of David Matthew observes the natural order descending from Fathers to the sons Luke ascends from the sons to the Fathers Matthew by Solomon and his posterity reckons the fore-fathers of Christ from David to Salathiel Luke by Nathan and his posterity for Solomons race being extinct Christ was born of the posterity of Nathan according to the flesh 530. Mat. 1. 12. Jeconias begat Salathiel Luk. 3. 27. Salathiel was the son of Neri Melchi Addi Jeconias died without children Salathiel was the natural son of Neri born from David by Nathan the legal son of Jeconias because he succeeded him by right in the Kingdome 531. Mat. 2. 1. Behold wise men came from the East to Jerusalem cap. 11. 25. I confesse to thee Lord because thou hast hid these things from the wise c. The Wise men were led to Christ not by humane but divine wisdome acknowledging Col. 2. 3. Rom. 1. 25. Mat. 23. 23. Luk. 11. 12. 1 Cor. 1. 26. that in Christ were hid all the treasures of wisdome and knowledge Christ rejects no such wise men but such as are not wise from Gods Spirit and yet think themselves wise following the wisdome of this world as the Heathen Philosophers and the Pharisees amongst the Jews and those that are wise now adayes with fleshly wisdome 532. Mat. 3. 1. John the Baptist preached in the wildernesse Luk. 3. 3. He came into all the Countrey about Jordan preaching by the Desert Matthew means not the inward remote parts separated from the company of men but the fore-parts a Mountainous Countrey lying about Jordan 533. Mat. 3. 14. John knew Christ before he baptized him Joh. 1. 33. I knew him not but he that sent me to baptize with water said unto me Vpon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and resting upon him he it is that baptizeth with the holy Ghost John had a knowledge of Christ before his baptism by inchoation but that knowledge was confirmed and consummate when in baptism he saw the Heavens open and the Spirit of God descending upon him like a Dove and so by an outward revelation joyned with an inward illumination he pronounced that Jesus was the Messias and the Lamb of God that takes away the sinnes of the world 534. Mat. 3. 16. The Spirit of God descended and came upon Christ Luk. 1. 35. Christ had the holy Ghost before Gal. 4. 6. At the baptism of Christ the holy Ghost came upon him like a Dove to declare that Jesus Christ is the Mediator between God and man according to the prophesie The Spirit Isa 61. 1. of the Lord was upon me because he hath anoynted me to preach good tidings to the meek to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord who being to Psal 45. 8. take upon him the Office of Mediator is anoynted with spiritual oyl 535. Mat. 4. 2. And when Jesus had fasted forty dayes and forty nights he was afterward an hungred and the Tempter came and said unto him Luk. 4. 1. He was tempted forty days The internal temptation lasted forty dayes then came the Devil to Christ in an external and corporal shape and spake unto him 536. Mat. 4. 8. The Devil at the third temptation took him up to a Mountain Luk. 4. 5. The Devil at the second temptation took him into a high Mountain In the holy Scripture saith Augustine there is no contradiction where any thing is related by divers Authors and not observed the same way De Cons Ecclesiae Matthew placeth the temptations in order But Luke by Hysterosis puts the second temptation after the third 537. Mat. 4. 12. 17. Jesus began to preach from the imprisonment of John the Baptist Joh. 1. 2 3 4. chap. He preached before John was in prison Matthew passeth over that which John sets down in his 4 first chapters 538. Mat. 4. 18. Jesus walking by the Sea of Galilee saw two brothers Simon and Andrew casting a Net into the Sea and he said Follow me Luk. 5. 1. He stood by the Lake of Gennesareth v. 3. Ascending into Simons ship he bade them put off a little from the land and he sat and taught the people out of the ship as he ended his speech he said to Simon Lanch into the deep v. 10. Fear not henceforth thou shalt catch men Here we have need of a threefold reconciliation Matthew saith that Christ walking toward Sea called Peter Luke in a little ship But Matthew speaks of his first call and Luke of his confirmation in it 2. Matthew makes no mention of the Miracle but what he let passe Luke describes 3. Matthew cals it the Sea of Galilee Luke the Lake of Genesareth because the Hebrews call all waters Seas Matthew respects the Province Luke the banks by the next City 539. Mat. 5. 1. Christ seeing the multitude went up into a Mountain and taught them Luk. 6. 17. He came down with them and stood in the plain Vers 20. Looking on his Disciples he said Blessed c. Here is also a threefold difference either Matthew saith that Christ preached in the Mountain Luke in the field Or Matthew saith he preached to the people Luke to his Disciples or Matthew saith before Luke after the healing of the leper Whence we conclude that Christ repeated that Sermon a second time 540. Mat. 5. 4. Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted Vers 14. Rejoyce and be glad Phil. 4. 4. Rejoyce in the Lord alwayes Christ speaks not of all that mourn but such as from the heart mourn for their sins Joh. 16. â—3 Luk. 16. 25. 2 Cor. 1. and believe in him whose condition in this life is sorrowful and they suffer pressures in the world their mourning brings joy in this world and the world to come and God comforts them in all afflictions Christ pronounceth such mourners happy 541. Mat. 5. 5. Blessed are the meek for they shall possesse the earth Heb. 1â— 13. And they all confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims in the earth Meek are gentle such as with a quiet mind induring injuries do not resist evill but overcome evil with goodnesse by the example of Christ to these is the possession of the earth Rom. 12. 21. Mat. 11. 28. 1 Cor. 3. 22. Psal 27. 13 14. 16. promised not simply but by right of inheritance for the godly though they possesse nothing are said to possesse the earth because they have Christ who possesseth all things and he is only rich who hath a quiet mind The earth here is principally taken not for the element of earth but the land of the living 542. Mat. 5. 10. Blessed are they that suffer persecution for righteousnesse sake Ver. 12. Because great is their reward in heaven 1 Pet. 2. 10. c. 4. 14. Rom. 8. 18. The afflictions of this world are not worthy of the glory hereafter which shall be revealed in us The reward here hath no relation to any merit of ours but to the free love of
Kingdome is eternal and without end not as Davids earthly Kingdome was for a few dayes but it must be continued for ever in the Person of Christ and the faithful after a spiritual manner he shall deliver the Kingdome to the Father not that he shall no longer rule with the Father but because after this world is ended he will fully joyn us to his Father and will govern his Church otherwise then it is now governed 665. Luk. 1. 36. Elizabeth Maries Cousin ver 5. She was of the daughters of Aaron Luk. 2. 5. Mary was of the Tribe of Judah of the house of David In Scripture they are called Cousins though they are not all of the same family so vulgarly Anna is affirmed to be the Mother of Mary and the sister of Elizabeth 666. Luk. 1. 44. The babe leaped in my womb for joy that is John Baptist in the womb of his Mother when Mary came to her Joh. 1. 31. I knew him not saith John Christ was known to John before by internal and spiritual knowledge but John knew him externally and corporally in his baptism 667. Luk. 1. 67. Zacharias prophesied being full of the holy Ghost Joh. 7. 39. The holy Ghost was not yet because Christ was not yet glorified The first place is meant of the gift and Spirit of Prophesie the latter place is concerning the visible and wonderful effusion of gifts of the holy Ghost upon the Apostles after Christs glorification 668. Luk. 2. 11. There is born to you a Saviour in the City of David which is Christ the Lord. 1 Pet. 3. 21. Baptism doth save us Subalternates doe not disagree Christ makes his people safe from their sins principally as the efficient meritorious cause Baptism serves but instrumentally and not alwayes for it is not the want of baptism but the contempt which condemns us 669. Luk. 2. 33. His Father and Mother marvelled at those things Mat. 1. 8. Jesus according to his humanity no Father Heb. 7. 3. according to his Divinity had no Mother The Father of Jesus Christ Joseph was only so for his care but not really and naturally so for he was appointed by God to be a keeper of the Virgin Mary espoused to him and her Son and Christ being a little child gave him honour and reverence due to a Father The Virgin Mary was his natural Mother according to the flesh for he received his humane nature of her substance 670. Luk. 2. 34. Simeon blessed him Heb. 7. 7. The lesser is blessed of the better Simeon prayed well for Mary congratulating her concerning her happy and blessed Off-spring and by a Prophetique Spirit fore-shewing the hard successe she and her Son should have but he did not prefer himself before them 671. Luk. 3. 7. The Baptist cals the Pharisees a generation of Vipers Mat. 5. 22. He that saith to his brother Thou Fool shall be in danger of Hell fire John Baptist cals them not so reproachfully out of an ill affection but from his Office because such were full of poyson and malice working the Viperous works of the Devil the old Serpent So the Ministers of the Church must publickly complain of the sins of the people 672. Luk. 5. 10. Fear not from henceforth thou shalt catch men Joh. 1. 42. Andrew brought Simon his brother to Christ Simon is brought by Andrew to follow Christ and to professe the Gospel by a general call but Christ cals him by a special call to the Sacred Function about the matter of Fishing 673. Luk. 6. 1. And it came to passe on the second Sabbath after the first that he went through the Corn fields Mat. 12. 1. At that time Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the corn The Jews called the eight day of the great solemnity the second Sabbath after the first for some of their Feasts lasted for eight dayes and the first day with the eight day were the most solemn and the intermediate days not so much regarded moreover they were called Sabbaths 674. Luk. 6. 25. Woe to you that laugh now for you shall mourn and weep Joh. 16. 22. Your heart shall rejoyce and your joy no man taketh from you In the first place the pleasures and delights of the world are understood by the name of laughter the end whereof is alwayes sorrow in the latter place is meant joy in Christ by the holy Ghost which is heavenly and eternall 675. Luk. 6. 26. Woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you Mat. 5. 16. 1 Pet. 2. 12. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorifie your Father which is in heaven Woe be to them who do only so that they may please the world and desire the praise of men flattering the wicked and winking at their sins that they may get favour But not to them who like a light are an example of good works and a godly life to others 676. Luk. 6. 30. Give to every man that asketh Eccles 12. 4. Give to the godly and help not a sinner hold back thy bread and give it not unto him Christ will have that we shall doe good to our friends and to our enemies though they be wicked and ingrateful by the example of our merciful heavenly Father and if we give not to the person yet give to his Nature as he is a man A place of Ecclesiasticus may not be opposed to Canonical Scripture who will have him that craves an alms to be humble shutting out the wicked and obstinate in malice who abuse the beneficence of good men 677. Luk. 7. 13. Weep not Eccles 38. 16. Let tears fall down over the dead Christ comforts the widow who wept for the death of her onely son because her son should suddenly live again But Christ disallows not moderate weeping for the death of our neighbour only we must not mourn as those that have no hope 678. Luk. 8. 39. Return to thy house and shew how great things God hath done unto thee c. 5. 14. He commands the Leper that he should tell no man Christ commanded him that was possessed with the Devil to tell what benefits God had done for him because the time the place and other circumstances required that but he sent the leprous party who was cleansed to the Priest that he might approve of the cure 679. Luk. 10. 4. Salute no man by the way Rom. 16. 16. Salute one the other with an holy kiss The Churches of Christ salute you Phil. 4. 22. The Saints Christ will have his Disciples diligent in dispatch of their Office that they should not hinder the course of their Ministery with long discourses and salutations but should fulfil their journey in a short time such a command gave Elias to his servant which denyeth not our Christian duty and humane good manners to salute one the other 680. Luk. 10. 18. I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven Joh. 8. 44. The Devill was a Murderer from
