you free 30.31 I cannot take you for my disciples unless your Faith be rooted so as to persevere and proceed to learn what yet you have not learned And if ye do this you shall know more of that truth that will save you and deliver you from the greatest of your bondage 33. They answered him We be Abrahams seed and were never in bondage to any man how sayest thou Ye shall be made free 33. Some present answered him we be Abrahams seed and though the Romans master us we are no mens slaves What then is the freedom which thou dost promise us 34. Jesus answered them Verily verily I say unto you whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin 35. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever but the Son abideth ever 36. If the Son therefore shall make you free ye shall be free indeed 34 35.36 Can you boast of your freedom who by your sinful practice shew that you are the servants of sin and by it are liable to the judgment of God as slaves are to stripes And if you have thus enslaved your selves to sin and to Gods judgments he may turn you out of his house you know not how soon But the Son and Heir is not turned away Therefore if you will be free indeed from the guilt of sin and the wrath of God and the malice of Satan come in by the Son and so you may be free 37. I know you are Abrahams seed but ye seek to kill me because my word hath no place in you 38. I speak that which I have seen with my Father and ye do that which ye have seen with your father 37.38 I know that ye are the seed of Abraham by the flesh But were you seed as he is the Father of the faithful you would not seek to kill me and reject my word Even that word of truth which I have received of my Father which you reject and obey the will of your father 39. They answered and said unto him Abraham is our father Jesus saith unto them If you were Abrahams Children ye would do the works of Abraham 40. But now ye seek to kill me a man that hath told you the truth which I have heard of God this did not Abraham 39.40 If ye were Abrahams Children you would be like him and do as he did But to seek to murder me for telling you the truth which I have heard from God is not like Abrahams works of Faith 41. Ye do the deeds of your father Then said they to him We be not born of fornication we have one Father even God 42. Jesus said unto them If God were your father ye would love me for I proceeded forth and came from God neither came I of my self but he sent me 4â— Ye shew by your deeds whose nature you have and so who is your father 42. If God were your Father you would be like him and then you would love me who came from him as sent by him 43. Why do ye not understand my speech even because ye cannot hear my word 44. Ye are of your father the devil and the lusts of your father ye will do he was a murderer from the beginning and abode not in the truth because there is no truth in him When he speaketh a lye he speaketh of his own for he is a lyar and the father of it 43.44 Why is my doctrine rejected by you but because your corrupt natures and sin are contrary to it To speak plainly to you as the Childs nature is like the Fathers from whom it is received so yours is so like the Devils nature that I may say you received it from him and he is the father of it and so far of you For you love to do that which he loveth and desireth These are his great Characters 1. He was from the beginning A MALICIOUS MURDERER 2. He is A LIAR a deserter of the Truth and an enemy to it His business in the World is to Deceive by Lying and when he thus lieth and deceiveth he doth according to his corrupt nature for he is a Liar and the Father of Lies N 1. By these three Characters of LYING MALIGNITY and MURDER or hurtfulness the devilish nature and seed is known And no boasting of Abraham or Christianity is any disproof of it 2. Devilisms is the universal pravity of the malignant World And it is no wrong or railing so to say that the Devil is their Father 45. And because I tell you the truth ye believe me not 45. Though nature love the Truth as Truth yet because the Truth that I tell you is cross to your prejudice and carnal minds and lusts ye reject it as if it were error 46. Which of you convinceth me of sin And if I say the truth why do ye not believe me 46. If you know any falshood or sin by me prove it if you can but if it be Truth that I say why doth prejudice and malice hinder you from believing it 47. He that is of God heareth Gods words ye therefore hear them nor because ye are not of God 47. The Children of God have a mind and nature like him And therefore they savour and love his word Therefore your rejecting Gods word doth prove that ye are not the Children of God 48. Then answered the Jews and said unto him Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan and hast a devil 48. They said do we not call thee as thou art in saying thou art a distracteâ— Samaritan heretick 49. Jesus answered I have not a devil but I honour my Father and you do dishonour me 50. And I seek not my own glory there is one that seeketh and judgeth 49. I am not a distracted Demoniak but you calumniators My Doctrine and Works honour my Father and as for your dishonouring of me though I can bear it who seek not my own Glory my Father will secure my honour and judg you for your reproach 51. Verily verily I say unto you if a man keep my saying he shall never see death 51. I tell you that reject my word that to believe and keep it is the way to everlasting life and to be saved from death spiritual temporal by resurrection and eternal 52. Then said the Jews unto him Now we know that thou hast a devil Abraham is dead and the Prophets and thou sayest If a man keep my saying he shall never taste of death 53. Art thou greater than our father Abraham which is dead And the Prophets are dead whom makest thou thy self 52 53. Now we know that thou art a distracted demoniack When thou talkest of mens not dying when Abraham and the Prophets are dead Art thou so much greater than all they 54. Jesus answered If I honour my self my honour is nothing It is my Father that honoureth me of whom ye say that he is your God 55. Yet ye have not known him but I know him and if I should say I know
go into Gallilee and there they shall see me 10. N. 1. He would not shew himself so openly to the malicious forsaken people at Jerusalem 2. His disciples and kinsmen are called his Brethren 3. No one evangelist mentioneth the whole of this History but what one omitteth another hath of which after 11. Now when they were going Behold some of the watch came into the city and shewed to the chief priests all the things that were done 12. And when they were assembled with the Elders and had taken counsel they gave large money to the soldiers 13. Saying say ye His disciples came by night and stole him away while we slept 14. And if this come to the governours ears we will perswade him and secure you 11. N. What will convince hardned forsaken men 15. So they took the money and did as they were taught And this saying is commonly reported among the Jews to this day 15. N. 1. Lying is the Devils great meanes against Faith And the love of money is the meanes that subserveth it 2. They that will not believe the truth easily believe deceiving lies 16. Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them 17. And when they saw him they worshipped him but some doubted 17. N. Tho the evangelists say no more of Christs meeting them on this Mountain and what he there said to them and Luke and John say nothing of it and there seem a strange difference in their Narratives of Christs appearances it is but one saying what another had omitted and no one of them saying all of which after on John 20. and 21. 18. And Jesus came and spake to them saying All power is given to me in heaven and on Earth 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost 18. After these and other appearings to them Jesus said As I have dyed to redeem the World in order to the ends of my undertaking the Father hath given me an Universal Propiety and Governing power by the right to Redemption as chief Administrator under him in Heaven and Earth So that henceforth all the concerns of men in this World and the other are at my dispose and all men under my Government by Right and Obligation By which authority I now commission you to go abroad the World and make all Nations to the utmost of your power my Disciples taking them into my Church by Solemn Covenant celebrated by Baptizing them into the name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost N. 1. Christs Right of Dominion and Empire is founded in the Fathers Covenant with him as redeemer 2. And being Vniversal Lord Redemption is so far universal as to prove these and other common effects Rom. 14.9 To this end Christ dyed rose and revived that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living 2. The word translated Teach signifieth Disciple to me or make Nations my Disciples 3. All Christians should endeavour to make Christianity the National Religion that the Kingdoms of the World may become the Kingdoms of the Lord and of his Christ that is that they be Christian Kingdoms and not only Christians gathered out of Kingdoms 4. This maketh not all to be Christians who are in those Kingdoms but only such as are Discipled 5. Infants being parts of all Kingdoms this text commandeth to Disciple and Baptize them they are made Disciples by being justly dedicated to Christ by those that have true Power to dispose of them to learn of him and obey him as they grow up and are Capable As Christ was relatively Head of the Church in his Infancy when his humane nature was uncapable of the actual administration so are Infants capable of being Disciples by Covenant Dedication by those that have the dispose of them for their good and can covenant for them which men and by Relation and Obligation God had never a Church on Earth of which Infants were not Infant-members since there were Infants in the World 6. To be baptized into the name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost is no less than by solemn Covenant to give up ones self to God the Father as our Father reconciled by Christ our chief owner and rules and our chief Benefactor even as our God and to Christ as our Saviour and the Holy Ghost as our Sanctifier And meerly to consent to learn of Christ makes none a baptizable disciple 7. Baptism is Christening and is the badge of those that must love and take each other for Christians and the terms of Church Unity till it be nullified by verbal or actual apostacy And it is Church tyranny and Schism to make Canons which shall exclude those from the Church of Christ whom he taketh in by baptism before they impenitently nullify that Covenant in whole or in some essential part viz. by proved denying essentials of Faith or forsaking some essential part of obedience 8. Baptism making us Christians is our state of Regeneration by which we may know our right to Justification and Salvation that is He that consenteth heartily and unfeignedly to the Baptismal Covenant is Regenerate and justified and shall be saved And he that doth consent but with the mouth and outward signe or leaveth out some essential part in his heart consent is regenerate only sacramentally and a visible member of the Church but is not justified nor shall be saved 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and â—o I am with you alway to the end of the World 20. And when you have Baptized them and so united them to me and my universal Church upon their understanding professed faith and repentance and dedication of their seed to me then congregate them in order under faithful Pastors And as you as general Teachers to all the Churches must deliver to them all the commands which I have committed to your trust by word and writing so these Pastors must further instruct them that they may grow up in knowledge of all these my commands And in the performance of this charge I shall by the help of my Spirit and protection be present with you and such pastors in their course to the end of this World or age till I shall come in glory to the final judgment Tho you see me not I shall be as really assisting to you and regardful of you even in all your labours and sufferings as if you saw me Note 1. This general command of teaching all Nations Christs commands includeth writing the Scriptures without which they could not teach posterity in all Nations his commands 2. It maketh them his intrusted Apostles from whose fidelity we may believingly receive his commands And therefore implyeth the promise of his Spirit to make them true and credible reporters 3. It implyeth that his commands are the universal Laws for his Catholick Church And no man or men have authority
