angels some on Ministers And less probable are their 's that think Peteâ— John Paul and Barnabas are meant or they that apply it to the four Evangelists or four Patriarchs 8. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him and they were full of eyes within and they rest not day and night saying Holy holy holy Lord God Almighty which was and is and is to come 8. Note The Beasts resembling the Standard-bearer in the Camp are likest to signifie both the Angels in Heaven who glorifie God's Attributes and serve him in the performance of his Promises to the Church and also the Apostles and Prophets and Evangelists and Pastors who do their part herein on Earth See Isa 6.2 of their wings 2. Holy holy holy may relate to the Trinity but certainly signifieth that the Holiness of God is that for which he is loved and praised by Angels and Saints His Holiness is his Perfection and Transcendency above all creatures being the end of all to whom they are to be devoted and consequently his perfect contrariety to all evil 3. The celebrating of the Praises of the most Holy God is the uncessant work of heavenly Spirits and most of the work of Ministers and Church-Assemblies on Earth 9. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne who liveth for ever and ever 10. The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne and worship him that liveth for ever and ever and cast their crowns before the throne saying 11. Thou art worthy O Lord to receive glory and honour and power for thou hast created all things and for thy pleasure they are and were created 9 10 11. Note With the chief Angels concur all the heavenly Hâ—st in magnifying the Holy Eternal God as shining forth in the glory of all his works by him and for him by his efficient Will and for his complacential Will fulfilled they being all created preserved and ordered And this heavenly work is to be imitated by the Churches on Earth whose Pastors leading the People must concur in the Praises of the most Holy Everliving God And those Churches that are dry and scant in these Praises of God how well soever the Word be there preached are defective and unlike their Pattern These passages are best expounded in the three first Petitions of the Lord's Prayer Let thy Name be hallowed Thy Kingdom come and Thy Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven Neither Heaven nor Earth must be left out in the Exposition CHAP. V. 1. ANd I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside sealed with seven seals 1. I saw a Roll called a Book in his hand who sate on the Throne written on both sides but the Roll was sealed up with seven Seals Note The Roll contained God's Decrees as they were to be fulfilled according to this Prophecy And it 's like they were seven Rolls together making one Book 2. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice Who is worthy to open the book and to loose the seals thereof 2. Note Every Angel or Man is not worthy or meet to be the Expositor and Messenger of God's Mysteries to Man 3. And no man in heaven nor in earth neither under the earth was able to open the book neither to look thereon 3. It was a work and trust too high for any meer creature in all the World None of them was worthy 4. And I wept much because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book neither to look thereon 4. I lamented that the creatures should be found so unworthy and God's Mysteries be kept unknown 5. And one of the elders saith unto me Weep not behold the lion of the tribe of Judah the root of David hath prevailed to open the book and to loose the seven seals thereof 5. One of the Elders that were at the Throne comforted me and told me that Christ who is called the Lion of the Tribe of Judah and the Son of David and Root of Jesse was found worthy by the Dignity of his Person and his Merits by Man's Redemption to open to the Church all the Mysteries of God which it was meet for Man to know and to loose the Seals 6. And I beheld and lo in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts and in the midst of the elders stood a Lamb as it had been slain having seven horns and seven eyes which are the seven
this is only of the Subversion of Judea Others because that was done already that it was the Overthrow of the Heathen Powers by Constantine Others that it was the shaking of the Empire by the Goths And others that it is the last Dissolution of the World 15. And the kings of the earth and the great men and the rich men and the chief captains and the mighty men and every bond-man and every free-man hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains 16. And said to the mountains and rocks Fall on us and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb 17. For the great day of his wrath is come and who shall be able to stand 15 16 17. Note 1. If this was meant of the Ruin of the Jews it was indeed exceeding dreadful and dreadful have God's Executions since been on Heathens and other Enemies of Christ Note 2. Greatness nor Numbers will save none from Misery and Terror when the day of God's revenging Justice is come which they would not before believe Any sort of hope of Deliverance would be then welcome but all help will fail and all hopes will be in vain to them that know not the day of Grace Proud men are able now to oppress the Innocent to scorn the Faithful and to domineer in the Ruins and Blood of Saints calumniating them as the vilest Malefactors But wicked Princes Lords and Judges and bloody Soldiers will then all cry out The great day of his Wrath is come and who is able to stand CHAP. VII 1. ANd after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth holding the four winds of the earth that the wind should not blow on the earth nor on the sea nor on any tree 1. God's Decree for the suspending of his dreadful Executions