profaned and abused the Sacrament how and in what manner it is not so cleare but so that the Apostle tels them in this Verse they came together not for the better but for the worse and vers 20. This is not to eate the Lords Supper We commonly say that is not done which is not rightly done saith Calvin Illegitime edere non est edere Pareus And therefore the Apostle saith twice Vers. 22. I praise you not a Miosis I dispraise I blame you Then having blamed them for doing amisse he instrusts them and useth very strong perswasions to make them reform and do aright He rehearseth unto them Christs institution and explaines it he lets them know how hainous a thing in its own nature and how dangerous in respect of the consequence it is to communicate unworthily Consider three thing in generall 1. The rehearsall of Christs institution of the Sacrament Vers. 23 24 25. Then the Apostles explication of it Vers. 26. And 3. his application Vers. 27 28 29 30. Vers. 18. For first of all when you come together in the Church c. Some take Church here per coetu fidelium Yet Theophylact and all Greek Writers generally expound it the ministeriall place of meeting See v. 22. Divisiâ—ns Or Schismes Schisme is a difference about rites or externall discipline heresie is a difference about doctrine and faith Schismes many times degenerate into Heresies Vers. 19. For there must be also heresies among you There is not any need of them for any good in themselves they are the diseases of the Church but there are sufficient causes alwaies in blind and corrupt judgements He saith not it is possible but necessary that heresies be as fire to try and purge the Gold It behoves that there be heresies in the Church as it is necessary there should be poyson and venomous creatures in the world because out of them God will worke medicines See Matth. 18.7 That they which are approved sincere in the faith may be made manifest among you That is known to be sincere by their constancy Vers. 20. The Lords Supper so called partly from the Authour and partly from the free circumstance of the evening time 1 Cor. 10.21 11.23 See Grotius Eate The Papists goe about to establish their administration of the Lords Supper under one kind from the Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but that word is used generally for the whole action of the Sacrament viz. the distribution of the bread and Wine and the Syriack propounds it more distinctly rendring it Comedentes vos bibentes Waltherus in officina Biblica Vers. 22. Despise ye the Church of God That is the place where Gods people come together for his service Vers. 23. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you And as he received what he delivered so he delivered what he received he kept nothing back Acts 20.27 That the Lord Iesus Onely he is sufficient to institute the Sacrament who can conferre the grace of it If we either respect Christ as Lord or Jesus if either our duty to him or safety by him then let us also respect this Sacrament The same night Christ did institute the Sacrament at night because immediately after the Passeover Matth. 26.19 20 26. and by the Law the Passeover was to be eaten at night Exod. 21.6 8. In which he was betrayed Greek signifies delivered or given up into the hands of his adversaries who condemned and crucified him The word is often used of Iudas who did it treacherously and so betrayed him Matth. 27.3 Marke 14.21 Luke 22.22 Iohn 18.2 but sometimes it is used of God himselfe Rom. 8.32 sometimes indefinitely Rom. 4. ult so here it may be taken Took bread off the Table setting it apart for a holy use Exod. 12.5 6 21. This signifies that Christ by the eternall purpose and decree of God was separated and set a part to be made a sacrifice and offering for us Here and in the 26 27 28 verses the Apostles cals it Bread after consecration therefore the substance of Bread doth remain after the words of consecration Vers. 24. And when he had given thanks He gave thanks to God for his mercy towards mankind and the inestimable benefit of redemption by his death the Sacrament whereof he was instituting This teacheth us to come with thanksgiving to the Lords Table hence the Sacrament is termed the Eucharist Calvin This is my body a figure signe and representation of my body the signe put for the thing signified because of the analogy between them See Gen. 7.10 Exod. 2.11 1 Cor. 10.4 Tit. 3.5 The Fathers generally expound it the Sacrament of his body Cornelius a Lapide on Esay saith if Christ had not been incarnate the Priests pronouncing of these words hoc est corpus meum would have incarnated him and on this place he saith Sanè in hora mortis in die illa terribili cum sistemur tribunali Christi de fide vita examinandi si me roget Christus cur credidisti corpus meum in Eucharistia fidenter dicam Domine credidi quod in dixisti quod me docuisti tu verba tua per tropum non explicuisti nec ego per tropum explicare ausus