well stricken in years 8. And it came to pass that while he executed the priests office before God in the order of his course 9. According to the custom of the priests office his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense 7 8 9 10. Note The Priest went into the sanctuary to offer and the people that while prayed without the Sanctuary not without the Temple In imitation of which our Temples usually are built in three parts The Chancel for the Clergy the body of the Church for the Laity and all below the Font for the Catechumens and suspended who are no communicants as the outward Court was for Gentiles 11. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense 12. And when Zacharias saw him he was troubled and fear fell upon him 13. But the angel said unto him Fear not Zacharias for thy prayer is heard and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son and thou shall call his name John 14. And thou shall have joy and gladness and many shall rejoyce at his birth 11 12 13 14. He was born to an austere life and and to martyrdom yet his birth was joyful though to such a painful life and death for the Churches service 15. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost even from his mothers womb 15. Note 1. The best men and most useful are greatest in Gods sight 2. Extraordinary denying the flesh agreeth well with the extraordinary gift of the Spirit 3. Infants may have the Holy-Ghost before it appeareth 16. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn the Lord their God 6. Note To turn many by repentance to God was the effect of the Holy-Ghost and of Johns extraordinary worth and work 17. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. 17. He shall be possessed with such fulness of Spirit and Power to prepare the way for Christ as Elias had as is propheci'd in Mal. 4.6 Note By turning the hearts of the Fathers to the Children some think is meant turning the tyrannical oppression of Rulers to fatherly love and lenity to inferiours But Dr. H. more probably translateth it with the Children That is he shall turn Fathers and Children old and young Others say it is but to turn mens minds to the Love of one another and those that disobey God to the true wisdom of just men who obey and trust him 18. And Zacharias said unto the angel Whereby shall I know this for I am an old man and my wife well stricken in years 19. And the angel answering said unto him I am Gabriel that stand in the presence of God and am sent to speak unto thee and to shew thee these glad tidings 20. And behold thou shalt be dumb and not able to speak untill the day that these things shall be performed because thou believest not my words which shall be fulfilled in their season 18 19 20. I am one of the many Angels that stand before God and am sent to tell thee this And to reprove thy unbelief And to convince thee for a sign thou shalt be dumb c. 21. And the people waited for Zacharias and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple 22. And when he came out he could not speak unto them and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple for he beckned unto them and remained speechless 21 22. Sanctuary 22. Some Revelation 23. And it came to pass that assoon as the days of his ministration were accomplished he departed to his own house 23. That Ceremonious service might be done by a dumb man but so cannot the Gospel Ministration 24. And after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived and hid her self five months saying 25. Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me to take away my reproach among men 24 25. She retired from Peoples observation and discourse saying the Lord hath shewed me mercy in taking away my reproach 26. And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee named Nazareth 27. To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph of the house of David and the the virgins name was Mary 26 27. Not married but betrothed 28. And the angel came in unto her and said Hail thou that art highly favoured the Lord is with thee Blessed art thou among women 28. Rejoice for thou art highly favoured of the Lord who maketh thee blessed above all women 29. And when she saw him she was troubled at his saying and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be 30. And the angel said unto her Fear not Mary for thou hast found favour with God 31. And behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and bring forth a son and shalt call his name Jesus 32. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David 29 30 31 32. She understood it not That Glorious Kingdom meant in the promise to Davids seed of which his Kingdom was but a type 33. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever and of his kingdom there shall be no end 33. His Kingdom over the Faithful Israel of God begun in grace shall be Everlasting in Glory 34. Then said Mary unto the angel How shall this be seeing I know not a man 35. And the angel answered and said unto her The holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God 34 35. This shall be done without Man by the Holy Ghost and the overshaddowing power of God and therefore he shall be properly called the Son of God N. 1. Though this give us the most known reason why Christ is called the Son of God in Scripture it is not said to be the only reason excluding his eternal Generation 2. Yet Christ oft calleth himself the Son of Man which signifieth no more but that he was truly a Man and born of a woman 36. And behold thy cousin Elizabeth she hath also conceived a son in her old age and this is the sixth moneth with her who was called barren 37. For with God nothing shall be unpossible 36 37. Note 1. Though Elizabeth was of the Tribe of Aaron and Mary of the Tribe of Judah they were a kin by Elizabeths Mother marrying a Levite 2. Nothing should seem difficult to
faith when it is known to be Gods will and word 38. And Mary said Behold the handmaid of the Lord be it unto me according to thy word 38. Amen Let thy word come to pass They are the expression of Maries faith and hope 38. And the angel departed from her 39. And Mary arose in those days and went into the hill countrey with hast into a city of Judea 40. And entered into the house of Zacharias and saluted Elizabeth 38 39 40. The Angels words made her go see how it was with Elizabeth 41. And it came to pass that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary the babe leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the holy Ghost 42. And she spake out with a loud voice and said Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb 43. And whence is this to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me 44. For lo assoon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears the babe leaped in my womb for joy 45. And blessed is she that believed for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. 41 42 43 44 45. The Holy-Ghost filled her to speak out these word prophetically c. 46. And Mary said My soul doth magnifie the Lord 47. And my spirit hath rejoyced in God my Saviour 48. For he hath regarded the low estate of his hand-maiden for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed 46 47 48. Mary also filled with the Spirit speaks these words of praise to God My Soul c. 48. He hath raised me highest who was one of the lowest 49. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things and holy is his name 50. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation 49 50. Mercy to all that fear God and their posterity is the great name or notification of the most Holy God to man 51. He hath shewed strength with his arm he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts 52. He hath put down the mighty from their seats and exalted them of low degree 53. He hath filled the hungry with good things and the rich he hath sent empty away 51 52 33. He hath shewed that it is he that is Almighty by scattering the proud in their own vain imaginations And by casting down the high and exalting the low And by satisfying the needy and bringing the prosperous to distress 54. He hath holpen his servant Israel in remembrance of his mercy 55. As he spake to our fathers and to Abraham and to his seed for ever 54 55. The promises which he made to Abraham and his seed he is now performing in their proper sense for the saving of all the believing seed The mercy which promised it is now performing it 56. And Mary abode with her about three months and returned to her own house 56. Note It was many months between Maries espousal to Joseph and their marriage 57. Now Elizabeths full time came that she should be delivered and she brought forth a son 58. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her and they rejoyced with her 57 58. In giving a son to one so old 59. And it came to pass that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child and they called him Zacharias after the name of his father 60. And his mother answered and said Not so but he shall be called John 61. And they said unto her There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name 62. And they made signs to his father how he would have him called 63. And he asked for a writing table and wrote saying His name is John and they marvelled all 59 60 61 62. Note They would have the name keep the memorial of Ancestors 63. By signs 64. And his mouth was opened immediately and his tongue loosed and he spake and praised God 65. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them and all these sayings were noised abroad thoroughout all the hill-countrey of Judea 66. And all they that had heard them laid them up in their hearts saying What manner of Child shall this be And the hand of the Lord was with him 64 65 66. It raised in all the Countrey great expectations what this Child would prove And God did extraordinarily bless him 67. And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost and prophesied saying 68. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for he hath visited and redeemed his people 69. And hath raised up an horn of salvatition for us in the house of his servant David 70. As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets which have been since the world began 71. That we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us 67 68 69 70 71. Spake by inspiration Note Christ was prophecyed of from the beginning of the World after Adams Fall N. Tho Gods Spirit in him understood just what manner of Saviour Christ would be and what sort of deliverance from enemies he would bring by the destruction of the Jews and calling the Gentiles we know not that Zachary Elizabeth and Mary understood this while they thus prophecyed 72. To perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant 73. The oath which he sware to our father Abraham 74. That he would grant unto us that we being delivered our of the hands of our enemies might serve him without fear 75. In holyness and righteousness before him all the days of our life 72 73 74 75. That the Messiah delivering us from all our enemies spiritual and corporal we may serve him in safety not terrified by them Note Holiness and Righteousness are the sum of Gods acceptable service Note The chief benefit of deliverance from cruel enemies is that we freely and peaceably serve God 76. And thou child shalt be called the prophet of the Highest for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways 77. To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins 76 77. Thou shalt be a Prophet of God to go before Christ to prepare men to receive him by calling them to repentance proclaiming that a Saviour is come to save his people by pardoning their sins 78. Through the tender mercy of our God whereby the day-spring from on high hath visited us 79. To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death to guide our feet into the way of peace 78 79. The tender mercy of God having given us from Heaven the sum of heavenly Light to visit us 79. even to them that lived in the darkness of sin and misery and to guide us into the way of life and happiness 80. And the child grew and waxed strong in spirit and was in the desarts till the day of
Extremities even at Death and to Eternity of Blessedness seeing he ever liveth by his Intercession to finish his saving Work for all that come by him to God◠Friends dye and all Worldly Helps may fail but Christ will never dye 26. For such an high priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners and made higher than the heavens 26. For our Condition required such an High Priest who is holy free from doing ill or suffering any more from any Enemies clean from all sin of his own and is separated from the Condition of sinful Man that dwells on Earth 27. Who needeth not daily as those high priests to offer up sacrifice first for his own sin and then for the peoples for this he did once when he offered up himself 27. Who had no sin of his own as the High Priests had and therefore for his own sin he needed not to offer any Sacrifice though he did it to perfect his undertaken Work for us Nor needed he offer often for the sins of the people for his once offering up himself was a sufficient Expiatory Sacrifice 28. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity but the word of the oath which was since the law maketh the Son who is consecrated for evermore 28. For the Law had none to make High Priests of but mortal Sinners but the Word of the Oath Psal 110. which was since the making of the Law maketh the Son of God High Priest who is holy sinless immortal and consecrated to an everlasting Priesthood CHAP. VIII 1. NOw of the things which we have spoken this is the sum we have such an high priest who is set on the right hand of the throne of the majesty in the heavens 2. A minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched and not man 1. The sum of all that 's said is this We have such an High Priest who is advanced to the highest honour and power in Glory called God's Throne of Majesty in the Heavens As Man a Minister indeed or the prime Administrator but it is of the true and heavenly Sanctuary and Tabernacle not like that which was made by Man but which the Lord hath made for the glorifying of himself in his glorified Saints with Christ where we shall in presence worship him for ever 3. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat to offer 3. And he were no High Priest if he had nothing as Gift or Sacrifice to offer 4. For if he were on earth he should not be a priest seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law 4. And if he were on Earth he should not be a Priest according to the Law because there are such already and it was entailed on the Line of Aaron And Christ's Sacrifice when he was on Earth was not according to the Law but supralegal 5. Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle For see saith he that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount 5. And the Levitical Priesthood on Earth was made to perform those Administrations which are but shadows of the heavenly things having some notifying and instructing resemblance to them as figurative which God darkly intimated to Moses when he charged him to make the Tabernacle in the Wilderness according to the pattern which he had seen in the Mount So that the earthly Tabernacle and Worship is but a figure or shadow of the Heavenly 6. But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministery by how much also he is the Mediator of a better covenant which was established upon better promises 6. But Christ's Priestly Ministry is more excellent as he is the Mediator of a better Covenant than the meer Law of Moses was Though the Promise that went before and with the Law was an obscure Gospel It is better as having better Promises even clearer and fuller and more confirmed by God's Oath and Seal and Earnest It hath Promises of fuller Pardon greater Grace and Priviledges and surer and greater Glory Note That both the Mosaical and the Christian are named in Scripture both a Law and a Covenant for they have the same parts viz. Precepts Promises and Threats and Obedience must be consented to As proposed by God with his Antecedent Mercy it is a Law and a proposed Covenant 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 As consented to by Man it is a Law accepted by Subjects and a mutual Covenant 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 See Grotius his Preface to Annotations on the New Testament of the Names 7. For if that first covenant had been faultless then should no place have been sought for the second 7. For if the first Covenant had been perfect God would not have made the second better Note 1. That it is not sinful Faultiness but such Imperfection as the beginnings of Art and Nature have compared with the Perfection that is here meant 2. It is not here called the First Covenant as if no other had gone before it for there was a former with Adam Noah Abraham but as it is the first of these two And it was a Covenant of Peculiarity distinct from the common one and the Promise 8. For finding fault with them he saith Behold the days come saith the Lord when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah 9. Not according to the Covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt because they continued not in my covenant and I regarded them not saith the Lord. 8 9. For he intimateth the defect of the Mosaical Covenant when he saith Behold the days come c. I will make with them a new Covenant of greater and surer Mercy for the former they quickly forsook and I forsook them 10. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my laws into their mind and write them in their hearts and I will be to them a God and they shall be to me a people 10. But this is my new Covenant which I will make with all Abraham's believing Seed I will sanctifie them by my Spirit and thereby give them a saving knowledge and love of all my necessary Laws and their Duties as if they were written in their minds and hearts and I will be to them a God which is their All and will love and cherish them as my peculiar people Note That this Promise is not made to Israel as a peculiar political Body for their Policy was to be dissolved but as a part of the Catholick Church which are Abraham's believing Seed 2. Therefore it being supposed that it is to Believers
A PARAPHRASE ON THE New Testament With NOTES DOCTRINAL and PRACTICAL By PLAINNESS and BREVITY fitted to the Use of Religious FAMILIES in their daily Reading of the Scriptures and of the younger and poorer sort of Scholars and Ministers who want fuller helps With an Advertisement of Difficulties in the REVELATIONS By RICHARD BAXTER 1. Tim. 3.16 Great is the mystery of Godliness God was manifested in the flesh Justified in the Spirit Seen of Angels Preached to the Gentiles Believed on in the World Recieved up into Glory 1. Joh. 4.16 God is Love and he that dwelleth in Love dwelleth in God And God in him Joh. 1.4 In him was Life and the Life was the Light of Men. Joh. 20.17 Go to my Brethren and say to them I ascend unto my Father and your Father and unto my God and your God 2. Pet. 3.11 Seeing that all these things shall be dissolved what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God 13. We according to his promise look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness Luk. 23.43 To day shall thou be with me in Paradise Josh 24.15 Choose you this day whom you will serve But as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. LONDON Printed for B. Simmons at the Three Cocks and Tho. Simmons at the Princes Arms in Ludgate-street M DC LXXXV An Account of the Reason and Use of this Paraphrase READER THis Paraphrase written for my own use being published for yours in order to that end I owe you this account of it A Friend long urging me to write a Paraphrase on the Epistle to the Romans as being hard to 〈◊〉 understood when I had done that I found so much profit by that Attempt that it drew me to go on till I had finished what I offer you It was like almost all my other publick works done by the unexpected conduct of Gods urgent Providence not only without but contrary to my former purposes God hath blest his Church with many Mens excellent Commentaries on the Scriptures and I never thought my self fit to do it better than they have done But that is best for some persons and uses which is not best to others I long wish'd that some abler Man would furnish vulgar Families with such a brief exposition as might be fitted to the use of their daily course in reading the Scriptures and instructing their Housholds I found that many who have done it better than I can do are too large and costly for this use some like Deâ—date very sound are unsatisfactorily brief some have parcelled their Annotations into so numerous shreds that Readers specially in a Family course will not stay to search and set them together to make up the sense I like Dr. Hammends order best but 1. I differ from him in so much of the matter 2. and took his stile to be too lax 3. and his Criticisms not useful to the vulgar 4. and his Volumn too big and costly And therefore I chose more plainly and yet more briefly and practically by the way of Paraphrase to suit it to my intended end But I must give the Readers notice 1. That where I seem but in few words to vary from the Text those words answer the large Criticisms of divers expositors as the Learned may find by searching them and the Greek-Text though I must not stay to give the reason of them as I go on 2. That tho I have studied plainness yet brevity is unavoidably obscure to unexercised persons who as Learners cannot understand things without many words 3. That where the Evangelists oft repeat the same things to avoid tediousness I repeat not the whole Exposition and yet thought not meet wholly to pass it by 4. That where the Text is plain of it self instead of an Exposition I fill up the space by Doctrinal or Practical Observations seeing Practice is the end of all and to Learners this part is of great necessity 5. That where great Doctrinal Controversies depend on the Exposition of any Text I have handled those more largely than the rest and I hope with Pacificatory and Satisfactory Evidence â—y great desire and care is that â— may hereby pâ—omote Christian Piety in Families To which special end I also wrote my Poor Mans Family-book and The Catechizing of Housholders And had I not done it in many Books so oft already I should here set my self with greatest Earnestness to urge and intreat all Christian Parents to the more faithful Practice of Family Religion especially in the wise and diligent Instruction and Education of their Children Sure no good Christians should come behind the Jews who had far less light and help that we have who yet are twice Commanded by God Deut. 6. and 11. Hear O Israel the Lord God is one Lord. Thou shall Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy might And these words which I command thee this day shall be in thy heart And thou shalt teach them diligently to thy Children and shall talk of them when thou fittest in thy House and when thou walkest by the way and when thou lyest down and when thou risest up And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thy Hand and they shall be as Frontlets between thine Eyes And thou shalt write them on the Posts of thy House and on thy Gates Yet now many thousand Families called Christians account this much Puritanism and needless preciseness as if the Scripture even the Gospel of Salvation were only for the use of Priests yea some that disown the Papists restraint of the Laity-unlicensed from reading it translated in a known Tongue do worse than Popishly refrain themselves And those that in Baptism vowed to bring up their Children as Christians in the knowledge of the Gospel of Christ persidiously break that solemn vow as they Hypocritically made it and by ungodly negligence betray to Satan the Souls of their Children and themselves which they devoted to God Reader I beg of you as from Christ for his sake for your Souls sake for your Childrens sake for the sake of Church and Kingdom that you will conscionably and seriously set up Family-Religion calling upon God Singing his Praises and instructing your Children and Servants in the Scripture and Catechism and in a wise and diligent Education of Youth Hear me as if I beg'd it of you with tears on my knees Alas what doth the World suffer by the neglect of this It is out of ungodly Families that the World hath ungodly Rulers ungodly Ministers and a swarm of Serpentine Enemies of Holiness and Peace and their own Salvation What Country groaneth not under the Confusions Miseries and horrid Wickedness which are all the Fruits of Family neglects and the careless and ill Education of Youth It is a work of great skill and constant care to instruct and
the priests in the temple profane the sabbath and are blameless 3 4 5. Your strictness and your accusation of my Disciples are but from your ignorance of the Scripture Have ye not read that hunger justified David and his company for eating the consecrated Bread which else none but the Priests might lawfully eat And that the Priests in the temple labour on the Sabbath and break the outward rest of the day which would be profanation did not the Temple service justifie it 6. But I say to you that in this place is one greater than the temple 6. But if the Temple service can justifie labour I am greater than the Temple and my service and authority can justifie it 7. But if ye had known what this meaneth I will have mercy and not sacrifice ye would not have condemned the guiltless 7. If instead of ignorant preciseness for Ceremonies you had but learnt the true meaning of God in his preferring mercy before Sacrifice you would not have thought that Ceremonies and externals are commanded men for their hurt and must be observed against mercy to our selves or others Gods commands are all for mans good and he maketh not externals and ceremonies for a snare to hurt men You would not have censured the guiltless as sinners had you understood this Note This twice repeated most openly condemneth the Papal Church Government 8. For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath-sabbath-day 8. And as Moses's Law was but to lead men to Christ in whom it is fulfilled so it cannot bind any against him and his authority and saving work for which works sake all things are delivered into his hands even the Law and Sabbath of which he is Lord. 9 10. And when he was departed thence he went into their Synagogue And behold there was a man who had his hand withered and they asked him saying Is it lawful to to heal on the sabbath-sabbath-day that they might accuse him 9 10. Note That the ceremonial outward strictness of hypocrites is used to ensnare and hurt those that are not of their mind 11. And he said to them What man shall there be among you that shall have one sheep and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath-day will he not lay hold on it and lift it out 11. Will you not draw a sheep out of a pit on the Sabbath-day if you have but one 12. How much then is a man better than a sheep wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath-days 12. It is lawfull to prefer and do a greater duty before a less 13. Then saith he to the man Stretch forth thy hand and he stretched it forth and it was restored whole like as the other 14. Then the Pharisees went out and held a council against him how they might destroy him 13 14. Note That it is part of the Religion of Hypocrites to destroy men for doing the greatest good against their Laws 15. But when Jesus heard it he withdrew himself from thence and great multitudes followed him and he healed them all 16. And charged them that they should not make him known 15 16. Note 1. It is a duty to avoid the hands of Murderers and Persecutors unless when our sufferings are like to do more good than our lives 2. Christ forbid them making him known partly to avoid the envy and rage of persecutors and partly because the time was not yet come till all his works set together with his Resurrection and Spirit should make up a full proof 17 18. That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet saying Behold my servant whom I have chosen my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased I will put my Spirit upon him and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles 19. He shall not strive nor cry neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets 20. A bruised reed shall he not break and smoaking flax shall he not quench till he send forth judgment unto victory 21. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust 17 c. In all this he fulfilled what was prophesied by Isaiah Behold c. Him whom I have selected for this work of Salvation in whom I am well pleased as fulfilling all my will He shall have the fulness of the Spirit and he shall teach the Nations the way of Truth and Righteousness He shall not subdue men by tumults violence or wars but as the Prince of Peace and Grace he shall deal gently with the weak and cherish the least degree of goodness and pardon the faults of the penitent and not use severity of Justice till he have gathered his Church out of the world and overcome and judged his final enemies And it is he in whom all nations shall be blessed 22. Then was brought to him one possessed with a devil blind and dumb and he healed him insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw 23. And all the people were amazed and said Is not this the son of David 22 23. This people were so astonished to see his works that they said Sure this is the Messiah the son of David 24. But when the Pharisees heard it they said This fellow doth not cast out devils but by Beel-zebub the prince of the devils 25. And Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them Every kingdom divided against it self is brought to desolation and every city and house divided against it self shall not sâ—and 26. And if Satan cast out Satan he is divided against himself how then shall his kingdom stand 24 c. The Pharisees could not deny the matter of fact it being notorious and therefore they had no shift left for their unbelief but saying that All such works are not of God The Prince of Devils to deceive the people giveth him power to cast out devils and do his miracles But Christ said If the Devil have a Kingdom he hath wit to preserve it Is it the Devils work to do good to mens Souls and Bodies If holy doctrine and casting out 〈◊〉 and healing the diseased be against Satan 〈…〉 then he is against himself if he be 〈…〉 Kingdom City or House will not stand 〈…〉 â—â—vidâ—d and fight against it self 27. 〈…〉 â—â—â—zâ—bub cast out devils by 〈…〉 â—â—â—en cast them out therâ—â—ore 〈…〉 be your judges 28. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God then the kingdom of God is come unto you 27 28. And if you think me a Conjurer and confederate with Satan what say you of your own Countreymen my Disciples who cast them out by the power they receive from me Are they all conjurers too Therefore they shall be witness against your unbelief and blasphemy But if all this be certainly done by me by no less power than the Spirit of God you should see that this is Gods attestation to me and that his Kingdom is come in which the Messiah is to conquer Satan and destroy his works 29. Or else how can one enter
father and thy mother and Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self 18 19. Note Christ knew the Order of the commandments but named the Fifth and the Tenth by themselves as being of special note the Fifth for Government it self and the Ninth the summary of the Second Table For Thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self If is that which is meant by Thou shalt not covet thy Neighbours c. that is not by self-love want love to him and draw from him to thy self or oppose his good 20. The young man saith All these have I kept from my youth up what lack I yet 20. Note No doubt but he had broken these commands especially the last but he judged by his freedom from the gross acts of sin 21. Jesus said to him If thou wilt be perfect go and sell that thou hast and give to the poor and thou shalt have treasure in heaven and come and follow me 21. Jesus said the state of Christianity or Qualification for Salvation is this Resolvedly and Practically to prefer Heaven before all the Prosperity of this World so as to part with All for Heaven when thou art Called to it Therefore I will now try thee whether thou canst do this Go sell all and give to the poor and follow me and take the hopes of a Treasure in Heaven instead of all 22. But when the young man heard that saying he went away sorrowful for he had great Possessions 22. But this seemed so hard a Motion to him that he would not consent but went away sorrowful for he was very rich 23. Then said Jesus to his Disciples Verily I say to you That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven 24 And again I â—ay to you It is easier for a Camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God 23.24 The difficulty of a Rich Man's being a sound Christian and Saved is great that I may express it by the common Proverb of a Camels going through a Needles Eye 25. When his Disciples heard it they were exceedingly amazed saying Who then can be saved 26. But Jesus beheld them and said to them With men this is impossible but with God all things are possible 25.26 This amazing the Disciples he said So naturally and strongly do men love this World and its Prosperity and so hardly do they believe and love the unseen Heavenly Felicity that it is impossible for meer fleshly Man to make so great a change upon the heart But the Grace of Almighty God can and will do it 27. Then answered Peter and said to him Behold we have forsaken all and followed thee What shall we have therefore 27. Peter said We have consented to thy termes and forsaken All and followed thee What shall be our reward 28. And Jesus said to them Verily I say to you that ye which have followed me in the Regeneration when the Son of man shall sit on the Throne of his glory ye also shall sit on twelve thrones judging the Twelve Tribes of Israel 28. Fear not being loosers by forsaking all You that have sincerely forsaken All for me shall in my Kingdom and future State have ruling Power Dignity and Honour Note It is doubted by Expositors Whether this speak onely of their chief Power on Earth in the Catholick Church and answerable Glory in Heaven Or of any peculiar reign over the Tribes of Israel in Heaven or on Earth after the resurrection The General sence is sure tho what more there is be doubtful 29. And every one that hath forsaken houses or brethren or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands for my name-sake shall receive an hundred fold and shall inherit everlasting life 29. And it is not you onely but all others that lose and forsake any thing here for my Name-sake in the hope of the Kingdom of Heaven shall be so great gainers by it that they shall have in this Life a hundred-fold better in value than they lost and in the World to come Everlasting Life The worse condition of the Faithful is an hundred times better than others 30. But many that are first shall be last and the last shall be first 30. But as to the degree of Glory I must tell you it will not be given according to priority of Age or Conversion but according to the preparations of Grace And many that are now called and have less Holiness will have less Glory than many that will be more Eminent Saints many Ages hence CHAP. XX. 1. FOR the Kingdom of heaven is like to a man that is an housholder which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his Vineyard 2. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day he sent them into his vineyard 1.2 Note The Parable is to shew That God will not give men more Glory than others because they were the first Christians but because his Grace hath made them the best tho in time after others 3. And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the market-place 4. And said unto them Go ye also into the vineyard and what ever is right I will give you And they went their way 5. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour and did likewise 6. And about the Eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle and saith to them Why stand ye here all the day idle 7. They say to him Because no man hath hired us He saith to them Go ye also into the Vineyard and what ever is right that shall ye receive 3. c. The hours were about Nine a Clock and at Twelve and at Three and at Five God is not for idleness but hath work for all times and Ages 8. So when even was come the lord of the vineyard saith to his Steward Call the labourers and give them their hire beginning from the last unto the first 8. Note Gods Reward is in the evening of our days and the evening of the World when Work is done 9. And when they came that were hired at the Eleventh hour they received every man a penny 10. And when the first came they supposed that they should have received more and they likewise received every man a penny 11. And when they had received it they murmured against the good man of the house 12. Saying These last have wrought but one hour and thou hast made them equal with us who have born the burder and heat of the day 9.10.11.12 He made no difference in their Wages for the Time of their Work But he will make difference for the Work it self They that are called near the end of the World shall have as much as those that heard Christ Preach And those that are Converted in their Age if they be more Holy than those that began in Youth will be more Happy 2. This Parable meaneth not that
