Neither this Man sinned nor his Parents Rom. 3. 10. There is none righteous no not one none that understandeth The cause of his blindenesse was no notable and enormous wikednesse of himself or his parents though all men be sinners and for their sins infirmities and defects of nature are ohnoxious to temporal and eternal punishments 739. Joh. 9. 31. God heareth not sinners 1. Joh. 1. 9. If we confesse our sins God is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all our sins God hears not impenitent sinners obdurate in their wickednesse but to such as repent confesse and amend their lives he pardons their sins 740. Joh. 9. 39. For Judgment I am come into this world chap. 3. 17. chap. 12. 40. 47. I came not to judge the world but to save the world In the former place by Judgement is meant a benefit given to men by the coming of Christ by which he brought those things to good order that were out of order in the latter Christ speaks of his principal end of his coming into the world 741. Joh. 9. 41. If you were blind you should have no sin Rom. 11. 25. Blindnesse is hapned unto Israel In the first place Christs speak of the Jews according to the opinion they had of themselves for they did not acknowledge any blindnesse of their minds or their sins in the latter what was the truth of them indeed blindnesse hapned to them not that they should all perish but that many multitudes of the Gentiles might be converted and saved so well as the Jews 742. Joh. 10. 28. My sheep shall never perish neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand chap. 13. 18. Judas was chosen to be of Christs sheep and yet perished Election in the first place is meant to eternal life in the latter to an Office Judas was Christs sheep only by outward vocation and profession 743. Joh. 10. 29. My Father is greater ver 30. I and my Father are one Christ is equal to God the Father according to his Divine Nature lesse then the Father according to his humane Nature and his Office of Mediatorship between God and Man 744. Joh. 10. 32. Many good works have I shewed you from my Father chap. 14. 10. The Father that dwelleth in me he doth the works In the former place Christ speaks not exclusively because the works of the Trinity outwardly are common to the three Persons there is no work of the Son which the Father doth not work in him In the latter he ascribing operation to the Father he asserts that it is done by the authority and counsel of his Father so speaking of the manner and order of working he takes not away the unity of essence Majesty and power 745. Joh. 11. 4. Lazarus sicknesse was not unto death vers 14. Lazarus is dead The sicknesse of Lazarus by reason of the event was not unto death because Christ raised him again and saith that his death was but a sleep for we are not so early awaked from sleep as Christ called Lazarus out of his grave and he shall raise us all at the last day 746. Joh. 11. 25. He that believeth in me though he were dead yet shall he live vers 26. He that believeth in me shall never dye Death is temporal and eternal temporal in this world is corporal and spiritual Christ speaks of both in the former place Spiritual death is either of them who being dead have not Christs quickning Spirit and of this he speaks not here but of them that being quickned by Christs Spirit are dead to sin and the flesh in the latter is meant chiefly eternal death 747. Joh. 11. 26. Whosoever believeth in me shall never dye Heb. 9. 27. It is appointed for all men once to dye The faithful doe not dye a spiritual and eternal death but natural death is common to all men 748. Joh. 11. 34. Where have you laid him chap. 21. 17. Thou knowest all things Christ enquired of Lazarus his grave not as if he were ignorant thereof but that he might stir up a desire in his sisters and those that were present to consider and to see the Miracle of the Resurrection So God said to Adam Gen. 3. 9. Adam where art thou 749. Joh. 11. 50. Caiphas a wicked man prophesied by the instinct of the Spirit Rom. 8. 14. As many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the sons of God The gifts of Gods Spirit are of Sanctification and Salvation and those are proper to the elect children of God or gifts of administration which are common to good and bad men amongst which is the gift of Prophesie 750. Joh. 12. 27. Father save me from this hour Phil. 2. 8. He became obedient unto death Christ feeling the sins of the world lying upon him feared death as he was man and desired rather to live then dye if that might have been granted without detriment to Gods glory and our salvation but because it was not possible that that Cup should passe from him he submitted himself to his Fathers will and said Therefore came I unto this hour 751. Joh. 12. 30. Now shall the Prince of this world be cast out Ephes 6. 12. We have yet war with the Prince of this world That casting out was out of the hearts of the faithful whom though the Devill doe tempt and oppose many wayes yet he cannot vanquish them but is cast out also Christ respects the casting out of the Devill whilest both Jews and Gentiles amongst whom the Devill reigned were called to the grace of Christ by his coming 752. Joh 13. 27. After the sop Satan entred into him Vers 2. And Supper being ended the Devill having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot The first place is of totall possessing when after so many admonitions from Christ and so many humane favours received Judas yet continued in his purpose of betraying Christ he is delivered to Satan to be ruled so that he could think on nothing that was sound and good 753. Joh. 13. 37. A new Commandement I give unto you that you love one the other Mat. 22. 37. This was the greatest Commandement in the Old Testament to love God and our Neighbour It is called a new Commandement not by reason of the substance but because Christ renewed it and the singular affection of love which Christ requires in his followers as he loved them and gave himself for them so he would that they should love one the other with singular affection 754. Joh. 14. 4. Whither I goe ye know and the way ye know vers 5. We know not They did know inchoatively and imperfectly but because they knew not that they did know the cause was their rudenesse and forgetfulnesse of Christs words 755. Joh. 14. 8. Shew us the Father vers 9. He that seeth me seeth the Father The Apostles did not perfectly know Christ therefore he taxeth them of ignorance for they ought to have seen and
