ch 5. 20. Where there is no Law there is no transgression ch 2. 12. As many as sinne in the Law shall be judged by the Law In the former place the Law is taken generally without which there can be no transgression in the later he speaks of the natural Law for even the Gentiles shall perish for violating of it 837. Rom. 4. 18. Abraham against hope ver 18. Believed in hope He beleeved contrary to humane hope by his hope in God having confidence contrary to the reason of the flesh the force of nature for all these would have weakned hope would make him doubt and despair also yet he overcame all those difficulties by firm hope he hoped in things desperate distrusting himself but trusting in God 838. Rom. 4. 25. God raised Jesus Christ our Lord from the dead Joh. 10. 18. I have power to lay down my life and I have power to take it up The Resurrection is ascribed to God the Father because the works of the Trinity ad extra are indivisible to the Sonne because he hath the same power with the Father who willingly underwent death and therefore the Resurrection is to be ascribed to his free will 839. Rom. 5 2. By faith we stand and rejoyce 1 Cor. 10. 12. Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed least he fall We stand founded on Gods grace whilst we are kept by the power of God by faith unto salvation by sinne we fall when we think we stand 840. Rom. 5. 4. Patience worketh experience James 1. 3. Experience worketh patience Probation in the first place is taken passively for experience which rejoyceth by patience in the later it is taken actively for triall and the effect of it that is tribulation for affliction trieth faith as fire doth gold 841. Rom. 5. 6. 7. Christ died for us 1 John 3. 16. Because he that is Christ laid down his life for us and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren Christ dying for us a sacrifice and revenger Col. 1. 24. paied our ransom for us John comparing the death of Christ for us and our death for the brethren doth it secundum quid for we die not to redeem our brethren but to edifie them 842. Rom. 5. 8. God commendeth his love towards us in that when we were yet sinners Christ died for us Rom. 8. 32. The Father spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all The Father and the Son did alwaies love us and have done all things for us Christ delivered himself for our sins into the power of the devil and because we were not to be redeemed by power but by Righteousnesse Christ the righteous died for us and so by righteousnesse he overcame the devil therefore because the devil had slain Christ it was necessary that he should release those that were captives and the Aug. de Trin. l. 13. c. 2. devil by the price paid was not made rich but ensnared 843. Rom 5. 10. When we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Sonne John 15. 13. No man hath greater love then this that a man lay down his life for his friends By nature we are Gods enemies by reason of sinne but by grace we are reconciled to God by Christ who died for us and we are so made the dearest friends unto God 844. Rom. 5. 12 18. As by one man sinne entred into the world and death by sinne so death passed over all men ver 19. as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by one mans obedience many shall be made righteous The guilt of Adam is here compared with the grace of Christ because both have that descends on their followers Adam derives his guilt on all men by nature Christ derives his righteousnesse by grace on all that beleeve on him 845. Rom. 5. 20. The Law entred that sinne might abound ch 7. 12. The Law is holy and the Commandment holy just and good The Law increaseth sinne not of it self and its own nature but by accident because it discovers sinne and the poyson of it that we may know it for by the corruption of nature we are stirred up to strive against the Commandment yet the Law remains still in it self just and good 846. Rom. 6. 3. So many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death Act. 8. 13. Simen Magus and other hypocrites were baptized yet they put not on Christ To be baptized into Christ is to put on Christ the Robes of his Righteousnesse and Holinesse which beleevers who are baptized do Simon Magus and hypocrites that are not faithfull Hieror in Rom 6. receive not the Spirit but water only in Baptism for there is a common Baptism to all that are baptized but not the vertue of Baptism that is grace Aug. in Psal 77. 847. Rom. 6. 12. Let not sinne reign in your mortall body ch 3. 12. There is none that doth good no not one The first place is to exhort us to mortifie sinne in us in the Regenerate sinne reigns not they are wholly dead to sinne in Christ and partly in themselves they that are not Regenerate know indeed what they ought to do and know that of themselves they are unable to perform it 848. Rom. 6. 14. Ye are not under the Law but under grace Gal. 3. 22. The Scripture hath concluded all under sinne The first place is concerning the Regenerate who are not under the malediction dominion and rigid exaction of the Law the later is concerning all that are subject to sin for whom the Law is a Schoolmaster to Christ by the knowledge of our sins 849. Rom. 6. 18. You are become the servants of righteousnesse vers 20. You were free from righteousnesse In the former place is spoken of those who were converted and freed from the yoke of sin in the later of those that are not yet converted who are free from righteousnesse and are not under the government of righteousnesse for carnall wisdom cannot be subject to the Law of God 850. Rom. 6. 23. The wages of sinne is death Wisdom 2. 24. By the envy of the devil death entred into the world The wages of sinne is death because the Justice of God would have it so to punish mankinde that was fallen by death the Authour whereof was not God but it came into the world by the envy of the devil 851. Rom. 7. 6. Now we are delivered from the Law Matth. 5. 17. I came not to destroy the Law We are delivered from the curse of the Law the rigour and provocation of it to sinne also from the Law or death in which we were held but that takes not away the right use of the Law in respect of us 852. Rom. 7. 7. I had not known lust unlesse the Law had said thou shalt not covet 1 Tim. 3. 1. If a man desireth the office of a Bishop he desireth a good work Concupiscence taken
the faith hope patience obedience constancy of his children or evill to an evill end and we pray in the Lords prayer that God will not let us be tempted with evill nor give us over into the hand of Satan to tempt us 557. Mat. 6. 13. For thine is the Kingdome the power and the glory Luk. 11. 4. That conclusion is not found in the Lords Prayer One Evangelist omitting what the other hath set down doth no wayes derogate from the truth of Gods Word David used the same 1 Chron. 29. 11. 2 Tim. 4. 18. thanksgiving Thine is the greatnesse and the power and the glory and the Victory and the Majesty And Paul useth the same words And the Lord shall deliver me from every evill work to whom be glory for ever Amen From whence is taken that of the Church Glory be c. 558. Mat. 6. 19. Lay not up for your selves treasures upon earth 1 Tim. 5. 8. But if any provide not for his own especially for those of his own house he hath denyed the faith Christ forbids no man to possesse wealth that comes as a blessing from God but to lay up treasures to the wrong of other men and to put our trust in them as the Gentiles doe nor Lev. 36. 14. Psal 112. 3. doth he condemn the care for a mans own family 559. Mat. 6. 31. Therefore take no thought saying What shall we eat or what shall we drink 1 Tim. 5. 8. If any man provide not for his own he hath denyed the faith Christ condemns here carnal care joyned with Heathenish distrust but not a Christian care to provide for our family with confidence in God 560. Mat. 7. 1. Judge not Joh. 7. 24. Judge righteous judgement Christ forbids rash judgement and defamation Mat. 18. 15. Jude v. 8 but not Politique or Ecclesiastical Judicature appointed by God under the Old-Testament nor yet domestick because all men are bound to judge of doctrine and manners and to call those to the right way that are wandring from it 561. Mat. 7. 8. Whosoever asketh receiveth Jam. 4. 3. Ye ask and receive not He that asketh as he ought to doe in faith receiveth what is convenient for him they that ask not as they should that is in faith nor for a good end receive not because they ask amiss 562. Mat. 7. 12. All things that you would that men should doe unto you doe you even so to them for this is the law and the Prophets c. 22. 4. On these two Commandements the love of God and our Neighbour hang all the Law and the Prophets The first place excludes not the love of God for he that loves his neighbour loves God the latter comprehends a moral rule of all things which are contained in the Books of Moses the Law and the Prophets 563. Mat. 7. 