God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob God is not the God of the dead but of the living 31 32. That there is a life after this is proved by Gods words I am the God c. That God is their God implyeth that they are his people and therefore live For to be Their God is to be their Ruler and their Benefactor and felicity a relation which the dead are not capable of And it is not said I was their God but I am their God And if Abraham c. be alive so are the souls of other men and as they die not with the body but live with Spirits So they are capable of a Spiritual body which God will give them Note It is well noted by Dr. Hammond that as the Sadducees denied not only the rising of the body but the Immortality of the Soul and all our life after this so it was this future life which they here meant and Christ doth prove out of the books which they received And that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifieth not only the Resurrection of the Body but our living after this life when the body is dead And if the Soul were not Immortal there could be no resurrection of the same man Another Soul would be another man imbodied And God doth not make new Souls to be rewarded or punished for that which they never did 33. And when the multitude heard this they were astonished at his doctrine 34. But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence they were gathered together 35. Then one of them which was a lawyer asked him a question tempting him and saying 36. Master which is the great commandment in the law 33 c. To try whether they could pose him or ensnare him in his answer one ask'd this question 37 38 39. Jesus said to him Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind This is the first and great commandment And the second is like to it Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self 37 c. Note 1. Heart Soul and mind seem to mean but wholly with all thy power Tho we may distinguish them as meaning the faculties Vital Sensitive and Intellectual must be devoted to God Or as some say The Will Affections and Understanding 2. Christ tells us of a great difference betwen Gods commands These two are Great above the resâ— 40. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets 40. These two are the very sum and end of all that is said in the Law and by the Prophets Love comprehends all 41. While the Pharisees were gathered together Jesus asked them 42. Saying What think ye of Christ whose son is he They say to him The Son of David 43. He saith to them How then doth David in spirit call him Lord saying 44. The Lord said to my Lord Sit thou on my right hand tâ—ll I make thine enemies thy footstool 45. If David then call him Lord how is he his Son 46. And no man was able to answer him a word neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions 41 c. Note They knew not that Christ must be the Son of God They ceased their tempting questions when they found themselves but silenced CHAP. XXIII 1. THen spake Jesus to the multitude and to his dissciples 2. Saying The Scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses seat 3. And therefore whatever they bid you observe that observe and do but do not after their works for they say and do not 1 2 3. The Scribes and Pharisees when they read and expound Moses Law do a work appointed of God therefore though you must beware of the leaven of their corrupt exposition yet hear the Law which they read and do all which they command you out of the Law But imitate not their sinful practice for they live not according to Moses Law which they deliver 4. For they bind heavy burthens and grievous to be born and lay them on mens shoulders but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers 4. It is easie to preach strictly but not to live so They preach the rigour of the Law but keep it not 5. But all their works they do to be seen of men they make broad their Phylacteries and enlarge the borders of their garments 6. And love the uppermost rooms at feasts and the chief seats in the Synagogues 7. And greetings in the markets and to be called of men Rabbi Rabbi 5 6 7. They place their Religion in outward ceremonies and actions of the body which man can see They write out the Law in Rolls and wear them like a chain and make broad the borders of their garments as Numb 15.38 Deut. 22.12 And affect preheminence great names and applause 8. But be not ye called Rabbi for one is your Master even Christ and all ye are brethren 8. Do not you affect these titles of Reverence such as Doctor or any that giveth too much to man 9. And call no man your father upon the earth for one is your Father which is in heaven 9. And call none in excess of Reverence the Father of your Religion for God only is such a Father 10. Neither be ye called Masters for one is your Master even Christ 10. And affect not the title of Masters in Religion for you are all Scholars to our Master Christ 11 12. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant and whoever shall exalt himself shall be abased and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted 11 12. Church greatness and dignity consisteth in being most greatly serviceable But if you affect domination and preferment you shall be abased and he that humbleth himself shall be accounted the chief by God and used accordingly 13. But wo to you Scribes and Pharisees hypocrites for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men for ye neither go in your selves not suffer them that are entring to go in 13. You keep men from believing that they might be saved pretending to be Masters and teachers of the Law you pervert it and harden your selves in unbelief and are against others preaching the Gospel and believing it 14. Wo to you Scribes and Pharisees hypocrites for ye devour widows houses and for a pretence make long prayers therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation 14. You are unmerciful covetous and oppressours and think your Long Prayers will salve all with God and men and conscience Qu. Were they extemporary Prayers or long Liturgies and forms Answ If the former the Pharisees had more of the gift of utterance than Christs Disciples then But no doubt but they were long Liturgies or Forms for else they were not suitable to the times or the character of the Pharisees who were Church-rulers and all for tradition and ceremony and outside And yet Christ blameth not the Forms or
house 18. Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes 15.16.17.18 When ye see the desolating Heathen Army come to use their force and violence against the Sacred Place of the Jews answering that which Daniel saith of others then stay not but be gon and be glad if by Flight you can save your Lives but stay not to save your Goods or Cloathes 19. And wo unto them that are with child and to them that give suck in those days 19. And they that are made slow by impediments of children c. are like to lose their Lives 20. But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter neither on the sabbath day 20. It will increase the calamity of your Flight if it should fall out in the Winter when the Weather will delay you or on a Sabbath day when the Jews scruple Journeying or a Sabbath Year when the Land Untilled beareth not Fruit. 21. For there shall be great tribulation such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time no nor ever shall be 22. And except those days should be shortned there should no flesh be saved but for the Elects sake those days shall be shortned 21.22 N. This was most dreadfully fulfilled as Josephus who was then among them hath fully written 1100000 Killed and 97000 Captives 22. If these Slaughters by the Romans should continue long no Jews would be left alive But God will so far preserve the Believers that their Armies shall stay but a little while 23. Then if any man shall say to you Lo here is Christ or there believe it not 24. For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets and shall shew great signes and wonders insomuch that if it were possible they shall deceive the very elect 25. Behold I have told you before 23.24.25 In this Desolation it will add to their misery that False Christs and Prophets shall rise and promise to deliver them and lead them further into snares And they shall do such Signes and Wonders as if God did not preserve them would deceive the very chosâ—â— of God the true Believers But whatever same you hear of such believe it not I have fore-warned you 26. Wherefore if they shall say unto you Behold he is in the desert go not forth Behold he is in the secret chambers believe it not 26. Go not after any such Deceiver where ever they say he is though he promise deliverance 27. For as the lightning cometh out of the east and shineth even unto the west so shall the coming of the Son of man be 27. For as you must look for no other Saviour so my coming will not be such an appearance in Flesh but by Heavenly Light shining forth from the East unto the Westerne Parts of the World by my Word and Spirit turning men from Darkness to Light in preparation to my coming to Judgment in which I will suddenly appear from Heaven in Glory to all the World as Lightning doth in a moment in the Skies Note Some Expositors rather think it speaketh of his sudden Destroying Jerusalem 28. For wheresoever the carcase is there will the eagles be gathered together 28. And as for these forlorne Jews whose deserved Destruction is decreed of God they are as a carcase to the Eagles the Roman Messengers of Gods Wrath will find them out Note Others expound it where the Gospel is Preached thither will the People flock 29. Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkned and the moon shall not give her light and the stars shall fall from heaven and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken 29 N. Some Expound this Metaphorically of the overthrow of all the Jewish State Power Policie Others of the Roman Wars and concussions Others properly of dreadful Prodigies that shall appear before Christs coming to Judgment Joel 2.31 and 3.15 30. And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory 30. As some Then the Jews shall be convinced that their destruction was Christs Revenge for his Death and Rejection and all the Tribes of their Land shall Mourn as if they had seen Christ coming himself against them in the clouds with Power and Glory As others The sign of the Cross shall appear to Constantine in the Skie and all the Heathen Nations shall Mourn and be cast down and they shall see Christ setting up his Kingdom by imperial Armes with Power and Glory As others Then shall Christ suddenly appear from Heaven to Judge the World and come in the clouds with Power and Glory to the grief and terrour of all the Wicked Supposing that Christ passed from the Destruction of Jerusalem to speak of his last coming 31. And he shall send his angels with a â—reat sound of a trumpet and they shall gaâ—her together his elect from the four winds from one end of heaven to the other 31. As some He shall gather the Believers in all Judâ—a whom he saveth from this Destruction As others He shall send forth his Apostles with the Gospel as a Trumpet to call his chosen out of the World into his Church As others By Constantine and Christian Powers he shall through all the Empire set Christians in Honour and Power over the Heathens As others Literally He shall at his appearing and Judgment send his Angels and gather all his Elect to himself 32. Now learn a parable of the fig-tree When her branch is yet tender and putteth forth leaves ye know that summer is nigh 33. So likewise ye when ye shall see all these things know that it is near even at the doors 32.33 By the similitude of the Fig-tree I tell you that there must be time for these Changes but when ye see the beginning of these Signes Know that the accomplishment is not far off 34. Verily I say unto you This generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled 35. Heaven and earth shall pass away but my words shall not pass away 34.35 As some Some yet alive shall see all fulfilled that I have hitherto spoken that is Onely of the Destruction of Jerusalem As others That part that I have spoken of the Destruction of Jerusalem some alive shall see for it was but 38 years after As others some yet alive shall see the beginning of the performance of all that I have said and the rest will follow and a Thousand years with the Lord is but as one Day When Heaven and Earth passeth away you shall see that my Word is all Fulfilled They shall see the Catholick Church 36. But of that day and hour knoweth no man no not the angels of heaven but my Father onely 36. The day and hour of the Jews Destruction say some Of the End of the World say others none knows but God
Note 1. Whence the Ancient Doctors gathered that Christ hath a two old Knowledge Will and Operation One Humane and Imperfect the other Divine and Perfect 2. Angels may increase in knowledge 37. But as the days of Noe were so shall also the coming of the Son of man be 38. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking marrying and giving in marriage until the day that Noe entred into the ark 39. And knew not until the flood came and took them all away so shall also the coming of the Son of man be 37.38.39 As in the days of Noe they would not believe their danger till it surprized them but liv'd presumptuously in their fleshly pleasure and worldly business so will it be with Sinners at my Coming Both at the destruction of Jerusalem and at the day of Judgment 40. Then shall two be in the field the one shall be taken and the other left 41. Two women shall be grinding at the mill the one shall be taken and the other left 40.41 Then I will manifest my distinguishing Providence One that is a Believer shall be taken to me and be Saved and the other left to their delusion and destruction in unbelief Note The difficulty of most of these foregoing Texts forbids me to be peremptory in determining whether they spake onely of the destruction of Jerusalem as in Mark the Question seemeth to intimate Or also of the End of the World as some words in the Answer seem to intimate And I incline to think that as the Types and Prophecies of the Old Testament spake proximately of the things and persons Typifying but remotely and chiefly thereby of Christ and the things Typifyed so these Texts speak first of the destruction of Jerusalem and next of the Calling of the Gentiles and Catholick Church but thereby finally and chiefly of the End of the World As if Christ said As it will be here now so it will be then parabolically 42. Watch therefore for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come This therefore is the necessary wisdome of all to be as men on their watch never a sleep or mindless but always ready as expecting the Coming of your Lord And then though you understand not all Circumstances before hand you shall be safe 43. But know this that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief would come he would have watched and would not have suffered his house to be broken up 44. Therefore be ye also ready for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man cometh 43.44 Seeing men will watch against a Thief if they knew when he would come watch you for the preventing of surprize because you know not but it may presently be the time and it must be a continual readiness that must be your safety not onely as to the destruction of Jerusalem but as to every mans particular Judgment For Christ spake for the use of us all to the end and not onely for the few Jews that heard him 45. Who then is a faithful and wise servant whom his lord hath made ruler over his houshold to give them meat in due season 46. Blessed is that servant whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing 45.46 And those that are faithful and wise Teachers and rulers of his Church to give them meet and seasonable instruction as food for their Souls shall be found at their Lords coming Blessed Persons and shall be aboundantly gainers by their labours and their Sufferings 47. Verily I say unto you that he shall make him ruler over all his goods 47. I tell you such Ministers how poor or despised soever now by the world shall be advanced to a far greater dignity than their present Pastoral Office even to a participation under Christ of the Universal Government 48. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart My Lord delayeth his coming 49. And shall begin to smite his fellow servants and to eat and drink with the drunken 48.49 But if any Assume the Sacred Ministry and shall say in his heart It is long since Christ promised to come and now his coming is either uncertain or will not be in hasle and thereupon shall indulge â—his fleshly Lusts and shall turn a malignant abuser of his fellow Servants and Persecute Silence and Oppress them and give himself up to the pleasure of his Appetite in Feasting and Drunkenness 50. The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him and in an hour that he is not ware of 51. And shall cut him asunder and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites there shall be â—eeping and gnashing of teeth 50. The Lord of that Servant will surprise him in his Sin and Security when he least suspecteth it and will execute that Vengeance on him which is due to such as aggravate their wickedness by Hypocrisie and make him feel that as it is odious so it is dreadful to prophane Holy things and to fight against holiness in the Name of Christ and at once to be a Minister a Worldling a Sensualist and a Persecutor Annotation It is of great moment for the understanding of this Chapter and much of Christs Gospel to know the true meaning of Christs Kingdom and his Coming Tho oft he spake directly of his last coming to Judgment yet ordinarily this seemeth his meaning His Kingdom is that Reign in Heaven on Earth at once which he was to exercise as the Messiah or God Incarnate having Redeemed lost Man The little poor Nation of Israelites were his peculiar People before Upon his Ascension the Gentile World was to be Called and a Catholick Church gathered over the Earth in a more excellent covenant of peculiarity and this Catholick Church is the Kingdom of the Messiah His coming is not his sending his Enemies to destroy Jerusalem nor yet his Visible Appearance in Person till Judgment but his setting up this his Kingdom his coming to Reign that is to Erect this Catholick Church This is plainly expounded in Luke 17.20 21 23. The Pharisees demanded when the Kingdom of God should come He told them The Kingdom of God cometh not with observation or outward shew by personal visible Appearance of the King in Pomp and Splendor with a Court as Monarchs rule nor shall they say Lo here or Lo there No Head King or Court shall be Visible for behold the Kingdom of God is in you or among you It is a Spiritual Reign in Souls and in the Church of which you have already some beginnings 24. For as the Lightning that Lightneth out of one part under the Heaven shineth to the other part under Heaven So shall also the Son of man be in his Day but first he must suffer and be rejected of this Generation c. that is when he hath Suffered and been Rejected he will Rise Ascend and from Heaven send his Spirit and Word to
my right-hand till I make thine enemies thy footstool 37. David therefore himself calleth him Lord and whence is he then his son 37. He is the Lord in his Divine Nature and his Son in his human Nature 37. And the common people heard him gladly 38. And he said to them in his doctrine Beware of the scribes which love to go in long clothing and love salutations in the market-places 39. And the chief seats in the synagogues and the uppermost rooms at feasts 40. Who devour widdows houses and for a pretence make long prayers these shall receive greater damnation 37. Let not these proud Hypocrites deceive you who by their long Liturgies and Ceremonies and claim of Superiority do but cloak their Worldliness Pride and Oppression and are Religious to their greater Damnation 41. And Jesus sate over against the treasury and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury and many that were rich cast in much 42. And there came a certain poor widow and she threw in two mites which make a farthing 43. And he called unto him his disciples and saith unto them Verily I say unto you that this poor widow hath cast more in then all they which have cast into the treasury 44. For all they did cast in of their abundance but she of her want did cast in all that she had even all her living 41. It is no note of self-denying piety to serve God so Liberally of that which the flesh can spare and which costeth the flesh no denial of its desires but to serve it with the first and God with its leavings 2. God accepteth a willing mind where 〈◊〉 and power is wanting CHAP. XIII ANd as he went out of the Temple one of his Disciples saith unto him Master see what manner of stones and buildings are here 2. And Jesus answering said unto him seest thou these great buildings there shall not be left one stone upon another that shall not be thrown down 3. And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the Temple Peter and James and Andrew asked him privately 4. Tell us when all these things shall be and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled See in Matth. 24. Note Nature would foreknow even the evil to come 5. And Jesus answering them began to say Take heed lest any man deceive you 6. For many shall come in my name saying I am Christ and shall deceive many 6. Many shall pretend that they are sent to restore the Jewish Kingdom and draw in people to their destruction 7. And when ye shall hear of Wars and and rumors of Wars be ye not troubled for such things must needs be but the end shall not be yet 8. For nation shall rise against nation and Kingdom against Kingdom and there shall be earthquakes in divers places and there shall be famines and troubles these are the beginnings of sorrows 8. Many commotions must go before the deâ—â—ruction 9. But take heed to your selves for they shall deliver you up to counsels and in the Synagogues ye shall be beaten and ye shall be brought before Rulers and Kings for my sake for a testimony against them 9. I allow you by lawful means to keep your selves out of their hands but I foretel you that their Councils will condemn you and in their Synagogues they will scourge you like Malefactors and cast you out and you shall be brought before such as Herod Agrippa and the Roman Procurators to answer for being Christians That your testimony may evince against them that they heard the Gospel and did not obey it 10. And the Gospel must first be published among all nations 10. Before their destruction the Gospel must be spread and published abroad both to Jews and Gentiles 11. But when they shall lead you and deliver you up take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak neither do ye premeditate but whatever shall be given you in that hour that speak ye for it is not ye that speak but the Holy Ghost 11. Tho you may be discouraged for want of matter boldness or utterance let not this trouble you for I promise you the present help of my Spirit 12. Now the brother shall betray the brother to death and the father the son and children shall rise up against their parents and shall cause them to be put to death 13. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name sake but he that shall endure unto the end the same shall be saved 12.13 Your kindred themselves shall be your enemies and shall not spare your very lives And the vulgar of all sorts shall be seduced to take you for the plagues of the World and commonly mention you as a hateful sort of men But bear all this patiently Trust God and hold out to the end and you shall be saved from all this and more 14. But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the Prophet standing where it ought not let them that readeth understand then let them who be in Judea flee to the mountains 15. And let him that is on the house top not go down into the house neither enter therein to take any thing out of his house 16. And let him that is in the field not turn back again to take up his garment 14. But when you shall see the Roman Ensigns set up against Jerusalem like Antiochus's desolating abomination mentioned by Daniel expect not that I should speak more plainly to you to enrage the Roman power then speedily be gone and shift for your selves and be glad tho you lose your goods if you save your lives 17. But woe to them that are with child and to them that give suck in those days 11. And pray ye that your slight be not in the winter 19. For in those days shall be affliction such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created to this day neither shall be 17. It will be an increase of misery to all that are hâ—ndred in flight For the affliction of those days will be unparallel'd 20. And except the Lord had shortned those days no flesh should be saved but for the elects sake whom he hath chosen he hath shortned the days 20. Those calamities shall not destroy all but God hath some chosen ones whom he will preserve 21. And then if any man say to you Lo here is Christ and lo he is there believe him not 22. For false Christs and false Prophets shall rise and shall shew signs and wonders to seduce if it were possible the very elect 23. But take ye heed behold I have foretold you all things 21. The miserable Jews will follow divers that will pretend they are sent to be their Saviours But I warn you Trust none such 24. But in those days after that tribulation the Sun shall be darkned and the Moon shall not not give her light 25. And the stars of Heaven shall fall
and the powers that are in Heaven shall be shaken 26. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory See Matth. 24.29 30. 27. And then shall he send his angels and shall gather together his elect from the four winds from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven See Matth. 24.31 28. Now learn a parable of the fig tree when his branch is yet tender and putteth forth leaves ye know that summer is near 29. So ye in like manner when ye shall see these things come to pass know that it is nigh even at the doors 30. Verily I say to you that this generation shall not pass till all these things be done 31. Heaven and earth shall pass away but my words shall not pass away 29.30 Expect the destruction of Jerusalem when ye see these signs And doubt not of my Word Some now alive shall live to see it It was not 40 years 32. But of that day and that hour knoweth no man no not the angels which are in heaven neither the Son but the Father 32. But these things not coming discernibly as effects of natural causes neither Angels nor Christ as man can foretel just the day and hour because they depend on the meer will of God 33. Take you heed watch and pray for ye know not when the time is 33. It is kept unknown to you that you may watch and pray and be still prepared 34. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey who left his house and gave authority to his servants and to every man his work and commanded the porter to watch 35. Watch ye therefore for ye know not when the master of the house cometh at even or at midnight or at the cock crowing or in the morning 36. Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping 37. And what I say to you I say to all Watch. 34. So long shall Christ be out of sight that he will seem to men as one in a far Country But see that you do the work he set you and watch for his coming in a wakeful prepared state continually This is my charge to you and to all Note It occasioneth great perplexity to the Readers here and Matth. 24. that the destruction of Jerusalem and the final coming of Christ seem to be set so near together as if the latter were to come soon after the former V. 24. In those days or Immediately which causeth them to expound the latter part allegorically as meaning only the great commotions in Judaea Which seemetth a very hard exposition of Christs coming with his Angels visibly in the Clouds and gathering his Elect from the four ends of Heaven c. The apparition to Constantine and the powerful deliverance of the Christians from Heathen rage is less harsh than this But 1. things of greatest distance may be quickly set together in Writing and the questions may occasion the Conjunction 2. Christ spake for all Ages as well as for them 3. A thousand years with the Lord is as one day 4. And it is undeniable that the Writers gave us not just all the words that Christ spake For 1. he spake in Caldee and they translate them into Greek 2. In this and other instances their words oft differ among themselves 3. They profess to omit much that Christ said 4. They place his words oft in divers orders Therefore we must not gather any thing from a word or from the omission of a clause which contradicteth the scope of the Text and the certain truth CHAP. XIIII 1. AFter two days was the feast of the passover and of unleavened bread and the Chief Priests and the Scribes sought how they might take him by craft and put him to death 2. But they said not on the feast day lest there be an uprore of the people 2. They feared the peoples rescuing him 3. And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper as he sat at meat there came a woman having an Alablaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious and she break the box and poured it on his head 3. Note This Simon it is most like having been cured by him of a Leprosie shewed his thankfulness in entertaining him 2. Bethany like the Villages near London contained a large circuit of ground it being usual for Citizens so to set their Country-houses and for such grounds to be so populous 3. It was a Cruise of precious Spike Oyl shaken and poured out 4. And there were some that had indignation among themselves and said why was this wast of the oinment made 5. For it might have bin sold for more then three hundred pence and have been given to the poor and they murmured against her 4. Note Whether it was any beside Judas is doubtful Mans wit is apt to be censorious against good works on pretence of some good which they more value 2. Three hundred pence of theirs is as Budeus and Beza calculate fifty two French Crowns and a half A Crown is 6 s. 8 d. our Noble 6. And Jesus said let her alone Why trouble ye her she hath wrought a good work on me 7. For ye have the poor with you always and when soever ye will ye may do them good but me ye have not always 6. Note That is not best at one time that is best at another but every thing in its season 8. She hath done what she could she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying 9. Verily I say to you Wheresoever this Gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her 9. Note The greatest honouring of Christ tendeth to our own greatest honour tho despised at present by the prophane 10. And Judas Iscariot one of the twelve went unto the chief priests to betray him to them 10. Note The Devil draweth sinners to be the seekers of their own temptation sin and misery 11. And when they heard of it they were glad and promised to give him money And he sought how he might conveniently betray him 11. Note 1. The wicked are glad to be assisted in sin 2. Money is the bait of wickedness and blood 3. When the heart once consenteth to sin men study how to accomplish it 12. And the first day of unleavened bread when they killed the passover his disciples said unto him where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover 13. And he sendeth forth two of his disciples and saith unto them Go ye into the city and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water follow him 14. And wheresoever he shall go in say to the goodman of the house The Master saith where is the guest chamber where I shall eat the passover with my disciples 15. And he will show you a large upper room furnished and prepared there make ready for
his shewing unto Israel 80. And John with his increase of age and strength shewed great strength of the Spirit of God in him and he dwelt in the wilderness or say some in the hill Countrey of Judaea bred up in a life of holiness and mortification till the time that he sett upon his publick ministry of preaching the Kingdom of the Messiah and repentance and baptizing CHAP. II. 1. ANd it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Cesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed 2. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria 3. And all went to be taxed every one into his own city 1 2 3. Augustus decreed that all the Empire called the Roman world should be enrolled in their several Families and Cities That he might know the state of his Empire and how to tax them 4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth into Judea unto the city of David which is called Bethlehem because he was of the house and lineage of David 5. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife being great with child 4 5. She was now marryed though called espoused 6. And so it was that while they were there the days were accomplished that she should be delivered 7. And she brought forth her first-born Son and wrapped him in swadling cloths and laid them in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn 6 7. Note It should be rather in the stables than in the manger Had Joseph been a rich man its like he would have found better room 8. And there were in the same countrey shepherds abiding in the field keeping watch over their flock by night 8. Some one part of the night and some another by turns as is most likely 9. And lo the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone round about them and they were sore afraid 10. And the angel said unto them Fear not for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people 11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord. 12. And this shall be a sign unto you ye shall find the babe wrapped in swadling cloths lying a manger 9 10. Glory is Light Christs birth is cause of universal joy 12. stable 13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying 14. Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace good will towards men 13 14. Note Angels are the heavenly host Note Gods praise and Glory is the end of all his works Note Angels rejoiced at Christs birth and for mans redemption 14. In Christ the Redeemer God will be glorified in Heaven Peace will be made on Earth by this great Reconciler and Gods Love or Benevolence will be towards men Or Glory be to God in the Heavens through the Redeemer and Reconciliation or Peace on Earth to men that are the objects of Gods good will Q. Is it necessary or lawful to keep a day as holy in remembrance of Christs birth Ans 1. If any should appoint a weekly day for it it would be an usurping of the same power that hath already separated a weekly day for it it would be an usurping of the same power that hath already separateh a weekly day for commemorating the work of Redemption though specially for Christs Resurrection And it would seem an accusing Christs Law of insufficiency 2. And if any should make a yearly days observation necessary to the universal Church 1. They would usurp a power not given to any to make Laws for all the Church 2. And they would accuse Christs Law as imperfect But if particular Christians Churches or Countries voluntarily agree to celebrate yearly the memorial of Christs birth it is but what almost all the Churches on earth do and have done at least 1300 years And iâ—â—â—lawful to keep a yearly day of remembrance for aâ—y 〈◊〉 deliverance or mercy to the Church even in an Apâ—â—â—le But if any Christian think that it is an unlawful addition to the institution of the Lords day which Goâ— set a part for our commemorating the whole work of Redemption such shâ—uld not be forced to keep it against their Consciences but must avoid affronting them that do 15. And it came to pass as the angels were gone away from them into heaven the shepherds said one to another Let us now go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass which the Lord hath made known unto us 16. And they came with hast and found Mary and Joseph and the babe lying in a manger 17. And when they had seen it they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child 18. And all they that heard it wondred at those things which were told them by the shephards 19. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart 20 And the shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen as it was told unto them 15 16 17 18. In a Stable 19. Regarded themâ— as tending to what was promised her 20. Angel are not first sent to Princes but to poor Shephards who must preach Christ 21. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child his name was called Jesus who was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb 21. Jesus is a Saviour He was circumcised as bound to keep the Law of Moses not as a seal of pardon of sin to him 22. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished they brought him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. 22. To the Priest as in Numb 3.12.46 23. As it is written in the law of the Lord Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord 24. And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord A pair of turtle doves or two young pidgeons 23 24. See Levit. 12.6.8 25 And behold there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon and the same man was just and devout waiting for the consolation of Israel and the holy Ghost was upon him 26. And it was revealed unto him by the holy Ghost that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord Christ 25. Note The Messiah was much expected at that time Note It is Just and Devout men that God specially favoureth by exâ—raordinary gifts of his Spirit 27. And he came by the spirit into the temple and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him after the custom of the law 28. Then took he him up in his arms and blessed God and said 29. Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word 30. For mine eyes have seen thy