because the beginnings of this did not seem to answer the Majesty of the former Temple 283. 1 Ezd. 7. 7. And there went up some of the children of Israel of the Priests and the Levites unto Jerusalem in the seventh year of Artaxerxes Ch. Jer. 25. 12. 34. 10. 2 Chron. 3. 22. 1. 1. In the first year of Cyrus King of Persia the Jews had power given them to go up to Jerusalem After that Cyrus had given licence to them to return from Babylon to Jerusalem many with Ezdras and Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem under the reign of Artaxerxes 284. 2 Ezd. 3. 8. The Jews built the wals of Jerusalem after their return Zach. 3. 4. Jerusalem shall be inhabited without wals Under the name of Jerusalem Zacharias prophesieth Zach. 2. 5. of the Church of Christ and the heavenly Jerusalem the majesty of it is larger then can be comprehended in one City of which God is the wall a fire round about and glory in the midst of her 285. 2 Ezd. 5. 9. 10. 12. Nehemias reprehends the richer Jews because they thought to live by usury Gen. 47. 23. Joseph bought the land of Egypt and the people thereof he made subject to Pharaoh for corne The Egyptians were punished by God for their iniquities the Jews after their return into their Country were so proved the richer Jews oppressing their poor brethren with biting usury did burden them which Joseph did not 286. 2 Ezd. 10. 32. The houses were not builded Vers 3. Let not your doores be open Their houses were not fully built the Cities had gates 287. 2 Ezd. 8. 18. Ezdras read in the book day by day 1 Ezd. 3. 4. They kept also the feast of Tabernacles as it is written This was a singular example of piety for they were not bound to do so by the Law yet they came willingly day by day to hear the book of the Law 288. 2 Ezd. 10. 32. Also we made ordinances amongst our selves yearly to charge ourselves with a third part of a shekell for the work of the Lord. Exod. 30. 13. They shall give every one that passeth amongst them that be numbred halfe a shekell Moses once by Gods command laid on them that tribute and Joas at the renewing of the Temple ordered that every one should give what he pleased so Nehemias ordained the third part of 2 shekell by the year to restore the Temple not from the Law but from necessity 289. 2 Ezd. 11. 6. Of the children of Phares that dwelt at Jerusalem were 468. Benjamin 928. 2 Chron. 9. 6. Jehuel 690. Benjamin 956. First the chief are set down to whom a dwelling fell by lot then other voluntary inhabitants who chose a habitation willingly ESTHER THe book of Esther is so called from Esther who was Ahasuerus wife here is shewed how Ahasuerus divorcing Vashti chose Esther to be Queen Haman the enemy of the Jews and of Mordecai is hanged Mordecai is made Provost of the Kingdome It contains the History of 20 years Ezdras was the writer of it or else the men of the great Synagogue 290. Esth 1. 12. Ahasuerus divorced Vashti because she refused to come at his commandement Mat. 19. 9. Whosoever shall put away his wife except for fornication and shall marry an other committeth adultery The pride of Vashti hurt not the King alone but all the people and Princes of the Kingdom by shewing a kind of dominion over the King before other women Now adayes men do not divorce their wives but for the cause of Adultery only and they are bound by the Laws of God and man to obey their husbands 291. Esth 9. 21. Mordecai sent to the Jews in all the provinces that the 14 and 15 dayes of the moneth Adar should be held for festivals Deut. 4. 2. Chap. 12. 32. What I command you this day you shall not add to it The ordinance of Mordecai was not against the Law nor was it a feast of Gods worship but only commemorative for the divine wonderfull deliverance of the people of the Jews JOB THis Book is so called from Job who was also called Jobab King of Edom. Moses Gen. 36. is thought to have written that book for an example of patience there is contained the affliction of Job and contention with his friends and disputing with them God ends this controversie at last and restores Job to his former posterity The History appertains to the time of Jacob. 292. Job 1. 1. He lived in the land of Vz his name was Job he was a perfect and an upright man and one that feared God and eschewed evill Psal 147. 20. He hath not done so with any Nation Under the old Testament the publick worship of the true God was amongst the Israelites whither other Nations were admitted to come which God called by divers wayes to come unto him and he had amongst them some that served him sincerely as Jethro Moses father in Law the Gibeonites and Job here so Rahab and Ruth 293. Job 1. 6. Satan came amongst the sons of God 2 Pet. 2. 4. God spared not the Angels that sinned but cast them down to hell and delivered them unto chains of darknesse The coming of Satan amongst the sons of God was onely as an executioner of the commands and judgments of God 294. Job 5. 1. Call if there be any that will answer thee and to which of the Saints wilt thou turn Isa 63. 16. Abraham knew us not Israel was ignorant of us Eliphaz teacheth Job that there is no flying to Saints in misery and that no man is unjustly punished by God but there is alwayes a just cause for it therefore saith he shew any of the Saints who being in such a calamity as thou art that was so without a cause as thou supposest thy self to be 295. Job 14. 4. Who can bring a clean thing Psal 51. 7. Rom. 7. 20. out of unclean Rom. 11. 16. For if the first fruits be holy the lump is also holy All of us by originall sin are conceived and born in sin and sin dwels in us yet by Gods grace we are reckoned for holy which account passeth over all within the Covenant as we are 296. Job 14. 5. His dayes are determined the number of his moneths are with thee thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot passe Prov. 18. 21. Life and death are in the power of the tongue Death and life of man are in the power of God who hath put bounds to his dayes Life and death is said after a sort to be in the power of the tongue because a wicked man may by slanders and detraction and contention hurt a man even to death 297. Job 14. 6 14. Shall a man if he die live again 1 Cor. 15. 22. In Christ shall all be made alive Job denyeth not the resurrection but he saith Dan. 12. 2. rather that men shall rise not with bodies subject to death but such as shall live for ever
second who succeeded him fell by the sword 198. Josh 11. 19. There was not a City which yeelded not it self up to the children of Israel Yet in the time of the Judges and the Kings many Cities were not in their possession Joshua took all the Cities he came at by force and those that were to be taken and they were to be delivered to Israel for a possession 199. Josh 15. 8. Jerusalem was in the tribe of Judah Chap. 18. 28. Benjamin is numbred In the borders of Judah and Benjamin at first they were two small Cities at last they were joyned into one and fortified with a wall round about 200. Josh 15. 63. The children of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites unto this day 2 Sam. 24. 18. The Jebusites were in their own possessions in the time of David who bought the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite Because the Israelites spared the Jebusites and the Benjamites took them into their protection so that the remainders of them were tolerated unto Davids time that succeeded ill to the people of Israel who by their society were Exod. 1. 21. drawn to Idolatry JVDGES THis Book is so called from the Judges of the people of the Jews It contains the condition of the children of Israel after the death of Joshua under 16 Judges The Idolatry of Micha The wickednesse of the Gibeathites The slaughter of the Benjamites It was written by Samuel It contains the History of 300. years 201. Judg. 5. 31. Let all the enemies of the Lord perish Prov. 25. 21. If thy enemy hunger Mat. 5. 44. Luk. 6. 