were different times and passages others that they were in the same Journey and that he healed one blind man at his coming in and as he went forth two more whereof the more noted was Bartimeus or in English the son of Timeus and he being the more noted his name is only set down But others say he cured one at his going in another as he came forth and then further on his way two more 974. Luk. 22.28 Ye are they who have continued with me in my temptations Mat. 26.56 All the Disciples forsook him and fled In the former place the Disciples constancy is commended for the time past that they forsook not Christ in his temptations when others were backward In the latter is observed their scattering abroad for that at the time of Christs passion their faith was much shaken 975. Luk. 22.29 I appoint to you a Kingdom as my Father hath appointed me Mar. 10.40 For to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give He speaks at first not of the Kingdom of heaven whereof he hath the sole government but of the administration of the Kingdom of Grace in the promulgation of the Gospel through all the world and planting of Churches by Apostolical Authority which he going to his Father left in charge with them as he had it committed to him by his Father 976. Luk. 22.31 Satan desired to have you that he may sift you as Wheat 1 Joh. 5.18 And he that is born of God sinneth not and that wicked one that is the devil toucheth him not Satan laies snares for godly men alwaies seeking whom he may devour that Christ confirms by example of the Disciples John teacheth that that evil one shall not hurt us though he set upon us For God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able 1 Cor. 10.13 but will with the temptation make a way to escape that you may be able to bear it * Luk. 22.31 Satan hath desired to sift you 1 Joh. 5.18 That evil one shall not touch you The former place sheweth Satans intent and desire The latter shews Gods intent and resolution Satans desire is by tempting and sifting to overthrow but he shall only cleanse and refine you and this by goodness of God who may suffer Satan to take of the chaff but will not suffer him to touch or meddle with the corn 977. Luk. 23.34 Father forgive them Joh. 17.9 I pray not for the world Christ both by words and his own example taught us to pray for our enemies he prayed not for the world that is for wicked men hardned in their sins of whom there was no hopes of repentance we must not imitate that because he only knew best who they were that were such * Luk. 23.34 with Joh. 17.9 In the former Christ seeing the people zealous without knowledge and that he might teach us to pray for those which despitefully use us prayed for the Jews not that he so prayed for them as absolutely to pray and believe that all and every particular soul of them should be saved but that those who belonged to the election of grace among them should be forgiven c. The latter place saith that Christ would not pray that all and every paticular person in the world should be saved 978. Luk. 24.10 Mary Magdalen and Joanna and Mary the Mother of James which told these things unto the Apostles Mar. 16.10 Mary Magdalen told them that had been with him Mark excludes not the other women he names Mary Magdalen either because she spake to the Apostles in the name of all the rest or else with greater affection or because she spake first The Gospel of St. JOHN IT Contains a relation of Christs Person both according to his divine and humane Nature also his Office Mat. 10.7 and pains he endured unto the death of the Cross his Resurrection also and his appearings It was written after the other Evangelists against the Heresies of Ebion and Corinthus being as it were a Complement of those things were let pass by the other Evangelists * 979. IOH. 1.1 And the Word was God Jesus Christ yesterday to day and for ever c. Doubt A word is vox evanescens a vanishing voice Christ is a Word ergo vanishing and not stable Answ There is an equivocation in the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or word for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or a word is sometime in the predicament of Quality when it signifies a sound or transient voice volat irrevocabile verbum sometime it is in the predicament of Relation when it signifies a promise by which you are obliged to another Verba ligat homines taurorum Cornua funes As oft in the predicament of Action when it signifies a thought or deliberation or purpose of mind but in this place it is taken essentially not vulgarly as for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quoddam subsistens intelligens And Christ is called the Word in respect of the Father because he was begot by the mind of his Father and in respect of us as the person producing the Gospel from the bosome of the eternal Father and keeping the Ministry thereof Joh. 1.1 And the Word was made flesh Flesh is a Creature therefore Christ was a Creature Mutato genere predicationes non valet consequentia In majore usitata predicatio est generis de specie Flesh is a created substance in the other proposition The Word was made flesh was an improper speech The Word was made flesh i. e. The Word is Man or the Word the Divine Nature assumed into personal union with the Humane Nature Joh. 1. We saw his glory as of the only Son of God Ioh. 1.12 To them gave he power to become the Sons of God The word Son is sometime taken 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sometimes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 They are properly Sons who are procreated of the Fathers substance and keep the Fathers Nature in themselves so Isaac was the son of Abraham Others are sons by Law or adoption when he who was not of the nature of the Father is taken and acknowledged by the pleasure of the father to be his son as Eleazer was to Abraham when yet Isaac was not born and sometimes Catechistically Scholars are called sons of Masters Angels and Believers are the Sons of God by Adoption and Grace but Christ is the true and natural Son of God He is the only begotten and beloved Son storge naturali with a natural affection and thorough this Son it is that all other Sons of God are beloved and adopted 980. Joh. 1.7 John came for a witness to bear witness of the light c. 5. 34. I saith Christ receive not testimony from man Act. 1.8 c. 10.39 John testified of Christ that he was the light of the world not for Christs cause but for mans cause that they might believe in him For seeing he is the chief good the
that he is not far off and yet not so at hand as to make us cast off all labour plowing and sowing and to make us sit idely every hour expecting his coming * 1398. Phil. 4.12 Salute all the Saints Luk. 10.4 Salute no man by the way When our Saviour forbids his Disciples to salute it was only by the way and upon that extraordinary occasion he then sent them not that he did afterwards forbid salutations The Epistle of St. PAUL to the COLOSSIANS HE exhorts them to embrace the Doctrine of the Gospel and to fly from the teaching of false Apostles and he warns them to live godly putting off the old and putting on the new man that in Oeconomical Government the men old men and Masters should observe humanity and equity women children and servants should live in obedience that all should be watchful in prayer It was sent from Rome by Tychicus and Onesimus * 1399. COL 1.15 Christ is the Image of the invisible God Joh. 1.1 And the Word was God Now an Image is not of the same substance and excellency as the thing it self Christ is called the Image of God i. e. substantial Image not a vanishing or vain one as Images and forms and shapes are in our mind but God the Eternal Father knowing himself and beholding himself begot this enduring Image in his own Deity which Image is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1. Christ was the Image of God from Eternity a Word increate a perfect essential and invisible Image of his Father and thus in respect of his eternal birth 2. In respect of his being made man God the Father did in him and by him as a lively Image set forth before our eyes his glorious attributes of Wisdom Goodness Righteousness and Almightiness c. Now though Christ was God yet he might be in the Image of God for the word God is taken personally not essentially it designs the Father alone not the Divine Nature in genere Christ is the Image of the Father not of the Deity The Person of the Son bears the Image of the Person of the Father but the Divine Essence or Nature in the Son is the same with that in the Father Christ therefore cannot be the same in Person with him whose Image he bears yet he may be the same in Essence * 1400. Col. 1.15 The first born of every creature Hence the Arians imply that Christ is a Creature But the first born of every Creature is no more than that he was begotten before every Creature even from Eternity this is not so to be interpreted as if his ineffable generation as God had a beginning from the beginning of time so that first or first born implies when it is said of God not temporally it excludes a priority of other things 1401. Col. 1.24 I fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake which is the Church Heb. 10.14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified Zac. 2.8 Mat. 25. 2 Tim. 3.12 The Passions of Christ as to merit and satisfaction are perfect for his Church the Apostles and Martyrs fill up in their flesh what is behind of the afflictions of Christ enduring miseries wherein Christ himself suffereth for they are his Members He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of mine eye What you do to any of these little ones you do it unto me It is added for the Church not to redeem the Chuch but to edifie and strenthen the Church by our example of constancy and patience * Col. 1.24 with Heb. 10.14 The afflictions or passions of Christ are twofold those which he suffered in his own body and so nothing remaineth to be fulfilled or filled up Or secondly for such afflictions which Christ suffers in his mystical body the Church and so there remains many things to be filled up personally i. e. in every man there must be an enduring and bearing of afflictions after the manner of Christ 1402. Col. 2.3 In Christ are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge Mat. 24.36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man no not the Angels in heaven but the Father only Christ in the state of exaltation hath a perfect knowledge of all things because all power in heaven and earth is given to him and he fits at the right hand of God In the state of humiliation he knew not when the last day should be not in respect of himself saith Augustine but in respect of us Christ hath in him the perfection of all wisdom and knowledge or else secondly all saving knowledge and true wisdom consists in a right knowledge of him 1403. Col. 2.9 In Christ dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily Heb. 2.17 It behoved him to be like unto to us in all things sin excepted He is like to us in all things in respect of the Essence of Humane Nature not in respect of his subsistence in the person of the Word and of his Hypostatical Union Glory and Majesty 1404. Col. 3.2 Set your affections on things above and not on things on the earth Rom. 11.33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God To set our affections on things above is to elevate our minds to heaven above all earthly things unto our Country where we wait for our happiness yet so that we be not high-minded and desire to know that which God will not have us to know for some things are to be believed and soberly to be searched into but other things which exceed the measure of our faith must not be searched into Pro. 25 2. he is overwhelmed with Glory that seeks into Gods Majesty 1405. Col. 3.2 Set not your affections on earthly things 1 Tim. 5.8 He that provideth not for his own houshold is worse than an Infidel The first place forbids us to search after earthly things neglecting spiritual and heavenly things for so far must we take care for earthly things as they may serve to Gods glory and our use for our salvation * 1406. Col. 3.22 Servants obey in all things your Masters Deut. 10.12 To serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart c. Servants may and must obey in all things their Masters so be those all things exceed not the bounds of all things in the Lord Eph. 6.1 in all things warrantable for the Masters to command and the Servants to perform Subordinate obedience of Servants to their Masters is not contrary to an absolute obedience to God but rather the obedience Servants shew to their Masters being in reference to perform Gods command fulfils that command of serving God with all our heart Two Epistles of St. PAUL to the THESSALONIANS IN the first he commends their faith and constancy and exhorts them to an honest life and a serious expectation of Christs last coming In the second he comforts them against persecutions and foretels the last day the Kingdom
