receiveth the seed into stony places the same is he that heareth the word and anon with joy receiveth it 21. Yet hath he no root in himselfe but dureth for a while for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word by and by he is offended From the exposition of the seed sown in stony ground learn 1. That some hear the word and receive it with joy readily upon temporall grounds and naturall motives for excellent truths and offers of remission of sinnes and eternal life may affect a naturall man in a natural way Such is he that receiveth the â—â—rd in stony places 2. Where sound faith is not mixed with the word received there the word is not ingrast for He hath no root in himself 3. Where the word is not received so as the root of true faith and Gods grace is in the man his seeming faith will not endure whatsoever lustre it may have for He endureth but a while 4. When a man receiveth the Gospel for some motive of a temporary good the fear of some temporary evill such as is threatened in persecution will be able to drive him from his professed Faith for When persecution cometh by and by he is offended and so a ffliction is a touch-stone wherby to try the sincerity of professours Vers. 22. He also that receiveth seed among the thornes is he that heareth the word and the care of this world and the deceitfulnesse of riches choak the word and he becometh unfruitfull From the exposition of the seed sown in thorny ground learn 1. That however the word seem to be received if it do not bring forth fruits of amendment of life if it beget not Faith working by Love it is like seed choaked with thorns and the word is lost in such an heart 2. Whatsoever things pertaining to this life do go so near a mans heart as they take up the room time travell and affection which heavenly things should have they are but thornes which choak the seed of God's Word 3. When the care of getting or keeping or governing of riches under fair pretences of a lawfull calling of caring for our family and not neglecting the benefits of God do steal away the heart and do waste a mans time and strength which should be bestowed upon heavenly things then all these pretences are but the deceitfulnesse of riches 4. If a man's works do not proceed from the vertue of God's word whatsoever be his works from other principles they are nothing in God's account for If the Word be choaked the man becometh unfruitfull Ver. 23. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the Word and understandeth it which also beareth fruit and bringeth forth some an hundred fold some sixty some thirty From the exposition of the good ground learn 1. That onely such are worthy receivers of the Word who believe and obey it in their conversation for These only are like good ground receiving the good seed and rendring the fruits of good seed 2. Every true believer is fruitfull albeit every one doth not bring forth fruit in a like measure but some more some lesse Some an hundred some sixty and some thirty fold Ver. 24. Another Parable put he forth unto them saying The Kingdome of Heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field 25 But while men slept his enemie came and sowed â—ares among the wheat and went his way 26 But when the blade was sprung up and broughâ— forth fruit then appeared the tares also 27 So the servants of the Housholder came and said unto him Sir didst not thou sow good seed in thy field From whence then hath it tares 28 He said unto them An enemie hath done this The Servant said unto him Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up 29 But he said Nay lest while ye gather up the tares ye root up also the wheat with them 30 Let both grow together until the Harvest and in the time of Harvest I will say to the reapers Gather ye together first the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them but gather the wheat into my barns Another Parable serving to teach That the visible church full not want a mixture of wicked persons joyned with the Godly unto the worlds end and that we must not dream of a possibility to make a perfect separation of good and bad in the church The chief doctrines to be observed herein are 1 That the externall visible church is worthy to be called and counted the Kingdome of Heaven even in regard of the externall constitution of it in this world notwithstanding of the mixture of wicked hypocrites in it because therein Christ rules as King and hath his Subjects all professing him to be King of Saints but especially in respect of his own elect therein who honour him in Spirit in whom he doth begin eternal life and draweth it on unto perfection 2. The visible church is like a corn field wherein are sown good seeds and noysome weeds sound converts begotten of God and wicked hypocrites who are the children of Satan for the enemy sowes tares among the wheat 3. There is no more possibility for men to eschew the incoming of Hypocrites into the church than for any husband-man's servant to hinder an enemy to cast in the seed of weeds in their Master's field in the night when men do sleep 4. It is a matter of grief and offence to see in the church of God so many unprofitable and noysom weeds so many wicked hypocrites and naughty persons this the servants coming to regrate the matter doth import 5. The rash zeal of servants before they consult the Lord their Master is ready with the hazard of the church and true members thereof to have such a constitution of the visible church as they should suffer none to be a member who are not inwardly regenerate but have all others of whose inward Regeneration they are not assured plucked from among professours this is imported in Wilt thou that we go and gather them up 6. The Lord albeit he hath given order to censure the scandalous Offenders yet he dischargeth his servants to prosse toward such a separation as to have all the weeds and wicked in heart to be cast out least while they gather out the gracelesse tares they should root out also the gracious wheat with them for it is not possible for any man to discern the renewed from the unrenewed so clearly but he may be mistaken this Christ meaneth by he said Nay lest ye root up the wheat with them 7. The Lord accounteth it lesse hazard to suffer many hypocrites to be in the visible Church then to hold out or cast out of it any one of the weakest of the Elect and converted children for so he reckoneth here that it is much safer to suffer many weeds to grow in Gods field then to hazard one grain of good wheat by seeking to root out