35. Rom. 12. 20. feed him with bread if he thirst give him water to drink We must do good to our enemies but not to Gods enemies and for private injuries we must not curse them but as they are Gods enemies of whom there is no hope of their conversion out of zeal of a S. Spirit we may pray also for their destruction 202. Judg. 6. 17 36. Gedeon asketh a signe from God Mat. 12. 39. An evill generation seek for a signe Gedeon was confirmed in his office by a signe given from God so Moses and Joshua Christ cals the Pharisees an evill generation justly because they out of curiosity sought for a signe Let us be content with the word of God 203. Judg. 6. 21. Gedeon sacrificed on a rock Lev. 1. 5. The sons of Aaron shall offer the sacrifices on the Altar Gedeon offered the matter of the sacrifice to the Lord and God himself was the Priest in burning the offering nor was there any Leviticall officer present and the event teacheth us that what Gedeon did was from divine instinct 204. Jugd 11. 39. Jephtha did according to his vow Vers 31. Whatsoever cometh forth of the dores of my house to meet me I will offer up for a burnt-offering to the Lord. Deut. 12. 31. The Lord hates all the abominations that the Gentiles used to their Gods and those that offered us their sons and daughters and burned them in the fire Jephtha vowed disjunctively that whatsoever should first meet him out of his house should be the Lords that it should be either sacrificed or deputed for Gods service for he knew that all living creatures could not be offered in sacrifice to the Lord therefore he consecrated his daughter for the work of the Sanctuary Ve. 38. for she being sanctified to God knew no man and she bewailed her virginity 205. Jud. 13. 7. Samson was a Nazarite from his mothers womb unto the day of his death Mat. 2. 23. It was fulfilled in Christ he shall be called a Nazarite The Nazarites in the old Testament were votaries according to Law Num. 6. who gave themselves wholly to meditate upon divine matters and others which were born so as Samson here on whose head never rasor came nor was his head ever shorne others were called so both wayes joyntly Christ was prefigured by them who was most free from all uncleannesse commonly called a Nazarite because he was brought up in the Town of Nazareth 206. Judg. 16. 31. Samson killed himself Exod. 20. 14. Thou shalt not kill Samson killed not himself with the Philistins by any rashnesse of his own but he did that by the instinct and power of God and was a figure of Christs overthrowing our enemies RUTH IT is so named from Ruth a woman Samuel describes in this Book Ruths dutifulnesse to her Mother in Law and the integrity of Boas who was Davids Grandfather 207. Ruth 3. 4. Naomi perswades Ruth to lie down at Boas feet 1 Tim. 2. 9. Women adorning themselves with modesty and sobriety That was indeed a dangerous counsell nor must it be drawn in for an example Naomi was brought on to do that by the Law of raising children to the brother that was dead Yet God hindred that no dishonesty happened thereby 208. Ruth 4. 13. Boas took Ruth and she was his wife and he went in unto her Deut. 7. 3. You shall make no marriages with them Moah who was the son of Lot of his posterity they were not forbid to marry wives but of the Hittites Gergeshites Ammorhites Cananites Perisites Hivites Jebusites c. Ruth followed the true Religion and the Nation of the Jews and not the Moabites The two Books of SAMVEL Heb. Schemuel IN the first Book is described the life and death of Samuel with the Government of Saul In the second the translation of the Kingdome to David and his administration of it Samuel writ the first book to the 25. Chapter The rest with the second Book were writ by Nathan and Gad both Prophets In these two Books is contained the History of 120. yeares 209. 1 Sam. 3. 13. Eli knew his sons did wickedly and he restrained them not Chap. 2. 24. He said to his sons Wherefore do you all these things that I hear of you from all the people do not so my sons it is no good report The correction of Eli in reproving his sons was too gentle nor is it accounted for a restraint Chrysostome saith if Eli had been unreproveable in Mat. hom 17. himself in his life he should more sharply have corrected his sons treading under foot the Law of God therefore was he justly punished 210. 1 Sam. 7. 2. From the day that the Arke of God abode in Kirjath-jearim the time was long for it was twenty years and all the house of Israel lamented after the Lord. 1 Chron. 13. 6. David in the fifth year brought it from thence The Ark was in Kirjath-jearim unto the days of Saul who first brought it into the Army and then sent it back to its place David being made King first translated it to Obed-edoms house and after that unto the mountain of Sion 211. 1 Sam. 9. 16. Thou shalt anoint him to be Captain over my people Israel for I have looked upon my people because their cry is come unto me Hos 13. 11. I gave thee a King in mine
anger and took him away in my wrath God gave a lawfull Magistrate of his mercy for the good of the godly to defend them against the Philistines yet because by diffidence of God they sought for a King after the example of the Nations as if they could not be safe without a King therefore God gave them a King in his anger 212. 1 Sam. 13. 14. David was a man after Gods own heart Act. 13. 2 Sam. 11. 4. An adulterer Vers 5. A Murderer David amended all by repentance and the heart of God is that he desireth not the death of a sinner but rather that he should be converted and live David indeed erred in many Just Mart. quaest 78. things yet was he constant in the Covenant with God 213. 1 Sam. 15. 24. Saul said to Samuel I have sinned now therefore I pray thee pardon my sin Isa 43. 25. I am he saith the Lord that blot out thy transgressions for my name sake God by his own authority but men ministerially from God remit sins and declare to those that are penitent the pardon of their sins for Christs sake 214. 1 Sam. 15. 35. After Agag was slain Samuel saw Saul no more Chap. 19. 24. Saul prophesied with the rest before Samuel Samuel saw him no more when he had withdrawn himself from Saul till he had joyned himself to the company of Prophets or he never saw him more in his Kingly ornament or to converse familiarly with him as before 215. 1 Sam. 15. 35. It repented the Lord that he had made Saul King Rom. 11. 29. The gifts and graces of God are without repentance The Scripture speaking by anthropopathy after the manner of men affirmes that God repented because he knew Saul to be impenitent and that he should lose his Kingdome and his life also by the just judgement of God 216. 1 Sam. 16. 1. Saul was rejected by God that he should no longer raign over Israel above 10 years Act. 13. 21. he gave them Saul the son of Cis a King for 40 years Saul after he was anointed raigned 10. years Paul joyned the govenment of Saul and Samuel together 217. 1 Sam. 16. 21. David stood before Saul and became his Armour-bearer Chap. 17. 55. Saul seeing David goe forth against the Philistines he said unto Abner Whose sonne is this young man Order is not alwayes observed in History before the duell with Goliah David was no approved Souldier but after that therefore it is Hysterosis that is put before which should follow after 218. 