of it Vers. 2. For the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Iesus that is the grace of holinesse in the humane nature of Christ which upon our union with him is by the holy Ghost conveyed unto us meaning the power of the Spirit which is in Christ hath freed all them which are in him from sinne and death By the law of sinne is meant the life and power it hath in it selfe to make guilty in Gods sight and binde over to punishment As if he had said of like things and persons there is the like consequence my infirmities are not imputed unto me to death no more shall yours The Apostle as in the former Chapter vers 24. so here speakes in the singular of himself teaching us by his own example and every true Christian to apply the benefits of Christ to himselfe Vers. 3. For what the Law could not doe in that it was weak through the flesh that is justifie us God sending his own sonne in the likenesse of sinfull flesh that is in the humane nature subject to passions and infirmities The Manichees and Marcionites did wrest the Apostles words to signifie that Christ had no true humane flesh but a similitude and likenesse onely But Basil well answereth them That this word similitude is not simply to be referred to flesh but to sinfull flesh for Christ was like unto us in all things sin onely excepted And for sinne condemned sin in the flesh that is Christ in his flesh being made a Sacrifice for us upon the Crosse did beare the punishment due unto our sinne So God condemned sinne in the flesh of his Sonne that is paenas peccato debitas exegit he did exact punishment due unto our sin Pareus Vers. 4. That the righteousnesse of the Law may be fulfilled in us i.e. That which the law requireth unto justification might by Christ be fulfilled in us who are his members which walke not as also he had said in the first verse after the flesh but after the Spirit Vers. 7. The carnall mind is enmity against God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The word signifieth the act of a carnall mind comprehending thoughts desire discourse Pareus well noteth that he useth not the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifieth prudence it selfe least he should seem to have condemned that naturall gift and faculty but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which noteth the act rather and execution of that faculty and he addeth to it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the flesh not condemning all prudent actions but such as proceed from the pravity of the flesh The wisdome of the flesh that is mans best things his best thoughts and affections the best inclinations and motions of the minde of a naturall man are not onely enemies but even enmity against God Not an enemy as the vulgar Latine readeth it Hereby is expressed the irreconcilable enmity between the flesh and the Spirit for an enemy may be reconciled but enmity can never be reconciled Not subject That is according to an ordinate and godly subjection as the word signifies Vers. 8. So then they are in the flesh cannot please God Pope Syricius wickedly applyed these words of Paul to wedlock but to be in the flesh signifies not to be in wedlock but in the state of nature received by carnall generation and not be renewed by the Spirit as the next verse sheweth The phrase is significant noting a man drownd in corruption We say of a man overcome of anger he is in heate of a drunkard he is in drink Vers. 9. If so be that the spirit of God dwells in you The word is causall or conditionall If not that he doubteth but that he is plainly confident Dwelling meanes two things 1. The holy Ghost doth abide in them not for a time onely but for ever for the word noteth perpetuity 2. That the Holy Ghost hath the full disposition of the heart as when a man commeth to dwell in a house whereof he is Lord he hath liberty to govern it after his own will None of his His Creature but not his Disciple Vers. 10. The Body is dead because of sinne but the Spirit is life because of righteousnesse Body is the mortall part of a man which is subject to death Spirit is the inward part of a man viz. His soule regenerate which liveth by faith that is now for the present the Spirit liveth by grace as the just is said to live by faith and that also is a pledge of life everlasting afterward Vers. 13. If ye through the Spirit doe mortifie the deeds of the body ye shall live 1. Every man must be an agent in this businesse and not a patient onely if yee doe mortifie a man must do it himself 2. There must be a true hatred to sin and that is ever to death he must strike it to the heart 3. There is a slaying of every sin the deeds of the body That is all the evill lusts and affections 4. A killing of sinne by true weapons by the Spirit Vers. 14. As many as are led by the Spirit of God It is not said ruled but led plus est agi quam regi when one is ruled by another he acts himselfe and his own action is seene when he is led by another though he may act himselfe the others action is more seen then his Vers. 15. The Spirit of bondage Not bondage to sinne but by it Whereby we cry Abba Father The reason of the gemination is not barely by way of exegesis but to shew that not onely the Jewes but the Syrians the Greeks and Latines should call God Father 2. To shew the intensenesse and fervour of affection There is the gift of prayer and the Spirit of prayer our prayers proceed from a Spirit of prayer when our hearts are filled with holy longings and desires after the things we pray for beyond our words the spirit of supplication sets the regenerate part a work here is not a calling onely but a crying which notes earnestnesse 2. The petition Father Father notes vehemency of affection 3. It is a repetition in severall languages Syriack and Greek Abba Father Vers. 16. The Spirit it selfe beareth witnesse with our Spirit We have two witnesses joyning together their testimonies to assert this truth that we are the Sonnes of God viz. our Spirit and the Spirit of God that witnesse of our Spirit That is our conscience is the first the Spirit of God is the second His work is not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to witnesse together with our Spirit That is to confirme and ratifie what that hath asserted Mr. Bedford against Antinomianisme Chap. 5. Vers. 17. And if Children then heirs heires of God and joynt heires with Christ Chrysostome observes three notable passages of honour every one rising by degrees above another 1. We are not onely Children but heires 2. Not heires to any mortall man but
Unto God as the end They are not onely strangers to it for so all men are naturally but estranged that is an enemy thereunto as the Apostle expounds it Col. 2.21 Vers. 22. According to the deceitfull lusts 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 according to the lusts of deceitfulnesse because lust hath a deceit in it it draws us from God Vers. 23. In the Spirit of your mind in the most pure and Spirituall part of the soule Vers. 26. Be angry and sinne not Let us seek matter of anger in our selves rather then others be angry with our own faults Let not the Sunne go down upon your wrath He seems there to allude to that Law recorded by Moses whereby it was provided that the malefactor which had been hangd before the Sunne should be taken down from the Tree before the Sunne went down so wrath anger must be dismist and not suffered to lie down with us Vers. 27. Neither give place to the Divell Therefore the Divell doth stirre up anger Vers. 28. Working with his hands in the thing which is good In some lawfull and Christian calling A good thing must be honestum utile an honest and profitable good thing Vers. 29. No corrupt communication The Greek word properly signifieth that which is rotten Col. 4.6 the Apostle exhorteth to the contrary Let your speech be alwaies with grace seasoned with Salt Salt is a preservative against rottennesse Vers. 30. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God The holy Ghosts person is set forth in the Greek with very great energy such as our tongue is not able to expresse it fully three words have three articles every word his severall Article by it selfe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Spirit not a Spirit and not holy but the holy nor of God but of that God The holy Ghost is compared to a guest and our bodies and soules unto Innes and as men use their guests friendly and corteously so should we such a guest not grieve him Delicata res est Spiritus Dei muchlesse resist quench or vex him 1 Thess. 5.19 20. Acts 7.51 Esay 63.10 This phrase is not to be understood properly but tropically because the holy Ghost is uncapable of griefe or passion we grieve the Spirit when by sinne we hinder the powerfull working of it Sealed unto the day of redemption A metaphor saith Zanchy from Merchants who having bought such goods seale them as their own that so they may transport them Glory is here called redemption there is a twofold redemption 1. From our sinnes 2. From our imperfections Heb. 9.28 Vers. 32. Be ye kind This word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is used of things and persons Being used of things it signifies both facilitie Matth. 11.30 and utility Luke 5.39 Being used of persons it signifies one that is desirous to doe well and ready to gratifie It is given to God Luke 6.35 1 Pet. 2.3 and to men in this place Tender-hearted 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 well of bowels The first word is opposed to anger this to bitternesse CHAP. V. Vers. 1. BE you therefore followers of God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 imitaters of God As deare children 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as beloved children ut filii dilecti Beza viz of God Vers. 2. Walk in love A Christian should be so moulded into a loving temper as all his actions should savour of love his counsels punishments As Christ also hath loved us 1 By way of motive Christ hath loved us 2. By way of pattern as he hath loved us And hath given himselfe for us He doth not say hath redeemed us but given himselfe for us and for our sinnes as Gal. 4. to shew how he gave himselfe for us quatenus sinners An offering and sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour An offering and sacrifice to shew the compleatnesse of it wherein God was well pleased and satisfied The first word comprehends all Sacrifices the latter signifies a bloody one They used Incense called suffiâ—us in burning their sacrifices To this the Apostle alludes here Vers. 3. But fornication and all uncleanesse or covetousnesse let it not be once named amongst you as becommeth Saints Fornication uncleanesse and covetousnesse are 1. Contrary to the very disposition and Spirit of a Saint his new nature 2. Pet. 1.4.2 To the dignity and priviledge of a Saint his body is a Temple for the holy Spirit to dwell in and all things are his 1 Cor. 3.21 A Covetous man above other sinners is called an Idolater here vers 5. And in the Colos. though there bee Idolatry in other sinnes in a peculiar way 1. In regard of the object he sets up his Gold instead of God 2. Bestowes the disposition and affection of his soule which are proper to God he loves it rejoyceth in and trusteth in it Not named With allowance with any extenuation but with some detestation Vers. 4. Jesting Scurrility or scurrilous jesting unworthy of a grave man The Greeke word signifies the handsome turning or changing of a word and is made a morall virtue by Aristotle but because men are apt to exceed in jesting it is here taken in an evill sense Vers. 15. See then that ye walke circumspectly The Apostle meanes in a spirituall sense the whole course of our life here are foure things 1. A living man having a locomotive faculty one alive to God 2. Terminus à quo sinne 3. Terminus ad quem to God Christ Heaven 4. Medium or the path to walk in the will of God Vers. 16. Redeeming the time because the dayes are evill Seeing what is past cannot be recalled then recompence the losse of it by the well bestowing of time to come Redeeme Improve to the best advantage of glorifying God and getting good to our selves and others The time Greek the opportunity or season any opportunity for doing any businesse more peculiarly the fitnesse of opportunity in regard of the Gospell shining Because the dayes are evill That is full of troubles and afflictions Vers. 18. And be not drunke with wine wherein is excesse Doe not take in too much of the creature 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 rendred excesse signifies two things excesse in expences opposite to frugality and excesse in delights whether it be in meats or drinkes or the like opposite unto temperance and it signifies these vices in an extremity But be filled with the Spirit q. d. drinke as liberally and largely of this as you will here is no excesse to be feared Spirit viz. the holy spirit so the vulgar Spiritu Sancto though as Erasmus noteth none of the Ancients read it so besides yet the sense is rightly expressed that is with the gifts and graces of the Spirit one is said to be full of that which he possesseth in great measure as full of wealth wit See Rom. 15.14 and Acts 6.3.5 Vers. 19. Speaking to your selves in Psalmes and hymnes and spirituall songs Our Songs must be spirituall 1. For
the whole latitude of it others circumcision with all the Leviticall rites A wine-presse That is all holy dutyes And built a Tower That is the glorious Temple Mic. 4.8 Not so much in reference to the materiall structure as the Ministry of it the doctrine and discipline of it Ezek. 7.20 Let it out to husbandmen That is commended the Vineyard to the care and diligence primarily of the Church-governours the Priests and Levites and also of the civill magistrate And went into a farre country Some say this is spoken ornatus gratia to fill up the parable it is spoken saith Ambrose secundum opinionem colonorum according to the opinion of the wicked husbandmen Vers. 34. He sent his servants That is the Prophets God raised up in the Church of the Jewes from Samuels time till the comming of Iohn the Baptist. Vers. 25. Beate one Ieremie See 1 Kings 22.24 Ier. 20.2 And killed another The Greek word signifies to murder with cruelty as Esay And stoned another That is killed him with stones 2 Chron. 24.21 Zacharie the Son of Iehoiadab Vers. 38. Expressing plainely in this Parable Gods dealing with Jerusalem and theirs with him and what was the immediate cause of their destruction Vers. 42. By the stone is not meant any particular stone rejected in the building of Salomons materiall Temple as some conceit nor secondly the people of Israel who though contemned for a while yet were afterward advanced but David literally rejected by Saul and the Nobles of the kingdom and Christ typically who was refused by the Jewes but yet exalted and advanced by God to rule in the throne over his Church graciously and over his enemies terribly therefore compared to a Stone because he is the foundation and support of his Church The builders rejected He granteth the Priests this title of chiefe builders in respect of their calling though they sought the ruine and destruction of the Church The head of the corner That is Hee should be the chiefe stay of the building as the Corner-stone upholds the chiefe weight of it Some doe very curiously discourse of the word Corner that Christ was placed in a Corner that He might joyne together two divers walls viz. the Gentiles and Iewes And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken That is saith Grotius he that shall stumble upon Christ yet living shall perceive his own weaknesse to his losse as an earthen vessel struck at a stone But on whosoever it shall fall it shall grind him to powder But he that shall persist in opposing him after he shall be exalted into his heavenly kingdome shall as utterly perish as an earthen vessell on which a great stone is cast from a high place This befell the Jewes when Titus beseeged Ierusalem and will much more befall them at the day of judgement CHAP. XXII Verse 1. HEre is a proposition whereby hee farther condemneth the malice of the Pharisees the summe of the proposition is the same with that which was laid downe before Chap. 20. that many are called and few chosen as is concluded in the 14 vers He illustrates this proposition by a similitude or parable the sence of which in briefe is this The kingdome of heaven That is the state of the Church A King that is God the Father so called to declare his divine Majestie and to set forth the magnificence of the Feast His Sonne that is Christ. The wedding Feast the glorious excellencies God tenders in the Gospel-ordinances The wedding garment put on by faith including in it conversion The Bride or Spouse the Church The Guests Jewes and Gentiles First servants sent to invite the Prophets The second the Apostles The Marriage eternall life or the Kingdome of Heaven Under this parable is threatned the Jewes destruction Chrysost. Calv. The Jewes have the honour to be first called This inviting to the Marriage feast signifieth our inviting to partake of Christ and his benefits in the Gospel See Esay 25.8.9 and Prov. 9. beg Because in a Feast there is first plentie secondly of dainties The Lord provides dainties for the soules of his people in the preaching of the Gospel 1 the dishes the love of God his free grace and mercy the body and blood of Christ with the merit of it 2. The spirit of God in all the gifts and graces of it is there abundantly powred out 1. This is foode for the soule will feede the inward man 2 pleasant foode 3 will satisfie the soule and answer all the desires of it Esay 55. because it puts it into the possession of that which is its most sutable good 4 It is medicine for the soule Revel 22.5 The refusers are such as come not to Gods Ordinances at all or doe not at all accept of Christ. The man without a wedding garment is one that comes carelesly and unduly to these ordinances and so does not in deede and truth partake of Christ which will breede life in a dead soule Iohn 5.25 It will nourish the soule up to everlasting life Iohn 6.31 to the end 2. To a Feast there is required not onely good fare but good company a voluptuous Roman said he did often eate good meate alone but he never feasted but in good company Heb. 12. All the Saints here and the blessed Trinity eate and drinke with them Thirdly Heartie welcome from the Feastmaker Prov. 23.1 Cant. 5.1 Fourthly All is free cost Esay 55.1 2. Fifthly The continuance of this Feast all the dayes of their life especially the great standing dishes faith in the blood of Christ and communion with God Vers. 2. The Kingdome of Heaven That is the Heavenly by an Hebrew phrase viz. Because it hath a heavenly King Christ sitting at the right hand of the Father in heaven heavenly law a doctrine brought from the bosome of the Heavenly Father the citizens of this kingdome seeke heavenly things and their conversation is in heaven Phil. 3.20 Col. 3â— 1. God reignes in them after a heavenly manner the promises given to them are heavenly Marriage It is prepared in this life consummate in the life to come Vers. 3. His servants The Prophets to call preach or prophesie them the Jewes Vers. 4. Other servants Evangelists Apostles they had a larger promise Dinner Knowledge of God and forgivenesse of sinnes Oxen Strong Fathers of the Old Testament Fatlings The sweet Gospel Killed The Greeke word here is commonly used in Sacrifices and is by translation used for other feasts also for feasts and banquets were wont to begin with Sacrifices Not come Cal'd by Preaching to sorrow obedience The marriage Gregory applyes it to Christs incarnation but it is a spiritual conjunction with Christ. Hilary Calvin Being invited they are guests being come they are brides Vers. 6. And intreated them spitefully As Peter and Iohn and Paul severall times And slew them As Stephen and both the Iames. Vers. 7. Sent forth his armies The Romans who spoyled
he by whom God is favourable to us which Immanuell signifies or this is our Saviour the sence is one Vers. 32. He shall be called great 1. In respect of his Person because He was both God and man 2. In respect of his Office 3. In respect of his kingdome Chemnit The throne of David his father Christ may be said to have the throne of David two wayes 1. Properly for he was borne King of the Jews by right discent from his Father David as his genealogy plainely sheweth Luke 3. Matth. 2.2 2. Typically for Davids kingdome was a figure of Christs kingdome and David himselfe a type of Christ. Ier. 23.5 6. Hos. 3.5 Vers. 33. And of his kingdome there shall be no end Obj. 1 Cor. 15.24 It is said Christ shall deliver up the kingdome to the Father Ans. Luke speaketh of Christs kingdome in respect of it selfe the Apostle in respect of the administration of it In the former respect it shall never be abolished Christ shall alwayes have a people to rule but He shall not rule as now he doth by Magistrates Ministers the word and Sacraments Vers. 34. How shall this bee There is threefold how viz. of curiosity incredulity and infirmity she doubted not of the effect but inquired after the quality of the effect it selfe Vers. 35. The manner of her conception is expressed in those two Phrases of comming on her and overshadowing her to shew that this was an effectuall worke and yet so difficult to conceive that we cannot reach unto it The power of the most High That is the Holy Ghost Over shadow A metaphore from birds cherishing their young ones that so the Angell may shew that this child shall arise by that power by which the world it selfe began See Iunius on Gen. 1.2 Vers. 41. The babe leaped in her wombe The Greeke word signifieth to leap as lambes and calves being well fed The word is used by the LXX for Iacob and Esaus stirring in the wombe Gen. 25.22 Vers. 42. Blessed art thou among women We do acknowledge that the Virgin Mary was blessed among women as here and a blessed woman as 28. and 48. verses yet more blessed as Austin saith in receiving the faith then in conceiving the flesh of Christ. We count her holy meeke humble we praise God for her that he made her the instrument of Christs coming into the world and desire to imitate those vertues and excellencies that were in her But the Papists commit grosse Idolatry they give her the titles of Mediatrix Salvatrix Shee-Saviour Queene of Heaven Queene of mercy They paralel ubera vulnera making the milke of Mary to be as precious as the bloud of Christ they call her unicam miserorum spem O Foelix puerpera Nostra pians scelerae Iure matris impera Redemptori Calvin saith if she should now live and see that honour which is due onely to God given to her she had rather they should draw her about by the haire spit in her face and offer her the foulest abuse that may be Vers. 43. And whence is this to mee that the mother of my Lord should come to mee They are not the words of one being ignorant or doubting but affirming her selfe unworthy Ruth 2.10 Vers. 44. The babe leaped in my womb for joy In gaudio magno the Syriack that is for great joy This motion was not naturall but spirituall and therefore Iohn was sanctified in his Mothers wombe and did really rejoyce at the presence of Christ in the Virgin The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies outward gesticulation or exultation as Psal. 65.13 and so it is to be understood here The Babe in my womb leaped with extraordinary gesticulation or exultation Vers. 46. My soule doth magnifie the Lord c. Compare this ode with that which Hannah sung after Samuel was borne 1 Sam. 2. For as Peter martyr hath observed they are so like that the blessed Virgin seemes to have taken much out of that song Vers. 47. And my sprit hath rejoyced 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Greek word signifieth exulting such a joy as we use to expresse by outward signes in the body as dancing The Syriacke hath a word whence an exclamation made for joy is deduced Euge Euge. Some by soule would have the understanding to be meant and by Spirit the will à Lapide by soule would have the inferiour part of the soule to be meant which respects naturall things by the Spirit the Superiour which respects divine and Spirituall things In God my Saviour Who both delivers and keeps me and is the author of perpetuall salvation for the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 comprehends these three benefits of grace The Syriack renders it In Deo vivificatore meo Vers. 51. He hath shewed strength with his arme A great power of God is declared by his finger greater by his hand greatest by his arme See Exod. 15.16 and Psal. 76.16 and 89.14 and 97.1 Esay 40.10 and 62.8 Iob. 40.4 Vers. 53. He hath filled the hungry with good things By the hungry are meant those who feel themselves void of grace yea as it were pined and starved for want of it Vers. 59. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child We collect saith Calvin from the words of Luke that although they circumcised their Infants at home yet they were not wont to do it without the company of many men and that deservedly for since it was a common Sacrament it ought not to be administred privately Vers. 66. The hand of the Lord was with him The grace of God was many wayes conspicuous which openly shewed that he should not be an ordinary man Vers. 68. Blessed be the Lord God He is worthy of praise or Let the Lord be celebrated and extolled redeemed or as the words are hath wrought redemption the Syriack is fecit ei redemptionem That is by Christ incarnate inchoativè Vers. 69. An horne of salvation That is a mighty Saviour for us 2 Sam. 22.3 Psal. 132.2 Thou hast laid help on one that is mighty which Esay expounds mighty to save Esay 63.1 The glory and strength of horned beasts consists in their hornes Vers. 70. As he spake by the mouth of his holy Prophets which have been since the world began As if they had all but one mouth and message All the holy Prophets prophesied of Christ of his strength victory and Kingdome Vers. 74. That we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve him without fear Delivered out of some dark deep hole it signifies to bring forth something to light enemies The Devills wicked men sinne death and hell The manner of our service must be first without feare either without cause of fear as Rom. 8. 1. Or without servile feare not constraind but willing and cheerfull 2. Universall in holinesse toward God in righteousnesse towards men 3. Before him as in
is not meant an externall eating and drinking with the mouth and throat of the body as the Jewes then and the Romanists more grossely since have imagined but internall and spirituall by a lively faith Bishop Vsher. Vers. 53. Except ye eate the flesh of the Son of God and drink his bloud ye have no life in you We may ask a Papist whether the Eucharist be here spoken of if it be not why doe they allege this Chapter to establish their transubstantiation if it be why doe they deprive the people of that life in taking the Cup from them It doth not serve the turne to say that the people receive the bloud together with the host by a concomitancy for he that so receives the bloud doth not drink Pet. du Moulin Vers. 54. Who so eateth my flesh and drinketh my bloud hath eternall life To give us to understand that his manhood hath quickning vertue in it yet not of it selfe as by it self but as it is the manhood of the Son of God Mr. Perkins Vers. 55. For my flesh is meat indeed and my bloud is drink indeed It is as much as if he had said reall meat and drink yet meaneth he not corporall but spirituall meat and drink v. 65. Spirituall and corporall are opposite one to the other not spirituall and reall That is reall which is not imaginary or in conceit only but in deed and truth Vers. 56. My flesh and drinketh my bloud That is not only Christs body but person all his merits his passions and priviledges which flow from them He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my bloud dwelleth in me and I in him Christ in this Chapter is oft resembled to food the Spirit of God delights in this metaphor not only because they of Capernaum followed him for the loaves but because the resemblance is suitable in five particulars First in regard of the necessity of Christ for the soule as of food for the body 1 Tim. 6.8 Gen. 28. Food and raiment food is more needfull Adam in Paradise and many Nations subsist without raiment but none can without foode Secondly in respect of its complacency and delight Thirdly its efficacy it continues and strengthens life so Christ. Fourthly because of the union between the meat that nourisheth and the body that is to be nourished Fifthly there is a unity 1 Cor. 6.17 Vers. 62. What and if ye shall see the son of man ascend up where he was before It is necessary to understand it one of these two wayes either then you shall not be scandalized when you shall see c. or contrarily then you shall be more scandalized Many follow the former sense Chrysostome Augustine Cyrill Theophylact Beda Rupertus I can hardly perswade my selfe saith Maldonate that it is to be understood then you shall cease to be scandalized or then you shall understand believe as all the authors which I have read interpret it What will you doe when you shall see me ascending into heaven how much more will you be scandalized how much lesse will you believe I deny not saith he that I have none the author of this interpretation but I approve of this more than the other of Augustine the most probable of the others otherwise because this is more repugnant to the sense of the Calvinists which to me is a great argument of probability Vers. 63. The flesh profiteth nothing That is the fleshly eating of Christ for in no other sense can the flesh be said to profit nothing for Christs flesh was as necessary to the worke of our redemption as his Godhead The Godhead supported but the flesh suffered The words that I speak unto you are Spirit and life Because the word of God is the pipe whereby he conveigheth into our dead hearts spirit and life Perkins As Christ when he raised up dead men did only speak the word and they were made alive and at the day of Judgement by his very voyce when the trumpet shall blow all that are dead shall rise againe The flesh is his humane nature wherein by death he is become our bread the Spirit his divine nature which maketh his flesh to live and which gives a quickning vertue to this bread Vers. 70. I have chosen you twelve To the Apostolicall function Calvin Vers. 71. When he was one of the twelve Yet we doe not reade that he was moved so stupid are hypocrites that they feele not their owne wound CHAP. VII Verse 5. NEither did his brethren believe in him That is they did not know nor believe that he was the Messiah and the Son of the living God but they thought that he was only a man like to themselves It belongs to a witnesse ingenuously to utter that which he knowes to be true not to doe any thing for any mans favour or hatred which may oppose truth Polyc. Lyser Vers. 17. If any man will doe his will That is beleeve it and subject himselfe to it He shall know Viz. by that comfort which he shall feele upon his subjection Vers. 20. Thou hast a Devill It is all one as if they had said thou art mad It was an ancient saying among the Jewes that men are troubled by the Devill when they were in a fury or when their mind and reason was taken away Vers. 24. According to appearance The originall is as the vulgar rightly secundum faciem because the face only appears the rest is hid Vers. 35. The dispersed among the Gentiles By the Gentiles he here understands the Hellenists that is dispersed Jews so called because they spake the Greek tongue and used the translation of the Septuagint which was made in Aegypt in their Synagogues Vers. 37. Jesus stood When otherwise the custome of that age carried it that the teachers sate even as Christ also often did but here he stood that he might signifie that he would seriously execute the great Office of Teaching Cried Both for the multitude of the company that he might be heard of all and that he might declare that he would speake of those things which it belonged all to heare and know and also that he might shew an undaunted mind and that he feared no man If any man thirst The metaphor of thirsting was suitable because it was hot weather A thirst in Scripture in generall meanes a vehement desire but here more it is the same in the soule that thirst in the body Three things meet in bodily thirst 1. A failing of moysture 2. A sense of unnaturall heat therefore it is said in Scripture burnt up with thirst dried with thirst 3. A vehement desire after moisture which may coole this heat and supply this want That is finds himself empty of grace is sensible of his corruption and of the wrath of God and then vehemently desires Christ. Vers. 38. As the Scripture saith That is as the Scripture is wont to expresse it for otherwise there
Counsell of God Not his secret decrees and purposes but his revealed will specially his Counsell and purpose touching the way and meanes of salvation by Christ and Christ alone Vers. 28. This verse may be stiled Saint Paul his Trumpet not that where of hee speaketh 1 Cor. 14.8 which sendeth out an uncertaine sound but like the Trumpet of Sinay wherein there is both Clangor and horror Ezod 19.16 so vehemently it ratleth out this Episcopall this Paschall Cantell First intrinsecally Take heed to your selves For qui sibi nequam cui bonus Secondly extrinsecally take heed to the flock yea to the whole flock As Ezech. 31.39 to strengthen the weake to heale the infected to splint the sprained to reduce the wandring to seek the lost to cherish the strong this is the Clangor of the Trumpet Sed sonitus buccinae adhuc crescit in majus prolixius intendiiur Exod. 19.19 And still Saint Paul raiseth his blast by a threefold inforcement 1. Expressing the burden ad pascendum 2. The authour Spirit 3. The quality of the flock populum acquisitionis 2 Pet. 1.9 Purchased with bloud with Gods bloud with Gods own bloud this is the horror of the Trumpet Now then let him that hath an eare heare what the Spirit speaketh unto the Churches Or rather soundeth out to Churchmen for there is no Clergy man unlesse he hath drunk the Cup of slumber to the very dregs Esay 51.17 but the voyce of this Trumpet will be unto him as Samuels Message 1 Sam. 3.8 making his two eares to tingle and his heart strings to tremble Vers. 30. Also of your own selves shall men arise Nicolaitanes Rev. 2.6 speaking perverse things Teaching those things which swerve from that which is right so 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is taken Luk 23.2 and Acts 13.8.10 The Nicolaitanes held that marriage was a meer humane institution and such a one as did not bind mens consciences that it was lawfull to eat of the sacrifices of the Gentiles to draw away disciples after them Therefore they teach things pleasing to the flesh that so they may draw them whom the discipline of the Church offends to their party CHAP. XXI Vers. 1. AFter we were gotten from them The Greek word signifies that they were as it were by force pulled away it significantly expresseth their mutuall affections Vers 3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus A Mariners terme they use this expression still when they would shew that they see a place which before was hid from them Vers. 13. For I am ready 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I have my selfe in readinesse Vers. 20. Thousands 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ten thousand Not all of the Church of Ierusalem but come up thither from forraigne parts and far countries at this feast of Pentecost Chap. 20.16 according to the Law CHAP. XXII Vers. 3. BRought up in this City at the feet of Gamaliel The master sate in a higher place the disciple did lye upon the ground at the feet of the master Was zealous towards God The zeale which the Israelites had was of the Law the knowledge which they wanted was of the true meaning of it Vers. 16. Wash away thy sinnes That is Sacramentally The Text joyneth with the Sacrament invocation of the name of the Lord whereunto salvation is promised Rom. 10.13 Ioel. 2.22 To wash away his sins Therefore this place maketh nothing for the Popish Heresie that the Sacraments give grace ex opere operato of the work wrought Vers. 25. A man that is a Romane They had a law that a Citizen might not bee tortured any way but by the decree of the people Vers. 28. With a great summe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Because this sum was gathered head by head CHAPT XXIII Vers. 3. THou whited Wall A fit similitude to expresse wicked men who for honour or profit sake pretend to be Godly Intrâ—rsum turpes speciosi pelle decora Sanctius thinkes it is a proverb among the Hebrewes as whited Sepulchre Vers. 5. I wist not brethren that he was the high Priest Some say he doth as much as confesse his fault by excusing it with the plea of ignorance alleaging that place of Scripture which might give them to understand that he was better seen in the Law then that he would have so spoken if he had known the quality of the person to whom he spake Others say his meaning was that he did not regard or consider him as the high Priest others that he did not account him worthy to be the high Priest others that he plainely meant he did not know him to be the high Priest for it was possible hee might mistake He acknowledged him not but knew him rather to be an usurper which made him use that boldnesse Mr. Perkins His meaning was saith Grotius that he is not the High Priest or chiefe of the Senate who purchased such a dignity for Paul saith he had learned this of Gamaliel that a Judge who shall give money for obtaining of a place of honour is neither indeed a Judge nor to be honoured but to be esteemed an asse Calvin saith it is an ironicall speech and that the meaning is ego fratres in hoc homine nihil agnoseo Sacerdotale Brethren I acknowledge nothing belonging to a High Priest in this man See Doctor Prideaux on this Text p. 5. to 9. And Doctor Willet on 22. of Exodus Quest. 52. and Rivet on 23. of Exod. 28. Jun. Paralel 1. Paralel 98. Bezam in loc Vers. 6. But when Paul perceived that the one part were Saduces and the other Pharisees Paul wanted not humane prudence and therefore makes use of the differences of his enemies Of the hope and resurrection of the dead The sense is concerning the hope of the reward which the just shall receive in another world which therefore of the Hebrews is called seculum mercedis For then shall every one receive a reward worthy of his deeds The Sadducees denyed that and they denyed also the punishment of all sinne and wickednesse Drusius de tribus sectis Judaeorum l. 3. De praemio ac poena Vers. 8. Angell nor Spirit Lukes true meaning is saith Calvin that the Angels yea all Spirits were denyed by the Sadducees some interpret Spirit the immortall soul of man Others the Holy Ghost which the 9 verse of this Chapter confirmes saith Drusius De Tribus Sectis Judaeorum l. 3. Vers. 26. Vnto the most excellent CHAP. XXIV Vers. 2. SEeing that by thee wee enjoy great quietnesse It is one of the rhetoricall precepts by praising the Judge to make him benevolous to a mans selfe which Paul was not ignorant of as appeares vers 10. and 26.2.3 Vers. 5. A pestilent fellow 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a pestilence foolish Tertullus that mistooke the antidote for the poyson the remedy for the disease Doctor Hall A ring-leader The word signifies the first man in his ranke
