things one of the ministers staÌ„ding by gaue IESVS a blovv saying Ansvverest thou the high priest so ✠verse 23 IESVS ansvvered him If I haue spoken il giue testimonie of euil but if vvel vvhy strikest thou me ✠verse 24 And Annas sent him bound to Caiphas the high priest ✠verse 25 And Simon Peter vvas standing and vvarming him self They said therfore to him Art not thou also of his disciples He denied and said I am not ✠verse 26 One of the seruants of the high priest saith to him his cosin vvhose eare Peter did cut of Did not I see thee in the garden vvith him ✠verse 27 Againe therfore Peter denied and forth vvith the cocke crevve ✠verse 28 * They therfore bring IESVS from Caiphas into the Palace And it vvas morning and they vvent not in into the Palace that they might not be contaminated but that they might eate the Pasche ✠verse 29 Pilate therfore vvent forth to them vvithout and said Vvhat accusation bring you against this man ✠verse 30 They ansvvered and said to him If he vvere not a malefactour vve vvould not haue deliuered him vp to thee ✠verse 31 Pilate therfore said to them Take him you and according to your lavv iudge him The Ievves therfore said to him It is not lavvful for vs to kil any man ✠verse 32 * That the vvord of IESVS might be fulfilled vvhich he said signifying what death he should die ✠verse 33 * Pilate therfore vvent into the Palace againe and called IESVS and said to him Art thou the king of the Ievves ✠verse 34 IESVS ansvvered Saiest thou this of thy self or haue others told it thee of me ✠verse 35 Pilate answered Vvhy am I a Iewe Thy nation and the cheefe priests haue deliuered thee vp to me vvhat hast thou done ✠verse 36 IESVS ansvvered My kingdom is not of this vvorld if my kingdoÌ„ vvere of this vvorld my ministers verily vvould striue that I should not be deliuered to the Ievves but novv my kingdom is not from heÌ„ce ✠verse 37 Pilate therfore said to him Art thou a king then IESVS ansvvered Thou saiest that I am a king For this vvas I borne and for this came I into the vvorld that I should giue testimonie to the truth Euery one that is of the truth heareth my voice ✠verse 38 Pilate saith to him Vvhat is truth And vvhen he had said this he vvent forth againe to the Ievves and saith to them I finde no cause in him ✠verse 39 * But you haue a custome that I should release one to you in the Pasche vvil you therfore that I relâ—ase vnto you the king of the Ievves ✠verse 40 They al therfore cried againe saying Not him but Barabbas And Barabbas vvas a theefe CHAP. XIX The Ievves are not satisfied vvith his scourging and irrision â— Pilate hearing them say that he made him self the Sonne of God is more afraid 〈◊〉 Yet they vrging him vvith his loialty tovvard Caesar and professing that them selues vvil no king but Caesar he yeldeth vnto them 17 And so Christ carying his ovvne Crosse is crucified betvvene tvvo theeues 19 Pilate vvriting notoriously the onely cause of his death to be for that he is their king or Christ 〈◊〉 His garments be so vsed euen as the Scriptures foretold 25 He hath special care of his mother to the end 28 He signifieth al that vvas vvritten of his Passion to be fulfilled and so yeldeth vp his ghost 31 Then by the levves meanes also other Scriptures about his legges and side are fulfilled 38 And finally he is honorably buried verse 1 THEN therfore Pilate tooke IESVS and scourged him ✠verse 2 And the souldiars platting a crovvne of thornes put it vpon his head and they put about him a purple garment ✠verse 3 And they came to him and said Haile king of the Ievves and they gaue him blovves ✠verse 4 Pilate vvent forth againe and saith to them Behold I bring him forth vnto you that you may knovv that I finde no cause in him ✠verse 5 IESVS therfore vvent forth carying the crovvne of thornes and the purple vestiment And he saith to them Loe the man ✠verse 6 Vvhen the cheefe priests therfore and the ministers had seen him they cried saying Crucifie crucifie him Pilate saith to them Take him you and crucifie him for I finde no cause in him ✠verse 7 The Ievves ansvvered him Vve haue a Law and according to the Law he ought to die because he hath made him self the sonne of God ✠verse 8 VvheÌ„ Pilate therfore had heard this saying he feared more ✠verse 9 And he entred into the Palace againe and he saith to IESVS Vvhence art thou But IESVS gaue him no ansvver ✠verse 10 Pilate therfore saith to him Speakest thou not to me knovvest thou not that I haue povver to crucifie thee and I haue povver to release thee ✠verse 11 IESVS ansvvered Thou shouldest not haue any povver against me vnles it vvere giuen thee from aboue Therfore he that hath betraied me to thee hath the greater sinne ✠verse 12 From thence forth Pilate sought to release him But the Ievves cried saying If thou release this man thou art not Caesars frend euery one that maketh him self a king speaketh against Caesar ✠verse 13 But Pilate vvhen he had heard these vvordes brought forth IESVS and he sate in the iudgemeÌ„t seate in the place that is called Lithóstrotos and in Hebrevv Gábbatha ✠verse 14 And it vvas the Parasceue of Pasche about the sixt houre and he saith to the Ievves Loe your king ✠verse 15 But they cried Avvay avvay vvith him crucifie him Pilate saith to them Shal I crucifie your king The cheefe priests ansvvered Vve haue no king but Caesar ✠verse 16 Then therfore he deliuered him vnto them for to be crucified And they tooke IESVS and led him forth ✠verse 17 * And bearing his ovvne ″ crosse he vvent forth into that vvhich is called the place of Caluarie in Hebrevv Gólgotha ✠verse 18 vvhere they crucified him and vvith him two others on the one side and on the other and in the middes IESVS ✠verse 19 And Pilate vvrote a title also and he put it vpon the crosse And it vvas vvritten IESVS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE IEVVES ✠verse 20 This title therfore many of the Ievves did reade because the place vvhere IESVS vvas crucified vvas nigh to the citie and it vvas vvritten in Hebrevv in Greeke and in Latin ✠verse 21 The cheefe priests therfore of the Ievves said to Pilate Vvrite not The king of the Ievves but that he said I am king of the Ievves ✠verse 22 Pilate ansvvered That vvhich I haue vvritten I haue vvritten ✠verse 23 The souldiars therfore vvhen they had crucified him tooke his garments and they made foure partes to euery souldiar a part
him wel fare thee good and faithful seruant because thou hast been faithful ouer a fevv things I vvil place thee ouer many things enter into the ioy of thy lord ⊢ ✠verse 24 And he also that had receiued the one talent came forth and said Lord I knovv that thou art a hard man thou reapest vvhere thou didst not sovv and gatherest vvhere thou stravvedst not ✠verse 25 and being afraid I vvent and hid thy talent in the earth behold loe here thou hast that vvhich thine is ✠verse 26 And his lord ansvvering said to him Naughtie and sloughtful seruant thou didst knovv that I reape vvhere I sovv not gather vvhere I stravved not ✠verse 27 thou oughtest therfore to haue committed my money to the bankers and comming I might haue receiued mine ovvne â— vvith vsurie ✠verse 28 Take ye avvay therfore the talent from him and giue it him that hath ten talents ✠verse 29 For to * euery one that hath shal be giuen and he shal abound but from him that hath not that also vvhich â— he seemeth to haue shal be taken avvay from him ✠verse 30 And the vnprofitable seruant cast ye out into the vtter darknesse There shal be vveeping and gnashing of teeth ✠verse 31 And vvhen the sonne of man shal come in his maiestie and al the Angels vvith him then shal he sitte vpon the seate of his maiestie ✠verse 32 and al nations shal be gathered together before him and he shal â— separate them one from an other as the pastor separateth the sheepe from the goates ✠verse 33 and shal set the sheepe at his right hand but the goates at his left ✠verse 34 Then shal the king say to them that shal be at his right hand Come ye blessed of my father possesse you the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the vvorld ✠verse 35 for I vvas an hungred and â— you gaue me to eate I vvas a thirst and you gaue me to drinke ✠verse 36 I vvas a stranger and you tooke me in naked and you couered me sicke and you visited me I vvas in prison and you came to me ✠verse 37 Then shal the iust ansvveâ— him saying Lord vvhen did vve see thee an hungred and fed thee a thirst and gaue thee drinke ✠verse 38 and vvhen did vve see thee a stranger and tooke thee in or naked and couered thee ✠verse 39 or vvhen did vve see thee sicke or in prison and came to thee ✠verse 40 And the king ansvvering shall say to them Amen I say to you as long as you did it to one of these my least brethren you did it to me ✠verse 41 Then he shal say to them also that shal be at his left hand â— Get ye avvay from me you cursed into fire euerlasting vvhich vvas prepared for the Deuil and his angels ✠verse 42 for I vvas an hungred and you â— gaue me not to eate I vvas a thirst and you gaue me not to drinke ✠verse 43 I was a stranger and you tooke me not in naked and you couered me not sicke and in prison and you did not visite me ✠verse 44 Then they also shall ansvver him saying Lord vvhen did vve see thee an hungred or a thirst or a stranger or naked or sicke or in prison and did not minister to thee ✠verse 45 Then he shal ansvver them saying Amen I say to you as long as you did it not to one of these lesser neither did you it to me ✠verse 46 And these shal goe into punishment euerlasting but the iust into life euerlasting ⊢ ANNOTATIONS CHAP. XXV 1. Virgiâ—s These virgins fiue wise and fiue foolish signifie that in the Church militant there be good and bad which bad shal be shut out at the later day although they haue lampes that is faith as the other because their lampes are out that is their faith is dead without charity and good workes to lighten them Greg. ho. 12. 1. Lampes These lampes lighted be good workes namely of mercy and the laudable conuersation which shineth before men Aug. ep 120 c. 33. 3. Oyle This oyle is the right inward intention directing our workes to Gods glorie and not to the praise of our selues in the sight of men Aug. ep 120 c. 33. 27. With vsurie Vsurie is here taken for the lawful gaine that a man getteth by wel employing his goods When God geueth vs any talent or talents he looketh for vsurie that is for spiritual increase of the same by our diligence and industrie 29. That which he seemeth to haue He is said to haue Gods gifts that vseth them and to such an one God wil increase his giftes He that vseth them not seemeth to haue rather then â—ath them and from him God wil withdraw that which before he gaue 32. Separate Lo here is the separation for in the Church militant they liued both together As for Heretikes they went out of the Church before and separated them selues and therfore are not to be separated here as being iudged already 34. Come ye 41 get ye away It is no incongruity that God should say Goe into euerlasting fire to them that by their free wil haue repelled his mercie and to the other Come ye blessed of my father take the kingdom prepared for them that by their free wil haue receiued faith and confessed their sinnes and done penance Aug. li. 2 act cum Fel. Manich. c. 8. 