than the Pharisees not all the Precepts perfectly There is a disciplinary knowledge as when any thing is taught by Precepts and an experimental knowledge which we from experience obtain which is proper to the Elect and faithful 1466. 2 Pet. 1.21 Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost Joh. 7.39 The Holy Ghost was not yet given because that Jesus was not yet glorified The Prophets in the Old Testament had the same Holy Ghost which the Apostles had in the New Testament but after another manner and degree the least of the Apostles after the visible miraculous sending of the Holy Ghost in the day of Pentecost knew the Prophesies more fully and clearly than the Prophets that foretold them because the Apostles had seen the fulfilling of the Prophesies and Christ opened their minds Luk. 24.41 that they might understand the Scriptures Three Epistles of the Apostle St. JOHN THe first is Catholick it breaths out the love of God to us in Christ out Mediator and our love towards God and our neighbour commands us to beware of the world Antichrist and Idols The second admonisheth the Elect Lady and her Children that remaining in the doctrine and love of Christ they take heed of seducers The third commends the bounty of Gaius and commends to him those that were banished for Christ rebukes Diotrephes and gives testimony to Demetrius 1467. 1 JOH 1.8 If we say we have no sin we deceive our selves Joh. 9.3 Neither hath this man sinned nor his parents In the former place sin is taken generally and so we are all sinners In the latter in special for some grievous sin which useth to be the cause of some grievous singular punishment from God 1468. 1 Joh. 1.8 If we say we have no sin the truth is not in us Chap. 3.9 He cannot sin because he is born of God To have sin and to commit sin differ we all have sin and we are conceived and born in it yet the faithful commit no sin because they will not suffer sin to reign in them but the wicked and hypocritical have sins dwelling in them 1469. 1 Joh. 2.2 Christ is the propitiation for our sins and for the sins of the whole world Ver. 15. Love not the world Joh. 17.9 I pray not for the world The word World is taken variously in the Scripture In the first place are meant the men that are in the world son whose sins Christ is the propitiation as for the sufficiency of his merits the price and vertue but not for the efficacy thereof which is hindered by the infidelity and sins of the wicked concerning which the latter places must be understood 1470. 1 Joh. 2.18 Antichrist shall come and even now are there many Antichrists 2 Thes 2.3 Antichrist was not yet revealed All those are Antichrists in general who deny Christs Divine or Humane Nature or in his Person or Office c. In special that great Antichrist is the son of Perdition who in the time of Paul was not yet revealed though the mystery of iniquity began to work * 1471. 1 Joh. 3.15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murtherer Luk. 14.26 He that hateth not his brother cannot be my disciple The former place speaks of an hatred towards our brother which is either because our brother is good or upon the account of some temporary affairs or upon the account of true Doctrine whosoever thus hateth his brother is a murtherer The latter place is spoken of such an hatred as cometh by our brothers being against Christ and hating of him or striving to draw us from him 1472. 2 Joh. v. 10. If there come any unto you and bring not this doctrine receive him not into your houses neither bid him God speed Mat. 5.44 Love your enemies The first place forbids not to shew our duty of humanity to all men or to salute them civilly but we are admonished not to use too great familiarity with seducers * 1473. 2 Joh. 10.11 with Rom. 16.3 3 4. Salute Priscilla c. John speaks of such persons as are enemies to God and to his truth and Church such we must not embrace 2 Kin. 3.14 These here in S. John were open and desperate enemies such as Marcion whom Polycarpe meeting would not salute the not saluting them is a chastisement to them by it they may know whence they are fallen The other place is salutation of one Christian to another 1474. 