THE Reconciler OF THE BIBLE WHEREIN Above Two Thousand seeming Contradictions throughout the Old and New Testament are Fully and Plainly Reconciled Being necessary for all those that desire to understand the Sacred Scriptures aright unto SALVATION By J. T. Minister of the Gospel LONDON Printed for Simon Miller at the Star in St. Pauls-church-yard neer the West end M. DC LVI Imprimatur Edm. Calamy To the Reader THE Scripture of the Old and New Testament 2 Tim. 3. 16. revealed from God by the Prophets and Apostles since it is the rule of heavenly doctrine it ought to be held in high account amongst us For so many as walke according Gal. 6. 16. to this rule peace be on them and mercy and upon the Israel of God c. But for as much as the enemies of divine truth are adversaries to those who continue in the same it is no wonder that they fear not both to resist the spirit by whom it was inspired and to accuse the work of contrariety and imperfection Though the Scripture have no reall contrarieties indeed in its self for the Spirit of God by 2 Pet. 1. 21. whom those holy men that writ it were led being not Chrys in Gen. hom 1. contrary to himself did so govern the matter that it should wholly agree in all parts yet some apparent contrarieties there are in it which cause some difficulty to the Reader yet the whole body of the Doctrine is not therefore to be accused of obscurity as though the will of God could not thence be certainly known concerning things which appertain to Religion Nothing is searched out there which is not to be found easily in some other place nor is there any opposition in the Scripture witnesse Aug. lib. 5. c. 8. de Genes I will never dare to think saith Justin Martyr in Dial. cum Tryph. Judaeo nor speak that the Scriptures can be adverse to themselves but if any Scripture seem to be so and hath a colour as though it did contradict some other Scripture I will rather confesse that I understand not the things there spoken being certainly perswaded that no part of Scripture can be opposite to any other part thereof c. This is that I undertake to prove in this Reconciliatory Bible wherein are reconciled above Two Thousand places of the Sacred Scripture opposite in appearance in a plain order by the Canonical books of the Old and New Testament short collections of each Book and Chronologicall numbers being set down before them and the truth of the divine word is proved to be uniforme to the honour and love whereof all that doubt of the consent of the same are modestly invited Some man perhaps will object that some things are borrowed by me from others which I deny not for in compiling this Synopsis I thought it more safe and discreet to follow the steps of the most approved Interpreters then without the authority of famous men in this most corrupt age which is full of Error and Heresie to invert any thing of my own brain and to publish it to the world And I hope that the Curteous Reader and the equall censurer are not ignorant that in the study of Divinity nothing can be said now that was not said before And it is most profitable that many Books should be Eccl. 110. Aug. tom 3 de Trin. lib. 1. c. 3. made by many men of the same things in a divers style but not in a different faith And he shall finde that I have compendiously gathered together in this Concordance that which the greater works of learned men contain more at large so that here he may as it were at a single view comprehend the matter Let those famous men have the praise who have set forth large handfuls in this harvest I would not that any one should derogate from their Orthodox labours but let them have it rather then my selfe Yet I doubt not but that he who was and is effectuall in their large and learned Commentaries will supply me with his grace and be present to these gleanings If any one condemn my brevity and rudenesse of my style I sought to be brief but not obscure because brevity is profitable and is accounted most acceptable alwayes by this there is nothing lost in the substance My religious mind bad me stop this little body with solid meat not with lofty and windy words if there be any thing found in it that is not as it should be I crave pardon what is not spoken religiously enough let it passe as not spoken far be it from me that I should arrogate to my self as though I had exactly written without error for I am not he of whom it may be said He made it in the perfect tense D. Mart. Luth. in praef but I stand in the last ranke who scarse dare say I would have made it yet in great matters it is suffient to be willing Wherefore I being much sollicited by some like my self that is of the meaner sort and by the most pious desire of my intimate friends by this little Book of mine first intended for private use I would nay I am obliged to do them good but not them who suppose they better understand these things For who is sufficient for these things Christian Reader I do patiently and willingly beg of thee that according to thy Piety and Candor thou wouldest sincerely interpret of this my study and duty performed in collecting these Concordances of the Bible and wouldest look upon it with the same minde that I writ it that is with a single and good eye Our Lord Jesus Christ who of God is made 1 Cor. 1. 30. unto us wisdome and righteousnesse and sanctification and redemption in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdome and knowledge Sanctifie reconcile and enlighten us by his holy Spirit that being reconciled in him we may remain for ever to the praise of his divine grace and our own salvation Which is the desire and prayer of Your dayly Orator at the Throne of Grace J. T. RECONCILIATIONS Of the Places of the OLD-TESTAMENT THE sacred Scripture of the Old Testament is the Word of God brought down from heaven from the beginning of the World unto the coming of the Messias preached by the Prophets almost 4000 years writin Hebrew except some few things in Chalde Esdras 4 5 6. Dan. 2 to 8. Ezek. 10. 11. called by the Jewes Esirmve arba that is twenty four divided by Christ into the books of Luk. 24. 27. Moses the Prophets and the Psalms The Books of Moses THe Pentateuch that is the five Books Also the Ocean of Divinity the Hebrews call the 1. Bereschit that is in the beginning 2. Velle Semoth These are the names 3. Vajer He called The 4. Vajed daber And he spake 5. Elle hadebarim These are the words both in Greek and Latine 1. Genesis 2. Exodus 3. Leviticus 4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Numbers
5. Deuteronomie GENESIS THe Generation of the World is so called because of the Creation before the flood and the restoring of it after the flood and the administration of it by the Patriarchs unto the birth of Moses it containes the history of 2310. years The Places that are seemingly contradictory 1. Gen. 1. 22. And on the seventh day God ended his work Chap. 2. 4. All things were created in the day that the Lord God made the heavens and the earth Reconciling God created the world and all things therein contained in six days and not in one day altogether The first place therefore is meant of certain naturall and artificiall dayes The latter containes indefinitely the time of the Psal 95. 7. Heb. 3. 13. creation of things So this day is put for the time of grace 2. Gen. 1. 2. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters Joh. 7. 39. The Holy Ghost was not yet given In the first place the treaty is concerning the person and existence of the holy Ghost in the latter concerning the gifts of the holy Ghost and the miraculous powring forth thereof in the day of Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ 3. Gen. 1. 5. God called the light day before the Sun was Ecclus. 43. 2. The Sun when it appeareth declareth the day The light which first made the day was not an other light from the light of the Sun but that light which God had dispersed through the hemisphere which he collected afterwards into the body of the Sun 4. Gen 1. 27. 9. 6. God created man after his own image Chap. 5. 3. And Adam begat a son in his own likenesse after his image The Image of God after which God created man at the beginning was depraved by the fall of Adam and so he begat such a son as himself a corrupt sinner and blind in spirituall things 5. Gen. 1. 27. God created man c. in the image of God male and female created he them 1 Cor. 11. 7. The man is the image and glory of God but the woman is the glory of the man The woman was created in the beginning 1 Pet. 3. 6. Gen. 24. 9. after the image of God so well as the man Paul considering the distinction of sex saith that the man came nearer to the image of God in respect of his dominion and the end because the woman wes made out of the man and for the man 6. Gen. 1. 2. 9. 1. Be fruitfull and multiplie and replenish the earth Luk. 23. 29. Blessed are the barren and the wombes that never bare Children before and since the fall are a blessing from God absolutely Barrennesse is commended by Christ not simply but by reason of a judgement was to fall upon the Jews and of that heavy calamity to ensue wherein the flight would be easier for one alone then for a mother and her little ones so Woe be to them that are with childe and to them which give Mat. 24. 19. suck in those days 7. Gen. 1. 28. Multiply and replenish the earth 1 Cor. 7. 7. For I would that all men were even as I my self Whether Paul were then a Batchelor or a maried man is uncertain that he was maried his words imply where he saith Have not we power to lead about a Sister or a woman a wife as well as the other Apostles otherwise he had not been sure of a wife If he were a Batchelor he speaks conditionally unlesse the propagation of mankind and of the Church should be hindred 8. Gen. 1. 