daies not so much regarded moreover they were called Sabbaths 948. Luk. 6.25 Wo to you that laugh now for you shall mourn and weep Joh. 16.22 Your heart shall rejoyce and your joy no man taketh from you In the first place the pleasures and delights of the world are understood by the name of laughter the end whereof is alwaies sorrow in the latter place is meant joy in Christ by the Holy Ghost which is heavenly and eternal 949. Luk. 6.26 Woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you Mat. 5.16 1 Pet. 2.12 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorifie your Father which is in heaven Woe be to them who do only so that they may please the World and desire the praise of men flattering the wicked and winking at their sins that they may get favour But not to them who like a light are an example of good works and a godly life to others 950. Luk. 6.30 Give to every man that asketh Eccl. 12.4 Give to the godly and help not a sinner hold back thy bread and give it not unto him Christ will have that we shall do good to our friends and to our enemies though they be wicked and ingrateful by the example of our merciful heavenly Father and if we give not to the person yet give to his Nature as he is a man A place of Ecclesiasticus may not be opposed to Canonical Scripture who will have him that craves an alms to be humble shutting out the wicked and obstinate in malice who abuse the benificence of good men 951. Luk. 7.13 Weep not Eccl. 38.16 Let tears fall down over the dead Christ comforts the Widow who wept for the death of her only son because her son should suddenly live again But Christ disallows not moderate weeping for the death of our neighbour only we must not mourn as those that have no hope 952. Luk. 8.39 Return to thy house and shew how great things God hath done unto thee Cha. 5.14 He commands the Leper that he should tell no man Christ commanded him that was possessed with the devil to tell what benefits God had done for him because the time the place and other circumstances required that but he sent the leprous party who was cleansed to the Priest that he might approve of the cure 953. Luk. 10.4 Salute no man by the way Rom. 16.16 Salute one the other with an holy kiss The Churches of Christ salute you Phil. 4.22 The Saints Christ will have his Disciples diligent in dispatch of their Office that they should not hinder the course of their Ministry with long discourses and salutations but should fulfil their journey in a short time such a command gave Elias to his servant which denieth not our Christian duty and humane good manners to salute one the other 954. Luk. 10.18 I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven Joh. 8.44 The devil was a murderer from the beginning and the father of lies Satan fals from heaven when he is cast out of our hearts by sound doctrine and loseth his light that is his authority by the preaching of Gods Word here as it were by a thunderbolt from heaven that is from the Kingdom of God in the heart of man is he cast down and trod under foot but he was a murderer and lyar from the beginning that he fell not from that he was created 955. Luk. 10.22 No man knoweth who the Son is but the Father and who the Father is but the Son Joh. 15.26 The Spirit of Truth he shall testifie of me Christ excludes not the Persons of the Deity but the creatures and the false gods for the Father by the Son from Eternity infinitely communicating his infinite wisdom Joh. 16.13 revealed it to the Holy Ghost and therefore Christ saith the Spirit shall not speak of himself but whatsoever he shall hear that shal he speak * 956. Luk. 10.23 Blessed are the eyes which see those things which you see with Joh. 20.29 Blessed are those which have not seen and yet believe Sight is twofold bodily and spiritual Bodily sight is meant in the latter place spiritual sight or understanding is meant in the former Although many souls have not seen Christ in the flesh yet in regard they have seen him with the eyes of their soul and believed on him they are blessed 957. Luk. 10.24 Many Prophets and Kings have desired to see those things that you see Joh. 8.56 Abraham saw my day There are different manners of the Visions of Christ and of God 1 Cor. 13.12 We see now in a glass darkly but then that is in the next life we shall see face to face Abraham and the faithful in the Old Testament saw Christ promised that he should come The Apostles saw him manifested in the flesh The Prophets saw him of old in shadows and figures the Apostles and the Christians now see him clearly and manifestly 958. Luk. 10.28 Do this and live Rom. 4.5 But to â—im that worketh not but believeth his faith is counted for righteousness The parts of Gods Word are the Law and the Gospel the Law promiseth life eternal to them that do it the Gospel to them that believe Christ by the words Do this doth not shew that the Lawyer was able to fulfil the Law but only admonisheth him so that he might grow sensible of his own weakness 959. Luk. 10.41 Martha Martha Thou art careful and troubled about many things 1 Tim. 5.14 I will that the younger women marry guide the house Christ reprehends not Martha's care of her house but for presumption and false opinion because she preferred the care of her house before the Word of God 960. Luk. 11.41 Give alms and all things are clean unto you 1 Cor. 13.3 If I bestow all my goods to feed the poor it profiteth me nothing Christ speaks of alms proceeding from faith and charity the Apostle speaks of hypocritical alms without Christian Charity 961. Luk. 12.33 Sell what you have and give alms 1 Tim. 5.8 But if any provide not for his own especially those of his own houshold he hath denied the faith Christ would not have us forsake our neighbour in his wants and necessities but rather to help him we should sell our possessions to declare our compassion so far as we are able without doing injury to our family * 962. Luk. 13.32 Go tell that Fox with Act. 23.5 Exod. 22.28 Thou shalt not speak evil of the Ruler of thy people Some are of opinion that it was not meant of Herod but he that was the Author of their coming and speaking so to him For although Herod dealt like a Fox in killing of John Baptist pretending sorrow for his death and yet glad of the occasion he was not the Fox now but some subtil Pharisee who would have him thus spoken to as though they were thus sollicitous for him when as indeed they hated him to the death and
of men taken in a carnal sense also the flesh profiteth nothing in that manner as the Capernaites dream't concerning it * Joh. 6.54 with v. 63. The first place imports that he who eateth Christs flesh i. e. believeth in and resteth on that which he hath done in his flesh or humane Nature shall have nothing And the latter place is an Exposition how flesh is to be taken in the former place not litterally as flesh is external and visible for that doth not profit no not Christs flesh as seperate from the Spirit but it is the spiritual flesh that must be eaten It is the spirit which is in me must quicken you and the spiritual meaning must be here used 1008. Joh. 6.54 He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my bloud hath eternal life 1 Cor. 11.28 He that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh his own damnation The flesh of Christ in it self giveth life because it is alwaies so also in respect of men because some are faithful which it doth actually give life to others Infidels who are not quickned in Christ the cause whereof is not from Christ but from their own Infidelity and unworthiness for not discerning the body and bloud of the Lord they draw on the judgements of God upon themselves * Joh. 6.54 with 1 Cor. 11.28 He that eateth my flesh Flesh is twofold it is material substantial flesh or secondly that which was purchased by that flesh spiritual flesh Eating is twofold with material teeth and with spiritual faith He that spiritually believeth in and relieth on that which I did in my flesh i. e. those spiritual and eternal advantages I have obtained he hath a right to and a pledge of eternal life he hath those graces which will bring him thither and he shall assuredly have eternal life as if he had it 2. The wicked eat neither Christ's spiritual or material Flesh they only eat that which represents his flesh and that flesh they do eat unworthily by eating it only with carnal apprehensions or carnally he eats the sign not the substance 1009. Joh. 7.5 Neither did his brethren believe in him Chap. 16.27 Ye have believed that I came out from God The former place must be understood of his brethren and corporal kindred the latter of the Apostles and his Disciples which were not all kindred to Christ according to the flesh * Joh. 7.5 with 16.27 We must distinguish of times that we may reconcile the Scripture At the first preaching of Christ or the beginning of his Ministry his own kindred which were not disciples did not think of Christ as his deserts exprest but afterwards many of them did believe and were converts 1010. Joh. 7.7 The world cannot hate you Chap. 15.19 Ye are not of the world but I have chosen you out of the world therefore the world hateth you In the first place Crist speaketh to his Brethren and Cousins according to the flesh that did not believe in him living carnally and after the manner of the world in the latter place he speaks of the Apostles who believed in him and were purged from all dregs of Infidelity and he assigns the causes wherefore they and other believers were hated of the world * Joh. 7.7 with 15.19 Christ in the former place looks on his kindred as then having not made any profession of Christianity but living according to the manner of the Jews and so long as they did so they would not be hated of the world but if once they came to believe as they did Chap. 15.19 Then they must expect that the world would hate them 1011. Joh. 7.8 I go not up yet unto this Feast Ver. 10. He went up to the Feast He went not openly with his friends that he might be seen but privately by this example of his he hath taught us not to venture our selves rashly amongst our enemies * Joh. 7.8 with 10. The former place tells us that Christ was resolved not to go immediatly but yet when he had got quit of those carnal relations he went to the Feast whether it were that day or the next I know not 1012. Joh. 7.16 My Doctrine is not mine but my Fathers who sent me Chap. 17.10 All mine are thine and thine are mine The Doctrine of Christ is said to be his Fathers and his in different respects the Father hath it from himself Christ from his Father also it is said to be the Fathers because he sent his Son for Christ was sent from the Father to publish it * Joh. 7.16 with 17.10 My Doctrine is not mine originally as I am the Son of Man but it is that Doctrine which as I am the Redeemer of the world or the Prophet which Moses said should be raised from among the Brethren the Father had determined I should preach The latter place speaks of Persons not Doctrine all my sheep and people or if of Doctrine then so all things are Gods as they are Christs and so Christs that they are Gods * 1013. Joh. 7.24 with Mat. 7.1 Luk. 6.37 Judge righteous Judgment when you are called upon to judge matters or things in controversie betwixt man and man or betwixt a mans actions and the Law Judge without partiality But judge not private transactions wherein you are not called to judge or do not pass your censure rashly on mens persons 1014. Joh. 7.26 Do the Rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ 1 Cor. 2.8 Had they known it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory The knowledge of Christ is either carnal and historical so the Rulers of the Jews and the devils knew Christ but this is nothing to salvation or a spiritual knowledge by faith which justifieth believers and which the Jews that crucified Christ had not Here the same thing is said in both places and what in the first place is explained by an Ironical Interrogation in it self negative that in the latter place is done affirmatively 1015. Joh. 7.34 36. Where I am thither ye cannot come Chap. 17.24 Father I will that they also which thou hast given me be with me where I am Christ in the former place speaks to the Pharisees and carnal men rejecting his grace and he saith to them Where I am ye cannot come that is into heaven In the latter place he speaks of all the faithful which his Father hath given him 1016. Joh. 8.15 I am not alone but I and the Father that sent me Chap. 16.5 Now I go my way to him that sent me In the first place Christ speaks of the unity of the Divine Nature and the inseparable conjunction of the Person In the latter concerning his Death and Ascention into heaven to intercede with God the Father for us * Joh. 8.16 with Joh. 16.5 The first place shews Christ to be so conjoyned to God by his Divine Nature that he was never alone The second place tells us that Christ according to his Humane Nature was to go to such a place as