sum This doe in remembrance of me By vertue of these words not onely power and authority is given Ministers but a necessity is imposed upon them to celebrate the Sacrament The words are not permissive but mandatory Vers. 25. After the same manner also he took the Cup After the same manner and to the same end he tooke the cup into his hands that he had formerly taken the Bread When he had supped Or after having supped This Cup is the New Testament in my blood Here are two metonymies 1 A metonymie of the subject Cup for the Wine contained in the cup and the Wine in the Cup is not the New Testament but a Sacrament of the New Testament made and confirmed by the blood of Christ. Is That is sealeth and confirmeth Vers. 26. Eat this Bread Still bread even after consecration bread though not ordinary and common but this bread yet bread And drink this cup Drink this as well as eat that Ye do shew forth the Lords death Hence the Sacrament was termed by the Ancients a Sacrifice viz. representative and commemorative but not properly Till he come This shews the perpetuity of the Sacrament the Passover remained till Christs first comming his death this must remain till his second comming unto judgement Vers. 27. Vnworthily Ignorantly unreverently or prophanely He that comes unto the Sacrament and receives it in an unfit manner without that due regard which belongs unto such an holy action Vers. 28. Let Not spoken by way of permission but injunction not here as 1 Cor. 7.6 36. A necessity is laid upon us necessitas praecepti for it is a plain and peremptory
by Christ 564 In the Bowels of Jesus Christ I have you in my heart 292 Our daily Bread what 16 why called ours ib. Christ the Bread of life 148 Bread after consecration 246 C CAjetans errour 258 A twofold call 231 Came together Mat. 1.18 what it signifies 3 It is easier for a Camel c. 51 52 131 The Word compared to a Candle 116 Lead Captivity captive 284 Arguments against the immoderate cares of this world 17 18 Everlasting Chaines 576 Charity believeth all things 249 The greatest of these is Charity ib. Children who 568 Children of wrath what it signifieth 281 Children must obey their parents how why 289 Christ annointed the word comprehends his Kingly Priestly and Propheticall Offices 2 He is the anointed ib. The first-born 4 And I of Christ opened 230 To confesse Christ what 128 We are Christs how 234 Three Cities of Christ 23 The Church called the Kingdom of Heaven why 47 Two things required of those who would enter into this Kingdom ib. True Church compared to a woman why 596 Tell it unto the Church 48 Circumcision and uncircumcision what 268 273 Circumcised debtors to the Law ib. Why Paul circumcised Timothy 197 Inward circumcision in what it consists 304 To heap coales of fire on ones head what 225 The Epistle to the Colossians when written 301 The occasion of the writing with the sum and substance thereof ib. Commandement the sixt interpreted 12 Three degrees besides actuall murther of the breach thereof ib. The punishment due to each degree ib. Commandement 7. interpreted 13 First and great Commandement which why so called 60 90 The second thou shall love thy Neighbour c. how like unto it 60 Why the fifth Commandement Rom. 13.9 omitted 226 Communion what 241 He that believeth not is condemned already 145 Continence a gift of God 50 Corban what 85 Corinth where seated notable for wisdom infamous for lust 230 The Epistle to the Corinthians written before that to the Romans ib. A covetous man termed an Idolater why 287 Take up his Crosse 44 45 The preaching of the Crosse why so called 230 To glory in the Crosse of Christ what 275 A Crown of life what why so called 581 A Cubit what 18 Cup signifies afflictions 53 54. why 75 This Cup is the New testament in my blood 245 D WHy the Tribe of Dan Rev. 7. omitted 589 Darknesse over all the earth at Christs death 138 Not naturall ib. What it denoted ib. Day divided into four quarters 53 Daily bread what 16 why called ours ib. Ill translated supersubstantiall ib. The Dead shall heare his voyce 147 Pains of Death Act. 2.24 signifie not the torments of Hell 187 Not lawfull for us to put any man to Death 166 We cannot satisfie for our own debts 49 Who will render to every man according to his deeds Rom. 2.6 infers not merit of works 208 Deity of Christ proved 561 Self deniall what 44 45 112 Depths of Satan what 582 Destroy this Temple 144 Devill called a Dragon why 596 The Devill bounded by God 581 Why Christ suffered not the Devils to speak 79 Diligence implies both speed and seriousnesse 562 The Disciple known to the High-priest who 165 No prerequisite disposition in us 68 Dogs who 19 296 why Seducers so called ib. Dove its nature 27 Saw the Spirit descending like a Dove 8 Shaking off the dust what meant thereby 27 114 195 Reciprocall duties of Wives and Husbands 288 306 of Children and Parents 289 707 of Servants and Masters ib. The Spirit of God to dwell in us what 217 E THere will the Eagles be gathered together 128 To eat Christs flesh and drink his blood what 148 The Elect may fall into fundamentall errours but not persist in them 65 Emanuel God with us 4 Ephesus 277 Equivocation not grounded on Luke 24.28 the place opened 140 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 what it signifies 1 The Evil one who and why the devil so called 14 36 Resist not Evil but c. opened 14 Excommunication termed a delivery unto Satan why 236 To whom it pertaineth 235 Eye Matth. 