35. You gaue me Hereby we see how much almes-deedes and al workes of mercy preuaile towardes life euerlasting and to blot out former sinnes Aug. in Ps 49. 42. Gaue me not He chargeth them not here that they beleeued not but that they did not good workes For such did beleeue but they cared not for good workes as though by dead faith they might haue come to heauen Aug. defid op c. 15. ad Dulcit q. 2. to 4. CHAP. XXVI To the Councel of the Iewes Iudas by occasion of Marie Magdaelens â—intmeÌ„t doth sell him for litle 17 After the Paschal lambe 26 he giueth them that bread of life promised Io. 6. in a mystical Sacrifice or Separation of his Body and Bloud 31 And that night he is after his prayer 47 taken of the Iewes men Iudas being their captaine and forsaken of the other eleuen for feare 57 is falsely accused and impiously condemned of the Iewes Councel 67 and shamefully abused of them 69 and thrise deâ—ied of Peter Al euen as the Scriptures and him self had often foretold verse 1 AND it came to passe vvhen IESVS had ended al these vvordes he said to his Disciples ✠verse 2 You knovv that after tvvo dayes shal be Pasche and the Sonne of man shal be deliuered to be crucified ✠verse 3 Then vvere gathered together the cheefe Priestes and auncients of the people into the court of the high priest vvho
of the Pagan gods Then vvas it Babylon vvhen S. Iohn vvrote this and then vvas Nero and the rest figures of Antichrist and that citie the resemblance of the principal place vvheresoeuer it be that Antichrist shal reigne in about the later end of the vvorld Novv to apply that to the Romane Church and Apostolike See either novv or then vvhich vvas spoken onely of the terrene state of that citie as it vvas the seate of Peter vvhen it did slea aboue 30 Popes Christs Vicars one after an other endeuoured to destroy the vvhole Church that is most blasphemous and foolish The Church in Rome vvas one thing Babylon in Rome an other thing Peter sate in Rome and Nero sate in Rome but Peter as in the Church of Rome Nero as in the Babylon of Rome Vvhich distinction the Heretikes might haue learned by S. Peter him self ep 1. chap. 5. vvriting thus The Church saluteth you that is in Babylon coëlect So that the Church and the very chosen Church vvas in Rome vvhen Rome vvas Babylon vvhereby it is plaine that vvhether Babylon or the great vvhoore do here signifie Rome or no yet it can not signifie the Church of Rome vvhich is novv and euer vvas differing from the terrene Empire of the same And if as in the beginning of the Church Nero and the rest of the persecuting Emperours vvhich vvere figures of Antichrist did principally sit in Rome so also the great Antichrist shal haue his seate there as it may vvel be though others thinke that Hierusalem rather shal be his principal citie yet euen then shal neither the Church of Rome nor the Pope of Rome be Antichrist but shal be persecuted by Antichrist and driuen out of Rome if it be possible for to Christs Vicar and the Romane Church he vvil beare as much good vvil as the Protestants novv doe and he shal haue more povver to persecute him and the Church then they haue S. Hierom epist 17. c. 7. to Marcella to dravv her out of the citie of Rome to the holy land vvarning her of the manifold allurements to sinne and il life that be in so great and populous a citie alludeth at length to these vvordes of the Apocalypse and maketh it to be Babylon and the purple vvhoore but straight vvay lest some naughtie person might thinke he meant that of the Church of Rome vvhich he spake of the societie of the vvicked only he addeth There is there in deeds the holy Church there are the triumphans monuments of the Apostles and Martyrs there is the true confession of Christ there is the faith praised * of the Apostle and Gentilitie troden vnder foote the name of Christian daily aduancing it self on high Vvhereby you see that vvhatsoeuer may be spoken or interpreted of Rome out of this vvord Babylō it is not meant of the Church of Rome but of the terrene state in so much that the said holy Doctor li. 2. aduers Iouinian c. 19. signifieth that the holines of the Church there hath vviped avvay the blasphemie vvritten in the forehead of her former iniquitie But of the difference of the old state and dominion of the Heathen there for vvhich it is resembled to Antichrist and the Priestly state vvhich novv it hath reade a notable place in S. Leo serm 1 in natali Petri Pauli 5. Mysterie S. Paul calleth this secrete and close vvorking of abomination the mysterie of iniquitie 2. Thessal 2. and it is called a litle after in this chapter vers 7. the Sacrament or mysterie of the vvoman and it is also the marke of reprobation and damnation 6. Drunken of the bloud It is plaine that this vvoman signifieth the vvhole corps of al the persecutors that haue and shal shede so much bloud of the iust of the Prophets Apostles and other Martyrs from the beginning of the vvorld to the end The Protestants folishly expound it of Rome for that there they put Heretikes to death and allovv of their punishment in other countries but their bloud is not called the bloud of saincts no more then the bloud of theeues mankillers and other malefactors for the sheding of vvhich by order of iustice no Commonvvealth shal ansvver 9. Seuen hilles The Angel him self here expoundeth these 7 hilles to be al one vvith the 7 heads and the 7 kings yet the Heretikes blinded excedingly vvith malice against the Church of Rome are so madde to take them for the seuen hilles literally vpon vvhich in old time Rome did stand that so they might make the vnlearned beleeue that Rome is the seate of Antichrist But if they had any consideration they might marke that the Prophets visions here are most of them by Seuens vvhether he talke of heads hornes candlestickes Churches kings hilles or other thinges and that he alluded not to the hilles because they vvere iust seuen but that Seuen is a mystical number as sometimes Ten is signifying vniuersally al of that sort whereof he speaketh as that the seuen heads hilles or kingdoms which are here al one should be al the kingdoms of the world that persecute the Christians being heads and mountaines for their height in dignitie aboue others And some take it that there were seuen special Empires kingdoms or States that vvere or shal be the greatest persecutors of Gods people as of Aegypt hanaan Babylon the Persians and Greekes which be fiue-sixtly of the Romane Empire which once persecuted most of al other and which as the Apostle here saith yet is or standeth but the seuenth then vvhen S. Iohn vvrote this vvas not come neither is yet come in our daies vvhich is Antichrists state vvhich shal not come so long as the Empire of Rome standeth as S. Paul did Prophecie 2 Thessa◠2. 13. The same is the eight The beast it self being the congregation of al these vvicked persecutors though it consist of the foresaid seuen yet for that the malice of al is complete in it may be called the eight Or Antichrist him self though he be one of the seuen yet for his extraordinarie vvickednes shal be counted the odde persecutor or the accomplishment of al other therfore is named the eight Some take this beast called the eight to be the Diuel 18. The great citie If it be meant of any one citie and not of the vniuersal societie of the reprobate vvhich is the citie of the Diuel as the Church the vniuersal fellovvship of the faithful is called the citie of God it is most like to be old Rome as some of the Greekes expound it from the time of the first Emperours til Constantines daies vvho made an end of the persecution for by the authoritie of the old Romane Empire Christ vvas put to death first and aftervvard the tvvo cheefe Apostles the Popes their successors and infinite Catholike men through out the vvorld by lesser kings vvhich then vvere subiect to Rome Al vvhich Antichristian persecution◠ceased vvhen
to come to thee quickly to vvit vnto Ephesus vvhere he had desired him to remaine although in his voiage to Hierusalem before his being at Rome he said at Milétum to the Clergie of Ephesus vpoÌ„ probable feare And now behold I knovv that you shal no more see my â—ace Vvhere it vvas vvritten it is vncertaine though it be commonly said at Laodicia Vvhich seemeth not because it is like he vvas neuer there as may be gathered by the Epistle to the Colossians vvritten at Rome in his last trouble vvhen he vvas put to death THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PAVL TO TIMOTHEE CHAP. I. He recommendeth vnto him to inhibite certaine Ievves vvho iangled of the Lavv as though it vvere contrarie to his preaching 11 Against vvhom he auoucheth his ministerie though he acknovvledge his vnvvorthines verse 1 PAVL an Apostle of IESVS Christ according to the commaundement of God our sauiour and of Christ IESVS our hope ✠verse 2 to Timothee his beloued sonne in the faith Grace mercie and peace from God the father and from Christ IESVS our Lord. ✠verse 3 As I desired thee to remaine at Ephesus vvhen I vvent into Macedonia that thou shouldest denounce to certaine ″ not to teache othervvise ✠verse 4 nor to attend ″ to fables and genealogies hauing no ende vvhich minister ″ questions rather then the edifying of God vvhich is in faith ✠verse 5 But ″ the ende of the precept is charitie from a pure hart and a good conscience and a faith not feined ✠verse 6 From the vvhich things certaine straying are turned into vaine talke ✠verse 7 ″ desirous to be doctors of the Lavv not vnderstanding neither vvhat things they speake nor of vvhat they affirme ✠verse 8 But vve know that * the Lavv is good if a man vse it lavvfully ✠verse 9 knovving this that ″ the Lavv is not made to the iust man but to the vniust and disobedient to the impious and sinners to the vvicked and contaminate to killers of fathers and killers of mothers to murderers ✠verse 10 to fornicatours to lyers vvith maÌ„kinde to man-stealers to liers to periured persons and vvhat other thing soeuer is contrarie to sound doctrine ✠verse 11 vvhich is according to the Gospel of the glorie of the blessed God vvhich is committed to me ✠verse 12 I giue him thankes vvhich hath strengthened me Christ IESVS our Lord because he hath esteemed me faithful putting me in the ministerie ✠verse 13 vvho before vvas blasphemous and a persecutor contumelious but I obteined the mercie of God because I did it being ignorant in incredulitie ✠verse 14 And the grace of our Lord ouer-abounded vvith faith and loue vvhich is in Christ IESVS ✠verse 15 