coming of Christ and the last Judgement 1018. 1 Pet 1. 12. The Angels desire to look into Matth. 18. 10. Their Angols behold the face of my Father The first place is concerning the mystery of Redemption which the Angels desire to look into because in that is the height and the depth and the length and the breadeth of Gods mercy manifested so far that the very Angels cannot comprehend it all 1019. 1 Pet. 2. 11. I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims Eph. 2. 12 19. You are no more strangers and forrainers but fellow Citizens with the Saints The faithfull are strangers and 〈◊〉 in respect of the Kingdome of Glory but not of the Kingdome of Grace which S. Paul speaks of 1020. 1 Pet. 2. 23. Christ when he was reviled reviled not again when he suffered he threatned not John 8. 44. He contended with the Jews Christ as a Priest in his sufferings threatned not and being reviled reviled not again but as a Prophet he threatned those that were refractory with hell fire 1021. 1 Pet. 5. 8. The devil as a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour Rom. 8. 31. If God be for us who can be against us The devils malice can do nothing against us when God defends us 1022. 2 Pet. 1. 19. The sacred Scripture is as a burning lamp in a dark place ch 3. 16. In Pauls Epistles somethings are hard to be understood In the Scripture things are handled clearly and not obscurely though they may seem obscure to us yet that obscurity is not in respect of faith but of humane reason whence it is that many ignorant and unlearned people do foolishly wrest the Scriptures into a contrary sense 1023. 2 Pet. 1. 21. Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Ghost Joh. 7. 39. The holy Ghost was not yet given because that Jesus was not yet glorified The Prophets in the Old Testament had the same holy Ghost which the Apostles had in the New Testament but after another manner and degree the least of the Apostles after the visible miraculous sending of the holy Ghost in the day of Pentecost knew the Prophesies more fully and clearly then the Prophets that foretold them because the Apostles had seen the fulfilling of the Prophesies and Christ opened their mindes that they might understand the Luk. 24. 47. Scriptures Three Epistles of the Apostle St JOHN THE first is Catholique it breaths out the love of God to us in Christ our Mediator and our love towards God and our neighbour commands us to beware of the world Antichrist and Idols The second admonisheth the Elect Lady and her children that remaining in the doctrine and love of Christ they take heed of seducers The third commends the bounty of Gaius and commends to him those that were banished for Christ rebukes Diotrephes and gives testimony to Demetrius 1024. 1 John 1. 8. If we say we have no sinne we deceive our selves Ioh. 9. 3. Neither hath this man sinned nor his parents In the former place sinne is taken generally and so we are all sinners in the later in speciall for some grievous sinne which useth to be the cause of some grievous singular punishment from God 1025. 1 John 1. 8. If we say we have no sinne the truth is not in us ch 3. 9. He cannot sinne because he is born of God To have sinne and to commit sinne differ we all have sinne and we are conceived and born in it yet the faithfull commit no sinne because they will not suffer sinne to reign in them but the wicked and hypocriticall have sinnes dwelling in them 1026. 1 John 2. 2. Christ is the propitiation for our sinnes and for the sinnes of the whole world ver 15. Love not the world Joh. 17. 9. I pray not for the world The word world is taken variously in the Scripture in the first place are meant the men that are in the world for whose sinnes Christ is the propitiation as for the sufficiency of his merits the price and vertue but not for the efficacy thereof which is hindred by the infidelity and sinnes of the wicked concerning which the later places must be understood 1027. 1. John 2. 18. Antichrist shall come and even now are there many Antichrists 2 Thess 2. 3. Antichrist was not yet revealed All those are Antichrists in generall who deny Christs Divine or humane Nature or in his Person or Office c. In speciall that great Antichrist is the sonne of Perdition who in the time of Paul was not yet revealed though the mystery of iniquity began to work 1028. 2 Joh. v. 10. If there come any unto you and bring not this doctrine receive him not into your houses neither bid him God speed Mat. 5. 44. Love your enemies The first place forbids not to shew our duty of humanity to all men or to salute them civilly but we are admonished not to use too great familiarity with seducers 1029. 3 Joh. v. 13. I had many things to write but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee Joh. 20. 31. These things are written that you might have life through his Name In the former place it is not said as though the Apostle would say something else then what is contained in the sacred Scriptures In the later he manifestly confirms that all things are written which appertain and are necessary to true saith in Christ and to eternall life So that we have no need of Traditions by word of mouth The Canonicall Epistle of St JUDE the sonne of Thadâ—aus HE exhorts the faithfull to constancy and threatens the adversaries of Christ with extream misery and warneth that the godly hold their faith in God and avoid false doctrine 1030. Jude v. 9. Michael disputed with Satan about the body of Moses Ver. 14. the Prophesie of Enoch is mentioned whereof the Scripture before speaks not at all The striving of the Arch-Angell is not expresly set down in Scripture yet there appear some prints of it in the buriall of Moses by God for that the Israelites knew not the place of his buriall and it is out of question that the devil would willingly have made that known to the Israelites to set up Idolatry there but that he was hindred by Michael The Prophesie of Enoch if it were not set forth in writing yet it went by tradition from hand to hand unto posterity The REVELATION of St JOHN the Apostle the Divine IT is called Apocalyps that is the Revelation because it contains the visions which St John saw in the Isle of Pathmos about the year of Christ 96. and the Prophesie concerning the state of the Church Militant on earth and the Church Triumphant in heaven 1031. Rev. 1. 1. The Revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave unto him Col. 2. 3. In whom are bid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge Christ as he is God is the fountain of all knowledge born of the substance of