3 Joh. v. 13. I had many things to write but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee Joh. 20.31 These things are written that you might have life through his Name In the former place it is not said as though the Apostle would say something else then what is contained in the sacred Scriptures In the latter he manifestly confirms that all things are written which appertain and are necessary to true faith in Christ and to eternal life So that we have no need of Traditions by word of mouth The Canonical Epistle of St. JUDE The son of Thaddaeus HE exhorts the Faithful to constancy and threatens the adversaries of Christ with extream misery and warneth that the godly hold their faith in God and avoid false doctrine 1475. JUDE v. 9. Michael disputed with Satan about the body of Moses Ver. 14. The Prophesie of Enoch is mentioned whereof the Scripture before speaks not at all The striving of the Arch-Angel is not expresly set down in Scripture yet there appears some prints of it in the burial of Moses by God for that the Israelites knew not the place of his burial and it is out of question that the devil would willingly have made that known to the Israelites to set up Idolatry there but that he was hindred by Michael The Prophesie of Enoch if it were not set forth in writing yet it went by tradition from hand to hand unto posterity The REVELATION of St. JOHN The Apostle the Divine IT is called Apocalyps that is the Revelation because it contains the visions which St. John saw in the Isle of Pathmos about the year of Christ 96. and the Prophesie concerning the state of the Church Militant on earth and the Church Triumphant in Heaven 1476. REV. 1.1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave â—nto him Col. 2.3 In whom are 〈…〉 treasures of wisdom and knowâ—â—â—â— Christ as he is God is the fountain 〈◊〉 knowledge born of the substance of the Father in respect of order he is â—â—id to have received this Revelation from the Father because the Father by him doth reveal his secrets unto us as man by his personal union he hath a perfect knowledge of all things communicated to him They are hid in Christ as in a Treasury yet not so hid but he that seeks may find All Treasures are hid in him though some of the droppings are to be revealed to us 1477. Rev. 1.1 The things which must shortly come to pass they are not yet fulfilled Shortly signifies the
our sinnes and detest evill justly and as we should so God is daily angry with us for our sinnes But damnable anger and unlawfull is joyned with the sin of those who for every light offence do maintain their anger reckoning more of what is committed against them than against God 461. Psal 9.8 God shall judge the world in righteousnesse 1 Cor. 6.2 Know ye not that the Saints shall judg the world The manner of judging of the world is either by authority so the whole Trinity will judge or of subordinate authourity so Christ as Mediator and man will judge or of assertion so the Apostles will judge the world or of approbation so all the Saints and Angels shall allow of the sentence pronounced by the supreme judge Chrysostome the Saints shall judge the world by exemplary judgement because by example of their faith the infidelity of the world shall be condemned 462. Psal 14.1 The fool said in his heart There is no God Psal 19.1 The Heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament sheweth his handy work Wicked men if not in words yet in their deed and actions they deny God and as much as in them is they wish there were no God and no Hell 463. Psal 18.42 They cryed unto the Lord and he heard them not Jer. 29.12 Ye shall call upon me and I will hearken unto you God doth not hear the prayers of hypocrites but he hears the prayers of penitents 464. 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 * Psal 19.4 with Rom. 10.18 To fetch an allusion from a place is one thing to allude to a place only is another He that alludes to a place only is not bound to recite the words further than that allusion requires The Apostle was shewing that the Gospell spread much in the world even as David said the light of the Sunne did * 465. Psal 19.7 The Law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul Rom. 6.23 The Law is the ministration of death The former place speaks of the Morall Law and also of the Gospell-Doctrine of Christ as it was held forth in the Scripture before Davids time The latter place of the Morall Law alone which though it be a perfect rule of righteousnesse yet in regard of us so unable to performe it and transgressors of it we can have nothing but death by the Law for cursed is he that doth not continue in all that the Law requires The Law is a killing Letter and a ministry of death not of it self but to us so sinfull and wretched 466. 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 this 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 obtained nothing but death by it 467. Psal 19.11 And in keeping of thy Commandements there is great reward Luke 17.10 When you have done all ye were commanded ye shall say We are profitable servant 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 * Psal 19.11 with Luke 17.10 There is great reward of mercy not of merit neither of congruity nor condignity for when we have done all we ought we cannot profiâ— he Lord. It s one thing what God gâ—â—es to us as sonnes another thing what we expect as wages for our work 468. 