and Cause I create evill that is naturall such as sicknesses sorrows c. and materiall and these I do by way of Judgment but I create not morall evill 14. Gen. 1.31 God saw every thing that he had made and behold it was very good Mal. 1.3 I hated Esau Quaest ex Epist ad Rom. Every creature of God is good and so is man as be is a creature but not as a sinner saith August God therefore hated Esau for his sinne and set him after his brother Jacob. Exod. 20.11 Deut. 14. 15. Gen. 2.2 God rested from all his works that he had made Joh. 5.17 14.10 My Father worketh hitherto God rested from all the works of creation and of things that should be in nature but not from his works of Providence care and sustentation for without that all would return to nothing and perish Psal 104. Acts 17. * Gen. 2.2 with Jo. 5.17 God rested from making new species of creatures but not from upholding those already made and enlarging the individuals of these species * 16. Gen. 2.4 These are the generations of the Heavens and the earth in the day c. Exod. 20.11 for in six dayes Object How in one day and yet was six dayes in making them Answ 1. In one day as to the whole Chaos and matter and yet six in producing the severall species 2. The word day is either to be taken strictly or largely strictly for twelve or twenty four hours and so God did not make all individuals in one day or for a certain tract of time and so six dayes are but one 17. Gen. 2.15 God put man into the garden of Eden to dresse it Chap. 3.19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread If Adam had continuance in innocency labour should have been pleasant unto him but because he sinned therefore must we labour with much sorrow and trouble 18. Gen. 2.18 It is not good that the man should be alone Mat. 19.10 It is not good to marry 1 Cor. 7. To touch a woman In the first place God speaks of the good and profit of the whole Species and the Church which cannot be propagated by one person alone In the latter the Apostle speaks of the personall good and the more commodious kind of life in the time of persecution * Gen. 2.18 It is not good that man should be alone 1 Cor. 7.1 It is good not to touch a woman Marriage it felf as it is Gods Ordinance is good But Marriage as relating to the persons which enter into that estate may be evill i. e. by accident Besides evill may be taken for the evill of sinne and so marriage is not evill but as evill signifies the evill of punishment or the privation of happinesse or a quiet life so marriage may be evill It was good in the Apostles days not to touch a woman as good signifies lesse troublesome or more agreeable to the present necessity verse 26. more convenient in regard of the calamities of the Church which will be so much the easier born and overcome by the enjoying of liberty and more profitable also by being not so distracted with cares nor troubled with these distractions that by reason of sin accompany the married estate 19. Gen. 2.24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother Exod 20.12 Honour thy father and thy mother To leave father and mother here is not to deny them the honour love and help that is due to them but to leave the house of his parents and to live with his wife and to set up a new family with her * Gen. 2.24 with Exod. 20.12 The degrees of love and affection do not vacate or take away one another Parents are to be loved by reason of their original reverence obedience and subjection more than a wife Yet wives are to be more loved by reason of union or conjunction for they two shall be one flesh and also by reason of cohabitation and serve to domestick society 20. Gen. 2.24 A man shall cleave to his wife Exod. 21.4 The servant going forth shall leave his wife to his master c. The generall Law pertains to all that is the first but the speciall Law was granted to the Jews for the hardnesse of their hearts and so we understand the latter place 21. Gen. 2.24 Matth. 19.5 And they shall be one flesh 1 Cor. 6.16 He that is joyned to a harlot is one body Married people are one body really and indeed by divine institution but carnal copulation with a whore without marriage though it be actually one body yet it is impure because it is not of divine institution * Gen. 2.24 They two shall be one flesh 1 Cor. 6.16 He that is joyned to an harlot is one body with her Object How can a man that is joyned to a wife and be one flesh with her be one flesh with an harlot Answ Marriage makes one flesh two wayes First By divine institution Secondly By the act it self That which is done beyond the bounds of marriage is making one flesh by act not institution and therefore illegitimate the act and effect are the same of conjunction within and without marriage are the same but the cause is different The Apostle opposeth carnal conjunction to spirituall and that which is in Christ The agglution being threefold 1. In body and mind lawfully as in marriage 2. In body alone unlawfully as in whoredom 3. In spirit as in the spirituall conjunction with God by grace in Christ * 22. Gen. 3.6 She gave unto her husband and he did eat 1 Tim. 2.14 The man was not deceived The one Text saith that Adam received an Apple from his wife the other saith that Adam was not deceived i. e. immediately of the Devill as Eve was so that both agree in this that the woman was deceived by Satan and after her being deceived she gave the Apple to her husband which he not examining but taking it upon the account of his wife which he thought loved him did eate And so Adam imputes not the thing to Eve by way of deceit but onely saith The woman she gave me 23. Gen. 3.6 The woman saw that the tree was good for food Vers 7. And the eyes of them both were opened First she saw with the eyes of her body the tree and the fruit that was good to eat but at length both their eyes were opened spiritually when they knew their sinne and transgression of the Law of God 24. Gen. 3.12 The woman gave to the man of the tree and he did eat 1 Tim. 2.14 And Adam was not deceived but the woman The woman became for prevarication to the man for by her he was deceived and not by the Serpent as she was Aug. l. 11. de Gen. ad lit c. ult 25. Gen. 3.16 Thy desire shall be to thy husband and he shall rule over thee 1 Cor. 1.2 1 Cor. 7.4 The husband hath not power over his own body
her by beginnings of holinesse in this life and will in the next life set her compleatly holy before his Father without spot or rinckle * Cant. 1.5 with Cant. 4.1 Blacknesse in Scripture is put for tribulation or for sinne or thirdly for sorrow for both the former The first place speak of her blacknesse as she was in her own eyes Secondly As she was in others eyes in all these three relations I am black in yours and mine own apprehensions with tribulation sin and sorrow The second place speaks of beauty or fairenesse in Christs account It is one thing what a woman accounts her self another thing what her husband accounts her she was faire in the latter sense It is one thing to be faire in it self another thing to be faire by reflexion or imputation The spouse was inherently black but by imputation and reflexion as she was to the glasse to the Sun Christ so fair 594. Cant. 5.1 Eat O friends drink yea drink abundantly beloved Isaiah 5.11 Woe be to ye that rise early in the morning to drinke strong drink Ephes 5.14 Luke 21.34 Amb. lib. 1. cap. 5. de Cain Abel Drunkennesse with grace not with wine which makes us rejoyce not stumble must be here understood To be drunk here is to be filled with the grace of the holy Ghost and with spirituall joy concerning the Gospell which thing produceth healthfull and pleasant fruit Isaiah cries out woe to drunkards filling themselves with Wine and luxuriating in over much drink 595. Cant. 6.10 The Church is terrible as an Army with banners Chap. 7.6 How fair how pleasant art thou O love for delights She is terrible to the Devill the World to Hell but most dear and and delightfull to her Bridegroome the Lord Jesus Christ ISAIAH HIS PROPHESIE He prophesied ninety years IT was written by Isaiah the sonne of Amos the Brother of Amasiah King of Judah about the year of the World 3190. It contains legall Prophesies from Chap. 1 to the 40th with the History of Ezechias And from Chap. 40 to the end it contains Evangelicall Prophesies 596. ISai. 1.2 I have nourished children and they have rebelled against me Vers 4. Ephes 5.27 The Church is glorious without spot or wrinckle The Church of it self and from it self is full of sinnes and deformities but she is without spot or wrinkle in her Husband and head Christ who loved her and gave himself for her that he might sanctifie her cleansing her with the laver of water in the word of life Ephes 5.26 597. Isa 7.14 And they shall call his name Emanuel Luk. 2.21 His name was called Jesus In the Scriptures sometime the name is given to the person not according to the word but the thing signified Emanuel in effect is the same with Jesus Emanuel is God with us by this word the Prophet would explain the person the office and the benefits of Christ and the mystery of the personall Union and that that Sonne should be God and Man and live amongst men in his humane nature that he should assume that he might redeem them and save them from their sinnes 598. Isai 8.20 To the Law and the Testament 1 Cor. 2.2 â—etermined to know nothing amongst you Matth. 1.21 but Jesus Christ and him crucified Since Christ is the end of the Law and the Prophets it is most profitable for us to believe in him and to seek comfort in his Crosse for without he had been crucified he had not wrought salvation for mankind * 599. Isai 8.20 with 1 Cor. 2.2 He that sends us to the Law and testimonies he sends us to Christ for the Law is a Schoolemaster to bring us to Christ and the Prophets are they which testifie of Christ To be sent to them was in relation to him so that the precept of Isaiah and the practise of Paul were the same 600. Isai 9.3 Thou hast multiplied the Nation and hast not increased their joy Chap. 60.5 Then thou shalt see and shalt flow together and thine heart shall fear and be enlarged because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee The joy of the Nation and the people under the yoak of Rome though it be not increased yet it is enlarged whilst the Heathen people being called into the Church forsaking their heathenish rites do embrace the Christian Religion 601. Isai 9.6 Vnto us a child is born unto us a son is given Luke 2. After seven hundred years Christ was born under Augustus Caesar It is usuall in the Scripture to have the present tence and preter tence put for the future tence and the future tence for the present and preter tence So Psal 22.8 All make a mock of me 602. Isai 9.6 His name shall be called the Prince of peace of his peace there shall be no end Matth. 10.34 Think not that I came to send peace on the earth I came not to send peace but the sword In the former place is understood the true Christian peace of God and Christ which we have with God our Neâ—â—â—bour and our selves In the latter is meant worldly peace that we have with men of this world which is often bad Yet Christ doth not of himself bring the sword but by accident in regard of the malice of the World and the Devill who are the authors of contentions 603. Isai 9.6 He shall be called the everlasting Father 1 Cor. 15.24 He shall deliver up the Kingdome to his Father when he shall have put down all principality Since eternall and Kingly power belongeth unto Christ it shall never be taken from him but the manner of his governement shall be changed for he shall no longer governe his Church by the Ministery of his Word and Sacraments but shall represent it to his heavenly Father freed from all evill Nor shall there be any more worldly governements after the blessed resurrection * 604. Isai 9.6 with 6. A son is given The everlasting Father He is the sonne of the everlasting Father by nature He is the everlasting Father in respect of us whom he hath bought by his Blood begotten by his Spirit preserved by his Power and created by his Divinity 605. Isai 9.7 Of the increase of his Government and peace there shall be no end Luk. 12.49 I came to send fire into the earth and what will I but that it may be kindled It is not meant a fire of discord and malice amongst men but a fire of pure doctrine consuming all filth and temptations betwixt the spirit and the flesh the true and false teachers the godly and the wicked the Devill and men For the Gospell is no cause of troubles but as lime when it is mixt with water groweth hot so the wickednesse of men stirred up by Gods Word rageth against Christ and his Gospell * 606. Isai 26.10 with Isa 40.5 The first place shews what wicked men will do the second what the