1 Sam. 21. 1. David came to Nob to Abimelech the Priest Mark 2. 26. He went into the house of God in the dayes of Abiathar the Priest Abimelechs Father was Abiathar the Son doing the Priests office was in place of his Father who followed David and was in exile with him 219. 1 Sam. 21. 13. David changed his behaviour before Achis and fayned himself mad Eccles 7. 17. Be not foolish 1 Pet. 2. 1. David fearing greatly conterfeited folly and by that dishonest meanes secured himselfe 220. 1 Sam. 26. 10. Or his day shall come Job 14. 5. to die Eccles 7. 17. Why wilt thou die before thy time His dayes are determined the number of his months are with God thou hast appointed his bounds which he cannot passe Ecclesiastes warns us that we should not by intemperance and wichednesse shorten our own dayes for they that are put to death by mans reason might live longer 221. 1 Sam. 28. 14. Samuel appeared to Saul after his death Revel 14. 13. For the dead rest from their labours He saw a shadow of Samuel but not true Samuel whose soul is in Gods hand and his body rests in peace had it been Samuel indeed he would not suffer Saul to worship him but would have reproved him for that he had fallen from God to look after Witches it was the Devill therefore in Samuels likenesse 222. 2 Sam. 8. 18. The Sons of David were priests elders Lev. 8. Aaron and his sons were consecrated to be Priests Priests that were to officiate in sacred things were chosen only out of the tribe of Levi as Aaron and his sons but in politick matters by priests of Justice Presbyters of counsels are Presidents Princes and chief Rulers to be understood 223. 2 Sam. 10. 2. David would make a league with Hanun King of the Ammonites Deut. 23. 3. Ammonites and Moabites shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord. The Jews might not make a publick league with the Ammonites yet they might hold private friendship with them and the Moabites 224. 2 Sam. 12. 15. David judged a man worthy of death for taking away a sheep Exod. 22. 1. If any one steal a sheep he shall restore four sheep for it David judged the punishment of this theft ought to be increased for the civill circumstances that went with it so the Magistrate useth to lay on more punishment where he finds the offender more bold 225. 2 Sam. 12. 30. David put the crown of the King of the Ammonites on his own head Deut. 7. 25. Thou shalt take nothing to thy self of the prey taken from the enemies of God That law was concerning Idolatrous people that inhabited the Land of promise the Ammonites were out of those bounds therefore David sinned not when he put the Kings crown on his own head and divided the spoil to his followers 226. 2 Sam. 14. 27. Absalon had three sons and one daughter whose name was Tamar Chap. 18. 18. He said I have no sons to keep my name in remembrance The sons of Absalon were dead before their father and so he was without sons 227. 2 Sam. 17. 25. The Father of Amasa was Jethra an Israelite 2 Chron. 2. 17. An Ismaelite He was an Israelite by birth by education an Ismaelite for he lived there a long time 228. 2 Sam. 19. 23. The King said to Shimei Thou shalt not die and he sware unto him 1 King 2. 9. He said to Solomon Bring down his hoary head to the grave with bloud David swore for himself but not for his successor Shimei need not fear whilst David lived and under Solomon he had been out of danger had he staid at Jerusalem 229. 2 Sam. 20. 23. Joab was over the whole Army Chap. 19. 13. David said to Amasa Thou shalt be Captain of the hoast for ever before me in the room of Joab David desired to remove Joab from being Captain because of his cruelty yet he did it not because in great matters he stood in need of him In the mean time Joab deceitfully killed Amasa lest he should be preferred before him the punishment for this David deferred but he did not wholly remit 230. 2 Sam. 24. 9. Joab gave up the number of the people to the King 800000. 2 Chron. 21. 5. He gave David the number of them 1100000. In the former place only the valiant men are counted in the latter the ordinary Souldiers also 231. 2 Sam. 24. 9.
of hypocrites but he hears the prayers of penitents 313. Psal 19. 4. Their line went out into the ends of the earth Rom. 10. 18. Their sound went out into the whole world Paul interprets the Psalme concerning the Doctrine of the Gospell and saith that it is the Canon of the holy Ghost and rule of faith and manners of Christians appointed by God by the sound and voice of the Prophets of Christ and his Apostles in which the will of God is revealed and therefore it is called the Canonicall Scripture 314. Psal 19. 8. The Statutes of the Lord are right rejoycing the heart 2 Cor. 3. 7. The law is the ministration of death engraven in stones In the Psalme by the Law is understood all the will of God revealed from above The Apostle speaks only of the morall law not as it is in it self for so it is the perfect law of righteousnesse and brings life but in respect of us who are transgressors of the Law and obtain nothing but death by it 315. Psal 19. 11. And in keeping of thy commandments there is great reward Luk. 17. 10. When you have done all ye were commanded ye shall say We are unprofitable servants we have done nothing but what we are obliged to do David commendeth the Law of God and that there is great reward in the keeping of it In which the goodnesse of God is commended who may of right require obedience from us yet he freely gives a reward unto us which he oweth not Christ sheweth that we and all that we have are due unto God therefore we can aske nothing for a reward and it is presumption to think that we can deserve any thing at Gods hands 316. Psal 22. 1. My God my God wherefore hast thou forsaken me Joh. 14. 10. Chap. 16. 32. I am not alone for the Father is with me In the first place is signified the sense of Gods wrath and the effect thereof in Christ who taking upon him our person is made sin for us though he complained that he was forsaken as man yet he was not forsaken as the Son of God nor was the divine nature separated from the hnmane nature but supported it In the latter place when Christ saith I am not alone he hath respect to the flight of the Apostles and fortifyeth himselfe against it by the presence of his Father 317. Psal 22. 3. My God I cryed by day and thou heardest not Joh. 11. 42. I knew because thou hearest me alwayes Christ was not heard in his passion because he was to die In the latter place he speaks of his prayer for believers he gives thanks to his Father that he was always heard 318. Psal 24. 1. The earth is the Lords and the fulnesse thereof Luk. 4. 6. I will give to thee saith Satan unto Christ all this power and glory Satan being the spirit and father of lying Joh. 8. 44. Mat. 28. Psal 23. 8. doth falsly appropriate to himself the power of the world Christ being appointed by his father King of Kings to whom was given all power in heaven and earth he rules in heaven and earth from sea to sea from the rivers unto the ends of the earth 319. Psal 24. 2. The Lord hath founded the earth upon the seas Exod. 20. 