31. And God saw every thing that he had made and behold it was very good Eccles 1. 2. Vanity of vanities all is vanity All the Creatures are good in respect of the creation and their nature but Ecclesiastes condemns their vain and evill inclination which is not naturall to them but came upon them by the fall of man 9. Gen. 1. 31. All that God made was very good Rom. 8. 20. For the Creature was made subject to vanity not willingly but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope Before the fall every creature was in a better condition then after the fall for contrary to nature they are become subject to the lust of wicked men and so to many afflictions by reason of him who hath subjected the creature that is God under this hope that it shall be at last delivered from the tyranny of the wicked 10. Gen. 1. 31. God saw every thing that he had made and behold it was very good Mal. 1. 3. I hated Esau Every creature of God is good and so is Quaest ex Epist ad Rom. Man as he is a creature but not as a sinner saith August God therefore hated Esau for his sin and set him after his brother Jacob. 11. Gen. 2. 2. God rested from all his works Exod. 20. 11. Deut. 14. that he had made Joh. 5. 17. 14. 10. My Father worketh hitherto God rested from all the works of creation and of things that should be in nature but not from his works of Providence care and sustentation for without that all would return to Psal 104. Act. 17. nothing and perish 12. Gen. 2. 15. God put man into the garden of Eden to dresse it Chap. 3. 19. In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread If Adam had continued in innocency labour should have been pleasant unto him but because he sinned therefore must we labour with much sorrow and trouble 13. Gen. 2. 18. It is not good that the man should be alone Mat. 19. 10. It is not good to marry 1 Cor. 7. To touch a woman In the first place God speaks of the good and profit of the whole Species and the Church which cannot be propagated by one person alone In the latter the Apostle speaks of the personall good and the more commodious kind of life in the time of persecution 14. Gen. 2. 24. Therefore shall a man leave his Father and Mother Exod. 20. 12. Honour thy Father and thy Mother To leave Father and Mother here is not to denie them the honour love and help that is due to them but to leave the house of his parents and to live with his wife and to set up a new family with her 15. Gen. 2. 24. A man shall cleave to his wife Exod. 21. 4. The servant going forth shall leave his wife to his master c. The generall Law pertains to all that is the first but the speciall law was granted to the Jews for the hardnesse of their hearts and so we understand the latter place 16. Gen. 2. 24. Mat. 19. 5. And they shall be one flesh 1 Cor. 6. 16. He that is joyned to a harlot is one body Married people are one body really and indeed by divine institution but carnall copulation with a whore without marriage though it be actually one body yet it is impure because it is not of divine
Of the tribe of Judah 500000. 1 Chron. 21. 5. They are numbred 47000. First the Souldiers are numbred with their Colonels but next they are reckoned without their Officers 232. 2 Sam. 24. 13. Shall seven yeares of Famine come unto thee 1 Chron. 21. 12. Choose three years Famin. The Famin of seven years is joyned with the three years famine sent for the cruelty of the house of Saul after that should follow the other for the sins of David 233. 2 Sam. 24. 14. It is better to fall into the hands of the Lord. Heb. 10. 31. It is a fearfull thing to fall into the hands of the living God It is good to be in the hands of God when he is pleased with us because his mercies are great It is fearfull to fall into the hands of God when he is angry for the wicked cannot stand before him in judgement 234. 2 Sam. 24. 15. God sent a Pestilence upon Israel from the morning unto the time appointed Vers 13. Shall there be three dayes Pestilence in thy Land The time appointed was from the morning untill noon of one day or of the continuall morning sacrifice that is four hours 235. 2 Sam. 24. 24. David bought of Araunah the floor and the Oxen for 50. shekels of silver 1 Chron. 21. 25. David gave to Araunah for the threshing floor 600. shekels of gold of just weight The floor with all the ground about it was bought for 600. shekels of gold a greater price then what was given for the threshing floor the Oxen and the wood appointed for the sacrifice The two Books of KINGS Heb. Malachim THe first Book contains the History of Solomon The building of the Temple The division of the Kingdome to Judah and Israel The life of five of the Kings of Judah and eight of Israel Of Elias the Prophet With the History of 116 yeers The second contains the deeds of sixteen Kings of Judah and twelve of Israel Of Elisha and the destruction of the Kingdome and carrying the people of Israel captivo to Assyria Of the children of Judah to Babylon With the History of 345. yeares Jeremias writ them both 236. 1 King 2. 4. If thy children shall keep my wayes and walk in them in truth there shall not fail thee a man to sit on the throne of Israel Gen. 49. 10. The scepter shall not depart from Judah till Shiloh come In the former place it is spoken conditionally of the Kingdome of Israel If the sons of David should keep the wayes of the Lord but because Solomon failed therefore the Kingdome of Israel departed from his son and in the seventh generation the Kingdome of Judah was translated upon Nathan whose posterity ruled over the Jews untill the coming of Christ In the latter place any kind of dominion is foretold to remain in Judahs posterity untill the Messias should come 237. 1 King 3. 1. Solomon took Pharaoh his daughter and brought her into the City of David Exod. 34. 15. Enter not into Covenant with the Inhabitants of that Land nor marry a wife c. Marriages in a different Religion are dangeros nor are they pleasing to God We must not 2 Cor. 6. 14. draw in the same yoak with Infidels for there can be no firme charity or unity where the foundation is neglected that is true Godlinesse That Queen forsaking her Religion and her 1 King 11. 4. fathers house and marrying with Solomon was a type of the mariage of Christ and his Church But because Solomon loved also the women of other Nations and his heart was led away by them to follow other gods he drew the anger of God upon himself and his posterity and caused a defection from them 238. 1 King 3. 13. I have also given thee riches and honour thot none of the Kings shall be like unto thee Mat. 6. 29. Solomon in all his glory was not like the Lillies of the field Solomon exceeded all the Kings in wisdom riches and honour Christ compares the Lillies with his vestiments in his greatest splendour 239. 1 King 6. 2. The house which Solomon built for the Lord the length thereof was 60 cubits the breadth 20. cubits and the height thereof 30 cubits 2 Chron. 3. 4. it is said to be 120 cubits In the first place common cubits in the latter cubits of the Sanctuary must be understood for the sacred cubit did contain two common cubits 240. 1 King 7. 15. He made two brasen pillars of 18 cubits high a piece 2 Chron. 3. 15. He made two pillars of 35 cubits high a piece Both the pillars did appear but 35 cubits high the half of each cubit was hid in the capitall or crowning of the pillar 241. 1 King 7. 19. The chapiters were four cubits 2 King 25. 17. They were three cubits The crown with the chapiter was four cubets without the crown but three cubits 242. 1 King 7. 26. The sea contained 2000 baths 2 Chron. 4. 5. 3000 baths In the former place is expressed the number of baths which ordinarily were put into the Vessell by the Kings order In the latter the capacity of the vessell is set down unto the brim of it so it would hold 3000 baths 243. 1 King 8. 4. The Priests brought up the Arke of the Lord and the Tabernacle of the Congregation into the Temple 2 Chron. 1. 13. The Tabernacle of the Congregation of God was at Gibeon The Tabernacle of David was a new one 2 Sam. 6. 17. 1 Chron. 16. 1. in which was the Arke of the Covenant The old one made by Moses was in the desart and remained at Gibeon 244. 1 King 8. 46. There is no man that sinneth not 1 Joh. 3. 9. Every man that is born of God doth not commit sin Naturally we are polluted with sin by the frailty of the flesh they that are born of God are the sons of God who being regenerate by the holy Spirit doe not give way to sin but carefully resist it being guided by the holy Ghost 245. 1 King 8. 27. The heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain God Col. 2. 9. In Christ dwelleth all fulnesse of the God-head bodily The divine nature cannot be apprehended by us the divinity of Christ is personally united to the flesh and dwels in it as in its proper Temple 246. 1 King 9. 23. Princes over Solomons work 550. 2 Chron. 8. 10. All the Princes over Solomons work were 250. In the former place mention is made of all who took charge of the work in the latter of those that took charge by course 247. 1 King 9. 28. Hiram sent to Solomon 420 talents of gold 2 Chron. 8. 18. They brought from Ophir 450 talents af gold The mariners and Solomons servants spent 30 talents by the way and they brought to Solomon to Jerusalem 420. 248. 1 King 11. 35. God said to Jerohoam I will give unto thee tentribes Vers 36. To Solomons son one tribe Chap. 12. 21. Rehoboam
JOELS Prophesie the son of Pethuel HE Prophesied in the year 3239. That the Israelites should be carried captives into Assyria he exhorts them to repentance and promiseth mercy to them that are penitent 480. Joel 1. 13. Chap. 2. 12. Turn you unto me with fasting with weeping and with mourning Mat. 6. 17. When thou fastest anoint thy head and wash thy face that thou seem not to fast before men Christ discommends not private or publick fastings but he taxeth the hypocrisie of the Pharisees in their fasts for godly people must not sound a trumpet but be content to have God the witnesse of their works 481. Joel 2. 14. Who knoweth whether God will return and repent and pardon us Jam. 1. 6. He that doubts is like a wave of the sea Who knoweth belongs not to remission of sins but removing of punishment for that is to be prayed for upon condition of the will of God and our good 482. Joel 2. 28. Isai 44. 3. And it shall come to passe after this that I will powre out my spirit upon all flesh 2 Sam. 23. 2. 2 Pet. 1. 21. Holy men of God spake as they were inspired by the holy Ghost Joel speaks of the state of the Church after the coming of Messias and of the comparing of the spirituall gifts of the Jewish and Christian members of the Church And he teacheth that after the Messias shall be come the spirituall gifts of God shall be greater amongst all men but not that all under the new Testament should have the gift of Prophesie The latter places are of publick and ordinary prophesie 483. Joel 2. 32. Whosoever cals upon the name of the Lord shall be delivered Heb. 6. 4. Chap. 10. 26. They that are once enlightned if they fall they cannot be restored The first place speaks of the faithfull who call on the Lords name in faith The latter concerning Apostates that sin against the holy Ghost who have neither faith nor true prayer though they pray with their lips for they do it not sincerely and therefore their prayers are an abomination to God 484. Joel 3. 