the weed Nay saith he gather not out the tares lest ye root up the wheat with them 8. This mixture in the visible Church Christ the Lord is minded to permit and commands to be permitted till the day of judgement and then but not till then shall a full separation of the Godly and the wicked of the elect and the reprobate he made In the time of harvest I wil say Gather the wheat c. 9. At last the separation shall be such as all the wicked shall be cast into hell fire and the Godly placed in heaven Thâ— tares shall be burnt and the wheat gathered into the barn Ver. 31. Another parable put he forth unto them saying The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed which a man â—ook and sowed in his field 32. Which indeed is the least of all seeds but when it is grown it is the greatest among herbs and becometh a tree so that the birds of the aire come and lodge in the branches thereof Another parable The scope wherof is to shew that the visible Church in regard of the power of the Gospel in it and of the true grate of God in the true members thereof how small soever it may seem in the beginning yet shall grow up wonderfully this is set forth under the similitude of mustard-seed which for examples cause in the parable after the nature of a parable is presupposed to be the least of all seeds and again is presupposed to grow up to such height that it should become the tallest of all trees which parabolicall supposition being made then shall it be fit to resemble the work of God by the grace of the Gospel which how small soever the beginnings of it be yet shall it be the most glorious of all Gods works ere all be done Hence learn That the work of the Gospel and planting of Gods Church how smal beginning soever it seem to have yet shal by the blessing of God have wonderful increase The day of smal things is not to be despised by this as the disciples were encouraged to spread the Gospel so should all the Lords servantâ— be encouraged to be diligent to sow the seed of grace by holding forth the doctrine of the Gospel according to their calling Verse 33. Another parable spake he unto them The Kingdome of Heaven is like unto leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till the whole was leavened Another parable tending to this same purpose namely to shew that the work of Gods grace by the Gospel in the visible Church how small appearance soever it hath wil notwithstanding spread and prevail according to the measure appointed of God The doctrine is this As good leaven after a competent time will leaven all the lump to the leavening whereof it is appointed so will the work of Gods grace in his Church by the Gospel powerfully affect and prevail unto the conversion of all these for whom God shall send it and therefore we should not judge of Gods works in his Church by outward appearance this serveth then and should serve now to make men faithful in teaching the truth and to wait for a while till God shall work and give his blessing to the hearers in his own time Verse 34. All these things spake Iesus unto the multitude in parables and without a parable spake he not unto them 35. That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Praâ—bet saying I will open my mouth in parables I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world Here is rendered another reason why Christ did speak to the people in parables to wit that he might fulfill what the Prophet as the type foretold that Christ should do and how Christ should by speaking in parables stir up his hearers to search what was meaned by this sort of speaking as the Psalmist stirred up his Hearers to attend the more to what he was to deliver in parables Psalm 78 2. To the intent that such as would understand might learn and others who would not search for light might be justly left in blindness Doct. 1. Both the matter and manner of Christs doctrine is worthy to be maintained and vindicated from all misconstructions for Heat we have the evangelist for a precedent 2. Preachers should teach nothing for matter nor manner but what they have a precedent for in the Scripture for even Christ did so Ver. 36. Then Iesus sent the multitude away and went into the house and his disciples came unto him saying Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field 37. He answered and said unto them He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man 38. The field is the world the good seed are the children of the Kingdome but the tares are the children of the wicked one 39. The enemy that sowed them is the Divell the harvest is the end of the world and the reapers are the Angels 40. As therefore the tares are gathered and burnt in the fire so shal it be in the end of this world 41. The son of man shall send forth his Angels and they shal gather out of his kingdom all things that offend and them which do iniquity 42. And shal cast them into a furnace of fire there shal be wailing and gnashing of teeth 43. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdome of their Father Who hath ears to hear let him hear Here the speaking in parables taketh good effect in his own Disciples they are made sensible of their own dulnesse in understanding and are moved to ask light of the Lord and so they receive satisfaction for the Lord declareth what the parts of the parable were in their intent and signification Hence learn 1. That the visible Church as it is not without reason called The Kingdome of Heaven as is shewne before so also not without reason is it called here the world in regard it containeth all sorts of people in The world and is spread throughout the world and not limited to any one place The field to wit the universall visible Church where the seed is dayly sown is called The world 2. The Elect and true Beleevers begotten by the Gospel and true Subjects of Christs Kingdome and heirs of Heaven are the only proper children of the Kingdome for The good seed are the children of the Kingdom 3. Such as have nothing in them save outward profession and do remain wicked and unrenewed men are nothing else for their inward estate but children of Satan for The tares are the children of the wicked one 4. Satan as an enemy to the glory of God in his Church doth what he can to have hypocrites and wicked men mixed among the godly as members of that same church ver 39. for The enemie that sowed them is the divel 5. This mixture of good and bad is to endure to the end of the world that
the world about them and withail to perceive loving kindness toward themselves and at length they shall see God face to face perfectly in the Kingdom of Heaven Ver. 9. Blessed are the Peace-makers for they shall be called the children of God The seventh mark of true Disciples is peaceableness whereby Christians study not only to live peacebly with all men but also to procure peace among Men where they live so farr as in them lies Doct. 1. Whosoever do without wronging of truth in love to other mens welfare study to make solid peace wheresoever they have power are truly blessed for Blessed are the Peace-makers 2. They who give evidence of their christian disposition both to maintain and to procure true peace among those with whom they live should be esteemed true christians begotten of God for they shall be called Gods children That is by this mark they are declared of God and should be by men acknowledged for truly regenerate persons in whom the image of God is to be seen shining in their works Ver. 10. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdome of heaven The eighth mark of a true Disciple is suffering persecution for righteousness sake Doct. 1. Whosoever in following of Christ are troubled and persecuted by men for doing that which God alloweth and do chuse rather to suffer affliction then to commit sin are indeed blessed for Blessed are they that suffer persecution for righteousness sake 2. Let persecuters do their utmost to rob the godly of all that they have yet they cannot rob them of Heaven for it is said the Kingdom of heaven is theirs that is albeit they were banished out of their native country and utterly spoyled yea killed yet Heaven belongs unto them by Christs conquest and by Gods promise and it shall certainly be given to them for making up all their losses Verse 11. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you and shall say all manner of evil against you falsly for my sake This last Doctrine our Lord applyeth â—nto his new chosen Apostles intimating unto them that they were to be hunted after and persecuted by men as a prey is hunted by dogs unto death Doct. 1. Reviling or speaking any manner of evill against Christs servants is in our Lords estimation persecution for so doth he expound it saying When men revile you and persecute you 2. Christians must beware to give just ground for troubling of themselves for that is not persecution when ill is spoken against men truly justly but when ill is spoken against them fasly and for Christs cause Therefore Christ saith Blessed are ye when they speak ill of you falsly for my sake 3. Notwithstanding of whatsoever persecution the troubled and persecuted servant of Christ doth still remain blessed for Blessed are ye when men persecute you Ver. 12. Rejoyce and be exceeding glad for great is your reward in heaven for so persecuted they the Prophets which were before you This commandment is added for a further consolation Doct. 1. Our Lord will not be content that his servants in persecution do carry themselves heavily thus and so as may be but will have them to beare the crosse joyfully he will not have the courage or comfort or countenance of his children beaten down while they bear his glorious crosse but he will have them chearfull for Rejoyce and be exceeding glad saith he 2. Albeit this their suffering cannot merit any thing yet shall it be rewarded graciously Great is your reward saith our Lord. 3. Whatsoever consolation God doth give to his suffering Servants here in this world which indeed is not small for they have more peace and joy in themselves from God and more estimation among the Saints then all their trouble is worthy yet he will not reckon this for a reward till he have them up in heaven for he hath said for Great is your reward in Heaven 4. The light affliction of this life cannot be compared with that which shall be given in heaven therefore he saith Great is your reward 5. Whosoever indureth any trouble were it but so much as evill words for Christs cause he shall be inrolled among the Martyrs and holy Prophets who from the beginning of the world have suffered for righteousnesse this is our Lords reckoning saying For so persecuted they the