A faithful saying vvorthie of al acceptatioÌ„ that Christ IESVS came into this vvorld * to saue sinners of vvhom I am the cheefe ✠verse 16 But therfore haue I obtained mercie that in me first of al Christ IESVS might shevv al patience to the information of them that shal beleeue on him vnto life euerlasting ✠verse 17 And to the king of the vvorldes immortal inuisible onely God honour glorie for euer and euer Amen ✠verse 18 This precept I commend to thee ô Timothee according to the prophecies going before on thee that thou warre in them a good vvarfare ✠verse 19 hauing faith and a good conscience vvhich certaine repelling haue made shipvvracke about the faith ✠verse 20 Of vvhom is Hymenaeus Alexander vvhom I haue ″ deliuered to Satan that they may learne not to blaspheme ANNOTATIONS CHAP. I. 3. Not to teach othervvise The proper marke of Heretikes false preachers is to teach othervvise or contrarie to that vvhich they found taught and beleeued generally in the vnitie of the Catholike Church before their time al doctrine that is odde singular new differing from that vvhich vvas fâ—rst planted by the Apostles and desceÌ„ded downe from them to al nations and ages folowing vvithout contradiction being assuredly erroneous The Greeke vvord vvhich the Apostle here vseth expresseth this point so effectually that in one compound terme he giueth vs to vvit that an Heretike is nothing els but an after-teacher or teacher-otherwise vvhich euen it self alone is the easiest rule euen for the simple to discerne a false Prophet or preacher by specially vvhen an heresie first beginneth Luther found al Nations Christian at rest and peace in one vniforme faith and al preachers of one voice and doctrine touching the B. Sacrament and other Articles so that vvhat so euer he taught against that vvhich he found preached and beleeued must needes be an other doctrine a later doctrine an after-teaching or teaching othervvise and therfore consequently must needes be false And by this admonitioÌ„ of S. Paul al Bishops are vvarned to take heede of such and specially to prouide that no such odde teachers arise in their dioceses 4. To fables He speaketh specially of the Iewes after-doctrines and humane constitutions repugnant to the lawes of God vvhereof Christ giueth warning Mt. 23 and in other places vvhich are conteined in their Cabala and Talmud generally of al heretical doctrines vvhich in deede how so euer the simple people be beguiled by theÌ„ are nothing but fabulous inuentions as vve may see in the Valentinians Manichees and oâ—hers of old by the brethren of loue Puritans Anabaptistes and Caluinistes of our time For which cause Theodorete entitleth his booke against Heretikes Hereticarum fabularum Of Heretical fables 4. Questions Let our louing brethren consider vvhether these contentious and curious questionings and disputes in religion vvhich these vnhappie heresies haue in gendered haue brought forth any increase of good life any deuotion or edification of faith and religion in our daies and then shal they easily iudge of the truth of these new opinions and the end that wil folovv of these innouations In truth al the world now seeth they edifie to Atheisme and no othervvise 5. The end Charitie Here againe it appeareth that Charitie is the cheese of al vertues and the end consummation and perfection of al the law and precepts and yet the Aduersaries are so fond as to preferre faith before it yea to exclude it from our iustification Such obstinacie there is in them that haue once in pride stubbernes forsaken the euident truth Charitie doubtles which is here commended is iustice it self and the very formal cause of our iustification as the vvorkes proceding thereof be the vvorkes of iustice Charitas incheata saith S. Augustine inchoata iustitia Charitas prouecta prouecta iustitia Charitas magna magna iustitia Charitas perfecta perfecta iustitia est Charitie novv beginning is iustice beginning Charitie grovven or increased is iustice grovven or increased great Charitis is great iustice perfect Charitie is perfect iustice Li. de nat grat c. 70. 7. Desirous to be Doctors It is the
c. 11. that I should be an vnhappie and miserable man if I should lacke the companie of a vvoman and the medicine of thy mercie to heale the same infirmitie I thought not vpon because I had not tried it and I imagined that continencie vvas in a mans ovvne povver and libertie vvhich in my self I did not feele being so foolish not to vnderstand that no man can be continent vnles thou giue it Verely thou vvouldest giue it if vvith invvard mourning I vvould knocke at thy 〈◊〉 and vvith sound faith vvould â—ast my care vpon thee By al vvhich you may easily proue that chastitie is a thing that may lavvfully be vowed that it is not impossible to be fulfilled by praier fasting and chastisement of mens concupiscence that it is a thing more grateful to God then the condition of maried persons for els it should not be required either in the Cleargie or in the Religious finally that it is most abominable to persuade the poore virgins or other professed to such sacarilegious vvedlocke which S. Augustine auoucheth to be vvorse then aduoutrie de bâ—n vidâ— â— 4. 11. Iouinian vvas the first that euer made mariage equal vvith virginitie or chast life for vvhich he vvas condemned of heresie Aug. in argumento li. de bonâ— Coniugali de pec merit li. 3. c. 7. Li. de hares har 82. He vvas the first that persuaded professed virgins to marie which S. Augustine saith vvas so clerely and vvithout question vvicked that it could neuer infect any Priest but certaine miserable Nunnes Yea for this strange persuasion he calleth Iouinian a monster saying of him thus Li. 2. Râ—tract cap. 22. The holy Church that is there at Rome most faithfully and stoutly resisted this monster S. Hierom calleth the said Heretike and his complices Christian epicures li 2 cont Iouin c. 19. See S. Ambrose ep 82 ad vâ—â—câ—llensem epiâ—â—opum in initiâ— But vvhat vvould these holy doctors haue said if they had liued in our doleful time vvhen the Protestants go quite avvay vvith this vvickednes and call it Gods vvord 17. In vvord and doctrine Such Priests specially and Prelates are vvorthy of double that is of the more ample honour that are able to preach and teach and do take paines therein Vvhere vve may note that al good Bishops or Priests in those daies vvere not so vvel able to teach as some others and yet for the ministerie of the Sacraments and for vvisedom and gouernement vvere not vnmeete to be Bishops and Pastors for though it be one high commendation in a Prelate to be able to teach as the Apostle before noted yet al can not haue the like grace therein and it is often recompensed by other singular giftes not lesse necessarie S. Augustine laboured in vvorde and doctrine Alipius and Valerius vvere good Bishops and yet had not that gift Possid in vit Aug. c. 5. And some times and countries require preachers more then other Al vvhich vve note to discouer the pride of Heretikes that contemne some of the Catholike Priests or Bishops pretending that they can not preach as they do vvith meretricious and painted eloquence â—3 Waâ—er You see hovv lavvful and hovv a holy a thing it is to fast from some meates or drinkes either certaine daies or alvvaies as this B. Bishop Timothee did vvho vvas hardly induced by the Apostle to drinke a litle vvine vvith his vvater in respect of his infirmities And marke vvithal vvhat a calumnious and stale cauillation it is that to abstaine from certaine meates and drinkes for punishment of the body or deuotion is to condemne Gods creatures See an homilie of S. Chrysostom vpon these vvordes to 5. CHAP. VI. Vvhat to teach seruants 3 If any teach against the doctrine of the Church obstinately he doth it of pride and for lucre 11 But the Catholike Bishop must folovv vertuâ— hauing his eie alvvaies to life euerlasting and to the coÌ„ming of Christ 17 Vvhat to commaund the riche 20 Finally to keepe most carefully the Catholike Churches doctrine vvithout mutation verse 1 WHOSOEVER are seruantes vnder yoke let them counte their maisters vvorthie of al honour lest the name of our Lord and his doctrine be blasphemed ✠verse 2 But they that haue faithful maisters let them not contemne them because they are brethren but serue the rather because they be faithful and beloued vvhich are partakers of the benefite These things teache and exhort ✠verse 3 If any man teach othervvise and consent not to the sound vvordes of our Lord IESVS Christ and to that doctrine vvhich is according to pietie ✠verse 4 he is proude knowing nothing but ″ languishing about questions and strife of vvordes of vvhich rise enuies contentions blasphemies euil suspicions ✠verse 5 conflictes of men corrupted in their minde and that are depriued of the truth that esteeme gaine to be pietie ✠verse 6 But pietie vvith sufficiencie is great gaine ✠verse 7 For vve * brought nothing into this vvorld doubtlesse verse 8 neither can vve take avvay any thing But * hauing foode and vvhervvith to be couered vvith these vve are content ✠verse 9 For they that vvil be made riche fall into tentation the snare of the deuil many desires vnprofitable and hurteful vvhich drovvne men into destruction and perdition ✠verse 10 For the roote of al euils is couetousenes vvhich certaine desiring haue erred from the faith and haue intangled them selues in many sorovves ✠verse 11 But thou ô man of God flee these things and pursue iustice pietie faith charitie patience mildenes ✠verse 12 Fight the good fight of faith apprehend eternal life ⊢ vvherein thou art called and hast confessed a good confession before many vvitnesses ✠verse 13 I commaund thee before God vvho quickeneth al things and Christ IESVS vvho * gaue testimonie vnder Pontius Pilate a good confession ✠verse 14 that thou keepe the commaundement vvithout spotte blamelesse vnto the comming of our Lord IESVS Christ ✠verse 15 vvhich in due times the Blessed onely Mightie vvil shevv the * King of kings and Lord of lordes ✠verse 16 vvho only hath immortalitie and inhabiteth light not accessible * vvhom no man hath seen yea neither can see to vvhom be honour and empire euerlasting Amen ⊢ ✠verse 17 Commaund the riche of this vvorld not to be high minded nor to trust in the vncertaintie of riches but in the liuing God vvho giueth vs al things aboundantly to enioy ✠verse 18 to doe wel to become riche in good workes to giue easily to communicate ✠verse 19 to heape vnto them selues a good fouÌ„dation for the time to come that they may apprehend the true life ✠verse 20 O Timothee keepe the ″ depositum auoiding the ″ profane nouelties of voices oppositions of ″ falsely called knovvledge ✠verse 21 Vvhich certaine promising haue erred about the faith Grace be vvith