Bezam Now are they holy Notwithstanding the difference of Religion in the parents yet the children are legitimate say some and not bastards a civill sanctity saith Theophylact That interpretation cannot stand for then all the children of Heathen should be illegitimate there is a lawfull marriage where neither parents are believers 2. This holinesse is derived from the faith of the parent it is meant therefore of a federall holinesse the children are taken into the parents covenant Vers. 15. But if the unbelieving depart let him depart He doth not approve or permit such a defection but speaks this to free the innocent from scruple in such a case A brother or a sister is not in bondage in such cases That he should be bound either to follow the deserting party or to continue unmarried The Apostle saith the innocent party is free not onely from bed and board but from the bond of the deserter so Pareus But saith he the Apostles limitation is to be observed in such cases viz. such circumstances of desertion in such a totall separation of religion as was then among the Pagans and Christians and of which the Apostle properly speakes Contrary to cohabitation is desertion when the husband departs from the wife or she from him without each others good liking or privity not for any commodity or necessity of businesse but out of dislike and with an obstinate purpose of not returning again Such a one as doth so say many worthy Divines breakes the bond of marriage and sets the innocent party at liberty Vers. 23. Be not ye the servants of men That is in regard of conscience in opposition to me We are not to serve men as Spirituall masters Ephes. 6.13 not as supreame but as subordinate masters Ephes. 6.7 Vers. 28. Such shall have trouble in the flesh The Apostle speaketh of all times although it be true most of times of persecution because the present necessity v. 26. may as well mean the necessity of this life as these times of trouble Secondly when are we not likely to meet with daies of persecution for well doing See M. Whatelies Care-cloth Vers. 29. The time is short contracted or cut off trussed up into a narrow scantling a metaphor from sailes when men are almost at harbour they begin to strike their sailes and fold them up together Some think he compares the time of our life with the time of the Patriarkes Some think he means it of the end of the world as Peter expresseth it the end of all things is at hand 1 Pet. 4.7 he rather speaks of the duration of mans life Vers 30. And they that rejoyce as though they rejoyced not The fathers on this place made this observation That the joyes of this world are but quasi as if they were joyes not joyes indeed but shadows or figures as Esay 29.8 As though they possessed not That is in respect of moderation of the affections and the disposition of the heart They should have fewest worldly cares by how much the times are harder Vers 31. For the fashon of this world passeth away The Apostle speaking of the world very elegantly and emphatically calls it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 rather then 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 intimating thereby that this world to speak of it truly is rather a matter of fashion then of substance Dr. Causabones Treatise of use and custome Vers. 34. Holy both in body and spirit Of Spirit when it is either not tempted to uncleannesse or being tempted yeeldeth not or yeelding is recovered by repentance of body also when it neither exciteth nor being excited executeth uncleanesse He joyns the sanctity both of body and Spirit because chastity is not so much a vertue of the body as the spirit Vers. 39. Onely in the Lord That is according to Gods word and direction and not against it religiosè cumtimore Domini pio affectu cum persona fideli Pareus Vers. 40. And I thinke also that I have the spirit of God He speakes not as if hee doubted whether he had but to reprove those who slighted him as if he had not the spirit of God He doth not meane saith Grotius a revelation but a sincere affection of serving God and the godly And I thinke that I also shall be yeelded to have the Spirit of God as well as your glorious and boasting teachers Doctor Halls Paraphrase CHAP. VIII Vers. 2. ANd if any man thinke That is proudly conceits that he knoweth any thing he knoweth nothing yet as hee ought to know Vers. 4. And Idoll is nothing in the world That is nothing subsisting in nature or nothing in respect of the divinitie ascribed unto it as the following words shew and that there is none other God but one but something in mans imagination which giveth to it the honour of God and reputeth it as God making it a God unto himselfe CHAP. IX Vers. 5. HAve we not power to lead about a sister a wife Our last accurate translation of the English Bible hath woman in the Margin it is the manner of that Edition to set al the Idiotismes of either language and divers readings in the Margin The Greek word signifies both but whether of them is fit to be received into the Text our Text it selfe shewes our Translation is according to the plaine words and meaning of the Apostle The words in the Greek are not a woman sister but a sister a wife for no man would say a sister a woman because the word sister implyeth a woman therefore of necessity the latter word signifieth a wife specially and not a sister generally Lead about Declares they were their wives The word implies a power over the party led The Popish Priests abhorre marriage as unworthy the sanctity of their order yet the Apostles did not dislike it Vers. 9. That treadeth out the Corne In that Countrey they did tread out their Corn with their Oxen as we doe thresh it out Doth God take care for Oxen Not chiefely and principally but subordinately as his care is toward all the creatures so Deut 25.4 1 Tim. 5.18 Or doth not so take care for them as if he respected them onely in making the Law Vers. 13. They which waite at the Altar 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 continually set continuall residence was required of the Priests and so of Pastors Vers. 23. I am made all things to all men that I might by all meanes save some Hee was content to undergoe any thing for the good of any man Mr. Perkins Vers. 24 25. They which run in a race run all but one receiveth the prize so run that ye may obtaine And every man that striveth for the mastery He alludes to the Olympicke exercises Cursus lucta running and wrestling were two of the Olympicke games Vers. 26. I therefore so run
opposed not to visible but to naturall They shall be still visible as the body of Christ which yet the Papists make invisible and say it is in the Sacrament really present and yet not to bee seen Spirituall that is subject to the spirit it shall not then need meat and drink and subtill Vers. 45. A quickning spirit Because by the Spirit he quickned himselfe and quickens us now to live the life of grace and shall hereafter quicken our dead bodies at the resurrection Vers. 47. The first man viz. In respect of his substance Is of the earth earthly In respect of his quality c. The second man The Lord in respect of his quality The Apostle speakes here as if there were but two men in the word millions of men came between Adam and our Saviour there are two mediators Adam in the covenant of nature Christ in the new covenant as Adam conveighs his guilt to all his Children so Christ his righteousnesse to all his he was caput cum faedere as well as the first Adam Vers. 50. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God Not the sinfull nature of man as flesh and blood often signifie in Scripture being opposed to Spirit but the constitution of nature or the estate wherein we stand as men flesh and blood qua nunc conditione sunt inherite That is beare that majesty glory and excellency of Heaven Neither doth corruption Nature subject to corruption Vers. 51. We shall not all sleep To sleep here is to rest in the grave to continue in the state of the dead and so we shall not all sleep not continue in the state of the dead But we shall be changed the soule and body shall be separated and in a moment reunited Vers. 56. The sting of death is sinne That is the destroying power he compares sinne to a Serpent The strength of sin is the Law That is 1. In regard of discovery of it the Law entred that sinne might abound 2. For condemnation 3. For irritation it is stirred up and strengthened by this that the Law forbids it Nitimur in vetitum c. Vers. 58. Stedfast A metaphore taken from a foundation on which a thing stands firme or a Seate or Chaire wherein one sits firme Vnmovable Signifies one that will not easily move his place or opinion Abounding Or excelling In the work of the Lord Because of Gods institution as the Lords Supper or day or because done by his strength or for him Labour Unto wearinesse as the Greek word signifies is not in vaine Not shall be the worke is the wages the Lord Or with the Lord. CHAP. XVI Vers. 2. THe first day of the weeke That is the Lords day which institution seemes to be derived from the Commandement of God in the Law twice repeated Exod. 23.15 Deut. 16.16 As God hath prospered him That is according to the ability wherewith God hath blessed him Vers. 13. Stand The meaning is continue be constant and persevere in the faith shrinke not start not aside nor slide from it so stand is taken Col. 4.12 Vers 19. The Churches of Asia salute you Where the Apostle meaneth not that they did by word of mouth send greetings unto them but that all the Churches did approve of them which he saith for their great comfort Rom. 16.16 Act. 16.2.3 Vers. 22 If any man That is That lives in the light of the Gospell love not That is Hate Luke 11.23 Ephes. 6. ult those who make shew of love to Christ with their mouthes Anathema Accursed or execrable Rom. 9.3 Gal. 18. 1 Cor. 12.3 Maranatha it consists of two Syriacke words Maran Lord and Atha he commeth pronounced accursed to everlasting destruction as if hé had said let him be accursed even unto the comming of Christ to judgement It is as much as he is accursed untill our Lord come It was the most fearfull and dreadfull sentence of the Church which it used against those which having beene o◠it did utterly fall from it so as the Church might discerne that they sinned the sinne against the holy Ghost Reduplication in Scripture signifies two things vehemency of Spirit in him that speakes and the certainty of the thing spoken Rom. 8.15 Abba Father in two Languages the Spirit of God is a Spirit of supplication in Jew and Gentile so here cursed in two languages to shew that both Jewes and Gentiles which love not Christ are cursed ANNOTATIONS UPON THE Second Epistle of PAUL the Apostle to the CORINTHIANS VERS III. CHAP. I. THe God of all comfort Of all sorts and degrees of comfort who hath all comfort at his dispose It intimates 1. That no comfort can be found any where else he hath the sole gift of it 2. Not onely some but all comfort no imaginable comfort is wanting in him nor to be found out of him 3. All degrees of comfort are to be found in him See 4. vers Vers. 4. Who comforteth us in all our tribulation that we may be able to comfort them c. Plainely noting that he is not fit to comfort others who hath not experience of the comforts of God himselfe Vers. 12. For our rejoycing or boasting is this the testimony of our conscience Here we may see the quiet and tranquillity of a good conscience See 1 Tim. 1.5 The meaning is that of which I boast and in which I trust before God is the testimony of my conscience Vers. 13. For we write none other things unto you then what you read or acknowledge That which you read written is indeed written as well in our hearts as in this paper Vers. 14. We are your rejoycing Or rather boasting 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is the matter and object of your boasting as you are of ours or if we follow our translation the Corinthians shall rejoyce at the last day that ever they saw Paul and Paul in them Vers. 20. All the promises of God in him are yea and in him Amen Yea True in the event and reall performance Amen That is Stable and firme as the Hebrew word signifieth that is they are both made and performed in and for him Vers. 22. Given us the earnest of the Spirit But if God having once given this earnest should not also give the rest of the inheritance he should undergoe the losse of his earnest as Chrysostome most elegantly and soundly argueth See Ephes. 1 13.14 Vers. 23. I call God for a record upon my soule Or against my soule it is all one The Apostle the better to perswade men to beleeve what he was about to speake useth an oath and that not a simple one but with an execration added As if he should say saith Estius Perdat me Deus nisi vera dixero Let God destroy me if I speake not truth Onely God in Scripture is said to sweare by his soule as 51. Ier. and 6. Amos since he
onely sweares by himselfe because he hath not a greater to swear by CHAPT II. Vers. 15. A Sweet savour It is one word in the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 beneolentia The Apostle so calls himselfe and his fellow workmen causaliter as those which send out a sweet savour from themselves To them that are saved Indeed in them chiefely yet not onely in them but in them also that perish Vers. 16. Savour of death unto death viz. To seale up their condemnation while we preach Christ a Judge 2 Thess. 2.8 The savour of life unto life To assure their soules of eternall life whiles we preach Christ a most mercifull Saviour to all that shall beleeve 2 Thess. 1.10 And who is sufficient for these things That is what Minister of the Gospell is fit to performe these things which we speake of viz. to be the sweet odour of Christ every where Vers. 7. Corrupt the word of God That is such as by fraud and base arts play the hucksters to inhance the price and amplifie our own gaine See à Lapide and Vorstius CHAP. III. Vers. 2. YEe are our Epistle written in our hearts That is wherein we doe inwardly and heartily rejoyce Vers. 3. To be the Epistle of Christ Here is an Epanorthosis or correction of himselfe as 1 Cor. 15.10 For when he had said before that the Corinthians was his Epistle that he might mitigate the envy of the speech he saith that they are the Epistle of Christ because their faith was his worke but written with his Ministery Not in tables of Stone but in fleshly tables of the heart He alludes either to Ier. 31.31 Or to the law written in Tables of Stone which Tables shadowed out the great hardnesse of mans heart to which the fleshly Tables of the heart are opposed which by the force of the Spirit are made more tender that the grace of the Gospell may easily be ingraven in them Vers. 5. Are not sufficient 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Have no aptnesse to a good thought the least part of a good work But our sufficiency Our fitnesse Vers. 6. Able Ministers of the New Testament not of the Letter but of the Spirit That is He hath made us Ministers rather of the Spirit then of the Letter or more of the Spirit then of the Letter because of the promise of the plentifull effusion of the Spirit after the ascension of Christ so J will have mercy and not sacrifice That is rather mercy then sacrifice and Ioel 2.13 that is rather rent your hearts then your garments Vers. 17. Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty Liberty is opposed to three things 1. Necessity where the Spirit of God dwells in a man he frees him from all necessity of sinning 2. Coaction and constraint such a one doth nothing by force and from a principle without but from an inward instinct and impulse my soule followeth hard after thee life is a selfe-moving power 3. To restraint when Gods sets a man at liberty he in largeth his heart Psal. 119.32 Vers. 18. But we all with open face beholding as in a glasse the glory of the Lord are changed into the same Image from glory to glory That is seeing by the appearing of grace the vaile is removed that we may see the face of God clearely now must we by meanes of this knowledge be transformed into his Image that Image in which wee were created must be daily renewed and by degrees further restored in us that is the Apostles meaning from glory to glory As Adam was created in the Image of God so must every beleever be renewed unto that blessed condition By the Spirit of the Lord These words may also be rendred by the Lord of the Spirit or by the Lord the Spirit but our version is most plaine CHAP. IV. Vers. 2. COmmending our selves to every mans conscience in the fight of God That is he did so preach and live that every mans conscience could not choose but say certainly Paul preacheth the truth and liveth right and we must live as he speaketh and doth Vers. 3. Hid to them that perish That is said to be hid which although it be conspicuous of it selfe yet is not seene as the Sun by those that are blind See Luke 19.42 The God of this world Not in spect of dominion over things created but 1. In respect of corruption for he is the God of the evill in the world 2. In respect of seduction 3. In respect of opinion or estimation because the people of the world make the Devill their God The Marcionites and Manichees in times past abused this place to prove that there were two principles or Gods one which they called good the other evill Vers. 8. We are perplexed but not in despaire Staggering but not wholly sticking In the Greeke there is a sweet allusion of the simple and compound verbes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vers. 13. Having the same spirit of faith That is he and the rest of Gods Church and children had the same faith proceeding from the same spirit Vers. 16. Day by day Non est hoc loco dissimulandus insignis lapsus Cajetani viri alioquin egregiè docti qui ex annotationibus Erasmi male intellectis pro illa parte de die in diem credit ApostoluÌ„ scripsisse adverbiuÌ„ novè 〈◊〉 em exponit ac subtiliter in ea philosophatur quum Erasmus non aliud dicat quam novè scriptum à Paulo 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 die die pro 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in dies Quam facilè aberrat in Scripturis interpretandis qui linguae originalis ignarus tantum ex aâ—â—js authoribus venatur quid Graeca quid Hebraea habeant Estius in loc Vers. 17. For our light affliction which lasteth but for a moment worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternall weight of glory All that can be by man inflicted on man is but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 compressio a pressure and that of the body onely for which by way of recompence shall be conferred glory which here compriseth under it whatsoever may make to the happinesse of man and that both in body and soule 2. The kind of affliction is but some light thing easie to be born by him which is endued by a Divine Spirit but the recompence is a weight 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 alludit ad Hebraeum Chaldaeum nomen gloriae Chabod Jakar Cameron such a weight as infinitely over-poyseth all afflictions 3. The continuance of afflictions is but for a while even for a moment but the weight of glory is eternall to shew that in this comparison all degrees of comparison are exceeded he addeth hyperbole upon hyperbole 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which emphaticall Graecisme because other Tongues cannot word by word expresse to the full they are forced to use words and phrases which exceed all comparison as Mirè
confirmation in goodnesse and that they might againe be knit together with the Elect under one and the same head Christ Jesus Ephes. 1.10 Vers. 23. Grounded The word in the originall signifies except you be so built as a house is built upon a sure foundation as a tree that is soundly rooted and setled A metaphore from the sitting of the body which is then most firme The hope of the Gospell viz. Those sweet promises of life which are the very matter of the Gospell And which was Preached to every creature which is under heaven That is so and in such sort as every man living might have heard and knowne had not the fault been in their own carelesnesse Vers. 24. Fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh He meaneth not the passion of Christ but the sufferings of the body of Christ that is the Church whereof Christ is the head For his bodies sake which is the Church Because they confirme the faith of the Church Vers. 26. The mystery which hath been hid from ages That is of the Gospell But now is made manifest to his Saints The Gospell was revealed to all the world they might have a literall knowledge of it but the Saints onely a spirituall knowledge The common truths which others see with a rationall eye they see with a siduciall eye CHAPT II. Vers. 5. BEholding your order That is your outward beauty And the stedfastnesse of your faith in Christ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the firmament of your faith so the vulgar renders it it is as firme as the firmament it selfe See 1 Pet. 5.9 Vers. 7. Rooted and built up in him He alludeth to a tree well rooted in the ground and to an house well set upon a good foundation Calvin and others He signifies that Christ is the root in which he would have them firmely rooted and the foundation upon which he would have them built Vers. 8. Spoile you 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 That is make a prey of you The Speech is taken from theeves who come secretly to carry away a sheep out of the fold to whom the Apostle compareth vaine teachers Doctor Taylor Through Philosophy The Apostle speakes not absolutely of Philosophy but of vaine deceiving by Philosophy as the Text implies Omnes adulterinae doctrinae quae nascuntur ex humano capite qualemcunque habeant rationis colorem Calvinus Some say vaine deceit is here added interpretatively Vers. 10. And ye are compleat in him which is the head of all principality and power As though he had said because in himselfe he hath the wel-head of glory and Majesty the which becommeth ours in that he is also the head of his Church Vers. 11. In whom That is Christ of whom vers 8 9 10. Yee That is all you Colossians and others that have truly beleeved in Christ. Are circumcised with the circumcision That is made partakers of the spirituall good whereof circumcision was anciently to the Jewes a signe and seale Made without bands That is not performed by any externall act of any man upon the body but spiritually upon the soule by a spirituall and inward act of Gods Spirit In putting off the body of the sinnes of the flesh That is which inward circumcision consists in this that a man is inabled to cast aside mortifie and overcome those manifold corruptions and disorders of the soule which come unto us by our fleshly generation and doe shew themselves in our flesh our outward man By the circumcision of Christ By merit and vertue of all those things which Christ hath done and suffered in his humane nature among which this of his circumcision was one Vers. 13. Having forgiven you all trespasses The word imports that he hath freely forgiven us all our sinnes Rom. 3.4 The word rendred trespasses usually is understood of actuall sinnes either it is a Synecdoche and so one sort of sinnes is named instead of all or else he speakes according to the feeling of many of the godly who even after forgivenesse are troubled with a wicked pronenesse to daily sinnes Vers. 14. Blotting out the hand writing of Ordinances Beza and Calvin understand it of the ceremoniall Law it is meant not onely of that but of the morall Law as a Covenant of workes say Chrysostome Oecumenius Ierome this is spoken saith Zanchie to comfort the Colossians who were never under the ceremoniall Law Vers. 17. Which are a shadow of things to come Ceremonies are called shadowes because that as the shadow carries though a dark yet some resemblance of the body whose shadow it is so Ceremonies of Christ. Vers. 18. Beguile you of your reward It referres to prizes in the Olympick games as that in 8. v. to spoiles in warre He meanes their salvation In a voluntary humility and worshipping of Angels The worshipping of Angels which Paul condemnes arose from a pretence of humility For such making a shew of humility that they could not goe directly to God neither were they worthy to goe by Christ therefore they taught that they must use the mediation of Angels so Chrysostome Theodoret Theophylact and the Greeke Scholiast in loc Vers. 21. Touch not A woman 1 Cor. 7.1 Taste not Meat handle not Money meddle not with secular contracts Doctor Sclater Some observe that the rest of the words without copulatives notes their eagernesse in pressing these things and perswading men to the care of them Vers. 22. Which all are to perish with the using The words signifie are to corruption in the use That is they come to no such use or end as is aimed at in them those were such observances as Zanchie sheweth as men devised or used with an estimation of worshipping God in them ex se as of themselves CHAP. III. Vers. 1 SEeke those things which are above It implies 1. An act of the understanding minde and contemplate on the things that are above 2. Of the will long for favour and affect them Set your affections on things which are above and not on things which are on earth He repeates what he had said in the former verse to shew our dulnesse of capacity in conceiving and backwardnesse in practise and the necessity and excellency of the duty Vers. 3. Your life is hid with Christ in God A happy and glorious life hid chiefely in respect of security and also in respect of obscurity that your selves sometimes can not find it not onely hid from the eyes of the world but also from our owne eyes in respect of the fulnesse and perfection of it Vers. 5. Mortifie or put to death He alludeth unto the ancient sacrifices whereof so many as consisted of things having life were appointed to be slaine by the Priest afore they were offered upon the Altar as a type of our killing the old man before we can become an acceptable sacrifie unto God Your Members which are
or abundant or more abundant love for their workes sake Vers. 14. Warne them that are unruly Which keep not their station If we see any man disordered in his carriage we must not thinke he is an unruly fellow and so let him goe but admonish him that is a duty of charity as well as the next following Support the weake hold up as a crutch doth a body that is lame or a beame a house that is ruinated 1. Beare with their wants and weaknesses 2. Put under thy shoulder to helpe to beare their necessities Rom. 12.13.3 Help his burden of sinne from off him by admonishing reproving exhorting and praying Doct. Taylor 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 est propriè nitentem conantem sed non sufficientem nec sat virium habentem adjuvare à Lapide Vers. 17. Pray without ceasing Ephes. 6.18 That is on all occasions every day The originall word signifies such a performance of this duty that you do not cease to doe it at such times as God requires it at your hands the same word is used 2 Tim. 1.3 2. A man must ever be praying habitually a true Christian hath alwayes a disposition to pray though not the liberty 2 Sam. 19.13 3. There is a vitall prayer as well as an orall semper orat qui bene semper agit 4. We must blesse and sanctifie every thing to us by prayer 5. Pray in all Estates in prosperity and misery Vers. 18. In every thing That is in every condition or with every duty For this is the will of God in Christ The acceptable will of God in Christ. Vers. 19. Quench not the Spirit That is say the Anabaptists hearken to the suggestions of the private Spirit The word Spirit is not taken essentially for the three persons in Trinity nor hypostatically for the third person but Metonymically for the fruits of the Spirit The Spirit is quenched two wayes as fire 1. By throwing on water all sinne is as water sinnes doe quench the Spirits operations 2. Fire may be quenched and put out by with-drawing of wood and fewell all negligent using of the word Sacrament Prayer Meditation holy conference and communion of Saints doe much quench the Spirit Vers. 20. Despise not prophesyings The Greek word signifies account it not a thing of nothing account it not a slight matter This 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 implies highest reverence and esteeme this sentence is fitly added to the former as if the despising of prophecying were a quenching of the spirit Verse 21. Prove all things The Greeke word betokens such a triall as Goldsmiths use touching Mettall for the discerning whereof they have a touch-stone at which that which will not hold is rejected and laid by as counterfeit Vers. 22. Abstaine from all appearance of evill That is doe nothing wherein sinne appeares or which hath a shadow of sinne Vers. 23. And the very God of Peace sanctifie you wholly One would rather have thought he should have been stiled the God of grace but God will not be a God of peace with us till we be throughly sanctified He is called the God of peace because he hath the fountaine of peace in himselfe peace is in him as a fountaine 2. As the authour and communicatour of all peace unto us in all kinds externall internall eternall The whole man is sanctified throughout when the spirit thinkes nothing the will affects nothing the body effects nothing contrary to the will of God Our sanctification is perfect in parts but not in measure nor degrees as a Childe is a perfect man in all the parts of a man but not in quantity Your whole spirit soule and body By spirit he meaneth the understanding and will the reasonable and highest faculties by soule the sensitive powers the affections and the appetite By body the outward man the Instrument of the Soule Vers. 24. Who also will doe it That is he will finish and perfect his gracious work begun ANNOTATIONS UPON THE Second Epistle of PAUL the Apostle to the THESSALONIANS CHAP. I. GRotius thinkes this Epistle in order of writing was before the former but the order was inverted by those which gathered and digested the Epistles Vers. 5. Counted worthy Some translations formerly had it make worthy This is of Gods free acceptance of grace and not of the merit of our constancy and it is so likewise fitly translated 11. v. But because the making worthy is referred to God the translators were not so carefull of the terme seeing it might be understood that God by his grace makes us worthy in his account And the Rhemists have falsely translated their owne Latine Text which is dignetur that our God would vouchsafe or accept as worthy and not to make worthy as they have wilfully corrupted the Text to make it serve their heresie Doctor Fulke Vers. 8. In flaming fire In the fire or burning of flame that is flaming 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by an Hebraisme in igne flammante See 2 Pet. 3.10 Vers. 10. To be admired in all them that beleeve The Saints of God know most of Christ and his riches yet then they shall admire him admiration is the overplus of expectation Admiratio oritur ex rerum novarum magnarum intuitus Zanchius CHAP. II. IOhannes scripsit Antichristi Mysterium Paulus Commentarium John in his Revelation doth write of Antichrist obscurely as it were in a mystery Paul in this Epistle speaketh of him plainely as it were by way of Commentary Vers. 1. Now we beseech you brethren by the comming of our Lord Iesus Christ and by our gathering together unto him The meaning is this you know that Christ will come with a company of Saints and as you hope and desire that your selves shall be added to that company even so we beseech you brethren by our gathering together that you be not moved from the truth by any seducers Vers. 2. That ye be not soon shaken in mind or be troubled Their terrour is exprest by a double metaphor 1. from a Sea-storm Elegans metaphora à fluctibus marinis sumpta Vorstius Shaken in mind yea from their mind so the originall their mind or understanding seemed to be torn from them through the feare of the day of judgement as a storm forceth a ship riding in the road to cut cable 2. From Souldiers frighted by a sudden alarm the Greek word is metaphora à clamore tumultuantium Vorstius a word taken from the noyse and cry of men in an uprore Squire It imports such perturbation as ariseth from rumour Marke 13. or relation of something troublesome Either by Spirit That is pretence of inspirations revelations immediate and extraordinary from the Spirit of God There were some which had revelations from Satan but delusions pretended to speak to the people of God in the name of God See Micah 2.11 1 Iohn 4.1 That the day of Christ is at hand Nempe hoc
distinction of a carnall believer from a Pagan or because it is the first article of our faith The Divels acknowledge four articles of our faith Matth. 8.29 1 They acknowledge God 2. Christ 3. the day of judgement 4. that they shall be tormented then Tremble They quiver and shake as when mens teeth chatter in their head in extreame cold The Greek word signifies properly the roaring of the Sea From thence saith Eustathius it is translated to the hideous clashing of Armour in the battell The word seemeth to imply an extream feare which causeth not onely trembling but also a roaring and shriking out Marke 6.49 Acts 16.29 Vers. 21. Was not Abraham our Father justified by works See V. 25. That is their faith was by their works justified and declared to be a true and living not a false and dead faith yea themselves were thereby justified and declared to be true believers indeed truly righteous before God and not so in shew and profession onely It is not meant of the justification of his person before God but of the faith of his person before men The true meaning is Abraham was justified by works that is he testified by his works that he was by faith justified in the sight of God The Papists adde unto the Text 1. a false glosse by works of the Law 2. A false distinction saying that they justifie as causes Vers. 22. Seest thou how faith wrought with his works Faith professed as vers 24. did cooperate either to or with his works that is either faith with other graces did cooperate to the bringing forth of his workes or else it cooperated with his workes not to justifie him before God but to manifest and approve his righteousnesse And by works was faith made perfect Not that works doe perfect faith but faith whilst it brings forth good workes doth manifest how perfect it is as 2 Cor. 12.9 See Beza Vers. 26. For as the body without the Spirit is dead so faith without works is dead also Either the Apostle Iames speaketh of the habit of faith or of the profession of it If of the habit then the comparison standeth thus As the body of man without the spirit that is without breath which is the prime signification of the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 derived from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to breath in which sense it is called the spirit of the mouth and spirit of the nostrils I say as the body without breath is dead so that faith that is without workes which are as it were the breathing of a lively faith is judged to be dead If by faith we understand faith professed or the profession of faith as elsewhere in this Chapter and Act. 14.22 Rom. 1.8 then we may understand the similitude thus as the the body of man without the spirit that is the soule is dead so is the profession of faith without a godly life CHAP. III. Vers. 1. MY brethren be not many Masters Or teachers multi Doctores Beza Let not private persons take upon them to become instructers of others So Mr. Perkins rather censurers Dr. Hall in his Paraphrase takes it in both senses My brethren doe not ambitiously affect the title of the Authors and leaders of factions drawing Disciples after you neither be ye rigid and uncharitable censurers of others See à Lapide Knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation That is by censuring and judging of others we shall receive the greater judgement Vers. 2. For in many things we offend all The Apostle puts himselfe into the number and speaketh it of those that were sanctified at least in his esteeme and in the judgement of charity We offend all 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 labimur impingimus we stumble all A Metaphor from Travellers walking on stony or slippery ground The Apostle speaks not of the singular individuall acts but of the divers sorts of sinne Quandoque bonus dormitat Homerus And setleth on fire the whole course or wheele of nature He compares the course of mans life with a wheele Calvin That is the whole man a mans own tongue fires himselfe and all others like the Sunne when it is out of order and course sets all on fire And is set on fire of Hell That is the hell of thy nature say some by the Divell saith Estius so called by a Metonymie Vers. 8. But the tongue can no man tame This is wilder then the wildest beast Vers. 15. Divelish Or full of Devils The Greek word ends in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 denotat plenitudinem Because fleshly wisdome aimes at Satans end viz. to keep a man in an unregenerate estate The wisdome which is proper to Divels or as Piscator will have it which is inspired by Divels or evill spirits Vers. 16. Confusion The Vulgar renders it inconstancy and so it sometimes signifies Calvin and Erasmus pertubation some tumult tumulinatio Beza others otherwise Vers. 17. Without hypocrisie Great censurers are commonly great hypocrites CHAP. IV. Vers. 1. FRom whence come wars Not by the Sword or Armies but their tongue and heart warres by reason of the difference of affections Chap. 3.14 4.5.11 The Greeke word properly signifies quarrels in which much blood is shed and fightings or brawlings is is rendred strifes 2 Tim. 2.23 Among you being brethren and scattered brethren Iames 1.1 Come they no◠ben◠even of your lusts That is the root the Divell may increase them The Greek word may be translated pleasures or delights We must understand lusts in generall all kind of lusts That warre in your Members 1. Bello externo when the whole carnall part fights against the whole Spirituall part Rom. 7.23 Gal. 5.17.2 Bello civili interno when one lust warres against another as in carnall men Vers. 3. Because ye aske amisse Neither suitably to Gods mind nor agreeably to his end Vers. 4. Ye adulerers and adulteresses because of the running out of the heart to any creature inordinately Know ye not This word hath an Emphasis and pricks sharply as if he should say what are you so ignorant or doe you not consider The friendship of the world is enmity with God both actively and passively for it both makes us hate God and it makes God hate us Vers. 6. But he gives more grace That is the Scriptures offer grace and ability to doe more then nature can so some rather as Calvin to overcome our lusts and bring them into order God resisteth the proud Sets himselfe in battell array against him as the Greeke word emphatically signifies Vers. 7. Submit your selves wholy to God The Greeke word translated submit is very emphaticall 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 according to the force of the word is place under subcolleco See Rom. 13.1 Ephes. 5.22 Vers. 8. Draw nigh to God We have been enemies to God farre off from him now we must approach to him and seek to