22. Many will say unto me in that day Lord Lord have we not prophesied in thy Name and in thy Name have cast out Devils Then will I professe unto you I never knew you depart from me c. 10. 32. Whosoever shall confesse me before men him will I confesse before my Father which is in heaven Christ in the former place speaks of hypocrites who prophesied in his Name and teaching so did confesse him with their tongue In the latter place he speaks of those who professe his Name by faith openly and sincerely without hypocrisie they have both a promise and a large reward 564. Mat. 8. 4. Tell no man V. 4. Go thy way shew thy self to the Priest Christ forbad the Leper for a time but not for ever that he should tell no man that he was healed but that first he should make his comparition before the Priest 565. Mat. 8. 5. A centurion came to Jesus beseeching him and saying Luk. 7. 3. The Elders of the Jews were sent unto him beseeching him to come Theophylact reconciles these places thus first the Centurion sent Messengers to Christ then he came himself and met the Lord and beseeched him with his own mouth relating the businesse 566. Mat. 8. 19. A certain scribe came unto him and said Master I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest And Jesus said unto him The Foxes have holes Joh. 6. 37. Him that cometh to me will I in no wise cast out That Scribe would follow Christ out of vain boasting and promised to himself great wealth and dignities Christ did not reject this man but only admonished him of the poverty and misery of those that follow him in this life which is rewarded with salvation and eternal life 567. Mat. 8. 26. The Disciples were fearful and of little faith Jam. 1. 6. Ask in faith nothing wavering for he that wavereth is like a wave of the Sea driven with the wind and tossed The infirmity of the Disciples is to be distinguished from Heathenish distrust they that doubt receive nothing but believers receive what they ask in faith 568. Mat. 8. 28. Jesus came to the other side into the Countrey of the Gargasens Mark 5. 1. They came over to the other side of the Sea into the Countrey of the Gadarenes The City Gadara and Gergaza were neighbour places in the Tribe of Manasses having their several circuit in the borders whereof the possessed met our Saviour 569. Mat. 8. 28. There met him two possessed with Devils Mar. 5. 2. There met him out of the Tombes a man with an unclean spirit They were two in number Mark mentions one because the other was notably known August 570. Mat. 8. 29. The Devils cryed out saying What have we to doe with thee Jesus thou Son of God Joh. 8. 44. The Devil is a lyar and the Father thereof The Devils did not that for the glory of God and Christ but to cause distrust in mens hearts for the Devil though he doe speak truth yet he doth it not without fraud and a false end that he may draw men into errour 571. Mat. 9. 6. The Son of man hath power to forgive sins 23. 34. Father forgive them they know not what they doe The Father gives the Son hath merited and the holy Ghost confirms salvation and remission of sins 572. Mat. 9. 1. Jesus sat at meat in Matthews house Luk. 5. 28. Matthew left all rose up and followed Christ Matthew left all things which might hinder him from following Christ as the receipt of custome and his Office of a Publican but he left not his house nor did he wholly cast away his houshold affairs 573. Mat. 9. 18. My daughter saith Jairus to Christ is even now dead Luk. 8. 42. The daughter of Jairus lay a dying being about twelve years old She lay a dying when her Father went forth of his house she was dead before Christ came to her 574. Mat. 10. 2. The first Simon Peter Andrew James John Mar. 3. 17. Peter James John Andrew Gal. 2. James Cephas The Apostles were equal in dignity and office but unequal in order The Evangelists in naming the
were crucified with him cast the same in his teeth Luk. 23. 39. And one of the malefactors which were hanged rayled on him Matthew ascribes to both that which was proper to one as the murmuring before amongst the Apostles or if both at first did rayl on him one of them at last confessed his sin and acknowledged Jesus to be the Messias 635. Mat. 28. 8. The Maries departed from the Sepulchre with fear and great joy Mar. 16. 8. They fled from the Sepulchre for they trembled and were amazed That fear and amazement was joyn'd with joy as it fals out in sudden accidents 636. Mat. 28. 9. The women came and held him by the feet Joh. 20. 17. He saith to Mary Magdalen Touch me not for I am not yet ascended to my Father Christ suffered the women to touch him to confirm the certainty of his Resurrection that they might be more sure witnesses to his Disciples and others he forbad Mary Magdalen to touch him because she rejoyced too much with carnal affection and therefore he would have her rather touch him by faith that is believe in him to be the Son of God the Lord of glory salvation life and death 637. Mat. 28. 18. All power is given to me both in heaven and in earth Mar. 13. 32. But of that day knoweth no man no not the Son but the Father onely All power is given unto Christ the Mediator because he is made Lord in the glory of God the Father In the day of his humiliation he knew not as man the day of Judgement or not for himself that he knew not but for us saith Augustine because it behoved not us to know 638. Mat. 28. 18. All power is given to me in heaven and in earth Rom. 9. 5. Christ who is over all God blessed for ever Power is given to Christ as man for nothing can be given to him as God for as God he had al things before in his power but the humanity of Christ hath not that power of it self but from the Divine Nature with which the humane nature is personally united 939. Mat. 28. 19. Teach all Nations Mar. 16. 15. Preach the Gospel to every creature Mat. 7. 6. Psal 19. 5. Rom. 10. 5. Give not that which is holy to the Dogs nor Pearls to Swine In the first place by the Nations and the Creatures are understood the Jews and Gentiles for the sweet voyce of the Gospel was to sound to all through the whole earth and the seed of the Word to be sowen that Infidels might be left unexcuseable In the latter holy and Pearls signifie the same It must not be given to Dogs and Swine that is to persecutors scoffers despisers profane For he that reproveth a scorner Prov. 9. 7. getteth himself shame and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blet St. MARKS Gospel IT containeth briefly the sayings and deeds of Christ in Galilee Judea and Jerusalem which Matthew wrote more at large some will Nicephor l. 2. c. 48. Eus l. 2. c. 15. have it dictated and approved by Peter whose Scholar Mark was Irenaeus saith it was written after the death of Peter and Paul 640. Mar. 1. 1. The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ v. 3. The voyce of one crying in the Wildernesse Mat. 1. 1. Luk 1. 2. In the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ his Conception and Nativity are described Mark understands the beginning of the Gospel to be the time of the promulgation Matthew begins the Evangelical History thirty years before the Preaching of John Baptist but Mark begins from his preaching because the Law and the Prophets prophesied until John Matth. 11. 15. 641. Mar. 1. 2. As it is written in the Prophets Luk. 3. 4. In the Book of the words of Isaiah the Prophet Mark understands Malachi and Isaiah the Prophets Isa 40. 3. Mat. 3. 1. Isa 43 4. Luke means Isaiah only 642. Mar. 2. 7. Who can forgive sins but God only Joh. 20. 23. Whose sins you remit they are remitted unto them God above remits sins by his own authority The Apostles and Pastors of the Churches only testifie in the Name of Christ that upon condition of faith they are remitted But God speaks to us by his Ministers that we should be sure of his grace and should have the Sacred Function in honour since it is confirmed in Heaven what the Ministers declare on Earth 643. Mar. 5. 20. The man that was possessed with the Devil published in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him Luk. 3. 39. He went through the City publishing He published it first in the City of the Gadarens and afterwards in other parts of Decapolis 644. Mar. 5. 30. Vertue went forth of Christ to cure the woman v. 34. He said unto her Daughter thy faith hath made thee whole By vertue from Christ was the woman restored to her health which she applyed to her self by faith and so her issue of bloud staid 645. Mar. 6. 5. Christ could doe no mighty works in his own countrey Mat. 28. 18. All power is given to me in heaven and in earth Christ was not destitute of vertue but for their incredulity for faith is the hand that receives Christs benefits and to those that believe all things are possible that he could not is meant here he would not for that is Gods will to be able saith Tertullian 646. Mar. 9. 