6.22 c. taken for the understanding 17 A single eye what ib. F FAith what it signifies 226 Faith preserveth a man to salvation 554 One not saved by anothers faith 197 Faith overcomes the world 572 Faith as a grain of Mustard-seed what 128 Faith obtaines more then it wishes 132 It worketh by love 273 The Faith of the Elect but one 284 If I had all faith expounded 248 The excellency of faith 23 Four things requisite to justifying faith 42 All great in the woman of Canaan ib. God faithfull and just in forgiving sins 567 Whose Fan is in his hand 8 Farthing how much 13.28 To pay the utmost Farthing 13 Christ fasted 40 daies and 40 nights why 8 My Father is greater then I 162 Call no man father 61 Father mother wife must be hated how 123 The Father judgeth no man 147 Fellowship with God and Christ brings full joy why 567 Filled with the Holy ghost 96 A threefold fulnesse of the Holy Ghost 189 Fulnesse in Christ 142 The fulnesse of him that filleth all in all 280 To finish ones course with joy what 200 Tried with fire what 554 Maketh fire come down from Heaven 601 First born who 4 100 302 Christ the First born and why so called 4 Christ the First born of the dead 302 The First fruits of those that slept 252 To be in the Flesh what 217 Flesh and Spirit what 274 The Spirit lusteth against the Flesh ib. Flesh and blood what 254 Pray that your flight be not in the Winter or on the Sabbath day why 64 To follow Christ what 150 Christ compared to food why 148 Foolishnesse of preaching 231 For implies not meritoriousnesse of works 110 God onely forgiveth sinnes 169 How Ministers remit or retain them ib. Fornication to be eschewed for six reasons 238 Fornication forbidden amongst things indifferent Acts 15.29 why 196 How Christ was forsaken and what it shews 76 Who so forsaketh not all cannot be my disciple 123 Four beasts with wings full of eyes 585 Four and twenty Elders 584 Fruits of the Spirit 274 A Furlong how much 156 G GAbriel what it signifies 96 Why the Angel says I am Gabriel ib Galatia where 267. Of the Galileans whose blood Pilate mingled with their Sacrifices 120 To gather together in one 278 VVhere two or three are gathered together c. 49 It makes not a generall councell ib. Nor that they cannot erre ib. Severall doubts in Christs Genealogie according to Matthew cleared as 1. The sonne of David the sonne Abraham the words explained why Christ so called and why David promised before Abraham 2 2. All women in Christs Genealogie except the blessed Virgin have a mark of infamy upon them and why ib. 3. Those words Joram begat Ozias explained and why Ahaziah Joaz and Amaziah are pretermitted 2 3 4. The 11 and 12 Verses concerning Jechonias cleared 3 5. VVhy the
but full of poyson within so the Pharisees made a shew and ostentation of holinesse but had the poyson of malice in their hearts Vers. 8. Meete for repentance It is a metaphor taken from trees transplanted or grafted into other stocks they must bring forth a new fruite Vers. 9. God is able of these stones to raise up children to Abraham The Baptist mentioned stones either because there was plentie of them in that place where he taught and baptized as the similies and examples that Christ brings are often fetcht from things obvious or he puts a definite thing for a thing indefinite stones that is things unfit for such a matter as Luke 19.40 or else alludes to Esay 51.2 Vers. 10. Now That light is come into the world also this implies something before of the same kind axe some would have that to be Gods own immediate hand but it is here an instrument the Roman Empire Laid A metaphor taken from the custome of men which cut with an axe they usually lay the axe at the place where they would strike to guide their stroke God to prevent his The roote Some would have Abrah to be the root others Christ rather the Jewish State Church some say Gods presence in his ordinances the civill government and saints Therefore After so many warnings and convictions Tree The Nations of the Jewes Every tree which bringeth not forth Not that hath or will bring forth but which doth not bring forth that is is not in a growing bearing thriving way it is not enough to bud or blossome but must make it out to the use of the husbandman Fruite not leaves or blossoms Good Answerable to the soile the purpose God hath ordained it for and his care and cost bestowed on it Is cut down As sure to be as if it were done already Cut downe