4. The waters are under the earth The earth hath its stability from the first creation the foundation thereof is the power of God which is the center of the whole and it doth as it were move upon the waters above and beneath it hath the waters on the sides so that the sea is higher then the earth it is therefore the wonderfull work of God that he preserveth mankind from drowning in the midst of the waters 320. Psal 26. 2. Prove me O Lord. 1 Cor. 11. 28. Let a man prove himself God because he proves our thoughts words and deeds therefore we must prove our selves that we may make our selves approved to God 321. Psal 32. 3. When I kept silence my bones waxed old Vers 3. Through my roaring all the day long Silence respects the suppression of sinnes Crying the complaints and lamentations for grief of mind 322. Psal 32. 10. Many sorrowes shall be to the wicked 73. 5. The righteous are punished more then the wicked Punishments internall and sempiternall are for the wicked but externall and temporary are understood by the last place 323. Psal 34. 5. They lookt unto him and were lightned 1 Tim. 6. 16. He dwels in a light that no man can approach unto God is said to dwell in light not properly but metaphorically for by this his glory and manifest presence is understood 324. Psal 34. 10. There is no look to them that fear God 2 Tim. 3. 12. All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution The Godly suffer no want in spirituall good but in corporall and temporall good yet their persecutions are good for them and are rewarded with eternall life 325. Psal 34. 22. None that trust in the Lord shall be desolate Rom. 3. 23. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God In the first place is understood delinquency to death and eternall destruction but they that believe in Christ their faults shall not be imputed to them unto death 326. Psal 35. 6. Let their way be made slippery and dark and let the Angell of the Lord persecute them Mat. 5. 44. Love your enemies In the first place are meant the incorrigible and obdurate enemies of Christ and his Gospel In the latter place those of whose conversion we have hope 327. Psal 36. 8. Thou shalt preserve both man and beast O Lord. 1 Cor. 9. 9. Doth God take care for oxen Under the generall care of God are comprehended all creatures but under his speciall care Men for whose sake God hath made the beasts Ambrose saith God cares not for beasts for themselves but for our sake for which he created all things and therefore his principall care is for us 328. Psal 37. 21. The wicked borrowes and payeth not again Luk. 6. 35. Lend looking for nothing again If the Debter be fallen into extreme want that he cannot pay we must not kill him or forsake him in his utmost necessity 329. Psal 37. 25. I have been young and now am old yet saw I never the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging their bread Luk. 16. 20. Lazarus a begger desired to be satisfied with the crumbs which fell from the rich mans Table Beggery is a punishment to the wicked but to the godly a fatherly punishment and it is found in the unlawfull begging of Monks sturdy obstinate and idle people which refuse to work but the lawfull begging is for the members of Christ which are brought to extream poverty by banishment war fire water sicknesse c. 330. Psal 40. 7. Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not 1 Pet. 2. 5. Ye as living stones are built up a spirituall house an holy Priesthood to offer up spirituall
They that trust in the Lord shall not be moved Rom. 11. 17. Some of the boughs were broken off for their incredulity Christ makes fruitfull and barren Vines the Apostles boughs by which he represents the faithfull and Infidels those that were broken off it was for their unbelief 365. Psal 128. 1. Blessed are all they who fear the Lord. 1 Joh. 4. 18. There is no fear in love for love casts out fear Filiall fear proceeds from faith by which we apprehend God as present all the faithfull have this and consolation accompanieth it The Apostle speaks of the servile fear of the Infidels which proceeds from a sense of the presence of God as a Judge and there is no consolation in this but confusion 166. Psal 132. 13. God hath chosen Sion for his habitation this is my rest for ever here will I dwell because I have chosen it Act. 6. 14. We heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth should destroy this place and change the traditions of Moses In the first place is a promise of the conservation of the Temple and of the Jewish politie upon condition of their obedience if the Jews should do that which God commanded them and keep his holy Covenant In the last Stephen from the predictions of Christ and the Prophets concerning the ruine of the City and Temple at Jerusalem invites them to repentance 367. Psal 139. 1. O Lord thou hast proved me Gal. 6. 4. Every man shall prove his own work The Psalmist prayeth that God would prove him not that he was free from sinne but he desires by mercy to be cleansed The Apostle sheweth what is our duty namely to make our works approved to God which he will prove 368. Psal 136. 1 to 26. The goodnesse and mercy of the Lord is for ever and ever Tit. 3. 4. When the gentlenesse and love of God our Saviour appeared The Fathers under the old Covenant did no otherwise taste the goodnesse of God then we do by looking unto Christ to whom God commended his goodnesse and him that he promised to give our Fathers for their salvation he hath given unto us revealed in the flesh 369. Psal 145. 8. The Lord is gracious and full of compassion Exod. 33. 19. I will have mercy on whom I will Rom. 9. 15 19. God is gracious and mercifull so that he offereth his goodnesse to wicked men also and declares in them the effects of his grace and clemency he made them he gives them temporall goods he defers his temporall and eternall judgments though they are ungratefull to him but he sheweth mercy to whom he will not looking on our worth but he saveth us freely without being obliged he doth all of his own goodnesse and mercy The PROVERBS of Solomon WIthout doubt it was taken out of his 3000 Parables and his most wise sentences for the good of the Church teaching good men patience and wisdome and the fruit of it is to be imbraced and sinne to be fled from Relating the works of the wise and foolish he commends the manners of an honest woman 370. Prov. 1. 15. My son walk not with sinners remove thy foot from their paths Luk. 15. 1. All the publicans and sinners came unto him to hear him and he received them Solomon forbids us to run to evill with wicked men or to allow of their wickednesse Christ receiving publicans and sinners reproved their faults exhorted them to repentance by his great love toward them 371. Prov. 1. 26. I will mock at your trouble and laugh when your destruction cometh Ezek. 18. 32. I will not the death of a sinner for I take no pleasure in the destruction of a sinner God is delighted in his justice when he punisheth those which despise his grace and that will not hearken to his fatherly vocation but of his mercy he will not the death of sinner as death is the destruction of Nature The former place belongs to Gods consequent will the latter to his antecedent will that is ruled by justice this by mercy 372. Prov. 6. 