Psal 89. 7. O Lord God who is like unto thee 1 Joh. 3. 2. We know that when he appears we shall be like him The Psalmist speaks of the mighty men of the earth who living wickedly and ungodly are not like to God And John speaks of the faithfull who though they are here strangers and pilgrims seeing only in a glasse by faith yet when the time of perfection shall come we shall see him face to face as he is and reign for ever with him 348. Psal 90. 9. We passe away in thy wrath Joh. 3. 36. He that believeth not the Son the wrath of God abideth on him God is angry for a time not against the persons of the godly but against their sins and he chastneth them here not for ever for their good and not for their hurt but unbelievers shall never see Gods gracious face unto life 349. Psal 92. 16. There is no iniquity in God Rom. 11. 32. God hath concluded all under unbelief that he might have mercy upon all God being free from all iniquity hath concluded that it argueth all men to be guilty of sins not as the cause thereof but as a judge whilst he declares them guilty for sinne if he would deal according to rigour of divine justice 350. Psal 102. 26 27. Heaven and earth shall passe away as a garment shall they wax old and as a vesture shalt thou change them 104. 5. The earth Eccles 1. 4. shall not be removed for ever c. The earth shall endure to the time appointed by God and what is corruptible of it shall be burnt with fire in the end of the world For ever here signifies not eternity but a long time 351. Psal 103. 10. Dealt not with us after our sins nor rewarded us after our iniquities Deut. 7. 10. I will repay to them in time God rewards believers not according to their iniquity nor doth he deal with us after our sins for when we were his enemies he was reconciled to us by Christ and gave us life but he rewards the unbelievers according their works and condemns them by just judgment 352. Psal 104. 5. Thou laidst the foundations of the earth 2 Pet. 3. 5. The earth standing out of the waters and in the waters by the word of God The basis of the earth is the power of God that supports all this Universe the earth is called the Centre of the Universe and is said to subsist in the waters and out of the waters because it is compassed by the waters like an Island 353. Psal 104. 15. Oyle that maketh a chearfull countenance Isa 3. 18. The Lord will take away the bravery of their tinckling ornaments their caules and their round tires God will not have people to paint their faces for that is reprehended in Isaiah but because God fore-knew by the fall that most grievous diseases would afflict us he gave power of healing to plants and art to Physitians and Apothecaries to make oyles and unguents Chymically to cure and refresh men of this the Psalmist speaks 354. Psal 105. 37. There was not one feeble person amongst them Deut. 25. 18. Amalek slew all that were feeble behind thee The Israelites going out of Egypt were sick of no disease but there were women with childe and old people who were weary in the way and sat down to rest 355. Psal 106. 31. Phinehas slew two of them in their fornication and that was counted to him for righteousnesse Rom. 4. 3. Abraham believed God and it was imputed unto him for righteousnesse This just heroicall act of Phinehas pleased God To Abraham believing in Christ grace and righteousnesse is imputed Therefore to be imputed for righteousnesse signifies diversly as it is applyed to different persons 356. Psal 108. 9. He curseth his enemies Mat. 5. 44. Love your enemies blesse them that curse you c. Christ in the person of David by a propheticall spirit wisheth horrid punishments to the enemies of God and his Church In Matthew he exhorts to sincere and ardent charity to our enemies 357. Psal 110. 3. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power Mat. 11. 12. The kingdome of heaven suffereth violence and the violent take it by force We are willing to do good when the holy Ghost doth his work in us and renews us The Evangelist means a spirituall violence of men with a burning zeal entring into the Kingdome of God and taking of it as it were by force obeying the Gospell forsaking legall ceremonies and embracing salvation by Christ 358. Psal 112. 6. The righteous shall not be moved for ever Prov. 24. 16. The righteous man shall fall seven times a day Job 5. 19. Psal 34. 10. The righteous in Christ founded on him by a true faith shall not be overthrown though the World and the Devill rage against him but if at any time by infirmity of the flesh he do fall yet he riseth again by Gods grace nor doth he despair or cast away his trust in God but by repentance he returns into favour with God again 359. Psal 115. 4. The Idols of the heathens are silver and gold Isa 41. 45 46. 1 Cor. 8. 4. An Idoll is nothing in the world Idols for their matter are things created by God but an Idoll is nothing privatively not negatively because it is not that which it is called namely God it hath nothing of God it can do neither good nor hurt 360. Psal 216. 11. Every man is a lyer Rev. 14. 5. There was found no guile in their mouth The first place sheweth what we are by nature of our selves the latter of what we are by grace after we apprehend Christ by faith and are led by the Spirit of God which is the Spirit of truth 361. Psal 119. 13. With my lips have I shewed all the judgements of thy mouth Rom. 11. 33. The judgments of God are unsearchable The Psalmist speaks of the judgements of Gods mouth revealed in his word Paul of the secret and unscrutable judgements or the reason why God doth this or that to make one man rich an other poor 362. Psal 119. 13. I have hated the wicked Rom. 12. 14. Blesse those that persecute you and curse them not Godly men must not hate mens persons Mat. 5. 2. Act. 7. but rather their faults not those that sin of weaknesse but those that sin of obstinacy and rather to pray for them both by the example of Christ and Stephen c. then to curse either 363. Psal 119. 155. Health is far from the ungodly Mat. 9. 13. I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance The Psalmist speaks of wicked men obstinate and such as are hardned in their sins rejecting the grace of God and Christ the author of salvation Christ speaks of penitent sinners who being convinced with the sense of their own sins flie to the mercy of God and seek health in Gods grace onely through Jesus Christ 364. Psal 125. 1.