to the order of Aaron but according to the order of Melchisedec See ep 120. c. 19. ep 57. ad q. 1. in fine Thus you see vvhen the holy fathers handle the Scriptures they finde Masse and Sacrifice in many places vvhere the ignorant heretikes or the simple might thinke they speake onely of a common thankes giuing 16. God is promerited This latin vvord promeretur cannot be expressed effectually in any one English vvord It signifieth Gods fauour to be procured by the foresaid vvorkes of almes and charitie as by the deserts and merites of the doers Which doctrine and vvord of merites the Aduersaries like so il that they flee both here and els vvhere from the vvord translating here for promeretur Deus God is pleased more neere to the Greeke as they pretend Which in deede maketh no more for them then the latin vvhich is agreable to most auncient copies as vve see by Primasius S. Augustines scholer For if God be pleased vvith good vvorkes and shew fauour for them then are they meritorious and then only faith is not the cause of Gods fauour to men 17. Obey your Prelates There is nothing more inculcated in the holy Scriptures then obedience of the lay people to the Priests and Prelates of Gods Church in matters of soule conscience and religion Vvhereof the Apostle giueth this reason because they haue the charge of mens soules and must ansvver for them vvhich is an infinite preeminence and superiority ioyned vvith burden and requireth maruelous submission and most obedient subiection of al that be vnder them and their gouernement From this obedience there is no exception nor exemption of kings nor Princes be they neuer so great If they haue soules and be Christian men they must be subiect to some Bishop Priest or other Prelate And vvhatsoeuer he be though Emperour of all the vvorld if he take vpon him to prescribe and giue lawes of religion to the Bishops and Priests vvhom he ought to obey and be subiect vnto in religion he shal he damned vndoubtedly except he repent because he doth against the expresse vvord of God and law of nature And by this you may see the difference of an heretical and a disordered time from other Catholike Christian daies For heresie and the like damnable reuoltes from the Church of God is no more but a rebellion and disobedience to the Priests of Gods Church vvhen men refuse to be vnder their discipline to heare their doctrine and interpretation of Scriptures to obey their lawes and counsels This disobedience and rebellion from the Spiritual Gouernour vnder pretence of obedience to the Temporal is the bane of our daies and specially of our Countrie vvhere these new Sectes are properly mainteined by this false principle That the Prince in matters of soule and religion may commaund the Prelate vvhich is directly and euidently against this Scripture and all other that commaund the sheepe of Christes fold to obey their spiritual Officers THE ARGVMENT OF THE EPISTLE OF S. IAMES THIS Epistle as the rest folovving is directed specially as S. Augustine saith against the errour of only faith vvhich some held at that time also by misconstruing S. Paules vvordes Yea not only that but many other errours vvhich then also vvere annexed vnto it as they are novv doth this Apostle here touche expresly He saith therfore that not only faith but also good vvorkes are necessarie that not only faith but also good vvorkes do iustifie that they are actes of Religion or seruice and vvorship of God that to keepe al the commaundements of God and so to abstaine from al mortal sinne is not impossible but necessarie that God is not author of sinne no not so much as of tentation to sinne that vve must stay our selues from sinning vvith feare of our death of the Iudgement of hel and stirre our selues to doing of good vvith our revvard that vve shall haue for it in heauen These pointes of the Catholike faith he commendeth earnestly vnto vs inueighing vehemently against them that teach the coÌ„trarie errors Hovvbeit he doth vvithal admonish not to neglect such but to seeke their conuersion shevving them hovv meritorious a thing that is Thus then he exhorteth generally to all good vvorkes dehorteth from al sinne but yet also namely to certaine from certaine as from acception of persons from detraction and rash iudging from concupisceÌ„ce and loue of this vvorld from svvearing and to praier to almes to humilitie confession and penance but most copiously to patience in persecution Novv vvho this Iames vvas It is not be vvhose feast the Church keepeth the 25 of Iulie vvhich vvas S. Iohns brother and vvhose martyrdom vve haue Act. 12. but he vvhom the Church vvorshippeth the first of Maie vvho is called Frater Domini our lordes brother and brother to Iude and vvhich vvas the first Bishop of Hierusalem of vvhom vve reade Act. 15 21. and also Gal. 2. of vvhose vvonderful austeritie and puritie of life the Ecclesiasticall stories do report Euseb li. 2. c. â—2 Hiero. in Catalogo Therfore as the old High-priest had povver and charge ouer the Ievves not only in Hierusalem and Iurie but also dispersed in other Countries as vve vnderstand Act. 9. v. 1 2. so S. Iames likevvise being Bishop of Hierusalem and hauing care not only of those Ievves vvith vvhom he vvas resident there in Iurie but of al the rest also vvriteth this Epistle To the tvvelue tribes that are in dispersion and in them to al Christians vniuersally dispersed through the vvorld THE CATHOLIKE EPISTLE OF IAMES THE APOSTLE Catholike Epistle The vvord Catholike though in the title of this Epistle the rest folovving called The Catholike Epistles it be not vvholy in the same sense as it is in the Creede yet the Protestants so feare and abhorre the vvord altogether that in some of their Bibles they leaue it cleane out although it be in the Greeke and in some they had rather translate ridiculously thus The general Epistle c. vvhereas these are famously knovven and * specified in antiquitie by the name of Catholike Epistles for that they are vvritten to the vvhole Church not to any peculiar people or person as S. Paules are CHAP. I. Vve haue to reioyce in persecution but if vve be patient and vvithal absteine from al mortal sinne 9 considering hovv vve shal be exalted and crovvned for it vvhen the persecutor vvho enricheth him self vvith our spoiles shal fade avvay 13 But if any be tempted to fall or to any other euil let him not say God it the author of it vvho is the author of al good onely 19 Such points of the Caâ—â—-faith vve must be content to learne vvithout contradiction and anger and to doe accordingly 26 Because othervvise vve may talke of Religion but in deede it is no Religion verse 1 IAMES the seruant of God and of our Lord IESVS Christ to the tvvelue tribes
the king ✠verse 18 Seruants be subiect in al feare to your maisters not only to the good modest ″ but also to the vvaivvard ✠verse 19 For this is thanke if for coÌ„science of God a man sustaine sorovves suffering vniustly ✠verse 20 For vvhat glorie is it if sinning and buffeted you suffer but if doing vvel you sustaine patiently this is thanke before God ✠verse 21 For vnto this are you called because Christ also suffred for vs ' leauing you ' an example that you may folovv his steppes ✠verse 22 vvho did no sinne neither vvas guile found in his mouth ✠verse 23 vvho vvhen he vvas reuiled did not reuile vvhen he suffred he threatened not but deliuered him self to him that iudged him vniustly ✠verse 24 vvho him self * bare our sinnes in his body vpon the tree that dead to sinnes we may liue to iustice by vvhose stripes you are healed ✠verse 25 For you vvere as sheepe straying but you be conuerted novv to the Pastor and Bishop of your soules ⊢ ANNOTATIONS CHAP. II. â— Spiritual hostes Here vve see that as he speaketh of spiritual hostes vvhich euery Christian man offereth so he speaketh not properly of priesthod vvhen he maketh al Priests but of a spiritual priesthod Which spiritual priesthod vvas also in al the Iewes but the priesthod properly so called vvas onely in the sonnes of Aaron and they offered the sacrifices properly so called vvhich none besides might offer 13. Be subiect Not onely our Maister Christ but the Apostles and al Christians vvere euer charged by such as thought to bring them in hatred vvith Princes vvith disobedience to kings and temporal Magistrates therfore both * S. Paul and this Apostle do specially vvarne the faithful that they giue no occasioÌ„ by their il demeanure to secular Princes that the Heathen should count them disobedient or seditious vvorkers against the States of the vvorld 13. To euery humans creature So he calleth the temporal Magistrate elected by the people or holding their Souerainty by birth carnal propagation ordained for the vvorldly vvealth peace and prosperitie of the subiects to put a difference betvvixt that humane Superiority and the spiritual Rulers and regiment guiding and gouerning the people to an higher end and instituted by God him self immediatly for Christ did expresly constitute the forme of regiment vsed euer since in the Church He made oue the cheese placing Peter in the Supremacie he called the Apostles and Disciples giuing them their seueral authorities Aftervvared * God guided the lot for choise of S. Marthias in Iudas place and the Holy Ghost expresly and namely seuered and chose Paul and Barnabas vnto their Apostolical function and generally the Apostle faith of al spiritual Rulers The holy Ghost hath placed you to rule the Church of God And although al povver be of God and kings rule by him yet that is no othervvise but by his ordinarie concurrence and prouidence vvhereby he procureth the earthly coÌ„modity or vvealth of men by maintaining of due superiority and subiection one tovvards an other and by giuing povver to the people and Commonvvealth to choose to them selues some kinde or forme of Regiment vnder vvhich they be content to liue for their preseruation in peace and tranquillity But Spiritual superiority is far more excellent as in more excellent â—ort depending not of mans ordinance election or as this Apostle speaketh creation but of the Holy Ghost vvho is alvvaies resident in the Church vvhich is Christs body mystical and therfore an other manner of Commonwealth then the earthly concurring in singular sort to the creation of al necessarie Officers in the said Church euen to the vvorlds end as S. Paul vvriteth to the Ephesians Lest therfore the people being then in so precise sort alvvaies vvarned of the excellencie of their Spiritual gouernours * and of their obedience tovvard them might neglect their dueties to Temporal Magistrates specially being infidels and many times tyrants and persecutors of the faith as Nero and other vvere then therfore S. Peter here vvarneth them to be subiect for their bodies and goods and other temporal things euen to the vvorldly Princes both infidels and Christians vvhom he calleth humane creatures 13. To the king as excelling Some simple heretikes other also not vnlearned at the begining for lacke of better places vvould haue