by Gods hand judiciously efficatiously though they deserve it meritoriously Cast into the fire which is proper for a barren tree never to be pluckt out againe Vers. 11. Whose shooes I am not worthy to beare That phrase is taken from the custome of the Hebrewes who being to enter into the more holy place laid by their shooes as the Turkes and Africans doe now those which were more noble had a boy who carried their shooes when they laid them by The other Evangelists have exprest it in a different phrase Marke 1.7 Luke 3.16 Iohn 1.26 27. And they all allude to the forme of the shooe for in the hotter countries the shooes had soles onely below they were tyed above so that they were to be loosed in their bonds before they could be pulled off Vers. 11. Baptize That is drowne you all over dip you into the ocean of his grace opposite to the sprinckling which was in the Law with the Holy Ghost and with fire That is with the Holy Ghost which is fire et is taken not copulativè but exegeticè The Aethiopians which we call Abisseni take this word properly and marke their children as we doe our beasts with an hot yron when they baptize them It must bee expounded metaphorically or rather prophetically with reference say some to the History of the fiery cloven tongues the visible representation of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost Act. 2.2 3. or to Esay 6.6 7. saith Capellus where one of the Seraphims is said to have taken a burning coale from the Altar and with it to have touched the lips of the Prophet by which coal the Holy Ghost was signified or his most efficacious force of purging and by those words thy iniquity is taken away inward baptisme which wholly consists in the purgation and expiation of sinnes is noted Vers. 12. In which Allegoricall speech by the floore the Church of Christ dispersed through Iudaea and the whole world is understood by the fanne the meanes by which Christ separates beleevers from the hypocrites and wicked which are preaching of the Gospel afflictions and the last judgement by the purging of the floore the action of separating by the wheate the beleevers by the chaffe the wicked by the garner the kingdome of heaven and eternall life by unquenchable fire the torments of hell Winnowing signifies the temptations of Satan Luk. 12.31 Here the errour of Origen is condemned who thought that the torments of hell would not be pepetuall but should end after the great yeare of Plato in which all things shall be renewed it is unquenchable fire He alludes to the 66 of Esay 24. and 33.14 Vers. 14. But Iohn forbad him He earnestly forbad him as the Geeke word signifies Vers. 16. It is most likely it was a reall body and corporall dove for Luke addeth in a bodily shape The word likenesse is not to be referred to the Dove but to the Spirit which manifested his presence in this likenesse Secondly that phrase doth not alwaies note likenesse and similitude onely but verity and identity Iohn 1.14 Phil. 2.7 Mahomet that wicked impostor and ape of Christ imitated this For that he might perswade his followers that the Holy Ghost was familiar with him he by often feeding a Dove brought her to fly over his head and to picke graines of corne out of his eare Vers. 17. In whom Not with or by or through whom but a larger preposition than them all which signifieth two things first that God is well pleased with Christ. Secondly in and through him with others CHAP. IV. Verse 1. THen This word hath reference to the end of the former chapter so soone as Christ was solemnely inaugurated into his Office and proclamed from heaven to be the sole Doctor and Prophet of Gods Church even then immediately without any delay was he driven forth as Marke saith 1.12 Wildernesse The great wildernesse is here meant saith Chemnitius whose reasons are these First The other Deserts are circumscribed by some addition as the wildernesse of Iudaea Ziph Maon the great wildernesse is simply so called without any addition Vers. 2. Matthew expressely makes mention of nights lest it should bee thought to be such a fast as that of the Jewes who fasted in the day and did eate at the evening and in the night He would not extend his fast above the terme of Moses and Elias lest he should have seemed to have appeared onely and not to have beene a true man Vers. 3. It is probable saith Maldonate that he appeared in a humane shape because he spoke to Christ of many things and because he sought to be worshiped The Devill is called the Tempter because he gives himselfe to tempt all men by all meanes at all times Command that these stones be made bread The sense of the words is since thou seest thy selfe to be forsaken of God necessity compells that thou shouldst provide for thy selfe therefore command that these stones be made bread Vers. 4. That is that speciall and powerfull word whereby hee appointeth