20. But Judah shall dwell for ever and Jerusalem from generation to generation Amos 9. 11. The Tabernacle of David is fallen down Mat. 24. 1. Act. 15. 16. The promises of the perpetuity of the Temple and Kingdome of Judah belong not to the building and wals of the City or the civill kingdome but to the perpetuity of the Kingdome of Christ and his Church against which the gates of hell shall never be able to prevail and they are conditionall upon their faith obedience and purity of Divine worship AMOS his Prophesie WHo was of the common people amongst the heardsmen of Tekoa He prophesieth of the wrath of God to the Kings and Kingdomes of Judah and Israel and he threatens Famine Sword Pestilence devastation and ruine to the neighbours who were enemies to Gods people He prophesied in the year 3153 in the dayes of Josiah King of Judah 485. Amos 1. 3. 6. 9. 11. 13. Chap. 2. 1. 4. 6. For three transgressions and for four I will not spare And at length he reckons but one It is a periphrasis of the seventh number which three and four do make which is called a perfect number in the Scriptures and a certain number is put for an uncertain as if he would have said For many iniquities I will not spare those Nations 486. Amos 5. 21. I hate I despise your feast dayes Exod. 20. 8. Remember thou keep holy the Sabbath day God hated the feasts and solemnities of the Israelites because they were defiled with humane traditions and a Pharisaicall opinion of merit But he doth not despise the Sabbaths appointed by himself and feasts which are kept at his command 487. Amos 5. 18. Woe unto you that desire the day of the Lord that day of the Lord is darknesse Mat. 6. 10. Thy Kingdome come Chap. 24. 30. Let it come with glory The Prophet speaks of the day of Judgement of this world which hypocrites desire who look to be justified in their works and not of the last judgement which godly men ought to pray for and to cry without ceasing Come Rev. 22. Lord Jesus 488. Amos 5. 26. But ye have born the Tabernacle of your Moloch and the images of your Idols the star of your God Rempham the statutes of your Gods which you made for your selves I will cause you to go into captivity beyond Damascus Act. 7. 43. You took up the Tabernacle of Moloch and the star of your God Rempham figures which you made to worship them and I will carry you beyond Babylon Stephen cites this Prophesie though in divers Rom. 16. 19 1 Eâ—d 8. 17. words yet in the same sense so Christ and his Apostles cite other places of the old Testament Moloch and Rempham were the Idols of the Ammonites The Israelites of Damascus by Cyromedia were carryed further into Persia and the Countrey of the Caspians beyond Babylon 489. Amos 8. 14. They shall fall and never rise up again 1 Cor. 11. 22. We shall all rise The first place speaks of a resurrection from sin to grace or from death to life which is denyed to impenitent sinners But the latter speaks of the generall resurrection of our bodies at the last day OBADIAHS Prophesie HE Prophesieth against the Idumeans He comforteth the Jewes and promiseth grace and help to the people of God He prophesied in the year 3337. 490. Obad. v. 15. As thou hast done it shall be done unto thee Revel 18. 6. Double unto her double In both places is manifested the just revenge of God he is commanded to mix double for Babylon according to her works thereby to shew that the kingdome of Antichrist shall be most miserably destroyed and trod down 491. Obad. v. 21. And Saviours shall come upon mount Sion Mat. 1. 21. Jesus shall save his people from their sins The Prophet means ministeriall Saviours that is the Apostles and other Ministers of the Jer. 3. 18. 1 Tim. 4. 16. Jam. 5. 20. Isa 53. 11. Joh. 1. 29. Ephes 1. 7. Church who do serve for the salvation of those that believe in Christ by the ministery of the word and not by the merit of their works and these turning sinners from their evill wayes do save their souls from death Christ Jesus is the only Saviour who takes away the sins of the world in whom we have redemption by his bloud and remission of our sins according to the riches of his grace nor is there salvation in any other Act. 4. 12. JONAS Prophesie THe son of Amittai of the tribe of Zebulon He was sent to Nineve the Metropolis of Assyria to preach First when he refused he was cast into the sea swallowed by a fish and the third day he was cast on the shoar then being sent again to Nineve he was angry because God spared them upon their repentance therefore he was reprehended by God He
prophesied in the year 3110. 492. Jon. 1. 3. Jonas rose up to flee unto Tharsis from the presence of the Lord. Vers 9. I fear the Lord the God of heaven who hath made the sea and the dry land Jonas would not flee from God so much as to escape his office by flying Vers 9. In the midst of the tempest he gives the Mariners an account of his Religion and of his flight confessing that for his disobedience that great tempest was sent 493. Jon. 1. 10. Jonas fleeth to Tharsis from the presence of the Lord. Psal 139. 7. Whither shall I goe from thy spirit or whither shall I flee from thy presence Jonas was not ignorant that no man could so flee from the face of the Lord but he thought that if he forsook the holy land then all divine apparitions to him would cease and that God would then call some other man to the office he had laid upon him 494. Jon. 2. 6. The earth with her bars was about me for ever Vers 10. The fish cast Jonas on the dry land Jonas thought in the belly of the Whale that he should remain there but God brought him forth and shewed thereby that he had power over life and death 495. Jon. 3. 4. Yet 40. dayes and Nineveh shall be overthrown Vers 10. God spared them The divine commination was conditionall if they repented not but because they did embrace the word of God and detesting their wickednesse they did turn to the Lord with all their hearts God spared them Of such 〈◊〉 10. 7 〈◊〉 10. God means speaking thus If I speak against a Kingdom or a Nation that I will root it out and that Nation repents of their evill ways I will repent that I thought to doe so to them 496. Jon. 3. 4. Jonas foretold the overthrow of Nineveh and it was not performed Duet 28. 22. If a Prophet speak in the name of the Lord and that thing cometh not to passe the Lord hath not spoken it but the Prophet hath spoken it presumptuously That Sermon of Jonas was not so much a prophesie as a commination Moses speaks not of comminations and Prophesies which have a condition included but of such Prophesies as are absolute as Samuel foresaid to Saul that two men should meet him 497. Jon. 3. 9. Who knows whether God will return and repent Mal. 3 6. I the Lord change not Num. 23. 19. Jon. 1. 7. Repentance and passions of men are attributed to God not properly but figuratively and by way of comparison and by Anthropopathy whilst God shews himself as a man repenting otherwise with God there Jam. 1. 17. is no change 498. Jon. 4. 11. In Nineveh were more then 120000 persons which partly by want of age and partly by simplicity did not know their right hand from their left Gen. 8. 21. The imagination of mans heart is prone to evill from his youth Between the right and the left hand they did not know the difference who were yet so young as to be free from actuall sinnes and others in years that were simple and sincere MICHAS Prophesie THe Morasihite against the Kings the Judges the Priests and false prophets in Judah and Israel He threatens perdition to impenitent sinners and promiseth salvation to the Saints which remained He prophesied in the year 3197. 499. Mich. 1. 2. And thou Bethlehem Ephrata though thou be little amongst the thousands of Judah out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel Mat. 2. 6. And thou Bethlehem in the land of Judah art not the least amongst the Princes of Judah for out of thee shall come a Governour that shall rule my people Israel The Prophet cals it Bethlehem Ephrata and Matthew Bethlehem Judah for a difference from an other city so called in the Tribe of Zabulon It was indeed a little Towne before Christs coming before Christ was born but afterwards it became a most noble City because the Messias was born there Matthew cites the place of the Prophet faithfully which the Pharisees had corrupted and sets down the words which the Pharisees speak unto Herod 500. Mich. 5. 2. And thou Bethlehem Ephrata out of thee shall he come forth unto me that shall be Ruler in Israel Joh. 7. 27. Whence Christ is no man knows The Prophet expresly names the place of Christs nativity the Jewes not knowing Christ to be the true God did mingle his temporall generation with his eternall contending amongst themselves Doth not the Scripture say that being of the seed of David Christ should come from the City of David 501. Mich. 7. 5. Trust ye not in a friend 1 Cor. 13. 7. Charity believeth all things The first place is a rule of Prudence needfull for Charity The Prophet bids us not to suspect ill of all men but he complains of the corrupt manners of his times when men could believe no man therefore he saith we must deal circumspectly which is agreeing to Charity lest we be defrauded by craft or malice Christ himself did not trust himself with Joh. 2. 25 26. the Jews because he knew all men and knew what was in man 502. Mich. 7. 9. I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned Vers 9. He will bring me forth to the light and I shall behold his righteousnesse The people of Israel being miserably afflicted could not boast in the sight of God of their innocence therefore they ought patiently to endure Gods corrections but before their enemies being innocent they did rise up by divine help The Babylonians were formerly to the Israelites as the Turks and Tartars are now adayes to the Christians afflicting us without cause though in the sight of God we are not without fault NAHUMS Prophesie the Elkoshite HE Prophesieth against the Assyrians He denounceth destruction to the Ninivites 100 years after Jonas he comforts the Jews preaching unto them the message of peace 503. Nah. 1. 2. The Lord avengeth and is furious Psal 103. 8. The Lord is very pitifull long suffering and full of mercy God is jealous a severe Judge and revenger not pardoning the sins and wickednesse of impenitent sinners but he is most mercifull as a tender Father to the godly and such as be penitent 504 Nah. 1. 9. Affliction shall not rise up the second time Rom. 1. 28. The wicked shall be punished in this world when they are delivered up to a a reprobate sense to do those things which are not convenient and in the world to come with eternall destruction Justice doth not punish twice sufficiently for the same fault but it is not disagreeing to justice to inflict divers degrees of punishments for the same sault so temporall punishments to the wicked are but the beginning of eternall punishments But the Prophet teacheth here that God will so deal with the Assyrians in the Land of Judah that there shall be no need of a second judgement 505. Nah. 1. 15. For the wicked