2. After six dayes Jesus taketh with him Peter James and John Luk. 9 28. And it came to passe about eight dayes The first place must be understood exclusively in respect of the day in which Christ speaks and was transformed The latter includes both those dayes and he numbereth not precisely but about eight there were not so many whole dayes 647. Mar. 9. 35. And he sate down and called the twelve Mat. 18. 1. The Disciples came unto him saying The Disciples on the way disputed who should be the greatest of them Christ therefore at home called the twelve and they being called came unto him 648. Mar. 10. 19. Christ answereth him that asked of him about eternal life Thou knowest the Commandements Doe not commit adultery doe not kill doe not steal Rom. 3. 20. By the deeds of the Law shall no flesh be justified in the sight of God Gal. 2. 16 c. 3. 10. To him that asked What shall I doe Christ answering his question that he might make him know his weaknesse he sends him back to the rule of works or the law of God and so would have him to seek salvation in Christ and not in his own works 649. Mar. 11. 7. They brought the Colt to Jesus Mat. 21. 7. They brought the Asse and the Colt Matthew is an eye witnesse that the Asse and Zach. 9. 9. the Colt were both brought according to the prophesie Fear not O Daughter of Sion behold thy King cometh sitting upon an Asse and the foal of an Asse Some make this an embleme of the
our hearts by the baptism of his Spirit and his own bloud pardoning our sins and purging our corrupt affections 707. Joh. 4. 13. Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst Ecclesiasticus 24. 21. They that eat me shall yet hunger and they who drink me shall thirst yet Christ speaks concerning thirst and desire of a thing which a man that hath it not wisheth for Ecclesiasticus concerning a thing already acquired and of wisdome whose memory is sweeter then Honey and the Inheritance thereof better then Honey and the Honeys-combe as Lyra speaks on Ecclesiasticus 708. Joh. 4. 38. You have entred into others mens labours 1 Pet. 4. 15. Let no man be a busie-body in other mens matters In the first place Christ speaks of Apostles lawfully called who under the New Testament not drawn by curiosity but being divinely and immediately called entred on the labours of the Prophets in the latter an ill desire is forbidden 709. Joh. 3. 5. 19. The Son can doe nothing of himself c. 10. 18. No man taketh away my life from me but I lay it down of my self Christ as man can doe nothing of Gods works of himself but from the Father giving all honour and glory to the Father So the Phil. 4. 13. Apostle could doe all things through Christ In the latter place he treats of the divine power that he had of laying down his life for his sheep Joh. 10. 15. and of taking it up again 710. Joh. 5. 22. The Father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgement to the Son c. 8. 15. I judge no man saith Christ to the Jews The Father judgeth by the Son and worketh all things for works external are common to the three Persons Christ judgeth no man with unrighteous Judgement as the Jews did rashly judge of him according to their carnal affections being led with hatred and malice 711. Joh. 5. 27. The Father hath given all power and judgement to the Son c. 3. 17. God sent not his Son into the world that he might judge the world but that the world should be saved by him The first place speaks of the coming of Christ in glory and of his Majesty or of the sending of the Son to Judgement the latter is concerning Christs coming in humility when he came not to judge the world but that the world should be saved by him 712. Joh. 5. 31. If I bear witnesse of my self my witnesse is not true c. 8. 14. Though I bear record of my self yet my record is true In the former place Christ speaks after the opinion of the Jews who would say to him thou bearest witnesse of thy self and no man that bears witnesse of himself is worthy to be believed and he urgeth them with it that if he testified of himself without the testimony of others then they should not believe him but he had John for a witnesse c. 5. v. 33. the Father vers 32. 37. his works vers 36. the Scripture vers 39. By the latter he defends the authority of his own testimony because he knew for what he was sent and to whom he should return that is to the Father and because he was not alone but the Father was with Vers 16. him 713. Joh. 5. 34. I receive not testimony from men c. 15. 27. And ye also shall bear witnesse because you have been with me Christ in respect of himself wanteth no mans testimony nor doth receive the testimony of men or glory from them chap. 5. 41. as the Jews did chap. 5. 44. But when Christ chooseth witnesses of his Truth amongst men he doth it by reason of our infirmity that believing Joh. 20. 32. Act. 10. 43. 1 Joh. 1. 3. we may have society with him and it may be for our salvation 714. Joh. 5. 39. Search the Scriptures c. 6. 45. They shall be all taught of God Christ speaks first of the manner and outward means but afterwards of the internal means for God teacheth us by the Scripture as an ordinary means for he will have us to search his will in and out of the Scriptures because he teacheth us by the Scriptures as he doth bring to passe other things by ordinary means 715. Joh. 5. 44. How can you believe who receive honour one of another and seek not the honour that cometh from God only chap. 12. 42. Among the Chief Rulers also many believed on him but because of the Pharisees they did not confesse him left they should be put out of the Synagogue The faith of the Rulers if it had been true and lively in Christ it would have shewed it self by confession and good works and would have brought forth good fruit it was therefore but an Historical or temporary faith for they loved the glory of man more then the glory of God 716. Joh. 6. 29. This is the work of God that you believe Rom. 3. 28. We are justified by faith without the deeds of the Law Faith is called the work of God because it is the effect and gift of God and pleasing unto him The work of faith as it is a gift of God infused into us and is an inherent quality so faith in this sense doth not absolutely justifie us but relatively as it apprehends Christ with his benefits and applyes them so we are justified by faith alone without works not for the inexistence inherence dignity or merit of faith but for the instrumental efficiency and application by it 717. Joh. 6. 37. And him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out Rom. 9. 16. It is not of him that willeth nor that runneth but of God that sheweth mercy To come to Christ that is to believe is not in our power but in the will of God because it is given from the Father so that it is not in mans will but in Gods mercy that we come to Christ and believe in him 718. Joh. 6. 53. Except you eat of the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his bloud you have not life in you Heb. 10. 1. The Fathers under the law had shadows of future good things Christ speaks of the spiritual receiving of his body and bloud by faith as believers are made partakers of his benefits In the Old Testament under figures in the New Tenament without figures yet so that the Fathers and we eat and drink the same spiritual meat and drink and we as they receive Christ by faith 719. Joh. 6. 54. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my bloud hath eternal life v. 63. The flesh profiteth nothing In the first place is understood the flesh of Christ which giveth life in the latter the flesh of men taken in a carnal sense also the flesh profiteth nothing in that manner as the Capernaites dreamt concerning it 720. Joh. 6. 54. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my bloud hath eternall life 1 Cor. 11. 28. He that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh his