have kept them Chap. 18.9 10. I have not lâ—st one God the Father speaks of the scattering Christ of the keeping That scattering takes not away Christs keeping because none of the Apostles which his Father gave to him perished but the sonne of perdition MALACHIE HIS PROPHESIE HE complains of the wickednesse of the people of the Jews and the Priests He comforts the godly Threatens the wicked Exhorts all to repentance and faith in Christ He was the last that prophesied before Christs incarnation In the year of the world 3513. 748. MAl 1.2 Was not Esau Jacobs brother saith tht Lord yet I loved Jacob and hated Esau 2 Chron. 19.7 There is no accepting of persons with God God is a most free agent and doth all things that he doth according to his own good pleasure he respects not the externall quality of the person nor his condition nation sex riches poverty hatred c. so he loved Jacob revealed himself unto him gave to his posterity the Land of Cannan He neglected Esau who was Isaacs eldest sonne and most beloved of his Father nor was he bound by any Laws to do otherwise unto him 749. Mal. 1.8 If you offer the blind the lame the sick for sacrifice is it not evill Psal 50.8 I will not reprove thee for thy burnt sacrifices The Prophet speaks of sacrifices the Psalmist of the sacrificers Sacrifices were to be offered unto God without spot or fault not blind or lame but without sâ—â—rs scabs or blisters Lev. 22.22 25. for Christ of whom they were but but Types was an obligation most pure and absolute and free from all spots for our sins 750. Mal. 2.7 The Priests lips should keep knowledge and they should seek the Law at his mouth Mat. 22.29 You erre not knowing the Scriptures of God The first place is concerning the office of the Priests who were bound to keep knowledge that the people might seek for knowledge at their mouth Levit. 10.11 and they were to answer the people that inquired concerning the Law The latter is concerning the ignorance of the Priests who sit upon Moses chair contrary to Gods commandement and their own duty which was the cause that the people together with the Priests and the Scribes ran to errour Hitherto we have described the Reconciliations of appearing contrarieties in the Canon of the Old Testament for the space of four thousand years from the creation of the world from Adam Noah Abraham and Solomon untill the time that Christ came Now follow those of the New Testament from Christs Nativity to the end of the world The End of the Prophets RECONCILING Of Places of the Nevv-Testament THE Scripture of the New-Testament is the Word of God written after Christ was revealed by the Apostles and Evangelists in the Greek Tongue some few things were written in Hebrew namely St. Matthews Gospel and the Epistle to the Hebrews Eusch l. 3 c. 26. l. 6. c. 11. 19. Jeron in Catal. Scriptorum It is divided into Evangelical and Epistolical Books Those are the Evangelical books which contain a part of the glad tidings or the holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ with the History from his Nativity to his Ascension into Heaven at the thirty fourth year of his Age. The Gospel of St. Matthew IT contains the Genealogy of Jesus Christ his Birth Education his Prophetical Office in Preaching Miracles his Priestly Office in the Oblation of himself for our sins and his Kingly Office in his rising from the dead and the Government of his Church * 749. MAT. 1.1 The book of the Generation c. Isa 53.8 Who shall declare his Generation The former place speaks of his Generation as Man as the Son of Mary and supposed Son of Joseph The latter place not according to his Humanity but Divinity so who shall declare the Excellency and Manner of his Generation or if the Prophet must be interpreted to speak according to his Humanity then we must say there is a very few only can declare his Generation neither is it possible to express his Humane Generation to the full because that is so wonderful 750. Mat. 1.1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ. 1 Tim. 1.4 Tit. 3.9 Avoid foolish and endless genealogies The knowledge of Christs genealogy is more profitable that we may know Jesus to be the true Messias promised of the seed of Abraham and David Paul condemns the madness of those who tell mens fortunes by their Nativities and such as move unprofitable questions concerning genealogies which the Jews addicted themselves much to neglecting the study of godliness those he bids us to avoid as vain and idle and Heathenish fancies 751. Mat. 1.1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ the son of David the son of Abraham Luk. 3.23 38. Who was the son of Heli Nagge Matthat c. of Adam of God Matthew and Luke differ not Matthew describes the genealogy of Christ by the Line of Solomon to Joseph Luke by Nathan another son of David from Josephs Father in law who was called Eli to David and so far as Adam the father of mankind * Mat. 1.1 with 1 Tim. 1.4 The first speaks of a certain Genealogy and generation the second speaks of an uncertain and vexatious generation There were some who probably being Jews naturally and turned Christians were addicted to these genealogies that they might have a pretence of claiming kindred of Christ they made no end of drawing down their lines of descent from David or else they would make a scrupulous search after genealogies about Christ about which there were great controversies in the Church when as Herod had burnt all publick Records that were of that nature Matthew and Mark had set down what was needful herein * 752. Mat. 1.5 Salomon begat Booz of Rahab Doubt How could Salmon beget children of Rahab the Harlot if he entered not into the land of Canaan for none which came out of Aegypt was to enter in except Joshuah and Caleb Answ Although Salmon came out of Aegypt yet not being twenty years old he was not under the Curse of the Lord Num. 14.29 753. Mat. 1.6 David the King began Solomon Luk. 3.31 Who was the son of Nathan who was the son of David Matthew observes the natural order descending from Fathers to the Sons Luke ascends from the Sons to the Fathers Matthew by Solomon and his posterity reckons the fore-fathers of Christ from David to Salathiel Luke by Nathan and his posterity for Solomons race being extinct Christ was born of the posterity of Nathan according to the flesh * Mat. 1.6 with Luk. 3.31 Matthew observes the order of nature descending from the Fathers to the Sons on the contrary Luke inverts the Order ascending from the Sons to the Fathers 2. Matthew reckons not all he begins from Abraham only Luke accounts all and ascends even to Adam and God himself Matthew begins at Abraham for God chose the seed of Abraham to beget Christ
the hypothesis of the Sadduces that God was the God of the dead for they supposed the dead should never rise again Paul from another hypothesis affirms the same which depends on Christs resurrection on this wise God is the God of the dead because the dead bodies shall rise again 876. Mat. 23.9 Call no man your Father upon the earth 1 Cor. 4.15 If you had ten thousand instructors in Christ yet have you not many Fathers for in Christ Jesus have I begotten you Christ will have us place our filial confidence in God only not in men though they love us with fatherly affection and teach us the true Religion and so are called Fathers not by nature but by participation that they are so So Paul calls himself the Father of the Corinthians and of Timothy by reason of the Gospel not primarily but secondarily because he was an Instrument which God used to call and regenerate them by the Gospel that he preached to them 877. Mat. 23.10 Be not called Masters 1 Cor. 4.15 You have many Masters â—oh 1. Christ is our only spiritual Rabbi Master and Doctor others that have these titles are but servants to this great Master because they must teach no other but the Doctrine of Christ For of his fulness we have all received he is the way the truth and the life and it is enough to us that he said it 878. Mat. 23.17 Ye fools and blind Cha. 5.22 Whosoever shall say Thou fool shall be in danger of hell fire Christ by his Office and his Charity was angry with the Pharisees and to make them repent he called them fools and blind but he forbids that out of a carnal reproachful desire and greediness of revenge or pride or mad anger any man should detract from his neighbour 879. Mat. 23.37 O Jerusalem Jerusalem thou that killest the Prophets and stonest them Cha. 27. Jerusalem is called the holy City Jerusalem the City of Martyrs is there called the City of many Saints It is called the holy City for the most holy God by whom it was made choice of or for the Messias who taught them the sanctity of faith and life and offered himself for us for a price of redemption or for the Saints that were in it * 880. Mat. 24.25 Prepared from the beginning Joh. 14.2 I go to prepare a place for you Preparation by Predestination is one thing Preparation by Possession is another Heaven was prepared by Council and Predestination for Gods Children But by possession actually by Christ who took our humane nature and carried it into heaven to take possession in the name of the Elect. 881. Mâ—t. 25.3 And he shall separate the sheep from the goats Joh. 10.16 There shall be one sheep-fold and one shepheard There is a difference betwixt a sheep-fold and a fold for Goats There is a difference betwixt true sheep and sheep only in appearance sheep in appearance may have the same visible Church as the true sheep but in the future state of the Church the true sheep shal be separated from the hypocrites There is but one sheepfold of both Jew and Gentile nor of both but one shepheard 882. Mat. 25.32 He shall separate the Sheep from the Goats Joh. 10.16 And there shall be one sheepfold The first place is concerning the future state of the Church after the day of Judgment that shall be otherwise then it is now for then shall there be a separation made Hypocrites now pass for Sheep then they shall be manifested to be Goats Eph. 2.14 Cap. 5.23 1 Cor. 3.11 The latter place is of the faithful who shall be gathered into one sheepfold that is the Church both Jews and Gentiles under one shepheard 883. Mat. 25.34 Inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world Eph. 1.4 He chose us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy Christ by the beginning and foundation of the world understands eternity the Apostle looks to the first Creation for before the foundations of this world were laid God chose us in Christ to salvation 884. Mat. 25.34 There is a Kingdom prepared for us before the foundation of the world Joh. 14.3 I go saith Christ to prepare a place for you There is a place by Gods decree provided for us from eternity according to predestination but not particular designation which is done after Christs ascension but the Devil Death and Hell and Malediction did not suffer us to come thither untill Christ had destroyed those impediments and by his death vanquished the Devil Death and Hell blotted out our sins by rising again had restored life to us by his Ascension had opened heaven to us and going thither before us confirmed it that we should follow him thither * 885. Mat. 25.46 These shall go into eternal punishment Jer. 3.12 For I am merciful saith the Lord and will not keep mine anger for ever The former place speaks of Gods expression of his wrath in the world which is to come This latter place speaks of the expression of his wrath in this life The former is pronounced against particular persons that were desperately reprobate the latter of such as though they were desperately wicked yet would or might return having still time to the Lord. 886. Mat. 26.2 Ye know that after two daies is the Feast of the Passeover Ver. 6. Jesus was in Bethany six daies before the Passeover The Evangelist began to speak of what was done two daies before the Passeover but repeating the matter higher he relates some things were done in Bethany six daies before the Passeover because the History of Judas the Traytor required that Therefore here is an Hysterosis * 887. Mat. 26.2 17. Mar. 14.12 Joh. 13.1 The Hebrews begin their day at Evening Lev. 23.32 The day from the ingress of Christ into Jerusalem to the Resurrection may be reckoned three waies After the Jews After the Gentiles After the Evangelists The first of the Sabbaths Sunday The day of entering into Jerusalem The second of the Sabbaths Monday Of cursing the Tree The third of the Sabbaths Tuesday Of the Supper The fourth of the Sabbaths Wednesday Of selling The fifth of the Sabbaths Thursday Of the day before the preparat 6. The preparation of the great Sabbaths Friday Of Preparation Supper c. 7. The Sabbath Saturday Of rest in the Sepulchre The eighth of the Sabbaths Sunday Of rising So that after two daies â—ems the third day after his solemn entrance into Jerusalem But while I study brevity I dare not enter into the sea of that variety which is here offered 888. Mat. 26.7 A woman poured Oyntment on our Saviours head Joh. 12.3 Mary took a pound of Oyntment of Spikenard very costly and anoynted the feet of Jesus Some hold that these are different Histories yet it might be that when a greater quantity of oyntment was poured forth that his feet were anointed also at the same time * Mat.