strangenesse between our Soules and God Vers. 8. Pitifull The Greek word signifies rightly bowelled or such as have true or right bowells Quasi diceret honorum viscerum It is a word proper to the Scripture and taken from the custome of the Hebrews which use bowels for affections One whose bowels are moved with the misery of others There is the same Etymologie almost of the Latine word misericordia Vers. 18. That he might bring us to God In reconciliation and communion Put to death in the flesh but quickened by the Spirit When he dyed according to the humane nature yet by the vertue of the divine nature and by force of the Spirit he was raised from death Verses 19 20 These verses and the former should be thus translated saith Broughton Christ suffered being made dead in the flesh made alive by the Spirit in which Spirit he had gone and preached to them that now are spirits in prison because they disobeyed when the time was when the patience of God once waited in the daies of Noe. The Papists urge this place for the limbus patrum preacht there to the Patriarcks 2. For Christs descent into hell but 1. Peter speaks of Noahs time they hold it of all the Patriarcks 2. He speaks not of the Fathers that were obedient but of those that were disobedient 3. Here he did not deliver them The meaning is He That is Christ. Went That is in the Ministery of Noah preacht in Noahs time to those that are now in hell Spirits That is the soules departed not men but Spirits to keep an Analogy to the 18. 2. This place speaketh not of triumphing but of preaching now there is no preaching in hell to convert Vers. 21. But the answer of a good conscience That is the answer of a beleeving heart acknowledging these sacraments to be seales and pledges of the righteousness of faith and that inward baptisme which indeed saveth Dr Tailor on Titus The Apostle alludes to the custome that was in the Primitive Church those who were catechized were demanded of the Catechist thus credisne beleevest thou abrenunciasne dost thou not renounce the devill And they answered abrenuncio I do renounce him CHAP. IV. Ver. 3. BAnquettings Compotationibus drinkings because as Lyra noteth there be other waies and meanes to drunkenness besides by wine Vers. 4. Wherein they think it strange that you run not with them to the same excesse of riot They are said 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by the Grecians who are troubled with admiration at a new unusuall or strange thing Vers. 6. For for this cause was the Gospell preached also to them that are dead That is unto those who are now dead or were then dead when Peter wrote this who then lived when the Gospell was preached unto them as he saith in the fifth verse according to that we have in our Creed the quick and the dead that is those which before were dead but then shall not be dead but living when they shall be judged Vers. 7. But the end of all things is at hand Not the end of the world but of the Jewish Church and State So Luke 21.9 1 John 2.18 Be ye therefore sober and watch unto prayer He doth not forbid zeale and fervency but to have due respect to God and his will to submit our will to the will of God that is to be sober in prayer Vers. 11. If any man speake let him speake as the oracles of God Oracles That is the sacred writings the Scriptures as Rom. 3.2 So called because God did inspire the Prophets to utter and write them As if he had said with that feare and reverence with that preparation with that judgment and discretion with that zeale and affection as it becommeth the oracles of God to be spoken with Mr Hildersam Vers. 13. But rejoyce in as much as ye are partakers of Christs sufferings They are called the sufferings of Christ 1. In respect of the originall because they are for his names sake Matth. 5.11 2. Because of his sharing in them though not affectu patientis yet compatientis though not with a sense of paine as in his naturall body yet with a sence of pitty 3. In regard of the order and issue Luke 24.26 Vers. 14. For the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you In regard of their present glorious condition by reason of the value and excellency of grace to be preferred before worldly prosperity and the Spirit of God In that they are assured by divine revelation and the comfortable influence of Gods Spirit that God will adde a gracious event to their sufferings Vers. 15. But let none of you suffer as a Murderer or as a Theefe or as an evill doer Turne not thieves nor so carry your selves as thieves A busie-body in other mens matters It is but one word in the originall and costs us a whole sentence as Bishops in anothers diocesse as priers into other mens matters Vers. 18. And if the righteous scarcely be saved 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is used of those things which with much labour are brought about Act. 14.18 and 27.7 Vers. 19. Wherefore let them suffer according to the will of God These words note not onely righteousnesse that it must be a good cause we suffer for but the spring whence suffering comes ex voluntate Dei each circumstance A faithfull Creatour That is God did not onely make heaven and earth and so leave them as Masons and Carpenters leave houses when they are built but by his providence doth most wisely governe the same CHAP. V. Vers. 5. BEE cloathed with humility 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Greek word comes of a primitive which signifieth a knot because humility ties the graces together that none of them be lost quasi dicat arctè vobis astringite Estius For God resisteth the proud Or as the originall speaketh more emphatically seteth himselfe in battell array against him Vers. 6. Humble your selves therefore under the mighty hand of God that hee may exalt you in due time This verse is an inference upon that which went before thus God is no way to be resisted but to be sued unto for grace this is done by humility humble your selves therefore the Greeke word is not so rightly rendred passively by the Vulgar be ye humble as by others and our latter translation actively humble your selves Vers. 7. Casting all your care upon him All the care of the end is to be cast upon God we are to be carefull in the use of the meanes Vers. 8. Bee sober be vigilant because your adversary the Devill as a roaring lyon walketh about seeking whom he may devoure Sobriety makes a man fit to watch be sober in body and watch with your minds His name Devill and that which he seeketh to devour sheweth his malice the beast whereunto he is resembled Lyon sheweth his power and
worship of God had none to vexe oppose or hinder them therein a double effect followes this and were edified Every particular Church and member of the Church did grow and brought forth more fruit The metaphor of a building agrees well because the Church is the Temple and house of God 1 Tim. 3. 15. And all the faithfull also are Temples 1 Cor. 3.16.2 Were multiplyed in number many came into the Church Chap. 20. v. 10. And embracing him Embrace him on every side Chap. 23. v. 26. Vnto the most excellent Or most mighty it was the title by which the President was usually called Menochius in loc Chap. 24. v. 16. I exercise my selfe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 id est me exerceo laboro fatigo q. d. totus sum in hac re Chap. 27. v. 34. For there shall not a haire fall from the head of any of you This is a proverbiall forme of speaking noting by an hyperbole that they should not be hurt in the least thing nor lose the basest things such as are haires of the head so farre should they be from losing their lives The proverbe is taken not onely from the first of Sam. 14.45 2 Sam. 14.3.11 1 Kings 1.52 but also from the 21. Chapter of Luke v. 18. ROMANES Chap. 2. Vers. 15. THeir thoughts the meane while accusing or excusing one another He meanes by turnes conscience excuseth them when their actions are conformable to the Law and accuseth them when not Chap. 3.30 It is one God which shall justifie the circumcision by faith That is the circumcised Jew the abstract put for the concrete so ch 11. v. 3. the election that is the elect The Hebrewes when they would expresse a thing to the height put the abstract for the concrete the quality it selfe for the person Chap. 8. v. 13. Doe mortifie the deeds of the body That is sinnes because the body is the instrument of them for the most part Ye shall live He speakes to beleevers it is meant of a life of comfort and abundant fruitfulnesse live to purpose and doe much service to God Vers. 15. The Spirit of adoption whereby we cry Abba Father Abba is a Syriacke word and Father Greek to shew that Jewes and Gentiles agree in calling God Father Abba was then used by Children and Father is added as if he had said Father Father both words are used because when wee would please we repeate the same words as Matth. 7.22 or words of the same signification as Iehovah Adonai in the beginning of one of the Psalmes 1 CORINTHIANS Chap. 4. Vers. 3. BVt with me it is a very small thing The smallest 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pro minimo est Beza Vulg. Chap. 6. v. 9. Nor effeminate nor abusers of themselves with mankind The first are properly those which are called Catamites qui turpia patiuntur those men which suffer filthinesse to be acted upon them The latter are those qui eadem turpia peragunt which act that filthinesse on others Chap. 11. v. 4. Every man praying or prophecying having his head covered dishonoureth his head The Apostle would have Christians to be farre from the rites of Gentiles their custome was to pray with their heads covered 2 CORINTHIANS Chap. 4. Vers. 4. THe God of this world That is the Devill he is not the Creator upholder or possessor of the world but the God thereof 1. By unjust usurpation 2. By busie operation acting in every man of the world 3. By a voluntary subjection men yeeld themselves to him to be his slaves 4. Because of that great universall dominion he hath over the world Hee no sooner tempts but we are ready to close with him Chap. 5. v. 5. Who also hath given us the earnest of his spirit Also this is cumulative and additionall to what went before given that notes the freenesse of the gift he speaks of it as already given The earnest of the spirit that is saith Menochius the Spirit which is a pledge and earnest of future glory not onely so but because it is the spirits office to give assurance to the soule This gift of God or worke of the spirit is called an earnest in three respects 1. An earnest is for confirmation of a promise or agreement so here of Gods faithfulnesse 2. An earnest is somewhat of the same kind of that which is to be paid afterward and therein differs from a paune or pledge which may be of another kind so this gift is somewhat of that which wee shall receive fully in heaven 3. An earnest is but little of that which is to be paid Chap. 11. v. 24. Of the Jewes five times received I forty stripes save one The Jewes gave 39. stripes onely either to signifie their clemency in punishing lesse then the Law permitted or to shew themselves religious and studious of observing the Law warily taking heed that they exposed not themselves to danger by violating it if they fulfilled the number of forty EPHESIANS Chap. 6. Vers. 17. THe helmet of salvation In Greeke it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the helmet of a Saviour that is take our Saviour for a helmet viz. that being armed with his faith doctrine and instructions of life you may not feare the fiery darts of the most wicked one PHILIPPIANS Chap. 2. Vers. 17. AND if I be offered up The Greeke is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies to be poured out as a drinke-offering viz. his bloud for there were two parts of the sacrifices viz. the sacrifice which was slaine and the drinke-offering as wine or oyle which was poured upon it The Apostle alludes to this rite of the sacrifices 2 THESSALONIANS Chap. 2. Vers. 8. WHom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth and shall destroy with the brightnesse of his coming There is a difference between those two words consume and destroy 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and they are here in a speciall manner distinguished Illud est tractim imminuere hoc funditus tollere Fire consumes Wood and the candle by feeding on it by little and little water being powred on fire destroyes it Cocceus de Antichristo 1 TIMOTHY Chap. 3. Vers. 6. HE fall into the condemnation of the Devill Not that whereby the Devill condemnes but whereby he is condemned as the destruction of the ungodly 2 TIMOTHY Chap. 1. Vers. 7. THe Spirit of love and of a sound mind Because it fils the soule with a sense of Gods love and so heales the conscience TITUS Chap. 1. Vers. 6. THe husband of one wife The Apostle doth not command that a Bishop should necessarily have a wife but that he have not two wives Neither is here forbidden as Justellus hath rightly observed Digamia aut polygamia successiva as the popish Interpreters say sed simultanea HEBREWES Chap. 2. Vers. 7. THou madest him a little lower then the Angels In Greeke it is
but full of poyson within so the Pharisees made a shew and ostentation of holinesse but had the poyson of malice in their hearts Vers. 8. Meete for repentance It is a metaphor taken from trees transplanted or grafted into other stocks they must bring forth a new fruite Vers. 9. God is able of these stones to raise up children to Abraham The Baptist mentioned stones either because there was plentie of them in that place where he taught and baptized as the similies and examples that Christ brings are often fetcht from things obvious or he puts a definite thing for a thing indefinite stones that is things unfit for such a matter as Luke 19.40 or else alludes to Esay 51.2 Vers. 10. Now That light is come into the world also this implies something before of the same kind axe some would have that to be Gods own immediate hand but it is here an instrument the Roman Empire Laid A metaphor taken from the custome of men which cut with an axe they usually lay the axe at the place where they would strike to guide their stroke God to prevent his The roote Some would have Abrah to be the root others Christ rather the Jewish State Church some say Gods presence in his ordinances the civill government and saints Therefore After so many warnings and convictions Tree The Nations of the Jewes Every tree which bringeth not forth Not that hath or will bring forth but which doth not bring forth that is is not in a growing bearing thriving way it is not enough to bud or blossome but must make it out to the use of the husbandman Fruite not leaves or blossoms Good Answerable to the soile the purpose God hath ordained it for and his care and cost bestowed on it Is cut down As sure to be as if it were done already Cut downe by Gods hand judiciously efficatiously though they deserve it meritoriously Cast into the fire which is proper for a barren tree never to be pluckt out againe Vers. 11. Whose shooes I am not worthy to beare That phrase is taken from the custome of the Hebrewes who being to enter into the more holy place laid by their shooes as the Turkes and Africans doe now those which were more noble had a boy who carried their shooes when they laid them by The other Evangelists have exprest it in a different phrase Marke 1.7 Luke 3.16 Iohn 1.26 27. And they all allude to the forme of the shooe for in the hotter countries the shooes had soles onely below they were tyed above so that they were to be loosed in their bonds before they could be pulled off Vers. 11. Baptize That is drowne you all over dip you into the ocean of his grace opposite to the sprinckling which was in the Law with the Holy Ghost and with fire That is with the Holy Ghost which is fire et is taken not copulativè but exegeticè The Aethiopians which we call Abisseni take this word properly and marke their children as we doe our beasts with an hot yron when they baptize them It must bee expounded metaphorically or rather prophetically with reference say some to the History of the fiery cloven tongues the visible representation of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost Act. 2.2 3. or to Esay 6.6 7. saith Capellus where one of the Seraphims is said to have taken a burning coale from the Altar and with it to have touched the lips of the Prophet by which coal the Holy Ghost was signified or his most efficacious force of purging and by those words thy iniquity is taken away inward baptisme which wholly consists in the purgation and expiation of sinnes is noted Vers. 12. In which Allegoricall speech by the floore the Church of Christ dispersed through Iudaea and the whole world is understood by the fanne the meanes by which Christ separates beleevers from the hypocrites and wicked which are preaching of the Gospel afflictions and the last judgement by the purging of the floore the action of separating by the wheate the beleevers by the chaffe the wicked by the garner the kingdome of heaven and eternall life by unquenchable fire the torments of hell Winnowing signifies the temptations of Satan Luk. 12.31 Here the errour of Origen is condemned who thought that the torments of hell would not be pepetuall but should end after the great yeare of Plato in which all things shall be renewed it is unquenchable fire He alludes to the 66 of Esay 24. and 33.14 Vers. 14. But Iohn forbad him He earnestly forbad him as the Geeke word signifies Vers. 16. It is most likely it was a reall body and corporall dove for Luke addeth in a bodily shape The word likenesse is not to be referred to the Dove but to the Spirit which manifested his presence in this likenesse Secondly that phrase doth not alwaies note likenesse and similitude onely but verity and identity Iohn 1.14 Phil. 2.7 Mahomet that wicked impostor and ape of Christ imitated this For that he might perswade his followers that the Holy Ghost was familiar with him he by often feeding a Dove brought her to fly over his head and to picke graines of corne out of his eare Vers. 17. In whom Not with or by or through whom but a larger preposition than them all which signifieth two things first that God is well pleased with Christ. Secondly in and through him with others CHAP. IV. Verse 1. THen This word hath reference to the end of the former chapter so soone as Christ was solemnely inaugurated into his Office and proclamed from heaven to be the sole Doctor and Prophet of Gods Church even then immediately without any delay was he driven forth as Marke saith 1.12 Wildernesse The great wildernesse is here meant saith Chemnitius whose reasons are these First The other Deserts are circumscribed by some addition as the wildernesse of Iudaea Ziph Maon the great wildernesse is simply so called without any addition Vers. 2. Matthew expressely makes mention of nights lest it should bee thought to be such a fast as that of the Jewes who fasted in the day and did eate at the evening and in the night He would not extend his fast above the terme of Moses and Elias lest he should have seemed to have appeared onely and not to have beene a true man Vers. 3. It is probable saith Maldonate that he appeared in a humane shape because he spoke to Christ of many things and because he sought to be worshiped The Devill is called the Tempter because he gives himselfe to tempt all men by all meanes at all times Command that these stones be made bread The sense of the words is since thou seest thy selfe to be forsaken of God necessity compells that thou shouldst provide for thy selfe therefore command that these stones be made bread Vers. 4. That is that speciall and powerfull word whereby hee appointeth
and commandeth it to nourish us the word of command and benediction Vers. 5. The Devill saith Chemnitius appeared in some visible and corporall shape to Christ as the words of the Evangelists intimate The tempter comming to him tooke him with him and get thee away Satan Calvin Scultetus think rather it was in a vision but first then Satans perswasion to Christ to cast himselfe downe could have beene no temptation Secondly Christ might bee led of the Devill the ordinary way from the wildernesse to Jerusalem so much the words will beare Thirdly the Devill might carry Christs body really through the aire Piscator Perkins Dike Tailour In the fifth verse the words following confirme the reall transportation for it is said the Devill set him on a pinacle of the temple therefore having power to set him there hee might carry him thither besides the word signifieth hee set him downe who had formerly taken him up Vers. 7. It is written againe Not that another Scripture opposeth the true meaning of the Psalme but he opposeth it against the corruption of the Devill which hee made by mutilating the words of the Psalmist or rather by depraving them saith Scultetus Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God Hee is said to tempt God who not ordinarily but presumptuously without necessity seekes an experiment of the power wisedome goodnesse and truth of God Vers. 10. Get thee hence Satan Signifying thereby not onely his abhorring of that sinne but also the danger of the assault by the world For it is written All the Scriptures which Christ as yet cited he brings out of Deuteronomie After the manner of the Iewes who were especially versed in that as an epitome of the whole law Lucas Brugensis Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him onely shalt thou serve By worship is properly signified bodily worship in a bodily gesture the meaning then is thou shalt with thy body adore the Lord for so it is suitable to Satans demand The word serve Signifieth all worship due to God both inward and outward onely This word appertaines to both the members and so to the whole sentence for else there should be no direct deniall of Satans temptation requiring onely the former and not the latter Out of the words of Moses that we must serve God Deut. 6.13 Christ maketh collection that we must serve God alone teaching us to conclude in like case that if the Scripture doe shew that there is not any other power of conversion besides the Spirit of God then where it is said the Lord converteth or allureth Japheth it is there meant that the Lord onely converteth and allureth and none other Vers. 11. Angels ministred unto him Non tanquam misericordes indigenti sed tanquam subjecti omnipotenti Augustin Hom. 8. Vers. 18. As he walked by the Sea of Galilee It was not properly a Sea but according to the phrase of the Hebrewes who call all great meetings of waters by that one name The River Iordan falling into this flat makes sixteene miles long and some six in breadth which was famous for fish though of ordinary kinds yet of an extraordinary tast and relish Vers. 19. Follow me 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Come and follow mee V. 23. Teaching in their Synagogues The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is usuall with the Septuagint Interpreters in the old Testament In its first originall it is a generall word signifying the very act of gathering together Gen. 1.9 and 28.3 Esay 19.16 Ier. 44.15 and 50.9 Ezeck 38.4 But in speciall it is used of the Church of Israel Exod. 16.3 Levit. 14.3 In the same manner it is used by the Evangelists and Apostles in the new Testament for the gathering together viz. of the Jewish people as in this place and metonymically for the place in which the Iewes met every Sabbath to heare the Law and the Prophets read Luke 7.5 Acts 15.21 and 18.7 Gerh. loc commun de ecclesia c. 1. The Gospel of the kingdome Because it declares both the nature of this kingdome and the way leading to it Heron. Vers. 24. And his fame went throughout all Syria And the fame of him went into all Syria Possessed with Devills Greek vexed with Devills Lunatickes They are called Lunatickes in whom the force of the disease increaseth or decreaseth after the inclination of the Moone as those that have the falling sicknesse CHAP. V. LInacer reading these fifth sixth and seventh Chapters of Matthew burst out into this protestation Either these sayings are not Christs or wee are not Christians In this Chapter and the two next is contained Christs Sermon in the Mount preached to his Disciples and others that were converted unto him among the multitude This Sermon may be called the Key of the whole Bible for here Christ openeth the summe of the Old and New Testament Christ quotes and repeates whole sentences out of it else where Luke 11.2 and 12.22.13 ch 14.14 ch 34.16 ch 18. This Sermon is the same with that which is set downe by Luke 6.20 For they have one beginning and one matter the same order of preaching and the same conclusion Luke relates things more briefly Matthew more fully Chemnitius Calvin Perkins though Piscator and others bee of another opinion Our Saviour sheweth here that the happinesse which by him they were to expect did consist in spirituall grace and eternall glory the one being beatitudo viae our happinesse in this life the other beatitudo gloriae our happinesse in the life to come Vers. 1. The Mountaine By the highnesse of the place declaring that Hee would deliver nothing common or low Eras. And when he was set It belongs to the Teacher to sit in a chaire or higher place that he may be heard from far Session also notes the tranquility of Christ for the body sitting the Spirit is quieted and is apt to meditate in teach divine things Corn. à Lapide Vers. 2. And he opened his mouth and taught them Theophylacts note is witty He makes a question whether the first word be not superfluous or no for how could Christ teach but he must open his mouth He answers that these words were not idle for Christ did sometimes teach and opened not his mouth viz. By his life and miracles but now he opened his mouth and taught them by doctrine It is a pleonasme Calvin as we use to say I have heard it with mine eares An Hebraisme i.e. He bagan to speak Some interpret it thus he spake before by the mouth of his Prophets now with his owne mouth This phrase is emphaticall and signifieth that He delivered to them deepe matters of weight and importance Ephes. 6.19 Iob. 32.23 And this may appeare by the conclusion of the Sermon ch 7. v. 29. Yet this is not perpetually true of this phrase saith Beza These words imply two things First the excellency of the Speaker Psal. 78.1 Secondly the Majestie and authority of the
service Deny or forsake himself That is all that he hath as Luke expoundeth it 14.33 all outward prerogatives touching the flesh To deny is either when we contradict what is affirmed and affirme the contrary or else when we refuse to grant ones request and neglect or oppose it The first is Logical in our words the other morall in our actions And take up his cross Not as if he should make himself a Cross but that which is appointed for him The originall word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is emphaticall as Chrysostome notes and signifies not simply negare but pernegare or prorsus negare totally utterly to deny not at all to spare or regard it importeth a universall deniall rendred by Beza abdicet seipsum which is as much as to reject and cast off as a man doth a graceless son 1. simply and absolutely mans sinfull self and so it is all one with Tit. 2.12 Deny ungodliness and wordly lusts 2. A mans naturall self conditionally 3. A mans morall vertuous renewed self comparatively in relation unto righteousness A man must willingly and obediently forsake all sin subdue all generall concupisence with his owne proper and personall corruptions Psal. 18.23 absolutely without any limitation or exception cast away and forsake alwaies in praeparatione animae and actually whensoever Christ calls them unto it whatsoever is neere and deare unto him if it become a snare to conscience and disesteeme the best of his graces in respect of the righteousness of Christ. 2. Gospell suffering a cross and his cross and to be taken up voluntarily Take up his cross Luke addeth daily Luk. 9.23 which hath great force in it for Christ declareth that there is no end of our warfare untill we shall depart out of this life 3. Gospell service and let him follow me There are two arguments used to set these three on in Ver. 25 26 27. Vers. 25. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it We may understand it first in reference to this present life he runs himself into a greater worldly danger while he thinks to avoid it Secondly It is alwaies true in respect of eternall life they lose a better life than they save and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it That is lose temporall life as men count it shall find eternall Ver. 26. For what is a man profited if he shall gaine the whole world The earth and all the things there that men can value and desire may be possessed without possessing God And lose his own soule Not in regard of being or property but felicity These words set forth the transcendent excellency of the soul of man There are two arguments used to prove this 1. A comparatis the comparison consists of three paire of particulars 1. Of Acts gaine and loss 2. Of Objects the world and soule 3. Of Adjuncts the whole world and his soule 2. Ab impossibili from the impossibility of recovering this soule and redeeming it if it should be lost What shall a man give That is there is nothing he can give The interrogation carries with it 1. a challenge a triumphant deniall 2. An appeale to set it home on our consideration Put the soule and the world together and the soule will be found far more excellent 1. The world was made for the soule the end is more noble than the means Gen. 1.26 Psal. 8. beg 2. God prefers a soule before the world Pro. 23.26 Esa. 66.1 2 3. The soule is the Lords the world Satans God is called the God of the Spirits of all flesh Satan the Prince of this world 4. The Soule is of a Spirituall nature the world of an earthy nature Omnia si perdas animam servare memento Vers. 28. In his kingdome That is the powerfull effects of the Gospell as Mat. 10.7 and 12.28 2 Pet. 1.16 The manifestation of the heavenly glory which Christ began at his resurrection and shewed it more fully by sending the Holy Ghost Calvin for that which some do imagine of John is a fancy CHAP. XVII Verse 1. ANd after six daies Luke 9.28 saith about eight daies there is no contradiction For either Matthew or Luke count that time from divers termes or from the same And then Luke reckons up eight daies the first and last being reckoned with them Matthew only sixe the middle ones being cast between This answer Calvin in his Harmony and Scultetus give Jesus taketh Peter Iames and Iohn Because it was not yet time of Christs full glory he therefore shewed not his glory to all his Apostles but chose out of them some Antesignani who might be sufficient and fit witnesse enough to others of Christs glory seen viz. Those very persons who after in the mount of Olivet were to be spectatours of his low abasement here first in the Mountaine of Tabor were beholders of his great Majesty and glory There are divers causes why he tooke only these Peter that he might reclame him so much the more strongly from his errour into which he fell by hearing of the passion of Christ. Iames because he first of all was to shed his bloud for Christ Acts 12.2 And lastly Iohn because he was to defend his divine majesty against the blasphemies of Ebion and Cerinthus Christ took upon him the heavenly glory for so short a time to declare that he went willingly to his death for it was as easie to exempt his body from death as to adorne it with heavenly glory Vers. 2. And he was transfigured before them Greeke metamorphosed or transformed And his rayment was white as the light Marke saith white as the snow Mar. 9.3 these do not oppose each other for as darkness hath its blackness so light its whitenesse therefore it is all one whether the comparison be borrowed from snow or light which the words of Marke shew shining proper to light and white proper to snow applyed to one and the same garment Marke there addeth So as no Fuller on the earth can white them Vers. 3. Moses and Elias were verily present These two appeared to shew that the Law and Prophets had no other purpose nor end but Christ and to shew the consent of the Law and Prophets with him It is probable Moses was raised from the dead Deut. 34.6 about what they talked see Luke 9.31 In life eternall the Saints shall mutually know one another for these three Disciples here having but a taste of it knew Moses and Elias Vers. 4. Then answered Peter and said unto Jesus Lord it is good for us to be here Peter being astonished spake as a man altogether amazed Marke 9.6 Vers. 5. A bright cloud overshadowed them A cloud was put before their eyes that they might know that they were not yet fit to behold the brightnesse of the heavenly glory A voyce sounded out of the cloud but neither was body nor face seene Deut. 4.12 The cloud
Jerusalem they were the executioners of Gods wrath therefore called his Armies Vers. 8. Servants Apostles Disciples Ministers Ephes. 4. They which were bidden were not worthy The Jewes unworthiness was the cause of our graffing in Rom. 11. Acts 13.46 Vers. 9. High wayes The Gentiles called by the Apostles faeces populi Cartw. See 1 Cor. 1.22 23. Vers. 10. And gathered all as many as they found The Twelve Apostles were scattered in all Countries and gathered together all as many as they found the Gentiles came willingly first in that they withstood hindrances and dangers secondly they came by troopes as in the Acts. Vers. 11. The King In respect 1. of his Power Ier. 10.7 2 his Majesty 3. his Dominion King in Heaven in respect of his Glory in earth in respect of his Grace in hell in respect of his Justice Man taken collectively for all Origen in loc A wedding garment Righteousnesse imputed and inherent Revel 19.7 8. Vers. 12. First the examination Friend secondly the conviction from his owne mouth qui tacet consentire videtur hence we may inferre that the wicked shall be speechlesse and have nothing to say at the last day thirdly the verdict ver 13. this punishment is hell-fire Vers. 13. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth Weeping is the expression of sorrow and sorrow cooles the heart and cold makes the teeth to chatter Vers. 14. Few are chosen This is the application of the Parable few of those that are called and invited by the Ministrie are chosen Vers. 15. Then went the Pharisees and tooke counsell c. There was a great question then amongst the Jewes concerning Tribute for when as the Romans had translated to them the tribute which God in the Law of Moses commanded to be paid to himselfe the Jewes were offended therefore the Pharisees devise this subtilty to catch Christ by so that he should insnare himselfe which way soever he should answer if he should denie to pay it he should be guiltie of sedition but if he should grant it to be due hee shall be accounted as an enemie to his owne nation and a betrayer of the liberty of their Country Vers. 16. True That is a faithfull interpreter of God In truth Without any corruption Vers. 17. To give Tribute The word here used signifieth a valuing and rating of mans substance according to the proportion whereof they paid tribute in these provinces which were subject to tribute Vers. 20. Whose is this image and superscription The Roman Caesars imprinted their image upon their gold and silver too As to make lawes so to coyne money is a signe of the chiefest dominion The very money having its valew from Caesars edict and bearing his name and image did witnesse that he bore the chiefest rule over the Jewes and that they acknowledged in their money Vers. 21. Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesars The money declared the subejection of their nation as if hee should have said if you think it absurd to pay tribute be not subject to the Roman Empire but the monie declareth that Caesar reigneth over you and your owne secret allowance declareth that the libertie which you pretend is lost and taken away It is observable in this place the article is twice repeated in the Greeke text when he speakes of God more than when he speakes of Caesar shewing that our speciall care should be to give God his due Vers. 23. The Sadduces Some derive the word from Sedek justitia justitiaries such as would justifie themselves before Gods tribunall others from Sadoc the first author of the heresie as the Arrians from Arrius they said there were no spirits neither Angels nor humane soules separated from the body Luke 20.27 Acts 23.8 The Sadduces say some rejected the Prophets and all other Scripture save onely the five bookes of Moses therefore our Saviour here confuting their error concerning the resurrection of the dead proves it not out of the Prophets but out of Exod. 3.6 But this of their rejecting all save the five bookes of Moses is denied by other learned men Vers. 32. God is not the God of the dead but of the living Our Saviour Christ denieth not but that the godly departed are dead for so he himselfe calleth them in the verse before and it is of necessity that either they bee dead or translated onely hee denieth them to bee dead in the sense of the Sadduces which esteemed that there was no other life after this but that death made a man equall with a beast As if should say God is not the God of such dead as you surmise shall never rise againe but because they are intended to rise againe God is their God Among all the arguments brought to prove the immortalitie of the Soule none seemes fitter to me to move mens mindes saith Grotius than that which Clement the Bishop of Rome was wont to urge having received it from Peter the Apostle If God be just the soule is immortall a like speech to which Paul hath 1 Cor. 15.19 for if we make any difference of things well or ill done if we acknowledge a divine providence and justice which the Sadduces durst not denie for wee see it is worse with many good men here than with the wicked it followes there will be another judgement and therefore that also which may receive a reward or punishment This also proves the resurrection of the bodies as Grotius further sheweth Vers. 34. Put the Sadduces to silence The word is remarkable it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he bridled their mouthes which is a phrase borrowed from fierce and stomachfull horses which are impatient of the rider yet are they held in by a strong bit and so subjected to the will of the rider by force not out of their owne tractablenesse Psal. 32.9 Vers. 35. Then one of them which was a Lawyer asked him a question As many plotted the question so there was but one that did propose it Chrysostome and others of the Fathers observe a policie therein For the Pharisees had reason to doubt of the successe upon their former proofe therfore they handle the matter so that but one should speak and if he prevailed they would all triumph because he was of their Sect but if he were foiled then they would put it off and say it was but his private conceit Bish. Lake Vers. 30. The great Commandement Great for greatest for the Hebrewes have not superlatives Marke calleth it primum omnium the chiefest of the Commandements Hee askes saith Chrysostome about the greatest Commandement which had not fulfilled the least Vers. 37. All thy heart Not that fleshie part of the body but the will the commaning elective facultie and the directive the minde or understanding with all thy heart soule mind that is with thy will with thy affection with thy understanding All the heart is the same with a pure heart 1 Tim.