Prophets which were before you Vers. 13. Ye are the salt of the earth but if the salt have lost his savour wherewith shall it be salted it is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out and to be trodden under foot of men Our Lord having armed his Apostles against persecution now he teacheth them their duty and that under divers similitudes and first of Salt Doct. 1. Ministers have need to have their duties told them no lesse then other people therefore Christ speaketh to them saying YE that is Ye my Apostles and Ministers are the Salt of the earth 2. As Salt seasoneth maketh savoury and doth preserve from putrifaction that which otherwise would be unsavoury and ready to rot except it were salted so Ministers should not onely be filled with Grace and Wisedome for their own preservation but also labour by the word preached by admonition by discipline by a holy manner of conversing among the people and by all other means to season earthly men and make them become savoury to God and one to another therefore it is said Ye are the salt of the earth 3. If a Minister either labour not to have graces and induements for his imployment or having them studieth not to be faithfull in his Ministry that he may season his Heareâ—s by the power of the Gospel or if having for a time given a show of something do he cease and fall from the faithfull employment of his Gifts then is he of all men the most usâ—lesse and uâ—profitable both to others and to himself of all men the most loathsome and intolerable burden of the people of God most worthy to be despised of God and men and least of all men to be suffered to bear office and charge in the church of God for so much impoâ—teth our Lords speech comparing him to unsavourâ— salt which hath lost his savour and cannot recover it again and which is good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under foâ— of men Ver. 14. Ye are the light of the world a city that is set on a hill cannot be hid He sheweth the Ministers duty in another similitude of light Doct. 1. It is true the originall light and fountain of all Light who illuminateth every one that cometh into the world is Christ our Lord himself yet the Ministers are called The light of the world also as instruments to hold out the light because their office is to preach Jesus Christ who is the true light through whom alone delivery from the dark condition of sin and misery that is true righteousnesse and salvation is to be
is untill the day of judgement wherein the Angels shall have work to separate the wicked from the godly for The harvest is the end of the world and the reapers are the Angels 6. In the end of the world every man shall have the fruit of his labour as his seed that is as his good or evil works have been for This is the full harvest vers 39. 7. Openly prophane persons and secret Hypocrites workers of iniquity shall have no place among Gods people any more after the day of judgement but their place shall be hell the place of unexpressible torment for The tares shall be gathered and burnt in the fire 8. Such as are justified by faith in Christ and do study by his grace to live righteously how base soever they may appear in this world shall in the world to come be wonderfull glorious for They shall shine as the Sun in the kingdome of their Father 9. It is sufficient for the main end of Christs doctrine if such as have grace to understand and believe shall make use therof for the rest he regardeth not for he saith They that have ears to hear let them hear Ver. 44. Again the Kingdome of heaven is like unto a treasure bid in a field the which when a man hath found he hideth and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath and buyeth that field Another parable teaching us that the church in regard of the precious doctrine of grace and salvation to be had by Christ in it is a rich treasure able to relieve and supply all wants and necessities therefore called an hid Treasure which the misbeleevers how wise soever in the world cannot perceive 2. The beleever who findeth it will make no reckoning of the worth of any earâ—hly thing in comparison of it but will part with what soever is pleasant or profitable unto him in this life rather then be deprived of this grace for He selleth all to buy it 3. As he laboureth to have this treasure so he hath a care to keep it that neither by violence nor deceit it be taken from him for He hideth it and selleth all to have the means of enjoying of it and to have right to the field of the visible Church where this treasure is to be found Ver 45. Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto a Merchant man seeking goodly pearls 46. Who when he had found one pearl of great price he went and sold all that he had and bought it Another parable teaching us 1. That the Church in respect of the true subjects thereof that is in respect of the Elect and true Beleevers is like Merchant-men occupied about the purchase of these things which may truly enrich them and make them happy 2. That among all things which can be conceived to be fit to bring men unto happiness there is only one means able to make blessed one pearl of price to wit Christ Jesus in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and grace and that the wise man wil content himself with Christ and what is to be found in him and wil renounce all other things which come in comparison with him Verse 47. Again the Kingdome of Heaven is like unto a net that was cast into the sea and gathered of every kind 48. Which when it was full they drew to shore and sat down and gathered the good into vessels but cast the bad away 49. So shall it be at the end of the world the Angels shall come forth and sever the wicked from among the just 50. And shal cast them into the furnace of fire there shal be wailing and gnashing of teeth Another parable teaching us 1. That the visible Church in the way of gathering members and manner of constitution thereof is like a draught-net taking in all who professe subjection to Christ in his ordinances good and bad true and false professors for it gathereth of every kinde to wit whosoever professe faith in and promise subjection to Christ. 