proued by this that the king vvas head of the Church and aboue al Spiritual rulers and to make it â—ound better that vvay they falsely translated it To the king as to the cheefe head In the Bible of the yere 1562. But it is euident that he calleth the king the precellent or more excellent in respect of his Vicegerents vvhich he calleth Dukes or Gouernours that be at his appointment and not in respect of Popes Bishops or Priests as they haue the rule of mens soules vvho could not in that charge be vnder such kings or Emperours as the Apostle speaketh of no more then the kings or Emperours then could be heads of the Church being Heathen men and no members thereof much lesse the cheefe members See a notable place in S. Ignatius ep ad Smyrnenses vvhere he exhorteth them first to honour God next the Bishop then the king This is an inuincible demoÌ„stration that this text maketh not for any spiritual claime of earthly kings because it giueth no more to any Prince then may and ought to be done and graunted to a Heathen Magistrate Neither is there any thing in al the nevv Testament that proueth the Prince to be head or cheefe gouernour of the Church in spiritual or Ecclesiastical causes more then it proueth any heathen Emperour of Rome to haue been for they vvere bound in temporal things to obey the heathen being lavvful kings to be subiect to them euen for conscience to keepe their temporal lavves to pay them tribute to pray for them and to doe al other natural duties and more no scriptures binde vs to doe to Christian kinges 16. Not as hauing There vvere some Libertines in those daies as there be novv that vnder pretence of libertie of the Gospel sought to be free from subiection and lawes of men as now vnder the like vvicked pretence Heretikes refuse to obey their spiritual rulers and to obserue their lawes 18. But also the vvaivvard The Vviclefistes and their folovvers in these daies sometimes to moue the people vnto sedition hold and teach that maisters and magistrates lose their authoritie ouer their seruants and subiects if they be once in deadly sinne and that the people in that case neede not in conscience obey them Vvhich is a pernicious and false doctrine as is plaine by this place vvhere vve be expresly commaunded to obey euen the il-conditioned vvhich must be alvvaies vnderstood if they commaund nothing against God for then this rule is euer to be folovved Vve must obey God
✠verse 18 And an other Angel came forth from the altar vvhich had povver ouer the fite and he cried vvith a loud voice to him that had the sharpe sickle saying Thrust in thy sharpe sickle and gather the clusters of the vineyard of the earth because the grapes thereof be ripe ✠verse 19 And the Angel thrust his sharpe sickle into the earth and gathered the vineyard of the earth cast it into the great presse of the vvrath of God ✠verse 20 and the presse vvas troden vvithout the citie and bloud came forth out of the presse vp to the horse bridles for a thousand sixe hundred furlongs ANNOTATIONS CHAP. XIIII 13. From hence forth novv This being specially spoken of Martyrs as not onely S. Augustine seemeth to take it but the Caluinists them selues translating in domino for our Lords cause the Protestants haue no reason to vse the place against Purgatorie or praier for the departed seeing the Catholike Church and al her children confesse that al Martyrs are straight after their death in blisse and neede no praiers Vvhereof this is S. Augustines knovven sentence He doeth iniurie to the Martyr that praieth for the Martyr Ser. 17 de verb. Apost c. 1. and againe to this purpose he vvriteth thus most excellently tract 84 in Ioan. We keepe not a memorie of Martyrs at our Lords table as vve doe of other that rest in peace that is for the intent to pray for them but rather that they may pray for vs c. But if vve take the vvordes generally for al deceased in state of grace as it may be also then vve say that euen such though they be in Purgatorie and Gods chastisement in the next life and neede our praiers yet according to the foresaid vvordes of S. Augustine do rest in peace being discharged from the labours afflictions and persecutions of this vvorld and vvhich is more from the daily dangers of sinne and damnation and put into infallible securitie of eternal ioy vvith vnspeakable comfort of conscience and such in deede are more happie and blessed then any liuing vvho yet are vsually in the Scriptures called blessed euen in the middes of the tribulations of this life Vvhereby vve see that these vvordes from hence forth they shal rest from their labours may truely agree to them also that are in Purgatorie and so here is nothing proued against Purgatorie Lastly this aduerbe á modo in Latin as in the Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 doth not properly signifie from this present time forvvard as though the Apostle had said that after their death and so forvvard they are happie but it noteth and ioyneth the time past together vvith the time present in this sense that such as haue died since Christs Ascension vvhen he first entring into heauen opened it for others goe not to Limbus Patrum as they vvere vvont before Christs time but are in case to goe straight to blisse except the impediment be in them selues Therfore they are here called blessed that die novv in this state of grace of the nevv Testament in comparison of the old faithful and good persons CHAP. XV. 2 They that had novv ouercome the beast and his image and the number of his name do glorifie God 6 To seuen Angels hauing the seuen last plagues are giuen seuen cuppes full of the vvrath of God verse 1 AND I savv an other signe in heauen great and maruelous seuen Angels hauing the seuen last plagues Because in them the wrath of God is consummate ✠verse 2 And I savv as it vvere a sea of glasse mingled vvith fire and them that ouercame the beast and his image and the number of his name standing vpon the sea of glasse hauing the harpes of God ✠verse 3 and singing the song of Moyses the seruant of God and the song of the Lambe saying Great and maruelous are thy vvorkes Lord God omnipotent iust and true are thy vvaies King of the vvorldes ' ✠verse 4 Vvho shal not feare thee o Lord and magnifie thy name because thou only art holy because al nations shal come adore in thy sight because thy iudgements be manifest ✠verse 5 And after these things I looked and behold the temple of the tabernacle of testimonie was opened in heauen ✠verse 6 and there issued forth the seuen Angels hauing the seuen plagues from the temple reuested vvith cleane and vvhite stone ' girded about the breastes vvith girdles of gold ✠verse 7 And one of the foure beastes gaue to the seuen Angels seuen vials of gold ful of the vvrath of the God that liueth for euer and euer ✠verse 8 And the temple vvas filled vvith smoke at the maiestie of God and at his povver and no man could enter into the temple til the seuen plagues of the seuen Angels vvere consummate CHAP. XVI Vpon the pouring out of the seuen cuppes of Gods vvrath on the land the sea the fountaines the seat of the beast Euphrâtes and the aire there arise sundrie plagues in the vvorld verse 1 AND I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seuen Angels Goe and poure out the seuen vials of the vvrath of God vpon the earth ✠verse 2 And the first vvent and poured out his vial vpon the earth and there vvas made a cruel and very sore vvound vpon men that had the character of the beast and vpon them that adored the image thereof ✠verse 3 And the second Angel poured out his vial vpon the sea and there vvas made bloud as it vvere of one dead and euery liuing soul died in the sea ✠verse 4 And the third poured out his vial vpon the riuers the fountaines of vvaters and there vvas made bloud ✠verse 5 And I heard the Angel of the vvaters saying Thou art iust ô Lord vvhich art and vvhich vvast the holy one because thou hast iudged these things ✠verse 6 because they haue shed the bloud of the Sainctes and Prophets thou hast giuen them bloud to drinke for they are vvorthie ✠verse 7 And I heard an other saying Yea Lord God omnipotent true and iust are thy iudgements ✠verse 8 And the fourth Angel poured out his vial vpon the sunne and it vvas giuen vnto him to afflict men vvith heate and fire ✠verse 9 and men boiled vvith great heate and blasphemed the name of God hauing povver ouer these plagues neither did they penance to giue him glorie ✠verse 10 And the fift Angel poured out his vial vpon the seate of the beast and his kingdom vvas made darke and they together did eate their tonges for paine ✠verse 11 they blasphemed the God of heauen because of their paines and vvoundes did not penance from their vvorkes ✠verse 12 And the sixt Angel poured out his vial vpon that great riuer Euphrâ—tes and dried vp
Constantine reigned and yelded vp the citie to the Pope vvho holdeth not the kingdom or Empire ouet the vvorld as the Heathen did but the fatherhod and spiritual rule of the Church Hovvbeit the more probable sense is the other of the citie of the Diuel as the authâ—r of the homiâ—ies vpon the Apocalypse in S. Augustine declareth CHAP. XVIII The fall of Babylon her iudgement plagues and reuenges for the vvhich 9 the kings 16 and marchants of the earth that sometime did cleaue vnto her shal mourns bitterly 20 but heauen and the Apostles and Prophets shal reioyce verse 1 AND after these things I savv an other Angel coÌ„ming dovvne from heauen hauing great povver the earth vvas illuminated of his glorie ✠verse 2 And he cried out in force saying * Fallen fallen is Babylon the great and it is become the habitation of Deuils and the custodie of euery vncleane spirit and the custodie of euery vncleane and hateful bird ✠verse 3 because al nations haue drunke of the vvine of the vvrath of her fornication and the kings of the earth haue fornicated vvith her and the marchantes of the earth vvere made riche by the vertue of her delicacies ✠verse 4 And I heard an other voice from heauen saying Goe out from her my people that you be not partakers of her sinnes and receiue not of her plagues ✠verse 5 Because her sinnes are come euen to heauen and God hath remembred her iniquities ✠verse 6 Render to her as she also hath rendred to you double ye double according to her vvorkes In the cuppe vvherin she hath mingled mingle ye double vnto her ✠verse 7 As much as she hath glorified her self hath been in delicacies so much giue her torment and mourning because she saith in her hart * I sit a queene Widow I am not and mourning I shal not see ✠verse 8 Therfore in one day shal her plagues come death and mourning and famine and vvith fire she shal be burnt because God is strong that shal iudge her ✠verse 9 And the kings of the earth vvhich haue fornicated vvith her haue liued in delicacies shal vveepe bevvaile them selues vpon her vvhen they shal see the smoke of her burning ✠verse 10 