specially on Judea was declared to me by the Apparition of four Angels standing on the four corners of the Earth who were to hold the four Winds from blowing to the hurt of any Creature Note 1. The Winds are called four according to popular Opinion Note 2. By this it is not unlikely that the four Beasts are so numbred with respect to the four Quarters of the Earth signifying the Executioners of Providence 2. And I saw another angel ascending from the east having the seal of the living God and he cryed with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea 3. Saying Hurt not the earth neither the sea nor the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads 2. Note 1. The East where the Sun riseth is noted in Prophesies as the way whence we are to expect our Blessings from Christ the Rising Sun whence came the old Ceremony of worshipping in the Chruch only towards the East 2. The Seal of God is his gracious sealed Commission 3. The lowd Voice and Cry signifieth God's great care to preserve the Faithful 4. The Seal in the Fore-head is God's Notification of those whom he will preserve In Ezek. 9.4 it is as by the Letter Tau But the Text seemeth to mean no more than that God made known to the destroying Angels every one that was to be preserved 4. And I heard the number of them which were sealed and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel 5. Of the tribe of Judah were sealed twelve thousand Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand 6. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand Of the tribe of Nephthali were sealed twelve thousand Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand 7. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand 8. Of the tribe of Zebulon were sealed twelve thousand Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand 4 5 6 7 8. All these were to be preserved from the Destruction coming Note 1. Not that there were just twelve thousand of each Tribe but that the number was great in it self though small as to the number of them that perished 2. Joseph is put for Ephraim and Dan is left out some think the Tribe being almost worn out or for what other reason is unknown 9. After this I beheld and lo a great multitude which no man could number of all nations and kindreds and people and tongues stood before the throne and before the Lamb clothed with white robes and palms in their hands 9. And it was not only the believing Jews that were to be preserved but the Gentile Christians in a multitude innumerable who worship God joyfully in holy Assemblies celebrating honourably the Praises of Christ represented by their Spirits magnifying God and the Lamb joyfully in Heaven 10. And cryed with a loud voice saying Salvation to our God which sitteth on the throne and unto the Lamb. 10. They praised God and their Redeemer as the Author of Salvation Note The Hereticks of those times as such do now accused these great Multitudes and separated from them as unworthy of their Communion while they were unworthy of Church-Communion themselves 11. And all the angels stood round about the throne and about the elders and the four beasts and fell before the throne on their faces and worshipped God 12. Saying Amen blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honour and power and might be unto our God for ever and ever Amen 11 12. And I saw the multitude of Believers or Ministers represented by all the Angels joyning with the four living Wights and with the twenty four Elders who represented the Church of the Christian Jews celebrating the Praises of God and the Lamb ascribing to him everlasting Blessing Glory c. 13. And one of the elders answered saying unto me What are these which are arayed in white robes and whence came they 14. And I said unto him Sir thou knowest And he said to me These are they which came out of great tribulation and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 13 14. And one of the Elders in order to inform me asked me whether I knew what those were that stood arrayed in White And I told him that I knew not but desired him who knew to tell me And he told me that they were such as had suffered great Tribulation for Christ and were now accepted as righteous before him through the Merits of his Blood and were dignified by him 15. Therefore are they before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them 16. They shall hunger no more neither thirst any more neither shall the sun light on
was the third part of men killed by the fire and by the smoke and by the brimstone which issued out of their mouths 18. Multitudes say some killed by the Romans and say most others the exceeding great numbers killed by the Mahometans Saracens and Tarks 19. For their power is in their mouth and in their tails for their tails were like unto serpents and had heads and with them they do hurt 19. They are both fierce and venemous and every way destructive Some expound mouth and tail of the front and the rear of their Armies 20. And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands that they should not worship devils and idols of gold and silver and brass and stone and of wood which neither can see nor hear nor walk 21. Neither repented they of their murders nor of their sorceries nor of their fornication nor of their thefts 20. 