shall no more passe through thee 2 King 24. 1. Chap. 25. 1. Nebuchadnezzar invaded the land of Judah and spoyled it The Prophet speaks of Senacherib that he should come no more into the land of Judah for he was killed by his own sons Also the words of the Prophet may be understood concerning the perfect blessednesse of the next world HABAKKUKS Prophesie HE foretels to the Jews when they sinned their destruction by the Caldeans He comforts the faithfull with the coming of the Messias and the destruction of the Babylonians He prays for the ignorant He prophesied in the year 3290. 506. Heb. 1. 5. Behold you amongst the heathen and regard for I will work a worke in your dayes which you will not believe though it be told you Act. 13. 41. Paul refers these words to the resurrection of Christ. The Apostle compares the resurrection of Christ with the wonderfull deliverance of the Jews from the bondage of Babylon which though their forefathers would not believe yet they found it to be true so their posterity must needs acknowledge that Christ was raised from the dead 507. Hab. 2. 4. The just shall live by his faith Mat. 9. 2. Jesus seeing their faith Every one shall live by his own faith to eternall life but an other mans faith or prayers may obtain from God for us temporall benefits or deliverance In the latter place Christ speaks not only of their faith who brought the man to him that was sick of the Palsie but of his faith also 508. Hab. 2. 4. The just shall live by his faith Luk. 10. 28. Do this and live We live and are justified by faith not for our faith but because by faith we lay hold on Christ Do this saith Christ to the Lawyer that from the Law he might learn to know his own weaknesse and not that by observing the Law he might deserve life for by the law no man is justified in the sight of Rom. 3. 9. Gal. 3. 24. God ZEPHANIAHS Prophesie THe son of Chushi he prophesieth to the unbelieving Jews their destruction by their neighbour Nations and to those Nations their extermination by other Nations But deliverance to believers He prophesied about the year 3451. 509. Zeph. 1. 5. He prophesied in the days of Josiah of the evills which should come upon Judah 2 King 23. 3. Josias and all the people made a covenant with the Lord that they should walk after God with all their heart The Prophesie by a legall commination moved both King and people to manifest their zeal But he frighted the wicked Hypocrites and such as were averse from God by threatning them that so they might forsake their sinnes 510. Zeph. 1. 7. The day of the Lord is at hand 2 Thess 2. 3. Be not terrified as though the day of the Lord were at hand In the former place by the day of the Lord is understood the neernesse of the Babylonish captivity In the latter the coming of the Lord to Judgement the time whereof is not for us to know 511. Zeph. 3. 7. I said surely thou wilt fear me Vers 7. But they corrupted their own doing I said the Lord useth that word after the manner of men not as though he had failed of his hope for all things are known to him before they be but as if he should say Who would thing you should be so hardned that my very threatnings should not move you HAGGIES Prophesie HE upbraids the Jews for that they did not rebuild the Temple and exhorts them to build it and he describes the magnificence of the second Temple He prophesied after the captivity of Babylon under Darius Hystaspes in the year 3444. 512. Hagg. 1. 8. Bring wood and build the house Isai 66. 1. Thus saith the Lord Heaven is my seat and the earth is my footstoole what house is that you will build unto me The rebuilding of the Temple was accepted with God for the holy convocation and the worship in it to Gods glory that was with the Priesthood and Leviticall rites a type of Christ unto whose coming onely it was to endure 513. Hagg. 2. 3. You that saw this house in its firstglory and how do you see it now Is it not in comparison of it as nothing Vers 9. The glory of this latter house shall be greater then that of the former house saith the Lord of hosts The structure indeed of this house did not answer the Majesty of the first house built by Solomon Yet the spiritual glory of this latter house shall be greater then the former house because the Lord himself came into it and preached in it disputed and wrought great miracles there 514. Hagg. 2. 4. Do so for I am with you saith the Lord of hosts Zach. 1. 12. O Lord of hosts how long will it be ere thou have pity on Jerusalem In the first place the Prophet comforts the people by the hope of promises in Christ promising that God would be present there with his people after the captivity of Babylon In the latter Christ intercedes for his Church which hath sinned against God and was punished by a just judgement of God with a Babylonian captivity for 70. years 515. Hag. 2. 6. Yet a little while and I will shake the heaven and the earth and the desire of all Nations shall come This Prophesie was fulfilled after 500 years under Augustus Caesar Luk. 2. 11. With God 1000 years are but as one day or one watch in the night ZECHARIAS Prophesie THe son of Barachiah He warns the Jews to repent to build the Temple he makes mention of his visions and explains them by the effusion of the Spirit of grace and prayers He prophesied after the return from Babylon in the year of the world 3456. 516. Zech. 1. 3. Turn unto me and I will turn unto you Joh. 6. 44. No man comes unto me unlesse my Father draw him The first place is legall requiring of us what we ought and not what we can do The latter is evangelicall for no man comes unto God unlesse God draw him by his Spirit Therefore we must pray diligently Convert me O Lord that I may be converted because Jer. 31. 18. thou O Lord art my God 517. Zech. 1. 17. Chap. 2. 10. The Lord shall yet comfort Zion and shall yet choose Jerusalem Eph. 1. 4. God the Father chose us in Christ before the foundations of the world The election of a certain people to be a visible Church in the first place is taken metonymically for by that deed God sheweth that he hath confirmed the election of Jerusalem In the latter God speaks of our election unto eternall life 518. Zech. 2. 8. He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of mine eye Isai 3. 1. Behold the Lord of hosts doth take away from Jerusalem the whole stay of bread In the first place is contained the promise of God to the faithfull that keep his Covenant In the latter is the pronouncing