not as uncertainely c. That is I so order my course of Christianity Vers. 27. But I keep under my Body The word signifies a buffeting about the face and eyes as a man would buffet his adversary on his knees I molest and vex the flesh the old adversary that is in me A battering of the body as those are wont which try masteries with Plummets of lead untill the blewnesse of the wound appeareth most grievous And bring it unto subjection Compelling to subjection as we would force a slave to grinde at the Mill as the Greek words signifies The Apostle useth two words which carry much Emphasis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I keepe under and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I bring into subjection The former word is taken from a Champion or wrestler that striveth for the mastery for it hath reference to the 25. verse where mention is made of men that strive for the mastery The latter word hath reference to Masters that prudently keep their servants under especially when they wax insolent or wanton By the body he meanes the old man which is called a body of sinne Rom. 6.6 CHAP. X. Vers. 2. VNto Moses That is sub ministerio aut ductu Mosis Calvin under the Ministery or guidance of Moses vel in doctrinam legem Mosis sicut Act. 19. Pareus into the doctrine and Law of Moses Vers. 3. Did all eat the same spirituall meat By the wonderfull power of faith which makes a thing absent present to the beleever by that faith they received Christ as lively as effectually as much to their profit and comfort as we doe since his comming Manna is called a Spirituall meat because it represented unto them the spirituall food of the soule Christ Jesus the true Manna Iohn 6.51 See Doctor Willet on 16. of Exod. 3. c. and Beâ—sa Vers. 4. They dranke of that spirituall Rock that followed them Not that the water of the Rocke did alwayes follow them so some expounded it for that failed and the people were athirst in the wildernesse but Christ signified by the Rock was alwayes with them for their preservation Christ is said to be the Rock of his Church and every Member in it three wayes 1. As the fountaine in it Zach 13 1. Jer. 2.1 2. As the foundation of it 3. As the refuge and shelter of it It is not the Apostles intent I suppose to affirme the truth of that which the Jewes still tell and therefore without doubt did tell before Saint Pauls time that the waters followed the Fathers over mountaines and vallies in their journey to the Land of promise but the Fathers dranke of that water which the Jewes say followed them Thorndikes Review But Calvin Rivet and Dike say the waters out of the Rocke never failed them where ever they went Vers. 6. Now these things were our examples to the intent that we should not lust after evill things as they also lusted When a man is not content with what God hath given him but must have some thing else vers 7. Idolatry is the worshipping of God in an Image as the Israelites in the Calfe vers 8. with the daughters of Moab vers 9. tempting of God as it were trying what he can doe v. 10. Murmuring whining complaining against God because of the crosses they feele or against man to whom hee supposeth he may impute his crosses as the Israelites did against Moses and Aaron Vers. 11. All these things happened unto them for examples A type is such a forme or representation of a thing as is made by hard pressing or striking of it such as we see in stamps and seales implying say some that the Lord by those strokes upon his ancient people left markes upon their bodies or Printed Letters which were legible to their posterity this exposition Calvin justly dislikes God by them did set his judgements before our eyes and we are taught by those examples what a judgement hangs over Idolaters whore-masters and other contemners of God Vers. 13. Such as is common to man That is a temptation arising from humane frailty Vers. 15. I speake as to wise men Because he was to bring an argument from the mystery of the Supper he useth this preface that they may more attentively consider the weightinesse of the matter I speak not to novices you know the force of the holy Supper there we are ingraffed into Christs body therefore it is profit for you to have no society with such Vers. 16. The Cup of blessing which we blesse is it not the Communion of the bloud of Christ Some thinke the Apostle names the Cup first alluding to the custome of the Hebrewes who in their solemne Banquets did begin their feasts with poculum gratiarum others that Paul intending to be long about the bread doth therefore premise a few words about the Cup by blessing some understand consecration not the Popish charming whereby they conceive the nature of these elements to be transubstantiated but the separating of them by declaring Christs institution to become holy signes of inward grace A Communion is properly a society of men who are joyned together by certaine Lawes and Covenants to partake in the calamities and prosperity of one another Chrysostome