Lord. CHAP. VIII Vers. 2. AND have nothing to eate It is very observable that our Saviour had a continuall care that none who followed him should want Vers. 15. Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the leaven of Herod Erroneous corrupt doctrine is like Leaven 1. In regard of the commonnesse 2. In regard of the quantitie little 3. In regard of the quality like as that to dough 4. In regard of its spreading property 5. In regard of the effects Leaven 1. Sowreth 2. Heareth 3. Swelleth Vers. 25. He was restored This word notes such a restoring as is not inferiour to the first integrety for so it is used Exod. 4.7 Gen. 29.3 and 40.21 Ier. 15.19 and 5.19 Therefore the third of the Act. 21. The last day is called the day of restitution of all things And saw every man clearly The Greek word rendred clearly is a compound word and signifies a farre of and clearly Vers. 31. And after three dayes rise againe Matthew saith the Son of man must bee raised againe the third day Marke that he must rise againe after three dayes Here Interpreters much trouble themselves wherefore Marke should say after three dayes especially because the history of the resurrection shewes that it cannot be extended beyond the third day It agrees with the Hebrew Michzeb which according to the Rabbines notes the extremitie either of the beginning or end Deut. 14.28 Not after three yeares but it signifieth in every third yeare in which a peculiar tithe was to be gathered There are like examples in prophane Authours in Lucian Euripides Homer from all which it is evident that Marke doth not differ from the rest of the Evangelists in sense though he use a different phrase Vers. 37. What shall a man give in exchange for his soule The meaning indeed is that nothing in the world can answer the worth of it Vers. 38. In this adulterous and sinfull generation adulterous Not such as are borne in adultery they are generatio adulterina rather than adultera rather such as were given to adultery themselves and Spirituall Adulterers Iames. 4.4 Sinfull That is notoriously sinfull as Mary Magdalen is called a sinner CHAP. IX Vers. 1. AND he said unto them to Peter Iames and Iohn There be some of them stand here here which shall not taste of death till they have seene the kingdome of God come with power That which some feigne of Iohn is ridiculous Iohn himself will refute this fabulous opinion John 21.2 3. Besides it is folly to refer that in the singular number to John which Christ speakes in the plurall number of some Polyc. Lyser By the comming of Gods kingdom understand the manifestation of the heavenly glory which Christ began from his resurrection Calvin Very many and those most rightly understand these words of the following glorious transformation and transfiguration of Christ on the Mount For the three Evangelists immediately annexe that as an accomplishment of what Christ here promised Vers. 2. And after sixe dayes Matthew and Marke number sixe dayes Luke eight dayes Mathew and Marke reckon the sixe whole daies which flowed between Luke comprehends as well that day in which Christ spake as that in which he was transfigured That is in the seventh day Christ tooke to himself Peter James and John being withdrawn from the company of the Apostles and on the eighth day being accompanied with them he ascended into the Mountaine prayed and was transfigured before them Vers. 6. They were sore afraid This Greeke word is used of such a feare which makes one withdraw himself from the presence of another of whose company he acknowledgeth himselfe unworthy as Deut. 9.19 It is used Heb. 12.21 of the terrible vision which God shewed upon mount Sinai Vers. 12. Elias verily commeth first and restoreth all things That is all things which according to the prophecie of Malachy he was to restore Mal. 4.5 6. By Elias in Malachy is understood John Baptist Luk. 1.17 Mat. 11.14 Vers. 13. But I say unto you that Elias is indeed come The Jews beleeved that Eliah was to be sent before the Messiah began his kingdom Christ confesseth that to be true and saith he was already come Vers. 18. Teareth him The Greeke word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifieth to teare and rent as the dog doth This tearing saith Beza is to be referred to the inward griefe of the bowels because the Spirit invading him as it happens in the Cholick he was troubled as much as if he had indeed perceived his bowels to be torne asunder Vers. 24. I beleeve help thou mine unbeliefe There is faith and unbelife in the soule at one time in one action upon one subject Mr. Perkins Vers. 31. The Son of man of man is delivered 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Using the present tense he signifies that the thing shall be shortly for Christ did so hasten to death and so seriously think of it that it might seeme present to him which was to come Novarinus Epiphanius saith Christ called himselfe the Son of man that he might shew that he is that Person which the Prophets foretold should take the nature of man and amongst them Daniel by name calls him the Son of man Vers. 37. Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name Christ respects the childish quality not the individuum Polyc. Lyser Vers. 43. The fire that shall never be quenched O that word never said a poore despairing creature on his death bed breakes my heart Vers. 44. Esay 66. ult Marke addeth thrice Where the worme dyeth not and the fire is not quenched By which words metaphorically the twofold punishment in hell one of the body another of the soule is thought to be noted saith Polycarpus Lyserus By the worme is declared the continuall remorse of conscience and the dayly meditation of the sins committed By fire a sensible punishment and most exquisite torments in the body So Lyserus Rather by these two is meant the poena sensus in hell the privation of all good is commonly called poena damni the punishment of losse this is one part of hell torments The everlasting absence of all good from God or the Creatures The second part is a presence of all evill comprehended here under the worme that dyeth not and the fire that is not quenched The worme is the Spirit of God by the coactive power of the Law holding a mans sins before his eyes filling him with self convictions and perfect feare and despaire for ever the furious reflection of the soule upon it self for all its neglected opportunities and the irrecoverable misery it is in The fire is the wrath of the great God let in upon the whole soule to eternity but especially on the conscience Heb. 12. ult The fire is the essentiall part the worme but the accidentall From Carkasses slaine in battell and putrifying wormes are begotten but the carkasses of the wicked shall not be
hath not power over a vile Swine Secondly as soon as he enters into the Swine he presently carries them headlong into the Sea why did he not so to the man possessed not for any love he bare to him more than to the Swine but because he was limited by God Thirdly his name was Legion there was a whole Legion of Devills in him though such an army of them was in one poore man yet they were not able to destroy and drown him as the Swine Vers. 38. Now the man out of whom the Devills were departed besought him that he might be with him but Iesus sent him away It is uncertaine why Christ refused to have this man his companion unlesse that he expected a greater fruit of it if he should be witnesse of so excellent and singular a benefit among the Gentiles which Marke and Luke witnesse to be done Vers. 39. Shew how great things God hath done unto thee That Christ commands him to report it as the worke of God not his he did it to this end that he might be accounted a true Minister and Prophet of God and might obtain an authority of teaching for so it behoved the rude people to be instructed by degrees to whom his divinity was not yet known Vers. 43. Spent all her living Consumpsit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 she spent her whole life that is the goods which maintained her life so Prov. 27.27 Vers. 52. Bewailed her The word signifies to beat and strike and is transferred to the mournings and lamentations that are at burials at which time men use such kind of behaviour CHAP. IX Verse 3. TAke nothing for your journey neither staves nor scrip neither bread He commands them not to be sollicitous for food that they might give themselves wholly to preaching and commit themselves to the divine providence A scrip is a little sack in which they did put and heape their meate by bread all food is here signified as it is usuall in Scripture Vers. 23. If any man will come after me let him deny himselfe and take up his Crosse daily and follow me The meaning is this every one that will become a scholar in the school of Christ and learne obedience unto God must deny himself that is he must in the first place exalt and magnifie the grace of God and become nothing in himselfe renouncing his own reason will and affections and subjecting them to the wisdome and will of God in all things Secondly take up his Crosse that is he ought alwayes to make a forehand-reckoning even of private Crosses and particular afflictions and when they come to bear them with cheerefulnesse for there is that emphasis in the word take up This done he must follow Christ by practising the vertues of meeknesse patience love and obedience and by being conformable to his death in crucifying the body of sinne in himselfe Mr. Perkins Vers. 24. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it That is that will not take up his Crosse to follow Christ shall never be saved Vers. 31. Decease 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Some think he alludes to the Exodus or going of the Israelites out of Egypt for as their going out of Egypt was to them the beginning of their liberty so also death to Christ was a way to glory and after his example also to us whence also the ancient Christians loved to call death 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 Pet. 1.15 As we may see in Irenaeus Clement and others Vers. 41. Oh faithlesse and perverse generation 1. Faithlesse which neither by doctrine nor miracles can be overcome or reformed so as to beleeve 2. Perverse which by no Lawes will be brought into order This is taken out of 32. Deut. 20. where Moses gives these Epithets to the Israelites who for fourty whole yeares could not be brought neither by the Law of God nor by stupendious miracles to order their lives according to the will of God Vers. 51. He setled himselfe Or as it is in the originall he hardened his face to go to Ierusalem as Ezek. 4.3 Christ by his whole outward habite and gesture declared that it was determined for him to go to Jerusalem For he did not now go from one town to another as he was wont to preach the Gospell neither staid he any where but presently went in that way which leades directly to Jerusalem till he was past Samaria Vers. 54. And when his Disciples Iames and Iohn saw this they said Lord wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven and consume them even as Elias did Here they shew themselves to be Boanerges that is sonnes of thunder quid mirum filios tonitrus fulgurare Ambrose Ragash is to make a great tumult as a furious multitude gathered together that maketh a noise as the noise of a troubled sea Psal. 2.1 Therefore some not without reason say the sons of Zebedeus are called Benai regesci Sons of Thunder Rutherfords Tryall and Triumph of faith 55. Yee know not what manner of spirit yee are of Some interpret it you know not what spirit becomes you rather you know not what Spirit acts you The name Spirit is of large extent in its originall it signifies the wind it is trasferred to other things God good and evill Angels and the soule of man are so called It is taken also for the affections of the mind Rom. 11.8 Ezek. 13.3 The meaning is you thinke you are acted by such a Spirit as Elias of old but you erre you have a zeale but not according to knowledge and which is therefore a humane affection not a divine motion as the following reason proves Vers. 62. No man having put his hand to the plough and looking back is fit for the kingdome of God As though he had said He that starteth from the plough is not fit for the field no more is he that shifteth from his calling fit for Gods service CHAP X. Vers. 1. APpointed The Greeke word signifies to designe to a publicke office The seventy also As there were twelve in the old Testament from which the twelve Tribes were propagated and which the whole nation of the Jews acknowledged for their Progenitors so Christ also would have twelve Apostles which should regenerate both the Jews and Gentiles by the word and which the whole Christian Nation should acknowledge for their Patriarkes and as Iacob descended with seventy soules into Aegypt Gen. 46. v. 27. So Christ would have seventy Disciples but who these seventy Disciples were it is no where expressed in Scripture And sent them two and two before his face into every City This sending of two together commends brotherly conjunction makes for consolation in adversitie and for the greater confirmation of the truth thereby is also signified that this businesse is such to which one sufficeth not but two eyes alwayes see more than one Moses and Aaron were sent
Luke this is the better Vers. 40. But the other answering rebuked him saying Doest not thou feare God seeing thou art in the same condemnation It shewes First a true Convert cannot abide sinne Secondly will reprove it in others yea his companions Thirdly want of the feare of God is the cause of all disorder Fourthly mockers have great cause to feare Fiftly It is fearfull not to repent when there is a great Judgement on one It makes not for late penitents First it is an example without a promise 2. A miracle and rare we may as well looke for another crucifying of Christ. 3. He did not wittingly refuse before 4. He had no meanes before 5. He expressed more than our late penitents doe at last Vers. 41. But this man hath done nothing amisse Or that is absurd or out of place as the originall word doth import Vers. 42. Lord remember me when thou commest into thy kingdome First Christ is King Secondly not of this world Thirdly hath the keyes of heaven Fourthly we must flie only to Christ for salvation Fifthly must believe in Christ though all be against it Vers. 43. This day thou shalt be with me in Paradise Christ promiseth more than the other asked This to day is emphaticall and is wont to be added to the mention of benefits as Ier. 1.10 Vers. 44. There was a darknesse over all the earth untill the ninth houre This darknesse was not a naturall Eclipse of the Sun For first it cannot be so totall 2. Not so long for the interposed Moone goeth swiftly away It was dark first to shew the sin of the people in crucifying of Christ. 2. That darknesse of ignorance should come on the people Bellarm. This darknesse was spoken of by St. Dennis the Areopagite Vers. 46. Into thy hands I commend my Spirit That is to thy safe custody and blessed tuition I commend my soule as 1 Cor. 6.20 Acts 7.59 Gal. 6.18 2 Tim. 4.22 1 Pet. 3.19 as a speciall treasure or Jewell most charily and tenderly to be preserved and kept Mr. Ball. CHAP. XXIIII Vers. 4. BEhold two men stood by them in shining garments Matthew and Marke say that one Angel descended It is usuall with the Evangelists to put one for many and many for one It may be that Matthew makes mention but of one Angell because but one did speak unto the women but Luke testifieth of two and ascribes the speech to both of them because he that spake not did give consent to all that was spoken The two described by Luke have shining garments but that one Angel which Marke remembred was cloathed with a white robe The two Angels in Luke appear in a mans shape but the Angel in Marke appeares in the forme of a young man Therefore we must determine that these women came to the sepulchre of Christ two severall times after the resurrection and at both times saw and heard the Angels the Messengers of the Lords resurrection Luke describes their first comming to the Sepulchre and the appearing of the Angels made in it Matthew and Marke their running out to the Sepulchre and the apparition of the Angel seen in it Their garments are said to be shining either because they sent forth a splendour and brightnesse or because they were white like lightning the proper signification of the Greek word confirmes the first interpretation For 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is to shine as lightning and also the nature of Angels Psal. 104.4 The Syriack hath a word which is used of lightning shining out Matth. 24.27 Luke 17.24 Acts 15.13 Vers. 5. All they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth The brightnesse of the Angells garments did smite their eyes an unwonted species and appearance struck their mindes therefore they bow their faces being turned away from the Angells toward the earth which also is an argument of their humility and modesty Rev. 5.14 and 7.11 and 11.16 Why seek ye the living among the dead A friendly chiding as if he should say since there is life in Christ whom you seek in the grave why do you yet seek him among the dead that is in the grave which is the house of the dead Vers. 6. But is risen Viz. as a Conquerer and triumpher When he was yet in Galilee The Angels warne the women of the Sermons of Christ had in Galilee which are described Matth. 17.22 Marke 9.31 Luke 9.44 because both the women were Galileans and when Christ first of all manifested himself in Galilee to be Christ he also added this expressely that he was to suffer and by his suffering to enter into his glory Vers. 10. It was Mary Magdalene and Ioanna and Mary the Mother of Iames and other women that were with them which told these things unto the Apostles Therefore God chose these women to which the resurrection of Christ should be first manifested First that he might observe his ancient Custome by which he is wont to choose things contemned ignoble and base in this world 1 Cor. 1.27 28 29. These women were not only contemned for the infirmity of their sex but also for their Country being of Galilee Iohn 1.46 but God exalted them by manifesting to them the resurrection of his Son which is a principall article of our faith and afterwards he sends them to the Apostles that they might be Apostolorum Apostolae as the Ancients speak 2. The women more weak by nature were struck with most vehement griefe of mind for the ignominy and torments of Christ which they standing under Christs Crosse saw in the day before the passeover therefore to them first of all the most joyfull resurrection of Christ is told as also Christ afterward appeared severally to Peter because as he offended more hainously than the rest of the Disciples so he was more grievously troubled whence it appeares that the resurrection of Christ will bring consolation to the troubled Consciences and contrite hearts 3. God would by this meanes prevent the calumnies of the Jews the Priests lied and said that the Disciples stole away the body of Christ from the grave that therefore the impudencie and absurdity of this lie might be reproved it came to passe by the wonderfull providence of God that the women should come to the grave before the Apostles Now it is no wayes probable that women and those few should steale his body out of a sepulchre kept with armed men and shut up with a great stone 4. The death of all rose by Eve a woman therefore Christ would that his resurrection by which righteousnesse and life is restored to us should be told by women 5. These women went with a great deale of courage early in the morning to Christs Sepulchre the Apostles in the meane while being shut up for fear therefore Christ would have this pious study of theirs rewarded with the most joyfull tidings of the resurrection Vers. 11. Seemed to them as idle
10. and 11. verses and 7. John 37.38 The comparison lies in foure things as Cornelius à Lapide and others shew First water serves to coole burning any scortching unnaturall heat so the Spirit of God cooles the soule when it is scortcht with appehension of Gods wrath Secondly quencheth the thirst so the Spirit of God satisfieth the soule Thirdly water hath a cleansing vertue it purgeth away filth so the Spirit of God Ezek. 36.25.12 Zach. latter end and 13. beginning Fourthly water fructifieth 17. Ier. 5. 1 Psal. 3. so the Spirit of God Vers. 22. Ye worship ye know not what That is although you have a good intention and direct your worship to God and pretend the examples of your Fathers yet because your worship was instituted without the manifest word of God you know not what you worship See Dr. Reynolds on 110. Psal. p. 136. Salvation is of the Jewes Which is understood First of the Messias being to be borne of them Rom. 9. Secondly of the Word committed to them Rom. 3.2 Polyc. Lyser Vers. 23. In Spirit and truth First in Spirit That is not carnally Truth That is according to the spirituall meaning of the Ceremoniall Law They had killing of sacrifices in the Ceremoniall Law now there should be killing of sinne they had fire we should have zeale they salt we sincerity See Mr. Mede on this place In Spirit and truth inwardly and sincerely Or secondly Spirit for the manner of his worship truth for the matter as he hath revealed Inwardly in their hearts and soules and truly Spirit That is in the mind Conscience will and affections Perkins Vers. 25. That Messias commeth The word is the present tense he is even comming and when he commeth he will tell us all things that is all these things that we speak of concerning the worship of God he will teach us far otherwise Like to this is that which the Jewes say at this day of Eliah Elias veniet revelabit omnia Elias will come and will reveale all things Vers. 29. Is not this the Christ Not that she doubts but from the declaring of things hidden she infers that he is the Messias Vers. 35. Say not ye There are yet four moneths and then commeth harvest behold I say unto you lift up your eyes and looke on the fields for they are white already to harvest As if he should say you reckon yet foure moneths to the harvest viz. to a naturall harvest but see the fields waxing white with fruit for a spirituall harvest Vers. 42. Now we believe not because of thy saying for we have heard him our selves and know that this is indeed the Christ That is we are experimentally convinced by what we have heard and seen that this is he This is indeed the Christ The adverb indeed is opposed either to false Christs as Theudas was ottypicall worldly Saviours as in the history of Judges it is sometimes said he sent them a Saviour but this Jesus indeed is the Messias the Saviour of the world Esay 49.6 Vers. 44. A Prophet hath no honour in his owne Countrey It seemes probable to me that the Proverb arose from thence that the Prophets were so ill entertained by their own nation Vers. 46. A certaine noble man Not by reason of stock or family but by reason of office as the Syriack hath rendred it a Minister or steward of the King Herods Courtier who though he was a Tetrarch yet he was commonly called King it was his wife whom Luke 8.3 reckons among the followers of Christ viz. Chusa who was Herods Steward as is there said Polyc. Lyser Vers. 48. Ye will not believe Viz. The word and promises of God or you doe not believe that I am the Messias Vers. 52. At the seventh houre the fever left him By that consideration it appeares that the noble man did not anxiously make haste because he believed the word of Christ but went on quietly in his journey which is an excellent description of true faith Esay 28.16 CHAP. V. IN this Chapter because the Jews objected that Christ came of himselfe he telleth them six times that his Father sent him Vers. 1. A feast of the Jews The acts of that Feast containe three heads viz. a Miracle a disputation about the Sabbath and a famous Sermon When a Feast is simply named without addition it is often used of the Feast of the Passeover Matth. 27.15 John 4.45 and so also John 11.56 and 2.12 it is used John 6.4 there seemes to be an explication of this place and the Passeover a Feast of the Jews was nigh The reason of the Antonomasie is because the Passeover is the beginning and chief of the Feasts there is a certaine prerogative given it above the rest both for the memory of the benefit past and the signification of the future redemption At this feast Jesus went up to Jerusalem as also to other Feasts often in the time of his ministery Chrysostome gives three reasons of it First that he being so subject to the Law for us might free us from its bondage Secondly lest he should seeme to be an Adversary of the Law as if he had come to have broken it but that he might shew that he would fulfill the shadowes and figures of him Thirdly because to the Feasts at Jerusalem there came Proselytes and religious persons not only from all the pâ—rts of Judaea but the whole world Christ would take occasion both that he might instruct many and that his fame concerning his doctrine and miracles might spread the more Vers. 2. By the place of the sheepe Some understand market others gate which is most probable because mention is made of such a gate nigh the Temple Neh. 3.2 where the seventy translate it so using the same word Howsoever it was a place where sheep were kept for sacrifice That poole was to wash and water the sheep that were brought thither In the Hebrew tongue That is in that tongue which the Hebrews not use which was Syriack not much differing from the Hebrew Bethesda The house of bounty because in that place God freely exercised his power in curing all diseases of the people and because there the godly relieved the sick with their almes Brugensis hath both these The greek books have Bethesda the Latines Bethsaida which signifies a house of fishing and so agrees with poole Having five porches Or Galleries 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it signifieth a spacious place to walk in These were made for the reliefe of those poore people that they might be dry from winde and weather because they were to tarry a great while before they could be healed Vers. 4. An Angel went downe at a certain season into the poole and troubled the water The Evangelist hath not marked what signe there was by which the descent and presence of the Angel was represented but it is necessary that there was some
life These words have each their article in the Greeke the way wherein the truth whereby the life whereunto we walke or the only true way leading unto life the way without errour the truth without falshod and the life without death Bernard This word way notes the meanes unto a thing and when he saies I am the way it is as if he should say Looke what ever meanes you do use in order to heaven all those meanes have their vertue power and efficacy from me Truth lies between way and life as if the way to life were through truth The life I even I am he which gives life unto all your motions and actions for heaven all grace is from Christ. Vers. 10. I am in the Father Vt in origine principio as in the originall and principle and the Father in mee Vt in charactere imagine as in the character and image Vers. 12. Hee that beleeveth on mee the works that I doe shall he do also and greater workes then these shall he doe It was a promise made unto the whole Church neither peculiar to the Apostles nor common to every Christian. Greater workes then these he should doe for matter as Peter Act. 2. converted 3000. not for manner because he did them not in his own name It is meant of the conversion of the world by the Apostles 2. Of other miracles Act. 5.15 Vers. 16. Comforter Or Advocate one that pleadeth the cause of another and him a guilty person Vers. 18. Not leave you comfortlesse Or as Orphanes and Fatherlesse children Vers. 19. Because I live ye shall live also Some expound this of the life of nature but he speakes of a life peculiar to his Disciples purchased by his death accompanied with vision which depends on the life of Christ therefore it is meant of a Spirituall life he gives it continues it augments it manifests it Vers. 20. At that day ye shall know that I am in the Father They knew it before hee speaks of a more glorious and spirituall discovery You in mee and I in you We are said to be in him because being ingraffed into his body we are made partakers of his righteousnesse and all his goodnesse he is said to be in us because he cleerly demonstrates by the efficacie of his Spirit that hee is the authour and cause of life to us Vers. 21. He that hath my commandements To have the commandements signifies to be rightly instructed in them to keepe himselfe and frame his life according to their rule Vers. 26. In my name That is the Father sendeth the Spirit through the Son both as Mediatour and as an Intercessour All things that are necessary unto salvation for you to know and to be perswaded of These words were spoken to the Apostles onely but not of them onely Esay 54.13 And our Saviour citing this place Iohn 16.45 delivereth the promise in generall termes Vers. 27. Peace I leave with you As bonum haereditarium my peace The peace which I have purchased and paid deere for or mine for kind the same tranquility from righteousnesse imputed which I have it is his also to give men wish the peace of God or Christ he gives it Not as the world giveth Plainely distinguishing his peace from the worlds both in the gift and manner of giving Vers. 28. My Father is greater than I The Arrians objected this place to prove Christ a secondary God The Orthodox Fathers said this ought to be referred to his humane nature but Calvin dislikes this answer Hic inquit ille nec de humana Christi natura neque de aeterna ejus divinitate sermo habetur sed pro infirmitatiâ— nostrae captu se medium inter nos Deum constituit Calv. Vers. 30. The Prince of this world The Devill is called the Prince of the world not simply but as it is corrupted the Prince of this world saith the Text that is which now lies in malice and hostility against the Son of God See 2 Cor. 4.4 Hath nothing in mee That is either nihil sui no sin in mee or nihil juris no authority over mee CHAP. XV. Vers. 1. I Am the true vine Greeke that Vine that true one Christs seemes to have begun this Sermon upon occasion of seeing some vine as he passed in the City for he was wont to take occasions from earthly objects to teach them spirituall things Piscat Vers. 2. Every branch in mee that beareth not fruit He speakes of a withered branch that hath no life they are called the branches and members of Christ in a generall or equivocall sence because they professe the faith of Christ and are numbred among the members of the Church Vers. 5. The same bringeth forth much fruit Both the Syriacke and Greeke take speciall notice of this it is added emphatically Christ points at such a one as abides in him as John Baptist at Christ. Psal. 52.7 Such a one will bee fruitfull in unfruitfull times 2. Comprehensively it comprehends all true Christians as well as the Apostles he changeth the second person into the third See v. 4. 3. Exclusively the same and onely hee Bringeth forth much fruit viz. By that life and sap of grace which he receiveth of mee fruits of many kindes groweth is universall 2 Pet. 1.5 2. For degrees and quantity 1 Phil. 11. Without mee Or separate from mee See Cameron Piscat Yee can do nothing It is more emphaticall in the originall two negatives cannot doe nothing not no great thing but nothing at all August against Pelagius Neither facere nor perficere as some of the Latines Vers. 6. He is cast forth as a branch There are two chiefe ejections Ab interiori sanctorum communÃone per separationem spiritualem 2. Ab exteriori communione per publicam Apostasiam First from the internall communion of the Saints by a Spirituall separation Secondly from an externall communion by apostasie Vers. 7. Ye shall aske what ye will Meaning with a will ruled by the word of God and ordered according to Gods will All things that I have heard of my Father I have made knowne unto you As if he had said I will communicate and impart my secrets unto you as one friend doth unto another as farre as shall be fit for you to know Vers. 20. If they have kept my saying they will keepe yours also Vers. 22. They had not had sinne The sin of contempt of mee and my doctrine their sin had been nothing in comparison of that now it is or they had had some cloake and colour for their sinne as in the next words Vide Piscat But now they have no cloake for their sin That is no colour of plea nothing to pretend by way of excuse The Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is also used 1 Thes. 2.5 signifieth a faire shew pretence or colour which we use to call a cloake Thereby intimating