Elias the Thishbite who lived in the dayes of Ahab for the Jews were of that opinion as some now adayes look for Enoch and Elias 589. Mat. 11. 18. John came neither eating nor drinking cap. 3. 4. His meat was Locusts and wild Honey Christ commends Johns austere life sobriety and temperance in the former place because he used not ordinary meat and drink Yet he did not exceed Christ in his austere life For bodily exercise 1 Tim 4. 8. profiteth but little 590. Mat. 11. 25. O Father Lord of Heaven and Earth because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and hast revealed them unto babes Jam. 3. 13. Who so is a wise man and endued with knowledge amongst you let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meeknesse of wisedome Christ speaks of the wisdome of this world and Diabolical wisdome which is contrary to divine wisdome James speaks of both divine and humane wisdome 591. Mat. 11. 28. Christ saith Come unto me all 1 Cor. 1. 26. You see your calling brethren how that not many wise men after the flesh not many noble are called The general vocation extends to all there is one general call of all men to the great Supper and another special cal of believers onely who Luk. 14. obey Christ and his Gospel 592. Mat. 11. 30. My yoak is easie and my burden is light Mar. 10. 25. It is easier for a Camel to goe through the eye of a needle then for a rich man to enter into the Kingdome of God The yoke of Christ is easie and his burden light to the spirit not to the flesh to those that are mild and humble by Christs example or the Gospel yoke is easie by the holy Ghost and in comparison of the unsupportable yoke of the law It is a hard matter for a rich covetous man to enter into the Kingdome of God not for that riches are evil but because he doth wickedly abuse them 593. Mat. 12. 10. The Pharises ask Christ if it be lawful to heal on the Sabbath days Mar. 3. 4. Christ asketh the Pharisees whether it were lawful to doe good on the Sahbath dayes To the question of the Pharisees Christ answered by inversion intimating that God was more pleased to help a miserable man then to Mat. 12 8. forsake him 594. Mat. 12. 32. Whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of Man it shall be forgiven him but whosoever speaketh against the holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven him Rom. 5. 20. Where sin hath abounded grace doth much more abound The unpardonable sin against the holy Ghost is not so in it self that it cannot be forgiven but for the malicious obstinacy of those that will not come to Christ by repentance and doe proudly seduce others 595. Mat. 12. 49. He stretched forth his hand towards his Disciples and said Behold my Mother and my Brethren Mat. 1. 10. Luk. 2. The Virgin was Christs Mother Christ denyeth not his kindred according to the flesh but prefers spiritual kindred before them and that speech depends on his Office who receives the faithful into the first degree of honour as though they were his neerest kindred 596. Mat. 13. 12. Hee that hath not Ver. 12. From him shall be taken away even that he hath He is said not to have who is more careful to seek after novelties then to believe Gods Word or look after his own salvation such a one because he thinks he hath the knowledge of God and disdains his Word shall fall away at last by his boasting and shall by his own Luk. 8. 18. Rom. 2. 17. Ap. 3. destruction understand how miserable naked and poor he is 597. Mat. 13. 16. Blessed are your eyes that see Joh. 20. 29. Blessed are they that have not seen and yet believed In the first place is understood the temporal blessednesse and felicity of those who conversed with Christ In the latter the heavenly and eternal felicity of believers 598. Mat. 13. 33. The kingdome of heaven is like to leaven 1 Cor. 5. 7. Purge out the old leaven The doctrine of the Apostles was like to leaven because of its sudden piercing into the whole world as the doctrine of the Pharisees was like to leaven which was to be avoided or all iniquity and filthinesse of nature and Mat. 16. 22. carnal desires of wicked men may be so compared therefore we may interpret this either for good or evill leaven in the first place is taken in a good sense in the second in an evill sense 599. Mat. 15. 22. A woman of Canaan Mar. 7. 26. A Greek a Syrophenissian She was of the posterity of the Cananites by kind a Syrophenissian in the borders of Tyre and Sydon she dwelt in the Countrey of Syria and Phenicia 600. Mat. 15. 24. I am not sent but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel 1 Tim. 2. 5. There is one Mediator between God and man who gave himself a ransome for all In the former place Christ speaks of his Prophetical Office that is of teaching and working Miracles In his second of his Mediatorship of salvation and redemption that belongs and is extended to all believers 601. Mat. 16. 6. Take heed of the Leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadduces c. 23. 2 3. The Scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses seat All therefore whatsoever they bid you that observe and doe By the leaven of the Pharisees is here understood their perverse doctrine corrupting the purity of Gods Word Christ commands them to beware of this and their hypocrisie infecting the sincerity of manners for like leaven it penetrates puffs up and corrupts but the eyes of God respect sincerity only yet he bids them observe what they taught that sit in Moses Jer. 5. 5. chair out of the law of God For truth whosoever preacheth it must be received for it self but we must not depend on their false hypocritical glosses for God is worshipped in vain after the commandements of men 602. Mat. 17. 15. Lord have mercy on my son for he is lunatick Mar. 9. 17. I have brought unto thee my son who hath a dumb spirit He is lunatick who upon the wane of the Moon is sick of the Falling-sicknesse or a Vertigo which happens to many by imperfection of nature This man was said to be dumb and deaf not by nature but because Satan possessed his tongue and ears so that he added more diseases to his natural Infirmity 603. Mat. 18 8. If thy hand or thy foot offend thee cut it off and cast it from thee Ephes 5. 29. No man hateth his own flesh Christs speaks figuratively that we should crucifie the old man with his evill affections that bear rule in the members of our bodies that we must cast away the most dear and profitable things from us which set our sins on fire and foster them and offend us 604. Mat. 18. 15. If thy brother trespasse against thee
the beginning and the Father of lyes Satan fals from heaven when he is cast out of our hearts by sound doctrine and loseth his light that is his authority by the preachiny of Gods Word here as it were by a Thunderbolt from heaven that is from the Kingdome of God in the heart of man is he cast down and trod under foot but he was a murderer and lyar from the beginning that he fell not from that he was created 681. Luk. 10. 22. No man knoweth who the Son is but the Father and who the Father is but the Son Joh. 15. 26. The Spirit of Truth he shall testifie of me Christ excludes not the Persons of the Deity but the creatures and the false gods for the Father by the Son from eternity infinitely Joh. 16 13. communicating his infinite wisdome revealed it to the holy Ghost and therefore Christ saith the Spirit shall not speak of himself but whatsoever he shall hear that shall hee speak 682. Luk. 10. 24. Many Prophets and Kings have desired to see those things that you see Joh. 8. 56. Abraham saw my day There are different manners of the Visions 1 Cor. 13. 12. of Christ and of God We see now in a glasse darkly but then that is in the next life we shall see face to face Abraham and the faithful in the Old Testament saw Christ promised that he should come the Apostles saw him manifested in the flesh The Prophets saw him of old in shadows and figures the Apostles and the Christians now see him clearly and manifestly 683. Luk. 10. 28. Doe this and live Rom. 4. 5. But to him that worketh not but believeth his faith is counted for righteousnesse The parts of Gods Word are the Law and the Gospel the Law promiseth life eternal to them that doe it the Gospel to them that believe Christ by the words Doe this doth not shew that the Lawyer was able to fulfil the law but only admonisheth him so that he might grow sensible of his own weaknesse 684. Luk. 10. 41. Martha Martha Thou art careful and troubled about many things 1 Tim. 5. 14. I will that the younger women marry guide the house Christ reprehends not Marthas care of her house but for presumption and false opinion because she preferred the care of her house before the Word of God 685. Luk. 11. 41. Give Alms and all things are clean unto you 1 Cor. 13. 3. If I bestow all my goods to feed the poor it profiteth me nothing Christ speaks of alms proceeding from faith and charity the Apostle speaks of hypocritical alms without Christian Charity 686. Luk. 12. 33. Sell what you have and give alms 1 Tim. 5. 8. But if any provide not for his own especially those of his own houshold he hath denyed the faith Christ would not have us forsake our neighbour in his wants and necessities but rather to help him we should sell our possessions to declare our conpassion so far as we are able without doing injury to our family 687. Luk. 14. 23. Compell them to come in 1 Pet. 5. 3. Not as being Lords over Gods heritage There is used an internal compulsion spiritually when men are drawn to the knowledge of their sins by the law of God explained to them and are urged in thier consciences to fly to the mediation of Christ so from the dayes of John the Baptist untill now the Kingdom of heaven suffereth violence and the violent take Mat. 11. 12. it by force an external compulsion is when men not sufficiently instructed and forced by carnal weapons to religion against their conscience such are made rather hypocrites then good Christians therefore the Apostle warns us well that no man should affect to Lord it over Gods people that is the Church and to use a tyrannical power over their consciences 688. Luk. 14. 24. None of those men which were bidden shall tast of my Supper 2 Pet. 3. 9. God is long suffering to us-ward not willing that any should perish The Gospel since it is the power of God to salvation to all that believe they that hear it being invited by God and receive it not dying in their sins without repentance they are the cause of their own ruine and not God 689. Luk. 14. 26. He that hateth not his Father and Mother and Wife and Children and Brethren and Sisters yea and his own life also he cannot be my Disciple Ephes 6. 2. Honour thy Father and thy Mother that it may be well with thee c. 5. 25. Husbands love your Wives 1 Joh. 3. 15. He that hateth his brother is a Murderer Christ is to be beloved above all creatures and rather our Parents brothers and sisters and our own life should be lost then we should deny the Gospel He that loveth his Father or Mother more then me is not worthy of me saith Christ otherwise we must honour our Parents and love our children 690. Luk. 16. 9. Make you friends of the Mammon of unrighteousnesse 1 Tim. 4. 4. Every creature of God is good Riches are good in themselves as they are a creature but because they are after got unjustly and many abuse them to injustice pride tyranny luxury gluttony c. therefore Christ cals them the Mammon of unrighteousnesse thorns Mat. 13. 7. 1 Tim. 6. 9. the Apostle cals them the snare of the Devil and will have us so to dispose of our wealth that we may reap fruit of them in another world 691. Luk. 15. 7. The righteous need no repentance c. 3. 8. Bring forth fruits worthy of repentance Repentance of those that stand which is spoken of in the first place must be distinguished from repentance of those that are fallen which is meant by the latter place and we are admonished to it and to bring forth the fruits of it 692. Luk. 17. 10. When you have done all those things which you are commanded say We are unprofitable servants we have done that which was our duty to doe 2 Cor. 11. 12. Paul glorieth and reckons up his good works and divine Revelations In the former place Christ saith that no man can deserve any thing at the hand of God since we are all bound to obey God in all things unto the end so that we cannot boast before God In the latter Paul mentioneth his labours not of vain glory boasting but being compelled to it for the defence of his Ministry against all back-biters and false Apostles that unjustly reproached him 693. Luk. 18. 29. Verily I say unto you there is no man that hath left house or parents or brethren or wife or children for the Kingdome of Gods sake who shall not receive manyfold more 1 Cor. 7. 10. The wife must not depart from her husband and the man must not put away his wife For Christ his sake we may leave our Wives and al things when necessity constraineth us but we cannot leave our Matrimony Paul admonisheth the wife that she should not by