21. To take this for the Gnosticks and the Spiritual Idolatry of the Jews seems very unlikely The Mahometans say others made the destroying of Idols their chief profession and have not only rooted out image-worship from the Eastern Christians but turned since many great Kingdoms and Empires from Heathenism to Mahometanism But they repented not under those destructions CHAP. X. 1. ANd I saw another mighty Angel come down from Heaven clothed with a cloud and a rainbow was upon his head and his face was as it were the sun and his feet as pillars of fire 1. The circumstances describe the Glory of this Angel which some take for Christ and some for a proper Angel 2. And he had in his hand a little book open and he set his right foot upon the sea and his left foot on the earth 2. The plain sense is that he shewed the universality of his commissioned power sea and land comprehending the world below and that-the Book was the Decree of God committed to him to execute But the conjectured sense is manifold Some say it was Gods Decree to destroy Jerusalem and that Sea and Land was Galilee and Judea And others that it was Gods Decree to destroy the Roman heathen power and deliver his Servants And others that it was his Decree to destroy the Papacy and reform and deliver the Church And others that it was his Decree to destroy all oppressing powers and set up Christs thousand years reign in Righteousness And others that it was his Decree to end the World and come in judgment 3. And cried with a loud voice as when a lion roareth and when he had cried seven thunders uttered their voices 3. His terrible Aspect and Cry was to prepare for a progressive Increase of the Plagues signified by seven Thunders which are louder than Trumpets 4. And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices I was about to write and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered and write them not 4. Say some Because the Plagues are so grievous that on Jerusalem say some on the Empire say others on the Papacy say others they shall be known by experience and not by words Therefore write them not at all say some or not yet say others 5. And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven 6. And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever who created heaven and the things that therein are and the earth and the things that therein are and the sea and the things that are therein that there should be time no longer 7. But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel when he shall begin to sound the mystery of God should be finished as he hath declared to his servants the prophets 5 6 7. He sware by God that there should be no longer delay that is say some of the Destruction of the Jews but till Adrian's time or as others of the Ruin of the Roman Empire or as others of the Churches Deliverance from Popery and Persecution or as others that there shall be no longer Duration of this World But that at the seventh Trumpet God's decreed Judgments shall be accomplished Or as Lira that the Arrian Heresie should no longer prosper 8. And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again and said Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth 9. And I went unto the angel and said unto him Give me the little book And he said unto me Take it and eat it up and it shall make thy belly bitter but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey 8 9. The Voice bid me take the Book c. And I asked the Angel for it who bid me eat it c. It shall be pleasant to thee to know what will be as News but bitter to know such heavy things or it will be sweet to thee to sore-know the Churches Deliverance but bitter to know the dreadful Judgments that effect it against the Jews say some the Roman Empire say others the Papal Church say others c. 10. And I took the little book out of the angel's hand and ate it up and it was in my mouth sweet as honey and as soon as I had eaten it my belly was bitter 10. The Mercy revealed in it was sweet but the dreadful Judgments of Bloodshed bitter 11. And he said unto me Thou must prophesie again before many peoples and nations and tongues and kings 11. Say some When Titus hath destroyed Jerusalem there is more for thee to prophesie of which many following Emperors and their Armies will do against them especially Adrian to finish their Destruction Or as others There are yet greater and more dreadful things to be told thee against many Nations and Kingdoms Or as others The Work of Prophesie or preaching the Gospel suppressed by the Pope and his Prelates shall be revived again and prosper before the end CHAP. XI 1. ANd there was given me a râ—ed like unto a rod and the angel stood saying Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and them that worship therein 1. Say some to measure the Temple and the Altar-places as reserved from Adrian's building an Idol-Temple which say they he did only in the Outer Court Say others Measure the Church which shall be reduced to a Conformity to the Word of God after all its Pollutions by Popery Or Measure it signifieth that the Church will be a small and measurable thing under the Papacy and even obscured but not forsaken of God 2. But the court which is without the temple leave out and measure it not for it is given unto the Gentiles and the holy city shall they tread under foot fourty and two months 2. Say some the outer Court and the City was rebuilt by Adrian called Aelia so the Gentiles to live in and a Temple