standing farre of for the feare of her tormentes saying Vvo vvo that great citie Babylon that strong citie because in one houre is thy iudgement come ✠verse 11 And the marchaÌ„tes of the earth shall vveepe mourne vpon her because no man shal bye their merchandise any more ✠verse 12 merchandise of gold and siluer and precious stone and of pearle and fine linnen and purple and silke scarlet and al Thyne vvood and al vessels of yuorie and al vessels of precious stone and of brasse and yron and marble ✠verse 13 and cynamon and of odours and ointement and frankeincense and vvine and oile and floure vvheate and beastes sheepe and horses and chariotes slaues and soules of men ✠verse 14 And the apples of the desire of thy soul are departed from thee al fat and goodly thinges are perished from thee and they shal no more finde them ✠verse 15 The marchantes of these things vvhich are made riche shal stand farre from her for feare of her tormeÌ„tes vveeping and mourning ✠verse 16 saying Vvo wo that great citie vvhich vvas clothed vvith silke and purple and scarlet and vvas gilted vvith gold and pretious stone pearles ✠verse 17 because in one houre are so great riches made desolate and euery gouernour and euery one that saileth into the lake and the shipmen and they that vvorke in the sea stoode a farre of ✠verse 18 and cried seeing the place of her burning saying Vvhat other is like to this great citie ✠verse 19 And they threvv dust vpon their heades and cried vveeping and mourning saying Vvo vvo that great citie in the vvhich al vvere made riche that had shippes in the sea of her prices because in one houre she is desolate ✠verse 20 Reioyce ouer her heauen and ye holy Apostles and Prophetes because God hath iudged your iudgement of her ✠verse 21 And one strong Angel tooke vp as it vvere a great milstone and threvv it into the sea saying * Vvith this violence shal Babylon that great citie be throwen and shal novv be found no more ✠verse 22 And the voice of harpers of Musicians and of them that sing on shalme and trompet shal no more be heard in thee euery artificer of euery art shal be found no more in thee and the noise of the mill shal no more be heard in thee ✠verse 23 and the light of the lampe shal no more shine in thee and the voice of the bridegrome and the bride shal no more be heard in thee because thy marchantes were the princes of the earth because al nations haue erred in thine inchauntments ✠verse 24 And in her is found the bloud of the Prophets and Sainctes and of al that vvere slaine in the earth CHAP. XIX â— The Saincts glorifying God for the iudgement pronounced vpon the harlâ—t 7 the mariage of the Lambe is prepared 10 The Angel refuseth to be adored of S. Iohn 1â— There appeareth one vvho is the word of God and the King of kings and Lord of lords sitting on a horse vvith a great armie and fighting against the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies 17 the â—irdes of the aire being in the meane time called to deuoure their flesh verse 1 AFTER theses things I heard as it vvere the voice of many multitudes in heauen saying Allelu-ia Praise and glorie and povver is to our God ✠verse 2 because true iust are his iudgementes which hath iudged of the great harlot that hath corrupted the earth in her vvhoredom and hath reuenged the bloud of his seruants of her handes ✠verse 3 And againe they said Allelu-ia And her smoke ascendeth for euer and euer ✠verse 4 And the foure and tvventie seniors fel downe and the foure beastes adored God sitting vpon the throne saying ◠″ Amen Allelu-ia ✠verse 5 And a voice came out from the throne saying Say praise to our God al ye his seruantes and you that feare him litle and great ✠verse 6 And I heard as it vvere the voice of a great multitude and as the voice of many vvaters as the voice of great thunders saying Allelu-ia because our Lord God the omnipotent hath reigned ✠verse 7 Let vs be glad and reioyce and giue glorie to him because the mariage of the Lambe is come and his vvife hath prepared her self ✠verse 8 And it vvas giuen to her that she clothe her self vvith silke glittering and vvhite For the silke are â— the iustifications of Sainctes ✠verse 9 And he said to me Vvrite * Blessed be they that are
Mat. 26 17. Lu. 22 7 Mt. 26 17. MAVNDY Thursday Lu. 22 7 Io. 13 21 Ps 40 â—0 Mt. 26 26. Luc. 21 19. ⸬ Al dranke to wit al the twelue for moe were not present Whereby is euident that the vvordes in S. Mat. 26 27 Drinke ye al of this were spoken to al the Apostles onely which here are said that they al did drinke And so it is no general coÌ„maundement to al men 1. Cor. 11 24. ⸬ See Annot. in Mat. c. 26 29. THVRSDAY night Zâ—ch 13 7. Mt. 26 47. Luc. 22 47. Io. 18 3. Io. 2 19. Dan. 7 13. ⸬ Here we may see that they were worthily reprobated and forsaken according to our Sauiours predictioÌ„ by the parable Mar. 12 The kingdom of God shal be takeÌ„ from you c. ⸬ He feareth not afterward Rome the Lady of the world that in the house of Caiphaâ— was afraid of the high Priestes wench Leo in Natiu Pet. Pau. ser 1. Cost religiously bestowed vpon Christ and his Church The real presence by Consecration Very bloud vnder the forme of wine Faith necessarie in the B. Sacrament Peter GOOD FRIDAY Mt. 27 1 Lu. 23 1. Io. 18 28 Io. 19 2. Esa 53 1â— ` thou that destroiâ—st ` buildest ⸬ So Heretikes say of the B. Sacrament If it be Christ let him saue him self from al iniuries Ps 21 1. ⸬ See Mat. c. 27 46 the blasphemous exposition of Caluin and his folovvers and take heede thereof The Priests of the old Testament Euseb Ec. Hist li. â— c. 6. ex Iosepho Ezech. 7 26. The Priesthod of the new Testament Io. 16 1â— Luc. 22. and 10. ExecutiÌ„g lawes against innocents Religious duty tovvard the bodies of Christ and his Saincts Mt. 28 1 The Gospel vpoÌ„ Easter day Iu. 24 1 Io. 20 1. EASTER DAY ⸬ Peter is named in special as often els vvhere for prerogatiue Mr. 14 28. Io. 20 16. Luc. 8 2. Lu. 24 13. Lu. 24 36. The Gospel vpoÌ„ the Ascension day Io. 20 19. Mt. 28 19. †The Ascension Lu. 25 51. The vvomens deuotion tovvard Christs body novv dead Mr. 16 9. Mt. 28 9. Christs body vnder diuers formes Not onely faith Mt. 28. 20. The gift of miracles Hier. in Catalago 2. Cor. 8 8. Luk. 1 2. Col. 4 14. 2. Tim. 4 21. Hiero. in Catalogo ` Constantius Hier. con Vigil 2. The Heretike so counted the Catholikes for their honouring of Saincts and Relikes ` Constantius THE FIRST part of the InfaÌ„cie both of the Precursor and of CHRIST him self Act. 1 1. The Gospel vpoÌ„ the eue of S. Iohn Baptist 1 Par. 24 10. Exo. 3 17. ⸬ We see here that the Priest did his dutie vvithin the people in the meane time praying vvithout and that the Priests functions did profite theÌ„ though they neither heard nor saw his doings Leu. 16 16. ⸬ This abstinence foretold and prescribed by the Angel shevveth that it is a worthy thing and an acte of religion in S. Iohn as it was in the Nazarites Mal. 4 6. Mt. 11 14. ⸬ Zacharie punished for doubting of the Angels word b The Gospel vpoÌ„ the Annunciation of our Lady March 25. And on the wenesday of Imber weeke in AdueÌ„t And for a Votiue Masse of our Lady in Aduent Mt. 1 18 The beginning of the AVE MARIE See the rest v. 42. Esa 7 14. Dan. 7 14 27 ⸬ She doubted not of the thing as Zacharie but enquired of the meanes ⸬ At this very moment when the B. Virgin gaue consent she conceiued him perfect God and perfect man The Gospel vpoÌ„ the VisitatioÌ„ of our Lady Iul 2. And vpon the Imber friday in Aduent ⸬ Iohn the Baptist being yet in his mother wombe reioyced and acknowledged the presence of Christ and his mother MAGNIFICAT at Euensong ⸬ Haue the Protestants had alwaies generations to fulfil this prophecie ordo they call her blessed that derogate what they can from her graces blessings and al her honour The Gospel vpoÌ„ the Natiuitie of S. Iohn Baptist Iun. 24. called MidsoÌ„mer day Lu. 1 13. BENEDICTVS at Laudes Gen. 22 6. Mal. 3 1. Zac. 3. 9. 6 12. Mal. 4 2. ⸬ Marke that he was a voluntarie Eremite and chose to be solitarie from a childe til he was to preach to the people in so much that antiquitie counted him the first Eremite Hiere in vit Pauli Sacred writers and holy CouÌ„cels The second booke of the Machabees 2 Mach. 2 15. True iustification by obseruing the commaundements Corrupt translation of Heretikes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Beza in Annot. no. Test 1556. The contineÌ„cie of priests Often saying of the AVE MARIE Liturg. S. Iacobs Chrys Corrupt translation of Heretikes S. Athan. de S. Deip. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 S. Ephrem in orat de laud. B. virg Ambro in 1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Luc. li. 2. Hier ep 140 in exp ps 44. Our B. Lady vowed virginitie Christ came of both tribes Iuda and Leui. The blessed virgin MARIE Her excelleÌ„cie Her honour in al the world Mysterie and signification in names What names to be giueÌ„ in Baptisme c. de bapt in fine True iustice not imputatiue The Heretikes controule both Greeke and Latin text Beza The Gospel at the first Masse vpon christmas day In the yere froÌ„ the creation of the vvorld 5199 froÌ„ Noës floud 2957 from the Natiuitie of Abraham 2015 from Moyses and the coÌ„ming forth of the people of Israel out of Aegypt 1510 froÌ„ Dauid anointed king 1032 from the first Olympias 800 from the building of Rome 752 hebdomada 63 according to the prophecie of Daniel c. 9 that is in the yere 440 or there about in the sixt age of the vvorld vvhen there vvas vniuersal peace in al the vvorld the eternal God and sonne of the eternal Father meaning to consecrate and saÌ„ctifie the vvorld vvith his most blessed coÌ„ming being coÌ„ceiued of the Holy Ghost nine moneths after his conception IESVS CHRIST the sonne of God is borne in Bethlehem of Iuda in the yere of Caesar Augustus 42. Vsuard in martyrol DeceÌ„b. 25. according to the coÌ„mon ancient supputation GLORIA IN EXCELSIS at Masse b The Gospel at the secoÌ„d masse vpoÌ„ Christmas day And for a Votiue of our Lady froÌ„ christmas to Candlemas c The Gospel vpon the CircuncisioÌ„ of our Lord Ian. 1. Gen. 17 12. Lu. 1 31. d The Gospel vpon the Purification of our Lady or Candlemas day Leu. 12 6. Exo. 13 2 Nu. 8 16 Leu. 12 8. ⸬ See Ioh. 1 20 and 41. NVNC DIMITTIâ— at Complin ⸬ Simeon prophecied not only of Christ but of our B. Lady of al her sorowes wherein she was alwaies partaker with our Sauiour from his flight into Aegypt euen to hir death ⸬ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ` strong in spirit Exo. 23 15. 34 17. The Gospel vpoÌ„ the first Sunday after the Epiphanâ—e Deu. 16 1. Free vvil Our B. Lady ful of deepe contemplations 1 Pet. 2 1. Mens ruine and damnation is of