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 sinne for us though he complained that he was forsaken as man yet he was not forsaken as the Sonne of God nor was the divine nature separated from the humane 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 fortifieth himself against it by the presence of his Father 469. Psal 22.3 My God I cryed by day and thou heardest not John 11.42 I knew because thou hearest me alwayes Christ was not heard in his passion because he was to dye In the latter place he speaks of his prayer for believers he gives thanks to his Father that he was alwayes heard 470. Psal 24.1 The earth is the Lords and the fullness 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. 8.4 Matth. 28. Psal 22 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 471. 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 than the earth it is therefore the wonderfull work of God that he preserveth mankind from drowning in the midst of the waters 472. 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 * 473. Psal 2.9 Turn not thy face far from me Psal 51.9 Turn thy face from my sins It is one thing to turn away his face from Davids sinne another thing to turn away his face from Davids person David prayed that God would not withdraw his favour from him but that he in favour would hide away his face from his
we may have society with him and it may be for our salvation * Ioh. 5.34 Christ receives not testimony from man originally My testimony is from heaven as in my Baptism This is my beloved Son and from the Scriptures They testifie of me Christians and Disciples do not so much give testimony to Christ that he is the Messias as they hold forth this testimony being formerly given by the Holy Ghost Iohn and the Apostles bore witness not so much to as of Christ to the people 999. Ioh. 5.39 Search the Scriptures Chap. 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 pass other things by ordinary means * Ioh. 5.39 with 6.45 In the former place Christ tells us what is our duty if we would be taught of God The latter place tells us who will teach us the Spirit within by the Word without the one as the Efficient the other as the Instrument He that saith they shall all be taught of the Master himself saith not that they shall leave off reading but they shall read that the Master may teach them 1000. Ioh. 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 confess him lest 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 than the glory of God * 1001. Joh. 6.27 Labour not for the meat that perisheth 2 Thes 3.10 He that will not labour must not eat Labour not so much for outward meat as for spiritual and eternal Labour every one must in his outward Calling yet this outward labouring must not make us labour so earnestly as we do in our effectual and spiritual Calling He sets not aside outward labour but prefers spiritual 1002. 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 applies 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 * Joh. 6.29 with Rom. 3.28 Though faith be considered as a work wrought in the soul yet it would not follow that we were justified by works but by a work which is a Sophism of the Papists or others to put the singular for the plural And yet Faith not as a work in or of the soul not as an act habit or quality justifies but faith is said to justifie in opposition to the external and internal performances of the Law It justifies instrumentally as the hand heals by applying that which heals * 1003. Ioh. 6.32 Moses gave you not that bread to eat from heaven with 1 Cor. 10.3 4. Did all eat the same spiritual meat and drink the same spiritual â—ock Christ Moses did not give that bread or rock which was really Christ but only significantly Christ They all eat that meat and dranke the same rock not litterally or substantially eat and dranke the rock for that could not be it being a rock and so not potable nor could there be a spiritual rock as spiritual is put for a substance without flesh and bones but figuratively a rock Though Moses gave the sign he could not give Christ himself which came after Moses time from heaven and took our nature upon him 1004. 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 * 1005. Joh. 6.44 No man cometh to me but whom the Father draweth with Ezek. Turn you turn you why will you die The former place shews no man hath strength to turn The latter place shews us our duty we ought to turn The former place shews where strength is to be had that we may turn The latter place shews that in regard it is our duty to turn our selves and we cannot of our selves do this we must seek for help from the Lord that we may be turned The Master saies Every Boy is bound to con his Lesson perfectly and he saies moreover No Boy can do this of himself he must ask me He therefore fairly invites the Boys to ask him * Joh. 6.44 And him that cometh c. The former place tels us not who gives strength to come to Christ but assures us that who comes shall be entertained The latter tells us none can come but those to whom God gives mercy and draws by his mercy So as they seem both to speak thus much It is Gods mercy any comes and likewise it is his mercy that he will not refuse those which come 1006. 