6. Go to the Ant thou sluggard and consider her wayes Psal 55. 22. Cast thy way upon the Lord and he shall bring it to passe Solomon by the example of the Pismire would bring idle slothfull people to honest labour The Psalmist warns all to trust in God and his providence yet not so that we should omit any thing of our duty for so God doth govern all things that he will have us to use lawfull means and effect all our works by them So when Christ saith Be not carefull for the morrow he doth not forbid us to Luk. 12 15. Theoph. work but to give our selves over to care and to neglect Gods providence for we are commanded to till the ground and to take care to live 373. Prov. 4. 3. Solomon was the only son of his 1 Chron. 3. 5. Mother 2 Sam. 11. 27. Bathsheba bare sons to Davaid Simaa Sobab Nathan Solomon was so beloved of his Mother for the singular gifts of nature as though he had been her only son 374. Prov. 6. 30. It is no great fault for a man to steal to fill his hungry soul Exod. 20. 15. Thou shalt not steal Solomon compareth Theft with Adultery and he determines that the punishment and the offence is lesse in Theft then Adultery 375. Prov. 6. 31. A Theef if he be found shall restore seven fold he shall give all the substance of his house Exod. 22. 1. If any man steal an oxe or a sheep or have killed or sold it he shall restore five oxen for one and four sheep for a sheep If a man stole money or cloaths he must restore seven fold for the seventh number being perfect he must redeem his life by it Thefts which could be hid were more heavily punished then such as could not so well be hid as Cattell 376. Prov. 8. 23. I Wisdome was created from the beginning 2 Pet. 1. 19 21. Holy men spake as they were moved by the holy Ghost in time First is meant the essentiall wisdome of God that is Christ the Lord but the Apostle means wisdome revealed by the Prophets 377. Prov. 8. 35. He that findeth wisdome findeth life Eccl. 2. 16. There shall be no remembrance more of the wise then of the fool for ever In the former place we must understand divine wisdome which confers eternall life In the latter humane wisdome which profits nothing after death 378. Prov. 15. 27. He that hates gifts shall live Chap. 17. 8. A gift is as a pretious stone in the eyes of him that hath it Chap. 18. 16. A mans gift maketh room for him and bringeth him before great men A gift to corrupt covetous Judges is accepted and causeth that he that corrupts the Judges may attain his end that he desires for he that bribes oft-times obtains what his mind wished for 379. Prov. 16. 4. God made all things for himself Vers 4. The wicked also for the day
25. 32. He shall separate the Sheep from the Goats Joh. 10. 16. And there shall be one sheepfold The first place is concerning the future state of the Church after the day of Judgement that shall be otherwise then it is now for then shall there be a separation made Hypocrites now passe for Sheep then they shall be manifested to be Goats The latter place is of the faithful Eph. 2. 14. c. 5. 23. 1 Cor. 3. 11. who shall be gathered into one sheepfold that is the Church both Jews and Gentiles under one shepherd 620. Mat. 25. 34. Inherit the Kingdome prepared for you from the foundation of the world Ephes 1. 4. He chose us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy Christ by the beginning and foundation of the world understands eternity the Apostle looks to the first Creation for before the foundation of this world were laid God chose us in Christ to salvation 621. Mat. 25. 34. There is a Kingdome prepared for us before the foundation of the world Joh. 14. 3. I goe saith Christ to prepare a place for you There is a place by Gods decree provided for us from eternity according to predestination but not particular designation which is done after Christs ascension but the Devil Death and Hell and Malediction did not suffer us to come thither untill Christ had destroyed those impediments and by his death vanquished the Devil Death and Hell blotted out our sins and by rising again had restored life to us by his Ascension had opened heaven to us and going thither before us confirmed it that we should follow him thither 622. Mat. 26. 2. Ye know that after two days is the Feast of the Passeover v. 6. Jesus was in Bethany six days before the Passeover The Evangelist began to speak of what was done two dayes before the Passeover but repeating the matter higher he relates somethings were done in Bethany six days before the Passeover because the History of Judas the Traytor required that Therefore here is an Hysterosis 623. Mat. 26. 7. A woman poured Oyntment on our Saviours head Joh. 12. 3. Mary took a pound of Oyntment of Spikenard very costly and anoynted the feet of Jesus Some hold that these are different Histories yet it might be that when a greater quantity of oyntment was poured forth that his feet were anoynted also at the same time 624. Mat. 26. 8. The Disciples saw it and had indignation Joh. 12. 4. Then saith one of his Disciples Judas Iscariot The Evangelists usually ascribe to many the fact of one it their consent went along with him So the murmuring which Judas began is imputed to the rest who held their peace 625. Mat. 26. 11. You have the poor alwayes with you but me you have not alwayes c. 28. 20. And loe I am with you alwayes even unto the end of the world In the first place Christ speaks of his corporal presence and natural conversation with his Disciples in the state of humiliation that he should not be so alwayes with them In the latter of the assistance by his Person and his help that should be effectual in their Apostolical duty though it be difficult yet Christ would be present with them by a singular vertue of his Spirit dwelling in them The accomplishment of this promise was manifest in the Apostles and in all the faithful by the operation of the Spirit in us and shall be so to the end of the world 626. Mat. 26. 26. This is my Body c. 24. 23. If any man shall say unto you Loe here is Christ or there believe him not In the first place Christ asserts his presence in the sacred Supper In the latter he foretels that false Prophets should come and exhorts us that we should beware of those false Impostors and should not look for salvation in places times or persons contrary to Gods Word but only in Christ Jesus our Lord. 627. Mat. 26. 26. This is my Body Joh. 6. 63. The flesh profiteth nothing Christ in the first place understands his body that was given to dye for us In the latter flesh but not his own in special but in general the natural use of any meat whatsoever Not as the Capernaites dream that they should so eat his flesh who would eat him with their teeth but not with their heart 628. Mat. 26. 29. I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the Vine He puts these words after the Institution Luk. 22. 18. He puts those words before the Institution Christ once delivered the Sacramental cup to C. 3. de conv Evang his Disciples saith Augustine but Luke hath not made his Narration in a continued History nor alwayes observed the order of time so that here is an Hysterosis again 629. Mat. 26. 