pressed in Spirit and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ 5. He was extraordinarily moved in Spirit more openly and earnestly to testifie to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ to leave them without excuse 6. And when they opposed themselves and blasphemed he shook his raiment and said unto them Your bloud be upon your own heads I am clean from hence forth I will go unto the Gentiles 6. And when they gainsayed and railed and blasphemed Christ he renounced and deserted them by the Ceremony of shaking off the dust as a witness that their destruction was of themselves and not by his neglect to convince them And thencefore he resolved to leave their Synagogue and teach the Gentiles 7. And he departed thence and entred into a certain mans house named Justus one that worshipped God whose house joyned hard to the Synagogue 7. Note It s like this Justus was a Proselyte If not he was one that had learnt at least to worship the true God 8. And Crispus the cheif Ruler of the Synagogue believed on the Lord with all his house and many of the Corinthians hearing believed and were Baptized 8. Note 1. Still we see housholds are Converted and Baptized together the Rulers power and Gods blessing prevailing with them 3. Though the Synagogue drove away Paul the Ruler followed him 9. Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision Be not afraid but speak and hold not thy peace 10. For I am with thee and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee for I have much people in this city 9. Note It is an ungrounded Exposition of them that say that these were Gods People as pious men before though some Proselytes might be such or that God only foreknew their Conversion and did not decree to cause it God had many there whom he decreed to Convert and therefore will have Paul to Preach to them and will secure him from Persecutions 11. And he continued there a year and six months teaching the word of God among them 11. Note 1. Great works must have answerable time and labour 2. There is mention of Paul Silas Timothy Aquila Luke and many other such at Corinth but of no one that was sole Bishop over the rest 12. And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul and brought him to the judgment-seat 12. They carryed him by force before the Roman Proconsul to be judged 13. Saying This fellow perswadeth men to worship God contrary to the law 13. Note Who would think but these men were very godly men themselves who were so zealous against worshipping of God contrary to the Law And yet they were meer blind ungodly malignant Pesecutors 14. And when Paul was now about to open his mouth Gallio said unto the Jews If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness O ye Jews reason would that I should bear with you 15. But if it be a question of words and names and of your law look ye to it for I will be no judge of such matters 14. The Roman Law enabled not Gallio to decide the Jewish Controversies but to punish men that wronged one another or committed any Wicked lewdness Note If Christian Magistrates were all as wise as these Heathens and would not lend fiery Legallists their Swords nor become the Executioners of the fury of blind proud zealots the business would be soon over and be but a scuffle among themselves 16. And he drave them from the Judgement-seat 17. Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes the cheif Ruler of the Synagogue and beat him before the judgement-seat and Gallio cared for none of those things 16 17. Note It s like these Greeks were Christian Converts They did ill in exercising revenge 18. And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while and then took his leave of the brethren and sailed thence into Syria and with him Priscilla and Aquila having shorn his head in Cenchrea for he had a vow 18. Note It is uncertain whether it was Paul or Aquila that is said to cut his hair but it seemeth liker to be Aquila The Vow of Nazarites was not to cut their Hair sometime during life and sometime for a certain time when it was ended they cut their Hair 19. And he came to Ephesus and left them there but he himself entred into the Synagogue and reasoned with the Jews 19. Note His renouncing the Jews at Corinth was not a forsaking them elsewhere 20. When they desired him to tarry longer time with them he consented not 21. But bade them farewel saying I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem but I will return again unto you if God will And he sailed from Ephesus 22. And when he had landed at Cesarea and gone up and saluted the Church he went down to Antioch 22. He went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem and after returned to Antioch 23. And after he had spent some time there he departed and went over all the Countrey of Galatia and Phrygia in order strengthening all the Disciples 23. To instruct and encourage those before Converted as well as to gather more 24. And a certain Jew named Apollos born at Alexandria an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures came to Ephesus 25. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord and being fervent in the Spirit he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord knowing only the Baptism of John 24 25. He was well acquainted with the Scriptures and believed so much of Christ as John had Preached and was Baptized with his Baptism but wanted yet much of the further knowledge of Christ and of the Christian Baptism 26. And he began to speak boldly in the Synagogue Whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard they took him unto them and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly 26. Note An Eloquent Teacher mighty in the Scriptures yet disdaineth not to be better instructed by a Tent-maker and his Wife 27. And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia the brethren wrote exhorting the Disciples to receive him who when he was come helped them much which had believed through Grace 27. They wrote to them to entertain and encourage him who when he was come proved a great helper to them that already by the Grace of God were made Believers 28. For he mightily convinced the Jews and that publickly shewing by the Scriptures that Jesus was Christ 28. For by the advantage of great acquaintance with the Scriptures and his Eloquence he was too hard for the contradicting Jews and clearly proved to them from the Sciptures which they own that Jesus is the true Messiah or Christ CHAP. XIX ANd it came to pass that while Apollos was at Corinth Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus and finding certain Disciples 2. He said unthem Have ye received the holy Ghost since ye believed And they said unto him We
advance the Papacy and its corruptions of Religion in so much that they make such Miracles one of the Chief Marks of their Church Gregories Dialogues and such other led the way and their monstrous Legends feign so many and so shamefully of St. Francis St. Dominick and multitudes more as makes men suspect that this tribe are the miracle-working beast not but that many miracles are true that are written of Gregory Naeocesar Martin and others by Euseb Socrat. Sulp. Severus Augustin c. Which were all for the confirmation of the Christian Faith and not for Popery And many of the Monks and others of whom these fictions are written were holy men and God did some wonders at their prayers And it is this which the Legenders take occasion from to add their multitudes of falsehoods and then to perswade men that all these were Miracles wrought for Gods attestation to Popery It being usual for that Clergy to persecute the living Saints that are not for their wills waies to canonize those as wonders of sanctity whose strictness and austerity is joined with subjection to the Papall dominion Such mens writings as Baronius Bellarmine Genebrard c. With their many false Councils and Jesuits that compass Sea and Land to promote the Papal Kingdom do seem much more fully to do the part of the second beast for the Papacy than the Poets Priests c did for the Heathen Idolatrous Empire And the Mark in their Right Hand or Forehead seemeth to be some professing Badge by which they tie themselves to worship the beast and his Image that is subject themselves by consent to the Papal Soveraignty Canons and Idolatry or corrupt Imagery and scenicall worship And herein the Papacy so far exceedeth the severity of the said Heathens that they do by the Laws of their Church put strict oaths upon all the Clergy to believe many new Articles of Faith and to obey the Pope yea and on Princes to exterminate aâ—l that the Pope will but call Hereticks and that those temporal Lords shall be excommunicated deposed damned that will not do it No man called by them a Heretick may so much as make a will or have the benefit of the Law no not of his liberty or life but be tormented in the inquisitions or burnt No Minister may preach Christs Gospel that is not a subject of the Popes nor any Christian else meet to Worship God no nor read the Bible in a known tongue but by this License and theirs that he empowereth These things are far more than to forbid buying and selling without the Mark of the beast or his name 18. Here is wisdom Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast for it is the number of a man and his number is six hundred threescore and six 18. Here is work for the Sagacity of a sharp witted man Let such trie to find out the beast by the number of his name for it pleaseth not God more plainly to reveal it It is numeral Letters which denominate a man And the Letters are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which in numbering signifie DCLVVVI or 666. About this name and number the Fathers Papists and Protestants are of many minds among themselves The first generall difference is whether it signifie the name of a Man properly or only some other mark that belongeth to him called his name And the next whether the name belong to a single person or to a state or policy or party Of the Protestants many think its a mans name but belonging to the Papacy in Common Junius taketh it for the Canon Law and Decretalls Broughton for Adonikam Ezra 2.13 Bright man reciteth these and divers names found out by divers fancies Titan Lampetis Ninetes Cacos Odegos Alethes Blaberos Palas Bascanos Amnos Adicos in Arethas Ecclesia Italica and Romaghnus All which he rejecteth and fasteneth on that which Irenaeus chose of old which is Lateinos And he thinks that this number of the name to be received was meant of the Greeks who were brought to submit to the Latin Church And so all the Greeks that so submit receiving the number are joined in the guilt and damnation with them that had the Mark or the Name it self This is clear that all they that only find out a name or number which are not imposed and by the subjects received speak not at all to the Text. It is only the receiving of the mark name or number that is here mentioned It is the subjects Badge If the racked word Lateinos be used as added to Catholick and put instead of Roman it may reach the Papists whose name and Badge now is to be Roman Catholicks as distinct from all others that are but meer Christian Catholicks But lately most Protestants take the number of the name to be but some characteristical acts or marks Some say It is the Systeme of Papal corruptions in doctrine and worship some as Mr. Potter make it the number of 25 as the square root of six hundred sixty six and he largely tells us how many waies it suiteth Rome But how is this number of 25 received as a Badge by reprobates Some say that Patriarchall and Metropolitan and such like Idolaters and Persecutors are the Image of Papacy and that PERIURY is the mark of the beast who by false Oaths bindeth all to him and to his Prelates so that who ever will not be Perjured by false and wicked oaths are not received into his Church nor tolerated by them And I read not in history that ever any party on earth did so long so violently bind men by wicked oaths and involve all sorts in heinous Perjury as the Pope and his Prelates have long done and do Abbot Vispergensis lamenteth it in his daies that Priests and people were commonly involved in Perjury Swear or Suffer is their Law and when interest requireth it unswearing and forswearing is as violently imposed and whole Countries absolved from their oaths to their Sovereigns PERIURY PERFIDIOUSNESS and PERSECUTION seem to be the mark of the Papall Dominion And as my old fellow Minister in the same Congregation Mr. Nath. Stephens saith The name of the beast seemeth likest to be his assumed Power or pretended authority to which it is that he maketh all to swear And the Oath or subjection is not to the Number but to the Power or Persons marked by that Number the Number being but the Name abbreviated and the Name the notification of the Party or Policy to which men consent But Mr. N. Stephens thinks that 666 is the time between the beginning of the Roman Monarchy according to Daniel's computation as it respected the Church which was in Pomper's time and the rise of Antichrist which he thinks was in 606. Anno Dom. and so is just 666 years For he taketh as many others do the title of Universal Bishop given Bonif. 3. by Phâ—cas to set â—p Antichrist first and the antecedent Fall of the Roman Empire