my coming for your change and let not your preparation be to mâ—â—e aâ— last 37. Blessed are those servants whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching verily I say unto you that he shall gird himself and make them to sit down to meat and will come forth and serve them 37. Christ will do more for them than if he were a Servant to them 38. And if he shall come in the second watch or come in the third watch and find them so blessed are those servants See Matth. 24.45 39. And this know that if the good man of the house had known what hour the thief would come he would have watched and not have suffered his house to be broken thorow 40. Be ye therefore ready also for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not 39 40. Every one would be awaked just at the time if they foreknew the hour But God will conceal it that ye may be always ready 41. Then Peter said unto him Lord speakest thou this parable unto us or even to all 42. And the Lord said Who then is that faithful and wise steward whom his Lord shall make ruler over his houshold to give them their portion of meat in due season 43. Blessed is that servant whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing 44. Of a truth I say unto you that he will make him ruler over all that he hath 41 42 43 44. I speak it to all so far as they are Gods Stewards of their several trusts But especially of those that are ruling Stewards over the Churches appointed to give the Children their due food in season All such shall be rewarded 45. But and if that servant say in his heart My lord delayeth his coming and shall begin to beat the men-servants and maidens and to eat and drink and to be drunken 46. The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him and at an hour when he is not aware and will cut him in sunder and will appoint him his portion with the unbeleivers 45 46. Note This dreadful threatning is also a prophecy of a worldly persecuting sort that should arise under pretence of ruling and feeding the houshold of Christ both Civil and Ecclesiastical 47. And that servant which knew his lords will and prepared not himself neither did according to his will shall be beaten with many stripes 47. The sins against knowledge are greater far than those of ignorance Note There are degrees of pain in Hell Note And wicked Clergy men and Teachers will have the greatest Torment 48. But he that knew not and did commit things worthy of stripes shall be beaten with few stripes For unto whomsoever much is given of him shall be much required and to whom men have committed much of him they will ask the more 48. Some in hell have few stripes comparatively Note Great gifts must be used with great diligence and great power and trust and charges are rather to be feared than ambitiously sought Little do the Great Conquerors of the World or those that strive for Church-preferments believe and consider what Duty or deep Damnation they so much labour for 49. I am come to send fire on the earth and what will I if it be already kindled 50. But I have a baptism to be baptized with and how am I straightned till it be accomplishment 49 50. I come to do that work that will set the World on fire and occasion persecution And it is already begun And I am to lead the way in suffering and to go through these flames my self And I am as in pain till it be accomplished 51. Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth I tell you Nay but rather division 52. For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided three against two and two against three 53. The father shall be divided against the son and the son against the Father the mother against the daughter and the daughter against the mother the mother in law against the daughter in law and the daughter in law against her mother in law 51 52 53. Some think that the Coming of the Messiah will settle an universal peace but they are mistaken I come to conquer Satans Kingdom and save Souls from sin which will not be without a conflict I come to divide men from sin and Satan who possessed them in peace And the Soldiers of Satan will pursue those that by grace escape natural kindred will not reconcile them 54. And he said also to the people When ye see a cloud rise out of the west straitway ye say there cometh a shower and so it is 55. And when ye see the south wind blow ye say There will be heat and it cometh to pass 56. Ye hypocrites ye can discern the face of the skie and of the earth but how is it that ye do not discern this time 54 55 56. You have by experience learned to foretel the weather by the winds and why learn you not by the signs in your own hearts and lives to foresee what is like to befall you even the destruction that is at hand 57. Yea and why even of your selves judge ye not what is right 57. Yea why do you not gather it from the nature of duty and sin and of the Justice of God 58. When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate as thou art in the way give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him lest he hale thee to the judge and the judge deliver thee to the officer and the officer cast thee into prison 59. I tell thee Thou shalt not depart thence till thou hast paid the very last mite 58 59. Carry it towards God as thou wouldst do to one that hath a just action against thee at Law Thou shouldst make thy peace with him by all means before the Magistrate take the cause in hand and judge thee to prison till thou have paid all the debt and deliver thee to the jaylor to that end So make thy peace with God by Christ by timely and true repentance and faith before judgment pass on thee the irrevocable sentence Note 1. This was spoken by Christ on another accusation and Luke sets various things together like Solomans Proverbs unless it were spoken twice by Christ Note 2. Timely repentance must prevent too late wishes and utter destruction Note 3. They err that hence gather that men in hell shall at last come out by paying the very last mite The sense of similitudes must not be extended beyond the designed end of him that speaketh upon any pretence of the strict sense of the words CHAP. XIII 1. THere were present at that season some that told him of the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices 1. Some Pilate had killed for stirring up the People against the Romans Government 2. And Jesus answering said unto them Suppose ye that these Galileans were sinners
them all 30. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed 28 29 30. Christ's coming whether to destroy his Enemies or to judge the World will be sudden unexpected and terrible 31. In that day he which shall be upon the house top and his stuff in the house let him not come down to take it away and he that is in the field let him likewise not return back 32. Remember Lot's wife 31 32. Let all go and be glad to save your lives Look nor back with grief for your losses lest you speed as Lot's Wife did 33. Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it 33. Self-saving by forsaking the Truth will prove self-destroying and venturing and losing life for me shall prove the surest saving way 34. I tell you In that night there shall be two men in one bed the one shall be taken the other shall be left 35. Two women shall be grinding together the one shall be taken and the other shall be left 36. Two men shall be in the field the one shall be taken the other shall be left 34 35. I will carefully separate my own from the rest and save them when unbelievers perish whether at the end or sooner 37. And they answered and said unto him Where Lord And he said unto them Wheresoever the body is thither will the eagles be gathered together 37. Where shall all these things be done He said where those designed to destruction are thither God s Justice will send his Executioners And where his chosen are there shall be deliverance See Matth. 24. CHAP. XVIII 1. ANd he spake a parable unto them to this end that men ought always to pray and not to faint 1. To hold on in earnest importunity and hope and not to grow cold and slack and heartless 2. Saying There was in a city a judge which feared not God neither regarded man 3. And there was a widow in that city and she came unto him saying Avenge me of mine adversary 2 3. Note Woe to the Land that hath such Judges She said Do me Justice against my Adversary 4. And he would not for a while but afterward he said within himself Though I fear not God nor regard man 5. Yet because this widow troubleth me I will avenge her lest by her continual coming she weary me 4 5. Note Where there is no fear of God yet avoiding clamor and shame for injustice may make a Judge do Justice to the oppressed But they that come 10 Diabolical Malignity will delight to do mischief and destroy the Just and will take their wickedness for their glory 6. And the Lord said Hear what the unjust judge saith 7. And shall not God avenge his own elect that cry day and night unto him though he bear long with them 8. I tell you that he will avenge them speedily Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh shall he find faith on the earth 6 7 8. Will importunity prevail with a wicked Judge and will not importunate prayer prevail with God to do Justice for his chosen praying people I tell you though the time seem long to you he will make no delay to do them Justice in due time Note Importunity moved the man by wearying him but it procureth mercy from God only by making us fit Receivers of it Men will despond by impatience before deliverance cometh 9. And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselvs that they were righteous and despised others 9. He thought meet to rebuke those who thought too well of their own goodness and were too censorious and contemptuous of those that seemed worse than they 10. Two men went up into the temple to pray the one a Pharisee and the other a publican 11. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself God I thank thee that I am not as other men are extortioners unjust adulterers nor even as this Publican 12. I fast twice in the week I give tithes of all that I possess 10 11 12. The Pharisees Prayer was a boasting of his goodness and not a humble bewailing of his sins and wants All this was praise-worthy in it self but much more was necessary in him 13. And the publican standing afar off would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven but smote upon his breast saying God be mercifull to me a sinner 13. His Prayer was in â—he deep sense of his sin a humble begging mercy of God â—ot with a purpose to go on in sin but with peâ—â—tence and conversion resolving of a new life 14. I tell you this man went down to his house justified rather then the other for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted 14. God took this for a juster or better man for his penitent confession than the Pharisee for all that formal righteousness which he boasted of For God will exalt the humble and abase the proud But this supposeth the Publican's Repentance to be a true Conversion and not meer conviction and confessing in fear 15. And they brought unto him also infants that he would touch them but when his disciples saw it they rebuked them 16. But Jesus called them unto him and said Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not for of such is the kingdom of God 17. Verily I say unto you Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein 15 16 17. See on Matth. 10.14 Matth. 19.13 14 15. 18. And a certain ruler asked him saying Good Master what shall I do to inherit eternal life 19. And Jesus said unto him Why callest thou me good none is good save one that is God 20. Thou knowest the commandments Do not commit adultery Do not kill Do not steal Do not bear false witness Honour thy father and thy mother 21. And he said All these have I kept from my youth up 22. Now when Jesus heard these things he said unto him Yet lackest thou one thing sell all that thou hast and distribute unto the poor and thou shalt have treasure in heaven and come follow me 23. And when he heard this he was very sorrowful for he was very rich 18 19 20 21 22 23. See Matth. 19.20 Mark 10.17 Note This renunciation of the World is not required by Christ only to a high degree of holyness but to the obtaining of Eternal Life Note Multituâ—es of nominal Christians go not so far as this worldly Jew in believing a Life Eternal in a care to inherit it and in doing so much for it from his youth 24. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorowful he said How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 25. For it is easier 〈◊〉 a camel to go through a needles eye then for a rich man to enter into the kingdom
Earth may be the chiefest in my Church 31. And the Lord said Simon Simon behold Satan hath desired to have you that he may sift you as wheat 32. But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not and when thou art converted strengthen thy brethren 31 32. Satan hath got leave to try and sift you all and thee in special But I have by Prayer prevailed that tho thou sin in denying me thou mayest not fall from sincere Faith And when by Repentance thou art recovered from thy fall strengthen thy Brethren who will forsake me also 33. And he said unto him Lord I am ready to go with thee both into prison and to death 34. And he said I tell thee Peter the cock shall not crow this day before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me 33. Note Christ that knew Satan's Request and knew the Event knew Peter's weakness better than he himself did 35. And he said unto them When I sent you without purse and scrip and shoes lacked ye any thing And they said Nothing 36. Then said he unto them But now he that hath a purse let him take it and likewise his scrip and he that had no sword let him sell his garment and buy one 37. For I say unto you That this that is written must yet be accomplished in me And he was reckoned among the transgressors for the things concerning me have an end 35 36 37. When the People followed and applauded me for my Cures and Miracles I knew that they would receive you and provide for you for my sake But now I am to be crucified and scorned as a transgressor they will also cast you off Therefore now look for hard usage and moderately provide for your selves 38. And they said Lord Behold here are two swords And he said unto them It is enough 38. I do not mean that you should now fight for me but that you take care of your safety 39. And he came out and went as he was wont to the mount of Olives and his disciples also followed him 39. It seems he used there to lodge out of doors on the ground and his Disciples with him 40. And when he was at the place he said unto them Pray that ye enter not into temptation 40. Prayer is the way both to escape Temptation and in it to overcome 41. And he was withdrawn from them about a stones cast and kneeled down and prayed 42. Saying Father If thou be willing remove this cup from me nevertheless not my will but thine be done 41 42. N. For Christ in the first act by a simple Nolition to be unwilling to suffer was no sin nor resisting God but the property of Humane Nature But if he had been averse in the second comparative act called Election when he knew it was God's Will this would have been evil 43. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven strengthening him 43. N. Had Christ as Man need of an Angels strengthening What need then have we in the approach of death and great sufferings And may we not also expect Angels help 44. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground 44. N. This was not from the fear of death but the deep sense of God's wrath against sin which he as our Sacrifice was to bear in greater pain than meer dying which his Servants oft bear with peace 45. And when he rose up from prayer and was come to his disciples he found them sleeping for sorrow 46. And said unto them Why sleep ye Rise and pray lest ye enter into temptation 45 46. N. We are apt to sleep when we have most need to watch and pray and have need to be awakened 47. And while he yet spake behold a mulitude and he that was called Judas one of the twelve went before them and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him 48. But Jesus said unto him Judas betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss 47 48. N God permitted one so near Christ to betray him to warn us how far to expect evil from our professed friends 49. When they which were about him saw what would follow they said unto him Lord shall we smite with the sword 50. And one of them smote the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear 49 50. Self-defence is natural but God's Law must rule it They were the more put to fly because they had resisted 51. And Jesus answered and said Suffer ye thus far And he touched his ear and healed him 51. N. This Miracle wrought for one that came to destroy him neither melted nor convinced hardened sinners 52. Then Jesus said unto the chief priests captains of the temple and the elders which were come to him Be ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves 53. When I was daily with you in the temple ye stretched forth no hands against me But this is your hour and the power of darkness 52 53. This is the time which God hath granted Satan to make use of you his Instruments against me and the Prince of darkness will seem to conquer 54. Then took they him and led him and brought him into the high priests house And Peter followed afar off 55. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall and were set down together Peter sat down among them 56. But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire earnestly looked upon him and said This man was also with him 54 55 56. N. When Tryal must come Instruments will not be wanting 57. And he denied him saying Woman I know him not 57. N. Had he not been conscious of smiting with the Sword he had not been in so much danger of fear 58. And after a little while another saw him and said Thou art also of them And Peter said Man I am not 58. N. It was a Woman here called Man only as one of Mankind not to distinguish the Sex 59. And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed saying Of a truth this fellow also was with him for he is a Galilean 59. N. To belong to Christ and follow him is crime enough when Enemies are Judges 60. And Peter said Man I know not what thou sayest And immediately while he yet spake the cock crew 61. And the Lord turned and looked upon Peter and Peter remembred the word of the Lord how he had said unto him Before the cock crow thou shalt deny me thrice 62. And Peter went out and wept bitterly 60 61 62. N. Christ's own danger did not make him forget a sinning Disciple 63. And the men that held Jesus mocked him and smote him 64. And when they had blindfolded him they stroke him on the face and asked him saying Prophesie who is it that smote thee 65. And many other things blasphemously spake they against him 63
weep not for me but weep for your selves and for your children 29. For behold the days are coming in the which they shall say Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bare and the paps that never gave suck 26 27 28 29. It is not my case that you have cause to lament but your own and your Childrens for the dreadful destruction that is coming 30. Then shall they begin to say to the mountains Fall on us and to the hills Cover us 31. For if they do these things in a green tree what shall be done in the dry 30 31. Dreadful will be the approaching vengeance For if they thus use me for my good works what shall they endure who by their heinous sin are as wood dried for the fire 32. And there were also two malefactors led with him to be put to death 33. And when they were come to the place which is called Calvary there they crucified him and the malefactours one on the right hand and the other on the left 32 33. Thus for us the Son of God was numbred with Malefactors by the most ignominious death 34. Then said Jesus Father forgive them for they know not what they do And they parted his raiment and cast lots 34. Qu. Was this an absolute Prayer of Christ If so were they not all forgiven seeing he was always heard And doth not he himself foretel their dreadful punishment Ans It is as if he said I am dying to purchase pardon of sin to all that repent and believe I come not to destroy and condemn but to save It is therefore my part to desire their Repentance and Salvation Take them not as unpardonable for they do this in ignorance and unbelief Tender them forgiveness and give them yet time of Repentance and draw thine Elect to effectual Faith and condemn none for killing me that do not after my Resurrection obstinately reject thy offered mercy to the last This also was the sense of Stephen's Lay not this sin to their charge But final unbelief and rejecting grace is the unpardonable sin which retaineth all the rest 35. And the people stood beholding and the rulers also with them derided him saying He saved others let him save himself if he be Christ the chosen of God 35. O unthankful men to turn so many Miracles of Love and Mercy into cruel insulting scorn Reader behold in these Instances the Nature of faln Man and be humbled and fear thy self 36. And the souldiers also mocked him coming to him and offering him vinegar 37. And saying If thou be the king of the Jews save thy self 36 37. N. He came to save us and not himself till his Resurrection How glad would his Enemies shortly be to be saved by him And how will their tune be changed 38. And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek and Latine and Hebrew THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS 38. N. As the reason of his death and scorn both of him and all the Jewish Nation 39. And one of the malefactours which were hanged railed on him saying If thou be Christ save thy self and us 39. N. The Cross of Christ was the great scandal to all They thought that he could not be the Christ that did not save himself because they knew not the use of his Sacrifice for Man's Redemption But it shews the power of sin when even a Malefactor crucified shall go out of the World in such reproach 40. But the other answering rebuked him saying Doest not thou fear God seeing thou art in the same condemnation 41. And we indeed justly for we receive the due reward of our deeds but this man hath done nothing amiss 40 41. Wilt thou die in sin Are not we justly suffering for it when he unjustly suffereth being innocent 42. And he said unto Jesus Lord remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom 42. Lord I believe that thou art the true Messiah and the promised King Remember me a sinner with pardoning mercy and acceptance when thou reignest in thy glory 43. And Jesus said unto him Verily I say unto thee To day shalt thou be with me in paradise 43. Trust my Promise Thou shalt this very day be with me in a celestial Paradise of joy N. 1. This Example sheweth us what Election freely doth in calling one while another is past by 2. Christ would give this present proof of the virtue of his Sacrifice to call and justifie sinners 3. True Conversion is never too late to the obtaining of Mercy and Salvation 4. True Faith and Repentance how late soever will have its fruits This man was not saved without good works 1. He confest his sin 2. He confest the justness of his punishment 3. He confessed Christ's Kingdom 4. He justified Christ's Innocency 5. He reproved the Reviler and taught him to repent 6. He prayed even to a crucified dying Christ 7. He prayed not for present deliverance but for a place in Christ's Kingdom 5. The departed Souls of the faithful go presently to Paradise 6. This Paradise is where Christ will be with us Some Hereticks by gross perversion joyn This day with I say as if it had been only the day of Christ's speaking this and not of the man's being in Paradise But it is by falsification contrary to the pointing of all Greek Copies and one Copy saith Beza hath That this day 44. And it was about the sixth hour and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour 44. Over all the Land from twelve a Clock till three there was an unusual degree of darkness whether by an Ecclipse or extraordinary Clouds is uncertain But it was not such darkness as is in the night 45. And the sun was darkned and the veil of the temple was rent in the mids 45. Some take the veil to be a hanging but it 's liker it waâ— a wall For the Temple was divided into three parts 1. The outer Court where the Gentiles might come 2 The Sanctuary where the Jews came 3. The inner Sanctuary or Holiest where only the High Priest came once a year If it was the wall that enclosed the Holiest then the rending signified the access we have now to God by Christ If it was the second wall it signified the removal of the Mosaical Separation of Jews and Gentiles 46. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice he said Father into thy hands I commend my spirit and having said thus he gave up the ghost 46. N. The certain Glory that Christ expected was by the way of Trusting his Soul into his Fathers hands And what otherwaies have we to die in hope and peace but to commit our Souls with Trust to our Father and our Redeemer and conjoyn the dying words of Christ Stephen 47. Now when the centurion saw what was done he glorified God saying Certainly this was a righteous man 47. See Matth. 27.54 Though Matthew recite his words thus Verily this was the
Son of God Luke's words are not contrary but we may conclude that the Centurion spake both 48. And all the people that came together to that sight beholding the things which were done smote their breasts and returned 49. And all his acquaintance and the women that followed him from Galilee stood afar off beholding these things 48 49. N. Souldiers and common people were not so hardened as the Priests and Rulers 50. And behold there was a man named Joseph a counsellour and he was a good man and a just 50. Oâ—e of the Council that governed 51. The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them he was of Arimathea a city of the Jews who also himself waited for the kingdom of God 51. Who having lookt for the coming of the Messiah believed that Christ was he 52. This man went unto Pilate and begged the body of Jesus 52. N. 1. He that concealed his Faith before shewed his Love to Christ when he was dead 2. The Body of the Son of God was at the disposal and power of a Heathen even his who was Lord of all the World 53. And he took it down and wrapped it in linen and laid it in a sepulcher that was hewen in stone wherein never man before was laid 53. Prepared for himself 54. And that day was the preparation and the sabbath drew on 55. And the women also which came with him from Galilee followed after and beheld the sepulcher and how his body was laid 56. And they returned and prepared spices and ointments and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment 54 55 56. According to Moses's Law which required Ceremonial Rest it being not then abrogated CHAP. XXIV 1. NOw upon the first day of the week very early in the morning they came unto the sepulcher bringing the spices which they had prepared and certain others with them 1. Obj. Did not Nicodemus and Joseph wrap his body in Spices at his Burial Ans They laid it in haste in the dry Aloes and Myrrh deferring the full Embalming of it with the added Ointments till after the Sabbath 2. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulcher 3. And they entred in and they found not the body of the Lord Jesus 4. And it came to pass as they were much perplexed thereabout behold two men stood by them in shining garments 5. And as they were afraid and bowed down their faces to the earth they said unto them Why seek ye the living among the dead 2 3 4 5. See the reconciliation of the seeming differences of the Evangelists herein on Mat. 28. Mark 16. Joh. 20. 6. He is not here but is risen remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee 7. Saying The Son of man must be dilivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and the third day rise again 6 7. N. Luke saith more of this Sermon of the Angels to the Women than the other Evangelists did 8. And they remembred his words 9. And they returned from the sepulcher and told all these things unto the eleven and to all the rest 10. It was Mary Magdalen and Joanna and Mary the Mother of James and other women that were with them which told these things unto the apostles 11. And their words seemed to them as idle tales and they believed them not 8 9 10 11. N. Here is much past by which the other Evangelists have For no one of them pretended to write all that was done 12. Then arose Peter and ran unto the sepulcher and stooping down he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves and departed wondering in himself at that which was come to pass 12. Seâ— tâ—is more fully in John 20. 13. And behold two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs 14. And they talked together of all these things which had happened 15. And it came to pass that while they communed together and reasoned Jesus himself drew near and went with them 13 14 15. Christ came to them but as unknown 16. But their eyes were held that they should not know him 16. It 's like the cause was partly in them and partly in the change of the countenance of Christ 17. And he said unto them What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another as ye walk and are sad 17. N. He was not ignorant of their discourse but askt them that he might instruct them 18. And the one of them whose name was Cleopas answering said unto him Art thou onely a stranger in Jerusalem and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these dayes 19. And he said unto them What things and they said unto him Concerning Jesus of Nazareth which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people 18 19 In Miracles and Prophecy and Doctrine 20. And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death and have crucified him 21. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel beside all this to day is the third day since these things were done 20 21. N. They still believed that he was a Prophet For many Prophets were murdered But they now seemed to doubt yea almost to give up their belief that he was the Messiah 22. Yea and certain women also of our company made us astonished which were early at the sepulcher 23. And when they found not his body they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels which said that he was alive 24. And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulcher and found it even so as the women had said but him they saw not 22 23.24 And yet we know not what to think but are under meer astonishment and further expectation for certain Women c. 25. Then he said unto them O fools and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken 25. Were you not very ignorant Men and of dull hearts you would not be so unacquainted with and backward to believe that which all the Prophets did foretel 26. Ought not Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into his glory 26. Have they not all foretold that Christ must thus suffer and then enter into the heavenly glory where is his Throne where he is to reign 27. And beginning at Moses and all the prophets he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself 27. N. Though it hath not pleased God to give us down this Expository Sermon of Christ yet his Spirit by his Apostles hath given us enough for our use 28. And they drew nigh unto the village whither they went and he made as though he would have gone further 28. N. Not by any false words but by his carriage concealing his purpose to stay with them 29. But they constrained him saying Abide
he that believeth in me though he were dead yet shall he live 26. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die Believest thou this 25. I am the principle and cause of Life and Resurrection The dead that believe in me shall be raised And the living that believe in me shall live for ever their Souls first and their Bodies after raised to blessedness 27. She saith unto him Yea Lord I believe that thou art the Christ the Son of God which should come into the world 27. Yea for I believe that thou art the Christ and herefore hast power of life and death 28. And when she had so said she went her way and called Mary her sister secretly saying The Master is come and calleth for thee 29. Assoon as she heard that she arose quickly and came unto him 30. Now Jesus was not yet come into the town but was in that place where Martha met him 31. The Jews then which were with her in the house and comforted her when they saw Mary that she rose up hastily and went out followed her saying She goeth unto the grave to weep there 29. N. Faith Love and Necessity will make all hast 32. Then when Mary was come where Jesus was and saw him she fell down at his feet saying unto him Lord if thou hadst been here my brother had not died 33. When Jesus therefore saw her weeping and the Jews also weeping which came with her he groaned in the spirit and was troubled 34. And said Where have ye laid him they say unto him Lord come and see 35. Jesus wept 32 35. N. Christ wept in compassion with his servants sorrows And he loveth us no less now than when he wept with mourners 36. Then said the Jews Behold how he loved him 36. Love can express it self by grief for the hurt of those whom we love 37. And some of them said Could not this man which opened the eyes of the blind have caused that even this man should not have died 38. Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave It was a cave and a stone lay upon it 39. Jesus said take away the stone Martha the sister of him that was dead saith unto him Lord by this time he stinketh for he hath been dead four days 39. N. How vile a thing will less than four days shew the body of man to be Is pride and vain pampering fit for such a body 40. Jesus saith unto her Said I not unto thee that if thou wouldst believe thou shouldst see the glory of God 40. N. The effect of Gods power is the Glory and unbelief hinders the effect in us 41. Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid And Jesus lift up his eyes and said Father I thank thee that thou hast heard me 42. And I knew that thou heardst me always but because of the people which stand by I said it that they may believe that thou hast sent me 41 42. He looked up towards Heaven as the place of Gods glory the spring and end of earthly blessings N. Christ knew before that God would do this Miracle by him but begg'd it by prayer to convince the hearers that it was of God 2. It 's our comfort that Christs intercession is always heard 43. And when he thus had spoken he cried with a loud voice Lazarus come forth 44. And he that was dead came forth bound hand and foot with grave cloths and his face was bound about with a napkin Jesus saith unto them Loose him and let him go 43. N It was not the lowd voice but the invisible power that revived him yet Christ would suit his voice thereto 2. It 's vain to ask how could he go when his feet was bound As if all sort of binding disabled from rising or Christ could not enable him who revived him 45. Then many of the Jews which came to Mary and had seen the things which Jesus did believed on him 45. This Miracle convinced many and it 's strange that it convinced not all 46. But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees and told them what things Jesus had done 46. Some hardened Spectators turn'd all this but to information against him to the Pharisees 47. Then gathered the chief Priests and the Pharisees a councel and said what do we for this man doeth many miracles 48. If we let him thus alone all men will believe on him and the Romans shall come and take away both our Place and Nation 49. And one of them named Caiaphas being the high priest that same year said unto them Ye know nothing at all 50. Nor consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people and that the whole nation perish not 47. N. 1. The greater Christs Miracles were the more they thought they ought to destroy him because the people would the more follow him And still the wiser and better any Minister of Christ is the moâ—â— worldly wicked men endeavour to destroy them because the people follow them 2. The fear of great Mens power more than Gods causeth wicked Polititians to destroy the best 3. But thereby they bring on themselves that very destruction which they thought to avoid 51. And this spake he not of himself but being high Priest that year he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation 52. And not for that nation only but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad 51. And though he meant this of saving them from the Romans though by injustice yet he being Priest that year though by unlawful entrance by the Roman Power God honoured the office so far as to make him utter those words which should be a just Prophesie as meant by God though not by him And should signifie that Christs death should tend to the conversion also the chosen people of God in all the Gentile world who should thereby be made his Children and one Church 53. Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death 53. The greatest Miracle and good Work of Christ fixed their resolution to murder him 54. Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness into a city called Ephraim and there continued with his disciples 54. N. Christ yet fled from persecution and spent most of the three years and a half of his publick Ministry among remote poor people in Galilee or near the Wilderness N. Qu. It 's strange that Matthew Mark and Luke say nothing of this great Miracle Ans 1. No one was to say all but altogether to say sufficient 2. And John tells us that even altogether have said but little of all that Christ said and did but only so much as should be enough to convince unbelievers Qu. Where was Lazarus's soul while he was dead If in heaven was it not a wrong