that usually man hath a cloake for his sinnes Vers. 26. Which proceedeth from the Father Which very word Iohn useth of the two edged sword proceeding out of the mouth of Christ Rev. 1.15 CHAP. XVI Vers. 2. THey shall put you out of the Synagogues Of the manifold significations of Synagogues their use originall and antiquity see Tolet on this place and my Annotations on Matth. 4.23 and 6.2 and on Luke 7.5 Vers. 7. It is expedient for you that I go away Expedient to seale and secure our full and finall redemption unto us and expedient to prepare a place for us Vers. 16. The comforter will not come John 14.16 This Greek word is attributed to Christ 1 Iohn 2.1 Vers. 8. Reprove the world Or convince Austin takes the word pro reprehendere Chrysostome and Cyrill pro convincere the last is the better reprove by preaching Act. 2. The Greek word more properly signifieth to convince than reprove to reprove is onely to discover a fault to convince is to take away all reasons that can bee alleged for it The Spirits convictions are never single Satans voyce is to cry sin sin the voice of the Spirit is to cry grace and the righteousnesse of Christ onely Convincing is a cleare and infallible demonstration which takes away all the cavils of the soule when one shews a thing to be impossibly otherwise than he represents it There is a twofold conviction of sin 1. Rationall when a mans reason is non-plust and he cannot deny the truth of it 2. Spirituall when a mans heart stoopes under it and he takes the shame to himselfe Of sinne It discovers 1. the nature and filthinesse of sin shews the contrariety of it to the holy will and pure nature of God 2. the danger of it that thou art under the undoing power of sin as long as thou art short of faith in Christ. John 3. ult Vers. 10. Of righteousnesse That is 1. Of the sufficiency of Christs righteousnesse 1 Iohn 1.7 2. Of the possibility of it that his righteousnesse shall be effectuall to all purposes for us because he goes to the Father and we shall see him no more therefore God is fully satisfied 1 Tim. 1.16 Vers. 11. Of judgment That Christ hath erected a judicatory in the conscience Oracles are ceased Satan in part is cast down 2. Makes men submit to his judgement Matth. 12.20 Observe the method of this conviction 1. Of sin to cure the presumption which is in men and bring us to a selfe-despaire 2. Of righteousnesse to prevent despaire in the mercies of God when our presumption is cured 3. Of judgement and sanctification to prevent that loosenesse we should else fall into we are convinced of sin by the Law of righteousnesse by the promises of the Gospell of judgement by the Evangelicall commands Vers. 13. He shall guide you into all truth Guide By inward motions moving and perswading 2. Changing the mind and will 3. Kindling the affections Guide you As a man is led by the hand into a place for we are not onely blind but lame too shall lead you into the practise of them That promise was directly and primarily made to the Apostles All truth Not simply all but all necessary and saving truths to be led into all truths is to know and beleeve them Leade them into all truth That is reveale Gods will unto them and assure their hearts that the same is true He shall not speake of himselfe Hence the Arrians blasphemously inferred as Jerome witnesseth that the Holy Ghost was inferiour to the Father and Son they said the Father onely was true God our Saviour a creature and the Holy Ghost a servant of both Christ speaks of the Holy Ghost as some Messenger and Embassadour whose fidelity is seen in saying nothing himselfe but onely in relating that he hath in charge Vers. 16. Shall not see mee When he lyes in the grave Theoph. Caiet Rupertus Shall see mee In heaven Aug. not see him at his ascention but at judgement Beda Vers. 20. Weepe and lament 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 you would be inwardly dejected 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and outwardly declare it These words are not onely meant of his Disciples but of all beleevers who upon consideration of the sins and their spirituall want of Christ do mourne and lament But your sorrow shall be turned into joy If Christ had onely promised that their sorrow should he mitigated or shortly ended it had been a great comfort but this ministreth abundant consolation Vers. 23. Whatsoever ye shall aske Non quaecunque whatsoever onely but quotcunque too how many things soever The Greeke word is pregnant may meane both doth meane both Vers. 33. Be of good cheere The word signifies boldnesse implying that our confidence in God causeth holdnesse and courage CHAP. XVII THis Chapter is an Epitome of that intercession which Christs makes in heaven for his people for though the prayer here was in the time of his humiliation yet the matter of it belongs to his State of glory Vers. 3. This is life eternall By eternall life understand grace by a metonymie of the effect quia vitam efficit Piscat It workes life quia radix origo vitae because it is the roote and originall of our life Cyrill Gustus vitae aeternae the tast of eternall life Brentius That they might know That is beleeve in Thee the onely true God Hence the Arrians inferred that the Son was not true God and the Macedonians that the Holy Ghost was not true God The exclusive word only here doth not exclude the Son and the Holy Ghost but Idoles and false Gods See Rom. 9.5 Vers. 9. I pray for them I pray not for the world but for them which thou hast given mee Our Saviour prayed for those onely that his Father had given him and for those whom hereafter he should give unto him v. 20. And that with exclusion from the world as here and for their sakes he sanctified himselfe v. 19. Which in like manner is to be understood with exclusion of the world Now by sanctifying himselfe is understood the offering up of himselfe upon the Crosse by the unanimous consent of all the Fathers whom Marlorate had read as himselfe professeth in his commentaries on that passage in Iohn And he had seen very many as there he signifieth viz. Chrysostome Cyrill Augustine Leontius Beda Theophylact Euthymius Rupertus Vers. 10. All mine All that I make intercession for and am to redeeme that are to have benefit by mee are thine Thine elect and chosen people and thine are mine All thine elect shall have benefit by mee and I am glorified in them The glory and honour that I have in the world is in and by them and them onely Vers. 11. That they may be one as we are The unity of the will is common to all v. 20.21 Vers. 13. These things I speake in the
world that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves That is I have made this prayer in the world and left a record and pattern of it in the Church that they feeling the same heavenly desires kindled in their owne hearts may be comforted in the workings of that Spirit of prayer in them which testifieth to their soules the quality of that intercession which I shall make for them in heaven Dr. Reynolds on 110. Psal. 4. p. 437. See him ibid on verses 5 6. p. 491. Vers. 19. I sanctifie my selfe In this Chapter where he refused to pray for all hee professeth that he sanctified himselfe for their sakes for whom he prayed now this sanctifying of himselfe was unto his death and passion by the unanimous consent of all the Fathers as Maldonate acknowledgeth therefore Christ died not for all and every man CHAP. XVIII Vers. 1. WHere was a Garden into which he entred and his Disciples Peccatum in horto primùm admissum in horto coepit expiari Brugensis Sin being committed first in the garden began to be expiated in a garden Vers. 2. For Iesus of times resorted thither with his Disciples Christ was wont alwayes to seek solitary places to pray in These festivall dayes he was alwayes wont to continue there in the night Luke 21.37 and 22.39 Christ by this deed did shew that he shunned not his enemies but made choice of fit place and time for the executing of his Fathers and his owne purpose He chose rather to be taken in the place of prayer than of supper and in the night that the feare of his enemies might be shewd who durst not take him in the day time Vers. 14. It was expedient that one man should die for the people He meant it was better that Christ being but one should die than that the whole people whose destruction he thought unavoidable if Christ were suffered to live should perish and come to nothing It was the will of God for the honour of the Priesthood that hee should utter that he meant ill in such words as might have a good sense though not meant nor intended by him wherefore he is said to have prophesied Vers. 15. And so did another Disciple that Disciple was knowne unto the High Priest Some thinke this was John who perhaps might serve the High Priest with fish but because after three yeares conversation in the Schoole of Christ familiarity with the High Priest Christs sworne enemie would be no good signe and because John could not without imminent danger enter into the High Priests hall therefore Austen and the ordinary glosse say rightly who that Disciple was because it is here concealed it should not bee rashly determined Grotius thinks it was not John because he being a Galilean would have been questioned by those that stood by as well as Peter nor any of the twelve but rather him in whose house Christ supped for that Matthew 26.18 Brugensis likewise thinks it was not Joâ—n because he was familiarly knowne to the High Priest nor any publique and open Disciple of Christ but a secret one as there were many then Some thinke saith he that it was some honorable Citizen of Ierusalem what if it was hee at whose house Jesus supped for he was rich and magnificent Mar. 14.15 and also a secret Disciple of Christ Mat. 26.18 Vers. 31. It is not lawfull for us to put any man to death The Jewes say some spake only of a certaine kinde of punishment viz. as crucifying with which they would have Christ suffer for the greater ignominie But this seemes not probable that the Jewes were so solicitous of crucifying Christ rather than of punishing him any other way when wee reade that they would sometimes have throwne him downe headlong and sometimes have stoned him Therefore their opinion seemes to be most probable who understand these words of the Jewes not as spoken simply and absolutely but with the respect had of the time viz. For the feast of the passeover which was then kept that it was not lawfull for them to put any to death see vers 28. So Bellarmine saith many of the fathers interpret those words Those things which follow favour this exposition That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled Beza saith the cause why the Jewes expressely required that Christ should be crucified was not onely because this was a most bitter and shamefull death but because this punishment was appointed by the lawes of the Romans for the authors of sedition See Acts 6.12 and 7.58 and 24.6 7. against this exposition Vers. 38. Pilate saith unto him What is truth And when he had said this hee went out againe unto the Jewes and saith unto them I finde in him no fault at all Pilate speakes roughly to Christ but well of him to the people he used foure meanes to deliver him First Loquendo by speaking for him when al the world was silent Secondly mittendo by sending Christ to Herod Thirdly jungendo by joyning Christ Barrabas together thinking they would rather have chose Christ than such a vile fellow Fourthly flagellando by whipping of Christ. Two things made him condemne him 1 The importunity of the Jewes Crucifie him crucifie him and his willingnesse to content them Marke 15.15 2 The feare of losing Caesars favour Iohn 19.13 Vers. 39. But ye have a custome that I should release unto you one at the Passeover Some say they used this custome in remembrance of Jonathans deliverance by the people others in remembrance of their deliverance out of Egypt a third not in relation to either of those but in solemnity of the feast at the Passeover a malefactor was to bee set free not an innocent condemned CHAP. XIX Vers. 1. ANd scourged him It was established by the Romane Lawes that he which was crucified should be first beaten with rods Vers. 5. Behold the man That is if there be any mercy yet in you looke on him set him free Vers. 13. In a place that is called the pavement but in the Hebrew Gabbatha Within the Court of the Temple in a house called the Paved Chamber because of the curious cut stones it was paved with See Piscator In Hebrew That is Syriacke that is the speech of the Jews Grotius Vox est ejus linguae quae Christi tempore vernacula erat in Iudaea quae ideo Ebraica dicitur Vers. 14. About the sixt houre Then began his hanging on the Crosse say some Mark 15.25 saith And it was the the third houre and they crucified him so Mat. Luke Cornel à Lap. allegeth seven interpretations for the reconciling of these places but approves of this best Christ is said to be crucified the third houre because at that houre Pilate publikely assented to the Jewes crying crucifie him that he might avoyd the tumult of the people whence he commanded him to be whipt as fitting him for the Crosse for the guiltie
The twelve minor Prophets were joyned in one booke least by their littlenesse they should be scattered or perish Vers. 43. Yea ye tooke up the tabernacle of Moloch and the starr of your god Rempham That which the Prophet Amos 5.26 cals Chiun that Steven cals Rempham some would have this to be Hercules whom they thinke to have beene a Gyant from the Hebrew Rapha a gyant others say it is the God of the Syrians Rimmon Verse 51. Ye stiffenecked and uncircumcised in heart and eares yea doe alwayes resist the Holy Ghost Whence the Arminians conclude there is a power in a man to resist the Holy Ghost It must be understood of the ministery of the Prophets and Apostles who spake by the Spirit of God and not of the Spirit himselfe and them in some things not in all A thing is said to resist quod non cedit tactui there is a more generall and a more immediate touch when the Spirit comes neere the soule Vers. 53. Who have received the Law by the disposition of Angels Or in the midst of the rankes of Angels who accompanyed God their Soveraigne Lord when he declared the Law Vers. 54. Gnashed on them with their Teeth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they gnashed with their teeth as if they had been cutting with a Saw Vers. 55. And saw the glory of God A certain brightnesse by which the Majesty of God was represented See Exod. 24.17 and 34.18.22 Ezech. 2.1 Vers. 56. Standing on the right hand of God To stand up is for ones help plead ones cause Psal. 35.2 Non sedentem quomodo alibi describitur ad ostendendam regiam dignitatem sed stantem quasi paratum in opem suorum is Grotius his note on the 55. verse Vers. 58. At a young mans Feet Ambrose and Theodorete think that Paul was but 20 yeares old at his first conversion but the Greek word here hath not so much respect unto his age and youth as to his courage and fiercenesse as the word signifies as Budaeus sheweth Euripides calleth bold and insolent speech 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Paul is termed by another word Act. 9.13 Besides he spent his youth among the Jewes before his conversion Act. 26.6 and had authority committed unto him not incident to a very youth Acts 26.9 Vers. 60. Lay not this sinne to their Charge The word which he useth here noteth such a kind of imputing or laying to ones charge as remaineth firme and stedfast for ever never to be remitted vide Bezam Si Stephanus non or asset ecclesia Paulum non habuisset Austen thought God ordained Stevens Prayer to be a meanes of Pauls conversion see beginning of the next Chapter CHAP. VIII Vers. 18. HE offered them Mony He would buy the Holy Ghost because hee meant to sell it Vers. 21. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter A kind of Proverbe among the Hebrewes Vers. 23. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitternesse That is the extremity of it the Hebrewes when they cannot expresse a thing fully they put two words together to shew the full extent of it that is in a state of sin and impenitency which will at last bring forth the bitternesse of punishment Vers. 27. A man of Ethiopia Vers. 30. Vnderstandest thou what thâ—u readest q. d. to what purpose readest thou if thou be not carefull to understand what thou readest Mr. Hildersam Vers. 39. The Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip Some understand it of an Angell of the Lord as Mr. Beza noteth from Gaza to Azotus which was about thirty six miles CHAP. IX Vers. 5. IT is hard for thee to kick against the Pricks It is a proverbiall Speech used in Heathen writers also Vers. 7. Hearing a voice object 22. Acts. 9. the Apostle saith expressely they heard not his voice which spake unto him Paul did not onely see Christs person but heard a voice distinctly the others heard a sound but not distinctly nor saw his person Cajetane truly expounds it the voyce which they heard was Pauls not Christs see Calvin and Doctor Reynolds on Psal. 110. pag. 381. Vers. 15. For he is a chosen vessel unto me That is to publish among them the doctrin or the Gospell Rev. 2.13 He alludes to that state of Sanctification whereto the Lord had lately called him whereby he made him a fit instrument for the glory of his name in the ministery of the Gospell Vers. 22. Proving 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 confirming that is as Beza notes Collatis testimoniis demonstrans demonstrating it by comparing of one Scripture with another according to the manner of Artificers who being about to compact or joyne are wont to fit all the parts amongst themselves that every one of them may perfectly agree with each other Vers. 37. Whom when they had washed they laid her in an upper chamber The washings of the dead were usuall with many Nations Vers. 40. Tabitha arise Tabitha is rather a Syriack then Hebrew name which Luke rendred in Greek Dorcas both signifieth a Goat He useth the same words by which those that sleepe are raised that he may shew with what easinesse the Divine power raiseth the dead CHAP. X. Vers. 11. ANd saw heaven opened and a certain vessel descending unto him as it had been a great sheet knit at the four Corners and let down to the earth The foure Corners of the sheet signified the foure parts of the world all sorts of living creatures signified all sorts of men the sheet the Church militant Vers. 13. Kill and eat The Pope may kill or slay and eat when he will or can but if he be Peters successor he must feed the sheep not feed on them Vers. 15. What God hath cleansed God is said to purifie things that is he pronounceth things to be pure pollute thou not that is imploy thou not as thou dost other things to common uses but let it serve to holy uses onely Vers. 16. The vessel was received up again into heaven to shew that in the end of the world the whole Church militant shall be transported into heaven and become triumphant Vers. 24. Neare friends Or necessary friends they seeme to take away the Sunne out of the world said the heathen oratour who take away friendship from the life of men and we doe not more need fire and water then friendship Vers. 31. Thy Prayer is heard Heard effectually the compound word here used signifies so See Heb. 5.7 Vers. 41. Chosen before of God See after 14.23 CHAP. XI Vers. 20. PReaching the Lord Iesus Lay-men may Preach upon occasion to Churches disordered and to persons not yet gathered to any Church Those which were dispersed upon the persecution raised about Saint Steven did publish the Gospell where there was no Church Acts 8.4 and here But how eminent soever mens abilities are how well soever
the boaster of that which he hath not Oecumen Vers. 32. Who knowing the judgement of God The Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 translated here judgement signifies properly Law Constitution Ordinance and in the Greeke version of the Old Testament where it is very often used it is ordinarily taken in this sense By it here is signified the just will law and ordinance of God They which commit such things are worthy of death that is thou considerest that Hell and damnation is the issue and desert of sinne and yet committest it But have pleasure in them that do them or consent with them so the Vulgar but corruptly To sinne is of it selfe wicked and worthy of eternall punishment but to approve and defend his own and other mens sinnes and to judge them well done to applaud them in mind and judgement and to be delighted with them is a high degree of ungodlinesse CHAP. II. Vers. 5. TReasurest up wrath that is punishments and judgements the effects of it alludes to Iob 36.13 the Greeke word signifies to lay up for to morrow Day of wrath that is of judgement See vers 16. Vers. 6. Render to every man according to his deeds The Papists infer merit of works from hence but 1. the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to render signifies not onely a just retribution but a gift of favour as in that place Matth. 20.8 2. The Apostle saith secundum opera non propter opera which notes the quality not the proportion of their works that is good works shall be rewarded with glory and evill with punishment Vers. 7. The best reading of these words is this To them which by perseverance in wel-doing seek glory honour immortality eternall life that is shall render eternall life to such so divers interpret it The word here used doth as well signifie perseverance and continuance 〈…〉 the meaning is they which persevere and continue in good works So Luke 21 19 Matth. 24.13 and the Apostle to the same purpose Heb. 10 36. where he useth the same word And in this sence Jerome taketh patience here Vers. 9. Tribulation and anguish The first word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 properly signifies compression à 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is used of the active pressing of the shoe of the passive pressing of Grapes metaphorically of affliction especially in the books of the New Testament and in Ecclesiasticall writers The latter word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is properly a straightnesse of spirit such as is wont to happen in diseases and terrours Here it is taken metaphorically Vpon every soule of man Here is a double Hebraisme 1. Every soule of man is put for the soule of every man as in Chap. 1.18 Against all ungodlinesse and unâ—ighteousnesse of men put for the ungodlinesse and unrighteousnesse of all men 2. The word soule is put for person as Gen. 12.5 14.21 17.14 36.6 46.26 Vers. 12. Perish without Law That is without a Law formally published not materially enacted he speakes of the Gentiles who had the Law witten in their hearts Vers. 14. Doe by nature the things contained in the Law That is by naturall strength Vers. 18. And approvest the things that are more excellent So the Greek word is taken Matth. 6.26 and Heb. 1.4 Some render it triest the things that differ ex ploras quae discrepant Beza Pareus Acording to the former version some think that the Apostle hath regard to the writings of the Rabbins and Doctors of the Jewes which disputed exactly and curiously not onely of things lawfull and unlawfull according to the Law but also of those things which according to it were better and more excellent Vers. 21. Thou therefore which teachest another teachest not thou thy selfe That is dost not thou live as thou teachest Turpe est doctori cum culpa redarguit ipsum Vers. 22. Thou that abhorrest idols dâ—est thou commit sacriledge Sacriledge is if not worse yet as bad as idolatry as if Paul held as good a false religion as a spoiling religion CHAP. III. Vers. 2. CHiefely This word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Erasmus taketh to signifie the order of the Apostles speech as before cap. 1.8 But there the Apostle beginneth his Epistle which he doth not here this word first here signifies chiefe that this was the chiefe priviledge and immuity which the Jewes had the oracles of God so the Lxx. calls the word of God Psal. 11.7 and 17.31 and 106.11 Vers. 3. The faith of God That is his constancy and fidelity in keeping his promises Psal. 33.4 fides quia fit quod dictum est See 23. Matth. 2.3 Vers. 4. Let God be true First let him be acknowledged such a one he is true not onely effectivè because he performed his promises which he made to Abraham concerning the land of promise Christ but essentialiter he is true and constant in himselfe And maist overcome when thou are judged Psal. 51.4 here the Apostle followeth the LXX and changeth the testimony for illustration for they who are pure overcome in judgement Vers. 5. J speak as a man q.d. Every naturall man is apt to thinke and speak so Vers. 9. We have before proved We have pleaded it at the Judges Barre and have convicted them Vers. 12. They are altogether become unprofitable viz. to good that is they are wholly alienated from good and made incapable to doe it this is taken out of the 14. Psal. 3. where the Hebrew word signifies they are become stinking but the Apostle followed the Greek version and a stinking thing is also odious and unprofitable for any service Vers. 13. Their throat is an open sepulchre Throats like a sepulchre sending out rotten and unsavoury communication or words tending to devoure When the grave is shut up we see nothing but green grasse but when rotten bones appear a filthy stink comes out With their tongues they have used deceit flattering fauning and dissembling the poyson of aspes is under their lips First it stings and wonderfully torments a man 2. Is incurable Vers. 14. Cursing and bitternesse That is sharp and furious inprecations and revilings Vers. 15. Their feet are swift to shed bloud In aptnesse to oppresse hurt and grind all one hath to deale with Vers. 16. Destruction and misery are in their wayes That is their designes and actions tend to destruction and misery and produce it to themselves and their neighbour Vers. 19. Now we know that what things soever the Law saith it saith to them who are under the Law that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God It is a speech taken from a malefactor arraigned when the Judge objecteth what say you this and this treason is witnessed against you the poore man standeth speechlesse and dumbe his mouth is stopped Vers. 20. Therefore by the deeds of the Law there shall no flesh be justified