Suffering in which we must be prepared to follow him 48. Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign saying Whomsoever I shall kiss that same is he hold him fast 49. And forth with he came to Jesus and said Hail master and kissed him 50. And Jesus said to him Friend wherefore art thou come Then came they and laid hands on Jesus and took him 48 c. Note 1. Hypocrites cruelty is exercised under the name of Friendship How many Thousand Persecute Christ in his cause and Servants on pretences of Faith Religion Order and Enmity to Sin 2. It s a pitiful sight to see poor ignorant People in obedience to Rulers Persecuting Christ to their own Destruction as if it were he and his servants that were their dangerous Enemies 51. And behold one of them which were with Jeâ—us stretched out his hand and drew his sword and stroke a servant of the high priests and smote off his ear 51. Natural inclination to defence and Love to Christ overcame Peters consideration and patience 52. Then said Jesus to him Put up again thy sword into his place for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword 52. Put up thy Sword and let us patiently submit to Violence For as none must use the Sword without just Warrant and Authority so usually they that fight for themselves are destroyed and suffer more than they that patiently endure Violence and Injustice Note Christ doth not in these words make all self-defence or War unlawful but he doth more than forbid unwarrantable Fighting meaning that not onely unlawful resistance of Power and Revenge but even wars and fighting against injuries and Enemies usuaâ—â—â— hasten Death and increase Mens Sufferings And therefore they should forethink whether War or Patience be like to do more hurt 53. Thinkest thou that I cannot nâ—â— pray to my father and he shall presenâ—â—y give me more than twelve legions of angels 53. Note 1. Angels are ready to serve Christ at his desire 2. It should stop our impatient thoughts of rash and unlawful self-defence to think that God can otherwise deliver us 54. But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled that thus it must be 54. N. We must not strive against Events which we foreknow will come to pass 55. In the same hour said Jesus to the multitude Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves to take me I sate daily with you teaching in the temple and ye laid no hold on me 55. Why did you not take me in the Temple but thus in the Night like a Thief 56. But all this was done that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled Then all the disciples forsook him and fled 56. All this was foretold in Scripture They let his Disciples go and they fled away in fear 57. And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest where the scribes and the elders were assembled 58. But Peter followed him afar oft unto the high priests palace and went in and sate with the servants to see the end 57. They brought him to their Arch-priest as glorying in their success And Peter went in where the Servants sate 59. Now the chief priests and elders and all the councel sought false witness against Jesus to put him to death 60. But found none yea though many false witnesses came yet found they none At the last came two false witnesses 61. And said This fellow said I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days 59. c. N. 1. As Hypocrites in Religion are worse than Pagans in that they father their wickedness on God and Religion so Hypocrite-Judges and Lawyers are herein worse than lawless Murderers that they abuse and disgrace Law and Government by using them to inâ—ustice and bloodshed 2. No man is so good or innocent that false Witness may not Condemn 62. And the high priest arose and said â—â—â—o him Answerest thou nothing What 〈◊〉 which these witness against thee â—3 〈…〉 hâ—ld his peace 6â— 6â— N. Christ was silent to shew 1. That he was not over solicitous for his Life 2. When Malignant false Judges are resolved what to do against Innocence and Right it is oft in vain to talk it out with them And they watcht for words of his own to Accuse him of 63. And the high priest answered and said unto him I adjure thee by the living God that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ the Son of God 63. N. 1. Once for all take notice that answering was then among the Jews a common Phrase for speaking in course though no question was askt 2. It was the Malignant Policie of that Arch-priest to make Christ his own Accuser and Witness when they could get no other For they knew that he that bound his Disciples to confess him would not refuse to confess himself when adjured by God though he was silent as to his Defence against Personal Accusations And so it is with Christs Enemies to this day who put Christians that dare neither lie nor conceale necessary truth upon self-Accusation As they could find nothing against Daniel except about the Law of his God which he durst not break to save his Life so do the Devils Officers take advantage of good Mens Consciences to destroy them 64. Jesus saith to him Thou hast said nevertheless I say unto you Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power and coming in the clouds of heaven 64. I am he and though I stand here to be judged by you your Eyes shall see me coming in Glory and in Power to Judge you and all the World or as some say To Destroy you by the Romans 65.66 Then the high priest rent his cloathes saying He hath spoken blasphemy what further need have we of witnesses behold now ye have heard his blasphemy What think ye They answered and said He is guilty of death 65.66 Then the High Priest had that which he desired and by rending his Cloathes shewed his Abhorrence of the supposed Sin of Christ and demanded the Sentence of the Court against him as a Blasphemer And they Voted him for it guilty of Death Note 1. How foolish a thing is it to think that any Law or any mans Innocency or Goodness will preserve Justice or Piety while bad men are Judges Can any Law be better than Gods Or any Person better than Christ The Devils Judges possessing the place that God instituted to defend Truth and Equity will condemn God himself manifest in Flesh by his own Law and as sinning against himself And they are since the same 2. The very Murderers of Christ would seem greater enemies to Blasphemy and more zealous for Gods Honour than God himself So little are False Men to be believed 67. Then did they spit in his face and buffeted him and others smote him with the palmes of their hands 68. Saying prophecy to
to make Laws for the universal Church on Earth but he and to undertake it is to undertake the prerogative of Christ and to be Vice-christ by usurpation be it Pope or Councils 4. Yet the precept of observing his commands forbids not the observing of the commands of any lawful limited local rulers under him not crossing his commands Parents Masters Pastors Princes must be obeyed in their Provinces and Places even about Gods worship If men make subordinate Laws according to Christs General Laws of Love Concord Edification Order they must be obeyed as e. g. what translations of Scripture to use what Psalms Meters Tunes Gestures Time Place and abundance such like The Gospel according to St. MARK Note 1. That this is the same Mark against whom as not fit to be taken with them St. Paul sharply contended with Barnabas even to parting a sunder But it was not as charging him with any crime but as unfit to be taken with them in so long and hard a work which he before deserted 2. It is said by some to be a tradition that Mark wrote this from the Mouth of Peter but that is uncertain 3. It is questioned seeing it is only the eleven Apostles to whom Christ promised the Eminent help of the Spirit to bring all his Doctrine to their remembrance and lead them into all Truth How can we be sure that Mark and Luke who were no Apostles and had not this promise did never mistake in their writing the Gospel Ans Tho Christ promised not Infallibility to all Preachers then he promised and gave the Eminent Miraculous gifts to the Spirit to others as well as to the Apostles as appeared in Stephen Philip and others And this spirit was to sit them for the work to which they were called which his miracles by them attested 2. And the Apostles that then lived approved these writings of Mark and Luke and so did the Churches where the gifts of the Spirit did then most abound who also delivered them down to us Whether this Mark was Bishop of Alexandria or only a transient Evangelist there a while is an Historical controversie of no great Moment When Antioch had at once so many great Apostles Prophets and Teachers and no one of them then a Bishop to rule the rest as their Pastor we may well conjecture that the case of Alexandria did not much differ from that of Antioch and Jerusalem where neither James nor any one was Governour of the Apostles The Reader must not expect that I repeat at large the Paraphrases or Notes which are written on Matthew when the same History and words are by Mark repeated CHAP. I. 1. THE beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God 2. As it is written in the prophets Behold I send my messenger before thy face who shall prepare thy way before thee 3. The voice of one crying in the Wilderness Prepare ye the way of the Lord make his paths straight 1. c. The publick entrance of Christ on his Ministry and Preaching the glad tydings of Salvation was by the preparation of Johns Ministry Preaching Repentance to fit men for the Kingdom of the Messiah at hand which the Prophets had foretold Note Whether by the Prophets be here meant Isay and Malachi or onely Isay is a Controversie of small moment 4. John did Baptize in the wilderness and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins 4. John told the Jews that the Messiah was now come and brought Pardon and Salvation to all that received him and therefore perswaded them all to Repent that they might be Pardoned and fit Members of his Kingdom and Baptized those that Professed this 5. And there went out unto him all the land of Judea and they of Jerusalem and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan confessing their sins 5. The generality of the people longing for the promised Messiah were glad of this News that he was Come and thronged to John Confessing their Sins and Professing Repentance and were Baptized by him 6. And John was clothed with camels hair and with a girdle of a skin about his loyns and he did eat locusts and wild honey 6. N. This kind of Eremetical Life and Abstinence is overvalued by them who place Merit or Perfection in it and is unjustly vilifyed by some who know not of how great use it is some persons to withdraw from worldly Vanities and Temptations 7. And preached saying There cometh one mightier than I after me the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose 7. N. Christ and his Servants are patterns of Humility But Satan and his servants are known by Pride 8. I indeed have baptized you with water but he shall baptize you with the holy Ghost 8. My Baptism doth but prepare you but his shall power out the Spirit on the Baptized 9. And it came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized of John in Jordan 9. N. Qu. Did Christ Profess Repentance for the Remission of Sins If not how was he capable of Johns Baptisme Answ He was not Baptized to the same uses as other men but as owning Johns Baptisme and the Coming of the Kingdom of God As a General will wear the same Colours with his Soldiers though theirs signifie subjection to him 10. And straitway coming up out of the water he saw the heavens opened and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him 10. See on Matt. 3. 11. And there came a voice from heaven saying Thou art my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased 11. N. God from Heaven Preached the Gospel at Christs Baptisme 12. And immediately the spirit driveth him into the wilderness 13. And he was there in the wilderness forty days tempted of Satan and was with the wild beasts and the Angels ministred to him 12.13 N. 1. To conquer Temptations is to conquer Satan 2. Angels brought him meat at the end of the Forty days 14. Now after that John was put in prison Jesus came into Galilee preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God 14. That the Kingdom of God was coming 15. And saying The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand repent ye and believe the gospel 15. The promised time of the Messiahs appearing is Come Repent and believe this glad-tidings 16. Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea for they were fishers 17. And Jesus said to them Come ye after me and I will make you to become fishers of men 18. And straitway they forsook their nets and followed him 16. c. See on John 1.40 and Matt. 4.18 19. And when he had gone a little further thence he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother who also were in the ship mending their nets 20. And straitway he called them and they left their father Zebedee in