observes that Communion is more then participation that is where a man hath part onely of a thing communion requires that we should be united to the whole Id est Communionis illius Sacramentum seu signum ac monumentum Gomarus Vers. 17. For we being many are one bread and one body for we all are partakers of that one bread Objection Those which eat one bread make themselves one body with him with whom they eat and therefore seeing we must not be one body with unsanctified men neither may we partake with them in the Sacrament Answer All which eat one bread are one body in publike profession and open shew not in very deed and truth alwayes and to be one body with that holy society whereof unsanctified men in shew and profession doe make themselves appeare to be that can bee no fault for they professe themselves to be the body of Christ. Vers. 23. All things are lawfull for me That is all indifferent things for of those he speakes But all things are not expedient Proximis scilicet Cal. viz. to my neighbour one should not seek after his own profit as he presently addes Verse 27. Whatsoever is set before you eat That is whatsoever is good and wholesome meat Vers. 31. Whether therefore yee eat or drinke or whatsoever ye doe doe all to the glory of God That is eat and drink and sleep and recreate our selves that we may become the fitter to doe God some honour in our places CHAP. XI Vers. 1. BE ye followers of me even as I also am of Christ Hence it appeares saith Calvin how unfit the Sections of the Chapters are because
office to be so 4 By truth here is meant all necessary to salvation not all profitable truth absolutely and simply All. Vers. 16. Great is the mystery of godlinesse The Gospell is so called because as it is a doctrine made for the honour dignity and promotion of godlinesse so it is a doctrine which consists of such truths and connexions of things that are farre remote from the common thought reasons and understandings of men CHAP. IV. Vers. 1. EXpressely 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 disertè Beza apertè significat Grotius in so many words In the latter times viz. Under Antichrist The Scripture speakes of the latter times the times of Antichrists rise and discovery when the Apostasie shall overspread all the Christian Churches 2 Thess. 2.8 10. and the last times 2 Tim. 3.1 the times of Antichrists destruction Rev. 106. Some shall depart from the faith That is from the doctrine of faith which in generall is the holy Scripture in speciall the Gospell called therefore the word of faith Rom. 10.8 and the law of faith Rom. 3.27 Vers. 2. Having their consciences seared with is hot Iron 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is to cauterize to seare with an hot Iron or cut off with searing as Chirurgeons doe rotten Members Now that which is seared becomes more hard and brawny and so more dull and not so sensible in feeling as otherwise in this sense 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies those who have a hard and brawny conscience which hath no feeling in it in the other sense as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is to cut off by searing it must signifie those who have no conscience left there is not much difference but I follow the first a hard and unfeeling conscience vide Estitum Vers. 3. Forbidding to marry and commanding to abstaine from meats which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving It was the very purpose and intent of else Creatour of all things when he made the food wherewith we sustaine our selves that the use of it should be joyned with giving of thanks whereof we have example in Christ and Paul Who forbid marriage and meats but the Papists They forbid marriage to some men at all times and certain meats to all men at some times and that for religions sake esteeming of marriage in their Clergy worse then adultery or Sodomy and eating of flesh in Lent or other forbidden times as a mortall sinne Downam of Antichrist l 1. c. 4. Which believe and know the truth As if those that wanted faith and saving knowlede did but usurpe the bread they eat Vers. 4. And nothing to be refused viz. Out of religious respect of conscience to Gods word Vers. 5. For it is sanctified by the Word and prayer Sanctified that is made holy and lawfull for us to use By the Word Certifying us of Gods will that we may use them And prayer Whereby we crave his particular good liking for our use of the creatures with praising him Vers. 8. Having promise of the life that now is That is of earthly blessings and riches Eternall blessings onely are promised absolutely and temporall with restraint viz. if they serve for Gods glory and the good of his children Vers. 10. Who is the Saviour of all men specially of those that believe It is meant of Gods generall providence or if of his speciall mercies that they are offered to all Vers. 12. Let no man despise thy youth Though young yet so carry