sate at the right hand of God Chap. 14.22 This is my body Christ ascending and sitting at the right hand of God doth not take away the presence of his body in the holy Supper but confessing it Phil. 2.9 that he is exalted above all things into glory 935. Mar. 16.19 Christ sits at the right hand of God Eph. 1.20 Col. 3.1 Heb. 1.3 c. 8.1 1 Pet. 3.22 Act. 7.56 Steven saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God To sit is the part of the Judge to stand the part of him that fights and helps us saith Gregory Homil. de Ascens Domini Steven therefore being at the conflict with death saw him standing whom he had for to help him but Mark describes Christ sitting after his Resurrection for after the glory of his Ascension he shall come as Judge in the end of the World The Gospel of St. LUKE IT comprehends the Conception of John Baptist and Jesus Christ with their Nativity Life Vocation Sermons in special the Miracles of Christ his Passion Death Resurrection Apparition and Ascension into Heaven 936. LUK. 1.13 Zacharias prayer is heard ver 18. He believed not Although he had a conflict through the weakness of his faith of the special gift of so wonderful a Son yet he had a general faith concerning a Messias the Deliverer of the people from their disgrace and therefore his doubting did not exclude his prayers from being heard 937. Luk. 1.32 The Lord God shall give unto him the Throne of his Father David Joh. 18.36 My Kingdom is not of this world To sit in the Throne of David here is not to govern a temporal Kingdom as David did here on earth but a spiritual wherein Christ reigns by faith in the hearts of his followers and he rules over sin death and the devil 938. Luk. 1.33 And he shall reign over the House of Jacob for ever 1 Cor. 15.24 He shall deliver up the Kingdom to God the Father ver 28. He shall be subject unto him Christs Kingdom is eternal and without end not as Davids earthly Kingdom was for a few daies but it must be continued for ever in the Person of Christ and the faithful after a spiritual manner he shall deliver the Kingdom to the Father not that he shall no longer rule with the Father but because â—fter this world is ended he will fully joyn us to his Father and will govern his Church otherwise than it is now governed * Luk. 1.33 with 1 Cor. 15.24 28. There is a twofold Kingdom of Christ 1. Essential as God 2. Oeconomical as Mediator God and Man betwixt God and Man The first Kingdom is not here spoken of in either place And as for the second which he received from his Father he shall surrender it up again to his Father after he hath subdued sin and death and put all his enemies under his feet Christ governs his Kingdom his Church and people here by means and instruments as the Word Sacraments Ministers c. By Angels Men Ecclestastical or Politick opposing means for the suppressing his childrens adversaries Now he shall deliver this Mediatory rule when he hath fully reconciled all men to God and perfected his work to God the Father who will rule his Children in a new and hidden way without men or means nor mediatly but immediately by himself Christ shall still reign He shall reign over Israel for ever because he shall rule till Eternity come and after him there shall be no King for when Eternity comes he shall rule though in a new way 939. Luk. 1.36 Elizabeth Maries Cousin ver 5. She was of the daughters of Aaron Luk. 2.5 Mary was of the Tribe of Judah of the house of David In the Scripture they are called Cousins though they are not at all of the same family so vulgarly Anna is affirmed to be the mother of Mary and the sister of Elizabeth 940. Luk. 1.44 The babe leaped in my womb for joy that is Iohn Baptist in the womb of his Mother when Mary came to her Joh. 1.31 I knew him not saith Iohn Christ was known to John before by internal and spiritual knowledge but John knew him externally and corporally in his baptism 941. Luk. 1.67 Zacharias prophesied being full of the Holy Ghost Joh. 7.39 The Holy Ghost was not yet because Christ was not yet glorified The first place is meant of the gift and Spirit of Prophesie the latter place is concerning the visible and wonderful effusion of gifts of the Holy Ghost upon the Apostles after Christs glorification 942. Luk. 2.11 There is born to you a Saviour in the City of David which is Christ the Lord. 1 Pet. 3.21 Baptism doth save us Subalternates do not disagree Christ makes his people safe from their sins principally as the efficient meritorious cause Baptism serves but instrumentally and not alwaies for it is not the want of Baptism but the contempt which condeâ—ns us 943. Luk. 2.33 His Father and mother marvelled at those things Mat. 1.8 Jesus according to his humanity had no Father Heb. 7.3 According to his Divinity had no Mother The Father of Jesus Christ Joseph was only so for his care but not really and naturally so for he was appointed by God to be a keeper of the Virgin Mary espoused to him and her Son and Christ being a little child gave him honour and reverence due to a Father The Virgin Mary was his natural Mother according to the flesh for he received his humane nature of her substance 944. Luk. 2.34 Simeon blessed him Heb. 7.7 The lesser is blessed of the better Simeon prayed well for Mary congratulating her concerning her happy and blessed Off-spring and by a Prophetick Spirit foreshewing the hard success she and her Son should have but he did not prefer himself before them 945. Luk. 3.7 The Baptist cals the Pharisees a generation of Vipers Mat. 5.22 He that saith to his brother Thou Fool shall be in danger of hell fire John Baptist calls them not so reproachfully out of an ill affection but from his Office because such were full of poyson and malice working the Viperous works of the devil the old Serpent So the Ministers of the Church must publickly complain of the sins of the people 946. Luk. 5.10 Fear not from henceforth thou shalt catch men Joh. 1.42 Andrew brought Simon his brother to Christ Simon is brought by Andrew to follow Christ and to profess the Gospel by a general call but Christ calls him by a special call to the Sacred Function about the matter of Fishing 947. Luk. 6.1 And it came to pass on the second Sabbath after the first that he went through the Corn fields Mat. 12.1 At that time Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the corn The Jews calâ—ed the eight day of the great solemnity the second Sabbath after the firâ—â— for some of their Feasts lasted for eight daies and the first day with the eighth day were the most solemn and the intermediate
the Father did more fully evidence himself than here Not as if Christ as God were not present on earth as well as in heaven but that he went from them in his Humane Nature into the heavens from whence he shall come to judge the world * 1017. Joh. 8.19 You neither know me Joh. 7.28 And you know me You know me not as to my Divinity you know me as to my Humanity 1018. Joh. 8.23 Ye are of this world Chap. 15.19 Ye are not of this world To be of the world is to be in darkness and to lead a wicked life Not to be of the world is to acknowledge Christ and to live godly The first place therefore respects the unbelieving Jews and carnal men the latter respects all the faithful the children of God and elected to salvation 1019. Joh. 8.26 I have many things to say and to judge of you Chap. 3.18 He that believeth not is condemned already In the first place the present-tense is put for the future For we must all of us appear before Christs Tribunal Rom. 14.10 that every man may receive the things done in his body according to that he hath done whether it be good or bad 2 Cor. 5.10 * Joh. 8.26 with 3.18 The first place tells us that Christ had many things whereof he might judge them and accuse them but that at present was not his work he came to convince them by his Preaching and Miracles who he was and afterwards to die for them as for judging them it was at present his Fathers work who was true The second place that he that believeth not is in a condemned estate and his conscience upon a serious inquest will condemn him and the Law will judge him as condemned thoâ—gh the sentence of condemnation is not already solemnly pronounced against him as it will be at the last day 1020. Joh. 8.28 I do nothing of my self Chap. 10.18 I have power c. Christ of himself that is without the Father or against his Fathers authority did nothing 1021. Joh. 8.33 We be Abrahams seed Ver. 44. Ye are of your Father the devil There are sons carnal and sons spiritual the carnal Jews were the seed of Abraham in respect of corporal propagation Spiritual are such as are guided by a good or evil spirit sons by a good Spirit are all the faithful who are of the seed of Abraham by faith in Christ who gave to believing Abraham that he should be câ—â—led the Father of believers Christ saith the Jews were from an evil spirit who did not the works of Abraham but of the devil in respect of their malice imitation and he that doth the works of another may be called his son 1022. Joh. 8.35 The servant abideth not in the house for ever 1 Thes 4.17 We shall ever be with the Lord. In the first place is spoken of a servant of sin in the latter of the faithful who shall be delivered from all bondage being made free by the Son Joh. 8.36 * Joh. 8.35 with 1 Thes 4.17 The former place speaketh of the condition of a servant in general whether it be meant of a bodily service or otherwise He remains not alwaies in the Masters house but as soon as the daies of his servitude are past he goeth to live of himself And this place compares a son and a servant the one stayeth a time the other for ever They were not spiritually and really Sons though externally and carnally sons but really and spiritually servants The second place speaks of those who were not servants to sin or the Law but sons I call you no more servants but sons and so they may as the sons of God spiritually in Christ remain in the house for ever 1023. Joh. 8.36 Ye shall be free indeed Rom. 7.23 Paul was a captive under the law of sin The faithful are free from sin in respect of condemnation dominion and perfect liberty which they shall enjoy in the next life they are said to be captive under sin by reason of inherent sin which begets ill desires in them against their wills * 1024. Joh. 8.36 You are free indeed Rom. 7.16 I am sold under sin A Christian is free from the Ceremonies of the Law and from the damning power of the Moral Law as he is in Christ and he is free from the power of sin that is free from sins damnation and free from sins dominion i. e. when he begins to believe the Lord enables him more freely to resist sin than formerly and so dayly enlargeth his heart till in the conclusion this freedom is perfected and yet St. Paul might speak of his being in his own apprehension so troubled with sin as if he were sold under it though he were in part free and was going on to perfect freedom from sin It is one thing what Christ spake as to the right and portion of a Christian another thing what Paul speaks out of his hatred and detestation of the weight and lusting of sin within him A child of God takes the longing of his spirit after sins grievously and complains he is sold under sin when he finds sin strongly tempt him * 1025. Joh. 8.44 He was a murtherer from the beginning Joh. 1.1 In the beginning was the word This word beginning hath several considerations It is not to be taken from the first absolute beginning for then Satan had no being not from his own beginning For at his creation he was good as all things else were but so soon as ever Man was he resolved to destroy man and with reference to that intention he was a man-slayer or murderer of Man from the beginning of Man So that this place is meant of Mans beginning and the second place is meant simply the beginning of the world 1026. Joh. 8.46 Which of you convinvinceth me of sin Chap. 9.24 We know that this man is a sinner Christ speaks of firm proof that no man could convince him of sin The Jews for despight and calumny said falsely that he was a sinner * Joh. 8.46 with 9.24 The former place put by way of Question implies a Negative that none could justly convince him The latter place tells us not that they did convince him of sin but they behind his back would scandalize him to be a sinner in the general without implying any particular sin that he was guilty of Only they being ignorant of his birth and thinking him to be begot after the ordinary manner of men and consequently guilty of original sin do call him a sinner but this doth not in the least convince him of this or that sin 1027. Joh. 8.50 I seek not mine own glory Vers 12. I am the light of the world He means glory acquired from his Father not affected glory and he cals himself the Light of the world truly confessing what he is and not by hunting after vain-glory * Joh. 8.50 with 12. A man may speak what he is and what he hath without