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 Testament 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 * Joh. 6.53 with Heb. 10.1 It is one thing to eat the wheat pure and winnowed from the chaff another thing to eat wheat with the chaff in or out of the Ear. The Jews eat Christ spiritually but in the chaff of Ceremonies and Types not so purely and spiritually as we who live in the daies of the Gospel and have the wheat winnowed from the chaff Christ from Ceremonies 1007. Joh. 6.54 He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my bloud hath eternal life Ver. 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 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
speaks of the will of his secret purpose 1146. Acts 20.35 It is more blessed to give than to receive Paul saith that these were the words of the Lord Jesus which are not found in the Evangelists Though the words be not found there in the same letters yet the sense of them is found in the words of Christ Lend looking for nothing again Give and it shall be given to you for all Christs words and deeds are not set down but only those which suffice for true faith and our salvation 1147. Acts 21.4 The Disciples said to Paul that he should not go up to Ierusalem Chap. 20.22 Now behold I go bound in the spirit to Ierusalem saith Paul The Disciples by suggestion of the Spirit warned him of bonds and afflictons using also some perswasions of their own as they were moved with brotherly affection being ignorant that it was the will of God that Paul should go up thither which he had revealed to him after a singular manner 1148. Acts 21.9 Philip had four daughters Virgins which did prophesie 1 Cor. 14.34 Let your women keep silence in the Churches The first place is concerning private and extraordinary gifts the latter of the publike Ministry and that which is ordinarily used from which women are excluded 1149. Acts 23.3 Paul reviled Ananias the High Priest 1 Cor. 6.10 Revilers shall not inherit the Kingdom of God Reviling is either lawful which riseth from zeal to Justice and hath the observation of the Law for its object that is just and honest so Peter reviled Ananias Simon Magus Paul Bar Jesus or Elymas and God all wicked men Or unlawful which proceeds from a wicked desire and mind of revenge that Paul had not Acts 5.8 c. 13.10 * Acts 23.3 with 1 Cor. 6.10 The words in the former place are by some not words of reviling but a Prediction of the destruction of the Legal Priesthood being figurative The true High Priest being come he was but a shadow and whited wall Or else it was a free and confident denouncing of Judgment by a kind of Apostolical authority Or else he did it in passion and repented in the following words Revilers in the latter place is meant of such as practice it not such as repent of it and seldom use it Acts 23.3 Sittest thou to judge me after the Law c. 2 Cor. 11.10 For ye suffer c. It is one thing to plead the equity of their cause another thing after the pleading of their cause to bear their sufferings patiently Pauls pleading here against the High Priests unjust proceedings doth not imply that he was impatient in his sufferings 1150. Acts 23.6 Paul cryed out in the council Men and brethren I am a Pharisee 1 Cor. 1.12 He reproves and condemns denominations from men Paul amongst those that disagreed admits the denomination only for distinction sake and so thinking with the Pharisees he distinguisheth himself from the Sadduces So the faithful Professors of the Gospel are called Christians but when the persons agree in Doctrine he forbids to prefer one before the other * Acts 23.6 with 1 Cor. 1.12 Paul calls not himself a Pharisee as if by that name he would abet names to make sects among Christians or those of the same body who agree in substantials but he useth a name which was generally known to hold forth such and such an opinion as that of the Resurrection from the dead I am of Paul c. That shews names to distinguish Christians from Christians as it was corruptly used They all agreed in the main and substance only one gloried he was for Paul another for Apollo c. as they were Teachers one excelling another in the manner of delivery not in the matter delivered 1151. Acts 25.10 Paul will be