were crucified with him cast the same in his teeth Luk. 23. 39. And one of the malefactors which were hanged rayled on him Matthew ascribes to both that which was proper to one as the murmuring before amongst the Apostles or if both at first did rayl on him one of them at last confessed his sin and acknowledged Jesus to be the Messias 635. Mat. 28. 8. The Maries departed from the Sepulchre with fear and great joy Mar. 16. 8. They fled from the Sepulchre for they trembled and were amazed That fear and amazement was joyn'd with joy as it fals out in sudden accidents 636. Mat. 28. 9. The women came and held him by the feet Joh. 20. 17. He saith to Mary Magdalen Touch me not for I am not yet ascended to my Father Christ suffered the women to touch him to confirm the certainty of his Resurrection that they might be more sure witnesses to his Disciples and others he forbad Mary Magdalen to touch him because she rejoyced too much with carnal affection and therefore he would have her rather touch him by faith that is believe in him to be the Son of God the Lord of glory salvation life and death 637. Mat. 28. 18. All power is given to me both in heaven and in earth Mar. 13. 32. But of that day knoweth no man no not the Son but the Father onely All power is given unto Christ the Mediator because he is made Lord in the glory of God the Father In the day of his humiliation he knew not as man the day of Judgement or not for himself that he knew not but for us saith Augustine because it behoved not us to know 638. Mat. 28. 18. All power is given to me in heaven and in earth Rom. 9. 5. Christ who is over all God blessed for ever Power is given to Christ as man for nothing can be given to him as God for as God he had al things before in his power but the humanity of Christ hath not that power of it self but from the Divine Nature with which the humane nature is personally united 939. Mat. 28. 19. Teach all Nations Mar. 16. 15. Preach the Gospel to every creature Mat. 7. 6. Psal 19. 5. Rom. 10. 5. Give not that which is holy to the Dogs nor Pearls to Swine In the first place by the Nations and the Creatures are understood the Jews and Gentiles for the sweet voyce of the Gospel was to sound to all through the whole earth and the seed of the Word to be sowen that Infidels might be left unexcuseable In the latter holy and Pearls signifie the same It must not be given to Dogs and Swine that is to persecutors scoffers despisers profane For he that reproveth a scorner Prov. 9. 7. getteth himself shame and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blet St. MARKS Gospel IT containeth briefly the sayings and deeds of Christ in Galilee Judea and Jerusalem which Matthew wrote more at large some will Nicephor l. 2. c. 48. Eus l. 2. c. 15. have it dictated and approved by Peter whose Scholar Mark was Irenaeus saith it was written after the death of Peter and Paul 640. Mar. 1. 1. The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ v. 3. The voyce of one crying in the Wildernesse Mat. 1. 1. Luk 1. 2. In the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ his Conception and Nativity are described Mark understands the beginning of the Gospel to be the time of the promulgation Matthew begins the Evangelical History thirty years before the Preaching of John Baptist but Mark begins from his preaching because the Law and the Prophets prophesied until John Matth. 11. 15. 641. Mar. 1. 2. As it is written in the Prophets Luk. 3. 4. In the Book of the words of Isaiah the Prophet Mark understands Malachi and Isaiah the Prophets Isa 40. 3. Mat. 3. 1. Isa 43 4. Luke means Isaiah only 642. Mar. 2. 7. Who can forgive sins but God only Joh. 20. 23. Whose sins you remit they are remitted unto them God above remits sins by his own authority The Apostles and Pastors of the Churches only testifie in the Name of Christ that upon condition of faith they are remitted But God speaks to us by his Ministers that we should be sure of his grace and should have the Sacred Function in honour since it is confirmed in Heaven what the Ministers declare on Earth 643. Mar. 5. 20. The man that was possessed with the Devil published in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him Luk. 3. 39. He went through the City publishing He published it first in the City of the Gadarens and afterwards in other parts of Decapolis 644. Mar. 5. 30. Vertue went forth of Christ to cure the woman v. 34. He said unto her Daughter thy faith hath made thee whole By vertue from Christ was the woman restored to her health which she applyed to her self by faith and so her issue of bloud staid 645. Mar. 6. 5. Christ could doe no mighty works in his own countrey Mat. 28. 18. All power is given to me in heaven and in earth Christ was not destitute of vertue but for their incredulity for faith is the hand that receives Christs benefits and to those that believe all things are possible that he could not is meant here he would not for that is Gods will to be able saith Tertullian 646. Mar. 9. 2. After six dayes Jesus taketh with him Peter James and John Luk. 9 28. And it came to passe about eight dayes The first place must be understood exclusively in respect of the day in which Christ speaks and was transformed The latter includes both those dayes and he numbereth not precisely but about eight there were not so many whole dayes 647. Mar. 9. 35. And he sate down and called the twelve Mat. 18. 