them to eat 34. Their Penny was Seven pence half penny Beza reckoneth the 200 pence to 35 pound Frank of Tours Note The Luxurious Bellys of this Land would have taken bread but for a dry Feast though they had the Fishes also 38. He saith to them How many loaves have ye go and see And when they knew they say Five and two fishes 39. And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass 40. And they sate down in ranks by hundreds and by fifties 41. And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes he looked up to heaven and blessed and brake the loaves and gave them to his disciples to set before them and the two fishes divided he among them all 42. And they did all eat and were filled 43. And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments and of the fishes 44. And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men 38. c. N. 1. This Miracle had Witnesses enough 2. Though God do not now feed his Servants by Miracle he doth perform his Promise and provide for them nevertheless and is no less to be trusted 3. Even Miraculous Food is to be Sanctified by Heavenly benediction 45. And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida while he sent away the people 46. And when he had sent them away he departed into a mountain to pray 47. And when the even was come the ship was in the midst of the sea and he alone on the land 48. And he saw them toyling in rowing for the wind was contrary to them and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them walking upon the sea and would have passed by them 49. But when they saw him walking upon the sea they supposed it had been a spirit and cryed out 50. For they all saw him and were troubled and immediately he talked with them and said to them Be of good cheer it is I be not afraid 51. And he went up unto them into the ship and the wind ceased and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure and wondered 45. c. N. 1. If Christ must pray so much what need we 2. If Christ say it is I be not afraid it should quiet tumerous souls 3. Even the appearance of Christ himself in a strange way may amaze the faithful 52. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves for their heart was hardened 52. Had they duely considered the miracle of feeding no further miracle would have seemed so strange to them N. They that have not hearts hardened as the wicked may be hardened as to some particular thing 53. And when they had passed over they came into the land of Genesareth and drew to the shore 54. And when they were come out of the ship straightway they knew him 55. And ran through the whole region round about and began to carry about in beds those that were sick where they heard he was 56. And whithersoever he entered into villages or cities or country they laid the sick in the street and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment and as many as touched him were made whole 53. N. O that we were as earnest followers of Christ for Salvation as they were for their Bodies And that we could as boldly believe and trust him for our soulâ— as common experience of success caused them to do for their health CHAP. VII 1. THen came together unto him the Pharisees and certain of the scribes who came from Jerusalem 2. And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled that is to say with unwashen hands they found fault 3. For the Pharisees and all the Jews except they wash their hands oft eat not holding the tradition of the elders 4. And when they come from the market except they wash they eat not many other things there be which they have received to hold as the washing of cups and pots and brazen vessels and tables If these hypocrites had not Ceremony and Tradition and Obedience to their Councils to make Religion of how could they quiet their Consciences in their wordly wicked lives And what pretence could they have had to persecute Christ and his Apostles had not disobedience to their masterships and councils and Traditions in Ceremony served their malignity for a pretense The Devil will be religious to destroy Religion 5. Then the Pharisees and â—cribes asked him Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders but eat bread with unwashed hands 5. Why observe you not the Cannons 6. He answered and said to them Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites as it is written This people honoureth me with their lips but their heart is far from me 7. How be it in vain do they worship me teaching for doctrines the traditions of men 6. c. Well doth I say describe you Hypocrites This people c. give me an outside ceremonious Worship but their hearts are void of true holiness Religion and spiritual worship But all their Hypocrital worship of â—â—e is in vain while they make doctrines and Laws of Religion of the injunctions of men and the traditions or cannons of their Councils or elders 8. For â—aying aside the commandment of God ye hold the tradition of men as the washing of pots and cups and many other such things ye do 8. God commands one to preach and obey his word and to live in love and shew mercy c. These you lay aside and hinder the preaching of his word and persecute his Servants and then you are zealous for your ceremoniea N. It is not washing fâ—r cleanliness but for Ceremony that Christ speaketh against 9. And he said to them Full well ye reject the commandment of God that ye may keep your own tradition 9. You think it very well done to set against Godliness and Gods own Laws or make nothing of them that you may keep your own presumptious Cannons or traditions N. By Full well is meant Full ill Christ sheweth us that all use of Ironies or derisions is not unlawful 10. For Moses said Honour thy father and thy mother and who so ourseth father or mother let him dye the death 10. Who so revileth 11. But ye say If a man shall say to his father or mother It is Corban that is to say a gift by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me he shall be free 11. If he say it is devoted to God N. God accepteth not any thing vowed to him for worship which he before bound us by his command to employ any other way 12. And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or mother 13. Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition which ye have delivered and many such things ye do 13. N. They thought that their
cannons could loose men from Gods commands As if a cannon should forbid men to give to the poor or to preach the Gospel or worship God who is bound to it by Gods Law 14. And when he had called all the people unto him He said to them Hearken to me every one of you and understand 15. There is nothing from without a man that entring into him can defile him but things which come out of him those are they which defile a man 16. If any man hath ears to hear let him hear 14 c. N. He speaketh of defiling by Guilt 17. And when he was entred into the house from the people his disciples asked him concerning the parable 18. And he saith to them Are ye so without understanding also do ye not perceive that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man it cannot defile him 19. Because it entereth not into his heart but into the belly and goeth out into the draught purging all meats 17. c. Meat maketh not a sinful heart or will as such 20. And he said That which cometh out of the man that defileth a man 21. For from within out of the heart of men proceed evil thoughts adulteries fornications murders 22. Thefts covetousness wickedness deceit lasciviousness an evil eye blasphemy pride foolishness 23. All these evil things come from within and defile the man 23. These make him a sinner and guilty And so do gluttony and drunkenness but not as Meat and Drink but as sinful excess 24. And from thence he arose and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon and entred into a house and would have no man know it but could not be hid 25. For a certain woman whose young daughter had an unclean Spirit heard of him and came and fell at his feet 26. The woman was a Greek a Syrophenician by nation and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter 27. But Jesus said to her Let the children first be filled for it is not meet to take the childrens bread and to cast it unto the dogs 26. N. Phaenice and Canaan were one place 27. I am sent first to the Israelites Gods peculiar people to whom you Canaanitos go for dogs and must not have their part 28. And she answered and said to him Yes Lord yet the dogs under the table eat of the childrens crumbs 29. And he said to her For this saying go thy way the devil is gone out of thy daughter 30. And when she was come to her house she found the devil gone out and her daughter laid upon the bed 28. c. N. Not for the wittiness of her saying but for the Faith and Importunity They that will take no denyal of Christ shall have no denyal 31. And again departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon he came unto the sea of Galilee through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis 32. And they bring unto him one that Was deaf and had an impediment in his speech and they beseech him to put his hand upon him 33. And he took him aside from the multitude and put his fingers into his ears and he spit and touched his tongue 34. And looking up to heaven he sighed and saith to him Ephphata that is Be opened 35. And straightway his ears were opened and the string of his tongue loosed and he spake plain 36. And he charged them that they should tell no man but the more he charged them so much the more a great deal they published iâ— 37. And were beyond measure astonished saying He hath done all things well he maketh both the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak 33. Christs looking up to heaven and sighing implyeth some more than ordinary difficulty in the cure Bodily mercies are magnified by all CHAP. VIII 1. IN those days the multitude being very great and having nothing to eat Jesus called his disciples to him and saith to them 2. I have compassion on the multitude because they have now been with me three days and have nothing to eat 3. And if I send them away fasting to their own houses they will faint by the way for divers of them came from far 2. Christs compassion is our great consolation and ground of trust 4. And his disciples answered him From whence can a man satisfie these men with bread herein the wilderness 5. And he asked them How many loaves have ye and they said seven 6. And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground and he took the seven loaves and gave thanks and brake and gave to his disciples to set before them and they did set them before the people 7. And they had a few small fishes and he blessed and commanded to set them also before them 8. So they did eat and were filled and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets 9. And they that had eaten were about four thousand and he sent them away N. It s like their loaves then were but like our cakes by the custom of breaking them 10. And straightway he entred into a ship with his disciples and came into the parts of Dalmanutha 11. And the Pharisees came forth and began to question with him seeking of him a sign from heaven tempting him 10 11. They would trie whether he were the Son of God by a sign from heaven of their own choosing 12. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and saith Why doth this generation seek after a sign verily I say to you there shall no sign be given this generation 12. He deeply groaned in grief for their obdurateness and said Have not this kind of men had signs enough to convince them Must they further chuse what Miracles they shall have Verily no such desire of these perverse men shall be satisfied the miracle of my resurrection they shall have 13. And he left them and entring into the ship again departed unto the other side 14. Now the Disciples had forgotten to take bread neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf 15. And he charged them saying Take heed beware of the leven of the Pharisees and of the leven of Herod 15. The dangerous enemies of the Gospel are the Ceremonious Pharisees and the King Herod a jealous Roman Governour Take special heed that the Pharisees seduce you not by their deceits nor the King and his Officers affright you not from the Faith by his cruelty 16. And they reasoned among themselves saying It is because we have no bread 17. And when Jesus knew it he saith to them Why reason ye because ye have no bread perceive ye not yet neither understand have ye your heart yet hardened 18. Having eyes see ye not and having ears hear ye not and do ye not remember 19. When I brake the five loaves among five thousand how many baskets full of fragments took ye up and they said Twelve 20. And when the seven among four thousand how many