World and the Flesh will strive hard against both But Grace will conquer and make all a delight 3. Fewer turned Christians then than did after Christs ascension But if most on earth perish how little is the earth to the vast and glorious regions of the blessed 15. Beware of false Prophets who come to you in sheeps cloathing but inwardly they are ravening wolves 16. Ye shall know them by their fruits Do men gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles 15 16. And you must expect the temptation of Teachers falsly pretending Divine inspiration and authority they will come to you with enticing pretences as speaking for God for truth for godliness for your salvation for order peace c. but mischief and hurtfulness is in their heart and design And if you think their pretences too hard for you to confute look to the tendency and effects Thorns and thistles prick and hurt and Grapes and Figs are sweet and nourishing If their Counsel and their practice be hurtfull and destroying they are Wolves and not of God Their bloudy jaws and teeth will bewray them tho in sheeps cloathing If they would draw you to wickedness or turn you from a sober just and holy life or if instead of Love and Peace and doing good they are for hatred contention cruelty oppression unjust silencing excommunicating and persecuting by these fruits you may know them N. Tho every cruel wicked man is not a false teacher nor every man is to believed in all his Doctrines who is loving and godly Yet 1. that doctrine that tendeth to do more hurt than good is naught 2. And usually God teacheth the meek and loving and holy persons all necessary truth and forsaketh most the understanding of the wicked proud and worldly And tho not meer ornamental accomplishments yet the saving gifts of the Spirit go together that is Illumination and holy love and obedience and peace And who can be confident that Gods Spirit teacheth those men the truth above others whom he never taught the knows necessary duties of love peace justice holiness and temperance When their lives tell us that they serve the Devil its hard to believe that they are inspired of God as extraordinary men tho they may preach the truth for reputation and advantage 1. Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit 18. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit 19. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire 20. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them 17 18 19 20. As the man is so will he do Therefore by the badness of their fruit you may know that they speak not from the Spirit of God Note That Christ giveth us not this Rule to know ordinary Priests and Preachers Doctrine by For when Rulers and Countreys own sound Doctrine wicâ—ed worldly men will own it for preferment and worldly ends But it is to trie Prophets by who pretend to the Spirits inspiration He that is not ruled by the Spirit is not like to be inspired by the Spirit 2. And tho this hold true as to all wickedness yet the fruit that Christ specially meaneth is hurtfulness As the names of Wolves Thorns and Thistles shew 3. If a good man speak or do ill it is because he is not perfectly good but partly bad For instance The Papal Church pretendeth to the infallible guidance of the Spirit when Pope and Councils agree which is To Prophetical Inspiration beyond the meer improvement of theiâ— own knowledge How shall we know whether their pretence be true 1. We find that they cherish ignorance by forbidding the reading of the Scripture in a known Tongue without a License and praying in a Tongue not understood 2. We find that they divide the Christian world by laying its Unity and Peace on impossible terms even a multitude of their own Canons 3. We find they are adversaries to Catholick love by damning all the Christian world save their own Sect and keeping up their Church and Religion by bloudy Doctrines Inquisitions and Massacres 4. And that it is a worldly interest that is thus managed These being all Wolâ—ish Thorny hurtful fruits disprove their pretence to the Spirits infallibility But it being their interest to be for the Deity Christianity and Immortality of Souls in that they may own the truth And if the Reformed Churches have had some errours it is because they are but of imperfect knowledge and reformation 21. Not every one that saith to me Lord Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven but he that doth the will of my Father which is in heaven 21. It is not verbal professions and pretending to the Spirit or to be Orthodox or to be better than others nor is it formal worshipping God as the Hypocrites do nor honouring me with the lips and knee alone that will save any one but it is only the holy obedient beliver that shall be saved 22. Many will say to me in that day Lord Lord have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name have cast out devils and in thy name done many wonderful works 23. And then I will profess to them I never knew you depart from me ye that work iniquity 22 23. Many will then plead not only that they were Bishops or Preachers in the Church but even that they Prophesied and wrought miracles in my name to whom I will say Depart from me all you that lived wickedly whatever you said or did in my name I never owned you nor will I save you 24. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doth them I will liken him to a wise man who built his house upon a rock 25. And the rain descended and and the flouds came and the winds blew and beat on that house and it self not for it was founded on a rock 24 25. He that heareth believeth and obeyeth that which I have now taught you is like a wise man c. Note The obedient believer is the only wise man that buildeth the hopes of his salvation on a sure foundation 26. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine and doth them not shall be like â—ed to a foolish man who built his house on the sand 27. And the rain descended and the flouds came and the winds blew and beat upon that house and it fell and great was the fall of it 26 27. Note 1. Ungodly men that hear Christs Gospel and obey it not are fools and build their hopes of Salvation as on the sands 2. All mens Religion and hopes shall be tried as a house by Storms whether it be well founded and built or not 3. Grievous will be the overthrow of the religious hopes of all hypocrites and ungodly livers 28 29. And it came to pass when Jesus had ended these sayings the people were astonished at his doctrine For he taught them
Suffering in which we must be prepared to follow him 48. Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign saying Whomsoever I shall kiss that same is he hold him fast 49. And forth with he came to Jesus and said Hail master and kissed him 50. And Jesus said to him Friend wherefore art thou come Then came they and laid hands on Jesus and took him 48 c. Note 1. Hypocrites cruelty is exercised under the name of Friendship How many Thousand Persecute Christ in his cause and Servants on pretences of Faith Religion Order and Enmity to Sin 2. It s a pitiful sight to see poor ignorant People in obedience to Rulers Persecuting Christ to their own Destruction as if it were he and his servants that were their dangerous Enemies 51. And behold one of them which were with Jeâ—us stretched out his hand and drew his sword and stroke a servant of the high priests and smote off his ear 51. Natural inclination to defence and Love to Christ overcame Peters consideration and patience 52. Then said Jesus to him Put up again thy sword into his place for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword 52. Put up thy Sword and let us patiently submit to Violence For as none must use the Sword without just Warrant and Authority so usually they that fight for themselves are destroyed and suffer more than they that patiently endure Violence and Injustice Note Christ doth not in these words make all self-defence or War unlawful but he doth more than forbid unwarrantable Fighting meaning that not onely unlawful resistance of Power and Revenge but even wars and fighting against injuries and Enemies usuaâ—â—â— hasten Death and increase Mens Sufferings And therefore they should forethink whether War or Patience be like to do more hurt 53. Thinkest thou that I cannot nâ—â— pray to my father and he shall presenâ—â—y give me more than twelve legions of angels 53. Note 1. Angels are ready to serve Christ at his desire 2. It should stop our impatient thoughts of rash and unlawful self-defence to think that God can otherwise deliver us 54. But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled that thus it must be 54. N. We must not strive against Events which we foreknow will come to pass 55. In the same hour said Jesus to the multitude Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves to take me I sate daily with you teaching in the temple and ye laid no hold on me 55. Why did you not take me in the Temple but thus in the Night like a Thief 56. But all this was done that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled Then all the disciples forsook him and fled 56. All this was foretold in Scripture They let his Disciples go and they fled away in fear 57. And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest where the scribes and the elders were assembled 58. But Peter followed him afar oft unto the high priests palace and went in and sate with the servants to see the end 57. They brought him to their Arch-priest as glorying in their success And Peter went in where the Servants sate 59. Now the chief priests and elders and all the councel sought false witness against Jesus to put him to death 60. But found none yea though many false witnesses came yet found they none At the last came two false witnesses 61. And said This fellow said I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days 59. c. N. 1. As Hypocrites in Religion are worse than Pagans in that they father their wickedness on God and Religion so Hypocrite-Judges and Lawyers are herein worse than lawless Murderers that they abuse and disgrace Law and Government by using them to inâ—ustice and bloodshed 2. No man is so good or innocent that false Witness may not Condemn 62. And the high priest arose and said â—â—â—o him Answerest thou nothing What 〈◊〉 which these witness against thee â—3 〈…〉 hâ—ld his peace 6â— 6â— N. Christ was silent to shew 1. That he was not over solicitous for his Life 2. When Malignant false Judges are resolved what to do against Innocence and Right it is oft in vain to talk it out with them And they watcht for words of his own to Accuse him of 63. And the high priest answered and said unto him I adjure thee by the living God that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ the Son of God 63. N. 1. Once for all take notice that answering was then among the Jews a common Phrase for speaking in course though no question was askt 2. It was the Malignant Policie of that Arch-priest to make Christ his own Accuser and Witness when they could get no other For they knew that he that bound his Disciples to confess him would not refuse to confess himself when adjured by God though he was silent as to his Defence against Personal Accusations And so it is with Christs Enemies to this day who put Christians that dare neither lie nor conceale necessary truth upon self-Accusation As they could find nothing against Daniel except about the Law of his God which he durst not break to save his Life so do the Devils Officers take advantage of good Mens Consciences to destroy them 64. Jesus saith to him Thou hast said nevertheless I say unto you Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power and coming in the clouds of heaven 64. I am he and though I stand here to be judged by you your Eyes shall see me coming in Glory and in Power to Judge you and all the World or as some say To Destroy you by the Romans 65.66 Then the high priest rent his cloathes saying He hath spoken blasphemy what further need have we of witnesses behold now ye have heard his blasphemy What think ye They answered and said He is guilty of death 65.66 Then the High Priest had that which he desired and by rending his Cloathes shewed his Abhorrence of the supposed Sin of Christ and demanded the Sentence of the Court against him as a Blasphemer And they Voted him for it guilty of Death Note 1. How foolish a thing is it to think that any Law or any mans Innocency or Goodness will preserve Justice or Piety while bad men are Judges Can any Law be better than Gods Or any Person better than Christ The Devils Judges possessing the place that God instituted to defend Truth and Equity will condemn God himself manifest in Flesh by his own Law and as sinning against himself And they are since the same 2. The very Murderers of Christ would seem greater enemies to Blasphemy and more zealous for Gods Honour than God himself So little are False Men to be believed 67. Then did they spit in his face and buffeted him and others smote him with the palmes of their hands 68. Saying prophecy to