the judgement and execution thereof is to be referred to the Governours of the Church which exercise that authority as in the name of Christ so in the name of the whole Church whereof they are appointed governours to avoid confusion Fulke on the Rhem. Testam vide Calvinum Pareum Vers. 5. To deliver such a one unto Satan Beza Calvin Pareus à Lapide Estius and Morton interprete it of excommunication The excommunicate person is to have his conscience terrified by being delivered unto Satan that is cast out of the Church out of which Satan ruleth 2. Sorrow must be wrought in him for his sin for the destruction of his flesh and fleshly corruption which is the ground of true repentance Neither is it any thing else then excommunication which the Apostle signifieth by delivering to Satan saving that he expresseth an extraordinary effect that followed in the Apostles time viz. that those which were put out of the Church became visibly subject to Satan inflicting plagues and diseases on their bodies which might reduce them to repentance which the Apostle calleth the destruction of the flesh that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Iesus as 1 Tim. 1.20 For the Apostles had power like that which Saint Peter exercised on Ananias and Sâ—pphira thus to punish those that opposed them as Saint Paul often intimates Thorndikes discourse of the right of the Church in a Christian State Chap. 1. Some say he was delivered to Satan in a miraculous way to possesse or torment him an Apostolicall power onely Vide Grotium But that cannot be for these reasons 1 The Apostle saith you deliver the Apostles did not worke miracles by others hands 2. The punishment is answerable to the sinne which was twofold v. 2. 3. He makes it a generall ground of a duty they must withdraw themselves from such a one Vers. 6. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lumpe The word of God compareth sinne unto leaven both in regard of the whole congregation in that it spreadeth further and further in the body of the Church if opposition be not made Levit. 19.29 and also in regard of the persons selfe in that it doth more and more sowre and pollute the soule till at last it have left no part free if the seasonable rendring of repentance prevent it not But yet it will not sowre the congregation so as that all their worship and service shall be cast off by God as an abomination that is the false glosse of some For when the Gospell is compared to leaven the holy Ghost meanes not that if the Gospell enter into any place then the services of the whole congregation are made pleasing to God for the services of hypocrites which are many never please him but that the Gospell comming into a place and converting some one or two will goe farther and convert more and more till it draw the whole place at least to outward submission The meaning is one sinner tolerated and winked at doth infect another till the whole society be over growne with the like wickednesse and not that one sinner causeth the service of all those with whom it is done to become uncleane or polluted Vers. 7. Purge out therefore the old leaven That is which proceeded from the old man and corrupt nature though the Church of Corinth was very corrupt many wayes yet he bids them not take the lumpe away but remove the old leaven he bids them not forsake the Church but stay and reforme it Vers. 9. Not to company with fornicatours The Greeke word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 both here and 2 Thess. 3. being compounded with two praepositions notes a most familiar acquaintance and conversation See next vers Vers. 11. Not to keepe company That is in a private and familiar manner With such a one no not eate That is make him not a speciall intimate friend Intelligitur vel contubernium vel interior câ—nvictus Calvinus This place being understood of all voluntary commerce with a scandalous person whereby at least I appeare to countenance him in his sinne contrary to that precept 1 Thess. 5 22 Its apparent say some that voluntary commerce at the Sacrament is here forbidden as well as at my own Table The râ—ason say they is evident First because he ought to be kept from the Lords Table as well as from my Table Secondly because he might easily be kept from this as well as that provided that private Christians and Church officers would both do their duties in their places But if I do my honest endeavour for this purpose and cannot keep him away from the Lords Table the Lord accepts my will for my deed and the guilt shall lie upon them who have power but want will to suspend him I shall find to my comfort that to the pure all things are pure Titus 2.15 Nor shall the wickednesse of others one jâ—t hinder the efficacy of the Sacrament to me if I be a worthy receiver Vers. 12. For what have I to do to judge them that are without Do not ye judge them that are within That is are not you by the power you have of judging those that are within to take away him that hath done evill leaving to God to judge those without Mr. Thorndike Therefore something makes one man to be without the Church and another within Where there is differentia divisiva there must be differentia constitutiva CHAP. VI. Vers. 2. DOe ye not know that the Saints shall judge the world They shall not judge by pronouncing a soveraigne sentence of absolution or condemnation which is proper to Christ the Judge but by assisting him as Justices upon the Bench both by witnessing and assenting unto that righteous judgement The Saints shall not judge the world authoritatively they are not in commission with Christ but three waies 1. As members of Christs body he judgeth as the head 2. By their lives as it is said of the Queen of Sheba she shall condemne them 3. By an approbation of Christs judgement exulting in it Rev. 19.1 2. Vers 4. Pertaining to this life The Greek word say some signifies rather pertaining to life and so they would have it rendred also in the former verse but Luke 21.34 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is rendred cares of this life and Grotius renders the third verse here res hujus vitae Set them to judge who are of lâ—ast esteem in the Church It is not spoken by way of precept commanding them to let the simplest of their brethren judge their causes but by way of concession they were better so to doe then to sue before Infidels Vers. 7. Bâ—cause ye go to law one with another That is so rashly as they did and before Infidell Judges to the scorn of the Gospell Going to Law in this Chapter is not simply forbidden but sundry abuses observed 1. Going to unfit Judges whom the Apostle stileth
unjust and unbelievers and bringing Christians before them vers 6. 2 Contending about small matters and meer trifles vers 2. 3 Too much forwardnesse to Law vers 5. 4 Doing wrong themselves vers 8. Vers. 9. Idolaters There were two kinds of them worshippers of Idols that is false gods as all the Heathens were Or secondly of the true God in an Idoll or Image as the Jews often were and as all the Papists are at this day Effeminate Or soft The Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifieth soft-spirited men men of a kind of soft carriage apt to all wantonnesse Mollis erat facilisque viris Paeantius heros Abusers of themselves with mankind The Greek is but one compound word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Paederastae Calvin Vers. 10. Revilers which dare call him with vile terms that offends them Extortioners that care not what they pill to themselves by hook or crook Vers. 11. And such were some of you The Apostle addes this word some saith Estius to moderate his speech least he should seem to accuse all the Corinthians of all the fore-mentioned vices to shew that some were guilty of some of those vices and others of other although the sinne of Idolatry was common to them all Calvin thinks this particle is superfluous after the usuall manner of the Grecians which often use it Ornatus gratia and not for restriction and that the Apostle intends onely that no man is free from these evils until he be renewed by the Spirit The plain meaning saith he is that before their regeneration some of the Corinthians were covetous some adulterers some extortioners some effeminate some revilers but now being freed by Christ they ceased to be such The Apostle puts them in mind of the sinnes they had repented of not to reproach them but 1. That they might be more able to mortifie their present corruptions Psal. 38. 2 That they might be more pitifull to others Titus 3.11 and more thankfull to God But ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified He useth three words saith Calvin to expresse one thing the more to deter them from falling into those sinnes againe which they had escaped Pareus saith we are to take washed generally for all the benefits of Christ remission of sinnes and regeneration by the Spirit and Blood of Christ the other two for the parts of his washing the first of which is Justification and the other Sanctification Vers. 13. Now the body is not for fornication but for the Lord and the Lord for the body The Apostle propoundeth six reasons why we should fly fornication 1. Our bodies are the Lords and must be serviceable unto him in this Verse the body for the Lord the body is ordained for the Lords use and ought to be imployed to his glory and the Lord for the body to redeem and sanctifie the body as well as the soule and consequently to rule and command it as well as the soule being Lord of both 2. We look they should be raised to glory in the last day vers 14. and therefore we must in the mean time keep them honourable 3. They are the members of Christ vers 15. we may not then make them the members of an Harlot 4. Whereas all other sinnes are without the body this directly is against the body vers 18. where he also bids them flee Fornication 5. The body is the Temple of the holy Ghost vers 19. and these sinnes make it the Devils stie and stews 6 Our bodies are bought with a price ver 20. and it is sacriledge not to glorifie God in the body as well as in the soule seeing they are both alike his Vers. 16. Know ye not that he which is joyned to a Harlot is one body Paul notes three sorts of conjunction 1. In the flesh onely as betwixt a man and a whore 2. In the Spirit onely as betwixt Christ and his members vers 19. 3 In the flesh and the Spirit when two faithfull are married together Vers. 17. Is one Spirit one spirituall body Pareus rather in respect of the bond Gods Spirit Beza Vers. 18. Sinneth against his own body not because the body is used as the instrument then it will hold also in stealing backbiting swearing rather as Peter Martyr more eminently against the body then other sins Or the body is not onely the instrument as in other outward sins but the object in this sin a man sinnes against his own body spoyling it of that excellent honour whereto God hath advanced it CHAP. VII Vers. 1. IT is good for a man not to touch a woman Good is opposed to that which is incommodious or inexpedient so Matth. 19.10 it is expedient Conducible to those who have the gift of continency and no setled abode and in times of persecution See vers 35. Obj. Gen. 2.11 It is not good for man to be alone Sol. Paul wrote in times of persecution which in all this Chapter he hath a speciall eye unto See Calvin Touch The Greek word often signifieth not to touch with the hand but to have any commerce with another therefore the meaning is bonum est abstinere ab uxore hoc est non ducere uxorem It is good to abstaine from a wife that is not to marrie Vers. 2. Neverthelesse to avoyd Fornication let every man viz. which hath not the gift of continency have his own wife Vers. 3. Due benevolence It is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 benevolence because it must be performed with good will and delight willingly readily and chearfully It is said also to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 due because it is a debt which the wife oweth to her husband and he to her 1 Cor. 7.4 Dr. Gouge Vers. 5. Give your selves to fasting and prayer He speaks here of solemn fasting and prayer these also are joyned together Matth. 17.21 Acts 13. Vers. 9. To burne That is to have within a continuall fervency of lust in the heart Earnest desires are meant Hos. 7.4 Rom. 1.27 Vritur infoelix Dido c. Virgilius 4 Aeneid Vers. 10. Vnto the married I command yet not I but the Lord The Apostle delivered as from the Lord the doctrine against separation of those equally joyned in marriage that is from the plain relation of God in the Old Testament Vers. 12. But to the rest speake I not the Lord Which hath reference to that before vers 10. To this doubt of remaining together where one is a believer the other an Infidell I say not the Lord not as though Paul did resolve any thing against the mind of God but he gave this resolution as an Apostle under the New Testament which was different from the dispensations of the Lord under the Law Vers. 14. Sanctified by the Husband But she shall never be saved but by her own faith he sanctifieth her marriage but not her person Vide Calvinum
us then of that we suffer for him as 2 Cor. 2.2 Vers. 15. For in Christ Iesus neither circumcision availeth any thing nor uncircumcision but a new creature That is are neither acceptable to God nor available to salvation under these two synecdochically comprehending all outward priviledges and dignities As many as walk The Greek word signifies not simply to walk but to walk by rule in order and measure without treading aside but making straight steps to our feet Heb. 12.13 According to this rule This Canon that is the doctrine of this Epistle Metaphora ab architectis Pareus The Israel of God Israel of old was the Church of God therefore the Church is now called the Israel of God Vers. 17. For I beare in my body the marks of the Lord Iesus The word in the originall translated marks doth properly signifie Prints with a hot Iron But here it is used generally to signifie any blemish scar or mark whatsoever Prisons bonds whips buffetings stoning reproaches of all kind which he endured for the testimony of the Gospell ANNOTATIONS UPON THE Epistle of PAUL the Apostle to the EPHESIANS CHAP. I. Vers. 1. TO the Saints 1. They were all Saints by outward profession 2. There were many true Saints the better part giveth the denomination Wine and Water is called Wine Ephesus This was a mother City in lesser Asia famous for Idolatry Conjuring as the Acts of the Apostles testifie so given to all ryot that it banished Hermodorus because he was an honest sober man yet here God had his Church It was neer the Sea given to merchandize ample and rich Bayne Vers. 3. Blessed be the Lord God and Father of our Lord Iesus Christ who hath blessed us c Blessing is applied First to God and signifies 1. To consecrate to an holy use Gen. 2.3 2. To enrich with favours as here and Acts 3.26 Secondly to man who is said to blesse God when he prayeth unto him or praiseth him for his mercy as here and Matth. 14.19 26.26 Psalm 103.1 104.1 115.18 Luke 1.68 Blessed That is praised Who hath blessed us That is enriched us with all blessing or grace With all Spirituall blessings In the originall it is in the singular number with all spirituall blessing all and yet but one blessing to note that Spirituall blessings are so knit together that they all make up but one blessing Blessings may be said to be Spirituall three waies 1. When they are blessings bestowed on mens Spirits when their soules prosper 2. When they are wrought not in a naturall way but by the Spirit of God 3. When they tend to a Spirituall end 2 Chron. 17.2 3. Spirituall blessings are the chiefest 1. Because they are the blessings of Gods right hand 2. Come from his choyce love 3. Because they are blessings of the spirit and soule 4. Because of their conjunction where God gives one Spirituall blessing he gives all In heavenly places or things places is not in the Originall In Heavenlies This word is used five times in this Epistle Verse 20. of this Chapter 2 6.3 10. and 6.12 on which last place see Dr. Gouge Vers. 4. Chosen us in him or for him as some would have it not as if Christ were the foundation of election but we are chosen in him as the foundation of our salvation Vers. 5. According to the good pleasure of his will The Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 rendred here good pleasure is a word peculiar to the Scripture and as Ierome saith was first invented by the LXX Interpreters that they might expresse the signification of the Hebrew word Ratson Wherein he hath made us accepted Greek freely made us free Vers. 8. All wisdom 1. In regard of the excellency because it serveth to all purposes 2. In regard of the quantity not absolutely but comparatively 1. In comparison of that measure which was given the believing Jew 2. In regard of those which are more imperfect Vers. 9. The mystery of his will The Gospell of salvation may be called a mystery in three regards 1. Absolutely because it is a thing of it selfe within the will of God which no creature by it selfe is able to know 2. In regard of the spare revelation and small number of those to whom it was manifested 3. Now it is divulged in regard of those whose eyes are not opened to see it Vers. 10. In the dispensation It is a word taken from Stewards and such as have the keeping of things in common and are to distribute them as they see fit for singular persons and occasions To dispense them is to distribute that I have in common as is fitting in wisdome to persons and occasions in particular Dispensation of times is put by a metonymie of the adjunct for fulnesse of times wisely dispensed Baine Of the fulnesse of times Fulnesse of times indefinitely universally notes the consummation of all these seasons successively which God had appointed for the gathering of his Saints Gather together in one There are three significations of this Greek word Chrysostome hath two 1. Gather together as members under one head both which are in Heaven and which are on earth Angels and men this interpretation Zanchy follows 2. To recapitulate and summe up what was spoken more fully so we say the heads of a Sermon so it is used Rom. 13.9 All excellencies are summed up in Christ all the Sacrifices were fulfilled in that one Sacrifice all the promises were accomplished in him 3. Summatim instaurare briefly to restore all things and bring them to their primitive perfection what we lost in Adam is restored in Christ both in Heaven and in Earth Angels and Saints in the Church Triumphant and Militant Vers. 11. Also we have obtained an inheritance We were sorted out the old books read it we are chosen the latter we have obtained an inheritance The word signifies we have been chosen as it were by lot to an inheritance Vers. 13. After that ye heard the word of truth That is the Gospell it was indited by the Authour of all truth and containes so much supernaturall truth as is necessary for our salvation 3. It excites us to the embracing and practising of truth In whom after that ye beleeved ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise The originall runs thus In whom beleeving or having beleeved or when you beleeved you were seale◠The nature of a seale is to make things sure Dan 6.8 Matth. 27.66 as a writing is firme amongst men when the seale is put to it secondly men set their seales also on things to note their propriety in the thing which is sealed See 2 Cor. 1.23 with that holy Spirit of promise Gr. See Beza Vers. 14. Which is the earnest of our inheritance Our English relative who doth more distincly answer to the Greek then which This word earnest is in the originall
tongues more large then our English and may signifie pledges pawnes hostages as well as earnest which is in contract of buying and selling onely exercised and is a giving some small part of a summe to assure that the whole shall be tendred in due season Of the purchased possession It is one word in the Greek but two in English because we cannot otherwise expresse it some refer it to the persons so Calvin Others to the estate they shall attaine unto when they come to heaven So 1 Thess. 5.9 and 2 Thess. 2.14 Vers. 16. Cease not to give thankes 1. In all his solemne addresses 2. By frequent ejaculations 3. In regard of the habituall disposition of the soule 4. Would persevere in it Vers. 17. The God of our Lord Iesus Christ 1. by way of opposition to all false Gods as he is called the God of Abraham Isaac and Iacob 2. In regard of his incarnation God the Father gave him his body 3. As he is mediator 4. By way of exaltation this is more then the God of the whole world God of Nations The Spirit of wisedome Put for the gift of wisedome bestowed on us so called both because the Spirit doth beget it in us and is with it to sustaine and perfect it as also because it selfe is of a spirituall nature moving them in whom it is to work after the directions of it Vers. 18. The hope of his calling Hope is put for things hoped for not for the grace of hope which springeth from faith thus we say he is a man of faire hopes that is goodly lands which in likelihood will befall him His inheritance An inheritance which comes by grace or lot called his 1. Because it is of his preparing and providing 2. Because we shall have it with him 3. Because he is the subject or matter of it the heaven of heavens is communion with God he shall be all in all 1 Cor. 15. Vers. 19. And what is the exceeding greatnesse of his power to us ward who beleeve according to the working of his mighty power Observe the gradation the Apostle speaking of the power of God put forth upon those which doe beleeve expresseth it in a six fold gradation 1. It is his power onely the power of God could doe it 2. The greatnesse of his power 3. The exceeding greatnesse of his power 4. It is the working of his power 5. The working of his mighty power 6. It is the same power by which he raised Christ from the dead and set him above all so v. 20. Vers. 21. Farre above all principality and power and might and dominion and every name that is named Some interpreters understand this of terrene dominion others of the Angels Principaliâ—y Those in principall authority Power All secondary powers sent from them Might That is Angels putting forth might in some miraculous effects of mercy and udgement Dominion Such Angells whose Ministry God used in the government of kingdomes and provinces Name Every creature howsoever named Baine Vers. 2â— To be head over all things Christ is a head in regard of intimatenesse of conjunction by way of influence the spring of sense and motion in respect of government See 4. Chap. 15. v. Vers. 23. The fulnesse of him that filleth all in all There are foure things considerable in this last clause both darke and excellent 1. The Church is Christs fulnesse tâ—e fulnesse of him Actively if we consider Christ not personally but mystically as a Head and having the Church for his body but it is rather called Christs fulnesse because it is filled by him the fulnesse it hath is from him of his procuring bestowing continuing accepting and because all is for him therefore his fulnesse 2. Yet hee filleth it that filleth The Greeke word is of the middle voice but here it is to bee translated actively there is a great deale of difference betweene the fulnesse of the choycest beleevers and the fulnesse of Christ there is in him plenitudo fontis a fulnesse of the Fountaine in them plenitudo vasis a fulnesse of the Vessell in him say the Schoole-men there is a fulnesse of sufficiency bounty preheminence and redundance 3. The extent of this repletion all He fills 1. All creatures with naturall blessings Psal. 104.28 and 65.9 2. All men with common blessings Iohn 1.9 3. All the Saints with speciall peculiar and distinguishing blessings though they have not all the same degree and measure of them 1. With Spirituall gifts for the edification of themselves and others 1 Cor. 12.4.11 2. With Spirituall priviledges all Saints are justified and every one as truly as any one though they be not so greatly sanctified they have all the benefit of adoption the youngest children as well as the eldest the first born all things shall happen for the good of all 3. With Spirituall consolation requisite to their condition Iohn 16.24 2 Cor. 1.5 Lastly he fills not onely all the Saints but all the Saints 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 all things all their capacities 1. All the faculties of their soules the understanding with light Ephes. 1.18 and 5.8 Psal. 36.9 The conscience with quicknesse purenesse tendernesse quietnesse Act. 24.16 1 Titus 15. 1 Cor. 1.12 1 Pet. 3.18 The will with Spirituall intentions purposes 2 Cor. 5.9 the affections of love joy feare are set on him chiefely 2 All the Members of the body 1 Cor. 6.20 Rom. 6.13 2 Cor. 4.10.11 3. All the desires of the inward man Psal. 25.13 and 37.4 Esay 58.11 4. All the indeavours of the outward man 75. Psal. 2.3 Esay 22.12 Psal. 138. ult 4. The qualification of this extent in all 1. Ordinances 2 Occurrences and providences Rom. 8.28 3. Ages and successions 2 Cor. 4.13 4. All relations Rom. 3. 23. 5. Comforts 6. amidst all their discomforts 7. To all saving intents and purposes initiatively and gradually here and consummatively hereafter CHAPT II. Vers. 2. THe course of this world Ad verbum juxta seculum bujus mundi Vorstius The world of the world that is that temper and frame of that age of the world Vers. 3. Fulfilling the desires of the flesh 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The wills lust is made up all of wills Vorstius thinkes it notes the two perverse desires some of which are more internall some more externall And were by nature the Children of wrath even as others To be by nature the children of wrath signifies these things 1. Wrath is our proper due we are borne to it 2. It belongs to us as soone as ever we have a living soule damnati priusquam nati Aug. 3. We are irrecoverably the Children of wrath Adam might have helped it 4. It is universally so as we say a man is by nature mortall because all are so Locus est insignis adversus Pelagianos quicumque peccatum originale negant Calvine That which is naturally in all is originall See Estius The Apostle opposeth the
is able to doe exceeding abundantly in the Greek it is to doe above all super abundantly Vers. 21. Unto him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus c. Christ is a Mediator to us two waies 1. As in him God the Father loved us elected us redeemed us Lastly in and by him he bestows all good things upon us 2. As we by him have accesse to the Father therefore the Church was ever wont to conclude her prayers per Christum Dominum nostrum by Christ our Lord. As it was the custome in the Church to pray so also to give thanks to God by Christ Rom. 1.8 7.25 CHAP. IV. Vers. 1. PRisoner of the Lord Or in the Lord in the cause of the Lord. See Ch. 3 v. 1. He was an Apostle thirty five or thirty six yeers for the last eight or ten he was a prisoner and wrote severall Epistles That ye walk worthy of the vocation Sutable to the purity and dignity of it It is a holy and high calling 1 Thess. 2.2 Called 1. To holinesse to act it 1 Thess. 4.7 2. To glory to enjoy it 1 Pet. 5.10 3. Peace Col. 3.15 Vers. 3. Endeavouring Studentes Beza Soliciti Junius Calvin and Vulg. using all possible carefulnesse It is therefore first a difficult matter secondly of great concernment Verses 4 5 6. There is one body and one Spirit even as ye are called in one hope of your Calling One Lord one faith one baptisme one God and one Father of all c. Here are seven ones together in two or three lines to be an argument of unity This is one of the most famous Scriptures for the union of Saints that we have in all the book of God Sith they have all one Father and so are brethren sith they have all one head which is Christ and so are fellow members of the same body sith they are led all by one Spirit sith they hope all for one Heaven bear all one badge of baptism are knit all by one bond of faith to Christ and one another therefore they should be at peace among themselves Vers. 5. One faith By one faith is there meant one Religion and Doctrine of salvation 1 Tim. 1.19 The faith of the elect is but one 1. In respect of the kind of it being a justifying fath 2. The object of it which is one Christ. 3. The end salvation Iude 3. Vers. 6. Who is above all and through all and in you all That is the Lord is in all his Saints by his speciall grace he passeth through every thing by his common providence his eyes run through the earth and he is above all looking what secrets are in mans heart one that stands on high and looks over all that is below can easily see whatsoever is done Vers. 8. Lead captivity captive By captivity is meant sinne and Satan which did and doe lead men captive into perdition 2. Death and the grave which held him captive and in bondage for the space of three daies he leads them all captive 1. in himselfe triumphing over them 2. In his members subduing and weakning their power Gave gifts unto men It is he received gifts Psal. 67. the Apostle sheweth wherefore Christ received gifts viz. to bestow them on his Church or else Christ gave of his own and received none and so the Apostle shewes the excellency of the truth above the figure Christ above David what those gifts are is expressed in the eleventh verse not bare qualifications of men but officers Singular and speciall gifts as tokens of his favour such as Princes bestow upon the day of their solemne Inauguration Vers. 9. What is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth Some interpret it of Christs incarnation in allusion to that of the Psalme lower parts of the earth meaning the wombe so they say Christ descended to take our nature of the Virgins womb but seeing that the descending into the lower parts of the earth is opposed unto his ascending into Heaven some conceive by the lowest parts of the earth is meant hell as the lowest degree of Christs abasement set against the highest degree of his glory Vers. 10. Far above all Heavens That is all visible Heavens Extra mundum hunc creatum Calvin Vers. 11. And some Pastors and Teachers Pastors to instruct in righteousnesse for the maintenance of purity in manners and Teachers to maintaine the purity of doctrine in soundnesse of judgement So Mr. Perkins Jerome Augustine Chrysostome Theodoret thinks the Apostle expressed one office by two names to shew what thing belonged to the Pastorall charge Implying that the scope of the ministery is to bring and preserve all the members of the Church in this unity of faith and knowledge Vers. 14. That we henceforth be no more tossed about with every wind of doctrine Their instability is expressed in two metaphors 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tossed to and fro the former is drawn from a wave of the Sea for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is a wave and so it denotes an uncertain man which fluctuates in opinion and is explained to the full Iames 1.6 The latter from a light cloud swimming in the ayre 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and carried about in a circle having no weight in it and may well be expressed by that of Iude 12. The slight 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies cogging with a Die such slights as they use at Dice Cunning craftinesse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they watch all advantages Lie in waight to deceive 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they have all the arts of consenage Paul hath heapes of words to expresse this Serpentine quality of sinne by cogging and cheating Vers. 15. Speaking the truth So it is used Gal. 4.16 Others doing or following the truth Iohn 4.21 Vers. 16. Fitly joyned together that phrase importeth that the erroneous are like a bone out of joynt it will cost many an hearty groan before they be reduced to their right place Vers. 17. Walk not as other Gentiles walke viz. Unconverted Gentiles doe not imitate them from whom you have made so happy a departure In the vanity of their mind 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the mind is the seat of principles of supreame primitive and undenied truths but saith he their minds are destitute of all Divine and Spirituall truths Vers. 18. Having the understanding darkned 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the reasoning and discursive faculty the understanding is the seat of conclusions and that is unable to deduce from Spirituall principles if there were any in their minds such sound and divine conclusions as they are apt to beget Being alienated from the life of God That is the life which God allows of and which his children live by Grace is called the life of God or a godly life 1. Because it is from God as the Authour 2. It is according to God as the pattern 3.