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
known the Father in him 756. Joh. 14. 12. He that believeth on me the works that I doe shall he doe also and greater chap. 3. 2. No man can doe those Miracles that thou doest Christ means not works of divine Creation Redemption or Sanctification but of his mission such Miracles as he wrought in the world such and greater then they were wrought by the Apostles whose shadows cured sick men as they passed by after Christs Ascension and the wonderful conversion of the Gentiles followed 757. Joh. 14. 13. chap. 16. 24. Whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my Name that will I do Ask and you shall receive Jam. 4. 3. Ye ask and receive not We ought to ask in Christs Name in full confidence of his merits with true faith and without doubting spiritual or corporal blessings with exception of Gods will and our own salvation in all occasions and in all our prayers they that ask so receive and they that receive not ask amisse 758. Joh. 14. 23. If any man love me he will keep my words vers 23. The Word which ye hear is not mine The Word that Christ taught was his but not any invention of his but his Fathers Word which he was sent into the world to preach 759 Joh. 14. 23. And we will come unto him and make our abode with him Rom. 7. 20. Sin dwelleth in me vers 14. I am sold under sin The first place is concerning the inhabitation of the Sacred Trinity in the spiritual part of a regenerate man The latter is of the dwelling of sin in our carnal members 760. Joh. 15. 15. I call you not servants but friends Mat. 25. 21. Well done good servant The Disciples were Christs servants by right of creation redemption and vocation friends by right of adoption communication and patefaction Aug. tr 55. on John 761. Joh. 15. 15. All things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you chap. 16. 12. I have yet many things to say unto you In the Scriptures some things are said to be full which are to be fulfilled in the former place Christ speakes concerning the knowledge of God and the perfect worship of Christians in it self in the latter concerning the understanding of this Word which the Disciples by reason of their rudenesse could not bear before they had received the holy Ghost nor did they understand it 762. Joh. 16. 13. The Spirit of Truth shall guide you into all Truth Gal. 2. 11. Peter erred after he had received the holy Ghost The Apostles were led into all truth in parts and degrees of it After they had received the holy Ghost they erred not in doctrine in writing or teaching but in life and conversation such was the errour of Peter which was to be reproved whilest he conversed amongst the Gentiles 763. Joh. 16. 24. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my Name Mat. 6. 9. Luk. 11. 2. He had given them the form of Prayer before The Disciples did indeed pray before but not so plainly with a clear knowledge of Christs Office that their prayers should be heard for the Messias that was sent 764. Joh. 16. 26. I say not unto you that I will pray the Father for you Rom. 8. 26. He makes intercession for us Christ alone doth not pray for us but we also must come to the Father and in his Name at his command pray in full assurance which is necessary for our salvation 765. Joh. 17. 3. That they may know thee Father to be the only true God Act. 20. 28. The Son is God chap. 5. 4. The holy Ghost is God Onely here doth not exclude the Persons in the Divine Essence but creatures and Idols which are no gods 766. Joh. 18. 20. I speak openly to the world and in secret have I said nothing Mar. 9. 28. He taught his Disciples privately in the Desert In the first place he speaks of his doctrine which he brought from Heaven that he might reveal it to all men and teach it publickly and in the temple not in private corners In the latter place he taught privately explaining those things which he had taught publickly 767. Joh. 19. 9. Jesus answered not Pilate 1 Tim. 6. 13. Christ Jesus before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession To Pilates question first Christ did not answer because he stood before him to suffer and not to plead or excuse at length he gave testimony to the Truth in words and deeds for his passion and death were a sufficient testimony and sealing of his doctrine 768. Joh. 20. 1. Christ rose on the first day of the week Mat. 12. 40. The Son of Mâ—â— shall be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth untill the third day This is a Synecdochical computation of time for the least part of the day of the preparation is taken for a whole day and the beginning of the day after the Passeover or the Sabbath is taken also for a whole day Christ was three days in the grave but it was incompleatly three days so also he was two nights in the grave the night before being added to them 769. Joh. 20. 1. Mary Magdalen came early when it was yet dark unto the Sepulcher Mar. 16. 2. Very early they came to the Sepulcher at the rising of the Sun When it was yet dark very early in the morning she went out of her house and the City waiting for the rest of the women with which afterwards she came to the Sepulcher at the Sun-rising 770. Joh. 20. 17. Touch me not Ver. 26. Reach hither thy finger Christ after the Resurrection would not be touched of Mary Magdalen who only sought him after a carnal way and thought of enjoying him no otherwise then she did formerly by his earthly presence amongst them But he commanded Thomas to touch him that his faith being confirmed he might be a more certain witnesse of Christs Resurrection The ACTS of the APOSTLES LVKE the Evangelist describes either in generall all the Acts of the Apostles or in speciall Peters Preachings Acts Visions Miracles Imprisonments the Conversion of Paul his Travels Disputations Miracles Bonds Imprisonments and the History of the Primitive Church after Christs Ascension from 26 years unto the 60 year from Christs Nativity 771. Acts 1. 1. Of all things that Jesus began both to do and teach Luke wrote John 21. 25. There are also many other things which Jesus did the which if they should be written every one I suppose that even the world it self could not contain the books that should be written Luke in the first Book wrote of all things necessary for our salvation though not of all things but summarily concerning the conception of Jesus Christ his Nativity Life Passion Death Resurrection and Ascension into heaven August Christ did many things that are In John Tract 49. not written as John the Evangelist witnesseth but those things were chosen to be written which might suffice for the salvation
morally is either absolutely indifferent as to eat and drink or relatively to the Law and so good or bad as it is done contrary or according to the Law being ordinate or disordinate the later the Law condemns 853. Rom. 7. 8. Sinne in me wrought in me all manner of concupiscence James 1. 15. When lust hath conceived it bringeth forth sinne Paul means actuall concupiscence of corrupt nature James originall concupiscence 854. Rom. 7. 9. I was alive without the Law once saith Paul Phil. 3. 6. Touching the righteousnesse which is in the Law blamelesse Before his conversion Paul lived a Pharisee without any true knowledge of the divine Law ascribing to himself externall righteousnesse which was hypocrisie 855. Rom. 7. 12. The Law is holy just and good 2 Cor. 3. 7. It is the ministration of death The Law in it self in respect of the Authour is good holy and just because it declareth the good and holy will of God in respect of us it is called the ministration of Death because it reproves sinne and threatens us with death 856. Rom. 7. 14. I am carnall sold under sin ch 6. 22. We are made free from the Law of sinne wherein we were held The Apostle according to the unregenerated part was carnall that is indulgent to his carnall lusts but being Regenerate he did lament for those carnall affections and resisted them 857. Rom. 7. 18. In me dwelleth no good thing ch 8. 9. The Spirit of God dwelleth in us The first place is of the old man in me that is my flesh and that part which is not regenerate the second is concerning man that is regenerate for Christ liveth in us the holy Ghost liveth in us and indeed the whole Trinity John 14. 23. 858. Rom. 7. 18. To will is present with me Phil. 2. 13. God worketh in you to will To be willing is that good which is wrought in us by the holy Ghost but after the fall of man to be willing and be able to will what is good was lost in us 859. Rom. 7. 22. I delight in the Law of God after the inward man ver 23. I see another Law in my members warring against the Law of my minde Paul delighted according to his spirit and inward man the regenerate part in the Law of God but rebelled against it in his outward man the flesh and the part unregenerate for the whole man is as it is commonly said is partly flesh and partly spirit 860. Rom. 7. 23. I see another Law in my members warring against the Law of my minde ch 8. 2. The Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the Law of sinne and of death The faithfull are either captivated by the Law of sinne that they cannot do that good they would but what sinne will have done that dwelleth in them or they are freed from sinne here inchoatively because it doth not condemn them nor yet reign in them but in the next Psal 32. 1. Rom. 8. 1. ch 6. 12. world it shall be accomplished and they shall be perfectly made free from it 861. Rom. 8. 2. The Law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the Law of sinne and death Joh. 5. 28. The hour is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice and come forth Resurrection from death to life is common to the good and bad but in a divers manner and for a divers end the good shall come forth gloriously to life the wicked ignominiously unto death 862. Rom. 8. 