which in the sincere is saving which is required to be professed in Baptism for admittance into the visible Church 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit 6. Men generate Men but God maketh Saints by a spiritual generation Nature begets but nature but Gods Spirit giveth a holy and heavenly Nature or Inclination 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee Ye must be born again 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth and thou hearest the sound thereof but canst not tell whence it cometh and whither it goeth so is every one that is born of the Spirit 7 8. Count not this an incredible thing Thou hearest the sound of the wind and knowest certainly by the effects that such a thing as wind there is and that it causeth those effects which thy sense perceiveth but thou knowest not fully the nature of this wind nor whence it cometh nor whither it goeth and so thou mayest know that Gods Spirit doth this sanctifying work on Souls though thou canst not comprehend the nature of the Spirit nor the way of its operation nor why it worketh on one Soul and not on another that seemeth equal to it 9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him How can these things be 9. N. The reason of Man not yet illuminated is apt to be so confident in its ignorance as to take those spiritual things for incredible which it comprehendeth not It lifts up it self against Christ's teaching with a How can these things be 10 Jesus answered and said unto him Art thoâ— a master of Israel and knowest not these things 11 Verily verily I say unto thee we speak that we do know and testifie that we have seen and ye receive not our witness 10 11. It is a shame to thee that art a Master of Israel to be ignorant of these things without which all thy knowledge is but shells and shadows I tell thee we spake that which we certainly know by intuition and experience on holy Souls and yet you carnal Jews believe us not not knowing what your own shadows do import 12 If I have told you earthly things and and ye believe not how shall ye beleve if I tell you of heavenly things 12. When I tell you but what God doth here on Earth on all that he will save and illustrate it to you by a similitude which your senses do perceive and it is a thing that your Ceremonies signifie how shall you believe if I tell you the unseen things of Heaven if you believe not things so evident as these 13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven but he that came down from heaven even the Son of man which is in heaven 13. And if you will not believe me what satisfying notice can you have of the state of things in Heaven for no Man hath ascended up into Heaven and can tell you by sure notice what is there but I that came down from Heaven and so came down by assuming flesh as that yet I am now in Heaven in my Godhead 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness even so must the son of man be lifted up 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have eternal life 14 15. And the way of Salvation which God by me revealeth to you is this that as Moses in the Wilderness set up a brazen Serpent that all that were stung with Serpents might be cured if they did look up to this So I must be lift up on the Cross as a Sacrifice for sin that whoever truly believeth in me and trusteth me as the Redeemer and Saviour shall not perish but have everlasting life 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life 16. For God who is Love it self so far loved lapsed and lost mankind as that he gave his only begotten Son to be incarnate and to be their Redeemer by his meritorious life and death and Resurrection and to make them this promise covenant and offer that whoever truly believeth in him should have his sin forgiven and should not perish but have everlasting blessed life 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through him might be saved 17. For if the World be condemned they shall never have cause to lay the blame on Christ For it was not to condemn them that God sent him into the World but to be the Saviour of the World which his Doctrine Life and Sufferings shew 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned but he that believeth not is condemned already because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God 18. He that believeth on him is thereupon by him delivered from the Condemnation that he was under and shall be saved but he that believeth not is not delivered from his Guilt and Condemnation but is under the Guilt of a severer punishment the Law of Grace it self Condemning him because he hath rejected the Son of God sent from Heaven with his Doctrine his Grace and offered Mercy so that both the Law of Nature and of Grace condemn the Neglecters of so great Salvation 19 And this is the condemnation that light is come into the world and men loved darkness rather then light because their deeds were evil 19. For the true cause of Mens Condemnation is not that they have no Saviour or Ransom being left as Devils to remidiless despair but that a Saviour as Light is come into the World and Men love darkness rather than light and so reject him and his truth and grace because they love and live in that sin which cannot endure the light 20 For every 〈◊〉 that doeth evil hateth the light neither cometh to the light least his deeds should be reproved 20. For it is the part of â—ight to detect and shame Mens evill deeds and thereâ—ore Malefactors hate and avoid the Light lest it reprove them and condemn them 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light that his deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in God 21. But Light is the honour of well doing which is not afraid to be known and therefore he that doth that which is truly good loveth the Light and cometh to it that his deeds may appear to be as they are the work commanded and approved by God And therefore they will receive me that am the Light of the World 22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judea and there he tarried with them and baptized 22. He by his Disciples baptized those that believed and repented 23 And John also was baptizing in Enon near to Salim because there was much water there and they came and were baptized 24 For John was not yet cast into prison 23 24. John ceased not baptizing even when Christ baptized nor till he
that if any man did confess that he was Christ he should be put out of the Synagogue 23. Therefore said his parents He is of age ask him 18. c. N. 1. Unjust Judges resolve first what to do and enquire after 2. Though excommunication be Gods Ordinance the Devil oft useth it by wicked men against the just that own Christ and the Truth 24. Then again called they the man that was blind and said unto him Give God the praise we know that this man is a sinner 24. They said ascribe thy cure to God but think never the better of this man for we know by his breaking the Sabbath that he is a bad man N. Wicked persecutors that speak against Gods servants dare not directly speak against God but pretend to give him his praise while they persecute his servants 25. He answered and said Whether he be a sinner or no I know not one thing I know that whereas I was blind now I see 25. Though you say you know him to be a Sinner I know it not nor am bound to believe you But I welâ— know he hath cured me of my blindness 26. Then said they to hâ—m again What did he to thee How opened he thine eyes 27. He answered them I have told you already and ye did not hear Wherefore woâ—ld ye hear it again Will ye also be his Disciples 28. Then they reviled him and said thou art his Disciple but we are Moses disciples 29. We know that God spake unto Moses as for this fellow we know not from whence he is 30. The man answered and said unto them Why herein is a marvellous thing that ye know not from whence he is and yet he hath opened mine eyes 31. Now we know that God heareth not sinners but if any man be a worshipper of God and doeth his will him he heareth 27. Sure you do it not because you would be his disciples 28. They took it for a reproach to be Christs disciples 30. You are strangly ignorant that know not whence a man is that doth such Miracles Reason and common consent tells us that God heareth not the prayers of wicked men so far as to signifie his approbation of them but rejecteth them But it is Godly worshippers of him and them that obey his will that he heareth and approveth This none that owneth a God dare deny 32. Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind 33. If this man were not of God he could do nothing 32. Never man did this before much less by human power He could never do it but by Gods power and approbation 34. They answered and said unto him thou wast altogether born in sins and doest thou teach us And they cast him out 34. N. It 's the way of proud wicked men to scorn to learn but to Lord it and revile and turn to violence on pretence of discipline when they cannot answer with reason 35. Jesus heard that they had cast him out and when he had found him he said unto him Doest thou believe on the Son of God 36. He answered and said Who is he Lord that I might believe on him 35. N. Christ receiveth those whom false Church governours unjustly cast out 2. Christ taketh advantage of mens injuries to convert the persons injured 3. The man was willing to believe as soon as he could be instructed whom he should believe in 37. And Jesus said unto him Thou hast seen him and it is he that talketh with thee 38. And he said Lord I believe and he worshipped him 37 38. He believed and bowed or fell down to him 39. And Jesus said For judgment am I come into this world that they which see not might see and that they which see might be made blind 39. It is part of my judicial office in this World to open the eyes of many that are now ignorant and blind in sin and to give up many to their wilful blindness who think themselves the wisest men but resist the light of saving truth 40. And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words and said unto him Are we blind also 40. N. Proud men especially it Rulers or Teachers of others can't endure to be told of their sin especially of their ignorance and error 41. Jesus said unto them If ye were blind ye should have no sin but now ye say We see therefore your sin remaineth 41. If your ignorance were as blindness is a necessary natural disease you would not be voluntary in your error and guilt of sin Or if you knew your selves to be ignorant and erroneous you would learn and be cured But your error being wilful and you conceited of your knowledg you are guilty and unexcusable and setled in your sin CHAP. X. VErily verily I say unto you He that entreth not by the door into the sheepfold but climbeth up some other way the same is a thief and a robber 2. But he that entreth in by the door is the the shepherd of the sheep 1. I say to you who have cast out this man for believing in me you take upon you to be the true guides of the people and you look for the Mesiah agreeable to your minds But Gods testimony and mission is the door to the Messiah and the Messiah is the great shepherd and the door to the inferior Pastors and the Flocks He that entereth any other way climbeth in as a thief But the true Shepherd principal and Ministerial cometh in by the door 3. To him the porter openeth and the sheep hear his voyce and he calleth his own sheep by name and leadeth them out 3. To the Messiah God will open the door and to Sub-Pastors they that by office are door-keepers to the Church must open it as to men sent of God And Gods Spirit teacheth Christians to know the voice of Christ and under him of those that speak his Word And as shepherds there regarded every sheep distinctly and called them by several names as Plow-men now do their Oxen and did not drive them with Clubs like Swine but go before them and call them to their Pasture by name so doth Christ and true Pastors now know every member of their Flocks and lead them by people after him he also perished and all even as many as obeyed him were dispersed 37. This Judas pretended to be a Captain of the People against submitting to the Roman taxing which he called servitude and unsufferable 38. And now I say unto you Refrain from these men and let them alone for it this Counsel or this work be of men it will come to nought 38. By Gods Providence without your violence 39. But if it be of God ye cannot overthrow it lest haply ye be found even to fight against God 39. You will overthrow your selves and not it if it be of God Its madess to fight against him Note O that the Malignant World would
have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you 9. For God whom I serve with a devoted Soul doth know that this your honourable profession of the Christian Faith doth make me the more constantly remember you in my Prayers 10. And request of God if it seem good to him that I may come to you for the furtherance of my joy and your edification 11. For I long to see you that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift to the end you may be established 12. That is that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me 11 12. For I long to see you that by communicating to you what God hath given to me you may be further established and you and I may be comforted in the mutual manifestation of our Concordant Faith 13 Now I would not have you ignorant brethren that oft times I purposed to come unto you but was let hitherto that I might have some fruit among you also even as among other Gentiles 13. I would have you know that as God hath called me to be an Apostle to the Gentiles I oft purposed to come to you though hitherto hindred that I might reap some fruit of that my Office among you as well as among other Gentiles 14. I am a debter both to the Greeks and the Barbarians both to the wise and to the unwise 14. By this my Mission and Office it is my duty to Preach the Gospel both to the learned Greeks and Romans and to unlearned Barbarous Nations 15. So as much as in me is I am ready to preach the Gospel to you that are at Rome also 15. Therefore if it be the Will of God that I shall come unto you I am ready as the Apostle to the Gentiles to exercise mine Office by Preaching to you as I have done to others 16. For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ For it is the power of God to salvation to every one that believeth to the Jew first and also to the Greek 16. For though a Crucified Christ be to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Gentiles foolishness I am not ashamed most openly to own and Preach this Gospel For the Power of God by this called weakness and foolishness by Men is manifested in it and by it in the Conversion Comfort and Salvation of every true Believer whether Jews with whom it began or Greeks to whom it is now preached 17. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith As it is written The just shall live by faith 17. For that sort of Righteousness which God hath made the necessary and acceptable way to Salvation is therein revealed to the World even Righteousness by Faith is revealed to beget Faith in Men by which it is that Men must be justified and saved as was foretold 18. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold the truth in unrighteousness 18. For that Gospel which pardoneth Penitent Believers doth reveal Gods wrath against the Impenitent and Unbelievers who by the love of Sin resist and reject the Truth and continue in ungodliness and unrighteousness 19. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them for God hath shewed it to them 19. For they may know much of the nature and attributes of God as manifested by the light of Nature in them and by the Providence of God among them by which God sheweth it unto them 20. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made even his eternal Power and Godhead so that they have no excuse 20. For though God and Heavenly things be invisible even his Eternal Power and his God-head yet are they clearly to be seen in the Glass of his Works so that their sin against God thus revealed leaveth them without all just excuse 21. Because that when they knew God they glorified him him not as God neither were thankful but became vain in their imaginations and their foolish heart was darkened 22. Professing themselves wise they became fools 23. And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man and to birds and four-footed beasts and creeping things 21. Because when by his Works and the light of Nature they were forc'd to confess the Divine perfections they yet lived not to his Glory or in holy thankfulness to the God whom they acknowledged but dishonoured him and corrupted their Minds by vain Imaginations and their foolish Hearts were darkened by gross errours 22. And professing themselves to be the Learned Philosophers and Wise Men of the World and contemning others as Ignorant and Barbarous they shewed by their practice that they were Fools 23. For when their Tongues acknowledged the glory of the incorruptible God they worshipped him as in and by the Images of Corruptible Men and of Birds Beasts and creeping things as if God had been like these 24. Wherefore God gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts to dishonour their own bodies between themselves 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshipped and served the creature more than the creator who is blessed for ever Amen 24. Wherefore as a just punishment for their wilful sins God lest them to the lusts of the Flesh to base unnatural uncleanness 25. Seeing they confessing the Perfections of the True God yet represented him in the Image of vain shadows and Creatures and so offered their worship to such Creatures and to the Stars rather than to the True and Blessed Creator whom they acknowledged 26. For this cause God gave them up to vile affections for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature 27. And likewise also the men leaving the natural use of the woman burned in their lust one towards another men with men working that which is unseemly and receiving in themselves that recompense of their errour which is meet 26 27. For this Sin God gave them to base lusts against Nature who in their Religion sinned against the light of Nature both Women and Men burning in worse than beastly unnatural lusts towards those of their own Sex and by being left to that unnatural filthiness were justly punished for their unnatural Idolatry 28. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge God gave them over to a reprobate mind to do those things which were not convenient 28. And as their wicked Hearts refused to obey and honour God practically though they did in words acknowledge him God gave them over to a reprobate Mind to do those things which the light of Nature and common Reason do condemn 29 30 31. Being filled with all unrighteousness fornication wickedness covetousness maliciousness full of envy murder debate deceit malignity whisperers backbiters haters
and that it is you that by that Law must be the Lights and Guides of the Dark and Ignorant to whom all others as Children should come to School because you have the only True Knowledge by the means of your Law 21 22 23. Thou therefore which teachest another teachest thou not thy self Thou that preachest a man should not steal dost thou steal Thou that saist a man should not commit adultery dost thou commit adultery Thou that abhorrest idols dost thou commit sacrilege Thou that makest thy boast in the law through breaking the law dishonourest thou God 21 22 23. Will the Law justifie thee that condemnest thy self by breaking it while thou boastest of it Will teaching others justifie thee who teachest not thy self Will it justifie a Thief to Preach against Stealing or an Adulterer to Preach against Adultery or the Sacrilegious to abhor Idols 24. For the Name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you as it is written 24. For as the Prophets truly told your fore-fathers I may tell you that you are so far from keeping your Law to Justification that the scandal of your Sin occasioneth the Gentiles to speak evil of your Law and blaspheme God that made it 25. For circumcision verily profiteth if thou keep the law but if thou be a breaker of the law thy circumcision is made uncircumcision 25. Indeed God made not the Law in vain To keep it is required of the Jews as the matter of their Obedience And if you keep it as the Covenant of Circumcision obligeth you you shall not lose the promised Reward But if you are breakers of the Law you will be no more justified than the Uncircumcised but more condemned for violating your Duty and Covenant with God 26 27. Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature if it fulfil the law judge thee who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law 26 27. Therefore it being Performance which the Law requireth if Uncircumcised Persons do that good which the Law requireth it is them that the Law will so far justifie and such obedient Uncircumcised Persons that by obeying the Law of Nature perform the Matter of your Laws shall condemn those that have the Letter of the Law and are by Circumcision engaged to keep it and yet transgress it 28 29. For he is not a Jew that is one outwardly neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh But he is a Jew that is one inwardly and circumcision is that of the heart in the spirit and not in the letter whose praise is not of men but of God 28 29. But the Jew that God will accept and justifie as the Seed of Believing Abraham and that answereth the end of the Law is not he that is only visibly one in the outward Ceremony nor is that the acceptable Circumcision which is only outward in the Flesh But he is the accepted Person with God as his peculiar who is such at the Heart as the Law required Jews to be and that is the acceptable Circumcision which cleanseth and sanctifieth the Heart in Spirituality and not only in outward Letter Form and Ceremony which is approved of the most Holy Heart-searching God and not that which is but approved of Men. CHAP. III. 1. WHat advantage then hath the Jew and what profit is there of circumcision 2. Much every way chiefly because that unto them were committed the oracles of God 1 2. You will say If this be so what advantage hath the Jew above the Gentile or what profit doth Circumcision afford them I answer Much every way As first That God committed his Oracles of supernatural Revelation principally to them and from them it is that others have received them 3. For what if some did not believe shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect 3. It 's true that the most of the present Jews do not believe in Christ nor yield to the perswasions of the Gospel But still Gods Word is sure and true and his Fidelity will perform all his Promises 4. God forbid Yea let God be true and every man a liar as it is written That thou maist be justified in thy sayings and overcome when thou art judged 4. Far be it from us to think that God is untrusty or can lie All Men are untrusty and may deceive by lies but God's Fidelity is his Perfection which cannot fall As David saith His Word shall be justified and all be silenced that dare accuse him of untrustiness or lying 5. But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God what shall we say Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance I speak as a man 5. But if all our Sin do but occasion the manifestation of Gods Righteousness and so his Honour and End is secured is it not unjust for God to punish and destroy Men for unbelief and sin I object as a Man 6. God forbid for then how shall God judge the world 6. Far be it from us so to think For sure the Judge of all the World is Righteous and will righteously judge 7. For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory why also am I yet judged a sinner 8. And not rather as we be slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say Let us do evil that good may come whose damnation is just 7 8. But say they If my falshood and sin do occasion the glorifying of God and his Truth why should I be judged a Sinner against God who is glorified by all that I do and not rather conclude as some falsely say we do that we should never fear sinning seeing the effect is always good But just is the damnation of such that pretend Gods Glory to embolden them in Sin 9. What then Are we better than they No in no wise For we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles that they are all under sin 9. What shall we then conclude from this unbelief and punishment of the Jews Is it that we who are Christians Jews and Gentiles were so much better antecedently than the unbelieving part that God therefore gave us his Grace for our better deserts No in no wise For we have before proved that Jews and Gentiles are all under the guilt and reign of Sin till Grace recover them 10. As it is written there is none righteous no not one 11. There is none that understandeth there is none that seeketh after God 12. They are all gone out of the way they are together become unprofitable there is none that doth good no not one 13. Their throat is an open sepulchre with their tongues they have used deceit the poyson of asps is under their lips 14. Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness 15. Their feet are swift to shed blood 16. Destruction and misery are in their ways 17. And the way
and extraordinary Knowledge and Vertue 15. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness whose end shall be according to their works 15. Therefore it is not an incredible thing that Men should be really the Devils Ministers animated and taught by him to do his Work against the Interest of Christ and Truth and Godliness and yet pretend to go beyond Christs own Apostles in preaching Righteousness Wisdom and Godliness Note That the Pretenses of Truth Orthodoxness Righteousness Free Grace Unity Peace c are no sufficient Evidences of true Ministers The Devils Ministers may pretend them all and may cry down Christs Ministers as Carnal Hereticks Legal Schismaticks c. 16. I say again let no man think me a fool if otherwise yet as a fool receive me that I may boast my self a little 16. Take it not for Folly to vindicate my Ministry But if you do yet hear me try and judge Note That Paul meaneth that Boasting is the usual mark of a Fool but it is no Folly when the Interest of God and Souls require it It was seemingly not really his Folly 17. That which I speak I speak it not after the Lord but as it were foolishly in this confidence of boasting 17. That which I speak of my self I speak not as I do the Gospel by Inspiration and I confess that materially it hath the appearance of Folly in ostentation 18 19 20. Seing that many glory after the flesh I will glory also For ye suffer fools gladly seeing ye your selves are wise For ye suffer if a man bring you into bondage if a man devour you if a man take of you if a man exalt himself if a man smite you on the face 18 19 20. You can easily bear with a Fool because you are wise your selves So bear with me while I do that necessarily which they do vainly You can bear with greater Provocations even with them that would captivate you to Errour and the Law and would make a Prey of you and make themselves your Lords and Masters and abuse you 21. I speak as concerning reproach as though we had been weak howbeit whereinsoever any is bold I speak foolishly I am bold also 21. I speak of them that reproach me of contemptible Weakness Though I confess that Boasting usually signifieth Folly I will say that I have as much as they to boast of Note That Paul is so cautelous lest any by his Example should be tempted by proud Boasting that materially he calls it Folly though formally it was not so in him 22 23. Are they Hebrews so am I are they Israelites so am I are they the seed of Abraham so am I Are they ministers of Christ I speak as fool I am more in labours more abundant in stripes above measure in prisons more frequent in deaths oft 22 23. They boast that they are Hebrews Israelites Abraham's Seed and Ministers of Christ And am not I so too Yea though my Words be like those of a Fool I say that I have laboured and suffered more for Christ by Stripes Prisons and daily dying than they have done 24. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one 25. Thrice was I beaten with rods once was I stoned thrice I suffered shipwrack a night and a day I have been in the deep 24 25 Scourged by the Jews to the utmost seveâ—ity beaten by the Romans stoned by the Rabble thrice shipwrack'd a Night and a Day in some darksom dangerous Passage at Sea or a Dungeon so called as some think 26 27. In journing often in perils of waters in perils of robbers in perils by mine own countrymen in perils by the heathen in perils in the city in perils in the wilderness in perils in the sea in perils among false brethren in weariness and painfulness in watchings often in hunger and thirst in fastings often in cold and nakedness 26 27 Note That the Sufferings which deter Carnal Men from Religion by Shame and Fear are the Honour of Believers 28. Besides those things that are without that which cometh upon me daily the care of all the churches 28. Besides the things that are without my Body even the Case of all the Churches which are my daily Care 29. Who is weak and I am not weak who is offended and I burn not 29. Every Mans Weakness and Sufferings are to me as my own The danger of the Tempted and Scandalised is my pain and care for their preservation 30. If I must needs glory I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities 30. If you will put me to boast it shall be of that which worldly Men will turn to my reproach not of any Preeminence but of my Sufferings 31. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ which is blessed for evermore knoweth that I lie not 32. In Damascus the governour under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garison desirous to apprehend me 33. And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall and escaped his hands 1. Note That through all this Chapter Paul calls his Boasting Folly not formally and really but materially and seemingly because it's Fools that boast unnecessarily when the false Apostles made it his Duty 2. Note That it was no small Quarrel of Brethren like that of Barnabas which put him upon all this Apology which else would not have savoured of Humility But it was the Intrusion and envious Accusation of such Jewish Heretical false Apostles as he calleth the Ministers of Satan who endeavoured to subvert the Gospel and by disgracing him to frustrate all his Labours and destroy the Church It 's like to be those called Nicolatians Rev. 2. 3. CHAP. XII IT is not expedient for me doubtless to glory I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 1. I know that boasting is unseemly for an humble Minister of Christ but seeing it is put upon me I proceed to a higher Matter even Visions and Revelations from God 2. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago whether in the body I cannot tell or whether out of the body I cannot tell God knoweth such an one caught up to the third heaven 3. And I knew such a man whether in the body or out of the body I cannot tell God knoweth 4. How that he was caught up into paradise and heard unspeakable words which it is not lawful for a man to utter 2 3 4. I knew a Man that was acted by the Spirit of Christ above himself who above fourteen years ago whether Bodily or onely by mental Extasie and Rapture I know not God knoweth was caught up to that Place of Glory called the Third Heavens and caught up there into Paradise a Place of Joys and heard that which neither can nor must be uttered being unsuitable to the Ears of Mortals and proper to Possessors 5. Of such an one will I glory
Flesh and not to hate it so must Men do by their Wives as Christ doth by the Church 30. For we are members of his body of his flesh and of his bones 30. And as Eve was said to be to Adam Flesh of his Flesh and Bone of his Bone so by allusion we may say of the Church and Christ in a spiritual sense 31. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother and shall be joyned unto his wife and they two shall be one flesh 31. And as it was then said A man shall leave c. so must Believers leave all for Christ as Christ laid down his Life for them and they shall be made as one 32. This is a great mystery but I speak concerning Christ and the church 32. This that is said of Adam and Eve and of Marriage did mystically prefigure the Marriage of Jesus Christ and the Church and of this it is that I now speak 33. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself and the wife see that she reverence her husband 33. But though I have turned my Speech to Christ and the Church I repeat my Counsel Let every Man love his Wife with such an entire constant and forbearing Love as he loveth himself and let the Wife see that she live in loving Subjection and Reverence to her Husband CHAP. VI. 1. CHildren obey your parents in the Lord for this is right 1. Let Children be obedient to their Parents under God in obedience to him for he hath commanded it 2. Honour thy father and mother which is the first commandment with promise 2. Saying Honour thy Father and Mother And though general Promises be intimated in the First and Second Commandment this is the first Commandment that hath annexed the Promise of the Land which God was then leading the Israelites to as it is said 3. That it may be well with thee and thou mayest live long on the earth 3. That thou mayst live long and prosper in the Promised Land of Canaan which intimateth also to us Christian Gentiles a Promise of more Prosperity on Earth than disobedient Children shall have and an earthly Curse to the disobedient Note That accordingly Gods Curse on Earth doth usually follow Children that dishonour and wrong their Parents and rebell against them and usually even Earthly Blessings are given to those that honour and obey Parents under God 4. And ye fathers provoke not your children to wrath but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 4. And let Parents remember that Childrens corrupt Nature and Weakness are liable to such Passions as may pervert them and therefore let not your sowr and provoking Government and Carriage tempt them hereto beyond their strength but govern them with Fatherly Love and bring them up to the Knowledge and Obedience of the Lord by wise and diligent Teaching Example Admonition and Discipline 5. Servants be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh with fear and trembling in singleness of your heart as unto Christ 5. And let not Servants think that Christianity freeth them from Service or from Obedience Diligence or Reverence to their Masters though they be Unbelievers but give them all due Obedience and reverent Submission and this in conscience and sincerity as part of your Obedience to Christ who doth command it and will reward you 6. Not with eye-service as men-pleasers but as the servants of Christ doing the will of God from the heart 6. Not deceitfully when your Masters see and know what you do meerly to please Men but as the true Servants of Christ with heartiness and in secret things as well as open doing Service to Men in obedience to the Will of God and to please him 7. With good will doing service as to the Lord and not to men 7. I repeat it because it greatly concerneth you that you do all your Service faithfully and willingly without grudging and that not as a bare Service to Man but as a part of your Service to the Lord himself which he hath prescribed and will accept 8. Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doth the same shall he receive of the Lord whether he be bond or free 8. Be sure of this That your lowest and hardest Service being your Duty is a good Work and such Works of Fidelity in the lowest Bond-servants are accepted of God as well as the more honoured Service of the Greatest 9. And ye masters do the same things unto them forbearing threatning knowing that your master also is in heaven neither is there respect of persons with him 9. And you that are Masters see that you be as careful of your Part to your Servants as you would have them be of their Duty to you and rule them not tyrannically by insulting and passionate Menaces and Reproaches Knowing that Christ in Heaven is equally the Lord of them and you and will not be partial to you for your Wealth or Superiority but will equally do Justice unto all 10. Finally my brethren be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might 10. To conclude Behave your selves in the discharge of all your Duties and resistance of all the Temptations of your Warfare as resolved valiant Christians strong in the Faith and Love of Christ by his powerful assisting Grace 11. Put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil 11. And with skill and care put on and use the Grace and Helps which God vouchsafeth you which are to a Christian like compleat Armour to a Soldier that you may be able to stand fast against all the Stratagems and Plots of the Devil who seeketh to overthrow you 12. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities against powers against the rulers of the darkness of this world against spiritual wickedness in high places 14. For the great Conflict which Christians are engaged in is not meerly against Men but against Devils who by Gods Ordination and the Success of their Temptations are Principalities and Powers and the Rulers of the Persons and Ways of Darkness Ignorance and Unbelief in the World and are spiritual Wâ—ckedness above us in the Air. 13. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand 13. Therefore neglect no part of the Armour afforded you by God but use it all that in the time of Temptation you may be able to resist and conquer the Assaults of Men and Devils and when they have done their worst and you have withstood them you may stand fast in Faith and Holiness and Hope 14. Stand therefore having your loyns girt about with truth and having on the breastplate of righteousness 15. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace 14 15. Stand therefore to your Obligations to Faith and
who despised him and killed him and persecuted his Cause and Servants did also destroy the Jews 10. When he shall come to be glorified in his saints and to be admired in all them that believe because our testimony among you was believed in that day 10. Note The End of Christs glorious coming will be to be glorified and admired in holy Believers as having by his Merit Intercession and Spirit made them by Holiness fit for Glory and in Justice set them above their Persecutors 2. So far were the poore Christians from being then such a Glory and Admiration that they continued above two hundred years after this to be persecuted and made the scorn of the World 11. Wherefore also we pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness and the work of faith with power 11. We pray that God will fit you by his Grace for this and make you suitable to your holy Calling and fully perform to you all the Purposes of his Love and powerfully finish your Work of Faith Note Worthiness in the Gospel-sense is that Moral Qualification by Grace to which as a Moral Condition God hath promised the Blessing 12. That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you and ye in him according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ 12. Note That Sanctifying Grace maketh Christians a Glory to the Name of Christ declaratively as the Cause is honoured in the Effect and they are glorified in Christ possessively as the Means in the End obtained and the Runner in the Prize and relatively as an adopted Son in a Prince that adopteth him CHAP. II. 1. NOw we beseech you brethren by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and by our gathering together unto him 2. That ye be not soon shaken in mind or be troubled neither by spirit nor by word nor by letter as from us as that the day of Christ is at hand 1 2. I vehemently beseech you that no Pretence either of Spirit Word or Apostolical Letter persuade you that Christs Coming is near at hand and so trouble you and your Faith be shaken when that 's disappointed Note further That it 's more than the Destruction of Jerusalem that is here meant For it will be the Churches gathering together to Christ at his coming 2. And it neither agreeth with the following long Persecutions of the Church by the Heathens nor with Paul's usual Pity to the Jews thus to insult in their Destruction as if it brought a Felicity to the Church like Heaven it self 3. Let no man deceive you by any means for that day shall not come except there come a falling away first and that man of sin be revealed the son of perdition 4. Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God shewing himself that he is God 3. It is dangerous deceit for any to persuade you that the Day of Christ is at hand for there are many things that must first come to pass There must first be a falling away of many from the Faith and that notable Man of Sin must appear who is to be destroyed 4. Who arrogantly opposeth true Christianity and exalteth himself above all c. 5 6 7. Remember ye not that when I was yet with you I told you these things And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time For the mystery of iniquity doth already work onely he who now letteth will let until he be taken out of the way 8. And then shall that wicked be revealed whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming 9. Even him whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders 10. And with all deceiveableness of unrighteousness in them that perish because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved 11. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion that they should believe a lie 12. That they all might be damned who believed not the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness Note 1. That Forewarning should be Forearming 2. Both the rise and fall of Sin and Sinners must have their proper Seasons Gods delays are but staying till the due time 3. Removing Impediments is the Prepartory work for future events 4. This great Enemy of Christ is a Man Lawless and made up of Wickedness 5. He must be first revealed and then consumed even by his Word Spirit and Coming 5. Satan will promote this Enemy of Christ with Power Signs and lying Wonders and Deceivableness of Unrighteousness 6. Not receiving the Love of the Truth of Gospel nor heartily believing it but taking pleasure in Unrighteousness prepare Men for damning Delusions 7. God is said to send them such Delusions by penal Desertions and Permissions Readers I dare not take on me to teach you that as true which I know not my self nor yet to pretend that I know more than I do I confess that I am uncertain who it is that Paul here describeth And meerly to know what other Men say of it is no satisfaction to me especially when they so greatly differ as they do 1. Most of the Fathers and Papists think that Antichrist here described is some odious False-Christ who is yet to come before the End of the World I have much to say against that Opinion 2. Grotius thought that this Chapter speaks of the Emperour Caius Caligula chiefly and partly of Simon Magus So much may be said against that as that his Follower Dr. Hammond rejecteth it 3. Dr. Hammond thinks it speaketh onely of Simon Magus I cannot believe that 1. Because really this Simon was no such considerable formidable Person as he describeth him The few Scraps of History of Simon recited by him are very dubious No great or publick History of those Times mention him He was affrighted into Submission and Supplication to Peter Acts 8. He was not thought worthy the naming after in all the sharp Charges against Hereticks in the Epistles The Judaizers are reproved the Concision called Dogs the Troublers Paul wisheth cut off the Nicolaitans named and the Woman Jezebel and many Antichrists mentioned by John the grosser sort of Hereticks smartly described and condemned by Peter and Jude John forbids us to bid them Good-speed Paul bids Men avoid them as self-condemned The Revelation speaketh yet more fully And none of them all mention Simon as the God and Ringleader of them If the Nicolaitans and all those that the Doctor calleth Gâ—osticks were known to be the Disciples of Simon why is that concealed in such large Reproofs and why not called Simonians as well as Nicolaitans If they were not then known to be his Off-spring it seems these Heresies had other Fathers before him more noted
hath Decreed their Salvation and will not lose them and he hath marked them out by his Spirit and written on them Holiness to the Lord And therefore on the other side is written Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity For Gods Decree conjoyneth the End and Means and he Decreeth none to Salvation that are not at once Decreed to Sanctification As his Covenant on his part promiseth us Life so our Covenant to him obligeth us to Holiness 20. But in a great house there are not onely vessels of gold and of silver but also of wood and earth and some to honour and some to dishonour 20. But it is not to be wondered at if in Gods House which is his Church-visible or the Professors of Christianity there be Errours and Scandals and some Backslide For it 's usual in great Mens Houses to have some Wooden and Earthen Vessels for low and base usage as well as Silver and Gold for the Table c. 21. If a man therefore purge himself from these he shall be a vessel unto honour sanctified and meet for the masters use and prepared unto every good work 21. All that by Gods Grace do purge themselves from Heresie and Iniquity are Vessels of Honour sanctified and meet to serve and honour God and disposed to all good Works 22. Flee also youthful lusts but follow righteousness faith charity peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart 22. Note 1. That the Flesh and its Lusts especially in Youth are such dangerous Enemies to our Holiness and Salvation that we have greet need to be warned to avoid those Lusts and consequently all that cherisheth them Fulness Idleness loose Company c. 2. Righteousness Faith Charity and Peace are the Sum of a Holy Life 3. Charity and Peace must extend to all that call on the Lord out of a pure Heart though not in our Forms or Ceremonies 23. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid knowing that they do gender strifes 23. But whereas the more ignorant and unsound Professors are apt to turn Practical Godliness into Self-conceited Ignorant Controversie and Disputes avoid this ill Practice as knowing that such wranglings do but but breed strifes 24. And the servant of the Lord must not strive but be gentle unto all men apt to teach patient 25. In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth 26. And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil who are taken captive by him at his will 24 25 26. But God's Servants especially Bishops and Teachers must not provoke Dâ—ssenters by striving Debates but be gentle to all Men even the Erroneous apt to teach them and patient with them in Errour Instructing them in Meeekness and in a gentle sort even when they oppose the Truth and thus to wait in the right use of Gods means to see whether God will convince them and turn them by Repentance to the acknowledging of the Truth and that by consideration of what you teach them they may recover themselves out of the Snare of the Devil who captivateth them alive to do his Will Note 1. If Men will not hear gentle teaching much less will they yield to provoking Disputes 2. Yet Disputes like defensive Wars are oft necessary to the defense of the Truth and Church tho it be not the way to win the Opponent 3. Till sinners by consideration can be brought to be Agents in recovering themselves no Teaching or Disputing is like to recover them 4 Fire and Water are not more contrary than this word of God and the way of Romish Prelates who Hereticate Imprison Silence Ruine and Murder True Christians for conforming to all their Superstitious Canons and Ceremonies and not swearing obedience to their usurped Domination CHAP. III. 1. THis know also that in the last days perillous times shall come 1. Before the End the times will grow yet harder more difficult and dangerous 2 3. For men shall be lovers of their own selves covetous boasters proud blasphemers disobedient to parents unthankful unholy without natural affection truce-breakers false accusers incontinent fierce despisers of those that are good 4. Traitours heady high-minded lovers of pleasures more then lovers of God 5. Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof from such turn away 2 3 4 5. The sins which will abound are these 1. They will be enslaved by selfishness and little care for any but themselves 2. Lovers of Money and Covetous 3. Open boasters and Vain glorious 4. Proud 5. Blasphemers and râ—â—â—oachful 6. Disobedient to their own Parents 7. Unthankful 8. Without Holiness Profane 9. Having no true friendly love no not Natural 10. Men that will not live in Peace but are unreconcilable 11. Devils or false accusers of others especially of the best 12. Distempered Ilconditioned Incontinent 13. Fierce and Cruel 14. Having no love to Goodness or Good Men. 15. Betrayers of others or Treacherous 16. Rash Precipitate Heady Men 17. High-minded puft up with selfconceit instead of Solid Knowledge 18. Lovers of Pleasure Sensual and Fantastical as Carnal Men more than lovers of God 19. Having an Image or form of Godliness a shew and outside in Words Gestures Liturgies Ceremonies and Professions 20. But the Power of it for Sanctification mortifying the Flesh and overcoming the World and living above they Savour not but deny and do oppose From this sort of Men turn away and have no communion with them Note If the Apostle had written thus in these latter ages of the Church Guilt would have made many accuse him as Describing and Defaming them and their Church Rulers 6. For of this sort are they which creep into houses and lead captive silly women laden with sins led away with divers lusts 7. Ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth 6.7 This Evil Spirit is already gone forth and these Mischiefs are begun and will increase for such are they that thrust themselves into Houses and there by deceit lead captive silly women who being under a heep of their own sins and acted and led by divers lusts or ill desires come to the Christian Assemblies and are still learning but grow not in sound Religion nor come to any sound knowledge of the truth and so are very capable Receptive Objects for any such deceivers to draw away Note That all the said twenty foresaid Vices which cleave to creeping Hereticks while they are low do work with greater power and confidence in them when they get into Domination 8. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses so do these also resist the truth men of corrupt minds reprobate concerning the faith 8. And as the Egyptian Magicians withstoud Moses to keep Pharoah from believing him and that by Magick so do these resist the True Preachers of the Gospel by their Magick and Arts now and by the Sword and
chosen the poor of this world rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him 5. Consider how God himself confuteth your over-valuing rich men and vilifying the poor Is it not mostly of the poor that your Churches consist Is it not them that God hath chosen poor in the World but rich in Faith to be here made Heirs and hereafter Possessors of that Kingdom of Glory which he hath promised to them that truly love him 6 7. But ye have despised the poor Do not rich men oppress you and draw you before the judgment seats Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called 6 7. Yet you despise the poor whom God himself chuseth and honoureth And doth not your own experience and suffering condemn you Who is it but rich men that oppress you by tyranny and draw you like Malefactors before their Courts of Judicature Do they not blaspheme the name of Christ and reproach your Religion 8. If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self ye do well 8 I persuade you not to hate men for their riches but not to think that these allow you so partial a differencing If you obey God's great Command as the Scripture teacheth you to love all sorts of your neighbours as your selves according to the various degrees of their truest amiableness be they rich or poor you then do well 9. But if ye have respect to persons ye commit sin and are convinced of the law as transgressors 9. But if you thus inordinately respect men differently for their wealth not only the Gospel of Love but the Law of Moses convinceth you as sinners Exod. 23.3 Lev. 30.15 Deut. 1.16 17. 10. For whosoever shall keep the whole law and yet offend in one point he is guilty of all 11. For he that said Do not commit adultery said also Do not kill Now if thou commit no adultery yet if thou kill thou art become a transgressor of the law 10 11. And that Law condemneth all that continue not in all things therein written to do them and we are bound by God's Law inforce to universal Obedience If you keep all other Commands and presumptuously break one you are contemners of the Law and so interpretatively break all 12. So speak ye and so do as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty 12. And though you are delivered from Moses's Law and the Covenant of Works remember that Christ is your King and Law-giver and you are not lawless therefore so speak and so do as they that are under his Law of Liberty and Grace and shall be judged by it by Justification or Condemnation 13. For he shall have judgment without mercy that hath shewed no mercy and mercy rejoyceth against judgment 13. For though this be a Law of Mercy it will condemn the unmerciful without mercy It hath its conditions of life or death though none but what consist with Grace But the merciful shall find mercy at Judgment And God's mercy in Christ as the cause and their mercy to men for his sake as the condition will prevail against condemning Judgment 14. What doth it profit my brethren though a man say he hath faith and have not works can faith save him 14. Is not a meer wordy Profession an unprofitable thing to your selves as well as to others Will professing Christianity and saying you believe profit you to Salvation if you obey not Christ and live not according to the Gospel 15 16. If a brother or sister be naked and destitute of daily food And one of you say unto them Depart in peace be you warmed and filled notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body what doth it profit 15 16. Will good words cloath the naked or feed the hungry Is it not like a mocking of them 17. Even so faith if it hath not works is dead being alone 17. Even so your notional knowledge and belief and the bare professiâ—n of Faith if it produce not the fruits of Obedience Love and Mercy is but an uneffectual dead thing in it self shewing a dead Soul and is dead as to your Justification and Salvation 18. Yea a man may say Thou hast faith and I have works shew me thy faith without thy works and I will shew thee my faith by my works 18. Any one may say to this man if thy Religion be sound it will have life and power and be known by its fruits Canst thou shew and justifie thy Religion or Belief without any good works or fruits as I can do mine by them 19. Thou believest that there is one God thou doest well the devils also believe and tremble 19. It is part of thy Religion to believe that there is One God This is well done it is a most fundamental Truth but it saveth not the Devils that believe it and tremble 20. But wilt thou know O vain man that faith without works is dead 21. Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar 20 21. But art not thou a vain man that knowest not that Faith is but a dead Opinion uneffectual to justifie and save if it be uneffectual to Works Dost thou not discern how plainly the Scripture confuteth thee Was it not Doing in Faith or a Faith that caused working Obedience by which Abraham was justified who was the Father of the Faithful when he offered his Son Isaac and God said Gen. 22.16 Because thou hast done this thing and hast not withheld thy Son thy only Son in blessing I will bless thee c. 22. Seest thou how faith wrought with his works and by works was faith made perfect 22. You may see that his Faith made him obey God's Command and the obedient working of it did constitute it a sound effectual Faith without which it could not justifie him 23. And the scripture was fulfilled which saith Abraham believed God and it was imputed unto him for righteousness and he was called the friend of God 23. And this is the true sense of the Scripture which saith Abraham believed c. that is he so far believed and trusted God as to offer up his Son and this trust working by such Obedience or this practical effectual trust was so accepted by God that though he was not perfect without sin God accounted him a righteous man that was meet for the free Salvation of his Grace and to be called The Friend of God 24. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified and not by faith only 24. You see then that by such necessary doing God's will which is the product of an effectual Faith and sheweth it to be lively and sincere and not a dead Opinion a man is accounted just by God accordâ—ng to the Covenant of Grace through Christ and not only by bare believing or not by believing only without