Christ be made the holy City or his Chief Royal Seat and there will be his Thousand years Reign on Eâ—rth Others take the Holy City to mean the Reformed Churches which shall again be assaulted by all sorts of Enemies before the day of Judgment And some take the Camp of the Saints and the Beloved City to be the seven Asian Churches to whom John wrote Whatever it be if it be past I understand not what or when it was if it be to come time must expound it In general it is sure that Enemies will oft assault the Church and God will defend it 10. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever 10. When Christ hath delivered his Church from Pagan Cruelty the same Dragon or Devil will seek new Instruments to assault it from age to age and most notably at the last But he shall be conquered after all and be cast out into torment as the Pagan Powers and Deceivers were 11 And I saw a great white throne and him that sat on it from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away and there was found no place for them 11. Some think that this speaketh not of the day of Judgment but of the calling of the Jews And some think the meaning is that when Christ sets up the Thousand years refined Church by a Resurrection and his visible presence say some or by a holy Government and People and Deliverance from Enemies say others both the Power of Infidels Turks and Heathens which are meant by the Earth and the Corrupted Church both Papal and Greek c. meant by Heaven shall all vanish that the holy City may take place But most say it describeth the day of Judgment 12. And I saw the dead small and great stand before God and the books were opened and another book was opened which is the book of life and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books according to their works 12. When Christ hath overcome his Churches Enemies he will judge the World and the book of their own doings and Consciences shall be opened and also Gods book of Life the Scripture or Gospel Law say some which is the Rule of Judgment or the book of Gods Decree say others in which all are enrolled that shall be saved And they shall be judged according to their works the matter of Fact being recorded in their book and the matter of right in Gods Law and the conclusion in his Decree To be judged according to their works is to be then justified or condemned as they have sincerely kept Christ's Law of Grace by which they shall be tryed or have not kept it by Faith Repentance and sincere Obedience the condition of Salvation 13. And the sea gave up her dead which were in it and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them and they were judged every man according to their works 13. All that were any way dead were judged according to their works by the Law that they were under 14. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire this is the second death 15. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire 14 15. And death and Hades that is Mortality shall to his Saints be by Christ for ever abolished or as some take it those wicked men that death and hell shall deliver up to Judgment shall be cast into hell fire This utter abolition or this damnation is called the second death And whosoever hath not right to Salvation by the Gospel Covenant or Law of grace and is not by God enrolled among the Heirs of Life was cast into the Lake of fire Mr. Potter and many others expound all this confidently and the two following Chapters of Christs judging and rewarding and punishing men in this Life But others as confidently of the Life to come Though this make the Text difficult it maketh no great doctrinal controversie both being commonly believed CHAP. XXI 1. ANd I saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away and there was no more sea 1. N. That the corrupt State of the World and the degenerate Church may be called the old heaven and earth is granted And that the Church before the End may be so reformed and blessed as that heaven and earth may be said to be new And also that fire at last shall dissolve the earth and that heaven that fell under the Curse for mans sin and there shall be no annihilation but a New Heaven and earth is plain in Peter c. But which of these is the sense of this Text is doubtful I incline most to the later that it is the new World that shall follow the conflagration and Judgment If any ask what the new earth shall be for he must take up with what God hath told us Therein shall dwell Righteousness and the Creature be delivered from the bondage of Corruption into the glorious liberty of the Soas of God and all things shall be restored Whether we shall then dwell on Earth or only a new made Generation is not so clear But the Jerusalem now in Heaven consisteth of Spirits And this must come down from Heaven and these Spirits must be again at the Resurrection embodyed And do not new bodies suit with a new Earth as Spirits with Heaven Obj. This will be to our loss Ans No God will dwell with man and be no Stranger to us then in Heaven Heaven and Earth will not be separated as now As our bodies will be no Clog to the Souls but Spiritual incorruptible bodies so Earth will be made suitable to them It s no diminution to the Glory of the Sun to shine on bodies no nor of God to Vouchsafe them his influence 2. And I John saw the holy city new Jerusalem coming down from God out of heaven prepared as a bride adorned for her husband 2. Not new created Souls but immortal Souls coming down with Christ say some before the day of Judgment say others after Many Texts seem to place it here and not in Heaven only after the Resurrection This is the Life of Preparation on our part but Souls in Heaven are further prepared by Christ 3. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying Behold the tabernacle of God is with men and he will dwell with them and they shall be his people and God himself shall be with them and be their God 3. Wherever the place be Gods presence in glory wlll make it a Heaven to us But if it did speak only of an advancement by holy Reformation and Peace on Earth it would be so far like to Heaven 4. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death