Neither this Man sinned nor his Parents Rom. 3. 10. There is none righteous no not one none that understandeth The cause of his blindenesse was no notable and enormous wikednesse of himself or his parents though all men be sinners and for their sins infirmities and defects of nature are ohnoxious to temporal and eternal punishments 739. Joh. 9. 31. God heareth not sinners 1. Joh. 1. 9. If we confesse our sins God is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all our sins God hears not impenitent sinners obdurate in their wickednesse but to such as repent confesse and amend their lives he pardons their sins 740. Joh. 9. 39. For Judgment I am come into this world chap. 3. 17. chap. 12. 40. 47. I came not to judge the world but to save the world In the former place by Judgement is meant a benefit given to men by the coming of Christ by which he brought those things to good order that were out of order in the latter Christ speaks of his principal end of his coming into the world 741. Joh. 9. 41. If you were blind you should have no sin Rom. 11. 25. Blindnesse is hapned unto Israel In the first place Christs speak of the Jews according to the opinion they had of themselves for they did not acknowledge any blindnesse of their minds or their sins in the latter what was the truth of them indeed blindnesse hapned to them not that they should all perish but that many multitudes of the Gentiles might be converted and saved so well as the Jews 742. 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 743. 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 lesse then the Father according to his humane Nature and his Office of Mediatorship between God and Man 744. 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 he 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 745. Joh. 11. 4. Lazarus sicknesse was not unto death vers 14. Lazarus is dead The sicknesse 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 746. Joh. 11. 25. He that believeth in me though he were dead yet shall he live vers 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 747. Joh. 11. 26. Whosoever believeth in me shall never dye Heb. 9. 27. It is appointed for all men once to dye The faithful doe not dye a spiritual and eternal death but natural death is common to all men 748. 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 749. Joh. 11. 50. Caiphas a wicked man prophesied by the instinct of the Spirit Rom. 8. 14. As many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the sons of God The gifts of Gods Spirit are of Sanctification and Salvation and those are proper to the elect children of God or gifts of administration which are common to good and bad men amongst which is the gift of Prophesie 750. Joh. 12. 27. Father save me from this hour Phil. 2. 8. He became obedient unto death Christ feeling the sins of the world lying upon him feared death as he was man and desired rather to live then dye if that might have been granted without detriment to Gods glory and our salvation but because it was not possible that that Cup should passe from him he submitted himself to his Fathers will and said Therefore came I unto this hour 751. Joh. 12. 30. Now shall the Prince of this world be cast out Ephes 6. 12. We have yet war with the Prince of this world That casting out was out of the hearts of the faithful whom though the Devill doe tempt and oppose many wayes yet he cannot vanquish them but is cast out also Christ respects the casting out of the Devill whilest both Jews and Gentiles amongst whom the Devill reigned were called to the grace of Christ by his coming 752. Joh 13. 27. After the sop Satan entred into him Vers 2. And Supper being ended the Devill having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot The first place is of totall possessing when after so many admonitions from Christ and so many humane favours received Judas yet continued in his purpose of betraying Christ he is delivered to Satan to be ruled so that he could think on nothing that was sound and good 753. Joh. 13. 37. A new Commandement I give unto you that you love one the other Mat. 22. 37. This was the greatest Commandement in the Old Testament to love God and our Neighbour It is called a new Commandement not by reason of the substance but because Christ renewed it and the singular affection of love which Christ requires in his followers as he loved them and gave himself for them so he would that they should love one the other with singular affection 754. Joh. 14. 4. Whither I goe ye know and the way ye know vers 5. We know not They did know inchoatively and imperfectly but because they knew not that they did know the cause was their rudenesse and forgetfulnesse of Christs words 755. Joh. 14. 8. Shew us the Father vers 9. He that seeth me seeth the Father The Apostles did not perfectly know Christ therefore he taxeth them of ignorance for they ought to have seen and
about the Law In the first place he requires that Teachers by their Office shall rebuke those that are gainsayers with all long suffering and sobriety in the later that they avoid janglings about words that is contentious clamorous unprofitable Disputations and verball Discourse which tends not to edification either with Heretiques or others in the Church because they edifie none but rather confirm them in their sinnes 1007. Tit. 2. 15. Rebuke with all authority 1 Tim. 3. 3. A Bishop must be no striker Titus was gentle by nature therefore he is warned to rebuke with authority He inculcates to Timothy modesty and mildnesse that when he rebukes he should not strike but should rebuke diversly according to the diversity of mens faults offices ages degrees otherwise old men otherwise young men otherwise those that sinne of malice otherwise those that sinne of infirmity otherwise those that were ready to obey and otherwise those that were obstinate as there were in Crete many despisers of the Ministry The Epistle of St PAUL to PHILEMON HE intercedes for Onesimus who was runne from his Master Philemon and would have his Master receive him again 1008. Philem. v. 5. He had love and faith toward all the Saints Mark 16. 16. John 3. 16. Whosoever beleeveth in Christ shall be saved Philemon did testifie to all men by his works of love toward the Saints that he had a lively faith in Christ The Epistle to the HEBREWS is also thought to be St PAULS but his Name was left out least the Jews should be deterred from the reading of it HE describes the person of Christ according to his Divine and humane Nature and he confirms his Offices Priestly Kingly and Propheticall and exhorts the Jews to faith constancy and good works by the example of the Fathers 1009. Heb. 1. 3. Christ sate down at the right hand of the Majesty on high Acts 7. 55. Steven saw the son of man standing at the right hand To sit at the right hand is to have all Glory Majesty Kingdom and Power both in heaven and in earth The Lamb standing at Gods right hand which was slain for us and intercedes as a Priest on our behalf stands as Aaron stood with his Censer of old betwixt the living and the dead to turn away the wrath of God 1010. Heb. 2. 3. The Gospel was confirmed unto us by those that heard Christ Gal. 1. 12. I neither received it of man neither was I taught it but by the revelation of Jesus Christ In the first place it is spoken of the Apostles who were with the Lord into which number Paul was taken after Christs resurrection and he was more confirmed after his admission communicating with them those things that he had learned by revelation from Christ 1011. Heb. 7. 19. The Law made nothing perfect James 1. 25. The perfect Law of liberty The first place is concerning the Ceremoniall Law which the Jews abused separating the Law from Grace and the Spirit of Christ and opposing the Law to the Gospel The later place is concerning the whole Doctrine divinely revealed comprehended in Gods Word which contains not only in writing Morall Precepts but also Promises concerning Christ of all which Christ is the soul recreating our souls by his Spirit and enlightning our eyes 1012. Heb. 11. 6. He that cometh to God must believe that he is Rom. 2. 6. God shall render to every man according to his deeds We must beleeve because faith is the means and the instrument of our Justification God shall render to every one according to his works because works are the outward testimoniall and mark of our Faith and Justification before God 1013. Heb. 11. 13. The Patriarchs all died not having received the promises ver 33. Obtained promises Acts 2. 39. The promise is made unto you The promise made to the Fathers was temporall concerning the possession of the Land of Canaan which Abraham Isaac and Jacob Act. 7. 5. obtain'd not by themselves but by their successours but the promise was spirituall concerning Christ to be sent and that by faith in Joh. 8. 56. him they should obtain eternall life so the Fathers obtained the promises because they saw Christ afar off and rejoyced that Christ should come they did not obtain the promises because he came not in their daies yet they beleeved he should come 1014. Heb. 12. 17. Esau found no place for repentance though he sought it carefully with tears Acts 2. 38. Repent for the remission of your sinnes Repentance if it be taken passively is referred to Esau's father whose minde could not be changed with his prayers that so he might revoke the blessing conferred upon Jacob but Gen. 27. 33. v. 45. take it actively concerning Esau's repentance and that was not serious but hypocriticall who intended to kill his brother The Canonicall Epistle of St JAMES HE warns them who boasted of their faith without works that they should shew their faith by their works in the Divine Law and flee from sinnes that are forbidden and embrace virtues that are commanded 1015. James 1. 5. If any man lack wisdom let him ask it of God 1 Cor. 3. 18. If any man amongst you seemeth to be wise in this world let him become a fool that he may be wise The first place is concerning spirituall and heavenly wisdome the Authour whereof is God the later concerning vain earthly worldly wisdome and carnall which is foolishnesse with God 1016. James 1. 