Mat. 24. and received his Notice from none but Christ and that Christ's own words are the surest Notification who is the Antichrist For it is mentioned here not as a thing known only by special Inspiration to them or the Apostles but as a received former Prophecy As you have heard that Antichrist shall come And which way did they hear it but by the Apostles as from Christ whose words the Evangelists have not omitted Now Christ's words were Many shall come in my Name saying I am Christ and shall deceive many Here he doth not fix the name on any one more than on others And it is certain that Christ was not mistaken but what he fore-told did come to pass though we read not of any that was expresly called Christ and commonly so believed that was not because none attempted so to deceive men but because their success was small and soon stifled and not like Mahomet's Biza on the Text Mat. 24. saith In my Name is They shall usurp the Name of the Messiah or Christ Such was that Dositheus whom Theophilact speaketh of and Simon and Theudas and after these Manes who also chose his twelve Apostles And in our Memory the Munster Anabaptists attempted the same and after them David George the Prince of the Libertines So James Nailor lately the Quaker whose Tongue the Parliament bored through whip'd him and imprison'd him till he dyed for solemnly personating Christ riding into Bâ—istol But there were others that promised to deliver the Jews till they drew them into Rebellion to their destruction and so took on them to redeem Israel though they called not themselves the Christ Almost all Expositors agree that these were the Antichrists meant by Christ Mat. 24. But though these were then shortly to arise it followeth not but that more such might arise after them and such was Mahomet above all others notorious by his Alcoron Kingdom and Success And as Ebion Cerintâ—us and some other Hereticks were against Christ in some degree so more notably is the Pope in that degree as he arrogateth Christ's Prerogative and maketh himself a Vicarious Head of the whole Church on Earth So that these grant that such Popes are one sort of those Antichrists that should after arise but that the Pope is not he that is meant by Christ in Matth. 24. nor here by John And whereas 2 Thes 2. is objected for One Man of Sin c. they say that it is not Antichrist properly that is there mentioned but the Anti-God the Roman Idolatrous Emperor that should cause Jerusalem's Desolation and set up there the Idol of Abomination There is the like mention of Antichrist again Ch. 4.3 Every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God And this is the spirit of Antichrist whereof ye have heard that it should come and even now a ready is in the world So Ch. 2.20 He is Antichrist that denyeth the Father and the Son And 2. Joh. For many deceivers are entred into the world who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh This is a deceiver and one Antichrist And say they when no other Text in Scripture hath the name Antichrist and these four all thus expound it of such as deny Christ's Incarnation and directly oppose him and such as were then in being and of many such Heresies and not of one Man or Order alone and when all this concurreth with Christ's own words of many false Christs that should deceive the Jews to their destruction whence can we expect a surer Exposition of Antichristianity whether we take the name for an Adversary to Christ or for a false Christ When Grotius singleth out Barchochebas as the chief Antichrist who called himself the Messiah and seduced thousands and even the Sanedrim of Rulers inâ—o his Error to their destruction it is answered by some That this was all done before this Epistle was written To which some reply 1. That this is utterly uncertain because that Epiphanius saith John was first banished under Claudius and because the contrary Tradition hath no good Evidence and because the Apocalyps is the best Expositor whose very Style implyeth that at least much of it was written before the Destruction of Jerusalem and so may this Epistle 2. Were it certain John maketh no one to be the only or grand Antichrist and therefore Christ's words might be first fulfilled in Barchochebas and such others and yet more after may succeed them The two other Opinions 1. That it is only Simon Magus 2. Or Vespasian I think not worthy the confuting In these difficulties I only advise the Reader that he never forsake great and certain Truths or Duties for any thing uncertain And that Humane Faith overthrow not Divine Faith And no man's Opinion draw him to depose Christ by denying all his Visible Church and making it all in any Age much less in its best state to be Idolatrous and Antichristian Or to bâ— frightned from Christian Love Unity and Peace or from any lawful thing by the meer name of Antichrist But to judge of Doctrines by Scripture and of Persons by their Doctrines Practices and Personal Qualification and to hate sin impartially wherever he findeth it and to accuse rashly and unjustly neither Persons Parties or Societies 19. They went out from us but they were not of us for if they had been of us they would no doubt have continued with us but they went out that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us 19. These Deceivers the Nicolaitans Ebion Cerinthus c. were indeed in our Communion and went out from us but they were never sincerely of the same Faith and Spirit with us else they would have stayed with us But they went out and separated and set up their Heresies that they might shew that they were never sound in the Faith 20. But ye have an unction from the holy One and ye know all things 20. But the most holy God and Saviour hath anointed you with his holy Spirit which will lead you from pernicious Errour into all necessary Truth if you obey him 21. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth but because ye know it and that no lie is of the truth 21. It is not as supposing you ignorant of the Truth that I write to you but because you know the necessary Truth and therefore may the easier reject all inconsistent Falshoods 22. Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ he is antichrist that denieth the Father and the Son 23. Whosoever denieth the Son the same hath not the Father but he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also 22 23. And who is the dangerous Lyer but he that denyeth that Jesus is the Christ and consequently denyeth the Father Note The scantness of History leaveth it uncertain what sort of Seducers John meaneth whether some that fell to flat Infidelity directly renouncing Christianity
or only such as Ebion Cerinthus and others that denyed somewhat of Christ's Being his Manhood or his Godhead or his real Suffering Or those that were for Moses's Law and held that Christ may be denyed with the Tongue in case of danger so that the heart deny him not pretending that God will have Mercy to our selves and not Sacrifice 24. Let that therefore abide in you which ye have heard from the beginning if that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you ye also shall continue in the Son and in the Father 24. Hold fast the Doctrine which at the first ye received from us and turn not after Novelties and this will preserve you against Seduction and continue you in the Faith Relation and Love of the Son and Father 25. And this is the promise that he hath promised us even eternal life 25. And if you live by â—aith upon his Promises he will give you Eternal Life which he hath promised whatever you suffer or forsake here in the way 26. These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you 26. It is the seducing Hereticks who occasion my writing these Warnings to you 27. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you and ye need not that any man teach you but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things and is truth and is no lie and even as it hath taught you ye shall abide in him 27. But I hope I need no other Argument to confirm you in the Christian Faith against Seducers than that the Spirit of Christ which is his Witness Agent and Advocate hath through his Apostles Preaching and Imposition of Hands been given to you and among you His Miracles have sealed his Truth before your eyes and his illuminating and sanctifying Grace hath been given you if you be true Believers And I hope you will not deny the Holy Ghost As he is thus the Infallible Objective Evidence of Christ's Truth so is he in you an Efficient Illuminating Teacher and ready within you to plead Christ's Cause and teach you all necessary Truth Therefore you need not any man's Testimony and Teaching as those do that have no other but must take the Word of Man alone Use Christ's Ministers but in due Subordination to the Spirit and quench it not and he will keep you 28. And now little children abide in him that when he shall appear we may have confidence and not be ashamed before him at his coming 28. Therefore Children waver not but fixedly abide in Christ and true Christianity that when he shal appear in Judgment we may see and meet him with joyful confidence and not with shame unto Condemnation as Apostates will Note 'T is wonder that he that expounds all this of Christ's coming to destroy Jerusalem by the Romans his Enemies should think that all the Christians to whom the Apostles wrote should then meet Christ or be so much comforted therein when most were like to die first and few living to be much the better for it And Christian Compassion would fill them with Grief as Paul had Rom. 9. and 11. and not make them like men of utter malice to take it for so great joy to have the Jews so murdered when Christ wept over them that foretold it and when the Romans were far more to persecute the Church near three hundred Years And this Exposition leaveth all the Christian World since to this day little more use of the abundance of Motives and Comforts of the New Testament than of the fulfilled Prophecies of the Old Do not Christ's and the Apostles words nearly concern us Or should the Church be moved to Constancy Patience and Comfort chiefly sixteen hundred Years after because a Million of Jews were killed then 29. If ye know that he is righteous ye know that every one that doth righteousness is born of him 29. And as ye believe that Christs is just and a Lover of Righteousness so all that sincerely live a righteous Life towards God and Man are new born by his Sanctifying Spirit to his Image and shall surely be received and owned by him CHAP. III. 1. BEhold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God therefore the world knoweth us not because it knew him not 1. Let us therefore instead of forsaking Christ admire the wondrous Love of God to us that hath in Christ adopted us to be his Sons Indeed our Dignity is unknown to the unbelieving World for they knew not Christ to be the Son of God and how then should they know us 2. Beloved now are we the sons of God and it doth not yet appear what we shall be but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is 2. And it is no wonder if our Condition be unknown to the unbelieving World for though we are already the Sons of God and have Right by Promise to future Glory our future Glory is yet unseen and what we shall be doth not appear to the World or to our own sight But we know by faith that when Christ appeareth we that are his Members shall in our several measures be made like our glorified Head in the Perfection both of Soul and Body and place and state of Blessedness For he hath promised that we shall be with him and therefore shall see him as he is and therefore be made capable of such a sight and glorious Communion 3. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure 3. And knowing that without Holiness none can see God and that it is the Pure in heart that have the Promise of seeing him therefore all that have a true effectual Hope of seeing him will make it their chief care to purifie themselves that such Likeness to Christ may render them capable of such a blessed sight 4. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law for sin is the transgression of the law 5. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins and in him is no sin 4 5. For to sin is to transgress and break God's Law for that is the definition of Sin And ye know that Christ came in the Flesh to be a Sacrifice for Sin and to take it away and destroy it and never sinned himself and all this that he might vindicate God's Law and Holiness 6. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not whosoever sinneth hath not seen him neither known him 6. So far as any man is in him and is taught and ruled by him so far is he freed from all sin and all his true Members are delivered from the predominant love and practice of all known sin and are willing to know all that they may avoid it And he that would not know it and when he doth know it doth not hate it more than love it and so far forsake it as to conquer