1. The Disciples came unto him saying The Disciples on the way disputed who should be the greatest of them Christ therefore at home called the twelve and they being called came unto him 648. Mar. 10. 19. Christ answereth him that asked of him about eternal life Thou knowest the Commandements Doe not commit adultery doe not kill doe not steal Rom. 3. 20. By the deeds of the Law shall no flesh be justified in the sight of God Gal. 2. 16 c. 3. 10. To him that asked What shall I doe Christ answering his question that he might make him know his weaknesse he sends him back to the rule of works or the law of God and so would have him to seek salvation in Christ and not in his own works 649. Mar. 11. 7. They brought the Colt to Jesus Mat. 21. 7. They brought the Asse and the Colt Matthew is an eye witnesse that the Asse and Zach. 9. 9. the Colt were both brought according to the prophesie Fear not O Daughter of Sion behold thy King cometh sitting upon an Asse and the foal of an Asse Some make this an embleme of the
for our salvation which was hid before and now is revealed or not necessary secret ascribing to the revealed will of God 807. Acts 20. 35. It is more blessed to give then to receive Paul faith that these were the words of the Lord Jesus which are not found in the Evangelists Though the words be not found there in the same letters yet the sense of them is found in the words of Christ lend looking for nothing again Give and it shall be given to you for all Christs words and deeds are not set down but only those which suffice for true faith and our salvation 808. Acts 21. 4. The Disciples said to Paul that he should not go up to Jerusalem ch 20. 22. Now behold I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem saith Paul The Disciples by suggestion of the Spirit warned him of bonds and afflictions using also some perswasions of their own as they were moved with brotherly affection being ignorant that it was the will of God that Paul should go up thither which he had revealed to him after a singular manner 809 Acts 21. 9. Philip had four daughters virgins which did prophesie 1 Cor. 14. 34. Let your women keep silence in the Churches The first place is concerning private and extraordinary gifts the later of the publike Ministry and that which is ordinary used from which women are excluded 810. Acts 23. 3. Paul reviled Ananias the Highpriest 1 Cor. 6. 10. Revilers shall not inherit the Kingdom of God Reviling is either lawfull which riseth from zeal to Justice and hath the observation of the Law for its object that is just and honest so Peter reviled Ananias Simon Magus Paul Bar Jesus or Elymas and God all wicked men or unlawfull which proceeds from a wicked Act. 5. c. 8 c. 13. 10. desire and minde of revenge that Paul had not 811. Acts 23. 6. Paul cryed out in the conusell Men and brethren I am a Pharisee 1 Cor. 1. 12. He reproves and condemns denominations from men Paul amongst those that disagreed admits the denomination only for distinction sake and so thinking with the Pharisees he distingnisheth himself from the Sadducees So the faithfull Professors of the Gospel are called Christians but when the persons agree in Doctrine he forbids to preferre one before the other 812. Acts 25. 10. Paul will be judged at Caesars Judgement seat 1 Cor. 6. 1. Dare any of you go to Law before the unjust Civil Judicatures are to be had in honour the abuse of them is condemned and he admonisheth Christians that they should avoid contentions before unjust Judges lest so contending concerning small matters they should prostitute their sacred Religion 813. Acts 28. 28. Be it known therefore unto you that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles Matth. 15. 24. I am not sent but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel The Gospel ought to be preached by the Apostles first to the Jews they not beleeving it came to the Gentiles So Christ preached to the Israelites before he gave command to his Disciples Go and teach all Nations Matth. 28. 19. St PAULS Epistle to the ROMANS IT may be said to be the Method of the holy Scripture in this are contained that which convinceth all both Jews and Gentiles of their sinnes it demonstrates Justification from sinne by the Grace of God by Redemption of Jesus Christ which we apprehend by faith and testifie by good Works as the fruits of our faith It was written in the year of Christ 55. and sent from Corinth 814. Rom. 1. 1. Paul a servant of Jesus Christ John 15. 15. I will not call you servants There are servants of sinne and servants of Righteousnesse Christ speaks of servants of sinne the Apostle was an Apostle of Righteousnesse either in respect of the common condition that he was freed by Christ from the power of Satan or of his Apostolicall office being placed in the sacred Ministry by a singular manner 815. Rom. 1. 2. The Gospel of God which he had promised before by his Prophets in the holy Scriptures chap. 16. 25. The Gospel was kept secret since the world began but is now manifested The Gospel is taken either largely as it signifies the doctrine of Glory concerning Christ revealed in the Word or strictly properly for the Gospel promised or fulfilled Metonymically when the name of the thing is given to the instrument or it is taken for the Ministry 816. Rom. 1. 13. I often times purposed to come unto you v. 13. But was let hitherto Paul purposing to go to Rome did not resist the will of God nor was it contrary but according to his will not absolutely but conditionally if God pleased the impediments he might have were Satan casting many hinderances in his way or sicknesse the planting of Churches or the like 817. Rom. 1. 18. The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodlinesse chap. 2. 4. The goodnesse of God leadeth thee to repentance Justice doth not oppose the goodnesse of God punishing wicked men as they are wicked but goodnesse invites men to repentance deferring the punishments of the wicked not as they are wicked but as they are Gods creatures and he delights not in their destruction 818. Rom. 1. 