The great reuenge that God vvil doe at the later day vpon the persecutors of his Saincts ⸬ The desperate and damned persons shal blaspheme God perpetually vvhich shal be such onely as do not repent in this life c See chap. 9. v. 20 in the margent ⸬ The dragon is the Diuel the beast Antichrist or the societie wherof he is head the false-prophet either Antichrist him self or the companie of Heretikes and seducers that folovv him ` issue forth three Apoc. 3. 2 Cor. 5 3. c The hil of theaues by S. Hieroms interpretation ⸬ The citie or coÌ„monvvealth of the vvicked deuided into three partes into infidels Heretikes and euil Catholikes This citie is here called BabyloÌ„ vvhereof see the Annorat vpon the next chapter v. 5. Ier. 25 15. ⸬ The final damnation of the vvhole companie of the reprobate called here the great vvhoore c These many vvaters are many peoples v. 15. ⸬ It signifieth the short reigne of Antichrist vvho is the cheefe horne or head of the beast ⸬ Some expound it of ten smal kingdoms into which the Romane Empire shal be deuided vvhich shal al serue Antichrist both in his life and a litle after ` doe 1 Tim. 6 15. Apo. 19 16. ⸬ Not forcing or mouing any to folow Antichrist but by his iust iudgement for punishment of their sinnes permitting theÌ„ to beleeue and coÌ„sent to him The ProtestaÌ„ts here vvil needs haue BabyloÌ„ to be Rome but not in S. Peters epistle By Babylon according to al the fathers is signified partly the whole societie of the wicked partly the citie of Rome only in respect of the terrene heathenish state of them that persecuted the Church li. aduers Iudan The Church of Rome is neuer called Babylon Ro. 1. Mysterie This woman signifieth al persecutors of saincts Putting heretikes to death is not to shede the bloud of saincts The Protestants madnes in expounding the 7 hilles of Rome the Angel himself expounding it otherwise Vvhat is the eight beast The double interpretation of Babylon Apo. 14 8. c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ⸬ The measure of paines damnation according to the wicked pleasures or vnlawful delites of this life which is a fore sentence for such people as turne their whole life to â—â—st and riot Es 47 8 ⸬ Kings and Marchants are most encombered dangered and drovvned in the pleasures of this vvorld vvhose vvhole life traficke is if they be not exceding vertuous to finde varietie of earthly pleasures Vvho seing once the extreme end of their ioyes and of al that made their heauen here to be turned into paines damnation eternal then shal houle vveepe to late c The Angels and al Saincts shal reioyce and laude â—od to see the wicked confounded and Gods iustice executed vpon their oppressors persecutors and this is that vvhich the Martyrs praied for chap. 6. Ier. 51. 63. ⸬ By this it seemeth cleere that the Apostle meaneth not any one citie but the vniuersal companie of the reprobate vvhich shal perish in the day of iudgement the old prophets also naming the vvhole nuÌ„ber of Gods enemies mystically Babylon as Ierem. â— 52. The Epistle for many martyrs ALLELVIA ⸬ This often repeating of Allelu-ia in times of reioycing the Church doth folow in her Seruice ⸬ At this day shal the whole Church of the elect be finally perfectly for euer ioyned vnto Christ in mariage inseparable Mat. 22 Lu. 14 ⸬ That is the feast of eternal life prepared for his spouse the Church Apoc. 22. 9. Es 63 1. c The second person in Trinitie the Sonne of the Vvord of God vvhich vvas made flesh Io. 1. Apoc. 2 27. Apo. 17 14. ⸬ Euen according to his humanitie also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Amen Alleluia not translated Alleluia often vsed in the Church specially in Easter time Epist ad Ian. c. 17. c. 15. It signifieth more then as the Protestants traÌ„slate it praise ye the lord â—Palse translation Amen and Alleluia should not be translated into vulgar tongues Al nations in the primitiue Church sang Amen and Alleluia The ProtestaÌ„ts profane this vvord by translating it and diminish the signification thereof Psal 136. IustificatioÌ„s are good vvorkes not as the effectes of saith iustifying but because them selues also with faith iustifie a man Beza S. Iohns adoring of the Angel explicated against the protestaÌ„ts abusing the same The ProtestaÌ„ts are reâ—elled by their ovvne reason S. Iohn erred only in the person mistaking the Angel to be Christ him self and so adoring him as God Apoc. c. 1. Esa 9 in Graco Malac. 3. S. Iohn sinned not in this adoration An other explication of this place The ProtestaÌ„ts by conference of Scriptures might finde â—eligious adoratioÌ„ of creatures Aug. de vera relig c. 55. Three points herein examined and proued by Scriptures 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ps 5. 137. 1 Religious vvorship of creatures Dan. 6. 3 Reg. 8. Ios 7. Ps 98. 131. 2 The same is called adoration 3 Falling prostrat before the persons or things adored Gen. 18. Exod. 3. Iosue 5. Adoring of Angels Adoring of Prophets and holy persons Dan. 2. * or Iaddus 4 Reg. 4. Iudith 13. See in S. Augustine li. 20. de Ciuit. c. 7. 8. seq the exposition of this chapter ⸬ Quid in millenariâ— numero nisi ad proferandam nouam sobolem perfecta vniuersitas praesâ—ita generationis exprimâ—◠〈◊〉 hinc per 〈◊〉 dicitur It regnabunt cuÌ„ 〈◊〉 â—illâ— aâ—nis 〈◊〉 regnum sancta Ecclesia vniuersitatis perfâ—câ—ione soâ—iidatur D. Gregor li. 9. Moral c. 1. ⸬ S. Augustine thinketh that these do not signifie any certaine natioÌ„s but al that shal then be ioyned vvith the Diuel and Antichrist against the Church li. 20. de Ciuit. c. 11. See S. Hierom in Exech li. 11. Ezec. 38 14. 39 2. See S. Hierom in Exech li. 11. THE 6 VISION ⸬ They shal then be new not the substaÌ„ce but the shape chaÌ„ged 2 Pet. 3. See S. Augustine li. 20. de Ciuit. c. 14. c The bookes of mens conscieÌ„ces where it shal plainely be read vvhat euery mans life hath been Apoc. 3 5. 21 27. ⸬ Such as doe no good workes if they haue age and time to doe them are not found in the booke of life Bishops consistories iudicial power 1. Cor. 5. During a thousand yeres that is the time ofthis militant Church saints reigne vvith Christ in soule only The rest are dead and damned in soule during the same time The first resurrection of the soule only Priests some proprely so called some vnproprely 1. Pet. â— The binding and loosing of Satan explicated by S. Augustine The short reigne of Antichrist Millenarij or Chiliastâ— The Scriptures hard By S. Augustines foresaid explication is eurdently deduâ—ed against the ProtestaÌ„ts that the Churche can not erre and that the Pope can not possibly be Antichrist An inuincible demoÌ„stration Mat. 24. Lu. 18 8. The campâ— of Saincts is the Catho Church through the vvorld As novv Heretikes in particular countries so Antichrist shal persecute the Churches of al nations Vvhat is meanâ— by fire from heauen The booke of euery mans workes opened in the day of iudgement THE 5 PART The final glorificatioÌ„ of the Church Esa 63 17. 66 21. The Epistle vpon the dedication of a Church 2 Pet. 3 13. c The Church triumphant ⸬ This tabernacle is Christ according to his humanitie Es 25. 8. Apoc. 7 17. c This happie day shal make an end of al the miseries of this mortalitie ` because the Esa 43 19. Apoc. 1 8. 22 13. ⸬ He that hath the victorie against sinne in the Church militant shal haue his revvard in the triumphant c Al that commit mortal sinnes and repent not shal be damned THE 7 AND LAST VISION ⸬ The glorie of the Church triumphant c The names of the Patriarches and Apostles honorable and glorious in the triumphant Church ⸬ See S. Hierom ep 17. touching this description of the heauenly Hierusalem vvhich is the Church triuÌ„phaÌ„t teaching that these things must be taken spiritually not carâ—â—ally ⸬ Al external sacrifice which now is necessarieâ—dutie of the faithful shal then cease and therfore there shal neede no material temple Esa 60 19 Es 60 3. Esa 60 11. ⸬ None not perfectly cleaÌ„sed of their suâ—nes can enter into this heauenly Hieruselem Apo. 20 12. The state of glorified bodies ◠′ vvater of life ⸬ Christ is our tree of life in the Church by the B. Sacramé in heauen by his visible presence and influence of life euer lasting both to our bodies and soules of vvâ—oÌ„ Salomon saith The tree of life to al that apprâ—heâ—d him Prou. 3. Apo. 21. Esa 60 THE CONCLVSION Apo. 19 10. ⸬ You see it is al one to adore before the feete of the angel to adore the Angel though to adore him â—e not expressed as in the 19 chap. See the anÌ„otatioÌ„ there v. 10. c Man by Gods grace doing good workes doth increase his iustice ⸬ Heauen is the reward hire repaiment for good workes in al the Scriptures yet the aduersaries wil not see it Ro. 2 6. Apo. 21 6. 1 8. Es 55 1. The curse agaiÌ„st adding or diminishing is against Heretikes not Catholike expositours A breefe petitioÌ„ vnto IESVS Christ to come quickly as S. Iohn here speaketh and to iudge the cause of Catholikes Protestants * The Epistles omitted are taken out of the Old TestameÌ„t ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞ ☞
the one no lesse then the other guilty of damnation for original sinne vvhich vvas alike in them both And therfore vvhere iustly he might haue reprobated both he saued of mercie one Vvhich one therfore being as il and as void of good as the other must hold of Gods eternal purpose mercie and election that he vvas preferred before his brother vvhich vvas elder then him self and no vvorse them him self And his brother Esau on the other side hath no cause to complaine for that God neither did nor suffered any thing to be done towards him that his sinne did not deserue for although God elect eternally giue his first grace vvithout al merites yet he doth not reprobate or hate any man but for sinne or the foresight thereof 14. Is there iniquitieâ— Vpon the former discourse that of tvvo persons equal God calleth the one to mercie and leaueth the other in his sinne one might inferre that God vvere vniust and an accepter of persons To vvhich the Apostle ansvvereth that God vvere not iust nor indifferent in deede so to vse the matter vvhere grace or saluation vvere due As if tvvo men being Christened both beleeue vvel liue vvel if God should giue heauen to the one should damne the other then were he vniust partial forgetful of his promisse but respecting or taking tvvo who both be vvorthy of damnation as al are before they be first called to mercie then the matter standeth on mere mercie and of the giuers vvil and liberalitie in vvhich case partialitie hath no place As for example 1 Tvvo malefactors ' being condemned both for one crime the Prince pardoneth the one and letteth the lavv procede on the other 2 The theefe that is pardoned can not attribute his escape to his ovvne deseruings but to the Princes mercie 3 The theefe that is executed can not chalenge the Prince that he vvas not pardoned also but must acknowledge that he hath his deseruing 4 The standers by must not say that he vvas executed because the Prince vvould not pardon him for that vvas not the cause but his offense 5 If they ask further vvhy the Prince pardoned not both or executed not both