Resurrection but must Ascend to my Father where my Body shall be a Glorified spiritual body And though I will allow you as much familiarity as shall convince you of my Resurrection yet no more nor such as formerly But go to my Disciples and tell them I take them as my Brethren and am shortly to Ascend where I shall be better to them than on Earth even to him that is my Father by Nature and Merit and their Father by adopting Grace and Union with me through my Merit to my God as I am Mediator and Man and their God through my Mediation Note All true believers should labour to get this most Comfortable text deeply imprinted on their Minds and never think of God or come to him but as here described My Father and your Father My God and your God And thus only to think of Heaven and our change at Death we are Ascending to our ascended Saviour called our Brother and to his Father and our Father to his God and our God Note That there seemeth a great difference between the Evangelists in describing these passages and appearances to the Women and Apostles But it is but because one leaveth out what another mentioneth but not that they contradict each other And if you you take them altogether as one History the order seemeth to be this First Mary Magdalen Johanna Mary of James and Sallome having bought Spices and going to Embalm the Body said who will roll away the Stone for us Secondly When they come they found that the Stone was rolled away for an Angel had done it and with his appearing and Earthquake affrighted away the Soldiers Thirdly That Angel with another saith to the Women fear not I know you seek Jesus that was was Crucified why seek ye the living among the dead he is not here he is Risen Come see the place c. 4. Then the Women run and tell the Disciples They have taken away the Lord we know not where they have laid him 5. Then Peter and John run to see 6. Mary being come back stood weeping at the Enterance and looked back and saw two Angels as John reciteth it 7. Then Mary looked back and saw Christ and at first knew him not and he spake to her as here 8. Then she runs and tells the Disciples that she had seen the Lord 9. Either then or when she was gone Jesus met the rest of the Women and said to them All hail and they laid hold on his Feet and worshipped him and he said fear not Go tell my brethen c. Or perhaps we may make it shorter As 1. The Stone rolled away and the keeper affrighted away 2. Mary and the other women comes and find it so 3. They go in and miss the body 4. Many runs and tells Peter and John 5. They run to see 6. The women Staying see first one Angel on the Stone on the right side and then two one at the head and one at the feet of the place 7. These Angels say all that is mentioned to Mary and the rest 8. Mary seeth Jesus and so do the rest who holding him by the feet he restraineth further corporal contract and speaketh to Mary and the rest all that is mentioned 9. Then she and they tell the Disciples that they had seen him and what he said This seemeth the order of all togegether 18. Mary Magdalene came and told the Disciples that she had seen the Lord and that he had spoken these things unto her 19. Then the same day at evening being the first day of the week when the doors were shut where the Disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews came Jesus and stood in the midst and saith unto them Peace be unto you 18 19. Note Christ rose and first appeared on the first day of the week If any should question it by cavilling at the Text as doubtful the practice of the Universal Church ever since observing that day without any Contradicting Party proveth it past doubt to all that use sober reason in the case 2. Christ owned their private meeting not reproving the Cautelous fears of Persecutors 3. The first word that he spake to them together or after his words to Mary was peace be unto you Little understood by many Churchmen 20. And when he had so said he sheweth unto them his hands and his side Then were the Disciples glad when they saw the Lord. 20. Several appearances are past by because mentioned by others 21. Then said Jesus to them again Peace be unto you as my Father hath sent me even so send I you 22. And when he had said this he breathed on them and saith unto them Receive ye the holy Ghost 23. Whose soever sins ye remit they are remitted unto them and whosoever sins ye retain they are retained 21 22 c. Peace is the sum of my Gift and Benediction to you and the sum of your duty to others as my Father sent me into the World to Gather Guide and save his Church as their Head and Mediator so I send you to Gather Guide and Save the Church as my Apostles And breathing on them he said As my Father sent me not with a bare Title unfurnished for his work but filled with the Spirit of Life and Power of Light and Wisdom of Love and Goodness so I will give you the same Holy Spirit and send you furnished with Power Knowledge and Love and not with meer names and Titles as Images I give you Power to Preach the Gospel so effectually as shall open mens Eyes and turn them from Darkness to Light and from the Power of Satan unto God that they may receive really from God and by Sacramental investiture in Baptism from your Remission of Sins and right to the inheritance among the Sanctified by Faith in me To be the Guids of my Church entrusted with Witnessing and Recording my Doctrine Laws and Promises for their Government to the end of the World And with the Keys of Church order as authorized Judges in your several charges who is capable of Church Communion to be received by Baptism restored by Repentance or as uncapable Apostates cast out Together with an extraordinary Power to inflict or to remit bodily Punishment by my rule not at your pleasure but as it shall please the Holy Ghost which he shall give you And I do breath on you to communicate now some beginnings of that Spirit which I will send down on you after my Ascension And so signifie to you that it is a real Qualification and Spirituall that I will give as God when he made Man breathed into him a living Soul that you deceive not your selves and the Church by dead Imaginary and Powerless names The witness of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophesie And of Sanctification And if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his by what name or Title soever he be dignified 24. But Thomas one of the twelve called Didymus
and reign in visible Glory over them as the Messiah 7. And he said unto them it is not for you to know the-times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his own Power 8. But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you And ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and in Samaria and unto the uttermost part of the earth 7. Presume not to enquire into Gods secrets of which this is one at what time God will advance you and his Israel to visible Reign and Glory But such Power as is fittest for you at present ye shall receive by the coming of the Holy Ghost upon you by which you shall be enabled to declare your Testimony of what you have seen and heard of me throughout the Earth Note It may seem strange that Christ confuteth not their conceit of an Israelitish Kingdom restored but only their demands about the season But they were so far in the Right as that Christ would advance believing Israelites with the rest of the Catholick Church though not restore the Mosaick Policy nor set the Israelites over others in a local Monarchy at Jerusalem Therefore Christ intimateth that they shall have better than they expected which the Spirit should teach them better to understand 9. And when he had spoken these things while they beheld he was taken up and a cloud received him out of their sight 9. Note No doubt but Christs body at its enterance in the Glorious Region of Spirits became glorious and spiritual eminently such as Paul saith ours shall be 1 Cor. 15. 2. The sight of Christs Ascention must needs be as full an ascertaining of the Apostles Faith as his Resurrection And it must be no wonder that four Evangelists mention it not it being enough that any mention it Gods Spirit making their several Histories indited by him to be as one Book 10. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up behold two men stood by them in white apparel 11. Which also said Ye men of Galilee why stand ye gazing up into heaven this same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven 10 11. While they looked up after him two Angels in the likeness of Men in white stood by them saying ye Men of Galilee gaze no more after the body of Jesus ascended into heaven Know ye not that he must there Reign in Glory and thence send you down the Grace and Blessings purchased by his life on Earth and yet he shall come again at the day of Judgment attended with his glorious Angels and does not forsake you by his remove 12. Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet which is from Jerusalem a sabbath-days journey 12. Note Mount Olivet at the neerest part is but five Furlongs from Jerusalem a Furlong is six hundred feet and five Furlongs a thousand Yards And Christ is said Luke 24. to lead them out as far as Bethany which is said to be fifteen furlongs from Jerusalem John 11.18 To understand thus some say 1. That Bethany was the name of a large space of Ground as Hackney where some houses are far neerer London than other 2. And that Christ ascended not from the neerest part of Mount Olivet but from the top And it is possible that Christ might lead them as far as Bethany and in the house of Lazarus instruct them and go forth again with them to the top of the Mount and thence ascend 13. And when they were come in they went up into an upper Room where abode both Peter and James and John and Andrew Philip and Thomas Bartholomew and Matthew James the son of Alpheus and Simon Zelotes and Judas the brother of James 14. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication with the women and Mary the Mother of Jesus and with his brethren 14. Note The sight of Christ Ascending confirmed their Faith 2. And that Faith presently caused constant Prayer in Concord and Communion 15. And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the Disciples and said the number of the names together were about an hundred and twenty 15 An hundred and twenty being assembled for Prayer and mutual encouragement in Faith 16. Men and brethren This Scripture must needs have been fulfilled which the holy Ghost by the Mouth of David spake before concerning Judas which was guide to them that took Jesus 17. For he was numbred with us and had obtained part of this ministery 16. Note This must needs signifie no necessity or constraint put on Judas but a necessity Hypothetical and of consequence that is iâ— cannot but be true which God foretelleth or foreseeth 2. Judus though a Thief and a Devil had by Christs own choice a part or office in the Apostolick Order But not after Christs breathing on them and giving them the Holy Ghost for the proper work of his universal Kingdom as it began after his Resurrection but only as one sent to offer Grace to the twelve Tribes of Israel that mostly refused it such may be Ministers to condemnation of them selves and others and God may bless their doctrine to his Elect. 18. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity and falling headlong he burst asunder in the midst and all his bowels gushed out 18 N. Mat. 27. Saith he strangled himself Some Expositers suppose stangling was not by hanging himself but the rage of his Conscience and Passion did suffocate or strangle him and that he fell down and burst or rather that he cast himself headlong from some high place and burst Others think that the Rope or Bough break where he was hanged And its possible without hanging he might at once strangle himself with a Cord on the brow of some Precipice or fall or cast himself down it 19. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue Aceldama that is to say The field of bloud 19. This is commonly known and the name of the field to this day is as a Record of it 20. For it is written in the book of psalms Let his habitation be desolate and let no man dwell therein and His bishoprick let another take 20. What is said in Psal 69.25 and 109.8 is ultimately to be verified of him his Office another must take 21. Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us 22. Beginning from the baptism of John unto that same day that he was taken up from us must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection 21 22. Note Many besides the twelve did constantly accompany Christ 2. Quest Why must the number of twelve Apostles be yet kept up were not others good witnesses without being chosen Apostles Answ The Israelitish
Policy was not utterly demolished till near fourty years after Christs Resurrection Therefore till then the Jews there were to be Preacht to and the twelve Apostles suited to the twelve Tribes though after the number was changed by Pauls Conversion when the Gospel was to be principally sent unto the Gentiles 23. And they appointed two Joseph called Barsabas who was surnamed Justus and Matthias 24. And they prayed and said Thou Lord which knowest the hearts of all men shew whether of these two thou hast chosed 25. That he may take part of this Ministery and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell that he might go to his own place 23 24 25. Note 1. The Apostleship was not only the qualification of Eye Witnesses of Christs works but a special preeminent office of some of those many who saw his works All that saw them were not Apostles Therefore Christ did set diversity and disparity of Ministerial Offices in his Church 2. Peters speech was to all the Disciples ver 15 16. It s therefore to be supposed that the two were chosen by all the Company but by the Conduct of the Apostles And God by Lot chose one of the two it being his Prerogative to make Apostles And I know no reason why the chief Pastors of the Church at least in cases of doubt should not now be so chosen 26. And they gave forth their lots and the lot fell upon Matthias and he was numbred with the eleven apostles 26. Note How casual soever it seemed God was the undoubted determiner of it But solemnly to appeal to his determination in ludricrous toys or things already determined by his word is but prophanely to take his name in vain CHAP. II. ANd when the day of Pentecost was fully come they were all with one accord in one place 1. It is by most Expositors taken to be on the Lords day though some few contradict it 2. Christ chose the time to send the Spirit when they were unanimously assembled for his worship 2. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind and it filled all the house where they were sitting 3. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire and it sat upon each of them 2 3. Note It is likely it was only on the Apostle 4. And they were all filled with the holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance 4. They that were unlearned men were all suddenly filled with the Holy Ghost who inspiring their minds with Sacred Light of Knowledge and fervor of affection caused them to utter these in various Languages which they had never learnt in the Praises of God and his works Note As Baptism entereth Men into the state of Christianity this effusion of the Spirit solemnly invested the Apostles in the full state and power of their Offices 5. And there were dwelling at Jerusalam Jews devout men out of every Nation under heaven 5. Then were at Pentecost Jews out of many Nations where they were dispersed that came up to the Feast 6. Now when this was noised abroad the multitude came together and were confounded because that every man heard them speak in his own language 7. And they were all amazed and marvelled saying one to another Behold are not all these which speak Galileans And how hear we every man in our own tongue wherein we were born 9. Parthians and Medes and Elamites and the dwellers in Mesopotamia and in Judea and Cappadocia in Pontus and Asia 10. Phrygia and Pamphylia in Egypt and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene and strangers of Rome Jews and proselytes 11. Cretes and Arabians we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God 6 7 c. The word as of Christ and of his Gospel was that which they speak in the Tongues of all these Countries 12. And they were all amazed and were in doubt saying one to another What meaneth this 13. Others mocking said These men are full of new wine 12 13. Some derided them as Drunken 14. But Peter standing up with the eleven lift up his voice and said unto them Ye men of Judea and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem be this known unto you and hearken unto my words 15. For these are not drunken as ye suppose seeing it is but the third hour of the day 14 c. It is but nine a Clock at which time Men use to pray fasting and Drunkeness will not enable a Man to speak various Languages 16. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel 17. And it shall come to pass in the last days saith God I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh and your sons and your daughters shall prophesie and your young men shall see visions and your old men shall dream dreams 18. And on my servants and on my hand-maidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit and they shall prophesie 16 c. This is the fulfilling of what Joel Prophecied of the times of the Messsiah c 19. And I will shew wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath bloud and fire and vapour of smoke 20. The Sun shall be turned into darkness and the Moon into bloud before that great and notable day of the Lord come 21. And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved 19 20 21 Many Prodigies in Heaven and Earth as if the frame of Nature did shake or were altered shall go before the destruction of the Temple and Nation of the Jews But faithful praying Christians shall be saved 22. Ye men of Israel hear these words Jesus of Nazareth a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you as ye your selves also know 23. Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God ye have taken and by wicked hands have crucified and slain 24. Whom God hath raised up having loosed the pains of death because it was not possible that he should be holden of it 22 23 24. You deny not the fact of those Miracles done by Jesus which are the infallible works of Gods attestation Gods determinate Counsel having appointed him to die as a Sacrifice for the Sins of the World and he foreknowing all that your wicked hearts do in it hereto accordingly with wicked hands you have murdered him not at all excusable by the said decree or fore knowledge of God But God raised him from the dead having loosed the bonds of Death it being impossible they should be held and conquered by it Note The word translated Pains of death may be also translated bonds But if it must be read Pains Death as a separation of Soul and Body is by privation a Penal state though not dolorous by positive evil yet some think that the Article of Descent into Hell signifieth some
he did to thee by the way and hath sent me that thou mightest be restored to thy sight and filled with the Holy Ghost for gifts necessary to the Ministry 18. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales and he received sight forthwith and arose and was baptized 18. He was Miraculously struck blind and Miraculously cured and then Baptized 19. And when he had received meat he was strengthened Then was Saul certain days with the Disciples which were at Damascus 20. And straightway he Preached Christ in the Synagogue that he is the Son of God 19 20 Being strengthned with food he conversed certain days with the Christians at Damascus whom he purposed to have presecuted and forthwith Preached Christ in the Syoagogue to the Jews that he is the Son of God and consequently all his Gospel true And then going into Arabia retured to Damascus again before he went to Jerusalem 21. But all that heard him were amazed and said Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem and came hither for that intent that he might bring them bound unto the chief Priests 21. The suddain change from being a destroying Persecutor to be a Preacher made the People wonder 22. But Saul increased the more in strength and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus proving that this is very Christ 22. Proving Jesus to be the true Christ inferreth all the rest to be believed 23. And after that many days were fulfilled the Jews took Counsel to kill him 23. If one of the Leaders of the Persecutors or Malignant wicked Men should be Converted and persuade his Companions to turn they would but seek to kill him also till God Convert them 24. But their laying await was known of Saul and they watched the Gates day and night to kill him a5 Then the Disciples took him by night and let him down by the wall in a basket 24. Note It is lawful to avoid the violence of bloody Persecutors by secret flight 26. And when Saul was come to Jerusalem he assayed to joyn himself to the Disciples but they were all afraid of him and believed not that he was a Disciple 26. Note 1. Conversion will shew it self by joyning with the Converted 2. Known Persecutors and wicked men are not too hastily to be trusted when they profess Conversion 27. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the Apostles and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way and that he had spoken to him and how he had Preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus 28. And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem 27 28. This evidence was satisfactory and they received him to their constant Society of the Church 29. And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Grecians but they went about to slay him 30. Which when the brethren knew they brought him down to Cesarea and sent him forth to Tarsus 29 30. He Preeached Christ boldly and confuted the unbelieving Jews that used the Greek Tongue But they sought to kill him c. 31. Then had the Churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria and were edified and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the holy Ghost were multiplied 31. Saul being Converted who was a chief Persecutor and he being removed whom they afterward most maligned the Christian Churches were quiet a while from Persecution and were edified in knowledge and Holiness of Heart and life living in obedience to God and in the Comfort of the inward Grace and outward Gifts and Miracles of the Holy Ghost by which they were multiplyed 32. And it came to pass as Peter passed throughout all quarters he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda 32. Note He was no Christian who was not a Saint by Dedication to God and by profession 33. And there he found a certain man named Eneas which had kept his bed eight years and was sick of the palsie 34. And Peter said unto him Eneas Jesus Christ maketh thee whole arise and make thy bed And he arose immediately 33. Note The length and nature of the Disease made the Miracle the more notable and convincing 35. And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him and turned to the Lord. 35. The undenyable Miracle caused a general Conviction and Conversion of them 36. Now there was at Joppa a certain Disciple named Tabitha which by interpretation is called Dorcas this woman was full of good works and alms-deeds which she did 37. And it came to pass in those days that she was sick and died whom when they had washed they laid her in an upper Chamber 38. And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa and the Disciples had heard that Peter was there they sent unto him two men desiring him that he would not delay to come to them 36. A laborious Charitable woman being dead the Christians had Faith to believe that by Peters Ministry she might be raised to life c. 39. Then Peter arose and went with them When he was come they brought him into the upper Chamber and all the widows stood by him weeping and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made while she was with them 39. Note It s like they were poor-Widows that shewed the fruit of her Labour and Charity to them and others 40. But Peter put them all forth and kneeled down and prayed and turning him to the body said Tabitha arise And she opened her eyes and when she saw Peter she sat up 41. And he gave her his hand and lift her up and when he had called the saints and widows presented her alive 40. Note This was not a Miracle to be done without fervent Prayer And it is like Peter had assurance of raising her as an answer to his Prayer before he said Arise 42. And it was known throughout all Joppa and many believed in the Lord. 42. Thus Miracles made Christians and fully sealed the Testimony of the Apostles 43. And it came to pass that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a Tanner CHAP. X. THere was a certain man in Cesarea called Cornelius a centurion of the band called the Italian band 1. In Cesarea the chief City of the Country about seventy miles from Jerusalem where was a Roman Garrison was one Cornelius Captain of an hundred in the Italian Regiment or Legion A devout man and one that feared God with all his house which gave much alms to to the people and prayed to God always 2. A Proselyte that was a Godly man and fearing God with all his househould liberal in giving Alms and constant in Prayer 2. N. We must not think this man under mere common Grace but in a state of saving Grace such as the faithful Jews had before Christs incarnation such being prepared above others to believe in Christ personally when he was come
he so sincerely believe in God and his Mercy as to fear and serve him or to work righteousness or truly obey his Laws he shall be mercifully accepted by him who is the rewarder of them that diligently seek him 36. The word which God sent unto the Children of Israel Preaching peace by Jesus Christ he is Lord of all 37. That word I say you know which was published throughout all Judea and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached 38. How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the holy Ghost and with power who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the Devil for God was with him 36 c. The word which God sent to the Children of Israel was not like Moses Law confined to them but it was the Proclaiming of Reconciliation to all Jews and Gentiles that will believe in him who is by Redemption Lord of all and not only of the Jews This word you cannot but have heard hath been published throughout all Judaea c. How God indued Jesus with the Holy Ghost and with Power who went about donig good and healing c. 39. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews and Jerusalem whom they slew and hanged on a tree 40. Him God raised up the third day and shewed him openly 41. Not to all the People but unto witnesses chosen before of God even to us who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead 39. We are Witnesses of his Doctrine and Miracles and of his Resurrection and did eat and drink with him being chosen to this Office 42. And he commanded us to preach unto the People and to testifie that it is he which was ordained of God to be the judge of quick and dead 42. Judge of all that are alive at his coming and that were dead before and are then raised 43. To him give all the Prophets witness that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins 43. All the Prophets foretold that through the Merits of this the Messiah God by his Covenant of Grace would give Remission of sins to all that truly believe in him 44. While Peter yet spake these words the holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word 44. Even while Peter was thus speaking the great miraculous gift of the Holy Ghost came down on all that heard which broak out in the effects before them all 45. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished as many as came with Peter because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the holy Ghost 46. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnified God Then answered Peter 45. This was astonishing News to the Jewish Christians to hear Gentiles speak Tongues not learned and to be rapt up in the praise of God 47. Can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized which have received the holy Ghost as well as we 47. Can any reason be given why these though Gentiles should not be Baptized when God hath thus signally owned them by his miraculous gift of the Spirit as he hath done us 48. And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days 48. He caused them to be entred by Baptism into the Christian Covenant and Church and they prayed him to stay a while with them to confirm and comfort them CHAP. XI ANd the apostles and brethren that were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God 2. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem they that were of the Circumcision contended with him 3. Saying thou wentest in to men uncircumcised and didst eat with them 1 2. Note 1. Even in the pure Apostolical first Church there were wrangling contending Christians 2. Even that which should have been their rejoycing was their matter of censorious contention 3. These weak ones charged sin on the Apostle as if they had been wiser and holier than he 4. It was the separating and self honouring vice which caused this censorous contention 4. But Beter rehearsed the matter from the begining and expounded it by order unto them saying 5. I was in the City of Joppa praying and in a trance I saw a Vision A certain Vessel descend as it had been a great sheet let down from Heaven by four corners and it came even to me 6. Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes I considered and saw four-footed beasts of the Earth and wild beasts and creeping things and fowls of the air 7. And I heard a voice saying unto me Arise Peter slay and eat 8. But I said Not so Lord for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entred into my mouth 9. But the voice answered me again from Heaven What God hath cleansed that call not thou common 10. And this was done three times and all were drawn up again into Heaven 11. And behold immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was sent from Cesarea unto me 12. And the Spirit bade me go with them nothing doubting Moreover these six brethren accompanied me and and we entred into the mans house 13. And he shewed us how he had seen an Angel in his house which stood and said unto him Send men to Joppa and call for Simon whose surname is Peter 14. Who shall tell thee words whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved 4. Of all this we have spoken on the former Chapter Note 1. God who hath ordained the Ministry of men will use it for mens Salvation 2. How greatly should the Gospel and mens Preachtng it be valued when it is Gods means of saving men 3. God used then to Covenant and save whole houshoulds together And it seems Cornelius's house was prepared for it 15. And as I began to speak the holy Ghost fell on them as on us at the beginning 16. Then remembred I the word of the Lord how that he said John indeed baptized with water but ye shall be baptized with the holy Ghost 15 16. I remembred Christs promise of the Spirit and saw that he owned them by fullfilling it 17. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ what was I that I could withstand God 17. Seeing God so evidently owned them as he had done us I was neither able nor willing to oppose God in his way of mercy to the Gentiles which should rather be our joy 18. When they heard these things they held their peace and glorified God saying Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentace unto life 18. Note 1. Goâ—s miraculous gift of the Spirit was an undenyable evidence of his approbation 2. Censorious separating Contention came from hafty rash judging of things unknown and before they heard what could be said 3. When contentious censorious
Mary the Mother of John whose surname was Mark where many were gathered together praying 12. When he considered what God had done for him he went to the house of Marks Mother and there in the Night was a godly Conventicle of many Christians met to pray no doubt in a special manner for his deliverance God sent him to them as answer to their Prayers 13. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate a damsel came to hearken named Rhoda 14. And when she knew Peters voice she opened not the gate for gladness but ran in and told how Peter stood before the gate 13. This poor Maid that shewed so much love to Peter by her joy hath her name recorded in the Scripture 15. And they said unto her Thou art mad But she constantly affirmed that it was even so Then said they It is his Angel 15. Note The word Mad doth but express that they thought her grosly mistaken as Mad folk use to be only speaking it in such course phrase as men use to speak to Servants 2. Whether by his Angel they meant an Angel of God representing him or only a humane Messenger sent by him is uncertain 16. But Peter continued knocking and when they had opened the door and saw him they were astonished 17. But he beckening unto them with the hand to hold their peace declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison And he said Go shew these things unto James and to the brethren And he departed and went into another place 16 God having first sent him to them that were Praying for him in Answer to their Prayers he first tells them to Gods Glory how he was delivered and then sends the notice of it to James Christs kinsman and to the brethren for their encouragement Our mercies are not given us only for our selves 18. Now as soon as it was day there was no small stir among the souldiers what was become of Peter 19. And when Herod had sought for him and found him not he examined the keepers and commanded that they should be put to death And he went down from Judea to Cesarea and there abode 18. N. Whether it was Death or Imprisonment that the Soldiers were put to is doubtful in the Greek Text But it tells us that the Innocent may be a prey to Tyrants cruelty and injustice 20. And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon but they came with one accord to him and having made Blastus the Kings Chamberlain their friend desired peace because their countrey was nourished by the Kings Countrey 21. And upon a set day Herod arayed in royal apparel sat upon his Throne and made an oration unto them 22. And the people gave a shout saying It is the voice of a God and not of a man 23. And immediately the Angel of the Lord smote him because he gave not God the glory and he was eaten of worms and gave up the Ghost 20 21. Note A lively instance of the case of worldly Tyrants To day Countrys are crowching to them and Flatterers applauding them and the persecuted fearing them and to morrow they are the stinking food of worms As Gods to day and as dung to morrow 24. But the word of God grew and multiplied 25. And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministery and took with them John whose surname was Mark. 24. Note Both the deliverance of Peter and the death of Herod furthered the success of the Gospel CHAP. XIII NOw there were in the Church that was at Antioch certain Prophets and Teachers as Barnabas and Simeon that was called Niger and Lucius of Cyrene and Manaen which had been brought up with Herod the tetarch and Saul 1. The Church Assembled at Antioch had then in it many Men of eminent Gift for Prophecy and Teaching 2. As they ministred to the Lord and fasted the holy Ghost said Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereuâ—to I have called them 2. Note To whom the Holy Ghost manifested this whether to many or to few is uncertain 3. And when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them they sent them away 4. So they being sent forth by the holy Ghost departed unto Seleucia and from thence they sailed to Cyprus 5. And when they were at Salamis they Preached the word of God in the Synagogues of the Jews and they had also John to their minister 3. Note This was not the first Authorizing of them to be Ministers by Office for they were called and Preacht before But it was their Call or Mission to this Particular work to go abroad Preaching to many Nations To be separated to the Ministry is to be done but once But to be appointed to this or that place charge or flock may be oft done and that by Fasting Prayer and Imposition of hands 2. They began their Preaching usually in the Jews Synagogues in all Countrys where there were such where they came they being Expectants of the Messiah 6. And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos they Found a certain sorcerer a false Prophet a Jew whose name was Barjesus 7. Which was with the Deputy of the Country Sergius Paulus a prudent man who called for Barnabas and Saul and desired to hear the word of God 7. Note His prudence made him willing to be instructed and to hear men that said they were sent by God 8. But Elymas the sorcerer for so is his name by interpretation withstood them seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith 8. Elymas which signifieth a Magician opposed them to hinder the Deputys Conversion 9. Then Saul who also is called Paul filled with the holy Ghost set his eyes on him 10. And said O full of all subtily and all mischief thou child of the Devil thou enemy of all righteousness wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord 11. And now behold the hand of the Lord is upon thee and thou shalt be blind not seeing the Sun for a season And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand 9. The Holy Ghost inspired Paul to pass this sentence when he was resolved to execute it it came not by the will of man primarily 12. Then the deputy when he saw what was done believed being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. 12. Whether the Deputy was Baptized is uncertain But being Converted to the Faith we may say to his honour that Sergius Paulus was the first Christian Magistrate unless you will call the Jewish converted Priests Magistrates Constantine was not the first But he had no power to use Magistracy for Christianity save obliquely 2. The Judgment of God on Elymas was for the Deputies Conversion what he did himself is unknown 13. Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos they came to Perga in Pamphylia and John departing