26. He reckons up heathenish beastlinesse and Sodomy Eph. 5. 3. Fornication and all uncleannesse and filthinesse let it not be once named among you The Apostle commemorates the dissolute life of the Heathens to make us avoid it not to imitate it by disgracing it that so being terrified with that filthinesse we may escape the anger of God 819. Rom. 2. 1. Inexcusable thou art O man whosoever thou art that judgest chap. 13. 1. There is no power but of God The power of the Office is distinguished from the faults of the Person though in the Court of Conscience and before God we are sinners yet we are not in the Courts of Civil Justice and before men 820. Rom. 2. 6. God will render to every man according to his deeds vers 16. God will judge the secrets according to my Gospel In the former place is treated of the effect of faith that goes before retribution in the later of a necessary instrument God will condemn the wicked and Infidels according to the Law and acquit the beleevers according to the Gospel for he that believes shall be saved and both waies God will reward according to our works as they were done well or ill from faith Mark 16. 16. or infidelity 821. Rom. 2. 6. He shall render to every man according to his deeds ch 3. 28. ch 8. 3. We conclude that a man is justified by faith without the works of the Law To render is not only meant just retribution but free gift Behold I come quickly and my reward Rev. 22. 12. is with me to give to every man according as his work shall be This doctrine takes not away justice but confirms it because it respects works for
as are already perfect Mans perfection is in heaven to which we bend our course that he means in the first place but our perfection on earth must be conformable to Christ our head in doing well and suffering The Philippians are called perfect not simply so but comparatively in respect of those that are weak who are to be born withall by those which are strong in respect of whom also Col. 3. 6. Heb. 5. 13. they are termed children 980. Phil. 3. 21. Christ shall change our vile bodies that they may be fashioned like to his glorious body Heb. 1. 4 5 13. The Angels shall not be like him Our bodies shall be conformable to Christs glorious body which he had in his resurrection but not by reason of his Majesty and power he hath by the Hypostaticall union The Epistle of St PAUL to the COLOSSIANS HE exhorts them to embrace the Doctrine of the Gospel and to fly from the teaching of false Apostles and he warns them to live godly putting off the old and putting on the new man that in Oeconomicall Government the men old men and Masters should observe humanity and equity women children and servants should live in obedience that all should be watchfull in prayer It was sent from Rome by Tychicus and Onesimus 981. Col. 1. 24. I fill up that which is behinde of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body sake which is the Church Heb. 10. 14. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified The Passions of Christ as to merit and satisfaction are perfect for his Church the Apostles Zach. 2. 8. Mat. 25. 2 Tim. 3. 12. and Martyrs fill up in their flesh what is behinde of the afflictions of Christ enduring miseries wherein Christ himself suffereth for they are his Members He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of mine eye What you do to any of these little ones you do it unto me it is added for the Church not to redeem the Church but to edifie and strengthen the Church by our example of constancy and patience 982. Col. 2. 3. In Christ are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge Matth. 24. 36. But of that day and hour knoweth no man no not the Angels in heaven but the Father only Christ in the state of exaltation hath a perfect knowledge of all things because all power in heaven and earth is given to him and he sits at the right hand of God In the state of humiliation he knew not when the last day should be not in respect of himself saith Augustine but in respect of us 983. Col. 2. 9. In Christ dwelleth all the fulnesse of the Godhead bodily Heb. 2. 17. It behoved him to be like unto us in all things sinne excepted He is like to us in all things in respect of the essence of humane nature not in respect of his subsistence in the person of the Word and of his Hypostaticall union Glory and Majesty 984. Col. 3. 2. Set your affections on things above and not on things on the earth Rom. 11. 33. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God To set our affections on things above is to elevate our mindes to heaven above all earthly things unto our Country where we wait for our happinesse yet so that we be not high-minded and desire to know that which God will not have us to know for some things are to be beleeved and soberly to be searched into but other things which exceed the measure of our faith must not be searched unto he is overwhelm'd with Glory that seeks into Gods Pro. 25. 2. Majesty 985. Col. 3. 2. Set not your affections on earthly things 1 Tim. 5. 8. He that provideth not for his own houshold is worse then an Infidell The first place forbids us to search after earthly things neglecting spirituall and heavenly things for so far must we take care for earthly things as they may serve to Gods glory and our use for our salvation The two Epistles of St PAUL to the THESSALONIANS IN the first he commends their faith and constancy and exhorts them to an honest life and a serious expectation of Christs last coming In the second he comforts them against persecutions and foretels the last day the Kingdom of Antichrist defection from the Gospel He exhorts them to good words and works These two Epistles were written from Athens 986. 1 Thess 1. 3. Remembring your work of faith and labour Rom. 3. 28. Gal. 3. 10. Faith is opposed to works Faith is a work but not ours or proceeding Joh. 6. 