against them was more to be esteemed then Xenophons or Plato's speaking for them Wherefore rebuke them sharply Or refute them Non est increpa sed argue hoc est refelle Erasm. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cuttingly or precisely or to the quick He alludes to Chirurgions who cut away the dead flesh which festereth corruption in wounds So Estius Dr Taylor and others That they may be sound in the faith Not the vertue or gift of faith whereby we believe but the doctrine of faith that which we doe believe that is the doctrine of the Gospell so it is taken Gal. 1.22 It is here opposed to Jewish fables and commandements of men in the next Verse Vers. 14. Which turn away from the truth In the word Turn away is a metaphor the speech being borrowed from those who turn away their bodies from the things they dislike and here translated to signifie an inward loathing and dislike of the truth Vers. 15. Vnto the pure all things are pure That is all things in their own nature indifferent See 1 Cor. 6.4 10.13 Rom. 14.20 all such things are free now to be used in good conscience without scruple by means of our Christian liberty CHAP. II. Vers. 3. NOt given to much wine So given as to be a servant slave or vassall to it Non multo vino servientes Vulg. He hath expressed it significantly for it is a sevitude and base condition for the senses of a man to be possessed with Wine and not to be his own man but a slave to Wine Vers. 10. Nor purloyning The Greek word signifies to detaine any thing to ones own selfe that belongs not to him and to put it apart to his own use as Ananias and Sapphira did Acts 5.6 where the word is likewise used This vice in times past was so common among servants that the Poets use the word fures for servi Quid Domini facient audent cum talia fures Virgil. Eglog 3. Vers. 12. We should live soberly righteously and godly in this present world In these words he concludes our whole duty live soberly toward our selves righteously toward our Neighbours and godly toward God Haec tria perpetuò meditare adverbia Pauli Haec tria sint vitae regula sancta tuae Vers. 14. Who gave himselfe for us His soule body life it shews the willingnesse of his death Redeem us Redeem by a price ransome and procure us a compleat pardon us Jews and Gentiles Purifie By his word and Spirit by the application of the doctrine of Christ and his grace 1. The word doth this by way of example while it sets out to us the holinesse of Christ. 2. By way of argument that we should not shew our selves so unkind to him as sinne against him Vers. 15. Rebuke with all authority That is with a derived ministeriall authority Christ preached as having authority in and from himselfe Matth. 7.29 Let no man despise thee He should not suffer any to contemn him Paul doth not speake here to Titus as he did to Timothy Let no man despise thy youth whence it is collected that Titus was elder then Timothy The Greek word here rendered despise is not the same with that in Timothy CHAP. III. Vers. 5. BY the washing of regeneration and renewing of the holy Ghost The Spirit of God alludes to the practise of all civill people at the birth of a childe they first wash it from its naturall uncleannesse so the Spirit of God cleanseth us from our spirituall pollution Baptisme is sacramentally the laver of regeneration not by the work wrought but by the grace of Gods Spirit by which we are justified 1 Pet. 3.21 Vers. 9. But avoyd foolish questions and genealogies Such genealogies as are not in the word which gender questions that the Scripture doth not end and determine Foolish questions That is unnecessary idle of no moment of no good use to edification neither in faith nor love in conscience nor manners And genealogies here is condemned all that recounting of kindred and pedegree in all sorts of men which proceedeth from a vain mind and tendeth to worldly pomp and vain-glory The Jewish Teachers would be much and often in extolling of their Tribes and kindred Vers. 10. A man that is an Heretick after the first and second admonition reject Or avoyd not as Erasmus too truly but bitterly scoffes the Romish practise Devita id est De vita tolle but reject in an authoritative or judicatory way not a meere negative act of refraining company but a positive act of censure is here meant Graviter quasi censoria correctione reprimendi sunt Calvinus Vers. 11. Is subverted 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It is as much as if he had said He is an house subverted or turned upside down or inside outward as a house turned off from the foundation As a ship turnes up her keele this Greeke word is used Deut. 32.20 a people turned upside down or subverted Hath the fairest side outward the word is a Metaphor drawn from foule Linnen as Favorinus the foule side turned inward as if he should have said such a man what ever shews he makes is a naughty man Being condemned of himselfe It is but one word in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Experience convinceth that most Hereticks think themselves in the right so far they are from condemning themselves in their consciences But they condemn themselves by cutting off themselves from the Church which other sinners are condemned to by the Church Vers. 14. And let ours also learn to maintain good works The words are let them learne to be eminent in good works above others The Vulgar hath it curent bonis operibus praeesse The Rhemists brag that their Translation which hath it to shew forth good works is the better We translate it also to excell and the Greek signifies all three indifferently THese Postscrips in the end of Pauls second Epistle to Timothy and of that to Titus as learned Beza hath well observed were not found in the most ancient Greek copies nor yet in the Vulgar Latine translation no not to this day these additions were made some hundred of yeers after the Apostles In Ieromes time they were not extant as the translation that goes in his name can testifie which hath no such Postscript Our former and ancient English Translations though they have them yet they are but in a small Character different from the Text as no part of it See Mr. Cudworth on the 6 of the Galatians annexed to Mr. Perkins on the Postscripts of the severall Epistles ANNOTATIONS UPON THE Epistle of PAUL the Apostle to PHILEMON IT is a very Rhetoricall Epistle Philemon to whom this Epistle is written was Pauls Disciple a man famous among the Colossians whose house Theodoret witnesseth was at Colosse unto his time Gaius was the Churches hoast he the Churches
to live or die Vers 13. Exhort one another while it is called to day When you commit a sinne you think if you stay a week a fortnight or a moneth you shall come in as well as at the first no saith the Apostle while it is to day come in doe it presently for sin will deceive you it will harden your heart before you be aware Through the deceitfulnesse of sinne That is deceitfull sinne an hyppalage Prov. 14.8 Ephes. 4.22 Rom. 7.11 1. It hath its originall from the subtill Serpent Satan the grand Impostor 2. It is the cause of all the deceit guile and falshood that is in this world Psal. 54.20 21. Acts 13.10 3. Sinne is in its own nature deceitfull every errour in opinion and evill in practice proceeds from deceit the mind is deluded in the first with a shew of truth and the will in the second with the appearance of goodnesse Rather to believe then practice the Apostles proper meaning is the deceitfulnesse of sinne in matter of believing Vers. 14. If we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast to the end 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the first act of faith whereby we began to subsist in Christ. Vers. 17. Whose carcasses fell in the wildernesse The Vulgar renders it cadavera 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 properly signifies members The Syriack hath rendred it ossa bones Because those unbelievers lie prostrate in the wildernesse therefore a great multitude of their bones lie dispersed in the wildernesse CHAP. IV. Vers. 2. BUt the word preached did not profit them Profiting may be taken here for the truth of grace or for growth in grace men cannot grow in grace that have no grace but the word worketh true faith on that person which came to it without any true grace or faith at all Not being mixed with faith in them that heard it The word signifies as if we should say such a potion did not good because they had not such an ingredient An exceeding strong drink not tempered and qualified profits not nature so those great promises so much exceeding opinion and expectation of reason not being mixed with faith did not profit them He compares the heart to a vessell in which there must be both the word and faith these two must be mingled together and then it will be a word of power life and salvation Vers. 9. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God A Sabbatisme as Calvin and Beza render it That is the keeping of the day of rest though it be commonly rendered rest he forbeares to use the same Greek word for rest which he used both before and after Estius and others take it here for a celestiall rest and bring the next Verse to confirm their opinion See Rev. 14.13 Vers. 12. For the word of God is quicke Or living 1. Formally in its own nature in that it abides for ever in regard of the sence and matter contained therein not as it is written in Paper 2. Efficiently and that in these respects 1. It giveth life at the first it is appointed by God as the instrument to beget the new life of grace in us Iames 1.18 Iohn 17 17. the savour of life 2. It increaseth spirituall life 1 Pet. 2. 3. It directs and teacheth us the way to eternall life Iohn 5. Piercing even to the dividing â—sunder of sâ—ule and spirit That is the whole man It worketh not onely upon the inferiour faculties which are lesse pure but upon the purest and most supreame part of the soule for the word pierceth as far as the eye of the Authâ—r of it to whom all things are naked and open And of the joynts and marrow By the joynts he meanes the minima the least things and by the marrow the intima the most secret and inward things A discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Critick a curious Judge and observer 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 rendred thoughts are properly the secret and inward workings of passions and affections 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 intents are the secret and first workings of mens understandings and apprehensions Vers. 13. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight Neither is there any creature which is not manifest in the sight thereof so some read it and the Greek will very well beare it viz. of the word and understanding by creature such thoughts intents and notions as are framed in the heart which may be termed the creatures of the heart This interpretation holds good correspondence with the Greek the scope of the place and the Analogy of faith But all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to doe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 naked as when the skin is pull'd off and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 opened as the intrailes of a Sacrifice cut down the back He useth a metaphor taken from a sheep whose skin is taken off and he hanged up by the neck with his back toward the wall and all his intrailes layd bare and exposed to open view He alludes to the Anatomizing of a creature say some wherein men are cautious to finde out every little Veine or Muscle though they be never so close They are naked therefore God sees their outside and opened dissected quartered and cleft asunder through the backbone so that he sees their inside also Opened is more then naked naked is that which is not cloathed or covered opened is that whose inwards are discovered and made conspicuous Vers. 15. Cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities The originall word is purely Greek as there are many in this book it is used also 10.34 and no where else Was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sinne That is say some was never temped to sinne as Matth. 15.38 but the Apostle here comforts the people of God against sinfull temptations Christ was tempted to sinne but not into sinne Vers. 16. Let us goe Because our Mediator is God as in Ch 1. he is able to reconcile God to us and procure grace for us 2. Man Heb. 2.14 and our high Priest Vers. 14. Come boldly So as to speak all our mind Vs Generally all Christians in the Law onely the High Priest might come and that once a yeere we may now come at any time when we have need Unto the Throne of grace The Cherubims or Mercy-seat was a Type of the Throne of grace That we may obtaine mercy viz. From God by our High Priest and Intercessour Finde grace In the originall receive grace not to earn purchase or deserve it CHAP. V. Vers. 2. WHo can have compassion on the ignorant The word signifies to apportion his compassion or to compassionate them as much as they need Vers. 6. Thou art a Priest for ever after the Order of Melchizedec Melchizedek signifieth a King of righteousnesse
a suitable disposition into the heart to what the Law requireth 3. In Conversion the Lord puts the whole Law into the heart there is a conformity to the Law in all things 4. The Lord so puts it there that he writes it by which expression he signifies that it shall for ever ever abide there It is an allusion saith Estius unto the two Tables of the Law They were first written by the finger of God and then put into the Arke so God first writes the Law in our hearts and then puts it in our minds Vers. 11. And they shall not teach every man his neighbour The teaching of men shall not be laid aside but they must not depend on it the teaching of God shall make it effectuall to them See Estius All Gods people little and great weake and strong shall know him by knowing is not meant a bare apprehension and notion of his being and nature but a knowledge of acquaintance a knowing him to be ones God reconciled to him in Christ so Hos. 2.20 Vers. 12. For J will be mercifull to their unrighteousnesse and their sinnes and their iniquities will I remember no more Here are two things 1. There conciliation of God with his people I will be mercifull to their unrighteousnesse He will be mercifull or propitious appeased and pacified toward them which hath respect to the ransome and satisfaction of Christ. 2. He will pardon them completely here are three words unrighteousnesse sinnes and iniquities to shew that he will forgive all kinds and degrees of their sinnes 1. The number of words implies the number of sinnes 2. Some of these words are of a higher nature God will pardon the most haynous sinnes God himselfe undertakes all in the Covenant of Grace as we may see in the 10 11. and this 12. v. He will put his Law into our mind he will be to us a God he will teach us and pardon our sinnes Christ is the Mediatour and surety of this Covenant he undertakes with God that we shall be his people and with us that God shall be our God He had three Offices to make good this all implyed in these three verses Vers. 12. I will be mercifull Or pacified by that propitiation the High Priest shall make there is his Priestly office v. 11. He teacheth his Church outwardly by his word inwardly by his spirit there is his propheticall office v. 10. He saith he will put his Lawes in their minds there is his Kingly office he is as King to see that we shall be obedient to God CHAP. IX Vers. 4. WHerein or in which was the golden Pot that had Manna and Aarons Rod that budded and the Tables of the Covenant He saith that there were three things laid up in the Arke the Pot of Manna Aarons Rod and the Tables of the Covenant They conceit it well that say the Arke is the Church the Tables the word the Manna the Sacraments and the Rod the discipline Ob. 1 Kings 8 9. and 2 Chron. 5.10 It is said there was nothing in the Arke save the two Tables of Stone Paul saith besides these there was Aarons Rod and the golden Pot having Manna Sol. 1. Which here hath relation say some to the remote antecedent which Tabernacle not Arke Pareus saith this is a forced construction 2. Others say that they were not included in the body of the Ark but conveniently placed about it this seemes most probable for may be interpreted not onely in but with neer about as Iudges 18.12 Luke 9.31 and 13.33 and so it may be rendred with or about which Pareus gives this answer God Commanded the two Tables to be placed in the Arke Exodus 25.21 Deut. 10.5 He commanded the Pot of Manna to be kept before the Arke of the Testimony and there Aaron is said to have put it v. 34. Also he commanded Aarons greene Rod to be laid before the Arke for a Signe to the Rebels Numb 17.10 And it is unquestionable that these three were kept in or neer the Ark as long as the Tabernacle continued But the Temple being built by Salomon onely the Tables are said to have been kept in the Ark the other things being fitly disposed in the holy place â—he Apostle therefore having respect to the first disposition which was in the Tabernacle before the Temple was built relates nothing strange from the History Vers. 7. But into the second went the High Priest alone once every yeer not without bloud which be offered for himselfe and the errours of the people The High Priest onely once a yeare viz. on the day of expiation might enter into the Sanctum Sanctorum and that not without incense and pretious sacrifices See Levit. 16.2.29.33 That by this meanes both the High Priest and people might be struck with a reverence of the place and God dwelling there saith Menochius This bloud here mentioned was a type of the bloud of Christ wherewith the Church is to be cleansed as the High Priest himself was a type of Christ saith Eslius Vers. 10. And carnall Ordinances Such as carnall men might easily performe and as were very suitable to the disposition of a carnall heart Mr. Hildersam Vntill the time of reformation Greek the time of correction that is the time of Christs revealing who was the body of all those shadowes Vers. 14. Through the eternall Spirit That is the divine power of his Godhead Purge your conscience That is free you 1. from the guilt and punishment of sinnes the guilt of sinne lies heavy on the conscience 2. the dominion of sinne to serve it in the lusts thereof From dead works Sinnes are called dead works 1. Workes because the soule is busie about sinne as a man about his work So Eph 5.11 1 Iohn 3.8 2 Dead partly to make the comparison more compleat they were ceremonially dead by touching dead carcasses so inwardly by sinne and as a dead carcasse is loathsome and odious so sinne Ezek. 36.31.2 In respect of the effects they bring forth death Rom. 6.21 they leave a sentence of death upon the conscience till the vertue of Christs blood be applied To serve the living God Here is the end of their purging we are not washed by Christ that we should defile our selves again but our purity must serve to Gods glory and nothing can come from us which will be acceptable to God untill we be purged with the blood of Christ and it is an elegant between dead works and the living God Vers. 23. With better Sacrifices then these Then those of the old Testament not in substance but in manner of exhibiting Christ was then slain onely in types and figures in the new Testament there is a reall and personall offering up of Christ himselfe Bulkley on the Covenant Vers. 24. Now to appeare in the presence of God Verbum forense an expression borrowed from the custome of humane courts for
in them when the Plantiffe or Defendant is called their Attorney appeareth in their behalfe 1 Iohn 1.2 The Leviticall Priest was wont to appeare before God in the peoples name he was but a figure in Christ is the solid truth and full effect of the figure Vers. 27. And as it is appointed to men once to die It is a generall Law given for men to die if it happen to any otherwise as to Enoch and Elias those are nothing saith Grotius to so great a multitude of men dying so ye may say for those that shall be found alive when Christ shall come to judgement Once to die The word once say some is not to be referred to die as if there were some suspition that man could die twice but to appoint it was once appointed and that once shall stand And after death the judgement Some understand this of the particular judgement the judgement which God passeth upon the soule immediately after death but Estius interprets it of the generall judgement Vers. 28. To bear the sinnes The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to beare although it properly signifies to lift or carry something from a lower place to an higher or at least from one place to another yet in this place it simply signifies to take away so it is used Josh. 24.32 and 2 Sam 21.10 and Ezra 1.11 and Psal. 102.24 For things lifted up are first taken away from the place where they were before and things taken or carried away from a man must first be raised and lifted up He shall appeare the second time without sinne unto salvation Christ comes but twice corporally once to merit salvation and again to perfect it CHAP. X. Vers. 1. FOr the Law having a shadow of good things to come It was not so much as an Image a shadow is not so much as an Image but an Image is not so much as the thing it selfe it was not an Image but a shadow Burrh Iacobs seed Some think that the metaphor of the shadow is taken from painting Painters are wont with choak or a coale to delineate that thing which they propound to themselves to expresse which rude picture is called a shadow or adumbration for the obscure representation then with their Pensill they bring on the lively colours that it may be a distinct and expresse likenesse of a thing which is properly called an Image Vers. 2. Should have no more conscience of sinnes Not that they will make no conscience of running into sinne as many Libertines doe that is not the meaning but conscience will be able to lay no more sinne to their charge Vers. 5. Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not but a body hast thou prepared me That is now after the comming of Christ but a body That in this body I might offer that expiatory sacrifice of which all the other were but shadows A body hast thou fitted me Psal. 40.6 it is mine eares hast thou opened but here so for illustration Christs obedience began at his eare but his whole body was obedient when he offered himselfe upon the Crosse. Vers. 7. In the Volume of thy Book it is written of me Interpreters enquire whither David Psal. 40.7 and the Apostle here had respect to Christ or where it is so written they agree in this that the Pentateuch is meant for scarce any other bookes of Scripture were written in Davids time but it unlesse Iob. The Pentateuch then was one book and the text in the Bible was not so distinguished as it is now Pareus saith in the whole Volume of the Bible there are many Oracles extant concerning Christ in which his obedience toward his father is described especially in 52 and 53 chapters of Esay Vers. 10. By the which we are sanctified Sanctifying here is not taken strictly for the change of our image but rather largely for all the benefits of Christ reconciliation adoption justification and salvation it selfe So Pareus and others Vers. 19. Having therefore brethren boldnesse to enter into the Holiest by the blood of Iesus There is nothing that can make a man die and goe to God with true boldnesse and expectation of a better life but onely faith in the blood of Christ. Into the Holiest That is Heaven say some whereof the Holy of Holies in the Temple was a figure or type Others think that he meanes a cleare manifestation of the way to glory under the Gospell See 1 Iohn ult Vers. 20. By a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us 1. A new way not the old by the covenant of works 2. Living enlivens the person God will enable us to walk in it Through the vaile that is to say his flesh An allusion to the Temple the vaile or curtaine did hide the glory of Sanctum Sanctorum and withall ministred an entrance into it for the High Priest Vers. 22. Let us draw neer with a true heart in full assurance of faith Here we have the true disposition of the soule in worship 1. A true heart he doth not say sinlesse but a true heart without guile 2. In full assurance of faith That is to be sure of acceptance of my person and service when I come into the presence of God A setled and full perswasion to be accepted through Christ. The first absolutely necessary this not so absolutely Having our hearts sprinkled from an evill conscience q. d. Otherwise your drawing neer will be to no purpose you shall but provoke the Lord in drawing neer except you be thus sprinkled washed and purified There is a twofold evill conscience 1. That lives in some known sinne 2. that accuseth a man and is unquiet He alludes to the old rites in which the Israelites being to come to the Tabernacle and worship of God purged themselves with many washings or to the Sacrament of Baptism in which there is an externall washing of the body but men are purged from all sinne inwardly by the blood and spirit of Christ. Some say he alludes to Numb 9.9 the sprinkling water made of the ashes of the red Cow wherewith the people were sprinkled Vers. 26. For if we sinne wilfully This translation is better then the Genevah which hath willingly Seientes volentes wittingly and willingly of set purpose The word answereth to that of Moses Numb 15.30 Elatâ manu with a high hand a resolute wilfulnesse See 1 Pet. 6.2 Mr. Bedford on Ioh. 1.16 Vers. 27. But a certain fearfull looking for of judgement There is a twofold receiving of judgement in this life 1. One enjoyned as a duty 1 Cor. 11 31. 2. another inflicted on him as a punishment when conscience at last shews him his everlasting damnation as it did to Spira say some Vers. 29. Who hath trodden under foot the Sonne of God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 noteth by translation extremity of contempt Matth. 7.6 5.13 contemne and despise Christ So Theophylact Ambrose
needs sinke and faint under them Rebuke is chiefely referred unto words and chasten is chiefely referred unto the Rod and sharpnesse of discipline Vers. 7. God dealeth with you as sonnes That is he comes to you in the crosse not as a Judge and revenger but as a kind and loving Father Perkins Vers. 11. Afterward it yeeldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousnesse unto them which are exercised thereby That is afflictions and chastisements which seize upon Gods Children doe leave after them amendment of life as the needle passeth through the cloth and leaveth the thred behind it The Greeke word translated exercised is properly spoken of them qui nudi exercentur in palaestra and it is translated to all kinds of more vehement exercise Chrysostome and Theophylact urge this Metaphore and say correction is called an exercise because it makes the faithfull as certaine champions more strong and invincible in patience Vers. 13. Least that which is lame be turned out of the way The Greeke word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which may be taken in two senses either for the luxation or sprayning of some Member or joynt necessary for walking which being dislocated takes away all use of walking or else for straying from the way which to most Interpreters seemes most probable Vers. 15. Looking diligently least any man faile of the grace of God He means not only to make us carefull for our own particular but watchfull over others as the reason annexed imports least thereby many be defiled Trouble your 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Greeke word doth properly signifie to trouble and hinder a mans rest it is used onely here Or prophane person as Esau This example may serve to expound what he meanes by prophane The Lord had annexed to the birthright the promise of the Land of Canaan as a figure of heavenly felicitie wicked Esau not considering this despised it So God hath appointed his Ordinances to be meanes of grace and life to men when they doe not know and beleeve this and receive it by them they are prophane Vers. 17. He was rejected viz. By his Father Gen. 27.35.37.40 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is not to obtaine that which we will For he found no place of repentance though he sought it carefully with Teares viz. In his Father not in himselfe that is for all his crying he could not move his Father to change his minde and repent himselfe of his blessing Iacob so Beza Estius Mr. Perkins and others expound it See Gen. 27.34.38 Pareus and à Lapide would have the relative it referred not to repentance but to blessing Vers. 21. I exceedingly feare and quake Those words are not to be found in all the Bookes of the Old Testament Perkins See Exodus 19.19 Verses 22 23 24. But ye are come unto Mount Sion and unto the City of the living God The Apostle in a heap of words amplifies the high dignity of every one effectually called Not that we have now full fruition of the glorious Deity but first the use of Scripture is to speake of things that shall be in the present time or time past to signifie certainty of accomplishment in time prefixed 2. We have present title thereto Gal. 4.1.2 3. We are united with God in Christ and Made one body with the whole Church Triumphant and Militant Doctor Sclater Vers. 23. The spirits of just men made perfect They are said to be perfect in respect of grace though not of glory till the body be there also Quia carnis infirmitatibuâ— non sunt amplius obnoxii deposita ipsa carne Calvinus Vers 24. And to the bloud of sprinkling It is so called in allusion to the Passeover where the blood of the Paschall Lambe was sprinkled on the posts of the doore to save the house from the stroake of the revenging Angel Mr. Hildersam That is that blood which is sprinkled and applied to us pleades and cries for mercy unto God for us That speakes better things then that of Abel See Gen. 4.10 That cried for vengeance this for pardon of sinnes Vers. 25. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh See that ye shift not him off that speaketh some say it hath reference to the 19 verse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 id est deprecari v. 19. repellere recusure repudâ—are ut hoc loco Pareus Vers. 26. Yet once more I shake not the earth onely but also Heaven The civill State and Ecclesiasticall to say some Pareus saith by Heaven and earth he understands both the frame it selfe of Heaven and earth and the inhabitants of both Angels and men Vers 27. The removing Mutatio Tremel Translatio Erasm. Ar. Mont. The Greek word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It is a common fault among translators that they will accommodate the words of a Text to their own apprehension of the sense and matter thereof They understanding that the things here said to be shaken were the Jewish Ordinances translated their disposition a Removall and the truth is they were removed but the world signifieth no such thing As its naturall importance from its rise and composition is otherwise so neither in Scripture nor any prophane Authour doth it ever signifie properly a removall Translation or changing is the onely native genuine import of it Removall is of the matter Translation of the form onely Heb. 11.5 we render it translation and change Heb. 7.12 CHAP. XIII BIsh Andrews calls this Chapter the Chapter of Remembrances or the Remembrancers chapter Vers. 2. Be not forgetfull to entertain strangers See Rom. 1.13 1 Tim. 3.2 5.10 1 Pet. 4.9 The study of this vertue was then very necessary when there were no publique Innes and the godly were often banished lest they should either want entertainment or else goe to Infidels For thereby some have entertained Angels unawares As Abraham and Lot Genes 18.13 19 2. Vers. 3. Remember them which suffer adversity The Greek word is a generall word which may be extended to all kinds of afflictions or if it be restrained it commonly signifies those that are sick or suffer bodily paines As being your selves in the body q d. because you are fellow-members with them in the same mysticall body as Calvin interprets it Or as Luther seeing your selves are yet in the body you your selves are exposed to the like sufferings and therefore should Christianly remember them Quod cuiquam cuivis accidere potest Hodie mihi â—ras tibi Pareus likes this best See Beza Vers. 4. Marriage is honourable in all Not let marriage be honourable as the Papists say but marriage is honourable the latter part of the sentence being affirmative sheweth that the Apostle meant to speak affirmatively in the former also I follow Pareus who would have it so meant rather then Gerh. who thinks both readings come to one In all 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 That is in all men And this is the true and proper
when he saith the Angells themselves desire with bowed heads to peepe They stoope downe as it were for the same word is used Iohn 20.5 of the Disciple that came and stooped to looke into that part of the Sepulchre where Jesus was laid The Septuagint use it Cant. 2.9 Gen. 26.8 1 Chron. 15.29 Prov. 7.6 Vers. 13. VVherefore gird up the loynes of your minde Even as the Jews and easterne people at this day tuck up their long Garments to make them more expedite and free to a journey or businesse so Christians journeying towards heaven must take short their minds from earthly delights Dr. Taylor on Titus Vide Bezam The maine strength of the body is in the loines therefore some say the strong purpose and resolutions of the soule are here meant At the revelation of Iesus Christ That is when Christ is revealed that is gloriously at the last day or when Christ revealeth himselfe by his word or Spirit now in this life Some interpret it thus Looke for the glory that shall shortly bee brought unto you at the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ others thus Trust on the present grace that now is brought unto you by Jesus Christ himselfe revealing and opening the same Both are good and agreeable to Scripture and each hath the countenance of learned men the latter is the better 1. Because it more agreeth with the plainnesse of the words 2. Grace is rarely not twice that I know put for glory 3. Peter having mentioned the last end before v. 4 5. It is most likely that here he should set downe the way and meanes thereunto 4. If the former should be meant then must the Apostle say that here which he had set downe v. 7.5 The latter is fuller a man may looke for glory and have little grace and we are to take Scripture in the largest meaning Vers. 14. Not fashioning your selves according to the former lusts 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 viz. as a player was framed and fashioned to the gesture and words either of drunkennesse or adultery when he played them on the Scaffold of the Theater Vers. 19. As of a lambe Christ is like a lambe 1. For harmelesnesse 2. For patience and silence in affliction Esay 53.7 Ier. 11.19 3. For meeknesse and humility 4. For sacrifice Without blemish and without spot That is free from all sinne either actuall that is without blemish or originall that is spotlesse saith Aquinas By unspotted is meant right in the outward parts by without blemish sound within See Exodus 12.5 A lambe may be without blemish 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which yet is not without spot 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that therefore the most absolute and perfect purity of Christ prefigured in the lambes of the Old Testament that were to be sacrificed might be better expressed the Apostle calls him a lambe without blemish and without spot See Eph. 5.27 Vers. 24 25. These Verses hold out two things in a speciall manner 1. The vanity of things Temporall 2. The glory of things Spirituall and eternall The vanity of carnall excellencies is set forth under an allegorie Vers. 24. For all flesh Caro hominem denotat cum omnibus donis naturalibus Luther By flesh is meant all mankind and all the creatures since the fall given for mans use Gen. 6.13 Grasse This word is used three wayes 1. To note a multitude Ioh. 5.25 2. Glory a flourishing estate Psal. 72.16 3. A fading of that glory Psal. 90.6 and Psal. 103.15 16. All flesh is grasse That is all carnall excellencies of the outward and inward man have a flourishing estate but they fade Vers. 25. But the word of the Lord Not that in the booke but written in the heart turned to grace as the former ver shewes CHAP. II. Vers. 1. WHerefore laying aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisies and envies â—nd evill speakings There are five things we should lay aside when we come into Gods presence to heare his word Malice Guile Hypocrisie Envy and evill speaking 2. Note the extent of it all Malice all Guile and all evill speaking He saith Hypocrisies and Envies and evill speakings in the plurall number to note that we should not tollerate in our selves any kind of these evills Bifield Vers. 2. As new borne babes desire the sincere milke of the word that ye may grow thereby The new man desires 1. The milke of the word when a Child is new borne nothing can give him content but milke he desires it as his livelihood afterward he is more playfull and every small matter makes him neglect the breast so the new Creature esteemes the Word as his appointed food he cannot live without it 2. The sincere milke unsophisticated not compounded the Child desires the mothers milke as it is of it self without sugar so the new Creature desires the word for the Words sake for its naturall sweetness loves to hear the downright naked truth without any mixture another man may desire to heare a Sermon for the neat composition for the Learning that is shewed in it but not for the sincerity of it 3. Therefore he desires it that he may grow thereby in saving goodnesse Faith Zeale Mercy Another man may desire the Word that he may get more knowledge The Greeke word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 here rendred desire signifies a vehement desire of learning which he compares with the earnest desire of the babe after the mothers milke which comparison is certainly taken out of Psal. 131.2 that this Greek word signifies so may appeare by Rom. 1.11 2 Cor. 5.2 and 9.14 Phil. 1.8 and 2.16 where it is also used Vers. 5. Ye also as lively stones The godly are called lively stones stones because of their solidnesse lively because of their activenesse Vers. 6. Behold I lay in Sion a chiefe corner stone Greek ground stone that is Christ who is primus in fundamento Esay 28.16 2. The glory of the building The Pope saith Bellarmine in his Preface to the Controversie de Romano Pontifice but Paul and Peter teach that this stone can be meant of none but Christ. Estius here interprets it of Christ. Vers. 7. He is precious 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Honor He is an honour the more of Christ any one hath the more he is honoured Laurentius thinks the abstract is put for the concrete 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 honour for honourable and precious Vers. 9. That ye should shew forth The Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies publikely to set forth and so to excite others to glorifie God The LXX use it for Saphar to reherse to number orderly Psal. 9.14 and 55.8 which word the Syriack useth here Vers. 12. Shall behold With a narrow circumspection it is not only seeing but with a narrow circumspection Vers. 13. Submit your selves to every ordinance of man It is not humane in regard of the Author it was not