in Religion instead of great and needful things 21. Jesus saith unto her Woman believe me the hour cometh vvhen ye shall neither in this Mountain nor yet at Jerusalem Worship the Father 21. Alass poor woman hast thou not greater matter than Ceremony even the Place of Worship to mind Believe me that time is hard at hand when Jerusalem shall be destroyed and you scattered and a better way of Worship setled so that you shall no more keep up your Ceremonious Worship either at Shiloh or Jerusalem 22. Ye vvorship ye knovv not vvhat vve knovv vvhat vve Worship For Salvation is of the Jevvs 22. You worship ignorantly and corruptly you know not what ever since the Captivity of the Ten Tribes and you strive about the Place and Ceremonies when you have more need to learn who he is that you must worship It is of the Tribe of Judah that the Saviour cometh who must teach you how to worship God and this the Jews do rightly believe and own none in Worship but the true God 23. But the hour cometh and novv is vvhen the true Worshippers shall vvorship the Father in Spirit and in Truth For the Father seeketh such to worship him 23. The time is now at hand yea come when true Worshippers shall not take up with shadows nor worship God by Mosaical Ceremonies or Samaritane Traditions but with that spiritual Worship which Types and Ceremonies did signifie even from the Spirit of God within them as their Principle and according to the spiritual Law or Word as their Rule and not with bodily Exercise that profiteth nothing 24. God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in Truth 24. Acceptable Worship must be suited to the God you worship and therefore they that worship him must worship him spiritually and not by Jewish Ceremony because he is a Spirit N. Though Spirit signifie a Nature more excellent than Body yet that and all human Words are too low to speak the Essence of God any otherwise than Analogically or Metaphorically for God is above all our formal Conceptions or Expressions but created Spirits being the highest created Beings known to us and our souls of that nature they are the clearest Glass in which we can know God and though the word Spirit first signifie created Spirit it doth transcendently eminently signifie the Infinite Father of Spirits and we can say nothing higher of Gods Essence than that he is this Infinite perfect transcendent Spirit what our best Conceptions of a Spirit are I have opened in Methodo Theologiae c. 25. The Woman saith unto him I know that Messias cometh who is called Christ when he is come he will tell us all things 25. N. Even the Samaritans expected the Messiah But with misconceivings of him 26. Jesus saith unto her I that speak to thee am he 26. N. Why did Christ tell that to this woman which he forbad others to tell abroad Ans He knew where and when it was seasonable and would do more good than harm 27. And upon this came his Disciples and marvelled that he talked with the Woman yet no man said what seekest thou or why talkest thou with her 27. Tho they presumed not to ask him why yet they thought it strange that he should talk so long with one woman 28. The Woman then left her Water-pot and went away into the City and saith to the Men 29. Come see a man which told me all things that ever I did Is not this the Christ 28. Telling her her secrets perswaded her to believe him saying I am he 30. Then they went out of the City and came unto him 31. In the mean time his Disciples prayed him saying Master eat 32. But he saith to them I have meat to eat that ye know not of 33. Therefore said the Disciples one to another hath any man brought him ought to eat 34. Jesus saith to them my meat is to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work 30. c. N. The converting of one Soul was more pleasing to Christ than his natural food and so must it be to us He that loveth God and Christ and the Holy Ghost and the Church must rejoyce when there is one more converted to please and worship God to honour Christ and his Spirit to encrease the Church He that loveth his Country must rejoyce that one more is made a blessing to it when the wicked are it's enemies He that loveth Souls will rejoyce in that Grace which is better to them than all riches He that loveth Gods Word will rejoyce in it's success He that loveth Heaven will be glad that there is one more to possess it He that loveth himself aright will be glad that there is one more made like him to love him and pray for him And he that hateth Sin and Satan will be glad that there is one less to serve him 35. Say not ye There are four months and then cometh harvest Behold I say unto you lift up your eyes and look on the fields for they are white already to harvest 35. You rejoyce that within four months it will be harvest And shall not I rejoyce to see the harvest of my husbandry even at hand in the conversion of many Souls to God 36. And he that reapeth receiveth wages and gathereth fruit unto life eternal that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoyce together 36. And as I sow the seed so you that I shall senâ— out as Apostles shall see and reap more plenteous fruit hereafter and shall for your labour under me be well rewarded that I that have sowed and you that reap may rejoyce together in the success 37. And herein is that saying true One soweth and another reapeth 38. I have sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour Other men laboured and ye are entred on their labours 38. The Prophets and John and I after all have sowed the seed and been at the costliest labour and yet it is you that must see the success in gathering the universal Church when I that labour'd and suffer'd am gone 39. And many of the Samaritans of that City believed on him for the saying of the woman which testifyed He told me all that ever I did 39. N. That to believe in Christ by the means of mens credible testimony of his Words and Miracles is not as many falsly say to resolve our faith into the credit of man and to make it a meer humane Faith They that believe Apostles who said they saw Christs Miracles Resurrection and Ascention believe by a divine Faith on the same evidence that the Apostles were convinced by but not conveyed by the same means what they received by their eyes and ears immediately we receive mediately by their report living at a distance So that their testimony is not believed instead of Christs nor instead of evidence of his truth but as the conveyance of this
for the tumult he commanded him to be carried into the Castle 33 34. A Heathen would hear the cause before he judges it when superstitious Zealots execute before they try or hear 35. And when he came upon the stairs so it was that he was born of the Souldiers for the violence of the people 36. For the multitude of the people followed after crying Away with him 35. The Heathen Soldiers were fain by force to carry and guard him from these Hypocrites 37. And as Paul was to be led into the castle he said unto the cheif Captain May I speak unto thee Who said Canst thou speak Greek 38. Art not thou that Egyptian which before these days madest an uprore and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers 37 38. The tumult about him made him suspect him to be an Incendiary that had lately raised sedition 39. But Paul said I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus a citizen of no mean city and I beseech thee suffer me to speak unto the people 40. And when he had given him licence Paul stood on the stairs and beckened with the hand unto the people and when there was made a great silence he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue saying 39 40. When he had given him leave to speak and procured silence and audience by his Authority which else the Multitude of Legal Zealots would not have granted him he spake to them in the Chaldec Tongue than called the Hebrew because it was understood by a greater number than the Greek This sheweth that Greek was not then most common CHAP. XXII MEn brethren and fathers hear ye my defence which I make now unto you 2. And when they heard that he speak in the Hebrew tongue to them they kept the more silence and he saith 3. I am verily a man which am a Jew born in Tarsus a city in Cilicia yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers and was Zelous towards God as ye all are this day 1. I am a Jew brought up a Disciple of Gamaliel under the same Laws and customs and as zealous for God in your way as you now are 4. And I persecuted this way unto the death binding and dilivering into prisons both men and women 4 And as you are affected with zealous cruelty now against Christians so was I then and persecuted them even to death binding and delivering them into Prison both Men and Women 5. As also the high priest doth bear me witness and all the estate of the elders from whom also I received letters unto the bretheren and went to Damascus to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem for to be punished 5. The High Priest and all the Council of Elders called rhe Sanedrim know this from whom I had Letters authorizing me to bring them Prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished 6. And it came to pass that as I made my journey and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me 7. And I fell unto the ground and heard a voice saying unto me Saul Saul why persecutest thou me 6 7. I saw a Light and hâ—ard a Voice c. Note When Christ will speak in Power and Terror he will cast down the proudest Persecutor 2. Christ taketh the persecuting of his Servants and striving against his Gospel as persecuting himself it being against his Friends and for his Cause 8. And I answered Who art thou Lord And he said unto me I am Jesus of Nazareth whom thou Persecutest 8. Note Did Persecutors know Christ aright and know that it is him in his servants whom they persecute they durst not they would not do it 9. And they that were with me saw indeed the light and were afraid but they heard not the voice of him that speak to me 9. They saw the Light and heard the sound like Thunder but saw no man nor heard the voice and words that were spoken to me and which I heard 10 And I said What shall I do Lord And the Lord said unto me Arise and go into Damascus and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do 10. I will not this way by voice from heaven tell thee thy duty I have stablished the way of notifying it by my Ministers and Spirit Go to Damascus and I will send thee a Teacher Note Souls duely humbled are ready to do any thing that God would have them do 11. And when I could not see for the glory of that light being led by the hand of them that were with me I came into Damascus 11. Note God made the Light it self to blind him as an Emblem of his persecuting blindness 12. And one Ananias a devout man according to the law having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there 13. Came unto me and stood and said unto me Brother Saul receive thy sight And the same hour I looked up upon him 12. Ananias a zealous Jew tho a Christian well spoken of by the Jews themselves was sent to restore my sight c. 14. And he said The God of our fathers hath chosen thee that thou shouldest know his will and see that Just one and shouldest here the voice of his mouth 15. For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard 14 15. It is the free grace and will of God that hath chosen thee to see Christ whom thou persecutest and to hear his voice from Heaven and to be his witness of what thou hast seen and heard Note Paul is a full instance of Gods special electing grace 16. And now why tarriest thou arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins calling on the name of the Lord. 16. Delay not but presently repent and believe in Christ and give up thy self to him in his baptismal Covenant and as the Water washeth this body his pardoning grace through the merits of his blood and righteousness shall wash away the guilt of thy sins and call on the Lord for Mercy and for his Spirit 17. And it came to pass that when I was come again to Jerusalem even while I prayed in the temple I was in a trance 18. And saw him saying unto me Make haste and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me 17. Note God that foreknew that the Jews would obstinately reject Paul directed his Ministry from them elsewhere 19. And I said Lord they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee 20. And when the bloud of thy martyr Stephen was shed I also was standing by and consenting unto his death and kept the raiment of them that slew him 19 20. Lord Sure they will hear me without prejudice who have so hotly persecuted they Servants as they do 21.