29. I will not drink henceforth of the fruit of the Vine untill that day when I drink it new with you in my Fathers Kingdome Act. 10. 41. We eat and drank with him after he rose from the dead Christ said he would not drink with his Apostles in his mortal body but after the Resurrection having put off the infirmity of his body he after conversed with his Disciples and eat and drank with them he cals it new because he is made immortal of mortal and the Devil and Death being destroyed he had opened a spiritual Kingdome 630. Mat. 26. 34. This night before the Cock crow thou shalt deny me thrice Mar. 14. 30. Before the Cock crow twice thou shalt deny me thrice Matthew briefly and in general without relating the circumstances but Mark relates the matter with more and more particular words 631. Mat. 26. 52. All they that take the sword shall perish with the sword Luk. 22. 36. He that hath no sword let him sell his garment and buy one A sword is taken properly in the first place for Christ will not that private men should use the sword for revenge and to resist evill but should overcome evill with goodnesse In the latter place a sword is taken metaphorically for the Word of God with which we must fight against Satan and our spiritual enemies and Rom. 12. therefore we must be armed with it 632. Mat. 27. 4. Iudas saith I have sinned betraying the innocent bloud Act. 1. 18. Falling headlong he burst asunder in the midst and all his bowels gushed out The confession of Iudas and the testimony he gave of Christs innocency was not with true repentance but only sorrow by the sense of his sin which led him not to conversion but to hand himself 633. Mat. 27. 32. They compelled Simon of Cyrenea to bear his Crosse Joh. 19. 17. Christ bearing his Crosse went forth into a place called the place of a skull At first going forth Christ himself carryed the Crosse and when he was grown too feeble in body the souldiers compelled Simon whom they met on the way to carry the Crosse 634. Mat. 27 44. The Theeves also who
Kingdome is eternal and without end not as Davids earthly Kingdome was for a few dayes but it must be continued for ever in the Person of Christ and the faithful after a spiritual manner he shall deliver the Kingdome to the Father not that he shall no longer rule with the Father but because after this world is ended he will fully joyn us to his Father and will govern his Church otherwise then it is now governed 665. Luk. 1. 36. Elizabeth Maries Cousin ver 5. She was of the daughters of Aaron Luk. 2. 5. Mary was of the Tribe of Judah of the house of David In Scripture they are called Cousins though they are not all of the same family so vulgarly Anna is affirmed to be the Mother of Mary and the sister of Elizabeth 666. Luk. 1. 44. The babe leaped in my womb for joy that is John Baptist in the womb of his Mother when Mary came to her Joh. 1. 31. I knew him not saith John Christ was known to John before by internal and spiritual knowledge but John knew him externally and corporally in his baptism 667. Luk. 1. 67. Zacharias prophesied being full of the holy Ghost Joh. 7. 39. The holy Ghost was not yet because Christ was not yet glorified The first place is meant of the gift and Spirit of Prophesie the latter place is concerning the visible and wonderful effusion of gifts of the holy Ghost upon the Apostles after Christs glorification 668. Luk. 2. 11. There is born to you a Saviour in the City of David which is Christ the Lord. 1 Pet. 3. 21. Baptism doth save us Subalternates doe not disagree Christ makes his people safe from their sins principally as the efficient meritorious cause Baptism serves but instrumentally and not alwayes for it is not the want of baptism but the contempt which condemns us 669. Luk. 2. 33. His Father and Mother marvelled at those things Mat. 1. 8. Jesus according to his humanity no Father Heb. 7. 3. according to his Divinity had no Mother The Father of Jesus Christ Joseph was only so for his care but not really and naturally so for he was appointed by God to be a keeper of the Virgin Mary espoused to him and her Son and Christ being a little child gave him honour and reverence due to a Father The Virgin Mary was his natural Mother according to the flesh for he received his humane nature of her substance 670. Luk. 2. 34. Simeon blessed him Heb. 7. 7. The lesser is blessed of the better Simeon prayed well for Mary congratulating her concerning her happy and blessed Off-spring and by a Prophetique Spirit fore-shewing the hard successe she and her Son should have but he did not prefer himself before them 671. Luk. 3. 7. The Baptist cals the Pharisees a generation of Vipers Mat. 5. 22. He that saith to his brother Thou Fool shall be in danger of Hell fire John Baptist cals them not so reproachfully out of an ill affection but from his Office because such were full of poyson and malice working the Viperous works of the Devil the old Serpent So the Ministers of the Church must publickly complain of the sins of the people 672. Luk. 5. 10. Fear not from henceforth thou shalt catch men Joh. 1. 42. Andrew brought Simon his brother to Christ Simon is brought by Andrew to follow Christ and to professe the Gospel by a general call but Christ cals him by a special call to the Sacred Function about the matter of Fishing 673. Luk. 6. 1. And it came to passe on the second Sabbath after the first that he went through the Corn fields Mat. 12. 1. At that time Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the corn The Jews called the eight day of the great solemnity the second Sabbath after the first for some of their Feasts lasted for eight dayes and the first day with the eight day were the most solemn and the intermediate days not so much regarded moreover they were called Sabbaths 674. Luk. 6. 25. Woe to you that laugh now for you shall mourn and weep Joh. 16. 22. Your heart shall rejoyce and your joy no man taketh from you In the first place the pleasures and delights of the world are understood by the name of laughter the end whereof is alwayes sorrow in the latter place is meant joy in Christ by the holy Ghost which is heavenly and eternall 675. Luk. 6. 26. Woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you Mat. 5. 16. 1 Pet. 2. 12. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorifie your Father which is in heaven Woe be to them who do only so that they may please the world and desire the praise of men flattering the wicked and winking at their sins that they may get favour But not to them who like a light are an example of good works and a godly life to others 676. Luk. 6. 30. Give to every man that asketh Eccles 12. 4. Give to the godly and help not a sinner hold back thy bread and give it not unto him Christ will have that we shall doe good to our friends and to our enemies though they be wicked and ingrateful by the example of our merciful heavenly Father and if we give not to the person yet give to his Nature as he is a man A place of Ecclesiasticus may not be opposed to Canonical Scripture who will have him that craves an alms to be humble shutting out the wicked and obstinate in malice who abuse the beneficence of good men 677. Luk. 7. 13. Weep not Eccles 38. 