25. ch 2. 12. The perfect Law of liberty Gal. 4. 24. Which gendreth unto bondage In the former place not only the Morall Joh. 8. 36. Law according to which whosoever liveth is free but also the Doctrine of the Gospel whence true liberty results is to be understood in the later in respect of us and by accident it is called the Law of bondage 1017. James 2. 24. A man is justified by works and not by faith only Rom. 3. 28. We conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the Law The sayings of the Apostles Paul and James Aug quest 76. are not repugnant one to the other the one saith that a man is justified by faith without works the other saith that faith is dead without works those works that go before faith are vain but he speaks of those works that follow faith Paul considers a man justified before God James a man justified before men Paul speaks of true internall faith which justifies in the sight of God James of the outward profession of faith historicall knowledge and the effects and testimonies of it The two Epistles of the Apostle St PETER THe former commemorates Gods benefits exhorts all men in generall to the duties of piety and honesty toward God themselves and their neighbours but in particular in their Domesticall Politique and Ecclesiasticall condition c. the later warns the faithfull that they proceed in godlinesse and fly from false teachers deriders and such as deny the
dead excepting Jacob his whole family make 75 souls in number 80. Exod. 1. 19. The Midwives lyed to Pharaoh and God blessed them Chap. 3. 18. 5. 3. Moses said We will goe three dayes journey into the wildernesse and sacrifice unto the Lord our God Zach. 8. 16. Speak every one truth to his neighbour It is not certain whether the Midwives did 1 Pet. 21. lie or not it might be the Hebrew women were delivered before they came at them and God blessed the Midwives not for lying but because they feared him Moses spake the words of God unto Pharaoh and God is the God of truth 81. Exod. 2. 3. Moses was laid by the river in an arke of bulrushes Heb. 11. 23. Moses parents feared not the Kings commandement It is certain that the Hebrew parents feared God more then Pharaoh nor did they doubt in exposing of Moses but that God would deliver him 82. Exod. 2. 15. Moses feared and fled from the face of Pharaoh Heb. 11. 27. He feared not the wrath of the King Moses feared for killing the Egyptian whilst Pharaoh sought to slay him therefore he fled into the Land of Madian But upon his return when God sent him to Pharaoh he despised his threatnings being secure from all danger 83. Exod. 4. 21. 7. 3. 10. 27. 11. 10. But I will harden Pharaohs heart Chap. 8. 15. 8. 32. Pharaoh hardned his heart and was hardned c. God hardens permissively not effectively Ezeck 18. 23. 33. 11. Cont. Faust by no antecedent will for he will not the death of a sinner but by a consequent will when he punisheth by just judgment and useth evill to a good end Satan saith Augustine hardens by perswading Man by consenting God by forsaking 84. Exod. 4. 24. Moses had his wife with him in his journey Chap. 8. 5. And Jethro Moses Father in law came with his wife and his sons unto Moses Moses sent his wife Zipporah back to her father and then afterwards received her with her children brought unto him by his father in law 85. Exod. 5. 2. Who is the Lord that I should obey his voice and let Israel go I know not the Lord c. Rom. 1. 21. The Nations knew God and his power so that they are inexcusable Pharaoh was ignorant who Jehovah the God of Israel was nor had he a true knowledge of the true God that he might serve him onely 86. Exod. 7. 20 21. All the waters in Egypt were turned into bloud Vers 22. And the Magicians of Egypt did so with their inchantments when they came to the water That which the Magicians did with water digged out of the earth seemed to be the like for they are no true miracles of God which are done by the help of the Devill 87. Exod. 9. 16. And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up for to shew in thee my power and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth Rom. 3. 8. We must not do evill that good may come of it The hardning of Pharaoh was a punishment of his former sins and of his tyranny shewed over the Israelites and this God directed for a good end that in Pharaoh his power glory and justice might appear 88. Exod. 9. 29. Moses prayed for Pharaoh that the plagues may cease 1 Joh. 3. 4. 5. 16. We must not pray for any that sinne unto death Moses prayed not for Pharaoh but for the taking away of the plagues farther to declare the power of God and to overcome the wickednesse and obstinacy of Pharaohs tyrannicall heart 89. Exod. 11. 5. And all the first born in the Land of Egypt shall die Chap. 12. 30. There was not a house where there was not one dead We must understand here not only the first-born by birth but such as were so by authority for it was so ordered by divine providence that there was a first born found in every house 90. Exod. 12. 36. The Israelires spoyled the Egyptians by borrowing of them Psal 37. 21. The wicked borroweth and payeth not again The Israelites had Gods speciall command for it to spoile the ingratefull Egyptians whom they had served for many years for no Gen. 15. 14. wages God foretold this to Abraham that his posterity should come out of slavery with great wealth 91. Exod. 14. 15. And the Egyptians which you have seen to day you shall see them again no more forever Vers 30. And Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shoar In the former place he means the Egyptians alive following the Israelites which afterwards the Israelites saw choked in the waters and cast dead upon the seashoar 92. Exod. 20. 5. I am the Lord thy God a jealous God visiting the iniquities of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation Deut. 24. 16. Ezek. 18. 20. The son shall not bear the Fathers iniquity God visits the fathers sins upon the children if they walk in the way of their fathers that is on them that hate him but it is otherwise if the children repent Also God punisheth the iniquities of the fathers upon the children with temporall punishments not with eternall unlesse they follow the footsteps of their wicked fathers 93. Exod. 20. 8. Remember thou keep holy the Sabbath day Deut. 5. 12. Mat. 12. 5. On the Sabbath days the Priests in the Temple profane the Sabbath day and are blamelesse Legall ceremonies and their externall observations give place to charity and necessity morall duties are preferred before ceremonials God forbad those works which hinder his worship but Christ defends his Disciples plucking ears of corn on the Sabbath day against the Pharisee by the example of David and of the Priests killing sacrifices on the Sabbath day pulling off their hides and washing of them 94. Exod. 20. 12. Honour thy father and mother Luk. 14. 26. If any man come to me and hate not his father and mother and wife and children and brethren and sisters yea and his own life also he cannot be may disciple Christ forbids not the honour due to parents Mat. 10. 37 but he saith He that loves them more then me is not worthy of me for all things must be forsaken and hated too so far as they hinder our love of God and Christ for all things must give place to the love of God and that takes not away our duty or due honour to our parents 95. Exod. 20. 12. Honour thy Father Matth. 23. 9. Call no man Father upon the earth Christ forbids not children to honour their 2 King 2. 1 Chron. 4. parents or the hearers to honour the Preachers for Paul cals himself the father of the Corinthians but he forbids us to depend on humane authority in divine matters but we must depend on one God and have a filial confidence in him 96. Exod. 20. 13. Thou shalt not kill Mat. 5. 21. 18. 9. If thy eye hand foot