2. That not before the day of judgment but then precisely separation shall be made of the just and wicked and then shall the wicked be punished for ever in whatsoever place or estimation they have been in this world This parable and that of the tares tend to one end to strengthen us so much the more against the stumbling blocke of the unavoydable mixture of wicked hypocrites in the Church visible that the godly shall not fare the worse for the wickeds being among them in one field in one draught-net nor the wicked fare the better at the latter end for their society with the godly in the visible Church Ver. 51. Iesus saith unto them Have ye understood all these things They say unto him Yea Lord. Christ taketh account of his Disciples whether they understood his speech Doct. 1. Hearers of the Gospel should labour to understand what they hear for Have ye understood saith Christ. 2. The Ministers by catechising should take account of their hearers for so doth Christ saying Have ye understood 3. People of what quality soever should be willing to give account to their Teachers of their profiting in knowledg for the Disciples do aâ—swer Yea Lord. Ver. 52. Then said he unto them Therefore every Scribe which is instructed unto the kingdome of heaven is like unto a man that is an housholder which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old Christ teacheth them still to be gathering more knowledge and to make use of their hearing Doct. 1. Every Minister should be furnished for his imployment for He is A Scribe unto the kingdom of heaven 2. Ministers should be faithful stâ—wards distributing unto the necessity of the people out of the abundance of their furniture for They are Housholders who should be provided with store as it were of the last years growth and of this years gathering also Ver. 53. And it came to passe that when Iesus had finished these parables he departed thence 54. And when he was come into his own Country he taught them in their Synagogue insomuch that they were astonished and said Whence hath this man this Wisâ—dome and these mighty Works 55. Is not this the Carpenters Son Is not his Mother called Mary and his Brethren Iames and Ioses and Simon and Iudas 56. And his Sisters are they not all with us whence then hath this Man all these things Christ departs from that place and goeth into Gaâ—ilee where he is not well received Hence learn 1. That when Christ hath perfected his Work and not till then will he remove from a place for it is said When he had finished then he departed 2. He neglected no bands of common duty he visits Nazareth Galilee where he was brought up giveth them an offer of his grace teaching us by his example that the greatest evidence of kindness to our Friends or Acquaintence which can be given is according to our calling to draw them unto God for
asse and a colt the foal of an asse 6. And the disciples went and did as Iesus commanded them The Evangelist maketh this observation on this passage Whence learn 1. Our Lord will see to the performance of all things written of him He is the promise maker and the performer also Therfore it is said This was done that it might be fulfilled c. 2. It is not our deserving but Gods purpose and promise which is the cause of our Lords gracious carriage toward the world for now he is to be killed in Jerusalem yet will he ride in as king to accomplish promises made to the Kirk by the Prophet Zachary It is sufficient to observe the sense of a Scripture quoted for the Scripture stands not in letters or in syllables but in sense of words compare this with Zach. 9.9.4 It is the matter of the Kirks joy and gladnesse to know of Christ and of his coming to his people whatsoever be their griefe this is sufficient to be their comfort Therfore said the Spirit for comfort Tell the daughter of Zion 5. It matters not how the world fare it is the daughter of Zion the company of the Blest and Beleevers in Jesus whose comfort God doth respect Therfore it is said Tel the daughter of Zion 6. Not onely the dull multitude but even the Daughter of Zion is asleep unto the gracious tydings of the Gospel and hath need to be stirred up by a Behold to observe the Messiah come Therefore saith he Behold thy king 7. Our Lord is a King how lowly soever he look yea Lord of Lords and King of Kings for he saith Thy King cometh 8. The church hath a speciall interest in Christ as King and he hath interest in his church as his own peculiar Subjects for whose good he governeth all the matters of the world for it is said Thy King cometh unto thee 9. This is the glory of his crown that he is so gentle and mercifull to us as he will not forsake the work of our Redemption neither for our mis-deservings and provocations nor for the injuries done to him by his adversaries for our cause for He is meek 10. The manner of his Kingdome is spirituall not after the pompe of this world sitting upon no stately hotse but on an asse colt so as the poorest of his subjects should not be deterred or debarred from accesse to him Ver. 7. And brought the asse and the colt and put on them their cloaths and they set him theron The disciples obedience and success is observed Hence learn 1. When we have a clear call ready obedience is our part without troubling our selves