from them returned to Jerusalem 14. But when they departed from Perga they came to Antioch in Pisidia and went into the Synagogue on the Sabbath-day and sat down 13. Note They began with the dispised Jews still as understanding each others Languages and as the most prepared to hear the news of the Messiah Miraculous Language was like Miraculous works not constant and at the speakers will as if they still spake by Miracles 15. And after the reading of the law and the Prophets the Rulers of the Synagogues sent unto them saying Ye men and brethren if ye have any word of exhortation for the people say on 15. Note Thus were their Rulers like Church-Justices that disposed of Order that were no Teachers themselves 1. It was among the Jews allowed any man that professed to be a wise man and a Teacher thoug not in Office to Teach the People by the consent of the Ruler of the Synagogue 3. The reading of the Law and Prophets was the chief part of their Liturgie 16. Then Paul stood up and beckening with his hand said Men of Israel and ye that fear God give audience 17. The God of this people of Israel chose our Fathers and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt and with an high arm brought he them out of it 18. And about the time of fourty years suffered he their manners in the Wilderness 19. And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan he divided their land to them by lot 20. And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years until Samuel the Prophet 21. And afterward they desired a King and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis a man of the tribe Benjamin by the space of fourty years 22. And when he had removed him he raised up unto them David to be their King to whom also he gave testimony and said I have found David the son of Jesse a man after mine own heart which shall fulfil all my will 16. c. Note The recital of the History of the Jews was by Peter and Stephen and Paul judged the meetest way to introduce the tidings of Christ as come it being that which the Jews believed and understood and on which they grounded their priviledges and expectations 23. Of this mans seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour Jesus 24. When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel 23. This Jesus is the Son of David whom you expect and John by Preaching and Baptizing foreshewed you 25. And as John fulfilled his course he said Whom think ye that I am I am not he But behold there cometh one after me whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose 25. John told you that he was not the Christ but that this Jesus was he 26. Men and brethren children of the stock of Abraham and whosoever among you feareth God to you is the word of this salvation sent 26. To you Jews and Proselytes who are prepared by the fear of God and expectation of the Messiah we are sent to tell you that he is come that you may believe in him to Salvation 27. For they that dwell at Jerusalem and their rulers because they knew him not nor yet the voices of the Prophets which are read every sabbath-day they have fulfilled them in condemning him 28. And though they found no cause of death in him yet desired they Pilate that he shoul be slain 29. And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him they took him down from the tree and laid him in a Sepulchre 30. But God raised him from the dead 27 The chief of your Nation not believing in him nor understanding the Prophets fulfilled the Prophesie by killing him but God raised him 31. And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem who are his witnesses unto the people 31. He shewed himself to those that he chose to be his Witesses to the World 32. And we declare unto you glad tidings how that the promise which was made unto the Fathers 33. God hath fulfilled the same unto us their Children in that he hath raised up Jesus again as it is also written in the second Psalm Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee 32. To you expectants we bring joyful news the Messiah is come the promise of him is fulfilled to us and Christ is risen Note Seeing all men love glad Tidings the Gospel should be welcome to all 33 And as David the Type is called Gods begotten Son because he Exalted him to the Throne so is that word fulfilled now on Christ indeed begotten of God and raised to Glory 34. And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead now no more to return to Corruption he said on this wise I will give you the sure mercies of David 34. And this everlasting Kingdom which Christ is raised to is that called the sure Mercies of David Isa 55.3 35. Wherefore he saith also in another psalm Thou shalt not suffer thine holy one to see corruption 36. For David after he had served his own generation by the will of God fell on sleep and was laid unto his Fathers and saw corruption 37. But he whom God raised again saw no coâ—ruption 35. This musr be meant of Christ c. 38. Be it known unto you therefore men and breathren that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins 39. And by him all that believe are justified from all things from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses 38 39. By his Sacrifice and Merits and intercession and Kingly Power all sins shall be pardoned to all that truly believe in him and take him for their Saviour and King And by him all such are acquit from damning guilt and punishment initially now by his pardoning Law of Grace and finally hereafter by his Judgment and Execution from which the Law of Moses can never justifie or acquit you by all its Sacrifices and your observances 40. Beware therefore lest that come upon you which is spoken of in the prophets 41. Behold ye despisers and wonder and perish for I work a work in your days a work which you shall in no wise believe though a man declare it unto you 40. Take head lest your obstinate unbelief cause God to cast you off and take in the Gentiles in your stead 42. And when the Jews were gone out of the Synagogue the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath 42. Some dislike these words but others especially Proselytes desired to hear them again By the same words is meant the same doctrine Note They grosly mistake that say it is the Lords day as such that is here called the next Sabbath 43. Now when the congregation was
men of their own company of Antioch with Paul and Barnabas namely Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas chief men among the brethren 22. Though the Apostles were the infallible Deciders the Elders and the whole Church were unanimous Consenters and to shew the necessity of concord and that even infallible and miraculous Teachers yet guide only Volunteers They sent some of their own Company of the College that guided the Church at Jerusalem or as Doctor Hammond thinketh Bishops of some single Congregations in Judea that contending parties might not be the only reporters of their sentence 23. And wrote Letters by them after this manner The Apostles and Elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and and Cilicia 24. Forasmuch as we have heard that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words subverting your souls saying ye must be circumcised and keep the law to whom we gave no such commandment 23 24. Note 1. If False Teachers pretended Apostolick Authority or mission when they were neer them no wonder if they do it now when they are not so ehsily confutted 2. Tyrannical impositions on Conscience do but trouble the Church and subvert Souls by pious pretences 25. It seemed good unto us being assembled with one accord to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul 26. Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ 27. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas who shall also tell you the same things by mouth 25. Thus far their Letters are Credential to tell them that they may believe the Messengers 28. For it seemed good to the holy Ghost and to us to lay upon you no greater burden then these necessary things 28. Note 1. It is prophaneness for any Bishops or Councells to use these words who neither have assurance nor can give any proof that the Holy Ghost guideth them 2. The Holy Ghost is against imposing unnecessary things as necessary These things here imposed were necessary at least all to those Persons and at the time and most if not all continually 29. That ye abstain from meats offered to idols and from bloud and from things strangled and from fornication from which if ye keep your selves ye shall do well Fare ye well 29. It is not Moses's Law that ye are bound to keep but these commoner precepts Do nothing that scandalously favoureth Idolatry or savoreth of cruelty and bloodiness not eating strangled Creatures in the gore blood avoid defilement by any sort of forbidden fleshly lust and filthiness 30. So when they were dismissed they came to Antioch and when they had gathered the multitude together they delivered the Epistle 30. Note The Multitude was one Assembly not a Diocess nor only the Clergy 31. Which when they had read they rejoyced for the consolation 31. Note Liberty from toylsome Ceremonies tho God first instituted them was matter of joy to the Churches But alass few Churches are allowed that joy by their Lordly Pastors 32. And Judas and Silas being Prophets also themselves exhorted the brethren with many words and confirmed them 32. Note By Prophets is meant such as were inspirâ—ed by the Holy Ghost either by Revelation of any new thing or by ability to explain and apply known truth 33. And after they had tarried there a space they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the Apostles 34. Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still 35. Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch teaching and Preaching the word of the Lord with many others also 33. Note The Church of Antioch had many excellent Teachers and it is not intimated that any one was Bishop over the rest or that Paul Barnabas Silas Simeon Lucius Manaen c. were subjects to any one 36. And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have Preached the word of the Lord and see how they do 36. Note Converted Souls and Planted Churches must be further visited observed and watered 37. And Barnabas determined to take with them John whose surname was Mark. 38. But Paul thought not good to take him with them who departed from them from Pamphylia and went not with them to the work 39. And the contention was so sharp bttween them that they departed asunder one from the other and so Barnabas took Mark and sailed unto Cyprus 40. And Paul chose Silas and departed being recommended by the brethren unto the Grace of God 41. And he went through Syria and Cilicia confirming the Churches 37. Note Apostles were not infallible in all things even about the fitness of their Helpers 2. Small differences even to sharpen contention may stand with Christian Love and Unity 3. There was then no Judge of such controversies either Bishop or Synod to avoid and end them 4. But God turned this to good for the better spreading of the Gospel CHAP. XVI THen came he to Derbe and Lystra and behold a certain Disciple was there named Timotheus the son of a certain woman which was a Jewess and believed but his Father was a Greek 2. Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium 3. Him would Paul have to go forth with him and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters for they knew all that his Father was a Greek 1. Timothy's Mother being a Jew he might be circumcised though his Father was a Greek And because uncircumcised he might not be admitted to converse with the Jews he circumcised him the Jews being yet permitted to use the Law of Moses which he would not have done had both Parents been Gentiles 4. And as they went through the Cities they delievered them the decrees for to keep that were ordained of the Apostles and Elders which were at Jerusalem 5. And so were the Churches established in the faith and increased in number daily 4 5. They delivering them the Apostles Decrees freed the Church from the doubts which the Judaizers had raised and so they were quieted and setled in Judgment Faith and Concord and daily increased 6. Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia and were forbidden of the holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia 6. Forbidden by some Revelation or Inspiration 7. After they were come to Mysia they assayed to go into Bithynia but the Spirit suffered them not 8. And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas 7. The invitation or inspiration of Gods Spirit diverted them 9. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night There stood a man of Macedonia and prayed him saying Come over into Macedonia and help us 9. Note Gods differencing grace plainly appeareth in sending his Gospel to some Countries rather than to other 10. And after he had seen the vision immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia assuredly gathering that the Lord
and Persecution against the Servants of Christ who must Preach the Gospel contrary to this interest 25. Sirs ye know that by this craft we have our wealth 26. Moreover ye see and hear that not alone at Ephesus but almost throughout all Asia this Paul hath perswaded and turned away much People saying that they be no Gods which are made with hands 27. So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought but that also the Temple of the great goddess Diana should be dispised and her magnificence should be destroyed whom all Asia and the world worshippeth 28. And when they heard these sayings they were full of wrath and cried out saying Great is Diana of the Ephesians 25 26 27. Note Arguments from Wealth and Interest are unanswerable with blinded Worldlings and raise the rage of the Rabble against Reformation Here we may see what resisteth Reformation in the Church of Rome Can it be hoped that any Truth or Reason should perswade the Pope and Cardinals and all their worldly Prelates to give up their Wealth Grandure Power and Dominion and all their Lay Chancellors to surrender with repentance their gainful Usurpation of the Power of the Keys And all their Courts called Ecclesiastick Officials Commissarieâ— Surrogates Archdeacons and all the multitude of their sub-Officers to become poor by giving over their Trade of Money-catching and all their Inquisitors to vomit up ther blood and gain And all the Crowds of Jesuits and Fryers to lose their Revenues and Life of Ease and their worldly Clergy who live in lazy Ignorance and fleshly ease and pleasure and railing at truth and serious Godliness to become poor and base by renouncing their Usurpation and their maintenances and domination which they get by pretending to watch and rule for the saving of the Peoples Souls What power but Gods can overcome all this 29. And the whole city was filled with confusion and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus men of Macedonia Pauls companions in travel they rushed with one accord into the Theatre 30. And when Paul would have entred in unto the People the Disciples suffered him not 29. Interest caused rage and confusâ—on 31. And certain of the cheif of Asia which were his friends sent unto him desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the Theatre 31. The Theatre was the place where they met to judge Offenders and cast them to Wild Beasts And some of the Priests or Heathen Masters of those Executions favoured Paul and disswaded him from coming 32. Some therefore cried onething and some another for the assembly was confufed and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together 32. Note What Reason or Justice is to be Executed where the ignorant Rabble are up and rage 33. And they drew Alexander out of the muâ—titude the Jews putting him forward And Alexander beckoned with the hand and would have made his defence unto the people 34. But when they knew that he was a Jew all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out Great is Diana of the Ephesians 33. Note It s like but not certain that this Alexander was he that Paul tells Timothy did him much evil Whether he were a Jew or a Christian by Religion is uncertain 35. And when the town-clerk had appeased the people he said Ye men of Ephesus what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana and of the Image which fell down from Jupiter 36. Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against ye ought to be quiet and to do nothing rashly 37. For ye have brought hither these men which are neither Robbers of Churches nor yet Blasphemers of your goddess 35. Note It is the Office of Rulers to appease the Rabbles rage by reason and Authority 2. It seems the Christians in wisdom had asserted Christianity without saying much against Diana which would have enâ—aged the People against them 38. Wherefore if Demetrius and the craftsmen which are with him have a matter against any man the law is open and there are deputies let them implead one another 38. If they have any Action let it be tryed fairly at the Judicatures by Law and not thus by Tumult 39. But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters it shall be determined in a lawful assembly 39. If beside matters of wrong you have any Accusation of more publick concern it must be tryed in a greater Assembly and higher Judicature Note The higher Judicatures consisted of fuller Assemblys than the lower 40. For we are in danger to be called in question for this days uprore there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse 41. And when he had thus spoken he dismised the Assembly 40. Our Superiours are justly jealous of Tumults and we are in danger to be questioned for this and can give no just reason to excuse it CHAP. XX. ANd after the uprore vvas ceased Paul called unto him the Disciples and embraced them and departed for to go into Macedonia 2. And vvhen he had gone over those parts and had given them much exhortation he came into Greece 3. And there abode three months 1. Note He spared no labour to save Souls and gather Churches And vvhen the Jevvs laid vvait for him as he was about to sail into Syria he purposed to return through Macedonia 4. And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea and of the Thessalonians Aristarchus and Secundus and Gaius of Derbe and Timotheus and of Asia Tychicus and Trophimus 5. These going before tarried for us at Troas 3. Note The Jews though neerer in Religion than the Heathens yet persecuted the Christians when the Heathens gave them liberty of Religion till Nero's time even as the Papists do the Reformed whom Turks tolerate 2. Timothy was not now fixed Bishop of Ephesus who travelled with Paul 6. And vve sailed avvay from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread and came unto them to Troas in five days vvhere vve abode seven days 7. And upon the first day of the vveek vvhen the Disciples came together to break bread Paul Preached unto them ready to depart on the morrovv and continued his speech until midnight 7. On the Lords day when the Christians met as they used to do to Eat a Supper together and the Lords Supper after it Paul being to depart on the morrow was the longer in Preaching to them even till Midnight 8. And there vvere many lights in the upper Chamber vvhere they vvere gathered together 9. And there sat in a vvindovv a certain young man named Eutychus being fallen into a deep sleep and as Paul vvas long Preaching he sunk dovvn vvith sleep and fell dovvn from the third loft and vvas taken up dead 10. And Paul vvent dovvn and fell on him and embracing him said Trouble not your selves for his life is in him 8. Note This accident was to
prepare for his delivery 11. When he therefore was come up again and had broken bread and eaten and talked a long vvhile even till break of day so he departed 11. Note Grace with Persecution made Christians willing of long Exercises of Religion 12. And they brought the young man alive and were not a little comforted 12. Note Had he dyed some would have said This is the effect of Christianity Others this is the fruit of Conventicles and night Meetings Others this is the fruit of long and and unseasonable Preaching and they would have been hardened by the scandal 13. And vve vvent before to ship and sailed unto Assos there intending to take in Paul for so had he appointed minding himself to go a foot 13. Note It was these poor labouring foot Preachers that Planted the Catholick Church and not Mitred Pompous Princes and Lords or the worldly crew 14. And vvhen he met vvith us at Assos vve took him in and came to Mitylene 15. And vve sailed thence and came the next day over against Chios and the next day vve arrived at Samos and taried at Trogyllium and the next day vve came to Miletus 16. For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus because he would not spend the time in Asia for he hasted if it were possible for him to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost 17. And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the Elders of the Church 17. Note They that tell us that by the Elders of the Church is meant all the Diocesane Bishops of Asia should tell us 1. Why Luke would not tell us so 2. Why all Asia is called a Church in the singular number when we never find the Churches of Judea Gallatia or any other Country so called one Church 3. Why the Churches of all Asia are summoned as the Church of Ephesus 4. What proof there is of Metropolitane Churches singlularly named in those days 5. How it would stand with Pauls great hast to Congregate all the Bishops of Asia And whether it was done in a day or two 6. Whether Paul that stayed two or three years at Ephesus did Preach through all Asia from house to house warning every one night and day with tears 7. VVhether this be not good evidence of many Elders then at Ephesus alone 8. Why there is no word of making some one the Ruler of all the rest as their Bishop 18. And when they were come to him he said unto them ye know from the first day that I came into Asia after what manner I have been with you at all seasons 19. Serving the Lord with all humility of mind and with many tears and temptations which befel me by the lying in wait of the Jews 18. Ye know at what rates of danger and suffering I have served God for your salvation humbly bearing all c. 20. And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you but have shewed you and have taught you publickly and from house to house 20. Not fraudulently concealing any thing profitable to you nor teaching unprofitable things but instructing you both in the publick Assemblys and from house to house as I had opportunity 21. Testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ 21. The sum of my Preaching hath been to draw all men to Repent and turn from sin and vanity to God as their God by a lively Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ as the way to the Father 22. And now behold I go bound in the Spirit unto Jerusalem not knowing the things that shall befal me there 23. Save that the holy Ghost witnesseth in every city saying that bonds and afflictions abide me 22. And now I am going to Jerusalem by the mission of Gods spirit who directeth my way in expectation of bonds not knowing just what and how I shall suffer but that where ever I come the Holy Ghost in others that are Prophets tells me that bonds and afflictions must befall me 24. But none of these things move me neither count I my life deare unto my self so that I might finish my course with joy and the ministery which I have received of the Lord Jesus to testifie the Gospel of the grace of God 24. But the expectation of suffering shaketh not my Faith or Resolution For it can but amount to their taking away my life And I account not my life dear if I may lay it down in so good a cause and for so great a benefit as is the finishing of the race or course of Life which God hath assigned me to with joy as one that is past danger and ready to receive the Crown and the full performance of the Commission which I have received of the Lord to proclaim and testifie the Gospel of Grace for the gathering of the Church and saving of souls Note 1. Suffering must not shake the trust or resolution of a Christian especially a Minister of Christ 2. We should not only endeavour to finish our course of Christianity and Ministry with Fidelity but also with joy 3. Good beginnings are not enough without well finishing our Course 4. Life must not be thought too dear to lay down for so desirable an end 5. Martyrs may end their course with joy Quest How should we finish our course with joy Answ 1. Take God and Heavenly Glory for your all or only happiness and believe it firmly 2. Give up your selves wholly to his Love and Service without reserves 3. Live on the Mediation of Christ by Faith 25. And now behold I know that ye all among whom I have gone Preaching the Kingdom of God shall see my face no more 25. Note O hear your Teachers as those that shortly shall see their Faces on Earth no more 26. Wherefore I take you to record this day that I am pure from the bloud of all men 27. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God 26. You are my Witnesses that if any perish it is not long of me for want of Teaching for I have not concealed from you any Truth necessary to your Salvation committed to my trust 28. Take heed therefore unto your selves and to all the flock over the which the holy Ghost hath made you overseers to feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own bloud 28. Use your greatest care and watchfulness and labour first about your selves that your judgments may be sound your hearts holy and your lives exemplary and then for all the Flock that one Flock at Ephesus over which the Holy Ghost by his inward qualifying and exciting you and by his outward call by the Flock and the Ordainers hath made you so many Bishops or Overseers spare for no diligence to feed and guide this Church of God which Christ the Son of God hath so much loved as to purchase it with his own Blood Note 1. The work of the Ministry is not
his Servants sufferings not as bidding them avoid them but as warning them to prepare 12. And when we heard these things both we and they of that place besought him not to go up to Jerusalem 12. Note As Men they persweded him to avoid the danger 13. Then Paul answered What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart for I am ready not to be bound only but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus 13. You do but become your selves the Author of my sufferings What are Bonds and what is Life that I should not cheerfully entertain them for the name of Jesus my Lord Note The condolence and temptations of compassionate Friends are oft more grievous than persecution 14. And when he would not be perswaded we ceased saying The will of the Lord be done 14. We saw by his resolution and unperswadableness that it was Gods will and we submitted to it 15. And after those days we took up our carriages and went up to Jerusalem 16. There went with us also certain of the Disciples of Cesarea and brought with them one Muason of Cyprus an old Disciple with whom we should lodge 17. And when we were come to Jerusalem the brethren received us gladly 15. Muason lodged us and the Church gladly owned us 18. And the day following Paul went in with us unto James and all the Elders were present 18 Note They that say all the Elders were all the Bishops of Judea do without proof fain Paul to have sent word before of his coming and desired a Council to be gathered to entertain him or else they take all the Bishops of Judea to be very gross Nonresidents that were all found the first day so far from their Flocks 19. And when he had saluted them he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministery 20. And when they heard it they glorified the Lord. 19. They rejoyced and thanked God for the success of the Gospel on the Gentiles and scattered the Jews abroad 20. And said unto him Thou seest brother how many thousands of Jews there are which believe and they are all zealous of the law 21. And they are informed of thee that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses saying that they ought not to circumcise their Children neither to walk after the customs 20 21. They are told that thou teachest not only the Gentiles but the Jews to forsake Circumcision and Moses Law and the Customes 22. What is it therefore the multitude must needs come together for they will hear that thou art come 23. Do therefore this that we say to thee we have four men which have a vow on them 24 Them take and purifie thy self with them and be at charges with them that they may shave their heads and all may know that those things whereof they were informed concerning thee are nothing but that thou thy self also walkest orderly and keepest the law 22. The Multitude of Christian Jews will hear of thy coming deliver them thus from this offence we have four Men that made the Nazarites vow to abstain from some things a certain time which is now expired and they are to shave themselves ceremoniously in the Temple Go thou with them and perform there the Legal Ceremonies of Purification and be at the cost of this solemnity on them that the People may know that the report of thee is not true but that thou being a Jew dost thy self keep the Law Note The Law was by Christ abrogated as to the use of the Types and Ceremonies as signifying him that was to come The Political part ceased when their policie was dissolved by their ruine And the moral natural part Christ continued as his Law And the Abrogation of the rest was not fully made known at first but by degrees and the exercise of it long tolerated to the Jews 25. As touching the Gentiles which believe we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols and from bloud and from strangled and from fornication 25. We intend not this for the Gentiles nor would bring them under the yoak of Moses Law c. 26. Then Paul took the men and the next day purifying himself with them entrod into the Temple to signifie the accomplishment of the days of purification until that an offering should be offered for every one of them 26. Paul did as they advised him and performed all the Ceremonies required and came to the Temple to make it known that the days of Purification were accomplished till they were to offer 27. And when the seven days were almost ended the Jews which were of Asia when they saw him in the Temple stirred up all the people and laid hands on him 28. Crying out Men of Israel help this is the man that teacheth all men every where against the people and the law and this place and further brought Greeks also into the Temple and hath polluted this holy place 29. For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the Temple 27. Note Some think that God let out this affliction on Paul for complying so far to please the People as if it had been carnal Councel which he followed But that is not to be supposed that both the Apostles and Elders and he himself who was guided by the Spirit should herein err and be misled This would leave us uncertain of the truth of their writings But it was the way of fulfilling Gods decree and tells us what a task it is to have to do with such Men Whether they be pleased or not we must suffer by them 30. And all the city was moved and the people ran together and they took Paul and drew him out of the Temple and forthwith the doors were shut 30. In blind rage they drag'd him out of the Temple as a Profaner of it 31. And as they went about to kill him tidings came unto the cheif captain of the band that all Jerusalem was in an uprore 31. This sort of zeal maketh Men think it no sin but a serving of God to murder the best of Saints as a Sacrifice to their Holy Temple and Ceremonies 32. Who immediately took Souldiers and centurions and ran down unto them and when they saw the cheif Captain and the Souldiers they left beating of Paul 32 Note 1. Even a Heathen Government is better than the Popular rage of blind ceremonious superstitious Zealots 2. Heathens are oft the Protectors of Christians against the blind rage of those that profess devotion to the same God 33. Then the cheif Captain came near and took him and commanded him to be bound with two Chains and demanded who he was and what he had done 34. And some cried one thing some another among the multitude and when he could not know the certainty
And he said unto me Depart for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles 21. I have other work for thee to do elsewhere with more success 22. And they gave him audience unto this word and then lift up their voices and said Away with such a fellow from the earth for it is not fit that he should live 22. Note 1. Of how little credit is the judgment of blinded wicked Men of Gods Servants when they judge them unfit to live on earth it signifyeth no guilt in them but their own madness 23. And as they cried out and cast of their cloathes and threw dust into the air 24. The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle and bad that he should be examined by scourging that he might know wherefore they cryed so against him 23 24. Note What usage Gods Servants must look for in the world The Legalists rage as the Devills Bedlams and the Heathen judge who was just and preserved him yet would scourge him on presumption before he heard his cause but there is at hand a final judgment where all these Bedlams and Tyrants shall be cast 25. And as they bound him with thongs Paul said unto the centurion that stood by Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman and uncondemned 25. As they prepared his Body to be scourged he said Is it not against your Law to scourge a Man uncondemned who is a Denizon of the Roman priviledges 26. When the centurion heard that he went and told the chief captain saying Take heed what thou doest for this man is a Roman 27. Then the chief captain came and said unto him Tell me art thou a Roman He said Yea. 28. And the chief captain answered with a great sum obtained I this freedom And Paul said But I was Free-Born 26. Art thou a Roman Denizon Note Tarsus was a City that was enfranchised with the Roman priviledges 29. Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him and the chief captain also was afraid after he knew that he was a Roman and because he had bound him 29. Note The fear of Mans Laws hath more power with worldly Men than the fear of God 30. On the morrow because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews he loosed him from his bands and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear and brought Paul down and set him before them 30. He would hear him and them together CHAP. XXIII ANd Paul earnestly he holding the council said Men and brethren I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day 1. Quest Did Paul persecute with a good Conscience Ans He went according to his Conscience though in sinful ignorance 2. And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth 2. Note The usual Justice of proud Archpriests whose will is instead of reason and equity 3. Then said Paul unto him God shall smite thee thou whited wall for sittest thou to juge me after the law and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law 4. And they that stood by said Revilest thou Gods high Priest 3. Note The gross injustice of the Archpriest is not blamed by them but Paul taken as criminal for reproving it 5. Then said Paul I wist not brethren that he was the high Priest For it is written Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people 5. Note Some think that Paul confesseth himself guilty of rashness or passion But others rather think that he spake but Ironically Ananias being indeed no High Priest but an Usurper but yet it was not prudence for Paul openly to say so q. d. I knew not that he was the true High Priest for he was not and I confess it a Sin to revile Rulers for it is forbidden But it s no sin to vindicate innocency and declare the unrighteousness of Oppressours and Prophetically to foretel Gods Judgments against them Christ said more who never sinned and was made under the Law Rulers are not unreprovable 6. But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees he cried out in the council Men and brethren I am a Pharisee the Son of a Pharisee of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question 6. He took the advantage of their own differences to draw the Pharisees to favour him and to turn their opposition against each other He spake nothing but the Truth but he left out one half of the truth and so it was a sort of Equivocation which is a sepaking part of the truth concealing another part knowing that the hearer will thence misunderstand it This is a fault when we are obliged to declare the whole or when its injurious to the Hearers or to the Truth but by concealment to occasion other Mens error or deceit is not always a sin 7. And when he had so said there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees and the multitude was divided 8. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection neither angel nor spirit but the Pharisees confess both 8. How bad a State was the Jewish Church in when Men that believed no life but this had equal power with the rest in Priesthood and Government 2. What Hypocrites were these Pharisees that could thus embody with damnable Hereticks and yet could not endure Christians but silenced and murdered them like the Papists Prelates who can endure Jews and Atheists while they burn or silence Protestants 9. And there arose a great cry and the scribes that were of the Pharisees part arose and strove saying We find no evil in this man but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him let us not fight against God 9. Note See how partiality will change Mens Judgment according to the interest of a party or faction 10. And when there arose a great dissension the chief captain fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them commanded the souldiers to go down and to take him by force from among them and to bring him into the castle 11. And the night following the Lord stood by him and said Be of good cheer Paul for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem so must thou bear witness also at Rome 11. Note Gods encouragements accompany his commands and faithful service 12. And when it was day certain of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under a curse saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul 12. Note Seeing the Pharises now spake for him it seems all or most of these furious men were Sadducees who were then the strongest Party And even to this day those that believe no life to come are the most cruel Enemies of Believers And what should deter such from bloody Vows Conspiracies and Perjuries When yet only Devillish malice doth provoke them 13.