24. We are saved by hope Eph. 2. 8. By grace are you saved through faith Mark 16. 16. Subalternates disagree not the grace of God is the efficient cause faith and hope the instrumentall causes of our salvation 863. Rom. 8. 30. God whom he did predestinate them he also called Matth. 20. 16. c. 22. 14. Many are called but few chosen The first place is concerning those who being called are obedient to the holy Ghost and make their vocation firm unto the end of their lives The later is of those who resist the vocation of God in respect of the former there are as many predestinated as are called but of the later more called then are predestinated 864. Rom. 8. 31. If God be for us who can be against us 1 Pet. 5. 8. Your adversary the devil When God is for us though the devil be against us he prevails not 865. Rom. 8. 38. Nothing nor creature can separate us from the love of God ch 9. 3. I could wish that my self were accursed from Christ for my brethren The wish of Paul was conditionall if it were lawfull and might be done the Apostle thereby sheweth the vehemency of his affection toward his kindred and submits himself to the Divine will Chrysostom on this place saith that Paul by a premeditated prayer desired to be separated from Christ by a temporall and eternall abjection for the salvation of his brethren and so would by his own destruction redeem them to eternall salvation neither did he therefore love his brethren more then Christ for he did not desire to be separated from the love of Christ but from the fruit of his love and friendship he desireth to perish not as an enemy of Christ but a preserver of his brethren as Christ was made a curse for us not as Gods enemy but as our Redeemer 866. Rom. 9. 16. It is not of him that willeth nor him that runneth but of God that sheweth mercy Matth. 19. 17. If thou wilt enter into life keep the Commandments It is therefore said not to be of him that willeth because salvation is not given for our merit but of Gods mercy but it is also of him that willeth not because we will though no man is saved against his will but of unwilling to receive Gods call he is made willing 867. Rom. 9. 18. God hath mercy on whom he will have mercy and whom he will he hardneth ch 11. 32. God hath concluded them all in unbelief that he might have mercy upon all The first place is concerning the most free will and power of God who may have mercy on whom he please his antecedent will reacheth to all men his consequent will is restrained to the beleevers and unbeleevers and so he will have merey of the faithfull that they may be saved but he justly punisheth and hardneth the unbeleevers and wicked men who resist his grace freely offered unto them 868. Rom. 10. 10. With the mouth is made confession unto salvation 1 Cor. 4. 20. The Kingdom of God is not in word In the first place is spoken of confession with faith in the later of humane words which the false teachers used in preaching wherein the Kingdom of God consists not but in the vertue that is in a true performance of those things they professe with their mouths 869. Rom. 11. 7. Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for
but not to doubtfull disputations Gal. 2. 11. Paul withstood Peter to the face saying if thou being a Jew livest after the manner of the Gentiles They are weak who know not the true use of indifferent things Peter being taught by the heavenly vision that distinction of meats was taken away deserved to be reprehended because what he learned of God and taught in the publike counsell he yet observed not but was scandalous both to Jews and Gentiles 886. Rom. 14. 3. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not Col. 2. 21. Touch not tast not handle not In the former place abstinence and observation of meats proceeding from faith without scandall is left free for the ceremoniall Law ended at Christs coming in the later he reproves the superstition of the Colossians who being taught the use of things indifferent yet brought them in as a part of Gods worship necessary to salvation 887. Rom. 14. 6. He that regardeth the day regardeth it unto the Lord and he that regardeth not the day to the Lord he doth not regard it Gal. 4. 10. He reprehends them for observing daies and moneths and times and years The first place leaves it free to the weak who had tender consciences either to observe or not observe the legall festivall daies so they did it without opinion of merit or necessity or offending their neighbour the later reprehends the Galathians who with a kinde of tye of conscience did observe the Sabbaths and Festivall times of the Jews according to the Law as if they had not been set free by Christ 888. Rom. 14. 15. Destroy not him with thy meat for whom Christ died Joh. 10 28. My sheep shall no man pluck out of my hand The Elect may be destroyed by themselves as weak men and by reason of Satans malice that puts so many offences in their way but not in respect of God for no man can snatch them finally out of his hands 889. Rom. 15. 2. Let every one of us please his neighbour Gal. 1. 10. Should I yet please men I should not be the servant of Christ We must please men for their edification both by words and examples but not to seek for glory at the mouth of the people for so the Apostle would not please men 890. Rom. 15. 14. And I my self also am perswaded of you my brethren that you also are full of goodnesse filled with all knowledge Chap. 14. 1. There were many amongst them weak in faith The Apostle before by Synechdoche attributes to the whole Church that which belongs but to one part for there were many godly learned and weak also in that Church 891. Rom. 15. 20. I would not build on another mans foundation Joh. 4. 38. I sent you to reap that whereon you bestowed no labour Paul compares his Ministry with the other Apostles and he denieth that he builded on another mans foundation or to have preached where other Apostles had planted a Church but rather to have taught there where the name of Christ was not so much as once heard of The Prophets were the seeds men in Gods field the Apostles they reaped the harvest because they saw the fulfilling of the Prophesies and they built on the foundation of the Prophets 892. Rom. 16. 20. The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly Col. 2. 15. Christ hath spoyled principalities and powers Christ was already become Conquerour bruising the head of the infernall serpent and he daily conquers Satan in us and he gives us force to overcome that wicked spirit by the vertue of the holy Ghost and so to triumph over him Two Epistles of St PAUL to the CORINTHIANS THe first is Legall reprehending them who were obnoxious to so many vices it is direct against Sectaries Incestuous Whoremongers Adulterers Contentious despisers of the weak brethren Proud Arrogant Covetous such as denied the resurrection Written from Philippi in the Year of Christ 55. The other Evangelicall to comfort the afflicted commands them to receive him that was excommunicated commends the Ministry of the Gospel exhorts to give Alms and do good works reproves slanderers and glories against them in the Lord. It was written from Philippi in the Year of Christ 55 893. 1 Cor. 1. 7. You come behinde in no gift ver 11. It hath been declared to me that there are contentions amongst you ch 3. 3. ch 11. 15. The first place is concerning those that were approved and commended amongst the Corinthians the later is concerning those who did contentiously preferre themselves before other Ministers of the Church 894. 1 Cor. 1. 7. You come behinde in no gift 1 Cor. 13. 9. We know in part In the first place is meant necessary graces to salvation the abundance whereof was joyned with imperfection of degrees which shall be fulfilled in the revelation of Christ 895. 1 Cor. 1. 17. Christ sent me not to baptize but to preach the Gospel Matth. 28. 19. Go and teach all Nations baptizing them In the Apostolicall Ministration the lesse principall was to baptize the principall was the preaching of the Gospel and that was ordinary or extraordinary 896. 1 Cor. 1. 21. The wisdom of God ver 21. It is called the foolishnesse of preaching The Gospel of it self is the wisdom of God which in the opinion of carnall and unbeleeving men is called by accident foolishnesse 897. 1 Cor. 1. 21. It pleased God by the foolishnesse of preaching to save them that beleeve Matth. 9. 21. If I may but touch his garment I shall be whole The first place is of the salvation of the soul which is done by the Gospel the later is of the cure of the body which is wrought by divers means ordinarily by the Word and Sacraments extraordinarily by other means 898. 1 Cor. 2. 6. We speak wisdom amongst them that are perfect chap. 13. 12. We know in part Perfection in the former place is not meant simply but comparatively the Apostle cals them perfect here not those who wanted no perfection but such as are so in respect of novices in the Church Absolute perfection is proper to the next life and of that we know here but in part 899. 1 Cor. 2. 15. He that is spirituall judgeth all things yet he himself is judged of no man ch 4. 4 He that judgeth me is the Lord. ch 14. 32. And the spirits of the Prophets are subject to the Prophets In the first place God Ecclesiasticall and Politicall Judges are not excluded being they are ordained by God but those that are carnall and sensuall the Prophets are subject to the Prophets in the judgement of faith concerning things that are to be beleeved for God giveth us his holy Spirit by measure neither do we all understand all things but comparing our opinions we must judge with Learned men 900. 1 Cor. 3. 1 3. And I brethren could not speak to you as unto spirituall but as unto carnall ch 1. 2. Sanctified in Christ Jesus called to