what may be the successe for The disciples went and did as he commanded them 2. It is our paâ—t to honour Christ so farre as we can and to lay aside our ornaments to glorifie him for They put their cloathes on the asse and the colt 3. Christ contenteth himself for any state which is to keep in his Kingdom here on earth with what his disciples can furnish him as here for They set him theron and so he rode Ver. 8. And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way others cut down branches from the trees and strawed them in the way The people are moved and do honour unto Christ. Doâ—â—â— How base soever our Lords kingdom may seem unto spectators yet he can bring to himself Subjects how many he pleaeth and so purchase himself glory not only before a spiritual eye but also in the sight of the world for here great multitudes spread their garments in the way 2. It is every mans part to honour our Lord and set forward his kingdome as they are inabled some one way some another for here Some spread their garments others cut down branches of trees and strawed them in the way Vers. 9. And the multitudes that went before and that followed cryed saying Hosanna to the son of David blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord Hosanna in the highest They take in their mouths words of the Psal. 118. where it is prophecied of the coming of Christ to shew himself king Doct. 1. The Lord can open the eyes of whomsoever he will to see his glory and to give him honour as the true King of Israel and to perceive the predictions of prophecies to be accomplished in him for here The people cryed Hosanna 2. The meaner sort of people are usually they whom the Lord chooseth to set forth his glory and to be Trumpeters of his praise as here The multitudes go before and follow after 3. When such as should know Christ and honour him do it not God can raise up others to glorifie him The church-men here mis-regard Christ and God stirreth up the multitudes to confesse him 4. When it pleaseth Christ to shew his kingly power he can make the meanest of his subjects to avow him and set forth his glory even in the faces of his raging enemies for here without fear of the corrupt church-mens excommunication the people make joyfull acclamation to his honour they pray for the prospering of his Kingdome and professe that salvation is the fruit therof for Hosanna in the Hebrew signifieth Give now Salvation we pray They do acknowledge Christ to be the promised Messiah The son of David to be sent of God and in his name into the world to be the Blessed and the Fountain of Blessing to his subjects saying Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Ver. 10. And when he was come into Ierusalem al the city was moved saying Who is this Thus he entreth openly in State into Jerusalem Hence learn 1. When it pleaseth Christ to take unto him his kingdome he will avow himselfe king in the midst of his enemies as now he rideth in this glory into Jerusalem 2. Where greatest shew of Religion is it is no new thing to see Christ to be least known for Who is this say they 3. Where he hath a mind to honour himselfe in suffering he will shew himselfe so evidently as he may be taken notice of by his enemies as here All the city is moved saying Who is this Ver. 11. And the multitude said This is Iesus the Prophet of Nazareth of Galilee The multitude describeth Christ rudely as he was commonly talked of Doct. As men do know Christ so do they speak of him and according to the measure of their knowledge should they bear witnesse of him for this was the clearest description of him which the multitude could give This is Iesus the Prophet of Nazareth say they Ver. 12. And Iesus went into the Temple of God and cast out all them that sold and bought in the Temple and overthrew the tables of the money-changers and the seats of them that sold doves Christ sheweth himself King in purging of his Temple Doct. 1. It is the work of King Jesus to take notice of Religion and â—o purge it where he mindeth to reign Therefore
unto him Doct. 1. The Lord knoweth the intentions of his honest servants and sets a price on their good deeds therby therfore saith he She did it for my buriall 2. Our Lord knew that the gospell should be preached through the world c what was to be preached also for Where this gospel shal be preached saith be this shall be told c. 3. True faith seeth afar off for this woman seeth life in death believeth the Lord Jesus to be the true Saviour worthy of all honour in his death as well as in his life believeth that he should not see corruption believeth that his death should be a sweet smelling sacrifice to God and the savour of life unto his people for She did it saith Christ for my buriall 4. The memorial of the just shall not go to the grave with them but their good deeds shal be had in everlasting remembrance In this woman we have assurance of it for This shall be preached for a memorial of her saith he 5. Whosoever do any thing for Christ shall never have cause to rew Christ accounts more of it then it is all worthy for She hath wrought a good work on me saith Christ before and now This shall be told of her for a memoriall Ver. 14. Then one of the twelve called Iudas Iscariot went unto the chief Priests 15. And said unto them What will you give me and I wil deliver him unto you and they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver 16. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him Iudas minding to have gain some way seeketh opportunity first to sel then to betray Christ. Doct. 1. When a wicked man is ingaged to do an evill turne he never taketh rest till he act it as is here seen in Judas from that time he sought opportunity to betray Christ. 