of hypocrites but he hears the prayers of penitents 313. Psal 19. 4. Their line went out into the ends of the earth Rom. 10. 18. Their sound went out into the whole world Paul interprets the Psalme concerning the Doctrine of the Gospell and saith that it is the Canon of the holy Ghost and rule of faith and manners of Christians appointed by God by the sound and voice of the Prophets of Christ and his Apostles in which the will of God is revealed and therefore it is called the Canonicall Scripture 314. Psal 19. 8. The Statutes of the Lord are right rejoycing the heart 2 Cor. 3. 7. The law is the ministration of death engraven in stones In the Psalme by the Law is understood all the will of God revealed from above The Apostle speaks only of the morall law not as it is in it self for so it is the perfect law of righteousnesse and brings life but in respect of us who are transgressors of the Law and obtain nothing but death by it 315. Psal 19. 11. And in keeping of thy commandments there is great reward Luk. 17. 10. When you have done all ye were commanded ye shall say We are unprofitable servants we have done nothing but what we are obliged to do David commendeth the Law of God and that there is great reward in the keeping of it In which the goodnesse of God is commended who may of right require obedience from us yet he freely gives a reward unto us which he oweth not Christ sheweth that we and all that we have are due unto God therefore we can aske nothing for a reward and it is presumption to think that we can deserve any thing at Gods hands 316. Psal 22. 1. My God my God wherefore hast thou forsaken me Joh. 14. 10. Chap. 16. 32. I am not alone for the Father is with me In the first place is signified the sense of Gods wrath and the effect thereof in Christ who taking upon him our person is made sin for us though he complained that he was forsaken as man yet he was not forsaken as the Son of God nor was the divine nature separated from the hnmane nature but supported it In the latter place when Christ saith I am not alone he hath respect to the flight of the Apostles and fortifyeth himselfe against it by the presence of his Father 317. Psal 22. 3. My God I cryed by day and thou heardest not Joh. 11. 42. I knew because thou hearest me alwayes Christ was not heard in his passion because he was to die In the latter place he speaks of his prayer for believers he gives thanks to his Father that he was always heard 318. Psal 24. 1. The earth is the Lords and the fulnesse thereof Luk. 4. 6. I will give to thee saith Satan unto Christ all this power and glory Satan being the spirit and father of lying Joh. 8. 44. Mat. 28. Psal 23. 8. doth falsly appropriate to himself the power of the world Christ being appointed by his father King of Kings to whom was given all power in heaven and earth he rules in heaven and earth from sea to sea from the rivers unto the ends of the earth 319. Psal 24. 2. The Lord hath founded the earth upon the seas Exod. 20. 4. The waters are under the earth The earth hath its stability from the first creation the foundation thereof is the power of God which is the center of the whole and it doth as it were move upon the waters above and beneath it hath the waters on the sides so that the sea is higher then the earth it is therefore the wonderfull work of God that he preserveth mankind from drowning in the midst of the waters 320. Psal 26. 2. Prove me O Lord. 1 Cor. 11. 28. Let a man prove himself God because he proves our thoughts words and deeds therefore we must prove our selves that we may make our selves approved to God 321. Psal 32. 3. When I kept silence my bones waxed old Vers 3. Through my roaring all the day long Silence respects the suppression of sinnes Crying the complaints and lamentations for grief of mind 322. Psal 32. 10. Many sorrowes shall be to the wicked 73. 5. The righteous are punished more then the wicked Punishments internall and sempiternall are for the wicked but externall and temporary are understood by the last place 323. Psal 34. 5. They lookt unto him and were lightned 1 Tim. 6. 16. He dwels in a light that no man can approach unto God is said to dwell in light not properly but metaphorically for by this his glory and manifest presence is understood 324. Psal 34. 10. There is no look to them that fear God 2 Tim. 3. 12. All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution The Godly suffer no want in spirituall good but in corporall and temporall good yet their persecutions are good for them and are rewarded with eternall life 325. Psal 34. 22. None that trust in the Lord shall be desolate Rom. 3. 23. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God In the first place is understood delinquency to death and eternall destruction but they that believe in Christ their faults shall not be imputed to them unto death 326. Psal 35. 6. Let their way be made slippery and dark and let the Angell of the Lord persecute them Mat. 5. 44. Love your enemies In the first place are meant the incorrigible and obdurate enemies of Christ and his Gospel In the latter place those of whose conversion we have hope 327. Psal 36. 8. Thou shalt preserve both man and beast O Lord. 1 Cor. 9. 9. Doth God take care for oxen Under the generall care of God are comprehended all creatures but under his speciall care Men for whose sake God hath made the beasts Ambrose saith God cares not for beasts for themselves but for our sake for which he created all things and therefore his principall care is for us 328. Psal 37. 21. The wicked borrowes and payeth not again Luk. 6. 35. Lend looking for nothing again If the Debter be fallen into extreme want that he cannot pay we must not kill him or forsake him in his utmost necessity 329. Psal 37. 25. I have been young and now am old yet saw I never the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging their bread Luk. 16. 20. Lazarus a begger desired to be satisfied with the crumbs which fell from the rich mans Table Beggery is a punishment to the wicked but to the godly a fatherly punishment and it is found in the unlawfull begging of Monks sturdy obstinate and idle people which refuse to work but the lawfull begging is for the members of Christ which are brought to extream poverty by banishment war fire water sicknesse c. 330. Psal 40. 7. Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not 1 Pet. 2. 5. Ye as living stones are built up a spirituall house an holy Priesthood to offer up spirituall
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 Neighbour 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 himselfe bring the sword but by accident in regard of the malice of the World and the Devill who are the authours of contentions 409. 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 government shall be changed for he shall no longer govern 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 governments after the blessed resurrection 410. Isa 9. 7. Of the increase of his Government and peace there shall be no end Luke 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 411. Isai 26. 20. The wicked will not behold the Majesty of the Lord. Chap. 40. 5. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it The Prophet speaks concerning the Kingdome of Christ and the state thereof and and he teacheth in the former place that the wicked shall be so blinded that they cannot perceive the mighty work of God wherein he hath shewed his greatnesse his glory his power and his mercy which blindnesse of theirs doth not take away the glory of God and of Christs Kingdome which all men may see in the saving worke of mans Redemption 412. Isai 28. 16. Behold I lay in Sion a stone a sure foundation saith the Lord. 1 Cor. 3. 10. I have laid the foundation saith Paul God laid the foundation of our salvation in respect of his decree the sending of his Son and the perfection of mans salvation Paul laid the foundation in respect of manifestation and of his office and of the Christian Religion at Corinth 413. Isai 38. 1. Set thy house in order for thou shalt die and not live Vers 5. I 2 King 20. 1. 2 Chron. 32. 24. will adde unto thy dayes fifteen yeares saith the Lord. Augustine saith that Ezechias was in order to die according to some causes of future events In Gen. tit l. 6. c. 17. yet God added fifteen years to his life doing only that which be foreknew he would do before the beginning of the world Gods Justice brought the command for Ezechias death but his Mercy prolonged his life and so Ezechias Piety and Repentance is proved 414. Isai 41. 7. Chap. 46. 6. They lavish gold out of the bag and weigh silver in the ballance and hire a Goldsmith and he maketh it a God 1 Cor. 8. 4. An Idoll is nothing Silver and Gold and such materials as the Idols are made of were created by God but relatively unto God they are said to be nothing because they have nothing of God in them for God will not be worshipped by Idols 415. Isai 42. 8. Chap. 48. 11. I will not give my glory to another Mat. 11. 29. Chap. 28. 19. All power is given to me in heaven and in earth God will not give his praise and glory to an Image Christ to whom all power and glory is given is not only man but the true and eternall God also with the Father and the holy Ghost having co-equall glory with them but by reason of his office of Mediator all things are given him of the Father 416. Isai 42. 8. I will not give my glory to an other Rom. 8. 14. The glory of God shall be revealed in us The first place is concerning those things wherein God will be glorified by us in this life that is by worship adoration invocation The latter concerning the participation and place of glory in the life to come which he will communicate to us 417. Isai 42. 10. Sing unto the Lord a new Song that is the Gospell Gen. 3. 15. It was sung in Paradise concerning the blessed seed of the woman That Evangelicall song is called new not from time but because it comprehends new and wonderfull things a new light is kindled by it it makes a new Creature and shews us the new way to heaven 418. Isai 45. 