And they were more then fourty which had made this conspiracy 14. And they came to the chief priests and elders and said We have bound our selves under a great curse that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul 15. Now therefore ye with the council signifie to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him and we or ever he come near are ready to kill him 13. O what a Clergy was this that must head a confederacy of murdering Sadducees 16. And when Pauls sisters Son heard of their lying in wait he went and entred into the castle and told Paul 17. Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him and said Bring this young man unto the chief captain for he hath a certain thing to tell him 18. So he took him and brought him to the chief captain and said Paul the prisoner called me unto him and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee who hath something to say unto thee 19. Then the chief captain took him by the hand and went with him aside privately and asked him What is that thou hast to tell me 20. And he said The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council as though they would enquire somewhat him more perfectly 21. But do not thou yield unto them for there lie in wait for him of them more then fourty men which have bound themselves with an oath that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him and now are they ready looking for a promise from thee 16 Note 1. No Conspiracies are kept secret from God who can detect and frustrate them 2. No doubt but these Men that could Vow to satisfie rage did brake it rather than famish 22. So the chief captain then let the young man depart and charged him See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me 23. And he called unto him two centurions saying Make ready two hundred souldiers to go to Cesarea and horsemen threescore and ten and spearmen two hundred at the third hour of the night 24. And provide them beasts that they may set Paul on and bring him safe unto Felix the governour Note Thus God raised forces of Heathens to defend his Servant 25. And he wrote a letter after this manner 26. Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting 27. This man was taken of the Jews and should have been killed of them then came I with an army and rescued him having understood that he was a Roman 28. And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him I brought him forth into their council 29. Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds 30. And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man I sent straightway to thee and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him Farewel Note This Collonel that by a band of Soldiers rescued him judgeth him guiltless as to the Roman Law 31. Then the souldiers as it was commanded them took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris 32. On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him and returned to the castle 33. Who when they came to Cesarea and delivered the epistle to the governour presented Paul also before him 34. And when the governour had read the letter he asked of what province he was And when he understood that he was of Cilicia 35. I will hear thee said he when thine accusers are also come And he commanded him to be kept in Herods judgment-hall 35. Note A place called Herods Hall Not that he was there Thus God carryed on Paul toward Rome to fulfil his Will and Work CHAP. XXIV ANd after five days Ananias the high Priest descended with the Elders and with a certain orator named Tertullus who informed the Governour against Paul 1. Note Tertullus was the malignant Lawyer or Orator who was to plead their charge against Paul if not of mere maâ—ice at least for his Fee The Accusation is given in and hotly prosecuted by the High Priest and Elders Dr. Hummond thought that the word Elders in the Christian Church never signifyed any but Bishops such as we now call Diocesane And it is undoubted that the Church borrowed that Title from the Jews Elders and therefore meant some similitude of Offices allowing the difference of materials and Law And then it would follow that the Jews Elders that made their Council were the Jewish Bishops of several distant Cities gathered together at Jerusalem And so that it was the Jews Archbishop and all the Bishops under him that were these malignant Diabolica Accusers and Persecutors But the Jewish Elders were not such City Bishops but a Conjunction of Laymen and Priests in a supreme Council at Jerusalem and inferior Councils in Cities where were Synagogues 2. And when he was called forth Tertullus began to accuse him saying Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence 3. We accept it always and in all places most noble Felix vvith all thankfulness 2 3. To win the Judge by flattery hath ever by false Accusers been taken for the surest way for success 4. Notwithstanding that I be not further tedious unto thee I pray thee that thou vvouldest hear us of thy clemency a fevv words 5. For vve have found this man a pestilent fellovv and a mover of sedition among all the Jevvs throughout all the world and a ringleader of the Sect of the Nazarene 5. We have found this Man a very plague c. Note This part of the Accusation is 1. In general that he was a very walking Pestilence O what Diabolism is it to judge thus of the Preachers of Love and Mercy and Salvation 2. Particularly 1. a mover of Sedition among all the Jews through the Roman Empire So Christian Reformation must be called Sedition to stir up Rulers against it as Defenders of the common Peace And this to Faelix was a Potent argument for he had been put to conquer and destroy one Eleazar that came out of Egypt as a pretended Prophet and gathered an Army of Seditious Cut throats that endangered the Peace 2. The second accusation was that he was a Leader of a Sect or Schism calling the Christians Nazarens in scorn from Nazareth where Christ dwelt 6. Who also hath gone about to profane the Temple vvhom vve took and would have judged according to our law 6. The third part of the Accusation was prophaning the Tepmle Note Would not these infidels be thought Holy Men They were zealous for Temple Law and Ceremonies against Christianity Holiness Innocency and the lives of the best of Men. 7. But the cheif Captain
fellow-souldier but your messenger and he that ministred to my wants 25. But I thought good to send you back Epaphroditus who is my Brother and Fellow-labourer and Messenger who from you supplied my wants 26. For he longed after you all and was full of heaviness because that ye had heard that he had been sick 26. He longed to be with you and comfort you by the sight of his health hearing that his sickness made you sad 27. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death but God had mercy on him and not on him onely but on me also lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow 27. He was nigâ— to death but God in mercy to him and me recovered him not adding his death to my affliction 28. I sent him therefore the more carefully that when ye see him again ye may rejoyce and that I may be the less sorrowful 28. Note That Mercys restored after Danger affect us more than those continued in Prosperity 29. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness and hold such in reputation 30. Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death not regarding his life to supply your lack of service toward me 29 30. Receive him gladly as returned to you by God and account such honourable for it was for the work of Christ that he willingly hazarded his Life by his Travels and labour to be serviceable to me as your Messenger in your stead CHAP. III. 1. FInally my brethren rejoyce in the Lord. To write the same things to you to me indeed is not grievous but for you it is safe 1. Finally Brethren serve God with joyful hearts That I write to you the same things which I have formerly taught you and warned you of is not through sloth of cowardise in me but for your own safety as fittest for you 2. Beware of dogs beware of evil workers beware of the concision 2. To wit that you take heed of the worrying hurtful sort of Men who live in wickedness and calling themselves the Circumcision are indeed the Concision that cut and rend the Churches 3. For we are the circumcision which worship God in the Spirit and rejoyce in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh 3. For we are the Children of Circumcised Abraham who worship God in Spirit and Truth and have no confidence in Fleshly Priviledges or Carnal Ceremonious Jewish Worship 4. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh I more 4. Though if Judaism were matter of trust or boasting I have more such cause than any of them 5. Circumcised the eighth day of the stock of Israel of the tribe of Benjamin an Hebrew of the Hebrews as touching the law a Pharisee 6. Concerning zeal persecuting the church touching the righteousness which is in the law blameless 5 6. I was Circumcised as the Law required I was an Israelite a Benjamite an Hebrew a Pharisee the strictest Sect in Religion not cold in Religion but a zealous persecutor of the Church which I thought had been against it And as to the outward observance of the Law of Moses I seemed to Men so just and harmless that none accused me 7. But what things were gain to me those I counted loss for Christ 7. But I willingly disclaim all confidence in these and reject all as loss that would keep me from Christ 8. Yea doubtless and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and do count them but dung that I may win Christ 8 9. Yea I reject all as loss and hurtful to me which stand against the excellency of the knowledge of Christ for whom I have readily suffered the loss of all things and count them but as Dung in order to my part in Christ and that I may be found in him 9. And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is of the law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith 9. Not having and trusting not in that Righteousness which consisteth in keeping the Law of Moses which is of my own Works and I accounted formerly to be my justifying Righteousness but that which is of Faith in Christ even the Righteousness which is of Gods free Gift by believing acceptance of his purchased and offered Grace 10. That I may know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his suffering being made conformable unto his death 10. By which I shall gain the knowledge of Christ and of the great Mystery of Salvation by him and the powerful work of his Grace and quickening Spirit and preserving Providence answering in his Members that power that raised him from the Dead and a Communion with him in sufferings by which I shall be made conformable to him as Crucified for our sins and thus in all be made as a Member suitable to him that is my Head 11. If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead 11. In hope that by all these means and methods which I account not too dear I may at last attain that blessed perfection in which I shall be also like him as he is now risen from the Dead and glorified in the state of Immortality 12. Not as though I had already attained either were already perfect but I follow after if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus 12. Not that I have already attained this Conformity to my Glorified Lord or were already perfect by reaching all that I pursue But I run as for this Prize and earnestly strive that at last I may lay hold on and attain the state of Glory to bring me to which Jesus Christ did elect redeem and call me to himself 13. Brethren I count not my self to have apprehended but this one thing I do forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before 14. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus 13 14. I know I have not yet attained the end that I ran for even glorious Perfection But this I do not minding the things of the World which I have forsaken but neglecting and forgetting them and with all my might and diligence striving towards the things which are before I press or hasten towards the Mark for that glorious Crown and Prize for obtaining whereof the high Calling of God by Jesus Christ hath encouraged me to seek and hope 15. Let us therefore as many as be perfect be thus minded and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded God shall reveal even this unto you 15. And let all that are sound and sincere Christians holding these things that are necessary to Salvation be thus minded and with joint endeavour confessing our Defects