thy selfe in thy ministery that they may reverence and feare thee for thy gravity therein In word That from his mouth they might be instructed in the wholsome word of truth And in conversation That in his life they might see that integrity which becommeth Saints It is all one saith Calvin as if he had said Dictis factis adeoque tota vita Vers. 13. Till I come give attendance to reading to exhortation to doctrine As if he should say that thou mayst be able to exhort and teach study hard Marke the order he preposeth reading for the Scripture is the fountaine of all wisdome whence Pastors ought to fetch what they utter to their flock Vers. 14. Neglect not the gift that is in thee which was given thee by Prophesie As if he should say suffer it not by idlenesse to decay but stir it up nourish and increase it Vers. 15. Give thy selfe wholy to them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be in them which phrase implies much intention and Industry in our studies Sic Horatius totus in illis That thy profiting may appeare to all As if he should say strive so to teach as it may appeare thy gifts increase daily Vers. 16. Take heed unto thy selfe and unto thy doctrine Luke 14.7 Take heed unto thy selfe how thou sinnest and to thy doctrine what thou teachest See Acts 20.28 CHAP. V. Vers. 1. REbuke not an Elden Doe not handle him roughly and as it were strike him as the Greek word signifies Vers. 3. Honour widdows that are widdows indeed He alludes say Calvin Estius à Lapidè to the Greek name for a widdow which comes of a Verbe that signifies to be destitute and deprived Those widdows which were destitute of humane help and comfor the would have sustained at the publique charge of the Church which is termed honour because they terrified thereby the vertues of those so sustained Vers. 4. Any widdow Any mother or father Have children That is those which come immediately from their own bodies Nephews Grandchildren or great-grandchildren Shew piety To perform duty to parents is pious And to requite That is doe one good turn for another For it is good That is morally a commendable vertue And acceptable before God pleaseth God wonderfully Vers 6. But she that liveth in pleasure That makes it her element all her businesse is to take delight so Iames 5. Is dead while she liveth That is unprofitable a life led in pleasures is a death The Ancients call idlenesse a buriall of a living man Vers. 8. He hath denied the faith He takes not faith in a full latitude in that particular he shews himselfe to be no believer And is worse then an Infidell He that is worse then an Infidell is neere to the divell there is no worse thing then an Infidell But the Apostles meaning is he commits a sinne greater in some respect then they doe which remain in infidelity He is worse then an Infidell in this point because he by the very light of nature knows this to be a duty Hac parte fidelis si curam suorum non habeat infideli deterior est absolute deteriorem esse non est necesse Estius Gerhard Vers. 9. The wife of one man A woman which hath not had two husbands at once having so been wife of one husband as that she hath not upon his repudiation married to another Dr. Halls Paraphrase Vers. 10. If she have brought
white horse hath a bow and goeth forth conquering in the Ministry that he may overcome either to conversion or confusion Rev. 19.11 The conquerers entred into Rome carried on a white horse The doubling of the word saith Pareus designes his present and future victory And a Crowne was given to him viz. Regall or rather triumphall Vers. 4. There went out another horse that was red This deciphers the Church now red with martyrdome under the ten great persecutions raised up by Domitian Trajane Nero Antonine Decius Dioclesian Maxentius Licinius and other cruell tyrants even untill the times of Constantine the great Vers. 5. Lo a black horse This notes the estate of the Church now blacke and in an afflicted condition by Hereticks which had mingled the truth of pure white doctrine with blacke darknesse of heresies and errours To this horse is attributed a ballance to designe exceeding great scarcity when according to the curse of the Law Levit. 26.26 men shall eate their bread by weight rather saith Pareus a scarcitie of the word Amos 8.11 Mr Mede would have the matter of this seale to bee not famine or dearth of victuall but the administration and severity of Justice through the Romane Empire The colour of the horse agrees saith hee to the severity of justice and the weights are a symbole of justice Vers. 7. Come and see That is come that thou maist see Vers. 8. And behold a pale horse Austen and Beda apply it to the martyring of Saints Bullenger and Forbes to plagues of death Pale The Greeke word properly signifieth Greene as the grosse sometimes it is that dead coulour of herbes that wax dry whence it is sometimes put for palenesse which is the hew of any withering and fading