deciding Publick Judges But mis-judging will excuse no Injury Qu. XIII What sort of Debt is sinful Verse 8. Ans It is Injustice not to give every Man his due if we are able And to promise or borrow what we know we cannot pay or when we acquaint not the Lender with the weakness and doubtfulness of our Estate that the hazard may be by his own cosent is to defraud him and is a Stealing of one of the worst sorts Qu. XIV Verse 13. When is Provision for the Flesh unlawful Ans When it is sought more to satisfie its Appetite or Lust or inordinate Desires than to strengthen and fit us and others for our Duty to God and Man CHAP. XIV 1. HIm that is weak in the faith receive you but not to doubtful disputations 1. And as your subjection to Government is necessary to a life of Christian Love and Concord so also is the mutual forbearance and reception of such brethren as are weak in the Faith and differ in disputable tolerable points Therefore see that you receive such to your Love and Communion without searching their Opinons and racking them by doubtful disputations about the points wherein they differ 2. For one believeth that he may eat all things another who is weak eateth herbs 2. For instance one truly believeth that all meats are now lawful another either thinks that he should not live on the Life and Flesh of his fellow Creatures or that he should at least abstain from that which by the Law of Moses was forbidden This is his weakness 3. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth for God hath received him 3. Let not him that understandeth that eating all things is lawful set at nought or vilifie him as a humorous scrupulous fool who is of another opinion and thinks it unlawful to eat flesh as many are too apt to do and let not him that dare not eat such Flesh or Meat forbidden by Moses's Law take him for an ungodly sinner that doth otherwise nor separate from him as prophane For God that is most holy and hateth all sin yet receiveth both these sorts and therefore so must you if you will Please God 4. Who art thou that judgest another mans servant To his own master he standeth or falleth Yea he shall be holden up for God is able to make him stand 4. Dost thou know thy self while thou so judgest others Who art thou a sinful man that thou presumest to judge and condemn Gods Servants It is his Sentence and not thine to which they shall stand or fall as justified or condemned and these differences shall not hinder God's acceptance of him and his Salvation for God that is just and merciful can justifie confirm and save him 5. One man esteemeth one day above another another esteemerh every day alike Let every man be fully perswaded in his own mind 5. So one Man makes Conscience to keep the Jewish Feasts and Fasts Another knoweth that Christ hath abrogated them Let every one labour as well as he can to know God's Will and then be true to his upright Conscience as knowing that he may not in these things follow the judgment of others against his own which he thinks is according to the mind of God whom he intendeth herein to obey 6. He that regardeth a day regardeth it unto the Lord and he that regardeth not the day to the Lord be doth not regard it He that eateth eateth to the Lord for he giveth God thanks and he that eateth not to the Lord he eateth not and giveth God thanks 6. He that maketh Conscience to keep such Days and not so to eat he intendeth it as an Act of Obedience to God and so doth he that is contrarily minded and both of them pray for Gods acceptance and give him thanks And dare you for such things discourage or reject Men that as they are able study to please God Is pleasing God so light in your esteem 7. For none of us liveth to himself and no man dieth to himself 7. For we are all convinced that we are not our own and therefore may not do what we list our selves and fit our practice to carnal self-interests but to the pleasing of the Will of God as all Men die at his Will and into his Hands and not their own 8. For whether we live we live unto the Lord or whether we die we die unto the Lord Whether we live therefore or die we are the Lords 8. For our lives are of God and must be for him to do his Will and when we die his Will therein is done in which we must contentedly acquiesce For living and dying we are his 9. For to this end Christ both died and rose and revived that he might be Lord both of the dead and living 9. For this being the very end of Christs dying rising and reviving that he might be Lord of all both dead and living who shall presume to take the governing or judging power out of his Hands and take Mens Souls and Consciences from subjection to him and expect to be obeyed or pleased before him 10. But why dost thou judge thy brother Or why dost thou set at nought thy brother For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ 10. Why then doth one Party call their Brethren sinners or prophane for not being against such lawful things as they call unlawful And why do the other part vilifie their Brethren for Conscionable scrupling and avoiding such a lawful thing Do you not all know our common imperfection of Knowledge and that we have no authority for such Judgment or Contempt And are you not afraid thus to usurp the Judgment which belongs to Christ and fear lest he will judge you for your uncharitableness to his Servants 11 12. For it is written As I live saith the Lord every knee shall bow to me and every tongue shall confess to God So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God 11 12. God hath told us in his Word that he will be first obeyed and pleased before all Men It is he that is our supreme absolute Lord and to him we must all give our great account and from him receive our final doom And would you wish any then to obey or humour you when he is perswaded that it displeaseth God and would condemn him Or will you anticipate God's Judgment and tempt Men out of the fear of sinning by your fallible censures or contempt 13. Let us not therefore judge one another any more but judge this rather that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brothers way 13. Let not us therefore Pastors or Neighbours thus uncharitably judge or use each other for such tolerable differences in things that are done Conscientiously as for God But instead of this discouraging Conscience and the fear of sin let this be your
God and Brother Sosthenes To the Church of God at Corinth being sanctified to God in Christ and so are called Saints with all such as faithfully call on the Name of Christ our common Lord. 3. Grace be unto you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ 3. I wish the great Blessings of Grace and Peace inward and outward Welfare from God the Fountain of all Good and Jesus Christ the Mediator and Donor of all to us 4. I thank my God always on your behalf for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ 5. That in every thing ye are enriched by him in all utterance and in all knowledge 6. Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you 7. So that ye come behind in no gift waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ 4 5 6 7. I am thankful for what you have received that you abound in the Gifts of Utterance and Knowledge as among you the Gospel of Christ was confirmed to you by the Miraculous Gifts of the Spirit which you saw and received so that you have attained to such an Eminency as fitteth you for the Perfection of all at the coming of Christ which you hope and wait for 8. Who shall also confirm you unto the end that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ 8. Who will not deny you his Confirming Grace that you may be found holy and justifiable at that day 9. God is faithful by whom ye were called into the fellowship of his son Jesus Christ our Lord. 9. For God is faithful who freely called you to the State of Communion with and in Christ when you were Aliens to it and therefore will not fail you when you are called and reconciled 10. Now I beseech you brethren by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that ye all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you but that ye be perfectly joyned together in the same mind and in the same judgment 11. For it hath been declared unto me of you my brethren by them which are of the house of Cloe that there are contentions among you 10 11. But notwithstanding all your Gifts I find cause to beseech you even by the Authority and precious Name of Christ that you will take heed of Divisions Sidings and Contentions and be as one in Mind and Judgment For I have been credibly told of your Contentions c. Note 1. That Churches and Persons of eminent Gifts may be liable to sinful Divisions and Strife 2. That Unity and Concord must improve all our Gifts if we would have them profit our selves and others 3. Therefore it must be in the Necessary things that we must unite and be of the same Mind and Judgment and not in things Doubtful and Unnecessary else it would be as vain as to beseech them to be all Men of Learning or highest Understanding 12. Now this I say that every one of you saith I am of Paul and I of Apollos and I of Cephas and I of Christ 12. I hear that you name your selves as the Followers or Party of this or that Man as if you set your Teachers and their Doctrine against one another and even Christ against his Ministers 13. Is Christ divided was Paul crucified for you or were ye baptized in the name of Paul 13. Will ye make Christ who is our common Head and Saviour to be the Head of a Faction Or will you set Paul against Christ As if Paul had been crucified for you or you baptised into his Name Know ye not that we have no Head of the Church but Christ 14. I thank God that I baptized none of you but Crispus and Gaius 15. Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name 16. And I baptized also the houshold of Stephanus besides I know not whether I baptized any other 14 15 16. Though Baptizing be Christ's Ordinance I thank God that he so over-ruled my Actions that I baptised none of you but Crispus and Gaius and the Houshold of Stephanus but that it was done by others because thereby I have escaped this Scandal which might have done more harm than my Baptising would have done good Note That as Abraham and others were to bring all their Housholds with them into the Covenant who were their own and not free Servants so were those that had Housholds bound to bring all their own into Gods Covenant as far as they were able 17. For Christ sent me not to baptize but to preach the Gospel not with wisdom of words lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect 17. For though Baptizing be within my Commission it was not that but Preaching the Gospel to convert Souls to Christ that I was most expresly and principally commissioned to And that not by such Humane Arts of Philosophy and Oratory as now pass for Wisdom lest these should carry the Praise from the Doctrine Cross and Miracles which Christ doth work by to convert the World Note how grosly they err that say That God converteth and giveth Grace by Sacraments only or rather than by Preaching 18. For the Preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness but unto us which are saved it is the power of God 18. For to them that thus pass for Wise Men in the World but are unsaved and perish in their Wisdom it seemeth great Folly to trust in a Crucified Christ for Salvation and suffer for him But the Power and Wisdom of God are this way eminently manifested to us who have felt its saving Efficacy on our selves and shall be saved by it 19. For it is written I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent 19. For God who is against the Pride of Man did prophesie That he would frustrate the Carnal Wisdom of ungodly Men saying I will destroy c. 20. Where is the wise where is the scribe where is the disputer of this world Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world 20. Doth not the Gospel of a Crucified Christ now vanquish and shame the Learned Philosophy and Oratory Heathen and Jewish artificial Learning counted the chief Wisdom And doth it not silence and shame the wrangling Logicians and shew the Folly and utter Impotency and Vanity of their Learning 21. For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe 21. For when as the World by Gods wise Permission lived in such Ignorance that they had not the Practical Knowledge of the True God but disobeyed him and worshipped Idols it pleased God by that Preaching of Christ which they count Foolishness to convert and save Believers and do that which all their Learning could not do 22. The Jews require a sign and the Greeks seek after wisdom 23. But we preach Christ
matter tho I despise no mans just admonition Man's Judgment signifieth little as to my self further than it may be hurtful to others For my case will not be finally determined by any Mans Judgment nor by my own 4. For I know nothing by my self yet am I not hereby justified but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 4. For my Conscience is witness of my sincerity and I know no unfaithfulness in my Stewardship though I am yet imperfect but this is not my deciding Justification nor is my Conscience any publick or final Judge but only the discerner of my Case It is Christ only whose Judgment must publickly and finally pass my doom 5. Therefore judge nothing before the time until the Lord come who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts and then shall every man have praise of God 5. Therefore usurp not God's part in uncalled bold and peremptory judging Stay till God's day come he will bring works of darkness into light and open the secrets of Mens Hearts and then those that indeed are excellent persons shall have God's approbation and praise which is better than the applause of factions and partial followers 6. And these things brethren I have in a figure transferred to my self and to Apollos for your sakes that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written that no one of you be puffed up for one against another 6. All this I have spoken as if the case had been my own and Apollos to warn you of the sin and danger of making men the heads of Factions and Divisions by thinking over highly of your selves or them and that you think of all Ministers but as God's Stewards for your good as I wrote here-before and use them for Concord and not for Sects 7. For who maketh thee to differ from another and what hast thou that thou didst not receive Now if thou didst receive it why dost though glory as if thou hadst not received it 7. And if really any of you are wiser than others who gave thee that wisdom which maketh the difference and what hast thou which was not freely given thee without desert And if it was so given thee why art thou puft up and boastest as if it had been deserved or was from thy self 8. Now ye are full now ye are rich ye have reigned as Kings without us and I would to God ye did reign that we also might reign with you 8. You take your selves to be grown much wiser and better under your exalted envious teachers than you were under us and so set light by those that converted you You are as Kings in your fulness and prosperity in your own conceits since I was with you And I would you were so indeed that we might rejoyce and partake with you and be refreshed with you under all the persecution which we yet endure 9. For I think God hath set forth us the apostles last as it were appointed to death For we are made a spectacle unto the world and to angels and to men 9. For God seemeth to have called us Apostles to be exposed on the Theatre of the world as last and appointed to greater sufferings than the Prophets were who suffered before us in our Martyrdom to be made publick spectacles to the world both Angels and Men. 10. We are fools for Christs sake but ye are wise in Christ we are weak but ye are strong ye are honourable but we are despised 10. While you are conceited of your selves as wise in the things of Christ and as strong and honourable we are despised by the boasters of the world as fools and weak 11 21. Even unto this present hour we both hunger and thirst and are naked and are buffetted and have no certain dwelling place and labour working with our own hands 11 12. Your prosperous state and our suffering state much differ Formerly and to this day we are taken for contemptible vagabâ—nds and live in hunger and thirst and poor cloathing abused and buffetted without Justice or Relief having no fixed habitation of our own and put to get our Bread by our handy labour while we preach to others 12 13. Being reviled we bless being persecuted we suffer it 13. Being defamed we intreat we are made as the filth of the world and as the off-scouring of all things unto this day 12 13. Being reviled by opprobrious words we wish them well that do it being unjustly persecuted we put all up and patiently bear it Being defamed by vilifying false accusers we intreat and speak them fair we are esteemed and used as the filth of the world and the off-scouring refuse and scum of the Earth as unworthy of Humane Society or Peace to this day 14. I write not these things to shame you but as my beloved sons I warn you 14. And though we suffer all this for you and such others and some of you have added to my Afflictions which you should have eased I write it to warn you and not to reproach you with it even as to my Sons and not mine Enemies 15. For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ yet have you not many fathers for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel 15. For though you have never so many Teachers you owe some special Respect to me who am your Father or first Converter by my Ministry 16. Wherefore I beseech you be ye followers of me 16. Wherefore I beseech you let no teachers draw you from the Doctrine which I delivered to you from Christ but constantly adhere to it 17. For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus who is my beloved son and faithful in the Lord who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ as I teach every where in every church 17. And till I can come my self I have sent Timothy who is my Son and faithful who knoweth my Doctrine and Practice in the things of Christ and will faithfully remember you of them 18. Now some are puffed up as though I would not come to you 18 Some envious teachers vaunt as if I durst not come to you and stand before them 19. But I will come to you shortly if the Lord will and will know not the speech of them which are puffed up but the power 19. But I will come shortly if the Lord will and will trie your boasting envious teachers not who hath the smoothest Tongue but who hath the greatest power of the Spirit 20. For the Kingdom of God is not in word but in power 20. For the Kingdom of Christ is not raised nor distinguished from the World or carried on by smooth Words but by Works of Divine Efficacy and Power 21. What will ye shall I come unto with a rod or in love and in the spirit of meekness 21. And had you not rather that I come in love and meekness
than with punishing Power to delivet any offenders to Satan as Gods Executioner on their bodies CHAP. V. 1. IT is reported commonly that there is fornication among you and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles that one should have his fathers wife 1. It is not a doubtful Fame but a credible Report that there is such Fornication among you as Civil Heathens do abhor that one should have his Fathers Wife 2. And ye are puffed up and have not rather mourned that he that hath done this deed may be taken away from among you 2. And you have made light of it and not as sensible of the Sin and Shame bewailed it that he that is impenitent in this Sin may be cut off from your Society 3. For I verily as absent in body but present in spirit have judged already as though I were present concerning him that hath so done this deed 4. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ when ye are gathered together and my spirit with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ 5. To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus 3 4 5. For though I be absent in Body yet present in Spirit I have by the Power given me by Christ determined already when you are assembled and my Spirit with you to deliver this Man to Satan by casting him out of the Church and leaving him to Gods Executioner to inflict destructive Punishment on his Body to bring him to Repentance for the saving of his Soul Note 1. That Paul himself was the Judge 2. Yet he would do it when they were assembled for Order to shew them what they should have done 3. That it was in a Church-assembly of Men present for holy Communion and not in a Lay-Court or a Consistory of the Pastors of other Assemblies who knew not the Man nor had any special Over-sight of him 4. That Satan is Gods Executioner on the Bodies even of Christians specially of Sins to Death The Church having then no Christian Magistrates was put to appeal to God to punish Capital Crimes miraculously 5. That yet this is to save the Sinner by Repentance as well as to be a Warning to others 6. Your glorying is not good Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump 6. You do not well to bear up such a Man in his Sin and to make light of it The whole Church so far as it 's guilty of such a Conniving or Consent is thus defiled with Guilt and may be tempted to the like Sin 7. Purge out therefore the old leaven that ye may be a new lump as ye are unleavened For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us 7. As the Jews when they kept the Passover were to cast all Leavened Bread out of their Houses so we assemble to commemorate the Sacrifice of Christ our Paschal Lamb. Purge out of your Assemblies the old Leaven of scandalous Sins that you may approve your selves a Society acceptable to God through Christ Note 1. That as Dr. Hammond observes out of Chrysostom and Theodoret there was a Tradition that this Offender was a Bishop 2. And the Assembly was to purge the Church of such a one whoever he was by forsaking him 8. Therefore let us keep the feast not with old leaven neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth 8. Therefore let our Christian Assemblies be kept as holy Feasts before God not with the Vices of our old Natural or Heathen State nor with the odious Leaven of Naughtiness and Wickedness but with the Unleavened Bread of Purity Sincerity and Truth 9. I wrote to you in an epistle not to company with fornicators 10. Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world or with the covetous or extortioners or with Idolaters for then must ye needs go out of the world 9 10. I did indeed write to you before in this or some other Epistle to avoid Familiarity with Fornicators Covetous Extortioners Idolaters c. I meant that you shew your abhorrence of this Sin and shame the Sinner by shunning his Company when it is unnecessary and it is in your power so to do But I meant not that you should have no Company or Converse at all with any that are such for you live among Unbelievers and cannot go out of the World 11. But now I have written unto you not to keep company if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator or covetous or an idolater or a railer or a drunkard or an extortioner with such an one no not to eat 11. But my Meaning and your Duty is That you shun all Company which may signifie owning or Brotherly Familiarity with any called Christians who are such scandalous Sinners that the Church and Religion may not be thought to favour them and that Shame may humble them And though it belong not to every Christian but to the Church to cast such out of Publick Societies nor to separate from the Church because such are there yet as the Church ought to purge out such so every private Man should avoid that Familiarity which is in their power even that which lieth in Friendly Eating or the like 12. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without Do not ye judge them that are within 12. For we are not authorised to call those without the Church before us to try and judge their Cases who never submitted to our Authority and are not a Scandal to the Christian Profession It is them that have consented to our Power and Discipline that you judge 13. But them that are without God judgeth Therefore put away from among your selves that wicked person 13. Those that are without the Church we must leave to the Judgment of God they are not under our Government But that wicked Person who is as one of you disown and put away from your Communion CHAP. VI. 1. DAre any of you having a matter against another go to law before the unjust and not before the saints 1. Another Scandal I hear of among you is That you go to Law against one another before Heathen Judges when you might decide your Differences among your selves How dare you do this when Heathens are unjust and will deride you 2. Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world And if the world shall be judged by you are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters 2. Know ye not that Christ will commit that Honour to his Saints with him to judge the World of the Ungodly And you should be all Saints your selves And if the World shall be judged by you are you not meet to decide your own little Differences 3. Know ye not that we shall judge angels How much more things that pertain to this life 3. And as Christ is the Judge of the
this bread and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 27. And it being so sacred an Institution for so high a Use whoever shall profane it and use it but as common Food or contrary to the holy Ends of it which is the signification of Gods Love to us by the Sacrifice of Christ for our Sins and our Signification and Covenant of Love and Union with him and one another he partaketh in Guilt with them that despise and crucifie him 28. But let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup. 28. But let Men try and examine themselves whether their Hearts and Practice do answer the necessary Ends of this holy Institution coming to it as reverent Partakers of the Sacramental or Representative Sacrificed Body and Blood of Christ in the penitent and believing sense of their Sin and need of a Saviour and of his pardoning and healing Grace trusting the Hopes of their Salvation on him and sincerely renewing their Self-dedication to him and Covenant of New Obedience to him in Love and Unity with his Church even all sincere Believers and so let them comfortably herein communicate 29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself not discerning the Lords body 29. For he that eateth and drinketh otherwise than thus that is profanely and not to the Ends of the Institution doth but draw Judgment on himself in stead of Grace 30. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you and many sleep 30. For this very Sin of Profaning the holy Ordinance God hath inflicted on many of you Weakness and Sickness and Death on some For God useth Paternal Castigation Justice and Punishments even on his Family 31. For if we would judge our selves we should not be judged 31. And if we would examine and judge our selves and so come to this Feast as true penitent Believers with a right Intent and holy Reverence we should escape such castigatory Penalties and the Judgment of God 32. But when we are judged we are chastened of the Lord that we should not be condemned with the world 32. But these Judgments of God on his Family are not by destructive Revenge but Fatherly Chastisements to bring us to Repentance that we may not be condemned with the unholy World 33. Wherefore my brethren when ye come together to eat tarry one for another 33. Wherefore as Brethren do all in that impartial Unity and Love as answereth your Profession and Christs Institution and not in Selfishness Division or Prophaneness 34. And if any man hunger let him eat at home that ye come not together unto condemnation And the rest will I set in order when I come 34. Let the hungry eat at home and not disorder the sacred Communion and use it carnally or as a common Feast and that with uncharitable inequality lest your prophanation of so holy a thing bring down Gods Judgments on you As for other Points of Church Order I will determine them when I come ANNOTATIONS I. AS to the Custom of Men and Womens Covering and Hair mentioned ver 13 14 c. 1. It is certain that the Significancy is the thing that must decide the Case and that as Words so this Action is an arbitrary Sign and depends on the Custom and Opinion of the Country as the Expositor And that with us where Mens being uncovered signifieth Reverence and Submission to a Superiour the Case quite differeth from that of the Corinthians 2. And yet the Custom is so common in most Nations for Women to wear their Hair at full length and Men to cut it that it seems there is somewhat in Nature that tendeth to this difference as there is in Kneeling and Prostration to shew Humiliation and Submission And to consound the Difference of Sexes in Habits is a great Sin tending to Debauchery and to hide unclean and Beastly Conversation And therefore though a Man may in such things of themselves indifferent do as the worst do in an undecent Fashion to aovid some greater Evil as among Thieves or Persecutors to escape unknown as one may wear Womens Clothes to escape from unjust Imprisonment or Death yet sober godly Persons should not without such necessity imitate the Fashions which are the Ensigns of Pride Debauchery or any sinful self-distinguishing sort of Men or Women Apply this to our Case of Mens wearing great Periyuks and that of Womens Hair who sell it for that use and to the Fashion of Womens naked Breasts and Gowns with long superfluous Trains while the Poor want necessary Cloathing c. What would Paul have said if any of these had been then the Case II. It is a most doleful Case that Satan hath prevailed to turn this sacred Institution of Christs Supper into the matter of bloody Contention with sâ—me and of uncomfortable distracting Scruples and Fears with others when as Christ ordained it to be the firm Bond of constant Love and Unity and the great Comfort of the Souls of penitent Believers 1. On one side by over-doing in the Dogmatical and Ceremonious part it is turned into the Monsters of Transubstantiation the Priests Communion alone while the People look on a half Sacrament without the Cup a Latin Mass not understood a Real Sacrifice offered for the Dead in stead of a Representative Commemorative Sacrifice the Adoration of Bread as God supposed to be no Bread but the Body of God indeed c. And it 's made an Engine to wrack Mens Consciences and tear the Church by excommunicating all that dare not Conform to all the Dresses which usurping Domination hath painted this Sacrament withal And the Blood of Christs faithful Servants is shed for not following all these Opinions and antick Ceremonies that the Sacrifice of Christs Body and Blood is abused by So that alas how many Churches are torn and persecute one another for not using this Sacrament of Love and Communion according to those Devices of Men which Peter or Paul never used or approved 2. On the other side many godly Persons quite misunderstanding the Words of Paul about unworthy receiving come with such an excess of Reverence and Fear lest they eat and drink their own Damnation that either they seldom venture to Communicate which the old Christians did oftner than every Lords Day or else they are more terrified far than comforted And looking that God should suddenly comfort them in the very Act of Receiving while they fight against their own Comforts by Mistakes and unbelieving Fears when they feel not their Expectation answered they are ready to despair as having received unworthily And should they do so by Prayer and Hearing what a Torment and Slavery would they make of Religion by their Errour 3. And yet the Ignorant and Ungodly who truly receive unworthily can from the bare doing of the outward Act steal to themselves that deceitful Comfort by which they are
Christ 1 2 3. Paul an Apostle not of Men nor called by Men but by Christ from Heaven and by his Revelation attested by the Power of God the Father who raised him from the Dead and all the Brethren with me to the Churches of Galatia we wish Grace and Peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ Note That Paul mentions not the Church of Galatia but the Churches every City that had Christians like our Corporations having then a Church not then put down to settle one onely Church called Diocesane in stead of multitudes 4. Who gave himself for our sins that he might deliver us from this present evil world according to the will of God and our Father 5. To whom be glory for and ever Amen 4 5. Who by dying for our Sins designed to call us out of the World and save us from the Temptations Vices Examples and Practices of wicked worldly Men. To him be Glory for ever and ever Amen 6. I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel 6. I marvel that you who voluntarily received the Truth from me are so soon turned from the Gospel of the Grace of Christ to another Doctrine contrary to this Grace as if it were the Gospel 7. Which is not another but there be some that trouble you and would pervert the gospel of Christ 7. Which is far from being Christs Gospel contrary to my Preaching as they pretend but it is the Doctrine of Men that would trouble you and would pervert the Gospel of Christ 8. But though we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you then that which we have preached unto you let him be accursed 9. As we said before so say I now again If any man preach any other gospel unto you then that ye have received let him be accursed 8 9. But I pronounce and repeat it If I yea or an Angel from Heaven if any Man pretend to preach to you any other Gospel than that which we have preached or you received let him be Anathema renounce him as an excommunicate accursed Person Note 1. That there is no other Gospel to be expected besides that communicated to us by the Apostles and recorded in the Scripture The Dream of a more perfect Gospel of the Holy Ghost is wicked 2. That this Gospel hath fuller Evidence than if an Angel spake from Heaven and is to be believed before and against such an Angel 3. That it is the Peoples Duty to reject and forsake any Teacher that would bring another Gospel or pervert this Not as Church-Governours but as Subjects of Christ that must be loyal to him and save themselves 10. For do I now perswade men or God or do I seek to please men for if I yet pleased men I should not be the servant of Christ 10. Do I now preach the Doctrine of Men on Mans Authority to please Men or the Word of God by his Authority to please him Am I the Messenger and Preacher of Man or of God Which do I serve and seek to please For if I please Men as their Servant I am none of Christs Servant 11. But I certifie you brethren that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man 11. I would have you know that the Gospel which I preach is not Humane from Man nor on Mans Authority nor to gratifie the Will or Wordly Interest of Man 12. For I neither received it of man neither was I taught it but by the revelation of Jesus Christ 12. I learned it not of any Humane Teacher nor took it on Humane Authority but from Christs Revelation 13. For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews religion how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God and wasted it 14. And profited in the Jews religion above many my equals in mine own nation being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers 13 14. You have heard how I formerly unmeasurably persecuted and wasted the Church through excess of Zeal for the Tradition of my Fathers and Religion of the Jews c. 15. But when it pleased God who separated me from my mothers womb and called me by his grace 16. To reveal his Son in me that I might preach him among the heathen 15 16. But when it pleased God who by his free electing Grace decreed me to know Christ first my self and then preach him to the Heathens which was a kind of separating me to it from the Womb and when he called me hereto by his meer Grace 16 17. Immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me but I went into Arabia and returned again unto Damascus 16 17. I staid not to consult with any Man but presently preached the Gospel nor went I up to Jerusalem to learn of the Apostles there what to preach but c. 18. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter and abode with him fifteen days 19. But other of the apostles saw I none save James the Lords brother 18 19. It was three years after before I went to Jerusalem and staid fifteen days with Peter c. Note 1. That though Luke Acts 9.26 put Paul's coming to Jerusalem near his Conversion and mention not expresly his three years absence or being in Arabia yet the brevity of the History proveth not the shortness of the Time And it was not three years after his going from Damascus but after his Conversion And Luke Acts 9.23 saith That it was after much time that he went from Damascus which belonged to Arabia so that it 's like that he spent the three years at or near Damascus and when he was escaped went presently to Jerusalem 2. And though it may seem that three years had been time enough to have satisfied the Church at Jerusalem of Paul's Conversion yet it seems that he spent that time in Arabia and Damascus to avoid the rage of his Countrymen at Jerusalem and so his remoteness occasioned their dissatisfaction 20. Now the things which I write unto you behold before God I lie not 21. Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cylicia 22. And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judea which were in Christ 23. But they had heard only That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed 24. And they glorified God in me Note All this Paul writeth to prove that he received not the Gospel from the Apostles or any man but immediately from Christ CHAP. II. 1. THen fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas and took Titus with me also 2. And I went up by revelation and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles but privately to them which were of reputation lest by any means I should run or had run