Fruit and as the House must be built up when the Foundation is laid so must you now be more and more rooted and built up and stablished in the same Faith which you were taught at first and must abound with joyful Thanks to God in the increased Knowledge Love and Practise of that in stead of hearkning to Novelties or Errours 8. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosphy and vain deceit after the tradition of men after the rudiments of the world and not after Christ 8. The danger which I advise you to beware is lest any by pretending that the Heathen Philosophy is a higher sort of Wisdom and Learning more methodical accurate extensive than the Gospel of Christ should deceive you and draw you from the true Wisdom of Christianity or Hereticks draw you by Philosophical Pretences to their Heresies and they should set up the Tradition Books or Opinions of any Sect of Philosophers against the Heavenly Doctrine of Christ Note That as Moses's Law was very useful in subordination to the Covenant of Grace and to Christ but pernicious to them that set it in opposition to Christ or in separation from him so is true Philosophy which is the Knowledge of the knowable part of Gods Works useful in subordination to Christ But the Heathen Sect of Philosophers were the most dangerous Adversaries to Christianity by deriding its Simplicity and pretending to far greater Learning and despising Christians as ignorant and credulous and using against them their Logical Art and Sophistry and the Reputation of all their Sciences 9. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily 9. For as the Divine Nature it self hath united it self to and so dwelleth in his Humane Nature so in the Person Doctrine and Works of Christ Incarnate God hath treasured up and by that In-dwelling placed the fullest Manifestation of himself to Mankind that ever he will give them in this Life on Earth 10. And ye are compleat in him who is the head of all principality and power 10. You need not seek after Wisdom in the Oracles or Knowledge of Demons or Angels for in Christ you have compleat Wisdom if you truly receive him and learn of him who is not onely above all Philosophers and Rabbies but above the highest Angels or Celestial Powers and is the chief Revealer of God to Man 11. In whom also ye are circumcised by the circumcision made without hands in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ 11. Nor need you go to Judaism for Circumcision For you have the true saving Circumcision in Christ even that of the Heart made without Plands by the Spirit of Christ cutting off and casting away the Body of Sin or Fleshly Lusts 12. Buried with him in baptism wherein also you are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God who hath raised him from the dead 12. And it 's more than a Circumcision of your Lusts that you have in Christ they are dead and buried with him For so your Baptism signifieth in which you are put under the Water to signifie and profess that your Old Man or Fleshly Lust is dead and buried with him and you rise thence to signifie and profess that you risâ— to Newness of Life and Heavenly Hopes through the Belief of Gods Works that raised Christ from the dead 13. And you being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh hath he quickened together with him having forgiven you all trespasses 13. And you that were as dead in the Guilt and Power of your Sins your Hearts and Lusts as your Flesh being uncircumcised hath God made spiritually alive as Christ was quickned and raised and hath absolved you by pardon of all Sin from the Obligation to Everlasting Death which you had contracted 14. Blotting out the hand-writing of ordinances that was against us which was contrary to us and took it out of the way nailing it to his cross 14. Cancelling the Legal Imposition of Mosaical Rites and Ceremonies even to us Jews which might have been produced against us Breakers of the Law to our condemnation and as it were nailed it to his Cross while by dying he disabled it So that you need not think that Judaizing is necessary to your Salvation 15. And having spoiled principalities and powers he made a shew of them openly triumphing over them in it 15. And when his Crucifiers triumphed over him on the Cross as if they had utterly overcome him it was but his Conquest and Spoils of all Principalities and Powers of Devils or Men that were Adversaries to his Grace and Kingdom and his open Ostentation of his Victory and Triumph over them in that his Crucifixion 16. Let no man therefore judge you in meat or in drink or in respect of an holy day or of the new-moon or of the sabbath days 6. Seeing then that Christ hath abrogated the Mosaical Law none ought to censure you as Sinners for not keeping the Ceremonies of the Law about Meat or Drink or in the Point of Festivals called Holydays or of the New Moon or of the Sabbath-days 17. Which are a shadow of things to come but the body is of Christ 17. For these were but Shadows of the things to come even Christ and Christianity which are the Substance shadowed Note That Sabbaths are abolished with the rest of Moses's Law As to the Lords-days consider these things distinctly 1. That all Moses's Law as such bound onely the Jews to whom it was promulgate and is now abolished even saith Paul that written in Stone 2. That all the Law of Christ in Nature and Revelation still bindeth us 3. That the Word Sabbath in Scripture properly signifieth a Day of Ceremonial Rest in which the Bodily Rest was a Duty directly in it self as Sacrificing and other Ceremonies were 4. That the Lords-day is never called a Sabbath in Scripture however some mistake a Text or two 5. That the Lords-day is separated by Divine Appointment to the holy Commemoration of Christs Resurrection and our Redemption especially in Sacred Assemblies for Church-worship 6. That it is of greater dignity than the Sabbaths were as being for more substantial spiritual excellent Work 7. That on it Rest is not a Ceremonial Due as it was on Sabbaths for it self but onely a subordinate Duty that Soul and Body even of Servants may be vacant and free for Spiritual Worship and no Breach of Rest is now a Sin but 1. That which hindreth this Spiritual Work 2. Or is scandalous encouraging others to Sin 8. That therefore the Seventh-day Sabbath is abolished 1. Because Moses's Law is abolished 2. And all proper Sabbaths are abolished 9. That yet with the ancient Churches we may well call the Lords day the Sâ—bbath when it tendeth not to Errour But onely by allusion or metaphorically as they then called the Table an Altar the Minsters Priests and the Sacrament and Alms and Thankâ—giving Sacrifices This
is the full Truth as I have proved in a set Treatise 18. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels intruding into those things which he hath not seen vainly puft up by his fleshly mind 18. Let no Man beguile you of the Reward of Christianity by pretending greater self humbling than God commandeth by worshipping Angels intruding into and pretending to know the things which he never saw nor God revealed to him vainly puffed up by the Imaginations of his fleshly Mind and building on his deluded Conjectures and Self-conceits 19. And not holding the head from which all the body by joynts and bands having nourishment ministred and knit together increaseth with the increase of God 19. By which they depart from their due Dependence on Christ the Head whose Office it is to be the sole immediate Mediator between God and Man and the Lawgiver to the Church who hath given us sufficient notice what Worship God accepteth It is from him the Head of Life and Government that the Body even the Church receiveth its Nourishment and holy Increase by the Blessing of God it being by Joynts and Ligaments of Faith Love and Ministry and Communion for Concord conjoined and made a meet Receiver 20. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world why as though living in the world are ye subject to ordinances 21. Touch not taste not handle not 22. Which all are to perish with the using after the commandments and doctrines of men 20 21 22. If then you be dead to the Rudiments of all other Masters and Customs in the World of Jews or Heathens in conformity to your Crucified Lord why as though yet you were not separated from the World to Christ are you subject to such Ordinances which Christ never made you but hath abolished as Touch not taste not meddle not with such and such Meats as unclean and the like which were all temporary things and consist in transient unprofitable Actions having no Reward of God as being but the Products of the Commands and Doctrines of unauthorised Men. 23. Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will-worship and humility and neglecting of the body not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh 23. Which are the things for which as deceitful Shews tho Heretical and Heathen Seducers pretend to be wiser Men than the Apostles and Christians and to be more pious Men and so would draw you to their Errours as being stricter in Voluntary Worship and greater Humility and neglecting of the Body on pretense of being more for the Soul and not as sensual Men do setting up and pampering the Flesh Note The Description of Paul and Church Historians notifie to us that these Hereticks made up a Religion of three Parts 1. Of the Name and some Parts of Christianity to keep in with the Christians 2. Of many Jewish Rites to keep fair with the Jews 3. But the main Substance which they boasted of was Pythagorean Heathenism in which they pretended great knowledge of Spirits Demons and invisible things their Orders Powers Offices Durations c. which God never revealed but the deluded Imaginations of themselves and the said Pythagorean and Platonick Philosophers taught them In many of which Superstitions of will-Will-worship angel-Angel-worship Laws of Penance on the Flesh while the vain Mind usurpeth Christs Legislative Power too many of the carnal corrupt Church do imitate them to this day CHAP. III. IF ye then be risen with Christ seek those things which are above where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God 1. If then you be true Christians risen with Christ as you profess to the hope of a Celestial Glory and to a Holy Life shew it by seeking the things which are above where Christ who you trust in is as your Head over all in glory 2. Set your affection on things above not on things on the earth 2. Let the Heavenly things and not the things on Earth have your strongest affections your Love your Desire your Hope your Joy your Care your very Hearts 3. For ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God 4. When Christ who is our life shall appear then shall ye also appear with him in glory 3 4. For ye are dead to the World and sin and the root of your Spiritual Life is not in your selves but both your Objective Life which is your Happiness and the Root of all your Spiritual Life are out of sight with Christ in God It is by him that you live and it is with him and on him that you must live in Glory for ever 5. Mortifie therefore your members which are upon the earth fornication uncleanness inordinate affection evil concupiscence and covetousness which is idolatry 6. For which things sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience 5 6. Therefore tho your Lusts are as it were the very Members of your corrupt fleshly Nature kill them all even Fornication Uncleanness Inordinate Affections of Love or delight all evil lustings or desires and Covetousness which loveth the Creature above God and which is Idolaters sin For it is for these things that the Unbeliving Rebellious World is under the wrath of God 7. In the which ye also walked sometime when ye lived in them 7. These sins were formerly your own practices when you were Heathens among them 8. But now you also put off all these anger wrath malice blasphemy filthy communication out of your mouth 9. Lie not one to another seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds 8 9. But now you must not only cast off all these filthy sins but also all that is contrary to Love and Peace all sinful wrath and malice and evil speaking and rybaldry and lying For all these are the Members and Deeds of the Old Man or state which you have renounced 10. And have put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him 10. And you have by Conversion become New Men renewed in Saving Knowledge unto the Image of that God and Saviour who is the maker of this New Creature 11. Where there is neither Greek nor Jew circumcision nor uncircumcision barbarian Scythian bond nor free but Christ is all and in all 11. Where the Interest and Union that we have all in One Christ who is all in all doth swallow up all the little differences of Greeks and Jew c. And so must lo in our Communion 12. Put on therefore as the elect of God holy and beloved bowels of mercies kindness humbleness of mind meekness long-suffering 12. Let these therefore be your very Habit and Nature and Practice as becometh Gods chosen holy and beloved ones Bowels of Mercy Kindness c. 13. Forbearing one another and forgiving one another if any man have a quarrel against any even as Christ forgave you so also do ye 13. Note 1. That
man on Earth who must all once die and then be doomed to their endless state so Christ was once to die as a Sacrifice for the sins many and to them that wait for him in the prepared state of Faith Hope Obedience and Patience he shall appear again but not any more to bear the punishment of their sins but to justifie them publickly and take them to his glory CHAP. X. 1. FOR the law having a shadow of good things to come and not the very Image of the things can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the commers thereunto perfect 1. For the Law having but in its Ceremonies a shadow of the great heavenly Blessings of the Gospel and not the clear Image or Draught or Map of the things themselves doth shew by the frequent yearly iteration of those Sacrifices that it doth not perfect the Sacrifices 2. For then would they not have ceased to be offered because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins 2. For then they would have ceased to be offered because the Worshippers once pardoned and cleansed should have no more conscience of guilt or remaining pravity 3. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year 4. For it is not possible that the bloud of bulls and of goats should take away sins 3 4. Note 1. This Text doth not deny that the faithful Jews were then forgiven nor that the Law conduced to it as used in subordination to the antecedent Promise and Law of Grace But without this Promise the Law could not do it 2. Nor doth this infer that we may not mention lament and beg pardon for our old sin while we live on Earth Nor that renewed sins have no need of a renewed pardon but no need of a new Sacrifice 5. Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not but a body hast thou prepared me 6. In burnt-offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure 7. Then said I Lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God 8. Above when he said Sacrifice and offering and burnt-offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not neither hadst pleasure therein which are offered by the law 9. Then said he Lo I come to do thy will O God He taketh away the first that he may establish the second 5 6 7 8 9. David as a Prophet personating Christ saith c. taking down Sacrifices as insufficient and introducing Christs obedient Sacrifice of himself 10. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all 10. And by this Decree of God giving us a Saviour to be a Sacrifice for our sins we are as far as belongeth to the Expiating Sacrifice made a holy people unto God the sins of the faithful by this price being pardoned and Reconciliation made 11. And every priest standeth daily ministring and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices which can never take away sins 11. And the Priests must be still sacrificing the same things never finishing the Expiation 12. But this man after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever sat down on the right hand of God 13. From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool 12 13. But Christ having offered but one Sacrifice for sins as sufficient for ever sate down in the possession of Glory and universal Dominion in the Heavens on the right hand of God where he will reign till he hath subdued all his Enemies even all that opposeth the perfecting of his work of the Salvation and Glory of his Church 14. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified 14. For all the faithful and sanctified are by that one offering as a sufficient Expiatory Sacrifice freed from all guilt and sin now initially and shall be perfectly without any other Expiatory Sacrifice for ever 15 16 17. Whereof the holy Ghost also is a witness to us for after that he had said before This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days saith the Lord I will put my laws into their hearts and in their minds will I write them And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more 18. Now where remission of these is there is no more offering for sin 15 16 17 18. Note here 1. That when the price is given and taken and a free Act of Oblivion made on the bare condition of thankful acceptance the crime is said to be pardoned in the common custom of speech it being done as far as belongeth to the Satisfier and the Rector as such though yet the Resusers be all actually unpardoned For a Conditional Gift puts nothing in act till the Condition be performed 2. That here in the Promise Pardon is not in time before Renovation and so not actually of any Infidels or unconverted though elect thereto 3. That even the pardon of the sanctified is but such as excludeth any more Sacrifice but not any more Faith Repentance Watching Praying c. 19. Having therefore Brethren boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus 20. By a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us through the vail that is to say his flesh 21. And having an high priest over the house of God 19 20 21. And now I come to the Use of all that I have said in all the foregoing Doctrine We are not now deterred from access to God by unexpiated guilt but may come to him as a Father with comfortable reverent boldness and hope as reconciled by Christ even in confidence of the merit of his Righteousness and Sacrifice which is as a new and still effectual living way through the veil of his flesh consecrated for us And we have now in the Heavens a Glorified High Priest who is Head over all things to his Church which is the House of God and ever liveth to do all for us in Heaven which belongeth to a perfected High Priest 22. Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water 22. Let us therefore draw near to God in holy Worship and heavenly Desires and Aspirings with a heart that is sound sincere and true to Christ and our convictions and abounding with full belief and trust in Christ for all that he hath promised having our hearts cleansed by Christ's Blood which the sprinkling figured under the Law from the conscience of guilt and the love and power of sin and our bodily practice purified from uncleanness typified by the washings under the Law and federally signified by our Baptism 23. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering for he is faithful that promised 23. Let us against all subtle deceitful Adversaries and against all
and followed 2. Simon was revealed before the writing of this Epistle Acts 8. and the Heresies before too common 3. There were seven or eight other Heresies described by Epiphanius as early as the Simonians and Gnosticks and as bad 4. Sure Gnosticism was not then an unrevealed Mystery if it be mentioned as oft as the Doctor thinketh 5. And through Gods Mercy the falling away first was comparatively but of few and not of so great a number of Churches or Christians as was a stop to their Expectation of the coming of Christ It is not noted in Acts 8. that the Samaritans were seduced by him after they believed If it were true that they and some at Rome were what 's that to all the Churches 6. It is above Sixteen hundred years since Simon was revealed and yet Christ is not come How then is that made an Occasion of Mens delayed Expectation 7. That Christs coming signified but the Destruction of Jerusalem is before shewed to be very improbable and fullier might be How many hot Persecutions of Christians after that do all Church-Histories describe in another manner than Simon 's Pranks And what could the Jews do through all the Empire being contemned Vagabonds but by way of Rabble tumult which the Roman Power restrained 8. And it seemeth meer violence to the Text to make him that withholdeth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to signifie not him but that thing which withholdeth even the Christians not yet separating from the Jews For 1. There was no set time of separation Paul did it long before the Apostles that conversed with them in Judea and when they did none know And Paul withdrew from them as Obstinacy gave him cause in one Place sooner than in others and never so far but that he laboured for their Conversion Nor were any such direful Persecutions an Effect of that Separation as far as just History informeth us It was the scattered Jews that were the Rudiments of most of the Christian Churches in the Empire to whom the Gentiles were added And this