2. When men have an evil turne in their heart and want opportunity only they shall not want occasion long as Judas minding to sell Christ doth seek and find fit Merchants the chief Priests 3. God will suffer wicked men to follow their designes even against himselfe when he seeth it fit for his own glory as here he wil not hinder a Judas to go to the high priests 4. He that is greedy of gain will sel his Soul and Heaven and Christ for money as Judas here doth 5. He that is not Christs friend in truth will soon turn Traitour as Iudas here doth 6. Hypocrites wil be found in best societies for here a Traitour is one of the twelve 7. The wicked shall bear their own blame and the society shall be free as here Judas is named alone 8. Secret enemies and open will easily agree together and own one another as here Judas and the high Priests make a short bargain 9. He thaâ—â—ellâ—th Christ knoweth not his worth for Whâ— wilâ— you giâ—e me saith the seller 10. He that will sin and sell Christ will do it upon a naughty condition ere he want all Thirty pieces of silver or what may be had will make the bargain â—all Ver. 17. Now the first day of the Feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Iesus saying unto him Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passeover The doctrine of the covenant of grace being delivered by our Lord and confirmed abundantly by miracles the institution of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper followeth for sealing up of this covenant unto the believer and to this intent mention is made of Christs last eating of the Sacrament of the Passover unto which was subjoyned the institution celebration of the Sacramental Supper for the clearing of some circumstances whereof and of the duty of preparation for right receiving of it that which is here spoken of the Passeover doth give light Doct. 1. It is commendable to remember Gods Ordinances in due time and to prepare for them as here The first day of the Feast the Disciples came and make ready for it 2. Our Lord made himself so poor that he had not a house of his own albeit he was Owner of all the earth as Where wilt thou that we prepare doth import 3. Our Lord subjected himself unto the Law and did keep exactly both the Moral and ceremoniall Law that he might deliver us from the yoke of the one and from the cursefor breaking of the other He kept the Passover 4. The terms of Sacramental speech were wel understood by Christs disciples as to put the thing signified for the sign namely by this phrase To cat the Passeover they mean to â—at the Lamb the Sacramental memorial of the Angels passing over of the houses of the Israelites in Egypt Ver. 18. And be said Go into the city to such a man and say unto him The Master saith My time is at hand I will keep the Passoever at thy house with my Disciples 19. And the Disciples did as Iesus had appointed them and they made ready the Passeover Christ directeth them to a friends house a worthy man for so holy a service Doct. 1. The Lord wil not want friends whersoever he is here in Jerusalem he hath friends as he had also in Bethany Go into the city to such a man saith he 1. He hath such commandement of the spirits of men as he can bow their will to do what service he pleaseth for he is sure to make such a man obey 3. Christ hath taken on him to be our Teacher and to him only the dignity of Master is due therefore he calleth himself the Master 4. It is of his own free choise that our Lord doth imploy any man more thâ—n another for Go to such a man and say importeth this 5. The more near our time to depart this life doth draw the more carefull should we be to have all things done by us which should beâ— done therefore saith he My time is at hand I will keep the Passeover 6. It is the part of true Disciples to follow Christs direction in all things and being clear in the command to go about the obedience of it for The Disciples did as Iesus appointed Ver. 20. Now when the even was come he sate down with the twelve For clearing of the history of the Lords Supper which was instituted at the close of the Passeover we have here set down the circumstances of eating of the Passeover as time place and persons whereby we have ground to conceive that Iudas was present at the Sacrament of the Passeover he being one of the twelve for first seeing there is no question made that as Iudas was imployed in the Apostleship with the rest so he was admitted also with the rest unto the fellowship of all Worship and Divine Ordinances and was present at so many former feasts of the Passeover as Christ did keep with his Disciples there can be no inconvenience to suppose him present at the Passeover at this time also Secondly seeing whatsoever is said by Historiographers concerning a
the governour said Why What evill hath he done But they cried out the more saying Let him be crucified The people choose Barrabbas and refuse Christ by their rulers perswasion Doct. 1. Wicked men have a greater hatred against Christ then against the most vitious amongst them as here they ask Barrabbas to be saved and seek that Christ may be destroyed 2. Wo to the people when their leaders are corrupt for then shall they be tempted by wicked counsel and wo unto them yet more if they follow their wicked directions for so might they be led with these cursed Jewes to preserve Barrabbas and destroy Christ. 