Galli hunc Hellenismum eleganter exprimunt apres avoir soupè Either to each particular man at the houre of his death or to all men and the whole Church at the day of judgement Id est aliter quam dignum est tanta mysteria tractari Beza Carnaliter prophanè per consequens inutiliter contumeliose aliter quà m rerum tam sanctarum augustarum dignitas Christi institutio sert Morton As Let it be enacted Aug. conf Marke the emphasis of the phrase he eats it to himselfe q.d. he can blame no person nor thing but himselfe he cannot blame the bread or wine nor Christ nor the Minister that giveth it him but his own unworthie selfe (a) Hoc corpus domini sacram hanc coenam non discernunt qui à profano vulgari pane coena vel convivio nihil differre putant ne que dignitatem rem signatam usum finem sacramenti hujus satis aestimant Zepperus Vide Bezam Grotium Certum est Paulum non nisi de externo decoro loqui quod in libertate ecclesiae positum est Calvâ—n vide Bezam Vers 1. Jn certum est an sentiat de donis spiritus ut Chrysost. Theoph. Ambrose an de psallendo spiritu de quo videtur nata fuisse questio Eras. * Mr. Hildersam VocabuluÌ„ Graecum non significat simpliciter operationem sed vim quandam efficaciam qua Deus agit in nobis Erasm. Vt Ecclesia fructum inde percipiat Calvinus Vtilitatem sc. ecclesiae Piscat Mr. Hildersam 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 knowledge infused by divine revelation 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 knowledge acquired by study and industry Barlow in Concione vide Bezam Perspicacia in dignoscendis hominibus qui se aliquid esse profitebantur Calvinus Non monet Petrum ne ecclesiae insultet sed monet eos qui eminebant donis spiritualibus inter Corinthios ne inferiores contemnerent as Chrysost. Ambrose and Aquinas expound it Membra ista appellantur ab Apostolo inhonesta vel indecora non per se sed comparatè ratione eorum quae eximia venustate sunt praedita Fullerus Eurroughes Jrenicum Vbi nomine Doctorum complexus est Evangelistas etiam Pastores quos tamen distinxit ad Ephesios collocans post Prophetas ipsos Evangelistas posteà Pastores postremo Doctores Zanch. in quartum praeceptum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ecclesiae gubernatores ut omnes boni interpretes interpretantur tam novi quà m veteres Jd. ibid. Vide Bezam * Hoc est viam excellentiorem vel ut aliis placet vtam ad excellentiam perveniendi de qua sequente capite Vorstius Angelorum linguam hyperbolicè posuit pro singulari aut eximia quanquam de linguarum diversitate potius interpretor quam magni faciebant Corinthii ambitione non fructu omnia metientes Calvinus Vide Grotium Apion Grammaticus ob garrulitatem dictus est Cymbalum orbis à Tiberio Augusto teste Suetonïo His proverbijs significat Apostolus inanem ac futilem garrulitalem Drus. Prov. Class 2. l. 3. (a) This place is either generally understood of all faith or particularly of the whole faith of working miracles but in neither sense doth it shew that faith may be removed from charity If generally then the Apostle must be understood as speaking by the way of supposition and not as positively affirming that either he or any other having all faith wanted charity therefore this supposition quae nihil ponit proveth nothing If the place be to be understood particularly of the faith of miracles the particle all being not universall but integrall as if it had been said the whole faith including all the degrees of it this miraculous faith may be severed from charity Down of Justificat l. 6. c. 3. See Cartw. Annotat. on Rhom Test. De ea fide loquitur quam superius inter charismata recensuit sensus est fi fidem habeam adeo perfectam ut per eam miracula faciam etiam maxima factuque difficillima quale est hominum opinione montem loco dimovere aliò transferre Estius Vide Bezam 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 propriè est ad vescendum dare Num. 11.4.18 Deut. 8.3.16 figuratè in alicujus usus impendere Esai 58.14 Institutum apostoli est hoc capite coÌ„mendare charitatem quatenus exercetus erga proximos per officia hominibus conspicua Estius V. 4. Vaunteth not it selfe Verbum Graecum putant factum à Perperis fratribus qui cecropes appellati sunt homines tam insignis proterviae ut ex eorum moribus verbum hoc obtinuerit Pareus Vide Estium * Metaphora à tignis quae in aedificio juncta gravissima onera perserunt Pareus Instar trabis quae impositum onus sustinet vel potius instar palmae quae non succumbt oneri suo à Lapide Non facilè de quoquam desperat quin ad meliorem frugem venire possit Grotius It is not to be understood of our bodily eyes unlesse of God in Christ. Vide Bezam * 1. In bredth for faith and hope are within the bounds of mans person but love is to God himselfe and from him to our friends yea our enemies Beatus qui amat te amicos inte inimicos propter te Aug. confess 2. In length the other end with life love continues in heaven love is in God Vide Bezam Grotium Vehementius est verbum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 We are zealous of such things quae probamus ac miramur the other is magno studio adniti ut assequaris Vide Bezam (b) Thorndikes Service of God at religious Assemblies Chap. 5. Not onely the reformed Churches but also the Ethiopians and Egyptians Syrians Armenians Muscovites Moravians and Sclavonians at this day observe the ancient forme of praying in their vulgar languages Bishop Down of Prayer c. 17. Bishop Morton of the Masse Mr. Thorndike Sensus est qui donum habet loquendi linguis ne inutile donum circumferat oret Deum largitorem donorum ut ipsi adijciat donum interpretandi quo ea quae peregrina lingua loquitur ad aliorum intelligentiam proferre possit Estius To pray in the spirit Is to pray in the Closer of a mans soule being not understood of others and to pray with understanding is to pray that others may understand So the Apostle seemeth to expound the phrase v. 19. Bishop Down of Prayer c. 17. (a) Paulus scribit ibi ad Corinthios apud quos tunc temporis Hebraeos constantissimum fuit in lingua vulgari communia celebrare Non igitur crediderim Paulum Corinthiis imposuisse aut illud praecipuè voluisse quoniam publicè in usu erat sed vel de privatis eorum conventibus vel saltem de privatis colloquis post communia offiâ—ia peracta habitis ibi agit eos reprehendit qui dono linguarum praediti etiam in linguis extraneis tum loquebantur Franciscus à Sancta Clara. See Bellarmines opinion in
15.51 ubi de subita vivorum immutatione agitur Vorstius Scire terrorem Domini est esse participem illius cogitationis quod semel reddenda sit ratio coram Christi tribunali nam qui hoc serio meditatur necesse est ut tangatur timore neglectum omnem excutiat Calvinus Vide plura ibid. Hoc per concessionem dictum est Sana enim erat gloriatio Pauli vel sobria sapientissima insania si ita vocare libel sed quia multis videbatur ineptus loquitur ex eorum opinione Calvinus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Constringit Id est totos possidet ac regit ut ejus afflatu quasi correpti agamus omnia Alludit enim ad vatum furorem ut diximus Acts 18.5 Beza Similitudo sumta à parturientibus Vide Luc. 12.50 Grotius Non â—stimamus quemquam è divitiis aut truditione quae sunt res carnales id est hujus saeculi Grotius Vide Calvinum New Adam new Covenant new Paradise new Ministery new Creation new Lord new Law and all new * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is used both concerning the action it selfe creation and the object or terminus creature New This word in Scripture signifieth as much as another Mark 16.17 compared with Acts 2.4 Not that it is essentially new but onely in regard of qualities yet this Scripture useth this emphasis not onely to exclude a totall but partiall concurrence of our will Perkins on Rev. vide Calvinum Hebraica phrasi qua peccata dâ—cebantur hoâ—iae immolandae pro hominum peccatis quod omnes observant qui hunc locum exposuerunt neque enim alio sensu ullo fieri potest ut verè Christus dicatur factus peccatum Chamierus Vide Bezam Dicitur Christus non novisse peccatum phrasi Scripturae quia peccatum nullum fecit id est adeò suit à peccato alienus ac si prorsus peccatum ignoraret Estius Mr. Hildersam Dr. Taylor Quasi tristes He brings in the sorrow of the godly with a quasi as it were sorrow saith Anselme not that it is sorrow indeed but as sorrowfull as if it were à painted sorrow not true sorrow indeed but when he speaks of joy there is no quasi but true joy Vide Bezam Mercerus notavit esse quosdam qui putent Paulum allusione sacta ad locum qui habetur 1 Reg. 18.21 posuisse hic nomen Christi pro nomine Domini pro Baal Belial Vide Bezam M. Burrhoughes Dwelling together notes intimate and constant communion Paulus admonet hanc subesse conditionem universis promissionibus ut nobis ad provehendam Dei gloriam sint incitamenta unde ad nos extimulandos argumentum sumit Calvinus Vehementer exundo gaudio Beza The whole man is set on work in repentance the understanding part must exercise it selfe in carefulnesse and apologie the affections are to be exercised in indignation feare desire and emulation the body in revenge and punishment the fruits of repentance Perkins Perkins vide Bezam Spiritualibus divitiis doctrina scilicet pietatis peccatorum remissione justitia sanctimonia aliisque virtutibus Cornel. à Lapide * Jerome Cajetane Grotius Bilson a Chrysostome Calvin Dr. Hall Hunc alii Baâ—nabam alii Apollo alii alium fuisse putant Sed res prorsus incerta est Voistius Vide Estium Cornel. à Lap. in loc Graeci 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 nomine usi sunt ut Hebraicam vocem exprimerent Beracah quae tam benedictionem quam beneficentiam significat Calvinus * Mr. Mede on Psalm 112.9 Vide Bezam Jd est quisque tribuat prout apud se in animo suo libere constituerit ac praedeliberaverit Estius Hic ambulare in carne significat in mundo versari quod alibi dicit Habitare in Corpore Calv. Quòd Evangelij Ministerium militae comparat aptissima est similitudo Militia quidem perpetua est vitae hominis Christiani nam quicunque se Deo in obsequium addicit nullas unquam inducias habebit à Satana sed assidua inquietudine vexabitur Verùm Ministros verbi ac Pastores reliquis antesignanos esse decet Et certe nulli sunt quibus magis instet Satan qui acriùs impetantur qui plures aut graviores sustineant insultus Calvinus a Divinitus valida id est infinita illa Dei potentia nituntur Beza 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Similitudo à nummis probis sumpta Modestiae causa dicit se ita existimare quum res esset omnibus cognita manifesta intelligit autem quod suum Apostolatum ornasset Deus non minoribus gratijs quam Johannis aut Petri. Calvinus Vide Estium Doctor Gouge Imperitus sermone scilicet graeco polita nempe verbosa eloquentia Graecorum qualis est Isocratis Demosthenis Luciani à Lapide If I be not so eloquent in my speech as some of them Doctor Halls Paraphrase Annotat hic Theophylactus Oecumenius id quod in Graeco est etiam sic intelligi posse non tamen obtorpui aut elangui tale quid enim propriè verbum Graecum significat id est non idcirco segnior ad praedicandum sui Verum altera lectio nulli onerosus sui contextui magis quadrat Essius Graecè 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quod verbum dictum est à torpore otâ—o nam otiosi premunt imminent alijs assiduè precando quod est oneresum esse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 enim est torpere Vnde 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dicitur torpedo piscis Ad verbum vertas non obtorpui in aliquem à Lapide Vide Diâ—heri Electa l. 2 c. 19. Et Estium in lâ—c 14 Acts. 19. Hilderâ—am Estius When Paul commeth to speak of himselfe he speaketh in the person of another 2. He concealed it for 14. yeares Vide Bezam Grotium Calvin * Whether in body or in an extasie of spirit Doctor Halls Paraphrase Vide Bezam Such as he neither may nor can utter Doctor Halls Paraphrase a Vide Bezam Grotium Estium Saint Austins free confession se nescire quâ—d sit Angelus Satanae is more ingenuous then their interpretation who refer it to an extreme paine in the head that Saint Paul should have as Theophylact sayes or ad morbum Iliacum which Aquinas speakes of or to the Gout or paine in the Stomack as Nazianzene and Basile interprete it Oecumenius understands the messenger to be those Heretickes which were his Adversaries in his preaching of the Gospell according to the signification of the word Satan 1 Kings 5.4 Others even amongst the Fathers understand it particularly and literally of that concupiscence and those lusts of the flesh which even the most sanctified may have some sense of and some attempts by Others understand it generally of all calamities spirituall and temporall incident to us in this 〈◊〉 but Cajetane goes farthest who reads it not as we doe Angelum Satanae but Angelum Satanam not that Angell which comes from Satan but that Angell
Old Testament and as many in the New Testament before Christ himselfe rose how then is he the first fruits of them that slept Sol. Christ rose first in an incorruptible and spirituall body v. 44. they in their naturall and corruptible bodies Iohn 11.39 He was the first of all those which rose from death to life to die no more but to live for ever others were raised from death to life not to live for ever but to die again He was first not in order of time but is the worthiest of all they were raised by the vertue and merits of his resurrection Vers. 22. For as in Adam all die even so in Christ shall all be made alive In the first part all simply in the latter all with limitation sc. that be in Christ must be understood shall be raised by him at the resurrection There are two roots out of which life and death spring as all that die receive their deaths wounds by the disobedience of Adam so all that live receive life from the obedience of Christ. 2. As all die who are the sonnes of Adam by naturall generation so all live which are the sonnes of Christ through spirituall regeneration Non moriuntur omnes in Adamo sed ii tantum qui in Adamo permâ—nserunt neque vivificantur omnes in Christo sed tantum qui Christo adhaeserunt Cam. de Eccl. tomo 10. Estius gives two expositions of this place first as all which die die by Adam so all which shall be made alive shall be made alive by Christ. Or thus as by Adam all die which are Adams that is all men so by Christ shall all be made alive which are Christs that is all the elect Vers. 24. When he shall have delivered up the Kingdom to God even to the Father By Kingdom here two things are meant 1. The Church which Christ shall present to his Father without spot the Church is called a Kingdom also Matth. 13.4 So Chrysostome interprets it 2. The manner of administration of it the substance of the Kingdom is everlasting Heb. 1.8 The present manner of administration shall cease Christ shall govern no more by Magistrates Ministers Ordinances supplies of the Spirit This is meant by delivering up the Kingdom to the Father When he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power That is lawfull powers and ordained of God Tum in caelo principatus Angelici tum in Ecclesia cessabunt ministeria praefecture ut solus Deus per seipsum non per hominum vel angelorum manus potestatem suam principatumque exerceat Calvinus Vers. 28. Then shall the Sonne also himselfe be subject to him Can Christ be more subject then he hath been Things are said to be when they are publiquely manifested as Psal. 2.7 Saints and Angels shall be subject to Christ and he shall there professe that all the glory which he hath obtained he hath it as his Fathers servant That God may be all Wickerius and other Familists say that the union which the soul hath with Christ is not onely reall and Spirituall but transmutativa conversiva and that not in respect of qualities onely but the essence turns us into Christ the very essence of the body shall be turned into God say they se Christum esse Deum esse dicere non est veritus some such expressions there are in Plato and Photinus that we shall be swallowed up into God as a drop in the Sea but the humane nature of Christ was not turned into the essence of God but the meaning is He shall be all in all immediately now he conveighes himselfe to us by means and infinitely in full degrees Vers. 29. Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead if the dead rise not at all why are then they baptized for the dead Baptizing some living man in the behalfe of his dead friend Cerinthus held that Christ did not rise from the dead and so went about to weaken the doctrine of the resurrection yet it was their fashion that followed his heresie if one died unbaptized they baptized a living man for him Secondly others take it for washing away of sinne the effect of baptisme Calv. Beza It is in vaine to be outwardly baptized if there be no resurrection See Grotius If men desire baptisme when they are as good as halfe dead esteemed pro mortuis upon an opinion that at the time of baptisme there was an absolute washing away and deliverance from all sinnes men did ordinarily or very often deferre their baptism till their death-bed that so they might have their passage out of this world in the purity which Baptism restored them to without contracting any more sins after Baptism Vers. 31. I protest by your rejoycing which I have in Christ Iesus our Lord I die daily That was an obtestation and not an oath for it is all one as if he had said Thus my sorrows and afflictions which I endure for Christ would testifie if they could speak that as certainly as I rejoyce in Christ so certainly I die daily Estius makes it an oath Vide Bezam Alardi Pathol. Die daily That is daily expose my selfe to the dangers of death for the Gospell and conversion of the Gentiles à Lapide Vers. 32. I have fought with the beasts at Ephesus See Burrh on Hos. 2.12 p. 472. Grotius in loc Because the men of Ephesus fought with him after the manner of beasts Mr. Cotton Savage men of beastly quality Baines vide Scult orat de conjung Philol. cum Theol. The Epicures of Ephesus Demetrius and his fellows Acts 19.9 So after Tertullian and Theophylact Beza expounds it Others understand it of his being cast unto the beasts to fight with them See 1 Tim. 4.1 Titus 1. Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die This was a proverb familiar with Epicures as that of Sardinapalus shewes Ede bibe Iude post mortem nulla voluptas Paul took it out of Esay 22.13 Vers. 33. Evill communications corrupt good manners This is an Iambick verse out of Menanders Comedy Paul Acts 17 and Titus 1. brings testimonies from Heathen writers Some render it evill speaking or evill communication some evill conversings we may understand the word thus conversing with others in their evill speakings sayings or writings Verses 41 42. There is one glory of the Sunne another of the Moon and another glory of the Stars for one Star differeth from another in glory So also is the resurrection of the dead it is sown in corruption it is raised in incorruption The circumstances of the disputation which the Apostle handleth proveth that the comparison is of the difference between the bodies as they shall be in Heaven from those which are now upon earth and not of the difference of glorified bodies one with another for he addeth It is sown in corruption it is raised in incorruption Vers. 44. Raised a Spirituall body Spirituall is
devised by man but in regard of the end because it was ordained of God for man as the proper subject and for his profit as the proper end of it Vers. 15. That with well-doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men The Greek word translated well-doing is a participle of the present time and notes the continuall custome of well-doing Put to silence Sometime this Greek word is translated to still a thing that is tumultuous and raging and so the Sea was silenced or made still Mark 9.39 Sometimes to make speechlesse or dumbe so Mat. 22.12 Sometimes to confute so as they have not a word to answer so Mat. 22.34 Sometimes to muzzle or tye up the mouth so 1 Cor. 9.9 1 Tim. 5.18 and so it signifies properly The word here rendred Foolish men signifies properly men without mind or men that have not use of their understanding and so are either naturall fooles or mad men Vers. 16. As free and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousnesse Free in respect of our consciences exempted from humane powers and yet as servants of God bound in conscience to obey him in obeying them so far forth as he doth command us to obey them B. Downames Sermon of Christian liberty Cloake The Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is no where else found in the whole new Testament but in this verse only signifying properly any covering as the covering of Badgers skins Exod. 16.14 and 36.16 That which was spread over the Tabernacle is in the Septuagint translation so called And it is very fitly translated a cloake though it doe not properly so signifie in respect of that notion wherein the word in our English tongue is commonly and proverbially used to note some faire and colourable pretence wherewith wee disguise and conceale from the conusance of others the dishonestie and faultinesse of our intentions in some things practised by us Iohn 15.22 1 Thes. 2.5 Sanderson in loc Of maliciousnesse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is properly rendred by malice or maliciousnesse As these English words and the Latine word malitia whence these are borrowed so likewise 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek is many times used to signifie one speciall kind of sin which is directly opposite to brotherly love and charity but here it is taken more largely for all manner of evill and naughtinesse according to the adequate signification of the Greeke and Latine adjectives 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and malus from whence the substantive used in the text is derived Vers. 17. Honour all men The Jewes despised the Gentiles Rom. 14.3 And among the very Jewes the rich despised the poore Iames 2.3 The Apostle here applies a remedy to this disease a parallel place we have Rom. 12.10 Phil. 2.3 Love the brotherhood Brotherhood is taken collectively for the whole multiude of brethren as nobility for the whole societie of noble men The Apostle useth this word in the same signification ch 5. v. 9. Therefore the Syriacke hath rightly rendred it love your brethren Vers. 18. Good Gentle A Masters goodnesse hath relation to justice his gentlenesse to equity But also to the froward Even where the servant may not obey he must bee subject Vers. 21. Leaving us an example The Greek word is a metaphore taken from Scriveners or Painters and signifies properly a copy or patterne or portraiture of a thing exactly drawn out Bifield Vers. 24. VVho his own selfe bare our sins in his own body on the tree The Apostle alludes to Esay 53. See Verses 4.6.11.12 And he hath respect also to the saying of Iohn Baptist Iohn 1.29 The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 himselfe hath a great emphasis whence the Prophet so often there repeates it v. 4.5.7.11.12 Bare In allusion to the Sacrifices See Heb. 7.27 Iames 2.21 and 53. Esay 4. Our sins That is punishments The originall word translated Tree Signifies sometimes a staffe Matth. 26.47 sometimes a paire of stockes Act. 16.24 sometimes a tree growing Rev. 2.11 usually wood 1 Cor 3.12 here a Gallowes made of wood By whose stripes yee were healed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The whole Testament hath not the like two relatives at once in the originall as if I should say cujus livore ejus sanati sumus By whose stripes of his we are healed the terme here hath a double Synecdoche one stripe for many and stripes for his whole passion Dr. Clerke Estius thinkes that the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is either added for emphasis or which is more probable saith Hee it is an Hebraisme peculiar to the Hebrewes as Psalme 73. and 104. Peter alludes saith he to the stripes that servants receive from their cruell Masters therefore he returnes to the second person ye are healed CHAP. III. Vers. 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Elegans metaphora à servis illis sumta qui negotiantur cum pecunia heri sui vide Mat. 25.14 Significatur id Christo veluti lucrum accedere quum multi ad fidem adducuntur atque ita regnum Christi amplificatur Vorstius Vers. 2. WHile they beheld your chast conversation coupled with feare Behold The originall word signifieth to observe and prie into a thing to finde out the secrets of it Bifield Feare Meaning not slavish feare of blowes but reverent feare of offending See Ephes. 5.33 Vers. 3. Whose adorning let it not bee that outward adorning of plaiting the haire and of wearing of gold or of putting on of apparell Neither Paul 1 Tim. 2.9 Nor Peter here doe simply condemne ornaments but the abuse of them they being used by persons of meane condition 2. The Church was then under grievous persecution 3. The words are rather an admonition than a prohibition he forbiddeth not the using of them but admonisheth them that they would rather adorne the inside than the outside and this evidently appeares by the Antithesis that is used in both places not saith Paul but not saith Peter desire more the adorning of the mind than the body Vers. 6. Even as Sara obeyed Abraham That is constantly and generally He names her before others because she being the mother of all the Faithfull is worthy to be honoured and imitated by her Sexe Calling him Lord Or Sir an honourable title not in speaking to him or of him before others by whom it might be told him againe what she had said but when she thought of him in her heart even in her inward cogitations so Mr Wheately and Mr Fenner in his Order of Houshold Government so likewise interprets it Calvin saith Peter meanes she was wont to call him so Vers. 7. That your prayers be not hindered Sinfull walking in any relation hinders Prayer three wayes 1. It deads our spirits streightens our hearts weakens our gifts for Prayer 2. Hinders the effect fruit and successe of Prayers 3. It hinders us from the very act it breeds a
the Marriage 57 of the Prodigall 124 of the Rich man and his Steward 125 of Dives and Lazarus 127 of the Pharise and the Publican 128 of the Virgins 67 Why Christ offered on the Day of the Passeover 69 To possesse our â—ouls in Patience what 134 Christ's Patience 580 Vnto all Patience 302 To pay the utmost farthing what 13 Peace of God why so called 299 it passeth all understanding ibid. The God of Peace 313 Christ our Peace 281 Pearl what 19 The Gospell compared to a Pearl and why 20 Three Persons of the Trinity set forth Rev. 1 579 Which is which was which is to come notes the Father And from the Spirits The Holy Ghost And from Iâ—sus Christ Who is a faithfull witnesse intimates his Propheticall Office The first begotten of the Dead his Priesthood Prince of the Kings of the earth his Kingly Office ibid. Peter to whom he wrote his Epistle viz. To Strangers dispersed 553 who these were ibid. The scope of Peter in his first Epistle 553 In his second 561 1 Pet. 3.19 20. expounded 559 It proves not Limbus Patrum nor Christ's Descent into Hell ibid. Peter Mat. 10. First placed why 26 what Primacy he had ib. Peter not the Rock 43 Tell my Disciples and Peter c. Why Peter specially named 94 Philippi where seated and why so named 291 Phylacteries what 61 Poor in spirit who 11 The woman ought to have Power on her head 243 Prayer taken for the whole worship of God 221 Two things requisite in Prayer 89 Prayers called odours why 586 Three parts of Prayer 299 The Lords Prayer expounded 15 Concerning the conclusion of the Lords Prayer 16 To Pray alwayes what Marg. 128. Pray without ceasing 312 Praying in the Holy ghost denotes four things Marg. 577 To Pray with the spirit and understanding what 250 Publick Prayer should be in a known tongue ibid. J Pray not for the world 164 The Preaching of the Crosse why 230 Christ sent me not to Baptize but to Preach the Gospell ib. Foolishnesse of Preaching 232 To the Poor the Gospell is Preached cleared 208 to what Poor 209 Why the cleansed Leper must shew himselfe to the Priest 21 Private interpretation of Scripture how forbidden 563 Prophesie what 224.243 Women Prophesying with their heads uncovered 242 To Prophesie in Christ's name what 20 Prophets what 20 False Prophets who 564 A Prophets reward what 28 To receive in the name of a Prophet what ib. A Prophet yea more than a Prophet how verified of John 29 Proselytes who 62 two sorts thereof ib Psalms Hymns spirituall Songs 306 Publicans who 106.131 Pure in heart who 11 Purgatory rejected 128 Not proved by 1 Cor. 3.11 233 Q QUench not the spirit 312 R RAbbi what it signifies 61.163 Racha what 12 In Rama was a voyce heard c. explaned 5 Ravens Gods feeding them 119 Reasonable service what 223 To Redeem those under the Law why 271 Redemption twofold 286 Render to all their dues 225 Repentance what it is 203 Reprove the world of sin of Righteousnesse of Iudgement 163 All sorts of persons Reviled Christ 75 Revelation what it signifieth 578 Two parts of the Revelation 627 Thunder joyned to all the Revelations why 578 All Judgements in the Revelations on Rome Pagan Christian ib. Reward implies not merit of works preceding heaven said to be a Reward how 11 Rich towards God 119 Rich man who 51 52. Riches how deceitfull 37 Riches how called unrighteous 126 Attributes given to Riches 115 Right eye Right hand what 13 why mentioned ib. pull it out cut it off ib. Righteousnesse of God what 206 Why so called 210 Righteousnesse twofold of the Law of Christ 197 Vpon this Rock c. expounded 43 Christ the Rock of the Church 243 Rome Papal Babylon 593. why 609 Christ said to be crucified at Rome how 609 S THe Sabbath made for man two wayes 80 A Sabbath dayes Iourney how much 185 One of the Sabbaths what 93.200 Why God called the Lord of Sabaoth 220 Sacrament not treated of Joh. 6. and why 147.148 We may receive the Sacrament with unsanctfied persons 141 Sacraments confer not Grace ex opere operato 212 Sacrifice what 24 Sadducees why so called 59. their opinions ib. Whether they rejected all Scripture save the Bookes of Moses ib. Saints compared to Eagles why 128 S t s in Life eternall shall mutually know each other 46 Salted with fire what 88 The Disciples called the Salt of the earth why 11 Gods word compared to Salt Marg. 123 The Angels Salutation expounded and cleared from Popish depravation 97 Sanctified throughout when 313 We cannot satisfie for our own debts 49 To Save from sin what it is 3 4 There should no flesh be saved what 64 Our Saviour stands to read sits down to Preach 104 God Saves all whom he purposeth to save of his mercy 222 Schism what 244 Scriptures hard to be understood wherein and to whom 566 Scripture divided into Law Prophets Psalms 140 Sea of Glasse what 584 604 Sealed with the spirit what it denotes 279 Search the Scriptures examples thereof 147 To See God what 11 His seed remaineth in him 570 571 To Seek our own what 296 To Seek the things that are Christs ib. To be seen of men 15 Sell all thou hast expounded 51 Sermon on the Mount 10. the Key of the Whole Bible ib. Gods Commandements improved therein 11 12 This Sermon set down Mat. 5 6 7. and Luke 6.20.10 Why Christ went into a Mountaine to Preach 10 Serpent and its nature 27 The Devill called the old Serpent why 598 Our Service to God after what manner 99 Seven stars 580. why Minist we called Stars 580 58 Why said to be held in Christs right hand 580 Seven Signes of godly sorrow 262 Seven Churches what their names signifie 579 Seven Spirits ib. Christ the true Shepheard 153 marks of a true Shepheard ib. his followers compared to Sheep ib. Feed my Sheep no ground for Peter's supremacy 171 Sheep and their nature 27 Saints resemble sheep 69 Whose Shooes J am not worthy to bear 7 Sicut in Scripture taken three severall wayes 16 Sign of the Sonne of man what 65.66 Signes before the destruction of Ierusalem 134 A Sign which should be spoken against what 102 Sin brought death how 212 Sin not imputed where no Law ib. Sin to reign in us what 213 Sin takes occasion from a threefold power in the Law 214 How a Sin of infirmity may be known 215 He that is born of God sinneth not 570 Sin unto Death what 553 How each Person in the Trinity forgives Sins 24 God heareth not Sinners how 152 To Sit signifies to reign 94.316 To Sit in the Temple of God what 316 Son of Abraham who 132 Christ called the Son of man why 22.87 Sons of God we are through Christ 141 Then shall the Son himself also be subject 253 Spirits of the Prophets what 251 Fruits of the Spirit 274 The Spirit lusteth against the Flesh
274 Soul and Spirit how they differ 99 Beleeve not every Spirit but try the spirits 571 The Spirit compar'd to water 145 What Star appeared to the wise men 5 Christ the chiefe Corner Stone 556 The godly lively Stones ib. God is able of these Stones c. 7 Sun Moon and Stars darkned 591 Sun what 595 Christ resembleth the Sun ib. Woman clothed with the Sun what 595 Our sufferings called Christs sufferings in what respects 560 Superscription of the Crosse why in three Languages 137 To support the weak what 312 Swear not at all expounded 13 They that take the Sword shall perish with the sword 72 Synagouge what it signifies 9.15 The use thereof 208 T LEt their Table be made a snare what 221 When Christ was driven forth to be Tempted 8 Where he was Tempted ib. What weapons be us'd when he was Tempted ib. Satan called the Tempter why 9 The Tempter appeared in some visible shape ib. What it is to tempt God 9 Ten dayes what 581 Testament what it signifieth 91 why called new Testament ib. Thessalonica where seated by whom built and upon what occasion 309 The third houre 93 Mark and Iohn reconciled 93.167 Thirty pieces of silver how much 70 74 A Thorn in the flesh the messenger of satan what 264 Thornes are Lusts 37 why so called ib. Christ hath the Throne of David how 97 Three hundred pence how much 91 Christ three dayes and three nights in the grave 34 Appeared cloven tongues like as fire why 186 Traditions unlawfull and why 40.41 Christs Transfiguration 46 why manifested not to all ib. Why to Peter James and John ib. Moses and Elias appeared and why ib. As Travaile upon a woman with Child what it denotes 313 Treasure in heaven what 17 The Trinity set forth by three precious stones 584 Twelve tribes what 52 Christ chose twelve Apostles and why 25 U TO receive the grace of God in Vaine what 261 The veil of the Temple rent 76 which veil why 76 Verily verily 144 Vipers their properties 7 Of the Virgins wise and foolish 67 Extreame Unction not proved from Mark 7.13.84 Unity of Saints urged 283 Untill first born no ground for Helvidius error 4 Untill in Scripture taken for never 4 Unworthily to eat and drink what 246 The Dead shall heare his voyce 147 All in the Graves shall heare his voyce 147 W WAtches of the night how many their continuance names 40 Of Pilats washing his hands 74 Three sorts of washing of hands amongst the Jewes 74 Waters what 610 The spirit compared to Water 145 Except a man be born of water and spirit 144 Narrow way what 20 I am the way the truth and the life 161 Wite stone why given 582 White garments what they signifie 583 Wine mingled with Mirrh why given to the condemned 75.92 Matthew and Mark reconciled ib. Wisdom and Prudence what 301 Three parts of the Professors of Wisdom 107 Without Christ without God 281 Wisemen what they were their number gifts names 4 617 Two witnesses 593.594 Three bear witnesse in heaven three on earth 572 Wives must submit to their Husbands 288 Wolves and their Nature 27 Woman in the Revelation signifies Idolls 2. The City of Rome 3. The True Church why 578.595 Woman great is thy faith 42 Woman behold thy Son 167 Of the Woman taken in Adultery 149 Woman what have I to doe with thee 143 Women have first notice of Christs Resurrection why 139 But by every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God The meaning 9 The Word of God compared to a Candle 116 to Salt Marg. 123 The Word said to be sincere how Marg. 556 The Word of God compared to seed and why 33 Work of God upon us Work of God in us 57â— Cast off the works of darknesse 226 Their works follow them 64 The Saints Gods Workmanship why 281 In all the world the Gospell shall be preached how to be understood 64 The God of this World why Satan so called 258 Where the Worm dyeth not and the fire is not quâ—nched 87 God only to be Worship'd 9 God to be Worship'd in Spirit and Truth 145 Worthy taken in a double sence 31 For they are Worthy cleared 583 What Christ Wrote on the ground wherefore 150 Y YEa yea Nay nay 14 Young-men who 1 John 2.14 568 Z VNto the blood of Zacharias the son of Barachias Mat. 23.35 What Zachary is there meant 62 63 117. Finis Tabulae A CATALOGUE OF THE Greek words or phrases which are opened in these ANNOTATIONS 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 11 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 554 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 88 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 585 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 565 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 14 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 90 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 136 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 114 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 241 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 24 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 564 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 142 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 293 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 14 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 215 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 280 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 285 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 11 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 241 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 291 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 560 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 553 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 570 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 553 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 162 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 555 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 134 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 193 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 113 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ib. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 278 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 316 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 232 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 150 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 105 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 246 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 315 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 233 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 188 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 140.269 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 312 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 560 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 225 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 315 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 569 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 45 71 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 37 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 316 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 100 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 578 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 134 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 128 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 302 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 101 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 258 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 295 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 279 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 237 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 136 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 313 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 117 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 224 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 222 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 226 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 24 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 555 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 207 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ib. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 96 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 124 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 187 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 105.185 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 317 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 55 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 17 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 205 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