and to put them in mind of the consecration of the Temple which had been prophaned by Antiochus and was of the Hebrews called chamucho and by the Greeks Euraenia which signifieth renewing because the Temple had been new dedicated That Feast was kept in the Month Caslew which the November Moon corresponds with 1039. Joh. 10.28 My sheep shall never perish neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand Chap. 13.18 Judas was chosen to be of Christs sheep and yet perished Election in the first place is meant to eternal life In the latter to an Office Judas was Christs sheep only by outward vocation and profession 1040. Joh. 10.29 My Father is greater Ver. 30. I and my Father are one Christ is equal to God the Father according to his Divine Nature less than the Father according to his Humane Nature and his Office of Mediatorship between God and Man * 1041. Joh. 10.30 I and my Father are one Joh. 14.28 My father is greater than I. They are one as to the Divinity of Christ Christ and God are one God so as to the Humanity of Christ and his Office of being an Advocate and Mediator a Servant and Messenger so the Father is greater than I. 1042. Joh. 10.32 Many good works have I shewed you from my Father chap. 14.10 The Father that dwelleth in me he doth the works In the former place Christ speaks not exclusively because the works of the Trinity outwardly are common to the three Persons There is no work of the Son which the Father doth not work in him In the latter ascribing operation to the Father he asserts that it is done by the authority and counsel of his Father so speaking of the manner and order of working he takes not away the unity of Essence Majesty and Power * 1043. Joh. 10.36 Whom the Father hath sanctified c. with Joh. 1.1 And the Word was God The Socinians would gather that Christ is the only begotten Son of God either by reason of the conception by the Holy Ghost or for the sanctification and sending into the world as the formal cause of his Deity and Filiation 'T is true by reason of his conception by the Holy Spirit the Son of God who in the beginning with God the Father was God and after made man but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 without any mutation of the Deity or confusion of the same by his taking flesh Neither is his Mission the foundation of the Deity of the Son or of his Filiation but is founded in that and shews it a posteriori He could not be sanctified and sent into the world who was not coeternal with the Father which sent him * 1044. Joh. 10.36 Whom the Father hath sanctified and sent into the world Joh. 17.19 I sanctifie my self God the Father sanctified the Humane Nature of Christ even from his first conception and from all contagion of sin made him full of the gifts of the Holy Ghost and consecrated him to the Divine Office of being Saviour of the world Yet Christ as God sanctified himself for the Father worketh and he wrought the same work in the Humane Nature 1045. Joh. 11.4 Lazarus sickness was not unto death Vers 14. Lazarus is dead The sickness of Lazarus by reason of the event was not unto death because Christ raised him again and saith that his death was but a sleep for we are not so early awaked from sleep as Christ called Lazarus out of his grave and he shall raise us all at the last day * Joh. 11.4 with 14. Lazarus sickness was not really in the event unto death though in appearance he was dead at the present In respect of Christ it was not unto death in respect of his friends he was dead Not unto death as death is a perpetual seperation of the soul from the body Christ purposing to reunite them shortly Lazarus was dead as to the present seperation of soul body * 1046. Joh. 11.15 I was not there mat 18.20 Where two or three be gathered together in my name I am in the midst of them Christ was not there by his Humane Presence which can be only in one place at once though his Divine Nature is in all places Christ may be present in a place and with a person in his humane shape and body as he was many times with the Jews and yet not present by his gracious influences and help Christ was present neither bodily nor by his help there In the latter place which is not meant of ordinary matters but of the Assembly and Meetings of Gods People about his Worship Christ is present there not by his bodily presence but by his gracious influence◠and spiritual presence 1047. Joh. 11.25 He that believeth in me though he were dead yet shall he live Ver. 26. He that believeth in me shall never dye Death is temporal and eternal temporal in this world is corporal and spiritual Christ speaks of both in the former place Spiritual death is either of them who being dead have not Christs quickning Spirit and of this he speaks not here but of them that being quickned by Christs Spirit are dead to sin and the flesh in the latter is meant chiefly eternal death 1048. Joh. 11.26 Whosoever believeth in me shall never die Heb. 9.27 It is appointed for all men once to dye The faithful do not dye a spiritual and eternal death but natural death is common to all men 1049. Joh. 11.34 Where have you laid him Chap. 21.17 Thou knowest all things Christ enquired of Lazarus his grave not as if he were ignorant thereof but that he might stir up a desire in his sisters and those that were present to consider and to see the Miracle of the Resurrection So God said to Adam Gen. 3.9 Adam where art thou * Joh. 11.34 with Joh. 21.17 He that knew Lazarus to be dead knew where they had laid him he either speaks this as Man and so he acted when he wept or else he speaks it not as ignorant of it but as one who would draw them to go with him by asking that question he gave them an opportunity to follow him to see what he did and how he raised Lazarus * 1050. Joh. 11.42 And I knew that thou hearest me alwaies Psal 22.2 O my God I cry in the day time but thou hearest not There are several waies of hearing The King heareth his Subjects by way of Regality The Master his Scholar by way of docibility The Father heareth his child by way of natural affection God heareth Christ as a Father his Son alwaies that he asked any thing of God The second place speaks of David in the Letter and Christ in the Mystery he was heard alwaies of God though God did not alwaies seemingly attend to him but sometime forbear to give a present remedy according to his Petition as in his Passion Not that really and indeed he did ever shut his ears against his Prayers It is one thing to
going to some other place and so say We knew not and yet Christ might justly say You know you know if you will consider what you know and apply it to this present purpose 1063. Joh. 14.8 Shew us the Father Ver. 9. He that seeth mâ— seeth the Father The Apostles did not perfectly know Christ therefore he taxed them of ignorance for they ought to have seen and known the Father in him * 1064. Joh. 14.10 I am in the Father and the Father in me Psal 22. Why hast thou forsaken me I am in the Father by an essential union the Father in Christ as God being one and so in the first place In the second Christ was forsaken not in respect of Essential Union nor in respect of the personal Union the Godhead with the Humane Nature in the Mediator that which the Person of the Son took once upon him he never laid down But he was forsaken in respect of the sense of Divine aide in the time of his passion in his Humane Nature 1065. Joh. 14.12 He that believeth on me the works that I do shall he do also and greater Chap. 3.2 No man can do these Miracles that thou dost Christ means not works of divine Creation Redemption or Sanctification but of his mission such Miracles as he wrought in the world such and greater than they were wrought by the Apostles whose shadows cured sick men as they passed by after Christs Ascention and the wonderful conversion of the Gentiles followed * Joh. 14.12 with 3.2 The latter place saith no more than no man can do such Miracles as thou dost except he have power from God it saith not that no other man shall do such excluding all but no man can do them except he come from God The former place shews that power of him which gave not of him who brought forth the Miracles he which did greater Miracles than Christ did them not without but by Christs power whether by greater works greater works of conversion as Peters conversion of three thousand by one Sermon and the conversion of multitudes Or by greater works be meant the working Miracles as healing their sick by his shadow and handkerchiefs which was not done by Christ I shall not determine However if we interpret it thus we must restrain it to believers in the Primitive times not to all believers and that in all Ages 1066. Joh. 14.13 Chap. 16.24 Whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my Name that will I do Ask and you shall receive Jam. 4.3 Ye ask and receive not We ought to ask in Christs Name in ful confidence of his merits with true faith and without doubting spiritual or corporal blessings with exception of Gods Will and our own salvation in oll occasions and in all our prayers they that ask so receive and they that receive not ask amiss * 1067. Joh. 14.16 And he shall give you another Comforter 1 Cor. 12. No man can call Jesus Lord but by the Holy Ghost The latter place intends no man can do it truly and cordially but only fainedly acknowledging him in words but in deeds denying him By this word another is not meant any other than that Holy Ghost which formerly had wrought grace which now was to work comfort in them in another manner i. e. in a more large clear and spiritual manner than formerly and he is called another to shew the distinction of the Person of the Holy Ghost from the Son He is called another Comforter not as if it were another spirit which was to