these are the Sins for which Gods Wrath cometh on the Unbelievers and therefore will do so on all the Disobedient that live in them Therefore be not you Partakers in the Sin if you would not partake also of the Punishment 8. For ye were sometimes darkness but now are ye light in the Lord walk as children of light 8. For you were in darkness formerly your selves but Christ hath brought you into the light of saving Knowledge Live then as in the Light according to the Gospel and Spirit of Christ and do that of which you need not be ashamed 9 10. For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 9 10. For Christ ruleth all true Christians by his Spirit of Illumination and Sanctification and the Fruits of that Spirit and Light are Goodness Love and Kindness Righteousness Truth and Faithfulness trying and chusing what is pleasing to the Lord. 11. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather reprove them 11. Communicate not with these Heathens and Hereticks Works of Darkness and fleshly Lusts but rather do your best to save Men from them by reproof 12. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret 12. For their secret Filthiness which cannot bear the Light is such as Modesty is loth to name 13. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light for whatsoever doth make manifest is light 13. But all things when the Light discovereth them are manifest and if approvable need not fear it for the Doctrine and Spirit of Christ are a manifesting Light 14. Wherefore he saith Awake thou that sleepest and arise from the dead and Christ shall give thee light 14. Which is the sense of Isa 60.1 which calleth the People that slept in Darkness to awake that the Lord may shine upon them which Christ now doth to true Believers 15. See then that ye walk circumspectly not as fools but as wise 16. Redeeming the time because the days are evil 15 16. See then that you live not carelesly but with watchfulness and accurate circumspection not as Fools that see not or mind not their danger but as Wise Men that look on every side and are careful to avoid all sorts of Evil And therefore take hold of the present Opportunity and use well the Light of the Gospel while you have it for the World is round about you full of Snares and Dangers which without wise Circumspection cannot be avoided 17. Wherefore be ye not unwise but understanding what the will of the Lord is 17. Wherefore let not Ignorance and Folly prepare you for Deceit but labour to be well acquainted with the Will of God concerning your Duty 18. And be not drunk with wine wherein is excess but be filled with the Spirit 19. Speaking to your selves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord 18 19. And do not like Heathens and sensual Libertines think that the exhileration of excess of Wine which causeth Sottishness and Lust is either lawful or suitable to Devotion but be you exhilerated by the Spirit of God whose Grace you must excite and exercise by Psalms and Hymns of Praise to God and Spiritual Songs which you must use in holy manner to the Lord with the inward Melody of the Heart Note 1. That Paul here leaveth it to Christian Wisdom whether we shall use David's Psalms for others more fitted to Gospel Times and Worship 2. That hence it is evident that it is lawful to use some Forms of Worship invented and imposed by Man For Hymns and Songs cannot be used without Invention And the Church or many cannot join in them unless some one lead and impose them on the rest It would be mad Work for a Congregation to sing extemporate Songs and every one a several one of his own And if Prayer and Praise in Metre may be invented and imposed the same Reasons will hold as to Prose when Uniformity is needful as in Baptism c. 20. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ 20. Chearfully thanking God continually on all occasions for all his Mercies which are found in all things that he doth offering this to the Father in the Name of Christ Note That Psalms and Thanksgiving to God through Christ must be the most constant Part of Christian Worship 21. Submitting your selves one to another in the fear of God 21. And let Gods Command move you to be yielding and submissive and not stout and staff towards one another but especially to your Superiours but so as to fear and obey God before Men. 22 23. Wives submit your selves unto your own husbands as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church and he is the Saviour of the body 22 23. Let Wives shew their Subjection to Christ by submitting to their Husbands as by his Command For the Husband is under Christ the Head or Ruler of the Wife to govern her in Love and protect her as Christ is the Supreme Head and Ruler of the Church and the Saviour of it as his Body 24. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing 24. Therefore as the Church is in all things to be subject to Christ so must the Wives be to their Husbands in all things belonging to that Relation under Christ 25. Husbands love your wives even as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it 26. That he might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word 25 26. Husbands imitate Christ in loving your Wives as Christ did his Church for which in a special sense he gave himself by death that he might sanctifie it to God and cleanse it from Sin by washing away their Guilt and Filth signified and sealed in Baptism and by the Promises and Preaching of his Word 27. That he might present it to himself a glorious church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish 27. That he may prepare it for the great Marriage-day and then present it to himself cleansed and beautified without Sin Guilt or Blemish but perfect in Holiness and glorious 28. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies he that loveth his wife loveth himself 28. As Eve was taken out of Adam so the Union between Husband and Wâ—fe is so near that Men should love their Wives in a sort as their own Bodies and to love a Wife should be as the loving of our selves 29. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh but nourisheth and cherisheth it even as the Lord the church 29. And as Nature causeth all Men to love nourish and cherish their own
thus press toward the End of our Faith in Love And then if through imperfection of Knowledge you come short and differ in other things while you wait on God in Humility Love and Peace God will in time make you know what yet is wanting to you 16. Nevertheless whereto we have already attained let us walk by the same rule let us mind the same thing 16. But let all that have attained soundness in these necessary Essentials of Christianity still live according to these Gospel-Truths which we all acknowledge and in Love and Concord practise and promote these things in which we are agreed Note How directly Paul condemneth both Church-Tyrants and Sectaries the former silencing reviling and persecuting and the other reproachfully censuring and separating from those that agree in all here instanced for not consenting to needless Trifles of the Clergies imposition or to the Errours of superstitious ignorant Men. 17. Brethren be followers together of me and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample 17. God that hath sent me to teach you hath herein also made me an Ensample to you I beseech you therefore herein follow me in humble striving towards Perfection uniting in sincere Christianity and bearing in other things with each other till God teach you the rest 18. For many walk of whom I have told you often and now tell you even weeping that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ 19. Whose end is destruction whose God is their belly and whose glory is in their shame who mind earthly things 18 19. For many of whom I have oft told you and now mention them with Tears for their own fakes and the Churches do so live as that while they are called Christians they are such Enemies to the bearing of the Cross in following a Crucified Christ that they will suffer nothing for their Faith For taking up Christianity notionally in their Brains without the Life and Power on their Hearts the World was never overcome or their Lust mortified by it so that their Belly or fleshly Lust is the God which they most love and obey and while they glory that they know more of Christian Liberty than we do and so may lawfully please fleshly Lusts it is their Shame and Bruâ—tishness which they glory in and therefore Destruction will be their end 20. For our conversation is in heaven from whence also we look for the Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ 21. Who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself 20 21. But our City freedom Relation Treasure Converse and Business is in Heaven among the Heavenly Society in the Jerusalem above From thence by Faith and joyful Hope we look for the Saviour the Lord Jesus who is our Head and Intercessour there and who will not onely receive our Souls at death but will also change these vile Bodies which being made of the low dissoluble Elements are a clog to our Souls and must corrupt like the Flesh of Bruits and will make them like his own now-glorious Body spiritual incorruptible and glorious and this he can and will do how unlikely soever it appears to us by the exercise of his Omnipotency by which he can conquer all Difficulties and Enemies for the accomplishing of the Work of the Salvation of his Church Note 1. That the great difference between miserable Hypocrites and sound Christians is that the former set most by Flesh and Earth and the latter by the Hopes of Heaven to which they subject all worldly Interest and on which and for which they live and labour most as Worldlings do for a Worldly Welfare 2. That a false sensual worldly unmortified Heart betrayeth Hypocrites into worldly sensual Opinions and Heresies and they easily believe all to be lawful which maketh for their fleshly worldly Interests and Lusts because their false Hearts would have it to be lawful CHAP. IV. 1. THerefore my brethren dearly beloved and longed for my joy and crown so stand fast in the Lord my dearly beloved 1. Note That the most amiable Christians have need of Warning and earnest Exhortation against Backsliding by Temptation and Deceivers 2. I beseech Euodias and beseech Syntiche that they be of the same mind in the Lord. 2. Note It 's like he heard of Contention between these two which he beseecheth them to cease 3. And I intreat thee also true yokefellow help those women which laboured with me in the gospel with Clement also and with other my fellow labourers whose names are in the book of life 3. And I intreat thee my true Fellow-labourer it 's like he meaneth Epaphroditus but uncertain take care of those Women that furthered our Work by entertaining us and suffering for the Faith with Clement and other Helpers who are of the number of those that God will own 4. Rejoyce in the Lord alway and again I say Rejoyce 4. Rejoice in the Interest you have in the Lord his Grace and Protection and Promise of Glory Yea I again urge it on you Always rejoice Note 1. That Christians even in a state of opposition from the World have always greater cause of rejoicing in God than of sorrow for the World Though if they wilfully sin it may interrupt their Joy by making them unfit for it as Wounds and Sickness do the Body 2. That holy Joy in the Lord is that Flower of Religion which all Christians should desire and chiefly labour to attain 5. Let your moderation be known unto all men The Lord is at hand 5. Let all Men see that you put the best sense on all that befals you from God and Man and that you take nothing by impatience or uncharitableness at the worst but can suffer Injuries For God is with you and the day of his delivering you is near 6. Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God 6. Let no Want or Danger disturb your Mind with anxious distrustful Cares but in every Case go and open it to God in Prayer for your selves and others with Thanksgiving for what you have received as beseemeth those who truly trust in God 7. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus 7. And by this Lenity of Mind and Trust in God by Prayer the Peace which you shall have in Gods Love to you in your own Souls and in Concord with the Church which is of inestimable value above much notional Knowledge shall as a Garrison keep your Affections from disturbance and your Judgments from Errour through the Grace of Christ 8. Finally brethren whatsoever things are true whatsoever things are honest whatsoever things are just whatsoever things are pure whatsoever things are lovely whatsoever things are of good report if there be any virtue and if there
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
who despised him and killed him and persecuted his Cause and Servants did also destroy the Jews 10. When he shall come to be glorified in his saints and to be admired in all them that believe because our testimony among you was believed in that day 10. Note The End of Christs glorious coming will be to be glorified and admired in holy Believers as having by his Merit Intercession and Spirit made them by Holiness fit for Glory and in Justice set them above their Persecutors 2. So far were the poore Christians from being then such a Glory and Admiration that they continued above two hundred years after this to be persecuted and made the scorn of the World 11. Wherefore also we pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness and the work of faith with power 11. We pray that God will fit you by his Grace for this and make you suitable to your holy Calling and fully perform to you all the Purposes of his Love and powerfully finish your Work of Faith Note Worthiness in the Gospel-sense is that Moral Qualification by Grace to which as a Moral Condition God hath promised the Blessing 12. That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you and ye in him according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ 12. Note That Sanctifying Grace maketh Christians a Glory to the Name of Christ declaratively as the Cause is honoured in the Effect and they are glorified in Christ possessively as the Means in the End obtained and the Runner in the Prize and relatively as an adopted Son in a Prince that adopteth him CHAP. II. 1. NOw we beseech you brethren by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and by our gathering together unto him 2. That ye be not soon shaken in mind or be troubled neither by spirit nor by word nor by letter as from us as that the day of Christ is at hand 1 2. I vehemently beseech you that no Pretence either of Spirit Word or Apostolical Letter persuade you that Christs Coming is near at hand and so trouble you and your Faith be shaken when that 's disappointed Note further That it 's more than the Destruction of Jerusalem that is here meant For it will be the Churches gathering together to Christ at his coming 2. And it neither agreeth with the following long Persecutions of the Church by the Heathens nor with Paul's usual Pity to the Jews thus to insult in their Destruction as if it brought a Felicity to the Church like Heaven it self 3. Let no man deceive you by any means for that day shall not come except there come a falling away first and that man of sin be revealed the son of perdition 4. Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God shewing himself that he is God 3. It is dangerous deceit for any to persuade you that the Day of Christ is at hand for there are many things that must first come to pass There must first be a falling away of many from the Faith and that notable Man of Sin must appear who is to be destroyed 4. Who arrogantly opposeth true Christianity and exalteth himself above all c. 5 6 7. Remember ye not that when I was yet with you I told you these things And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time For the mystery of iniquity doth already work onely he who now letteth will let until he be taken out of the way 8. And then shall that wicked be revealed whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming 9. Even him whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders 10. And with all deceiveableness of unrighteousness in them that perish because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved 11. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion that they should believe a lie 12. That they all might be damned who believed not the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness Note 1. That Forewarning should be Forearming 2. Both the rise and fall of Sin and Sinners must have their proper Seasons Gods delays are but staying till the due time 3. Removing Impediments is the Prepartory work for future events 4. This great Enemy of Christ is a Man Lawless and made up of Wickedness 5. He must be first revealed and then consumed even by his Word Spirit and Coming 5. Satan will promote this Enemy of Christ with Power Signs and lying Wonders and Deceivableness of Unrighteousness 6. Not receiving the Love of the Truth of Gospel nor heartily believing it but taking pleasure in Unrighteousness prepare Men for damning Delusions 7. God is said to send them such Delusions by penal Desertions and Permissions Readers I dare not take on me to teach you that as true which I know not my self nor yet to pretend that I know more than I do I confess that I am uncertain who it is that Paul here describeth And meerly to know what other Men say of it is no satisfaction to me especially when they so greatly differ as they do 1. Most of the Fathers and Papists think that Antichrist here described is some odious False-Christ who is yet to come before the End of the World I have much to say against that Opinion 2. Grotius thought that this Chapter speaks of the Emperour Caius Caligula chiefly and partly of Simon Magus So much may be said against that as that his Follower Dr. Hammond rejecteth it 3. Dr. Hammond thinks it speaketh onely of Simon Magus I cannot believe that 1. Because really this Simon was no such considerable formidable Person as he describeth him The few Scraps of History of Simon recited by him are very dubious No great or publick History of those Times mention him He was affrighted into Submission and Supplication to Peter Acts 8. He was not thought worthy the naming after in all the sharp Charges against Hereticks in the Epistles The Judaizers are reproved the Concision called Dogs the Troublers Paul wisheth cut off the Nicolaitans named and the Woman Jezebel and many Antichrists mentioned by John the grosser sort of Hereticks smartly described and condemned by Peter and Jude John forbids us to bid them Good-speed Paul bids Men avoid them as self-condemned The Revelation speaketh yet more fully And none of them all mention Simon as the God and Ringleader of them If the Nicolaitans and all those that the Doctor calleth Gâ—osticks were known to be the Disciples of Simon why is that concealed in such large Reproofs and why not called Simonians as well as Nicolaitans If they were not then known to be his Off-spring it seems these Heresies had other Fathers before him more noted
2. It 's not to be doubted but Timothy after this had Imposition of Hands at his Ordination 3. It is certain that it was then by the Hands of the Presbytery 4. It is probable that Paul was one of them and the â—â—ief 5. Therefore as the next Verse sheweth that he speaketh of the Spirit or Gift of Sanctification not proper to Ministers so it is certain that Paul meant this but not improbable that he meant the other also but comprehended both 7. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind 7. For though Jews are under the Spirit of Legal Fear and Bondage and Unbelievers have a cowardly Fear of Men this is not the Spirit given us by the Gospel but it is the sanctifying of the three great Faculties of the Soul the Executive Faculty by Holy Power the Will by Holy Love and the Intellect by sound and sober Judgment This is the Spirit of Christ 8. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord nor of me his prisoner but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God 8. Be not therefore ashamed of preaching and owning the Gospel or of any Suffering that this will bring nor of me who am Christs Prisoner as suffering for his Work But whatever hard usage Men exercise against the Gospel and the Preachers of it be content to bear thy part with others as strengthened by the Power of God 9. Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began 9. Who hath saved us from our servitude to sin and Satan and called us out of the World to be a Holy People separated to himself not because by our Works we were a more Deserving People before than others but according to his own Purpose and Gracious Decree of saving us by Christ which he had for us before the World or Ages began 10. But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ who hath abolished death and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel 40. But now this purpose is opened by Christs appearing in Flesh who hath now delivered us from the Power of that Death which was the Wages of sin assuring us of a Resurrection and hath brought future Life and Immortality to our more full assured notice by his Gospel Note That though the Souls Immortality and a life of Retribution be knowable by the light of Nature yet 1. It is with far less Certainty than the Gospel giveth us 2. And Nature tells us not with any clearness of a Resurrection of the Body 3. Nor doth it give Men â—ear notice of the Conditions of our attaining that Felicity But Christ by the Gospel hath given us assured notice of all this And this is the chief thing in which Christs plain teaching excelleth all the Subtilties of the Trifling Heathen Philosophers 11. Whereunto I am appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher of the Gentiles 11. To Preach this and teach the Gentiles I am a Commissioned Apostle and for this I suffer 12. For the which cause I also suffer these things nevertheless I am not ashamed for I know whom I have believed and I am perswaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day 12. But I am not ashamed of my Preaching or Suffering for I know whom I have trusted and am perswaded that he can and will keep me in safety who have committed my self wholly to him even to the great day in which all his promises shall be performed 13. Hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus 13. Keep before thee the Form or Summary of Sound Doctrine which thou heardest of me which consisteth in the Articles of Faith and the Precepts of Love of both which Christ is the Object and Sum or which form of Sound Doctrine thou must hold fast by a Firm Belief and Practical Love of Christ and his Cause 14. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the holy Ghost which dwelleth in us 14. That good and sure summary of Sound Doctrine which I committed to thy keeping hold close to by the Spirit of God who dwelleth in us to help our Memory Love and Practice Note Tho it be not certain that Paul meaneth our Creed in the very Words as now we have them it is more than probable that he meaneth the same Articles in Sence which he reciteth 1 Cor. 15.3 4 5. and elswhere 15. This thou knowest that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes 15. I suppose thou knowest that all the Bishops or Teachers in Asia have forsaken me in my Sufferings and rejected my Apostolick Authority or neglect it of whom are c. Note 1. That he accuseth them not of Apostacie from Christ but forsaking him 2. That those that forsake not Christ or his Church may forsake a particular Ruler of it even an Apostle especially if he be in Prison 3. That all the Churches or Bishops in Asia were conjoyned in this sin Sin may have the Major Vote of the Bishops 4. It s like then Timothy was no Bishop of Ephesus which was in Asia for Timothy forsook not Paul 16 17. The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus for he oft refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chain But when he was in Rome he sought me out very diligently and found me 18. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day And in how many things he ministred unto me at Ephesus thou knowest very well 16 17 18. Note That the particular Acts of Christian Charity are here rewarded with the most Hearty Prayers of the Saints and in the day of the Lord with special mercy 2. That it is no sinful selfishness to return a Special Gratitude Love and Prayer for those that have been specially kind to us in distress especially when by it they manifest a special degree of love and fidelity to Christ CHAP. II. 1. THou therefore my son be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus 1. Let other Mens Cases provoke thee to grow strong confirmed and resolved in the Doctrine Practice Comfort and Patience of that Grace which is treasured up for us in Christ 2. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses the same commit thou to faithful men who shall be able to teach others also 2. Note 1. That the Senior Pastors must train up others to Preach the Gospel And this seemeth the Original of Eminent Episcopacy The Elders introducing their own Scholars were as Fathers to them and fit to be their Guides 2. None should
ye have For he hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee 5. Let your hearts be kept free from the love of Money and the sinful desires cares and fears and troubles which thence arise and be content with God's Allowance be it less or more for his Promise to Joshua is applicable to all the Faithful I will never fail thee nor forsake thee 6. So that we may boldly say The Lord is my helper and I will not fear what man shall do unto me 6. And as to our Dangers or Sufferings from men on the same account we may say as David did having the same Relation to God and the same Promises The Lord is my helper I will not fear man c. further my sin giveth me cause to fear that God may use them as the chastising Instruments of his Displeasure 7. Remember them which have the rule over you who have spoken unto you the word of God whose faith follow considering the end of their conversation 8. Jesus Christ the same yesterday and to day and for ever 7 8. Remember your Bishops or Guides both the Dead and Living who have spoken to you the Word of God Remember what Doctrine they taught you and how faithfully they preached and owned it in suffering and consider what was the main end of all their Doctrine and Life even Jesus Christ who is and will be still the same and no new Gospel or Doctrine which Corrupters do cry up 9. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines for it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace not with meats which have not profited them that have been occupied therein 9. Be not carried about as Children in a strong Wind Ephes 4.14 with various Doctrines or such as are new and strange to the Church of God for Christ and his Gospel being but one and the same still your duty and interest lyeth in establishing your hearts in the Doctrine and Covenant of Grace through Christ which is your Strength and the Bread of Life and not to Judaize and turn back to the shadowy abolished Ceremonies in Sacrifices and difference of Meats which did not truly purifie save and profit those that used them 10. We have an altar whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle 10. We are not without a more holy and profitable Sacrifice and sacred Food than theirs even Christ who is The Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the World whose saving Sacrifice we feed on by Faith and commemorate in our Communion whose broken Body and his shed Blood they did not partake of who offered Beasts in Sacrifice in the Service of the Tabernacle as we now do but were employed about the shadows of it And those that stick still in these abrogated Rites have no Right to our Altar 11. For the bodies of those beasts whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin are burnt without the camp 12. Wherefore Jesus also that he might sanctifie the people with his own blood suffered without the Gate 11 12. For as the Beasts slain for Atonement whose Blood was brought into the Sanctuary was not to be eaten by the Priest but burnt without the Bounds of the Camp of Israel So Christ when he was to be offered to sanctifie the People with his Blood went without the Gates of Jerusalem to suffer signifying that as they rejected him as unworthy to live with them so he departed from them and their Political and Legal State 13. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp bearing his reproach 14. For here have we no continuing city but we seek one to come 13 14. So let us go out to him from the Jewish State and Ceremonial Law and also from the Heathen World and submit to the Reproach of the Cross which must be expected We must forsake both the Jewish Policy and the World or else we cannot follow Christ for the Christian Church is not fixed as the Jewish was to Jerusalem to one City nor have we any fixed state on Earth in which we may glory as our Home or abiding place but by faith in God's Promises through Christ we hope and seek for one to come even the new and heavenly Jerusalem 15. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually that is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his Name 15. Therefore instead of Jewish Sacrifices let us by Christ our great interceding High Priest offer daily to God the Sacrifice of Praise from a believing thankful heart and give thanks to him for Christ and all his Gifts and this hearty sincere Fruit of our Lips will be more acceptable than the Fruits of the Earth or any bloody Sacrifice of Beasts 16. But to do good and to communicate forget not for with such sacrifices God is well pleased 16. But there is another sort of Sacrifice very pleasing to God also which you must not forget even Beneficence and Bounty doing all the good you can and communicating to the relief of those that need Note The name of Sacrifice and Altar as well as Priests used as here by allusion or similitude to those of old may lawfully be used as here they are and were by the primitive Christians even as the Lord's Day was called the Christian Sabbath It is no dishonour to Christ to say that we may offer Sacrifices acceptable unto God so it be but in subordination to his Sacrifice as our Gospel-worthiness is but subordinate to his Meritorious Righteousness 17. Obey them that have the rule over you and submit your selves for they watch for your souls as they that must give account that they may do it with joy and not with grief for that is unprofitable for you 17. God that hath made the Bishops or Pastors to be your guiding Rulers in Church-Affairs obligeth you to obey them and to submit your selves to their Government and not to live as unruly or in confusion for the charge of watching for your Souls is committed to them so far as belongeth to their Office by teaching publickly and privately and personally watching over the State and Conversation of every single Person to their power and instructing exhorting reproving comforting entrusted with the Administration of the Seals of God's Covenant and with your publick Church-Communion by judging of men's capacity and receiving or excluding binding or loosing by the power of the Keys And of all this they must give account to God which as it will be terrible to them if they be unfaithful so it will be to you if their faithfulness be without success which else will be to the joy of them and you And they have not any constraining power of the Sword and can govern and profit you only as voluntary by your own consent and therefore as you love your comfort and regard them and their Labours and Comfort obey them by obeying God's Word which they
by reason of whom malignant enemies will take Occasion to speak evil of Christianity and make a reproach of truth and godliness as if we were all like this scandalous Sect. 3. And through coveteousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not and their damnation slumbereth not 3. Note 1. That its wordly covetous men who are most to be suspected to be Traytors to the Church as Judas was against Christ for for what will ye give me 2. All their seducing confident harangues to this end are but false and feigned words 3. Their business is to sell Souls to the Devil for their own wordly Benefice Gain or Honour as Judas did his Master 4. God is hasting to judge such men with speed as he did Judas when his gain was too hot to hold and he hanged himself for betraying the innocent 4. For if God spared not the angels that sinned but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness to be reserved unto judgment 5. And spared not the old world but saved Noah the eighth person a preacher of righteousness bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly 4.5 Note 1. These Angels were not in a fixed immutable state but mutable by free will 2. Their own sin was the cause of their misery 3. For it they were cast down to hell that is a state of misery reserved for more though they are said to be the Powers of the air and to rule in the Children of disobedience 4. There they have their Prince and Kingdom 5. Pride and Malice against God and man and wickedness is their quality warring against Christ and his Kingdom 6. Tempting men to sin is their imployment 7. Their way against the Church is by LYING MALICE and MURDER in which wicked men are their slaves and instruments 8. So far as men yield to sin by their temptations they fall into the fuller power of them both for further temptations and execution by Gods permission 6. And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes a condemned them with an overthrow making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly 6. And with fire from Heaven destroying Sodom and Gomorrah and the adjacent villages both men and houses that the history of them and the stinking lake that now possesseth the place might be a warning to the ungodly 7. And delivered just Lot vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked 8. For that righteous man dwelling among them in seeing and hearing vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds 7 8. Note 1. Lot is called Just from the tenor of his life though after he fell into very great sin 2. Just men are grieved at the over-spreading wickedness of the times and places where they live specially their filthiness and their rage against the Just 3. God will deliver the Just from the Wicked and from his Judgments on them 9. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished 9. We may well trust that God who as he is just and a hater of sin and a lover of righteousness so knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations so far as that they should not be conquered by them though they be tryed and to reserve the wicked and oppressing Enemies to a full vindictive punishment at the day of Judgment though they prosper and triumph now 10. But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise government Presumptuous are they self-willed they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities 10. Note Dr. Hammond who supposeth this spoken of the Gnosticks would sure think it a heinous aggravation if Governours themselves should prove Borborites or Gnosticks and walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and suppress Piety by power To use Dignities for sin is worse than to despise them or speak evil of them for being evil though this also is bad and must be avoided 2 The Dr. thinks that the Dignities here meant are Apostles I rather think it is Civil Rulers 11. Whereas angels which are greater in power and might bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. 11. Whereas the blessed Angels which have more power than Men when they plead against Devils themselves do it not by railing accusation as the instance in Zechary shews 12. But these as natural brute beasts made to be taken and destroyed speak evil of the things that they understand not and shall utterly perish in their own corruption 12. But these are like wild brute Beasts whom all men seek to destroy for their hurtfulness and do speak evil in proud ignorance of Doctrines Practices and Persons which they understand not do stir up men against themselves and shall be destroyed in their sin 13. And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day-time spots they are and blemishes sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you 14. Having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin beguiling unstable souls an heart they have exercised with covetous practices cursed children 13 14. They shall be doubly punished for living in unrighteousness and sensual riot in the Light of the Gospel and Profession of Christianity You admit such to feast with you even as if they were of your Societies at Love-feasts and Sacraments but they are disgraceful spots and blemishes in your Assemblies and a dishonour to the Christian name Their unclean hearts have ungoverned eyes fed with enticing objects of lust and let in the impressions of filthy pleasure into their imaginations deceiving themselves and sporting away their own Souls while they allure and deceive others Their imaginations and minds are so habited to such filthy vice that they cannot cease from it being unstable and by the power of sensuality cannot obey their own convictions And where lust raigneth covetousness ruleth to maintain it They are such as God's Word doth pronounce accursed whatever they profess 15. Which have forsaken the right way and are gone astray following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor who loved the wages of unrighteousness 16. But was rebuked for his iniquity the dumb ass speaking with mans voice forbad the madness of the prophet 15 16. Covetousness hath drawn them from the right way of Truth and Godliness and they stray in the way of Balaam the Son of Beor whom the Hire that bribed him to do evil was prevalent with to attempt it But he that by reason of the love of Money and Hâ—nour could not see the evil of his own way was rebuked by a dumb Ass whom God made speak to evince and forbid the madness of such a Prophet 17. These are wells without water clouds that are carried with a tempest to whom the mist of darkness is reserved
God the Heavens and the Earth that are now are kept from being drowned being reserved to another sort of ruine even by Fire when the time is come in which God will publickly judge and destroy ungodly men Note It is strange how any Expositor can think that this Text speaketh only of the destruction of Jerusalem and the Gnosticks when 1. It is resembled to the drowning of all the World 2. And it speaketh of the Heavens and the Earth that are now which are more than Jerusalem 3. And it referreth to the promise to Noah to drown the World no more 4. And saith it is reserved to Fire 5. And that at the day of Judgment and Perdition of the ungodly and not of the Jews only 8. But beloved be not ignorant of this one thing that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day 8. But you must not ignorantly measure God's time by the measures of us men For one day is with the Eternal God as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day Time is soon gone with us but to Eternity it is as nothing 9. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise as some men count slackness but is long-suffering to us-ward not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance 9. The delay is not because God is slack as to the performing of his Promises as slackness signifieth some culpable omission among men But it is because he is long-suffering to us men not delighting in or willing any mens destruction as such but that all should come to Repentance Note 1. God's will as totally distinct from all effects is only his Essence and is immutable and is not denominated his Willing This or That 2. But his Will which is but the Effects of his Essential Will is manifold and doth begin and end and change And 3. His Will as it is but the Relation of his Essential Will to these Effects and an extrinsick denomination from them is also manifold and mutable And it is in these two last senses that Peter saith that God is not willing that any should perish but all come to Repentance that is God hath provided a sufficient Sacrifice for their sin in Christ he reprieveth them from deserved damnation and patiently endureth them he offereth Pardon and Salvation to all that will accept it who hear his offer he giveth all the World undeserved mercy and obligeth them to repent in hope of more and bindeth all the World to certain duties as means of their Recovery and Salvation and useth none according to the meer terms of the Law of Innocency obey perfectly or die His daily mercies lead to Repentance and Hope He commandeth his Ministers to beseech them to be reconciled and saved He bringeth Life to their own wills and giveth them abundant reasons and motives to accept it c. 1. That he doth this de facto no Christian can deny 2. Therefore he is said to will their Repentance and Salvation 1. As these Effects of his Will are called his Will 2. Or as his Will is named only as related to these Effects Thus much well considered may end this Controversie 10. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise and the elements shall melt with fervent heat the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burnt up 10. But as men sleep not knowing when a Thief will come in the night so shall Christ's coming surprize men unexpected in which the Heavens so far as they belong to man and partake of any of the Curse for our sins shall pass away with a great and dreadful noise like a storm and the Elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat and all this Earth and all mens works thereon shall be consumed by this fire Note It is marvellous prepossession that could make any Learned man think that all these words signifie nothing but the destruction of Jerusaâ—em 11. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved What manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness 11. Note The true belief of the day of Christ's coming to Judgment and the dissolution of all this lower World by fire should convince all Christians that a holy conversation and godliness should be endeavoured with all possible care and diligence And those men that think they can be truly godly and holy over much do not believe seriously such a change and day 12. Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved and the elements shall melt with fervent heat 12. Looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of this day of God when the lower Heavens and Earth shall thus be dissolved and the Elements melt with the fervent fiery heat The joyful day of our perfect Deliverance and Salvation 13. Nevertheless we according to his promise look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness 13. But we according to his Promise look that God should by these dissolving flames refine Heaven and Earth and having consumed with them all sin and the wicked hence should make as he formed this out of the Chaos a new Heaven and a new Earth an Habitation for righteous persons where sin shall prevail no more Note 1. He that maketh this new Heaven and Earth to succeed the destruction of Jerusalem surely forgot 1. That the Heathens for near three hundred years after persecuted the Christians far more bloodily than the few poor Jews did or could and that Church History saith very little of the Jews Persecution in comparison of the Heathens or of any Martyrs that died by them And sure if it was the time of the Ten Heathen Persecutions that was the new Heaven and Earth it 's strange 2. And if it were at three hundred years after Christ that the new Heavens and Earth come it seems far short of this here promised What was in the days of Constantine Martian and Theodosius they in Peter's days must never see But the day of Christ they were all to see 14. Wherefore beloved seeing that ye look for such things be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace without spot and blameless 14. Note 1. It is not before death that Peter would have them look for this change whatever it was He lived not himself to see Jerusalem destroyed and he and Paul died by the Heathen Power though the Jews accused them and the Jews were more hated than they 2. Whether the new Heaven and Earth be as many of the old Fathers thought a restituâ—ion of all things to the state they were in before the fall for which the whole Creation groaneth and travelleth in pain to be delivered and that either for a thousand years or for perpetuity and who shall dwell in the new Earth and whether Heaven