29. from our own strength for then it would not justifie us but it is the work of God and a quality in us respecting the merits of Christ therefore the Apostle cals not faith it self so much a work as he doth that which proceeds from faith 987. 1 Thess 2. 20. For you are our glory 1 Cor. 1. 31. He that glorieth let him glory in the Lord. Our glorying hath its foundation in God in the mean while if any thing be done amongst the auditory by the work of the Ministry we must say with the Apostle It is not I that laboured but the grace of God which was 1 Cor. 15. 10. with me 988. 1 Thess 4. 17. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord. 2 Tim. 4. 6. I am now ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand In the first place is spoken of the company of the faithfull by reason of the most near communion and uniting of the body of Christ for we are all one spirituall body so many as believe in Christ so that what happens to one member may seem to happen to all the rest 989. 1 Thess 5. 5. Ye are all children of the light and of the day not of the night Rom 8. 19. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the Sons of God We are here with Paul children of light and the day in grace not yet in glory The Apostle expected not to be made the Sonne of God because he was so already actually but only to be revealed to be so for it appears not so yet what we shall be for though we be heirs we do not yet actually possesse the Kingdom we must therefore distinguish sonnehood acquired here by grace from that which shall be in our Country by glory 990. 2 Thess 1 5. The persecutions and tribulations which you endure are a manifest token of the righteous judgement of God that ye may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God for which you also suffer Ephes 2. 8. You are saved through faith and not of your selves it is the gift of God The faithfull are worthy not by their own worthinesse but Christs also the word worthy Col. 1. 13. is the same here with convenient 991.
the Father in respect of order he is said to have received this Revelation from the Father because the Father by him doth reveal his secrets unto us as man by his personall union he hath a perfect knowledge of all things communicated to him 1032. Rev. 1. 1. The things which must shortly come to passe they are not yet fulfilled Shortly signifies the certainty of the things foretold in respect of God though not in our opinion he shuts out long delaies for the whole time of this prophesie unto the last day is in the sight of God but as one day or one Psa 90. 4. 2 Pet. 3. 8. hour which is a comfort to the godly that they may not despair and it exhorts the wicked to repentance by reason of the sudden destruction shall fall upon them 1033. Rev. 1. 13. I saw one like to the Sonne of man Matth. 9. 6. Christ is the Sonne of man really The first place is an Hebraism by which is intimated the certainty of Christs humanity also he may be said to be like man because he appeared in a singular form 1034. Rev. 2. 11. He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death Heb. 9. 27. It is appointed unto men once to die The bodily death is one because the soul is but once separated from the body The second death is taken Metaphorically for the misery and torment of the soul after the death of the body 1035. Rev. 3. 7. Christ openeth and no man shutteth shutteth and no man openeth ver 20. If any man hear my voice and open the door I will come into him The Sonne of God is he that opens the internall door of the heart we open only the externall for no man comes to the Father but by him 1036. Rev. 3. 10. I will keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world ver 19. As many as I love I rebuke and chasten God kept the Angell of Philadelphia from evil temptation because he was a pious assertor of the truth but the Angell of Laodicea who was lukewarm he would mend by his reprehension 1037. Rev. 4. 8. They rest not night nor day ch 14 13. They that dye in the Lord rest from their labours The souls in the beavenly rest of the blessed are not idle they have their labours that weary them not but most sweetly refresh them in the later place is understood the end of the troubles of this world 1038. Rev. 5. 1. I saw a book written ver 4. No man was worthy to look thereon John saw the book in a bare Vision but no man could see the mysteries contained in it 1039. Rev. 6. 9. Vnder the Altar I saw the souls of them that were slain ver 11. White robes were given to every one of them Souls are invisible spirits which cannot be seen or clothed it is therefore the sight of the minde and not of the body which is here understood for these things were seen in the Spirit 1040. Rev. 6. 10. The souls of those that were slain cry out for revenge against those that slew them Matth. 5. 44. Love your enemies and pray for them The cry of the souls proceeds not from a wicked desire of revenge but an earnest desire for Gods glory because they would have no ungodlinesse or wickednesse remain unpunished c. in the day of revenge and judgement we suffering here according to Christs command pray for our enemies 1041. Rev. 7. 9. I saw a great multitude which no man could number Luk. 12. 32. The flock of Christ is called a little flock The Church compared with the numerous multitude of the wicked is a little flock but considered in it self it comprehends an innumerable multitude of all Ages Sexes Places Tribes and people 1042. Rev. 11. 19. The Temple of God was opened in heaven ch 21. v. 22. And I saw no Temple therein In the former place the Temple is taken figuratively this the holy Ghost intimates that God is worshipped most holily with Hymns and Psalms in the later place we must not think there shall be any materiall Temple in the life to come as we have here on earth 1043. Rev. 13. 8. The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world Gal. 4. 