3. Halfe friendship lake warme affection toward Christ wily-working for him so as men who are Christs adversaries may be pleased also may well shew the righteousnesse of Christs cause but cannot deliver him or his servants from suffering nor exempt the cold-rise friend from sin therfore either must a man be a right down friend plain and frank for Christ or nothing Pilates wiles striving to save Christ and to please the people also do not serve the turn but do rather ensnare him and inrage Christ's adversaries the more for They cryed out the more Let him be crucified Ver. 24. When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing but that rather a tumult was made he took water and washed his hands before the multitude saying I am innocent of the blood of this just person see ye to it Pilat overcome with the temptation of pleasing the People first absolveth Christ and then yeildeth him over to the fury of his adversaries and will have them only to be guilty of his death Doct. 1. He that is not resolute to resist sin upon all hazards will yeild to it at last as Pilat doth here 2. Ignorant men are easily deceived counting themselvs free of such sins as men or inconveniencies from men do presse them unto as Pilat is here for because the people made a tumult he washeth his hands and saith I am innocent of the blood of this just person 3. Whatsoever be the fault of instruments in a wicked deed the prime authours and instigatours have the chief guiltinesse therefore not without ground saith Pilate to the Jews See you to it Ver. 25. Then answered all the people and said His blood be on us and on our children The mad people deluded by their leaders take on them the guilt without fear Doct. The stupidity of a misled conscience is fearfull when it is most deep in guiltinesse it dare defie Gods Justice in the opinion it hath of its owne innocency as here the people answer â—ilate His blood be upon us wherein their mouth doth pronounce their own doom and Wrath is from that time come on them unto this day Ver. 26. Then released he Barrabbas unto them and when he had scourged Iesus he delivered him to be crucified Thus is Jesus absolved from all guiltinesse in himselfe and declared in the face of his Accusers to be a just person and yet is he dealt with as a guilty man scourged and delivered to be crucified wherein we must look up unto the dispensation of a higher Judge who had the sins of the whole Elect in a Roll to charge upon him and now to exact of him above what he had already suffered yet more satisfaction to justice for the full Redemption of his people that so they may behold him as he is to wit the eternall and only begotten Son of God in his humane Nature suffering according to the paction of Redemption past between him and the Father all that Justice could crave for the expiation of our sins and purchase of righteousnesse and life eternall unto us and to this end we must take along with us in all Christ's sufferings 1. The consideration of the worthinesse of the person who is surety suffering for us that he is the Lord God Almighty filling the whole Earth with his Glory the Redeemer and holy One of Israel personally united with our Nature now upon him while he standeth before Pontius Pilate Secondly The consideration of the fearfull and horrible deservings of sin in us which calleth for our everlasting torments with the curse of God upon us Thirdly the consideration of the strictnesse of Divine Justice which will have sin punished condignly and will neither quit the sinner without a ransome nor the Redeemer without full satisfaction and punishment equivalent to the principall Debters deservings Fourthly the consideration of the wonderfull grace of God who is content to take satisfaction unto justice for the sins of men from one man in the name of all those for whom he offereth to satisfie Fifthly the consideration of the unspeakable love of God who giveth his own eternall Son to be the man who shall pay for the rest of the adopted children Sixthly the consideration of the meeknesse and patience of our dear Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who loved us and gave himselfe for us even to the cursed Death of the crosse yea to be made a curse for us that we might obtain the blessing of righteousnesse and eternall life through him if these considerations go along with us we shall see our selves worthy for ever of the shame and torment which our Lord endured for a short time and we shall see Christ in his deepest humiliation shining gloriously in our eyes our faith shall find food and our sins shall find poison in the sufferings of our Redeemer Doct. 1. Such as think they cannot stand except by the good will of Princes or People whensoever they are put to declare themselves whether they love Christ or the World better will certainly choose to please Princes or People whatsoever may become of Christ as here the People will have Barabbas set free and Christ executed to please their Rulers and Pilate will both release Barabbas and scourge Christ to give unto the People satisfaction 2. It is no wonder that Christ's Servants find hard measure of men at the Bar of Justice for no fault is found in Christ And yet he is scourged and delivered to his Adversaries to be crucified 3. Christ's Servants should resolve after lesser sufferings to endure yet more and at last to suffer death for Christ after suffering of many things is scourged and then delivered to be crucified 4. Our sins deserve to be punished with extremity of pain and torment and with extremity of shame and disgrace for our Redeemer behoved to be scourged and crucified also Ver. 27. Then the Souldiers of the Governour took Iesus into the common Hall and gathered unto him the whole Band of souldiers 28. And they stripped him and put on him a Scarlet Robe 29. And when they had platted a Crown of Thorns they put it upon his Head and a Reed in his right hand and they bowed the knee before him and mocked him saying Hail King of the Iews 30. And they spit upon him and took a Reed and smote him on the Head 31. And after