work now in them which did not before but whereas before they were comforted immediately and visibly by the presence and words of Christ so now they should be comforted immediately and invisibly by his influences within 1068. Joh. 14.23 If any man love me he will keep my words Ver. 23. The Word which ye hear is not mine The Word that Christ taught was his but not any invention of his but his Fathers Word which he was sent into the world to preach 1069. Joh. 14.23 And we will come unto him and make our abode with him Rom. 7.20 Sin dwelleth in me Ver. 14. I am sold under sin The first place is concerning the inhabitation of the Sacred Trinity in the spiritual part of a regenerate man The latter is of the dwelling of sin in our carnal members * Joh. 14.23 with Rom. 7.14 20. The former place speaks of the indwelling of the Trinity in the souls of believers not personally but powerfully and effectually The latter place speaks of the dwelling of sin but so as it is in all the faculties or parts of the soul Understanding Will Memory Not that these the Trinity and sin have different parts of the soul but that they both exercise their powers and Energies in the same Faculties as water which is luke-warm is both hot and cold all over so sin and grace is all over the soul and as we say fire is still in the hand which is burned when it is only the effect of fire So it is here God is in the soul when grace which is the effect of his presence is there and not God personally dwelling there * 1070. Joh. 14.28 The Father is greater than I. Joh. 17.21 The Father and I are one Eph. 2.6 The Father is greater than Christ as Mediator and in respect of his humanity but the Father and I are one in respect of his Divinity * 1071. Joh. 15.13 Christ laid down his life for his friend Rom. 5.10 When we were enemies c. He laid down his life for us as we were enemies that we might become his friends and he laid down his life for us as friends that we should continue so as we were enemies by the corruption of the flesh as we are friends as reconciled by the bloud of his Cross 1072. Joh. 15.15 I call you not servants but friends Mat. 25.21 Well done good servant The Disciples were Christs servants by right of Creation Redemption and Vocation friends by right of Adoption Communication and Patefaction Aug. tr 55. on John * Joh. 15.15 with Mat. 25.21 Christ calls us not servants in the former place to shew the great Union and happiness by that Union which a Christian should have with and in Christ He would not use them as servants in his dispensations and favours but rather as children with love and delight In the second place Christ cals them servants when he was to give them the reward of heaven which reward was so far beyond their deserts that our thoughts cannot imagine they being but servants and so owed all they did to God as duty and they might say they were unprofitable servants The former place tells us Christ calleth us not servants to shew that now we were free as friends The latter place is but a Parable and Parabolical speeches and words are not argumentative A man may be a son by Adoption and yet the servant of God by duty 1074. Joh. 15.15 All things
that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you Chap. 16.12 I have yet many things to say unto you In the Scriptures some things are said to be full which are to be fulfilled In the former place Christ speaks concerning the knowledge of God and the perfect worship of Christians in it self in the latter concerning the understanding of this Word which the Disciples by reason of their rudeness could not bear before they had received the Holy Ghost nor did they understand it * Joh. 15.15 with 16.12 All things I have heard either he spake this Prophetically as if things to come were past or else I have declared the substance and maine though not the particulars which are to be revealed afterwards I have revealed what the Father would have me to reveal for that which is to come when the Father gives me license and authority to do it I shall * 1074. Joh. 15.24 If I had not done such works as none other man Joh. 14.12 The works that I do ye shall do and greater The former place speaks of what had been done in the time past Christ did such Miracles as none did the like The latter place tells of what the godly should do and so they should do greater works 1075. Joh. 16.13 The Spirit of Truth shall guide you into all Truth Gal. 2.11 Peter erred after he had received the Holy Ghost The Apostles were led into all truth in part and degrees of it After they had received the Holy Ghost they erred not in doctrine in writing or teaching but in life and conversation such was the errour of Peter which was to be reproved whilst he conversed amongst the Gentiles * Joh. 16.13 with Gal. 2.11 The Spirit of Truth did lead them into all truth necessary for them to know they were led into all truth but not into all truth at the same time God dispensed his truth to them sometime after a fall or doubt sometime without a fall but we know that they were led into all truth in their writings 1076. Joh. 16.24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my Name Mat. 6.9 Luk. 11.2 He had given them the Form of Prayer before The Disciples did indeed pray before but not so plainly with a clear knowledge of Christs Office that their prayers should be heard for the Messias that was sent * Joh. 16.24 with Mat. 6.9 Luk. 11.2 We cannot imagine that the Patriachs and Prophets with the Disciples did pray explicitely and distinctly in the name of Christ the Mediator or for his Cause though probably the Apostles and others did it more implicitely Before Christs rising from the dead they might pray for their Saviours cause and sake in general terms and yet not pray in this Christs name and for his sake as the promised Saviour to come and though they might take him to be the Christ yet not so distinctly call upon God in his name 1077. Joh. 16.26 I say not unto you that I will pray the Father for you Rom. 8.26 He makes intercession for us Christ alone doth not pray for us but we also must come to the Father and in his name and at his command pray in full assurance which is necessary for our salvation * Joh. 16.26 with Rom. 8.26 Christ in the former place would have the Disciples to know that they have favour with God and not only by his means but also of the natural propensity and proclivity of the Fathers nature towards poor Creatures who sent Christ for sinners and who is as ready to grant as they are to ask in Christs name therefore I do not say that the Father contemns you and only when I pray the Father hath a respect for you for you are even dear to the Father as you are to me The second place shews that the Spirit intercedes for us but it is by the merit of Christ and yet this hinders not but God hath a love towards us else he had not sent Christ to save us 1078. Joh. 17.3 That they may know thee Father to be the only true God Act. 20.28 The Son is God Chap. 5.4 The Holy Ghost is God Only here doth not exclude the Persons in the Divine Essence but Creatures and Idols which are no gods * Joh. 17.3 The only true God The Socinians would have the exclusive adjection heâ—e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to know thee to be solum verum Deum the alone true God Christ said not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that they may know thee only to be the true God It is not the Father alone as the solitary subject of the Enunciation of being the true God but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 solus ille verus Deus is the predicate and attributed to the Father as he that sent Jesus Christ Here is excluded all that are called Gods as the Objects of Religious Worship and only the true God introduced 1079. Joh. 18.20 I speak openly to the world and in secret have I said nothing Mar. 9.28 He taught his Disciples privately in the Desert In the first place he speaks of his Doctrine which he brought from Heaven that he might reveal it to all men and teach it publikely and in the Temple not in private corners In the latter place he taught privately explaining those things which he had taught publikely * Joh. 18.20 with Mar. 9.28 Christ taught nothing in private which he bid his hearers keep to themselves but what he taught in private he would have it revealed on the house top * 1080. Joh. 18.28 That they might eat the Passeover Exod. 12. The fourteenth day Doubt Our Saviour had eaten the Passeover over night so that either Christ or the Jews hit not on the right Fourteenth day either he a day too soon or they a day too late Answer Neither the one nor the other Christ and the Jews eat both on the same night Mat. 26.17 Mar. 14.12 Luk. 22.7 The Passeover which the Jews reserved to themselves to be eaten now was not the Paschal Lamb that was eaten the night before but of the Passeover Bullock mentioned Deut. 16.2 2 Chron. 35.7 8 9. Which Bullocks were slain at the Passeover time but not for the Passeover Beast properly taken for that must be of a Lamb or Kid unalterably But those Bullocks were slain as attendants upon the Paschal from the nature of which Sacrifice they differed * 1081. Joh. 18 31. It is not lawful for us to put any man to death And yet they killed Stephen and James The Romans had taken from the Jews the power of putting to death leaving them only power to take Cognizance of an offence and judge it according to their Law not execute that Law Stephen had no legâ—l tryal but slain tumultuously and James was slain by Annas who then was no more than a private person being deprived of his authority Or else it is not lawful to kill any in the Passeover time * 1082. Joh. 18.31 with Joh. 19.7 We have a