4. When the fulnesse of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman He was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world not properly but figuratively and in Gods Decree by Types Predictions and efficacy by acceptation not by execution 1044. Rev. 16. 1. Go and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth ver 4. to the 13. They poured out their vials of wrath upon the sea the rivers the fountains the sunne the seat of the beast and Euphrates In the first place the earth is taken in a generall signification because the effects of all the Vials redounds to the earth in a manner and to earthly men the followers of Antichrist for whatsoever the wrath of God was which was cast on the Seas Rivers or the Ayr or Sunne was not for themselves but to afflict the earth and those that dwell thereon 1045. Rev. 18. 6. Double unto her double according to her work Matth. 7. 2. And what measure you make shall be measured to you again The first place is a speciall command of God concerning retaliation In the later Christ forbids rash judgement concerning others adding the Law of retaliation the more to convince the Jews 1046. Rev. 20. 4. And they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years 1 Thess 4. 17. So shall we alwaies be with the Lord. In the first place a certain number is put for an uncertain and he speaks of the state of the Church which during the reign of Antichrist seemed to be dead but afterwards at the preaching of the Gospel she rose again which is the first resurrection 1047. Rev. 22. 11. He that is unjust let him be unjust still Matth 22. 39. Thou shalt love thy neighbour The Morall Law forbids private men to do hurt with an evil affection but to hurt another man at Gods command is not against the Law because God will have it so and he commands us to punish malefactors good men are proved by injustice and so are crowned with Martyrdom by it in the former place is spoken of punishment justly inflicted on the wicked which is not against charity since God doth most justly make use of all the creatures to punish ungodly men 1048. Rev. 22. 11. He that is righteous let him be righteous still Rom. 5. 1. Being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ Our righteousnesse is more and more to be declared and proved before men and before God by effects of our faith for we do not finde it perfect in us but in part only as our faith increaseth by degrees 1049. Rev. 22. 19. If any man shall take away from the words of the Book of this
Prophesie God shall take away his part out of the book of life Mat. 7. 23. False teachers and hypocrites have no part in the Book of life They are said to be blotted out of the Book of life Metaphorically and not properly also negatively because they were not written in also positively as their heresie is made manifest that we may collect that they were not written in the Catalogue of the Elect. 1050. Rev. 22. 20. Even so come quickly He is not yet come The coming of Christ is corporall and spirituall visible and invisible Invisibly he comes alwaies to us and is present with us by his grace and power Visibly he came by his lowly Incarnation to save his people He will come quickly that is he will be suddenly here in the end of the world in glory at the last day and shall render to every one according to their works Jude v. 25. To the only wise God our Saviour be Glory and Majesty Dominion and Power now and for over Amen FINIS Courteous Reader THese Books following are Printed and sold by Simon Miller at the Starre in St Pauls Church-yard near the West end Folio The Harmony Chronicle and Order of the New Testament with Variety of Observations upon the chiefest difficulties With an additionall Discourse of the Fall of Jerusalem and the Condition of the Jews in that Land afterward By John Lightfoot Dr in Divinity In fol. The Civil Warres of Spain in the Reign of Charles the 5th Emperour of Germany and King of that Nation Wherein our late unhappy differences are parallel'd in many particulars In fol. Quarto Abrahams Faith or the Good old Religion Wherein is proved that The Religion that is the Doctrine and Discipline of the Church of England is the only true Catholike and unchangeable Faith of Gods Elect. By John Nicholis Minister of the Gospel In 4o. Mr Robert Bolion's Generall Directions for a Comfortable walking with God In 4o. The Anatomy of Mortality By George Stroode In 4o. Mr Henry Ainsworth on the Canticles In 4o. Mr Paul Baynes Diocesans Triall In 4o. The Supream Power of Christian States Vindicated from the Insolent pretences of Gulielmus Apollonii By E. Gralle Severall Politique and Military Observations of the Civil and Military Governments the Birth Increase Decay of Monarchies the Carriage of Princes Magistrates Commanders and Favourites By D. P. Esq The Meritorious Price of Christs Redemption By W. Pinchin of New-England 4o. Astrology Theologized In 4o. Jo. Lilburn's Triall at Guild-Hall Octavo The Reconciler of the Bible wherein above two thousand seeming Contradictions are fully and plainly reconciled being necessaray for all those that desire to understand the Sacred Scriptures aright unto salvation 8o. Mr Ed. Waterhouse Esq his Discourse of the Piety and Charity of Elder Churches and Christians Together with those their Vertues parallel'd by Christians Members of the Church of England 8o. An Antidote against Popery being a full discovery of the ridiculousnesse of the Masse and other vain Ceremonies of the Church of Rome By Peter du Moulin 8o. A short View and Defence of the Reformation of the Church of England by K. Edw. and Queen Elizabeth wherein her Doctrine Discipline and Liturgy are considered and prefer'd before all others A Book of Schemes or Figures of Heaven ready set for every 4 minutes of time Rudiments of the Hebrew Tongue necessary for all that desire to understand the Holy Bible in the Originall By H. Knoales 8o. Duodecimo Mr Robinsons Essaies In 12o. The duty of Children to Parents published upon occasion of the many sad disasters that have lately befallen disobedient children In 12o.