2 Thess 2 2. The day of Christ is not at hand 1 Joh. 2. 18. It is the last time To be at hand and to draw near do differ the Apostle denieth that the day is at hand but he denieth not that it draweth near it is called the last time in respect of former time and because in the last time the day of judgement draweth nigh it is called the last hour in respect of God because our daies compared to eternity are but one moment and a thousand years in Gods sight as yesterday when it is past also all things are present with God 992. 2 Thess 3. 10. If any would not work neither should he eat 1 Cor. 9. 6. Have we not power to forbear working In the first place flesh and idlenesse are condemned in the later labour is commended which is wrought not with the hand alone but with the head also the Ministers of the Church are not to get their living by the labour of their hands being they are not Mechanicks The Apostle had a singular gift from God to preach extemporary and yet had he means from the 2 Cor. 1. 11. Churches Two Epistles of St PAUL to TIMOTHY THE first is a pattern for Pastors to shew them what they ought to be in Doctrine and Prayers and in Life with their families and laies down the way how to instruct all men of what state age or condition soever It was written from Laodicea in the Year of Christ 52. The second confirms Timothy that he should not be cast down in his minde by reason of the tempests of persecutions and warns him that in preaching the Gospel he should avoid false doctrine that he should be diligent and come unto him It was written from Rome when he was in prison in the year of Christ 70. 993. 1 Tim. 2. 4. God will have all men to be saved every one Acts 13. 48. And as many as were ordained to eternall life beleeved All that beleeve in Christ God doth promote them to salvation and they by Gods Divine Decree are pre-ordained to eternall life for Christ is the Saviour of all especially of those who beleeve 994. 1 Tim. 2. 5. There is one Mediatour between God and man the man Christ Jesus Rom. 8. 26. The spirit makes intercession for us with groans which cannot be uttered Christ is our only Mediatour of Redemption and Intercession the holy Ghost is said to pray for us when he stirreth up our hearts to prayer and causeth us to groan when we call upon God 995. 1 Tim. 2. 12. But I suffer not a woman to teach Tit. 2. 3. Let the aged women be teachers of good things Women must not teach publikely in the Church least they should thereby take occasion of usurping authority over the men but let them be in subjection let the aged women teach the younger women modesty and prudence at home for that they are commanded to do 996. 1 Tim. 2. 15. Women shall be saved in childe bearing Joh. 3. 16. Whosoever beleeveth in Christ shall not perish but shall have everlasting life The first place is concerning the state of women and by for and in are set down for their consolation least being married they should fall from the hope of salvation but they must continue in faith love holinesse and sobriety 997. 1 Tim. 3. 1. If a man desireth the office of a Bishop he desireth a good work 1 Cor. 7. 20. Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called To desire a Bishops Office for that end that a man may serve God faithfully is not disallowed if a man have an honest vocation and continue in it he doth well 998. 1 Tim. 3. 15. The Church of the living God is the pillar and ground of Truth 1 Cor. 3. 11. Other foundation can no man lay then that which is laid even Christ Jesus The pillar and ground he saith that the Church is but not the foundation it doth not primarily support the spirituall building but the Church it self is supported by the foundation 999. 1 Tim. 4. 16. Thou shalt both save thy self and them that hear thee Luk. 2. 11. Christ the Lord is our Saviour The first place speaks of the instrument of our salvation in the Ministry of the Word whereby the faithfull attain salvation the later speaks of the meritorious cause and that is Christ 1000. 1 Tim. 5. 20. Them that sinne rebuke before all Matth. 18. 15. If thy brother trespasse against thee tell him his fault between him and thee alone In the first place he saith what the duty of Pastors is in rebuking sinnes which are committed publikely to the common scandall in the second he speaks of the sinnes of private men committed privately against private persons 1001. 1 Tim. 6. 10. The love of mony is the root of all evil Eccles 10. 9. Pride Pride and covetousnesse are almost alwaies joyned together He is proud who desireth to exceed his condition he is covetous that would have more then enough neither of them can be contented with God himself these two were in the sinne of the first man the chief ingredients 1002. 1 Tim. 6. 16. God only hath immortality Matth. 10. 28. The soules of men are immortall God of himself and in himself is immortall only but Angels and men by the grace of God 1003. 1 Tim. 6. 16. No man hath seen God 1 Joh. 3. 2. We shall see him as he is God being by nature invisible cannot be seen with bodily eyes The faithfull either see God by faith in this life or after a speciall manner in the life to come we shall see him as he is by a more perfect way then we do here by the participation of his glory 1004. 2 Tim. 2. 10. I endure all things for the elect sake that they may also obtain salvation 1 Pet. 3. 18. Christ hath once suffered for our sinnes The Apostle sustained all things for the elect sake not by satisfying for them but by his example edifying and confirming them that they might not refuse to suffer something when he saith that they obtain salvation by Christ he shuts out his own sufferings that they may not be reckoned for satisfactory 1005. 2 Tim. 2. 21. If any man purge himself from these he shall be a vessel unto honour 1 John 1. 7. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all our sinnes Paul means purging from the corruptions of doctrine and manners ver 18. John shews a plenary redemption from our sinnes by Christ Jesus The Epistle of St PAUL to TITUS IT is the compendium of Christian Doctrine informing Teachers set in the Ecclesiasticall State Politicall or Oeconomicall what they ought to do he exhorts all and every one to good works and to fly vain questions and heresies It was written from Nicopolis in the Year of Christ 54. 1006. Tit. 1. 9. Able by sound Doctrine to convince gainsayers ch 3. 9. Avoid foolish questions contentions and strivings
contumacy forsake her husband nor the husband to forsake his wife but if she depart let her live unmarryed or be reconciled to her husband 694. Luk. 22. 28. Ye are they who have continued with me in my temptations Mat. 26. 56. All the Disciples forsook him and fled In the former place the Disciples constancy is commended for the time past that they forsook not Christ in his temptations when others were backward In the latter is observed their scattering abroad for that at the time of Christs passion their faith was much shaken 695. Luk. 22. 29. I appoint to you a Kingdom as my Father hath appointed me Mar. 10. 40. For to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give He speaks at first not of the Kingdome of heaven whereof he hath the sole government but of the administration of the Kingdome of Grace in the promulgation of the Gospel through all the world and planting of Churches by Apostolical Authority which he going to his Father left in charge with them as he had it committed to him by his Father 696. Luk. 22. 31. Satan desired to have you that he may sift you as Wheat 1 Joh. 5. 18. And he that is born of God sinneth not and that wicked one that is the Devill toucheth him not Satan lays snares for godly men alwayes seeking whom he may devour that Christ confirms by example of the Disciples John teacheth that that evill one shall not hurt us though he set upon us For God is faithful who will not 1 Cor. 10. 13. suffer you to be tempted above what you are able but will with the temptation make a way to escape that you may be able to bear it 697. Luk. 23. 34. Father forgive them Joh. 17. 9. I pray not not for the world Christ both by words and his own example taught us to pray for our enemies he prayed not for the world that is for wicked men hardned in their sins of whom there was no hopes of repentance we must not imitate that because he onely knew best who they were that were such 698. Luk. 24. 10. Mary Magdalen and Joanna and Mary the Mother of James which told these things unto the Apostles Mar. 16. 10. Mary Magdalen told them that had been with him Mark excludes not the other women he names Mary Magdalen either because she spake to the Apostles in the name of all the rest or else with greater affection or because she spake first The Gospel of St. JOHN IT contains a relation of Christs Person both Mat. 10. 7. according to his divine and humane Nature also his Office and pains he endured unto the death or the Crosse his Resurrection also and his appearings It was written after the other Evangelists against the Heresies of Ebion and Cerinthus being as it were a Complement of those things were let passe by the other Evangelists 699. Joh. 1. 7. John came for a witnesse to bear witnesse of the light c. 5. 34. I saith Christ receive not testimony from man John testified of Christ that he was the light Act. 1. 8. c. 10. 39. of the world not for Christs cause but for mans cause that they might believe in him For seeing he is the chief good the testimony of men or Angels can adde nothing unto him 700. Joh. 1. 8. He that is John was not that light c. 5. 35. He was a burning light John was not the light of life which enlightens Joh. 8. 12. every man that comes into the world but Christ who is the light of the world Yet John was a burning light which not of himself but before others carryed the Torch-light of the Word and enlightned many by the Ministery that so they might see that true Light and Sun of Righteousnesse So Ministers of the Church and all the godly shine before others in holy doctrine and a pious life 701. Joh. 1. 14 18. We behold his glory as of the only begotten of the Father Gal. 3. 26. For you are all the children of God by faith which is in Christ Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God Rom. 8. 15. 2 Cor. 1. 22. c. 5. 15. namely the natural Son begotten from everlasting by the communication of the whole divine Nature from the Father the faithful are called the sons of God by Adoption their faith in Christ and the holy Ghost which is called the Spirit of Adoption because by his vertue and operation he adopts us to be the sons of God 702. Joh. 1. 27. He it is who came after me v. 27. For he was before me Christ was born after John the Baptist of the Virgin Mary in the sixth moneth according to his humane Nature but he was before him as he was God from everlasting 703. Joh. 2. 4. Woman what have I to doe with thee Mat. 15. 4. Honour thy Father and Mother The words of Christ were of Information not of Reprehension For we must obey God rather then men By the word woman he implyes that the Virgin Mary must not be the object of Invocation but God only saith Epiphan Haeres 79. 704. Joh. 3. 13. No man hath ascended up to heaven but he that came from heaven even the Son of Man which is in heaven c. 17. 24. Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory By ascending and descending here we must understand the usurpation of heavenly things for the natural and carnal man perceiveth not those things which are from the Spirit of God And all those whom the Father gave to Christ that is the faithful shall be blessed with him for ever both in souls and bodies and so the first place is explained by the latter Christ is Head of the faithful and we are his Members he is in the midst of us and our conversation is in heaven He descended in weaknesse that he might raise us to his glory for no man can come to the Father but by him 705. Joh. 3. 17. God sent not his Son into the world Gal. 4. 4. God sent his Son God sent not his Son to judge the world in his state of humiliation but he sent him to redeem those that were under the law now in his state of exaltation he doth and will judge the world For all judgement and power is Joh. 5. 19. Mat. 28. given to him from the Father both in Heaven and in Earth 706. Joh. 4. 1. Jesus baptized v. 2. Jesus himself baptized not but his Disciples Christ did not outwardly baptize with his own hands but by his Disciples yet it is called Christs Baptism because he appointed it and consecrated it by his Word sanctified it by his own Baptism adorned it and confirmed it by annexing a promise to it and because with the outward Baptism by water he joyneth the baptism by fire that is he Mat. 3. 11. Luk. 3. 17. inwardly washeth