Doctor himself oft asserteth That Rome Alexandria Antioch and such other great Cities had two Bishops and two Churches one of the Jews and one of the Gentiles And the Christian Jews did not separate from their Countrymen of a long time That which the Apostle mentioneth the whole Catholick Church seemeth to be concerned in whereas the little Pranks of Simon Magus were like John of Leyden's and Knipperdolling's and James Naylor's which had a few contemned Followers in a few Towns a little while and then ended in Shame Like the Boys Squibs compared to a War 8. And what Mystery was there in so gross Iniquity as for Simon to call himself God the Father c. any more than to have seen Hacket or a Bedlam rave 9. And if such wonders of deceit had been wrought by him as is here mentioned as should delude those that received not the Love of the Truth to Salvation History would have fullier recorded his Miracles and this Success Even on All them that believed not the Truth but had pleasure in Unrighteousness 4. Some think that Paul here speaketh of a Seditious Ringleader of the Jews that drew them into Rebellion to their destruction and that the fear of some Roman Governour was it that for a time restrained him But this Opinion few follow 5. Lyra and some other Papists think that it was Mahomet that was this great Deceiver and the Antichrist and the Empire that withheld His Reasons are rendred in his Annotations on the Revelations and on this Text And Zanchy was much of the same mind though he thought the Pope was a kind of second Antichrist 6. But the far greatest number of Protestants think that it is the Pope that is here spoken of as the Man of Sin and Son of Perdition c. and that it is the Roman Empire that withheld his Revelation But some few think that it was the Godly Bishops of Rome that for some Ages possest that Seat and many were Martyrs that withheld this Revelation of Antichrist till they were taken away by Death For Men would not believe that the Successours of so good Men could be Antichrist Abundance of Volumes are written to prove the Pope to be the Antichrist and one of the chief by Bishop George Doâ—name For my selfe 1. I can better try him by the plain parts of Scripture than by the hard Prophecies And I can easily see many and great points in which Popery is contrary to the Word of God and I am most moved by such Moral Arguments as Dr. H. More useth in his Mystery of Iniquity And I find enough to settle me against Popery 2. But whether it be he that this Text meaneth or those applied to him in the Revelation I have not skill enough to be sure or very confident And 3. I think a Christian may be very safe without understanding these obscure Texts I long to know God and Jesus Christ better more than to know Antichrist His name is not in the Creed nor is it an Article of the ancient necessary Faith to know who he is so we know the False Doctrines and Practices which we must avoid Perhaps those that have more throughly studied these Texts may know more though I must say that their great disagreement of Opinion discourageth my hopes of full understanding them I think it my duty to confess my Ignorance and not pretend to the Knowledge which I have not They that are offended at this gap or defect in my Paraphrase may turn to many others that know more or are more confident If you say Why were these Prophecies written if not to be understood I answer To be understood by them that can and not to be Expounded by them that cannot And I add that the great Beloved Prophet Daniel thus concludeth Ch. 12.8 9. I heard but I understood not And the Angel said Go thy way Daniel for the words are closed up and sealed to the time of the end And I take it to be no excess of Humility to confess that in Expounding Prophecies I am not so wise as Daniel That Popery is a heinous corruption of Christianity I am past doubt And that it is aggravated by the profession of the Gospel and Fathering their sin on Christ But for the help of those that are more capable of arriving at certainty than I am I will distinctly tell the Reader the Paraphrase of the three most considerable sort of Expositours I. V. 3. Let no Man perswade you that Christs coming is at hand for it will not be till a great part of the Church fall away from Christianity and Mahomet that wicked Man and Seducer be revealed who is a destroyer and shall be destroyed 4. Who opposeth and exalteth himself not onely above all Earthly Powers but above all sorts of Divine Worship both Heathenish and Christian So that as if he were a God he will set up his own Worship as next to the
supream onely God both in the Temple at Jerusalem and throughout all the now-Christian Eastern Empire and a great part further of the World and under the Title of God's greatest Prophet will put down God's own Institutions and Laws and Gospel and set up his own in the stead 6. What it is that stops him is a thing known to you all even the Imperial Power which as it falls he will rise For as he is to make his false Religion by a composition of Arianism Judaism and his own Inventions so the swarm of Heresies now among us Nicolaitans Ebionites Cerinthians Gnosticks c. are secretly a Mystereous Iniquity preparing for him Onely that Empire that now letteth must give place to him by diminution at his first rising and by its total-overthrow in the East at his full possession And so he shall in his time become the open Seducer and Captivater of the Church and World and must stay till Christ diminish and consume Mahometanism by his Word preached and utterly destroy it with the Glory of his more full appearance before the end 9. Even that Mâ—homets Kingdom whose coming is by Satanical Murdering Wars and deceitful pretences of Heavenly Signs and Revelations and with the unrighteous deceit of pretended opposition to Idolatry and to Christians as if they worship two or three Gods and their Laws were not so good as his And those Superficial Hypocrite-Christians that had but the Name and Form and not the hearty belief love and obedience to the Truth shall turn Mahometans and be damned II. The commonest Protestant Paraphrase is thus V. 3. Christs coming shall not be till there be a general Apostacie of the whole visible Church say some or of most or much of it say others unto Idolatrous Worship and subjection to the Papacy and that Man of sin the Pope be revealed the Active and Passive Son of Perdition the Abaddon the Head of this Apostacie given up to all sin himself and to promote it 4. Who claimeth Christs Prerogative under the name of his Universal Vicar and overthrows his Officers and Laws and sets up his own against them and overtoppeth and subjecteth all Princes and Magistrates and this in the Church of God say most or in that Idolatrous Church of his own falsely called The Church of God say others as if he were there chief Lord himself and arrogating names of Blasphemy I told you formerly of all this And now you know what hindereth his speedy arising Even the Empire as such say some including both the Pagan and Christian Or as others the Empire as Pagan only 6. For the beginnings of Antichristianity are secretly and mysteriously already working which will bring him forth in time even the Pride and Ambition of Ministers seeking Superiority and the Peoples excess of Factious Respects to some above others and falling into Sects and Heresies in following them Only the Empire that now hindreth must first be taken out of the way 8. And then shall the Pope that Man of Wickedness arise say some or be openly discovered to be Antichrist say others Whom the Lord shall consume by the Power of his Word preached by the two Witnesses and then destroy by pouring out the Vials of his Wrath upon him at his later coming to restore his Church 9. Even that Pope with his Roman Church of Papists whose coming to the Papacy is after that way of working by force and cheats and feigned Miracles which Satan teacheth and giveth them to seduce the Christian World 10. And with all the deceiving Arts of falshood by which unrighteousness is upheld and promoted to delude those that shall perish for ever Because they received not sound Doctrine when it was delivered nor held the Christian Faith in Love and in its Power but in Custom Hypocrisie and Form that it might sanctifie and save them Therefore God justly gave them up by desertions to Deceivers and Delusions to believe a lie 12. That all these Papists might be damned who believed not the Truth that is contrary to Popery but had pleasure in its unrighteous Principles and Practices and in that sensual life which is contrary to the Christianity which they profess III. The third considerable Opinion runs thus in the Paraphrase Exposition 1. Pauls words have relation both to Daniels words of Antiochus say most but of the Roman Power rather say Calvin and Brightman who largely proveth it 2. It is so far from being true that the Christians rejoiced in Christs sending the Romans to destroy Jerusalem that they greatly lamented it The Cities name was precious to them the first Christians being all Jews and the Gentiles receiving the Gospel from Jerusalem Christ wept over them when he Prophesied their ruine Paul's lamentation was great for them The ruine was dreadful 1110000 killed and 700000 carried Captive And the Apostles were all Jews and there was a common expectation among the Jews of the Messiah's glorious Kingdom at Jerusalem and they called it The Holy City and Land 3. The Abomination of desolation is by Christ himself compared to that spoken of by Daniel the Prophet which was the destroying the Holy Place and Worship and setting up Idolatry in its stead And the Authors themselves of the second Exposition as against the Pope Expound the Desolating Abomination in Matth. 24. to be the Roman Heathen Army coming to lay waste the Holy City and Temple For that Abomination of Desolation was to go before the flight of Men from Jerusalem or to concur And this Text v. 3. c. seemeth plainly to follow Christ and speak of the same that he speaketh of 4. Vespasian and his Son Titus by his Command were the Men that destroyed the Holy City Temple and Nation and the Idolatrous Heathens and their Worship there took present possession and so set up the Desolation and Abomination And his younger Son Domitian destroyed the Christians and Proclaimed himself to be God and to be worshipped with Altars and Sacrifices as God 5. This Vespatian took on him to work Miracles healing a Blind Man and many others So that some foolish Jews called him the Messiah And he and his Son Titus by their flattery and fair lives got great esteem as excellent Men And their Learned Orators c. promoted the honour of Idolatry by theirs 6. This way of Self-deifying and promoting Idolatry and Captivating the Jews and all Christians went on though not equally through all the Emperours almost till Constantine 7. The attempt of Caius Caligula told the Christians what further to expect when he Commanded Petronius to set up his Image in the Temple to be worshipped as Jupiter Nero's Cruelty prognosticated much 8. But Vespasian and Titus were stopt from the Desolation first attempted by the Life of Claudius Galba Otho Vitellius till he was made Emperour himself 9. And Christ consumed their Idolatry by his Gospel and destroyed it by Constantine These things premised their Paraphrase is v. 3. The day of the Lord will not