judged at Caesars Judgement seat 1 Cor. 6.1 Dare any of you go to Law before the unjust Civil Judicatures are to be had in honour the abuse of them is condemned and he admonisheth Christians that they should avoid contentions before unjust Judges lest so contending concerning small matters they should prostitute their sacred Religion * Acts 25.10 with 1 Cor. 6.1 It is one thing for one Christian to implead another another thing for an Heathen to implead a Christian It is lawful for a Christian being impleaded by an Heathen before Heathens to appeal from one Heathen Judicature to another though it be unlawful for two Christians contending which may have the conclusion made by Christians to fly and appeal to Heathens which is the thing the Apostle condemns in the Corinthians * 1152. Acts 25.15 Agrippa and Bernice came down to Caesarea Chap. 12. He was eaten with worms This Agryppa was the son of Herod Agryppa who was eaten to death the brother of Drusilla nor was he King in Judea but in Trachonitis * 1153. Acts 27.12 We came to Phaenice to winter in the Port of Crete Phaenicia is a Province of Syria Phaenice is either a Province which is not here meant or a City and Port in the Island of Crete which Crete is at this day called Candy and subject to the Venetians * 1154. Acts 27.33 The fourteenth day fasting Which cannot naturally be in regard no man in his health can live without meat above seven daieâ— taking nothing by way of set meal or a full refection only now and then a little to keep them alive 1155. Acts 28.28 Be it known therefore unto you that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles Mat. 15.24 I am not sent but to the lâ—st sheep of the house of Israel The Gospel ought to be preached by the Apostles first to the Jews they not believing it came to the Gentiles So Christ preached to the Israelites before he gave command to his Disciples Go and teach all Nations Mat. 28.19 St. PAULS Epistle to the ROMANS IT may be said to be the Method of the holy Scripture in this are contained that which convinceth all both Jews and Gentiles of their sins it demonstrates Justification from sin by the Grace of God by Redemption of Jesus Christ which we apprehend by faith and testifie by good Works as the fruits of our faith It was written in the year of Christ 55. and sent from Corinth 1156. ROM 1.1 Paul a servant of Jesus Christ Joh. 15.15 I will not call you servants There are servants of sin and servants of Righteousness Christ speaks of servants of sin the Apostle was an Apostle of Righteousness either in respect of the common condition that he was freed by Christ from the power of Satan or of his Apostolical office being placed in the sacred Ministry by a singular manner 1157. Rom. 1.2 The Gospel of God which he had promised before by his Prophets in the holy Scriptures Chap. 16.25 The Gospel was kept secret since the world began but is now manifested The Gospel is taken either largely as it signifies the doctrine of Glory concerning Christ revealed in the Word or strictly properly for
or affliction but such as are incident to men such as usually befall men even Gods own children Though the devil do tempt yet he brought no unusual temptations upon the Corinthians though they not formerly have been acquainted with such temptations which might think them so strange yet they may assure themselves that those temptations under which they lie are no other than such as usually befals men * 1331. 1 Cor. 10.13 Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able 2 Cor. 2.8 That we were pressed above measure above strength What we are able to bear through Gods goodness and grace is one thing and above this we cannot be tempted What we are able to bear by our own strength is another and thus Christians and men thus Paul were pressed above measure 1332. 1 Cor. 10.15 Judge ye your selves what I say Joh. 5.39 Search the Scriptures The Apostle makes all men judges of his cause if any could not judge it was not imbecility of the Law but the deed because all were bound to know things that concerned their faith for by the Word of God we may judge concerning things that belong to faith the knowledge whereof is necessary for all men and it is acquired by reading meditation invocation and searching the holy Scriptures 1333. 1 Cor. 10.15 I speak as to wise men Chap. 3.1 As to carnal and babes The Corinthians were wise in respect of their doctrine but carnal in their affections by reason of their strife and contentions for the most learned have their carnal desires nor were they all wise or carnal for often what belongs to some is imputed to all 1334. 