and went up into a mountain and sat down there 30. And great multitudes came unto him having with them those that were lame blind dumb maimed and many others and cast them down at Jesus feet and he healed them 29 30. Note How earnestly will men seek for bodily heaâ—th who are senseless of their Souls concerns If Christs Ministers could give all men health and wealth what abundance of followers would they have and who would for this imprison persecute or silence them 31. Insomuch that the multitude wondered when they saw the dumb to speak â—â—e maimed to be whole the lame to walk and the blind to see and they glorified the God of Israel 31. Note Great and sensâ—ble Miracles and 〈◊〉 force men to acknowledge the hand of God and to praise him 32. Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said I have compassion on the multitude because they continue with me now three days and have nothing to eat I will not send them away fasting lest they faint by the way 33. And his disciples say to him Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness as to fill so great a multitude 34. And Jesus saith to them How many loaves have ye and they said Seven and a few fishes 35. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground 36. And he took the seven loaves and the fishes and gave thanks and brake them and gave to his disciples and the disciples to the multitude 37. and they did all eat and were filled and took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full 38. And they that did eat were four thousand men beside women and children 39. And he sent away the multitude and took ship and came into the coasts of Magdala 32 c. This was the second Miracle of compassionate feeding the hungry Is not Christ in Heaven as merciful and sufficient for Soul and body as he was on Earth CHAP. XVI 1. THe Pharisees also with the Sadducees came and tempting desired him to shew them a sign from heaven 1. Not believing the reports of all his Miracles they desired that they themselves might see some sign from Heaven which might certainly prove that God had sent him thinking that he could not do it 2. He answered and said to them when it is evening ye say it will be fair weather for the sky is red 3. And in the morning It will be foul weather to day for the sky is red and lowring O ye hypocrites ye can discern the face of the sky but can ye not discern the signs of the times 2 3. You can conjecture what weather will be by the sky And is it to you so hard a matter to know by my doctrine and all the miracles and good works that I have done that I am sent of God that you must prescribe what signs God shall shew you from heaven before you will believe 4. A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign and there shall no sign be given to it but the sign of the prophet Jonas And he left them and departed 4. When your own wickedness hindereth you bebelief you call for a sign from heaven to convince you But I again tell you you shall have no sign but that of the Prophet Jonah He that is filthy let him be filthy still 5. And when his disciples were come to the other side they had forgotten to take bread 6. Then Jesus said to them Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees 5 6. Note Christ doth not bid them to avoid all converse with these men or not to hear them read the Law of Moses but to take heed of receiving any of their false doctrine 7. And they reasoned among themselves saying It is because we have taken no bread 8. Which when Jesus perceived he said to them O ye of little faith why reason ye among your selves because ye have brought no bread 9. Do ye not yet understand neither remember ye the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets ye took up 10. Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand and how many baskets ye took up 11. How is it that ye do not understand that I spake not to you concerning bread that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees 12. Ten understood they how that he bade them not beware of of the leaven of bread but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees 7 c. We are dull of understanding till Christ instruct us and apt to put a carnal sence upon his words 13. When Jesus came into the coasts of Cesarea Philippi he asked his disciples saying Whom do men say that I the Son of man am 13. Note Christ would not so much as urge his own Disciples to confess him to be the Christ till his works were a cogent testimony that their faith might not be precarious nor by bare command but by convincing evidence 14. And they said Some say thou art John the Baptist some Elias and others Jeremias or one of the Prophets 14. Note 1. Men were convinced that he was of God that is the multitude but not the Rulers But they thought he was not the Messiah but some great Prophets Soul in a new body 2. By this it is evident that the multitude then believed the immortality of the Soul else they could not think that those Souls came into other Bodies 15 16. He saith to them But whom say ye that I am And Simon Peter answered and said Thou art the Christ the son of the living God 15 16. Note 1. It was meet that those that were to preach Christ to others should be brought to an open confession of him themselves 2. It s like the rest believed as Peter tho he only spake 17. And Jesus answered and said to him Blessed art thou Simon Bar-Jonah for flesh and bloud hath not revealed it to thee but my Father who is in heaven 17. It is a point of so great importance to Sanctification Justification and Salvation verily to believe me to be the Christ and Saviour that this faith is the evidence and means of thy blessedness It is not mere man that hath revealed this so as to make thee a true believer but my heavenly Father by my works and word and by his grace 18. And I say also unto thee that thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it 18. And as thou hast consest me to be Christ I will say to thy comfort that as thy name signifieth a Rock or Stone So by thee and thy brethren I will build my Church on this Rock agaist which all the powers of Hell the Devils and wicked men shall not prevail Note 1. It is a great controversie whether by this Rock be meant 1. Christ himself 2. Or the faith and confession of Christ
3. Or Peter himself But no doctrinal controversie dependeth on it For all three are certain truths 1. No doubt but primarily Christ is the Rock on which the Church is built 2. And no doubt but Faith and Confession being the condition of our part in Christ the Church is so far built thereon 3. And no doubt but the Apostles are called Foundation stones on which the Church is built and therefore Peter whose name importeth it and was a chief speaker among them as the foreman of a Jury 2. Though the Powers of Hell may seem to prevail as they did over Christ while he was on the Cross they are then next an overthrow themselves 19. And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven and whatever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven 19. And hereafter I will make thee a ruling Steward over my Church as it is Gods Kingdom on earth preparatory to the Heavenly Kingdom of Glory and the due administration of thy office by these Keys of Power shall be the ordinary way to Heaven and a forerunner of the finall Justification of the Faithful and of the final condemnation of the Impenitent and ungodly whom by my doctrine and the due application of it thou bindest over to my judgment Note As Peter was the foreman or speaker in their common confession so by Peter the promise is made to them all And to them all Christ after gave this power But he never made Peter governour of the rest of the Apostles Much less the Pope 20. Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ 20. N. Because this honour was reserved chiefly 1. To the time of the accomplishment of all the evidences by his Resurrection and Ascension and giving of the Holy Ghost 2. And to the work of the Spirit then on the Apostles by which they were suddenly advanced to a fitness for this work above what they attained by Christs personal teaching them on earth 21. From that time forth began Jesus to shew to his disciples how that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes and be killed and be raised again the third day 21. Note 1. This Christ did 1. To make them know that he knew things to come 2. And to make them know that it was not to reign as an earthly King that he was sent 3. And to prepare them to bear his sufferings and not to expect fleshly prosperity by him 2. It was the Poor that followed Christ and the Rulers and Teachers that crucified him 22. Then Peter took him and began to rebuke him saying Be it far from thee Lord this shall not be unto thee 22. Peter contradicted him saying God forbid Lord favour thy self and expose not thy self to this Note 1. The flesh is ready to suggest fleshly counsel and to oppose all that tends to suffering 2. We have need to be fortified against temptations of loving friends as well as enemies 23. But he turned and said to Peter Get thee behind me Satan thou art an offence to me for thou savourest not the things that be of God but those that be of men 23. He lookt at him with displeasure and said to Peter I say to thee as I did to the Devil when he tempted me Get thee behind me for thou doest the work of Satan the adversary in tempting me for self-preservation to violate my Fathers command and my undertaking and to forsake the work of mans Redemption and Salvation As thy counsel savoureth not the things that be of God his will work and Glory but the things that be of men the love of the body and this present life so it signifieth what is in thy heart take heed lest this carnality prevail Note 1. All things must displease us that displease God and are against his interest and the good of man 2. Even the best men and nearest friends may by temptation and errour be made Satans instruments to do his work in some particulars of great moment 3. Good men do the Devils work oft times when they know it not but verily think it is all for Christ 4. No love or respect to mens nearness or goodness must draw us to flatter them in sin or to speak lightly of it we must not mince it or extennate it because good men commit it we must lay it home on them that would by justifying it make it pass for duty Lest the name of Good men should serve Satan more effectually than men of known wickedness can do 5. It is no railing on just occasions to tell tempting friends and godly men or Ministers that they are doing the Devils woâ—k and are instead of Devils to the tempted To hinder us in Gods work and mens Salvation is to be Satans to us O how many Satans then are called Reverend Fathers who silence and persecute men for Gods work as the whole course of the Papal Discipline and worship manifesâ—â—th 7. It is carnal savouring worldly and fleshly interest too much and the things of God the Soul and Heaven to little which is the common cause of the sinful counsels and course even of Sacred men 24. Then said Jesus to his disciples If any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me 25. For whoever will save his life shall lose it and whoever will lose his liâ—e for my sake shall find it 24. Christ took this occasion to preach self-denial to his Disciples saying Let him that will be my Disciple and follow me and expect Salvation by me resolve to deny his carnal self and self-interest and resign himself to me as being not his own but mine Not making the cross but patiently taking and bearing it when it is laid upon him and follow me by sufferings unto glory For this is the method determined by God that whoever resolveth to save his life and not be undone in the world to avoid sin this man shall finally lose his life and life eternal And whoever will lose his life rather than by sin to forsake me and his duty shall find that life with felicity in heaven which he lost on earth N. Christs peremptory terms of Salvation are to prefer it and him before our lives 26. For what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul 26. Will it not be an ill bargain to gain all the world for a short time to the flesh and lose ones own Soul and its happiness for ever And what will compensate the loss of the Soul For what price would you sell its happiness N. 1. Men hath a Soul that liveth when he leaveth this world 2. It were a mad bargain to sell a mans Soul for all that this world