neither sorrow nor crying neither shall there be any more pain for the former things are passed away 4. If they be in the right who expound this of a Thousand Years freedom from Persecutions and all Sorrows on Earth in a New Jerusalem I am sure it will be a more joyful time when it shall be performed in the propersense of the words after the general resurrection And I see no probability that the promise of no more death and the rest that follow should be meant of any earthly state before that time The new Jerusalem and the new Heaven and Earth must be at once expected and that is when all these things are dissolved by fire at the judgment of the great day O desirable blessed day 5. And he that sat upon the throne said Behold I make all things new And he said unto me Write for these words are true and faithful 5. It is true that at Constantines delivering the Church there was as it were a New World And I am in hope yet that there may be such a Reformation and advancement of Piety and Unity before the last day as may be called a New World in a fuller sense But not up to this description of the New Jerusalem 6. And he said unto me It is done I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end I will give unto him that is a athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely 6. Say some I am he that hath thus delivered the Church from Idolaters and persecutors and now all that will shall have the blessed priviledges of the Church Rather I have prepared the Church for the state of Blessedness and I that an the principal efficient and ultimate end of all will give life everlasting in the new Jerusalem to every believing thirsty Soul 7. He that overcometh shall inherit all things and I will be his God and he shall be my son 7. He that overcometh Temptation to the end shall as my son inherit full felicity in me who will be his God 8. But the fearful and unbelieving and the abominable and murderers and whoremongers and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone which is the second death 8. But those that being cowardly forsake me for fear of suffering and trust not me and those that live in filthiness and cruelty and unrighteousness and Idolatry and all false deceivers shall be damned 9. And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues and talked with me saying Come hither I will shew thee the bride the lambs wife 9. By the Bride is meant the new Jerusalem that is say some the delivered Church in Constantines time and after 2. Say others the reformed Church at the Fall of Popery 3. Say others a prosperous time before the thousand years 4. Say others the Jews conversion in great splendor at Jerusalem 5. Say others Christs visible reign with the martyrs and others raised from death a thousand years before the rest 6. Rather the new Heaven and Earth after the last judgment when the flaming sword and partition wall shall be taken down and God dwell with man 10. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain and shewed me the great City the Holy Jerusalem descending out of Heaven from God 10. Say some the Church as here advanced to purity and liberty by the heavenly power Rather the Souls that were with Christ coming with him to meet those that shall be then alive and changed advanced to that perfection in which they shall for ever be glorified with the Lord. Though some glympse of this may be in happy reformation concord and deliverance here before 11. Having the glory of God and her light was like unto a stone most precious even like a jasper stone clear as crystall 11. It s Glory and strength was represented to me as made of Jasper clear as Crystall Gods own Glory shineing out 12. And had a wall great and high and had twelve gates and at the gates twelve angels and names written thereon which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel 12. John being a Jew and the Jews the first Christians who had commonly an expectation of Christs more special relation to them than to others and they being the first specimen of the Catholick Church the Revelation of the new Jerusalem and perhaps also of some antecedent happy state is represented as shaped to the Jews expectations and as typified by the old Jerusalem And its wall is its strength and safety and separation from others Its gates are for entrance and the guardian Angels numbered according to the twelve tribes as were the Apostles who yet founded all the Churches 13. On the east three gates on the north three gates on the south three gates and on the west three gates 13. Note Not that this must be thought the shape of it but that its glory was represented by such a shape 14. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 14. As the Church on earth is founded by the doctrine and witness of the twelve Apostles so is the new Jerusalem described as related to them it being but the Church militant perfected and made triumphant 15. And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city and the gates thereof and the wall thereof 16. And the city lieth four-square and the length is as large as the breadth and he measured the city with the reed twelve thousand furlongs the length and the breadth and the height of it are equall 15 16. By this representation like that in Ezekiel the firmness and perfection and greatness of the new Jerusalem was signified 17. And he measured the wall thereof an hundred and forty and four cubits according to the measure of a man that is of the angel 17. The Angel appearing as a man his measure is taken as a common humane measure 18. And the building of the wall of it was of jasper and the city was pure gold like unto clear glass 19. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones The first foundation was jasper the second saphire the third a chalcedony the fourth an emerald 20. The fifth sardonix the sixth sardius the seventh chrysolite the eighth beryl the ninth a topaz the tenth a chrysophrasus the eleventh a jacinth the twelfth an amethyst 18 19 20. That the new Jerusalem is represented by these precious stones as firm precious lucid and glorious and by the number of twelve as suited to the twelve Apostles and so in them to the twelve Tribes of Israel as typical of the new Jerusalem is all that I understand of this what each precious stone distinctly signifieth you may read in them that know or