1 Cor. 10.21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of devils Chap. 11.29 He that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh his own damnation The first place is of right and so they cannot not must not eat or drink though they do eat and drink the latter is understood of the fact whereby they take it 1335. 1 Cor. 10.24 Let no man seek his own but every man anothers wealth 1 Tim. 5.8 But if any man provide not for his own especially for his own house he hath denied the faith and is worse than an Infidel The first is to be understood with limitation that no man out of overmuch love of himself should do his own occasions boastingly which is far from Christian charity which teacheth that a man is not born for himself but to serve God and to do good to his neighbour Let no man seek his own principally and solely but thus let him seek Gods glory and after this and in reference to Gods glory let him seek his own * 1336. 1 Cor. 10. ult I please all men in all things Gal. 1.10 If I yet pleased men I should not be the servant of Christ Things are either indifferent in their own nature and so may be used or not used according to opportunities persons Or else they are such as are sinful in their own nature being forbidden of God S. Paul pleaseth all men in things that he lawfully might as in Ceremonies to observe or forbear them but in such things as were simply evil if by doing them he should please men he were not the servant of Christ but of men whom he intends by such actions to please while on the other side should he not wherein he lawfully might please all men to gain them to Christ he was not the servant of Christ * 1337. 1 Cor. 11.16 If any seem to be contentious we have no such custome Jude 3. Contend earnestly The Apostle would have no man contend against reason and authority presumptuously and yet we ought to contend earnestly where the authority of Scripture and the truth of reason is evident and makes it appear that the thing contended for is matter of faith and salvation 1338. 1 Cor. 11.24 Eat this is my Body Rom. 6.9 The body dieth no more In the Lords Supper the Body of Christ is not broken by a natural or carnal manner the Body and the Bloud the Bread and the Wine are received conjunctively in respect of the instrument but they are received disjunctively in respect of the manner for the Bread and Wine is received after one manner the Body and Bloud after another manner * 1 Cor. 11.24 This is my body Rom. 6.9 The body dieth no more This is in signification not in essence my body this is my body as the seven wheat ears were the seven dear years as Christ is a door this signifies my body Christs body died but once but it may be signified a thousand times to be dead 1339. 1 Cor. 11.24 Which is broken for you Luk. 22.19 Which is given The Apostle received from the Lord what he delivered to the Corinthians concerning the sacred Supper without doubt in the first institution the Lord used both the words and because the Evangelists make mention of the name of giving the Apostle adds the other * 1 Cor. 11.24 Luk. 22.19 So broken with cares within and with nails and wounds without as he might be said a man of sorrows so given as to be broken and so broken as to be given a broken Christ for a broken soul The Apostle had an eye to the substance and matter and may seem in this to interpret what is meant by giving as to the manner of the gift a broken gift or a bleeding Christ to make us have whole souls * 1340. 1 Cor. 11.28 Let a man examine himself Psal 26.1 Examine me O Lord. Our examinatiod of our selves hinders not our praying that God may examine us for when we have examined the most strictly yet we shall leave much unexamined but when God examines he examines every corner of our heart and sets our sins in order before us He finds our sins as he found Saul hid under the stuff The Psalmist would have God to examine him to see the justness of his heart in that cause 1341. 1 Cor. 12.3 No man can say that Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost Isa 29.13 Mat. 7.21 Mat. 7.21 Not every one that saith unto me Lord Lord shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven In the first place it is not only historically with outward lips to say that Jesus Christ is the Lord Tit. 1.16 but with faith to believe that he is the Lord which hypocrites and devils cannot do for though with their mouth they confess him yet with works they deny him also no man can say for his own salvation that Jesus is the Lord unless he have the Holy Ghost 1342. 1 Cor. 12.6 God worketh all in all Phil. 2.12 Work out your salvation God works all that we may work out our salvation God as the first cause works all good in all men we with God work out our salvation subordinately we are called by God moving and helping us freely and by his grace we co-operate * 1 Cor. 12.6 with Phil. 2.12
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