the ansvver it that as mercie is a goodly vertue so iustice is necessarie and commendable 6 But if it be further demaunded vvhy Iohn rather then Thomas vvas executed or Thomas rather then Iohn pardoned ansvver that the parties being othervvise equal it hangeth merely and vvholy vpon the Princes vvil and pleasure 1 So likevvise God seing al mankind and euery one of the same in a general condemnation and masse of sinne in and by Adam deliuereth some and not othersome 2 Al that be deliuered out of that coÌ„mon damnation be deliuered by grace and pardon through the meanes and merits of Christ 3 Such as be left in the common case of damnation can not complaine because they haue their deseruing for sinne 4 Vve may not say that such be damned because God did not pardon them but because they had siaue and therfore deserued it 5 That some should be damned and not al pardoned and other some pardoned rather then al condemned is agreable to Gods iustice mercie both vvhich vertues in Gods prouidence tovvards vs are recommended 6 That Saul should be rather pardoned them Calphas I meane vvhere tvvo be equally euil and vnderseruing that is onely Gods holy wil and appointment by vvhich many an vnworthy man getteth pardon but no good or iust or innocent person is euer damned In al this mercie of God tovvards some and iustice tovvards other some both the pardoned vvorkes by their ovvne free vvil and thereby deserue their saluation and the other no lesse by their ovvne free vvil vvithout al necessitie vvorke vvickednes them selues and only of them selues procure their ovvne damnation Therfore no man may vvithout blasphemie say or can truely say that he hath nothing to doe tovvards his owne saluation but vvil liue and thinketh he may liue vvithout care or cogitation of his end the one vvay or the other saying If I be appointed to be saued be it so if I be one designed to damnation I can not helpe the matter come vvhat come may Al these speaches and cogitations are sinful come of the enemie and be rather signes of reprobation then of election Therfore the good man must vvithout searche of Gods secretes vvorke his ovvne saluation and as S. Peter saith make his election sure by good vvorkes vvith continual hope of Gods mercie being assured that if he beleeue vvel and doe vvel he shal haue vvel for example if a husband man should say If God vvil I shal haue corne ynough if not I can not make it and so neglect to till his ground he may be sure that he shal haue none because he wrought not for it An other man vseth his diligence in tilling and ploughing and committeth the rest to God he findeth the fruite of his labours 16. Not of the vviller If our election calling or first comming to God lay vvholy or principally vpon our ovvne vvil or vvorkes or if our vvilling or endeuouring to be good vvould serue vvithout the helpe and grace of God as the Pelagians taught then our election vvere vvholy in our selues vvhich the Apostle denieth and then might Pharao and other indurate persons vvhom God hath permitted to be obstinate to shevv his povver and iust iudgement vpon them be conuerted vvhen them selues lift vvithout Gods helpe and assistance vvhereas vve see the contrarie in al such obstinate offenders vvhom God for punishment of former sinnes visiteth not vvith his grace that by no threates miracles nor persuation they can be conuerted Vvherevpon vve may not vvith Heretikes inferre that man hath not free vvil or that our vvill vvorketh nothing in our conuersion or comming to God but this onely that our vvilling or vvorking of any good to our saluation commeth of Gods special motion grace and assistance and that it is the secondary cause not the principall 17. To this purpose haue I raised He doth not say that he hath of purpose raised or set him vp to sinne or that he vvas the cause of the same in Pharao or that he intended his damnation directly or absolutely or any othervvise but in respect of his demerits but rather as the Apostle saith straight after in this chapter of such hardened obstinate offenders that he vvith long patience toleration expected his conuersion and as S. Chrysostome interpreteth this vvord Excitaui preserued him aliue to repent vvhom he might lustly haue condemned before In the 9 of Exodus vvhence this allegation is vve reade Posuiâ—e I haue put or set thee vp as here I haue raised thee that is to say I haue purposely aduanced thee to be so great a king and chosen thee out to be a notorious example both of the obdurate obstinacie that is in such vvho I haue for so great sinne forsaken and
also to shevv to the vvorld that no obstinacie of neuer so mightie offenders can resist me to doe any thing vvhich shal not fall to my glorie Vvhich is no more to say but that God often for the punishment of Nations and to shevv his iustice and glorie giueth vvicked Princes vnto them and indueth them vvith povver and al prosperitie and taking his grace from them vpon their deserts hardeneth their hartes so as they vvithsand and contemne God and afflict his people in vvhose end and fall either temporal or eternal at the length God vvil euer be glorified Neither vvould he either raise or suffer any such or giue them povver and prosperitie in this life vvherevpon he knovveth they vvil be vvorse but that he can vvorke al that to his honour and glorie mary that he vseth not such rigorous iustice on al that deserue it that is his great grace and mercie And that he exerciseth his iustice vpon some certaine persons rather then vpon other some of equal deserts that lieth vvholy vpon his vvil in vvhose iudgements there be many things secrete but nothing vniust 20. Who art thou Here the Apostle staieth the rashnes and presumption of such poore vvormes as take vpon them to question vvith God of their election or reprobation as certaine impious Heretikes of our time haue done setting out bookes farsed vvith most blasphemous and erroneous doctrine cōcerning this high and hidden mysterie and haue giuen occasion to the ignorant vvhich alvvaies be curious to iangle and perniciously to erre in these things that are impossible to be vnderstood of any or vvel thought of but of the obedient and humble 31. The potter This example of the pot and potter reacheth no further but to declare that the creature may not reason vvith God his maker vvhy he giueth not one so great grace as an other or vvhy he pardoneth not one as vvel as an other no more then the chamber pot may chalenge the Potter vvhy he vvas not made a drinking pot as vvel as an other And therfore the Heretikes that extend this similitude to proue that man hath no free vvil no more then a peece of clay doe vntruely and deceitfully apply the example specially vvhen vve may see expresly in the booke of Exodus that Pharao notvvithstāding his indurate hart had free vvil vvhere both it is said He vvould not dismisse the people and He indurated his owne hart him self Exo. c. ◠15. and in the Hebrue v. 32. c. 9. 35. 1 Reg. 6 6. And this Apostle also vvritheth that * a man may cleanse him self from the filthy and so become a vessel of honour in the house of God CHAP. X. The Lavv vvar not as the Ievves ignorant zeale supposed for them to iustifie them selues by it considering that they could not fulfil it ◠but to bring them to Christ to beleeue in him and so for his sake to be iustified by the grace of God 5 according to Moyses saying and the Apostles preaching 11 that so the Gentils also according to the Prophets hearing and beleeuing might come to iustice the Ievves in the meane time though inexcusably remaining incredulous verse 1 BRETHREN the vvil of my hart surely and praier to God is for them vnto saluation ✠verse 2 For I giue them testimonie that they haue zeale of God but not according to knovvledge ✠verse 3 For not knovving ″ the iustice of God seeking to establish their ovvne they haue not been subiect to the iustice of God ✠verse 4 For the end of the Law is Christ vnto iustice to euery one that beleeueth ✠verse 5 for Moyses vvrote that the iustice vvhich is of the Lavv the man that hath done it shal liue in it ✠verse 6 But ″ the iustice vvhich is of faith saith thus Say not in thy hart Vvho shal ascend into heauen that is to bring Christ dovvne ✠verse 7 Or vvho descendeth into the depth that is to call Christ againe from the dead ✠verse 8 But vvhat saith the Scripture The vvord is nigh in thy mouth and in thy hart this is the vvord of faith vvhich vve preach ✠verse 9 For if thou confesse vvith thy mouth our Lord IESVS and in thy hart beleeue that God hath raised him vp from the dead thou shalt be saued ✠verse 10 For vvith the hart vve beleeue vnto iustice but vvith the mouth confession is made to saluation ✠verse 11 For the Scripture saith Vvhosoeuer beleeueth in him shal not be confounded ✠verse 12 For there is no distinction of the Iew and the Greeke for one is Lord of al riche tovvard al that inuocate him ✠verse 13 For euery one vvhosoeuer shal innocate the name of our Lord shal be saued ✠verse 14 ″ Hovv then shal they inuocate in vvhom they haue not beleeued Or hovv shal they beleeue him vvhom they haue not heard And hovv shal they heare without a preacher ✠verse 15 But hovv shal they preach ″ vnles they be senti as it is vvritten Hovv beautiful are the feete of them that euangelize peace of them that euangelize good things ✠verse 16 But al do not obey the Gospel For Esay saith Lord vvho hath beleeued the hearing of vs ✠verse 17 Faith then is by hearing and hearing is by the vvord of Christ ✠verse 18 But I say haue they not heard And certes into al the earth hath the sound of them gone forth and vnto the endes of the vvhole vvorld the vvordes of them ⊢ ✠verse 19 But I say hath not Israel knovven Moyses first saith I vvil bring you to emulation in that vvhich is not a nation in a folish nation I vvil driue you into anger ✠verse 20 But Esay is bold and saith I vvas found of them that did not seeke me openly I appeared to them ″ that asked not of me ✠verse 21 But to Israel he saith Al the day haue I spred my handes to a people that beleeueth not and contradicteth me ANNOTATIONS CHAP. X. ◠The iustice of God The iustice of God is that vvhich God giueth vs through Christ the Ievves ovvne or proper iustice is that vvhich they had or chalenged to haue of them selues and by their ovvne strength holpen onely by the knovvledge of the Lavv vvithout the helpe or grace of Christ 6. The iustice of faith The iustice vvhich is of faith reacheth to the life to come making man assured of the truth of such Articles as concerne the same as of Christs Ascension to heauen of his Descending to Hel of his comming dovvne to be Incarnate and his Resurrection and returne againe to be glorified by vvhich his actions vve be pardoned iustified and saued as by the Lavv vve could neuer be 8. The vvord of faith The vvord of faith is the vvhole Lavv of Christ concerning both life and doctrine grounded vpon this