end of the Oeconomy of Christs Mediation and God shall be all in all 1353. 1 Cor. 15.27 He hath put all things under his feet Ver. 28. The Son also shall be subject to the Father That subjection shall be effected in his members and Church which is his Body and by resignation of his Kingdom that now he administers at present by his Ministers in the midst of his enemies but not without battel also he shall declare his subjection to the Father answerable to that nature according to which all power is given to him in heaven and in earth * 1354. 1 Cor. 15.44 It is raised a spiritual body Job 19.21 I shall see him in my flesh A spiritual body not in respect of substance or beeing but by reason of those qualities which the glorified body shall partake of Or a spiritual body a body free from carnal desires being wholly subject to and ruled by the Spirit Job speaks of rising with the same body for substance but doth neither imply nor deny but the body may have more glorious qualities 1355. 1 Cor. 15.50 Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God Ver 53. This corruptible must put on incorruption Flesh and bloud here signifies the corrupt nature of man in the state of sin this as it is such cannot inherit the Kingdom of God but our nature purged from corruption shall put on incorruption 1356. 1 Cor. 16.15 The houshold of Stephanus addicted themselves to the ministry of the Saints Heb. 5.4 No man taketh this honour to himself but he that was called of God In the first place is meant the ministry of transparting the collections to the brethren and they did it by the sending of the Apostles by them in a most dangerous time 1357. 1 Cor. 16.22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ let him be Anathema Mat. 5.44 Love your enemies The Apostle doth not pronounce this Anathema out of his own private affection but being led by the Holy Ghost it is not lawful rashly to use private imprecations unless the glory of God require it in an especial manner and there be no hope left of their salvation Love our own enemies but not love Gods enemies he pronounceth a curse not against his but Christs enemies if they love not Christ 1358. 2 Cor. 1.1 Timothy with Paul wrote that Epistle 1 Tim. 1.3 He was left at Ephesus when Paul went into Macedonia Paul sayling from Corinth into Asia Acts 18.19 left Timothy at Ephesus together with Aquila and Priscilla but that they were with the Apostle at Corinth at that time the Inscription it self testifieth 1359. 2 Cor. 1.8 In Asia we were pressed out of measure above strength 1 Cor. 10.13 God will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able The first place is concerning temptation exceeding bare humane strength the second concerning faith and strength given to us by God which is our victory * 1360. 2 Cor. 2.5 But if any have caused grief he hath not grieved me but in part with Ver. 4. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you If the incestuous person or any other have been the cause of your and my grief together I make no reckoning of the grief which I have received thereby in respect of that which my censures have brought upon you whereof he hath been the cause And yet my aim hath not been to afflict you as bearing you any ill will but rather to give you a certain proof of my charity by gaining your salvation through repentance 1361. 2 Cor. 5.2 In this we groan earnestly desiring to be cloathed upon with our house which is from heaven Ver. 4. We groan being burdened not that we would be uncloathed The first place is concerning the groaning by grace the second by nature for the Holy Ghost stirs up a desire of life eternal in the mind of the godly and it is natural to fear death because it destroys nature 1362. 2 Cor. 5.16 We know no man after the flesh Rom. 1.3 Christ of the seed of David according to the flesh Phil. 2.8 To know according to the flesh is to praise that which corrupt flesh delights in and to despise what it despiseth so we knew not Christ carnally but out of Gods Word we know him to be of the seed of David 1363. 2 Cor. 5.19 God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself Ver. 20. We pray you in Christs stead be ye reconciled to God Reconciliation is ascribed to God as the principal cause to Christ as the meritorious cause or to the Ministry of the Word as to the Instrumental cause or to our selves apprehending it by faith and applying it for our salvation 1364. 2 Cor. 8.20 Avoiding this that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administred by us 1 Cor. 4.3 With me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you The first place is of just dispraise wherein our hearts convince us the latter is concerning the unjust judgments of the world which proceed from mens depraved affections 1365. 2 Cor. 11.4 If he that cometh preacheth another Jesus whom we have not preached or receive another Gospel which ye have not accepted ye might well bear with him Gal. 1.8 Though we or an Angel from heaven preach any other Gospel unto you then that we have preached let him be accursed In the first place is meant by another Christ and another Gospel a better Doctrine than the Apostle taught but in the latter by another Gospel is meant false doctrine which overthroweth Gods grace and Christs merits 1366. 2 Cor. 11.17 That which I speak I speak it not after the Lord but foolishly 1 Pet. 4.11 If any man speak let him speak as the Oracles of God Paul being forced to it by the calumnies of false Apostles said somethings concerning his own labours and dangers which did not directly appertain to his Ministry Peter speaks of those things which directly appertain to the Ministry of the Word wherein the rule of our words must be the Oracles of God revealed in the Scriptures The Epistle of St. PAUL to the GALATIANS HE defends the Justice of faith against false Apostles that a man is justified not by the works of the Law but by faith in Christ and exhorts to good works that the fruits of faith must be sowed in Christian charity and liberty It was written from Rome in the Year of Christ 60. 1367. GAL. 1.1 Paul an Apostle not of men neither by man but by Jesus Christ Chap. 2.2 I communicated unto them the Gospel which I preach among the Gentiles Ver. 6. Who seemed to be somewhat Paul came to Peter and the rest of the Apostles not that he might learn the Gospel from them but to have their testimony of his Doctrine that he preached nothing to the Gentiles but the Gospel of Jesus Christ 1368. Gal. 1.17 I went not up to Jerusalem to them which were
we ought to be angry and the latter the wrong done to us for which we should not be angry However the former and the latter both condemn excess of anger or such as may be sinful * 1384. Eph. 4.28 Let him that stole steal no more Rev. 22.11 Let him that is unjust be unjust still The former place is a duty or command that thieves forbear their former courses The latter is the denunciation of a Judgment they that in the daies when the Gospel is preached shall remain hardned in their sins shall by Gods Judgment be delivered to the devil and their own wicked lusts being deprived of all safety of the spirit 1385. Eph. 5.1 Be ye followers of God 1 Cor. 11.1 Be ye followers of me The Apostle warns the Ephesians to be followers of God for by that they shall fructifie the more He exhorts the Corinthians to follow him that as he followed Christ so they would learn of him as if he would have said if you cannot follow Christ yet follow me at least that am his servent 1386. Eph. 5.25 Husbands love your wives Luk. 14.26 Wives are to be beloved as they are wives but if they hinder us from following Christ they are to be hated with such a hatred as proceeds not from anger but zeal to Gods glory 1387. Eph. 5.26 Christ hath cleansed his Church by the washing of water by the Word 1 Joh. 1.7 The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sins Christ purgeth away our spots with his bloud as with water by the Word and Sacraments as by instruments he communicates to us the power of his death 1388. Eph. 5.33 Deu. 6.13 Let the Wife see that she reverence her husband Mat. 10.28 Rather fear God Fear in respect of God must be guided the same way that love must God must be beloved above all not excluding fear which is due to others 1389. Eph. 6.12 For we wrestle not against flesh and bloud Gal. 5.17 The spirit and the flesh are contrary In the former place mention is made of our principal and capital enemy that is the devil in the latter of the concupiscence of our corrupt flesh and the strife of it against the Spirit 1390. Eph. 6.12 We wrastle not gainst flesh and bloud 1 Pet. 2.11 Abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul The Apostle in the former place saith nor that we do not wrestle against flesh and bloud but against greater and stronger enemies against principalities and powers q.d. you must not think that your main work is to contend against these petty enemies of flesh and bloud though you must contend against these but your main work is against principallities and powers The latter place tells us that lusts sight against us and yet it hinders not but we must wrestle against more The Epistle of St. PAUL to the PHILLIPPIANS HE exhorts them to patience and not to be offended with his chains but that they should live patiently in mutual love and take heed of false Teachers and study to lead a life unblameable Written from Rome by Epaphroditus 1391. PHIL. 2.7 He was made in the likeness of man and was found in fashion as a man 2 Cor. 5.16 Henceforth know we Christ no more after the flesh The first place is concerning Christs true humiliation who after his humanity was exalted of God above all creatures and made to be Lord in the glory of the Father * Phil. 2.7 with 2 Cor. 5.16 He was in likeness habit shape and nature of other men Yet we know no man after the flesh neither Paul or any other Apostle had any worldly or carnal affection to take notice of outwards as Kindred Qualities Honours c. no nor yet Christ c. they put off all carnal imaginations of Christs Kingdom which the Jews had nor did they know him i. e. seek or expect fleshly things with him or did they desire to please men but Christ and him only To whom also they stand no longer affected after any meerly humane civil or natural manner of affections such as those bare unto him who conversed with him upon earth but altogether in a divine and spiritual manner 1392. Phil. 2.9 God hath given him a Name which is above every name Mat. 1.21 In his conception Luk. 2.21 In his Circumcision they called his name Jesus By the Name above all names is understood Majesty and Glory given from God the Father unto Jesus Christ our Lord. Mat. 1.21 In his conception he was called Jesus because he shal save his people from their sins 1393. Phil. 2.12 Work out your salvation with fear and trembling 2 Tim. 1.12 I am certain because the Lord is able to keep that which I committed unto him The Apostle means fear and trembling not that which is servile but filial which is opposed to presumption and security lest we should grow insolent upon the confidence of our gifts but that we should altogether depend on the mercy and goodness of God 1394. Phil. 3.12 Not as though I were already perfect Ver. 15. So many as are already perfect Mans perfection is in heaven to which we bend our course that he means in the first place but our perfection on earth must be conformable to Christ our head in doing well and suffering The Philippians are called perfect not simply so but comparatively in respect of those that are weak Col. 3 6. Heb. 5.13 who are to be born withal by those which are strong in respect of whom also they are termed children 1395. Phil. 3.21 Christ shall change our vile bodies that they may be fashioned like to his glorious body Heb. 1.4 5.13 The Angels shall not be like him Our bodies shall be conformable to Christs glorious body which he had in his Resurrection but not by reason of his Majesty and power he hath by the Hypostatical union * 1396. Phil. 4.3 Whose names are in the book of life 2 Tim. 2.19 The Lord only knows who are his In the former place the Apostle speaks by a judgment of charity or he judgeth the tree by its fruit or men by the outward appearance He saw them walk so orderly and upon such true and real principles as he could conclude no other but that they were the Elect of God and yet this hinders not but that God only can infallibly know who are his * 1397. Phil. 4.5 The Lord is at hand 2 Thes 2.2 3. As the day of Christ is at hand let no man deceive you c. The Lord is at hand in regard of his presence and providence which may move us to be moderate Besides Christs second coming is at hand in regard of God who counts a thousand years as one day It is at hand in regard of Christians expectation who when they see the day dawning and hear the Cock crowing frequently do hence gather that the day light is at hand so they when they see the forerunners of Christs second coming do conclude