thing so Constance the Father of Constantine the Great was called Chlorus because of his palenesse as Zonarus saith in the life of Dioclesian And hell followed with him Hell the page of death attends him where ever he goes among the wicked sort therefore they are often coupled in this booke Death and Hell Some understand by it the grave when they are dead they goe to be buried so some interpret that article in the Creed hee descended into hell That is abode in the state of the dead but he speakes here say some of the wicked and judgements to them therefore it is meant of Hell Brightman would rather have the Grave to be here meant seeing many Saints saith hee dyed among the rest of whom it were wicked to thinke that they were devoured of the Hell of the damned And with death i.e. The Plague The LXX use this word Exod. 9.3.2 Sam. 24.13 It is called mortality by ecclesiasticall writers which now hath passed into many mother Tongues Vers. 9. I saw under the Altar the soules of them that were slaine for the word of God and for the testimony which they held That is under Christs protection and custody Haymo Aquinas Beza Pareus Under the shadow of his wings the phrase alluding to the Tabernacle which gave the offerings grace and acceptation Lying under the Altar That is saith Mr Mede upon the ground at the foote of the Altar like Sacrifices newly slaine Vers. 10. And they cryed with a loud voyce This is not to bee understood of the desire of blessed soules or of any proper act of theirs since it will not agree to their felicity but in the same manner that Abells bloud is said to cry because their death being alwayes fresh in Gods fight requires revenge from the divine justice the Saints in the meane time remaining secure That which the propheticall vision representeth is to be understood suitably to Christianity and to the kingdome of God attained by it Since therefore revenge is contrary to the principles of Christianity we cannot imagine that blessed soules desire it but the cry which they make must be understood to bee the provocation of God to vengeance which their sufferings produce So much more pertinently attributed to blessed soules in as much as being acquainted with Gods counsells they approve and rejoyce in his Justice and the advancement of his Church by the meanes of it Vers. 11. And white robes were given unto every one of them A cloathing of Princes in their great solemnities of coronation and triumphs sayes Eusebius they were wont so to dignifie servants at their manumissions with white apparell in token of their new liberty and preferment In the Primitive Church one of the Ceremonies of baptisme was this that the baptized person had a cleane white garment put upon him with these words Take this white garment and keepe it unspotted untill thou be presented before the Tribunall of Christ the Churches meaning was he should continue in that innocencie which he received in baptisme Fulgentes animas vestis quoque candida signat Vers. 12. And the Sun became blacke as sackcloth of haire and the Moone became as bloud This is a circumlocution of the eclipse of these lights wherein the Sun is wont to appeare blacke but the Moone reddish CHAP. VII Vers. 3. TIll wee have sealed the servants of our God in their forebads Amoris singularis curae symbolum sigillum Glossius Sealing was a signe of speciall care Vers. 4. An hundred and fourty and foure thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel The people of Israel was no Church long afore the Gentile Church is called Israel because they were graffed in instead of the Jewes that were broken off That a greater number of the Gentiles shall be saved than of the Jews is truly gathered out of this place But that the elect of the Jews are in a certaine number because their number is set downe and the other of the Gentiles is not is more than the Scripture doth warrant in the enumeration of the Tribes there is no respect had of order to shew that there is no regard had by God of carnall privileges in the matter of salvation This ought to be taken for an indefinite number as well as the 7000. which had not bowed the knee to Baal The holy Ghost is not contented to have named the totall â—um of them that were sealed in Israel but also divideth it into twelve times twelve thousand distributed by equall portions among the twelve Tribes every one of which is mentioned the one after the other with the expression of its particular number this sheweth that the number of the Elect and multitude of Beleevers are measured by certaine proportions which are known to him who is the Author Vers. 5. Judah is first reckoned of all Leahs children because our Lord sprang out of Judah Gen. 49.10 Heb. 7.14 and Nephthali of all those of Rachels side because Christ dwelt at Capernaum belonging to that tribe that Christs prerogative saith Mr Mede might still excell Vers. 7. He omits Dan and reckons up the tribe of Levi not because