6 7. I am the Lord and there is none else I forme the light and create darkenesse I make peace and create evill I the Lord do all these things Gen. 1. 31. And all that God made was good God makes evill not of sin but of punishment and calamity by which he justly afflicts sinners Also the Prophet here opposeth the evill of the misery of war to the good of peace Mad men here wrest the name of evill as though God were the author of evill that is sin but it may easily appear how absurdly they do it abusing the testimony of the Prophet The Antithesis sheweth this sufficiently the members whereof must be compared together for he opposeth peace to evill that is to adversity 419. Isai 49. 6. I wil also give thee for a light to the Gentiles that thou mayest be my salvation unto the ends of the earth Mat. 10. 5. Christ sent the twelve saying unto them Go not into the way of the Gentiles but to the lost sheep of the house ef Israel The first is concerning the generall gracious Ministery of Christ to both Jewes and Gentiles The latter concerning the especiall sending forth of the Apostles to the Jews alone to whom the Gospell was first published untill such time as the partition wall betwixt the Jews and Gentiles was broken Mat. 28. 19 Mark 16. 15 Luk. 2. down which was done in the resurrection of Christ Afterwards he sent the Apostles to all Nations for he was the light of the Gentiles 420. Isai 52. 10. The Lord hath made have his holy arme in the eys of all the Nations Mat. 15. 24. I am not sent but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel Christ was sent for the salvation and redemption of all Nation His office of teaching and confirming his Doctrine by
greatest part The root of the Jews was holy by reason of the Covenant because they were born from their Father who was in the Covenant and so were they confederate with God and separated from the prosane Gentiles 434. Jer. 10. 23. O Lord I know that the way of man is not in himself it is not in man to direct his steps Mat. 23. 37. I would have gathered thy children together and thou wouldest not In spirituall matters that concern his salvation a man can do nothing that is good In politick and civill affaires he can indeed doe something but more inclining to evill then to good 435. Jer. 17. 5. Cursed be the man that trusteth in man Rom. 10. 11. He that believeth in Christ shall not be confounded Isai 28. 16. The Prophet speaks of bare mortall deceitfull man in himself The Apostle speaks of man subsisting in the person of the Son of God in whom the fulnesse of the Godhead dwelt bodily 436. Jer. 15. 1. If Moses and Samuel stood before me yet my minde could not be toward this people Mat. 18. 19. If two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall aske it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven In the former place the speach is hypotheticall as if he should say though they were amongst the living and did stand before me and would turne away my wrath from this people yet would I not spare them Christ in the latter promiseth temporall good things upon condition of repentance 437. Jer. 17. 10. Chap. 20. 12. I the Lord search the heart I try the reins 1 Cor. 2. 11. Who knowes what is in man but the spirit of man which is in him God is not excluded from knowing what is in the heart but Angels and men are be they good or bad 438. Jer. 22. 11. Thus saith the Lord touching Sellum the son of Josiah 2 King 23. 30. 2 Chron. 3. 6. The people of the land took the son of Josia Joachaz and anointed him to be King Joachaz is called Sellum ironically because as King Sellum Israel was led captive into Egypt so Joachaz shall not return from the Babylonish captivity 439. Jer. 22. 30. Thus saith the Lord Write ye this man childlesse for no man of his seed shall prosper 1 Chron. 3. 19. Mat. 1. 12. Salathiel his son Jekonias died without children Salathiel the son of Neri was from Nathan the adopted son of Jekonias and by succession not his naturall son 440. Jer. 25. 1. The fourth year of Jehojakim the son of Josiah King of Judah was the first year of Nabuchadonoztr King of Babylon Dan. 1. 1. In the third year of Jehojakim King of Judals came Nabuchodonozor King of Babylon to Jerusalem That is in the end of the third year and the beginning of the fourth year of Jehojakims reign 441. Jer. 25. 11. And this whole land shall be a desolation and an astonishment and these Nations shall serve the King of Babylon 70 years Act. 1. 7. It is not for you to know the times God by a Propheticall spirit revealed this to Jeremiah and so comforted his people but we must not curiously search to know the times contrary to Gods will that is the moment of the day of Judgement the destruction of the world which the Father hath reserved in his own power 442. Jer. 29. 11. I think toward you thoughts of peace and not of evill Vers 17. Thus saith the Lord of hosts I will send upon them the Famin. God gives peace to penitent sinners but punisheth sinners for their sins 443. Jer. 31. 15. A voice was heard in Ramah lamentation and Rachel weeping Mat. 2. 16. That was done at length in the killing of the children at Bethlehem The Prophets speak often in the present tense or time past of things which are to come for the certainty of the Prophesie So here he foreshews the lamentation of the Mothers for the children thae were slain at Bethlehem by Herods command 444. Jer. 31. 2. The Lord shall create a new thing on the earth Eccl. 1. 10. There is no new thing under the sun New things are made by creation so God the Father created all things new so we are a new creature in Christ by sanctification when we are regenerated by the holy Ghost by change so when Christ shall come all things shall be made new 445. Jer. 31. 31. Beheld the days come saith the Lord and I will make a new Covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah Mat. 5. 17. I came not to destroy the Law God promised a new Covenant when Christ should come yet such a one that should not differ from the former Covenant in substance but sanctified by the Messias The Doctrine of the Prophets and the Apostles was not changed by the coming of Christ but remains an eternall Law of leading our life the ceremonies are abrogated according to their use but their signification was more declared by his coming and illustrated and the Prophesies had their complement in him 446. Jer. 36. 30. Thus saith the Lord of Jehojakim King of Judah he shall have none to sit upon the throne of David 2 King 24. 6. And his son Joakim reigned in his stead Joakim did not sit that is he had no fast seat in the Kingdome for in the third month of his government Sedechias was put by force not by right into his place by Nebuchodonozor 447. Jer. 37. 14. Jeremie said I fall not away to the Chaldeans Chap. 21. 9. He that goeth out and fals to the Chaldeans shall live Jeremie taken in the gate defendeth his innocency that he fell not to the Caldeans nor was a betrayer of his Country but he said that he would go into the land of Benjamin 448. Jer. 52. 31. In the 37 year of the captivity of Jehojakim King of Judah in the 12 month in the 25 day of the month Evilmerodach lifted up the head of Jehojakim King of Judah 2 King 25. 27. In the 37 year of the captivity of Jehojakim he he was lifted up in the 12 month the 27 day On the 25 day Evilmerodach took counsell to deliver Joakim out of prison on the 27 day it was concluded and effected all things being disposed well for his enlargement The THRENES or LAMENTATIONS of Jeremiah THe Prophet bewails the destruction of Jerusalem and the Kingdome of Judah and the captivity of the people He comforteth himself and the people in the promises of God and commends the cause to God by his prayers 449. Lam. 3. 37. Who is he that saith and it cometh to passe when the Lord commandeth not Vers 38. Out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth not both evill and good Deut. 32. 4. The works of the Lord are perfect The evill of punishment not of sin is meant in the first place which is not ill in it self but in respect of men For all punishment in respect of God that