destruction of Jerusalem but of the great day of the Lord terrible to all the wicked and the malignant Adversaries of Godliness 16. These are murmurers complainers walking after their own lusts and their mouth speaketh great swelling words having mens persons in admiration because of advantage 16. These are men that swell and murmure and complain against Government and all that cross their Opinions or Lusts after which they walk and they use big and boasting words as men that were more knowing than all others in Philosophical Fancies and the Orders of Angels and Ages and Things above and of Christian Liberty c. and they extol the men for advantage of themselves and of their Sect who are their Leaders and chief Favourers 17. But beloved remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ 18. How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time who should walk after their own ungodly lusts 17 18. But remember the words which Peter and other Apostles have spoken heretofore that told you such men should come and keep to the first Doctrine of the Apostles 19. These be they who separate themselves sensual having not the spirit 19. These separate themselves into a distinct Sect as if they were above the Apostolical Churches but their actions shew that they are sensual carnal men not at all sanctified and guided by God's Spirit as the faithful be 20. But ye beloved building up your selves on your most holy faith praying in the holy Ghost 21. Keep your selves in the love of God looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life 20 21. But ye Beloved must be quite other men from these they build sensuality temporizing and separation upon Errour and proud self-conceit But you must build up your selves and one another in Holiness upon your Divine and most holy Faith They are sensual having not the Spirit You must as men in whom God's Spirit dwells and rules pray in the Holy Ghost even with those holy and fervent desires which the Spirit of God exciteth in you They are revolted from true Faith and Love You must by God's Spirit keep your selves in unfeigned Love to God and to his Truth and one another waiting in Faith and Hope for Eternal Life by God's Mercy in Christ 22. And of some have compassion making a difference 23. And others save with fear pulling them out of the fire hating even the garment spotted by the flesh 22 23. And as to your dealing with such erroneous men it must be differently as they differ even tenderly and compassionately with some and with others you must deal more fervently and sharply as with Lot in Sodom or men in a house that is on fire whose death if not quickly prevented you must fear and therefore be importunate with them But seek to save them all and not to use any violent or hurtful course And your selves must hate and avoid all degrees of filthiness and sensuality 24. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy 25. To the only wise God our Saviour be glory and majesty dominion and power now and ever Amen 24 25. Now to him who is able in all temptations notwithstanding your own weakness to keep you stedfast in Faith and Holiness from falling into the snares of Heresie or Ungodliness and to present you faultless as being faithful and upright and your sins forgiven before the presence of his Glory at his coming that you may see him and stand before him with exceeding joy when the wicked are condemned I say to him the only God of Infinite Wisdom to our Saviour be Glory and Majesty and Dominion and Power now and ever so it will certainly be and such is the prayer of all the faithful The REVELATION of John the Divine CHAP. I. 1. THe revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave unto him to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John 1. Note 1. It is eminently called the Revelation as being by Vision and Prophetick notice an extraordinary Revelation of future things 2. Beza well observeth hence the Order of God's Revelation to his Church First God himself is the Fountain he revealeth it to our Mediator as Man who knoweth all things as God that according to his Office he may be the Light and Teacher to his Church Christ revealeth it to Angels the Holy Ghost and Angels reveal it to Apostles and Prophets they reveal and record it to the Church where all must learn it but specially Teachers to tell it to the People 3. It is things to come that are here revealed therefore I cannot receive those two Learned mens Exposition who make it a History in a Prophetick style and say that most or very much of it was done before it was written 4. The word shortly made them expound almost the whole Book of things all fulfilled about Constantine's time or presently after Alaricus's sacking of Rome But shortly may signifie no more than 1. That these things will shortly be begun though not so quickly finished And 2. That a thousand years is with the Lord but as one day But I confess that so much as can be proved already done we must not feign to be yet to come 5. It is most like that this John was the Apostle but it 's not certain 2. Who bare record of the word of God and of the testimony of Jesus Christ and of all things that he saw 2 Who by this Writing truly telleth the Churches what Christ by his Angel told him as a faithful Witness of Christ and of all that he saw and heard in this Vision and Revelation some things that then were may be mentioned to introduce the Prophecy of things to come 3. Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this prophecie and keep those things which are written therein for the time is at hand 3. Note It is a desirable thing and an addition to that man's wisdom and happiness who understandeth this and all other Scripture Prophecies but this concludeth not that no other are blessed or that many attain that degree oâ— happiness For I think I never knew one suâ—h But the necessary parts of Christianity which are in this Prophecy mixt with darker passages all must keep that will be blessed 2. The Time of their beginning was at hand and the End not far off 4. John to the seven churches in Asia Grace be unto you and peace from him which is and which was and which is to come and from the seven spirits which are before his throne 4. I John send you this holy Greeting and Benediction Grace and Peace the greatest blessings be to you from the Eternal God and those Angels whom he hath made your special Guardians Note 1. That it is Angels
and not the Holy Ghost's seven Graces that is here meant is after manifested 2. Why they are called Seven some say is because seven goeth for a number of perfection whence the Seven Planets the seven days of the week c. But this is but mens conceit and no part of God's Word Nor can we prove hence that God hath set seven Angels above all the rest But all that we can know of it is that John being commanded to write to seven Churches numbereth the Guardian Angels accordingly from their Charges 3. This is no Prayer to these Angels but a notice that God's Mercies are communicated to those Churches by their Ministry and this message sent by them from Christ The naming of the seven Spirits before Christ is no preferring them as above him But Christ is after named becausse much more is to be said there of him together 5. Why seven Churches only are named men variously conjecture some say because they are spoken of prophetically as in their names seven states of the Universal Church or its notable parts to the end are signified But this being impossible to be proved is rather to pretend another Revelation than to expound this Others say that it being only the Pro-Consular Asia that John wrote to these seven being the Metropolitan City-Churches did comprehend all the rest as parts under them But 1. Tâ—is also is but a Humane Imagination without any proof 2. If they mean that these were then made Ecclesiastical Metropolis's it 's a fiction without and against Historical evidence which tells us of a far later date of Metropolitical Churches 3. If they mean that they were Metropolis's only in a Civil sense and that the Apostles in planting Churches there purposed or ordained that afterwards Church-Power should follow the Order of the Seats of Civil Power I answer 1. That this is a crude unproved Assertion and therefore of no authority or credit 2. And it 's known that it was four hundred years after that this was decreed by a Council as a new thing 3. And this was so far from being Apostolical that it confounded the Church setting in superiority the worst men that could but get into a Metropolis and putting all Bishops and Churches at present under the Power of the People and Prâ—sbyters oâ— one City which was a Metropolis and chose their own Bishop Yea Dr. Hammond thought that then no Bâ—sâ—op had any Presbyters under him and so there wâ—re nâ—ne but his People to chuse him for the Neighâ—â—ur â—ishops did not though they ordained him Yea it turneth Churches upside down at the will of every Emperour Heathen Infidel or Christian who can enfranchise or disfranchise Cities at his pleasure 4. And there is no proof that these seven were all and only the Civil Metropolitical Cities of Asia 3. Both these then being mens unproved Imaginations yea and unlikely it remaineth that these seven Churches were most eminent in Asia both for greatness and those tryals vertues and faults which Christ was pleased to note as the occasion of this message And if he see cause to send a message to seven it belongs not to us to ask him why he sendeth to no more 5. And from Jesus Christ who is the faithful witness and the first begotten of the dead and the prince of the Kings of the earth 5. Note 1. By faithful witness is meant the faithful and certain Messenger and revealer of Gods will to man 2. By first begotten is meant both the Greatest and most Excellent and the first in order and causality who Rising from the dead is the cause that we shall Rise 3. He is Prince of the Kings of the Earth not only as Greater than all Kings but as over them all in power by whom they reign and who dâ—th dispose of all Eph. 2.23 Matth. 28.19 Joh. 17.2 Joh. 13 3. Joh. 5.22 Eph. 1.21 Col. 1.15 16 17. Phil. 2.9 10 11. 5. Unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood 6. And hath made us Kings and priests unto God and his Father to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever Amen 5.6 To this Glorious Lord and Saviour who shewed his wonderful Love to us by his giving up himself a sacrifice for our sins that the Merit of his Blood might cleanse us from guilt and sin and justify us from it before God and who hath chosen and sanctified us and made us by his Grace a peculiar holy People to God dignified in our Relation to Christ as Kings in honour and brought us near to God like consâ—crated Priests to offer him our daily service acceptable through Christ To him I say shall be Glory and Dominion for ever in the acknowledgement whereof let all his Saints rejoice 7. Behold he cometh with clouds and every eye shall see him and they also which pierced him and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him even so Amen 7. I have oft before enquired whether this Coming of Christ be 1. his Coming by the Roman Armies to destroy Jerusalem 2. Or his setting up Christianity in the World and destroying Heathenism 3. Or his Coming at last in Glory The matter is true as to all the three But the text seemeth most strained by the first exposition and least by the last Every way he is dreadful to his enemies But every eye seeth him not the first way nor did the destroyed Jews acknowledge it to be by him 8. I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the ending saith the Lord which is and which was and which is to come the Almighty 8. I am everlasting before all Worlds and without end and he who hath Power over all Note These words seem to be the words of Christ and not of God the Father And with the sixth verse which ascribeth to him everlasting Glory and dominion do seem plainly to speak the Godhead of Christ 9. I John who also am your brother and companion in tribulation and in the Kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ was in the isle that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ 9. I John who was your brother and companion undergo the like sufferings as you do in the same belief and subjection to Christ in his Kingdom and in Patient enduring for his sake was in the Isle of Patmos whiâ—her I was banished for my Testimony and preaching the faith of Christ 10. I was in the spirit on the Lords day and heard behind me a great voice as of a trumpet 10. I was there in a transporting rapture by the Spirit of God on the first day of the week called by the Church The Lords day observed in commemoration of his Resurrection And I heard a voice call to me as lowd as a trumpet Note 1. The vain cavâ—l of those that deny the Lords day here to mean the Christians day of holy worship even the first of the week I have fully confuted in
a book called the Divine appointment of the Lords Day And it needs no confutation to those that are acquainted with Church History who know that this day hath been kept holy as of Apostolical ordination and practice by the universal Church ever since the Apostles daies the hereticks themselves consenting 2. Christ owned his own day and the suffering of his banished Solitary Servant by the Communication of these extraordinary Revelations and by the extasie of Spiritual influence 11. Saying I am Alpha and Omega the first and the last and what thou seest write in a book and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia unto Ephesus and unto Smyrna and unto Pergamos and unto Thyatira and unto Sardis and Philadelphia and unto Laodicea 11. N. 1. The first sentence is out of divers Greek Copies but is before spoken is the description of Christs Eternity 2. This was written by Christs Command 12. And I turned to see the voice that spake with me And being turned I saw seven golden Candlesticks 12. To see who that voice came from which I heard 13. And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man clothed with a garment down to the foot and girt about the paps with a golden girdle 13. One in the shape of a man who was a representation of Christ in splendid clothing like Aarons Note Whether it was the Angel that thus represented Christ or Christ himself who assumed this appearing shape immediately is uncertain 14. His head and his hairs were white like wool as white as snow and his eyes were as a flame of fire 15. And his feet like unto fine brass as if they burned in a furnace and his voice as the sound of many waters 14 15 Christs apparition signifieth his Innocency Glory by whiteness his terrible majesty by his fiery eyes and feet and his dreadful voice to affect all with Reverence and his foes with terror 16. And he had in his right hand seven stars and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength 16. And in his right hand were held seven Stars which signifie the Pastors of the seven Churches commissioned and upheld by him And a two-edged Sword from his mouth signified his Word sent forth with power to convert and save the Elect and to convince and condemn the obstinate rejecters And his countenance was glorious as the Sun in its clearest appearance 17. And when I saw him I fell at his feet as dead and he laid his right hand upon me saying unto me Fear not I am the first and the last 17. He laid on me his supporting hand of Love when his terrible Glory had cast me at his feet and bid me Not fear for his Glory is joyful to his Servants though terrible to his Enemies He is my Almighty Eternal God and my Hope 18. I am he that liveth and was dead and behold I am alive for evermore Amen and have the keys of hell and of death 18. I am Christ who was lately Incarnate on Earth and crucified for your sins and now live your King and Intercessor in glory and shall die no more And death and all separated Souls are in my power to be taken into Happiness or cast out 19. Write the things which thou hast seen and the things which are and the things which shall be hereafter 19. Write these Revelations for posterity which contain what thou seest and the Exposition of some things that already exist and the Prophecy of many things to come 20. The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand and the seven golden candlesticks The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches 20. Note It is a great Controversie what is meant by Angels here 1. Some say that the Prophetical phrase being primarily of proper Angels as the Guardians of the Churches yet as in their names intending the message to the Churches themselves so it is here spoken of and to the Churches but as denominated from their several Angels And this seemeth to me the most likely sense viz. To the whole Churches Pastors and People under the name of their Guardian Angels though blaming the Churches and not the Angels which should not seem strange to them who feign such good men as Timothy to be the Angels who were not guilty of the crimes here reproved Thus Augustine dâ— Doctr. Christ lib. 3. c. 30. citeth and seemeth to like Tyconius's Exposition who supposeth the whole Church meant under the Angels name 2 Others suppose the Presbytery of each Church collectively governing them are called the Angels 3. Others think that only the Metropolitans are meant as Heads of Presbyters and other Bishops 4. Dr. Hammond thinks there were Sub-Presbyters in Scripture times and so that it is Metropolitans that are here meant but such as were but single Pastors of Congregations like a Parish-Pastor now that hath not so much as a Curate unâ—er him save Deacons but was Metropolitan over many Diocesses of such single Bishops I am far from believing 1. That any such Metropolitans were then settled 2. Or that such Churches had but one Pastor 3. Or that the single Bishop of a Metropolis was blamed for the faults of many Diocesses of Churches 4. Or that the Bishops of the excellent Primitive Churches were so quickly degenerate and guilty of the crimes here mentioned specially if Timothy was one And this Exposition too grosly slurs Episcopacy But if they were but single Pastors of single Churches the difference is no great moment What he speaketh of the Apostles intending so great a change afterward as Diocesans have made requireth proof CHAP. II. 1. UNto the angel of the church of Ephesus write These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks 1. To the Pastors and Flock of the Church of Ephesus meant by the name of their Angels These things saith Christ before described and commandeth me to write them Note 1. I believe not that Timothy was their Bishop in the ordinary sense as a fixed Pastor of that Church alone but that he in his Itinerant course described in Scripture doing the work of an Evangelist was there sometime and is therefore by the Ancients called their Bishop as Apostles were called Bishops for planting and taking care for many Churches when as there is not the least proof that they appropriated any Diocesses or Churches to each as their proper charge which other Apostles might not use the same Authority with or were fixed to any 2. I believe it yet less probable that Timothy was the Angel here accused of leaving and falling from his first Love 2. I know thy works and thy labour and thy patience and how thou canst not bear them which are evil and thou hast tried them
this is only of the Subversion of Judea Others because that was done already that it was the Overthrow of the Heathen Powers by Constantine Others that it was the shaking of the Empire by the Goths And others that it is the last Dissolution of the World 15. And the kings of the earth and the great men and the rich men and the chief captains and the mighty men and every bond-man and every free-man hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains 16. And said to the mountains and rocks Fall on us and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb 17. For the great day of his wrath is come and who shall be able to stand 15 16 17. Note 1. If this was meant of the Ruin of the Jews it was indeed exceeding dreadful and dreadful have God's Executions since been on Heathens and other Enemies of Christ Note 2. Greatness nor Numbers will save none from Misery and Terror when the day of God's revenging Justice is come which they would not before believe Any sort of hope of Deliverance would be then welcome but all help will fail and all hopes will be in vain to them that know not the day of Grace Proud men are able now to oppress the Innocent to scorn the Faithful and to domineer in the Ruins and Blood of Saints calumniating them as the vilest Malefactors But wicked Princes Lords and Judges and bloody Soldiers will then all cry out The great day of his Wrath is come and who is able to stand CHAP. VII 1. ANd after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth holding the four winds of the earth that the wind should not blow on the earth nor on the sea nor on any tree 1. God's Decree for the suspending of his dreadful Executions specially on Judea was declared to me by the Apparition of four Angels standing on the four corners of the Earth who were to hold the four Winds from blowing to the hurt of any Creature Note 1. The Winds are called four according to popular Opinion Note 2. By this it is not unlikely that the four Beasts are so numbred with respect to the four Quarters of the Earth signifying the Executioners of Providence 2. And I saw another angel ascending from the east having the seal of the living God and he cryed with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea 3. Saying Hurt not the earth neither the sea nor the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads 2. Note 1. The East where the Sun riseth is noted in Prophesies as the way whence we are to expect our Blessings from Christ the Rising Sun whence came the old Ceremony of worshipping in the Chruch only towards the East 2. The Seal of God is his gracious sealed Commission 3. The lowd Voice and Cry signifieth God's great care to preserve the Faithful 4. The Seal in the Fore-head is God's Notification of those whom he will preserve In Ezek. 9.4 it is as by the Letter Tau But the Text seemeth to mean no more than that God made known to the destroying Angels every one that was to be preserved 4. And I heard the number of them which were sealed and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel 5. Of the tribe of Judah were sealed twelve thousand Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand 6. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand Of the tribe of Nephthali were sealed twelve thousand Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand 7. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand 8. Of the tribe of Zebulon were sealed twelve thousand Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand 4 5 6 7 8. All these were to be preserved from the Destruction coming Note 1. Not that there were just twelve thousand of each Tribe but that the number was great in it self though small as to the number of them that perished 2. Joseph is put for Ephraim and Dan is left out some think the Tribe being almost worn out or for what other reason is unknown 9. After this I beheld and lo a great multitude which no man could number of all nations and kindreds and people and tongues stood before the throne and before the Lamb clothed with white robes and palms in their hands 9. And it was not only the believing Jews that were to be preserved but the Gentile Christians in a multitude innumerable who worship God joyfully in holy Assemblies celebrating honourably the Praises of Christ represented by their Spirits magnifying God and the Lamb joyfully in Heaven 10. And cryed with a loud voice saying Salvation to our God which sitteth on the throne and unto the Lamb. 10. They praised God and their Redeemer as the Author of Salvation Note The Hereticks of those times as such do now accused these great Multitudes and separated from them as unworthy of their Communion while they were unworthy of Church-Communion themselves 11. And all the angels stood round about the throne and about the elders and the four beasts and fell before the throne on their faces and worshipped God 12. Saying Amen blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honour and power and might be unto our God for ever and ever Amen 11 12. And I saw the multitude of Believers or Ministers represented by all the Angels joyning with the four living Wights and with the twenty four Elders who represented the Church of the Christian Jews celebrating the Praises of God and the Lamb ascribing to him everlasting Blessing Glory c. 13. And one of the elders answered saying unto me What are these which are arayed in white robes and whence came they 14. And I said unto him Sir thou knowest And he said to me These are they which came out of great tribulation and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 13 14. And one of the Elders in order to inform me asked me whether I knew what those were that stood arrayed in White And I told him that I knew not but desired him who knew to tell me And he told me that they were such as had suffered great Tribulation for Christ and were now accepted as righteous before him through the Merits of his Blood and were dignified by him 15. Therefore are they before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them 16. They shall hunger no more neither thirst any more neither shall the sun light on
Cruelty when they can get into Power Men of Corrupt Minds reprobate concerning the Faith Unbelievers under the Name of Christians Note That the Names of Jannes and Jambres are taken by Paul from the Tradition of the Jews 9. But they shall proceed no further for their folly shall be manifest unto all men as theirs also waâ— 9. But as Moses's Miracles overcame the Magicians and shamed them so these shall be stopt in the pursuit of their Deceit and Heresie and Opposition to the Truth and shall not proceed much further but God will confound them and manifest all their folly 10. But thou hast fully known my doctrine manner of life purpose faith long-suffering charity patience 11. Persecutions afflictions which came unto me at Antioch at Iconium at Lystra what persecutions I endured 10 11. But for thy establishment I set before thee the example of my ministry Thou hast been fully acquainted with the Doctrine which I have taught with the course and ordering of my Life my purpose and design my faithfulness in my Work my long-suffering and freedom from wrath my love to others my patient suffering my persecutions and sufferings at Antioch and other places where I have Preached and what the Ministry hath cost me 11 12. But out of them all the Lord delivered me Yea and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution 11 12. But out of them all God delivered me so that I went on to do his Work Yea such is the malignity of the Carnal World against that which crosseth their Lusts and Errour and Carnal Interest that all that resolve in a throughly Godly Life and not by flattery or sin to comply with the wiles of Proud Ungodly Men but to be true to Christ shall suffer some sort of Persecution 13. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse deceiving and being deceived 13. But the sin which hardeneth these Wicked Men to be Persecutors of Godly Christians will harden them so far as to justifie it and stand to it impenitently and think they do God service by Persecuting his Servants pretending that it 's they that are erroneous and bad men and do deserve it and being deceived themselves will by deceit draw others to do the like 14. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of knowing of whom thou hast learned them 14. But do thou continue in that Doctrine which I have taught and thou hast received as assured truth as knowing that thou hadst it from Christ by an Authoriz'd Apostle 15. And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus 15. And from thy Childhood thou hast been trained up in the knowledge of the Old Testament whose Prophesies of Christ and sacred Precepts now Illustrated by the Gospel of Christian Faith are sufficient to make thee wise by the Spirit of Grace in all that 's neeedful to Salvation 16 17. All scripture is given by inspiration of of God and is profitable for Doctrine for reproof for correction for instruction in righteousness That the man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto all good works 16 17. All those Writings which are of Divine Inspiration are also profitable for Doctrine for Reproof for Amendment and Correction and for Education and Discipline in Righteousness that so all Gods Servants and especially Teachers may be compleat and fully instructed and furnished for every good work required of God for the Ministerial Service and for Mens Salvation Note Tho this exclude not the use of any Subservient Arts or Knowledge yet certainly this is little understood or believed by the Roman Clergy who have made it necessary to a tolerated Minister to know and observe their numerous Canons and Oaths Subscriptions and Ceremonies besides many Books of theirs while they admit Priests that are ignorant of the Scripture and forbid the reading of them to the People CHAP. IV. 1. I Charge thee therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdom 2. Preach the word be instant in season out of season reprove rebuke exhort with all long suffering and doctrine 1 2. So dreadful is the sin Sacrilegiously to deny Christ the Service which thou hast vowed him and art ordained to and to betray the Gospel and Mens Souls by so doing that I do adjure thee with all possible earnestness as before God and as thou wilt answer it to Christ in Judgment when he cometh in the Kingdom of his Glory that thou forbear not by any Persecution as far as possibly thou canst to Preach the Word be instant and urgent in season or fair opportunities yea Out of season necessity must take place of Convenience and Circumstantial Decencies Reprove the faulty Rebuke gross sinners Exhort all Men with unwearied long-suffering and sound Doctrine Note How dreadful a thing it is to cease Preaching the Gospel while we can whatever we suffer for it and whoever forbiddeth it Let them that think that the Apostles onely were exempted from yielding to Mens Prohibition remember that Timothy had his call and Commission from Men Qu. But may not Church Rulers silence Ministers Ans Yes when they so deserve it by doing more hurt than good that Christs Law doth silence them else not Tho they may determine of Place and Circumstances and Magistrates may also dispose of their own free encouragements and may restrain Men from evil doing 3. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers having itching ears 3. Note 1. That the foresight of Evil times by tempting Teachers should make Faithful Ministers labour the harder in their time 2. It is no new thing for Professed Christians not to endure Sound Doctrine but to follow false Teachers 3. It is by their own Lusts or Erroneous Wills and Choice that Professors are seduced by false Teachers 4. Itching Ears is a dangerous Disease 5. False Teachers may be heaped up and to have the Major Vote when Sound Teachers cannot be endured 4. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth and shall be turned unto fables 4. Note That Chuches Pastors and People may turn away from the Truth to Fables 5. But watch thou in all things endure afflictions do the work of an Evangelist make full proof of thy ministry 5. Note That great watchfulness patient labouring and suffering and fulfilling their Ministry approvedly in all Tryals is the Description of a True Minister of Christ 6. For I am now ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand 7. I have fought a good fight I have finished my course I have kept the faith 8. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous judge shall give me at that
day and not to me onely but unto all them also that love his appearing 6 7 8. Note That 1. Our Ministry and Life is like a Battle Combat or Race for Life or Death 2. Onely they that overcome shall be Crowned 3. Faithful Men may take great Comfort when when â—eath is at hand in the Conscience and review of a well spent victorious Life and Ministry 4. Their Reward will be a Crown of Righteousness given by God as a Righteous Judge on Gospel worthiness tho not on legal merit but supposing free Grace in Christ 5. To love Christs appearing is the effect of a Saving Faith 9 10 11. Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me For Demas hath forsaken me having loved this present world and is departed unto Thessalonica Crescens to Galatia Titus unto Dalmatia Onely Luke is with me Take Mark and bring him with thee for he is profitable to me for the ministry 12. And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus 19 10 11 12. Note That 1. It is not Christ that Demas is said to forsake but Paul and not to turn Worldling but to go about his Worldly Business unseasonably 2. Timothy was not then at Ephesus 13. The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus when thou comest bring with thee and the books but especially the parchments 13. Note The word translated the Cloke is very probably by others translated the Roll viz. of Parchment 14 15. Alexander the copper-smith did me much evil the Lord reward him according to his works Of whom be thou aware also for he hath greatly withstood our words 14 15. Alexander an Excommunicate Man hath much wrong'd me God will reward him according to his works Note Excommunication enrageth impenitent bad Men. 16. At my first answer no man stood with me but all men forsook me I pray God that may not be laid to their charge 16. Note 1. This was not a forsaking Paul's Cause but his Person in danger which is too usual a case Herein he followed Christ whose Disciples all forsook him and fled 2. It 's like Peter was not then at Rome among the forsakers of Paul 17. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me and strengthened me that by me the preaching might be fully known and that all the Gentiles might hear and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion 17. But God forsook me not when all Men forsook me but was with me and strengthened me in Vindicating my Person and Cause that while I was admitted to answer for my self the Hearers might know and fame might tell abroad what Doctrine it is that I suffer for Preaching and so all the City of Rome and others by their report might hear and have notice of it And so I was delivered from the present danger of Death by the Roman Persecutors as from the Jaws of a Lion Note 1. Some think that the words that the Preaching might be fully known refer to Paul's longer time to Preach I exclude not this but prefer the other sence 2. It was not Treason nor sin for Paul to call his Deliverance from the unjust Judgment of the Civil Power his being delivered out of the mouth of the Lion 18. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom to whom be glory for ever and ever Amen 18. And I doubt not but God will still keep me from all the ill Designs and Attempts of Men against me at least so far that they shall not draw me to do evil and will keep me in a state of right and preparation to his Heavenly Kingdom In the hopeful Sence whereof I rejoicingly desire that he be Glorified for ever Amen 19 20. Salute Prisca and Aquila and the houshold of Onesiphorus Erastus abode at Corinth but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick 19 20. Note That Trophimus was sick though Paul had the Gift of Healing because it was not to be common nor at the Will of Man 21. Do thy diligence to come before winter Eubulus greeteth thee and Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brethren 21. Make hast to come c. 22. The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit Grace be with you Amen 22. The Lord Jesus Christ who is our Mediator and Head and hath purchased chosen and called thee performed for thee his saving Office in keeping thy Soul in Holiness and Peace His Grace which is the greatest Treasure on Earth be with you to keep you and prepare you for Glory Amen Note The Suscriptions to the Epistles are no part of the Holy Scripture ANNOTATIONS FAithful Ministers whose Work is to Preach the Gospel of Salvation should have so much of the Form Belief and Power of it in themselves as to pass triumphantly out of the World in suffering for it and not to think that God useth them hardly And to be satisfied in God's acceptance though their Brethren and Converts should forsake them as the Bishops and Churches of Asia did Paul The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to TITUS CHAP. I. 1 2. PAul a servant of God and an Apostle of Jesus Christ according to the faith of Gods elect and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness In hope of eternal life which God that cannot lie promised before the world began 1 2. Paul c. for the propagating of the Faith of God's Elect and the acknowledgment of that sound Doctrine which is suited to the promoting of godliness in opposition to prophaneness and heresie in hope of eternal life which is the end of all our faith and godliness and all our preaching and suffering which God that cannot lie promised before many Ages past 3. But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour 3. But what he so long ago purposed and darkly promised he haâ—h in the fittest appointed season manifested by his Gospel through preaching which is committed to me by the Commission and Commandment of God our Saviour Note That it is doubtful whether by God's Promise be meant only his secret purpose or by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be meant many Ages ago One of the two it must be for we cannot feign an actual Promise before the world began distinct from his purpose 2. It is not unlikely that he meaneth the Promise first made to Fallen Man of the Womans Seed and after oft renewed and this obscure word was made plain by the preaching of the Gospel upon Christs Incarnation Life and Resurrection c. 4. To Titus mine own son after the common faith grace mercy and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour Note The Church hath but one Faith or Creed common in the Essentials to every Christian 5. For this cause left I thee in Crete that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting and ordain elders in every city as I had appointed thee 5 Note