those things which are commanded you say we are unprofitable servants we have done that which was our duty to do Luk. 17. 10. In the later place he speaks of those that strove with him by emulation to whom he compares himself not derogating from others but he magnifies his Apostleship from his faith and fruits of his works 948. 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 battell 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 949. 1 Cor. 15. 50. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God ver 53. This corruptible must put on incorruption Flesh and blood here signifies the corrupt nature of man in the state of sinne this as it is such cannot inherit the Kingdom of God but our nature purged from corruption shall put on incorruption 950. 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 951. 1 Cor. 16. 22. If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ let him he Anathema Matth. 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 lawfull rashly to use private imprecations unlesse the glory of God require it in an especiall manner and there be no hope left of their salvation 952. 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 left Timothy at Ephesus together with Aquila Act. 18. 19. and Priscilla but that they were with the Apostle at Corinth at that time the Inscription it self testifieth 953. 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 954. 2 Cor. 5. 2. In this we groan earnestly desiring to be clothed 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 stirres up a desire of life eternall in the minde of the godly and it is naturall to fear death because it destroys nature 955. 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 956. 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 principall 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 957. 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 later is concerning the unjust judgements of the world which proceed from mens depraved affections 958. 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 then the Apostle taught but in the later by another Gospel is meant false doctrine which overthroweth Gods grace and Christs merits 959. 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 St PAULS Epistle 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. 960. Gal. 1. 1. Paul an Apostle not of men neither by man but by Jesus Christ ch 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 961. Gal. 1. 17. I went not up to Jerusalem to them which were Apostles before me but I went into Arabia Act. 9. 26. Paul after his return to Damascus came to Jerusalem Paul after his conversion went into Arabia from Damascus and coming back thence to Damascus in the third year persecution befell him who being in hazard of his life was let down in a basket and escaped and coming to Jerusalem when they were all afraid of him he was brought to the Apostles by Barnabas ver 27. 962. Gal. 4. 11. I am afraid of you least I have bestowed upon you labour in vain 1 Cor. 15. 58. Be ye stedfast knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. In the first place the Apostle feared of the successe of his labour by reason of schism amongst the Galatians who sought their salvation more from the Law then from Christ in Isa 65. 23 the later he hopes well of the Corinthians that his
as are already perfect Mans perfection is in heaven to which we bend our course that he means in the first place but our perfection on earth must be conformable to Christ our head in doing well and suffering The Philippians are called perfect not simply so but comparatively in respect of those that are weak who are to be born withall by those which are strong in respect of whom also Col. 3. 6. Heb. 5. 13. they are termed children 980. Phil. 3. 21. Christ shall change our vile bodies that they may be fashioned like to his glorious body Heb. 1. 4 5 13. The Angels shall not be like him Our bodies shall be conformable to Christs glorious body which he had in his resurrection but not by reason of his Majesty and power he hath by the Hypostaticall union The Epistle of St PAUL to the COLOSSIANS HE exhorts them to embrace the Doctrine of the Gospel and to fly from the teaching of false Apostles and he warns them to live godly putting off the old and putting on the new man that in Oeconomicall Government the men old men and Masters should observe humanity and equity women children and servants should live in obedience that all should be watchfull in prayer It was sent from Rome by Tychicus and Onesimus 981. Col. 1. 24. I fill up that which is behinde of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body sake which is the Church Heb. 10. 14. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified The Passions of Christ as to merit and satisfaction are perfect for his Church the Apostles Zach. 2. 8. Mat. 25. 2 Tim. 3. 12. and Martyrs fill up in their flesh what is behinde of the afflictions of Christ enduring miseries wherein Christ himself suffereth for they are his Members He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of mine eye What you do to any of these little ones you do it unto me it is added for the Church not to redeem the Church but to edifie and strengthen the Church by our example of constancy and patience 982. Col. 2. 3. In Christ are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge Matth. 24. 36. But of that day and hour knoweth no man no not the Angels in heaven but the Father only Christ in the state of exaltation hath a perfect knowledge of all things because all power in heaven and earth is given to him and he sits at the right hand of God In the state of humiliation he knew not when the last day should be not in respect of himself saith Augustine but in respect of us 983. Col. 2. 9. In Christ dwelleth all the fulnesse of the Godhead bodily Heb. 2. 17. It behoved him to be like unto us in all things sinne excepted He is like to us in all things in respect of the essence of humane nature not in respect of his subsistence in the person of the Word and of his Hypostaticall union Glory and Majesty 984. Col. 3. 2. Set your affections on things above and not on things on the earth Rom. 11. 33. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God To set our affections on things above is to elevate our mindes to heaven above all earthly things unto our Country where we wait for our happinesse yet so that we be not high-minded and desire to know that which God will not have us to know for some things are to be beleeved and soberly to be searched into but other things which exceed the measure of our faith must not be searched unto he is overwhelm'd with Glory that seeks into Gods Pro. 25. 2. Majesty 985. Col. 3. 2. Set not your affections on earthly things 1 Tim. 5. 8. He that provideth not for his own houshold is worse then an Infidell The first place forbids us to search after earthly things neglecting spirituall and heavenly things for so far must we take care for earthly things as they may serve to Gods glory and our use for our salvation The two Epistles of St PAUL to the THESSALONIANS IN the first he commends their faith and constancy and exhorts them to an honest life and a serious expectation of Christs last coming In the second he comforts them against persecutions and foretels the last day the Kingdom of Antichrist defection from the Gospel He exhorts them to good words and works These two Epistles were written from Athens 986. 1 Thess 1. 3. Remembring your work of faith and labour Rom. 3. 28. Gal. 3. 10. Faith is opposed to works Faith is a work but not ours or proceeding Joh. 6. 29. from our own strength for then it would not justifie us but it is the work of God and a quality in us respecting the merits of Christ therefore the Apostle cals not faith it self so much a work as he doth that which proceeds from faith 987. 1 Thess 2. 20. For you are our glory 1 Cor. 1. 31. He that glorieth let him glory in the Lord. Our glorying hath its foundation in God in the mean while if any thing be done amongst the auditory by the work of the Ministry we must say with the Apostle It is not I that laboured but the grace of God which was 1 Cor. 15. 10. with me 988. 1 Thess 4. 17. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord. 2 Tim. 4. 6. I am now ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand In the first place is spoken of the company of the faithfull by reason of the most near communion and uniting of the body of Christ for we are all one spirituall body so many as believe in Christ so that what happens to one member may seem to happen to all the rest 989. 1 Thess 5. 5. Ye are all children of the light and of the day not of the night Rom 8. 19. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the Sons of God We are here with Paul children of light and the day in grace not yet in glory The Apostle expected not to be made the Sonne of God because he was so already actually but only to be revealed to be so for it appears not so yet what we shall be for though we be heirs we do not yet actually possesse the Kingdom we must therefore distinguish sonnehood acquired here by grace from that which shall be in our Country by glory 990. 2 Thess 1 5. The persecutions and tribulations which you endure are a manifest token of the righteous judgement of God that ye may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God for which you also suffer Ephes 2. 8. You are saved through faith and not of your selves it is the gift of God The faithfull are worthy not by their own worthinesse but Christs also the word worthy Col. 1. 13. is the same here with convenient 991.