16. Let tears fall down over the dead Christ comforts the widow who wept for the death of her onely son because her son should suddenly live again But Christ disallows not moderate weeping for the death of our neighbour only we must not mourn as those that have no hope 678. Luk. 8. 39. Return to thy house and shew how great things God hath done unto thee c. 5. 14. He commands the Leper that he should tell no man Christ commanded him that was possessed with the Devil to tell what benefits God had done for him because the time the place and other circumstances required that but he sent the leprous party who was cleansed to the Priest that he might approve of the cure 679. Luk. 10. 4. Salute no man by the way Rom. 16. 16. Salute one the other with an holy kiss The Churches of Christ salute you Phil. 4. 22. The Saints Christ will have his Disciples diligent in dispatch of their Office that they should not hinder the course of their Ministery with long discourses and salutations but should fulfil their journey in a short time such a command gave Elias to his servant which denyeth not our Christian duty and humane good manners to salute one the other 680. Luk. 10. 18. I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven Joh. 8. 44. The Devill was a Murderer from
own damnation The flesh of Christ in it self giveth life because it is alwayes so also in respect of men because some are faithful which it doth actually give life to others Infidels who are not quickned in Christ the cause whereof is not from Christ but from their own Infidelity and unworthinesse for not discerning the dy and bloud of the Lord they draw on the judgements of God upon themselves 721. Joh. 7. 5. Neither did his brethren believe in him chap. 16. 27. Ye have believed that I came out from God The former place must be understood of his brethren and corporal kindred the latter of the Apostles and his Disciples which were not all kindred to Christ according to the flesh 722. Joh. 7. 7. The world cannot hate you chap. 15. 19. Ye are not of the world but I have chosen you out of the world therefore the world hateth you In the first place Christ speaketh to his Brethren and Cousins according to the flesh that did not believe in him living carnally and after the manner of the world in the latter place he speaks of the Apostles who believed in him and were purged from all dregs of Infidelity and he assigns the causes wherefore they and other believers were hated of the world 723. Joh. 7. 8. I goe not not up yet unto this feast vers 10. He went up to the feast He went not openly with his friends that he might be seen but privately by this example of his he hath taught us not to venture our selves rashly amongst our enemies 724. Joh. 7. 16. My Doctrine is not mine but my Fathers who sent me chap. 17. 10. All mine are thine and thine are mine The Doctrine of Christ is said to be his Fathers and his in different respects the Father hath it from himself Christ from his Father also it is said to be the Fathers because he sent his Son for Christ was sent from the Father to publish it 725. Joh. 7. 26. Doe the Rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ 1 Cor. 2. 8. Had they known it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory The knowledge of Christ is either carnal and historical so the Rulers of the Jews and the Devils knew Christ but this is nothing to salvation or a spiritual knowledge by faith which justifieth believers and which the Jews that crucified Christ had not Here the same thing is said in both places and what in the first place is explained by an Ironical Interrogation in it self negative that in the latter place is done affirmatively 726. Joh. 7. 34 36. Where I am thither ye cannot come chap. 17. 24. Father I will that they also which thou hast given me be with me where I am Christ in the former place speaks to the Pharisees and carnal men rejecting his grace and he saith to them Where I am ye cannot come that is into heaven In the latter place he speaks of all the faithful which his Father hath given him 727. Joh. 8. 16. I am not alone but I and the Father that sent me chap. 16. 5. Now I goe my way to him that sent me In the first place Christ speaks of the unity of the Divine Nature and the inseparable conjunction of the Person in the latter concerning his Death and Ascension into Heaven to intercede with God the Father for us 728. Joh. 8. 23. Ye are of this world chap. 15. 19. Ye are not of this world To be of the world is to be in darknesse and to lead a wicked life not to be of the world is to acknowledge Christ and to live godly The first place therefore respects the unbelieving Jews and carnal men the latter respects all the faithful the children of God and elected to salvation 729. Joh. 8. 26. I have many things to say and to judge of you chap. 3. 18. He that believeth not is condemned already In the first place the present tense is put for Rom. 14. 10. the future For we must all of us appear before Christs Tribunal that every man may receive the things done in his body according to that he hath done whether it be good or bad 2 Cor. 5. 10. 730. Joh. 8. 28. I doe nothing of myself ch 10. 18. I have power c. Christ of himself that is without the Father or against his Fathers authority did nothing 731. Joh. 8. 33. We be Abrahams seed v. 44. Ye are of your Father the Devil There are sons carnal and sons spiritual the carnal Jews were the seed of Abraham in respect of corporal propagation Spiritual are such as are guided by a good or evill spirit sons by a good Spirit are all the faithful who are of the seed of Abraham by faith in Christ who gave to believing Abraham that he should be called the Father of believers Christ saith the Jews were from an evill spirit who did not the works of Abraham but of the Devil in respect of their malice and imitation and he that doth the works of another may be called his son 732. Joh. 8. 35. The servant abideth not in the house for ever 1 Thes 4. 17. We shall ever be with the Lord. In the first place is spoken of a servant of sin in the latter of the faithful who shall be delivered from all bondage being made free by the Son Joh. 8. 36. 733. Joh. 8. 36. Yee shall be free indeed Rom. 7. 23. Paul was a captive under the law of sin The faithful are free from sin in respect of condemnation dominion and perfect liberty which they shall enjoy in the next life they are said to be captive under sin by reason of inherent sin which begets ill desires in them against their wills 734. Joh. 8. 46. Which of you convinceth me of sin chap. 9. 24. We know that this man is a sinner Christ speaks of firm proof that no man could convince him of sin The Jews for despight and calumny said falsely that he was a sinner 735. Joh. 8. 50. I seek not mine own glory vers 12. I am the light of the world Hee meanes glory acquired from his Father not affected glory and he calls himself the Light of the world truly confessing what he is and not by hunting after vain glory 736. Joh. 8. 51. If a man keep my saying he shall never see death Heb. 9. 27. It is appointed unto all men once to dye Christ speaks of spiritual and eternal death the Apostle speaks of corporal and temporal death 737. Joh. 8. 58. Before Abraham was I am Heb. 2. 17. He took upon him the seed of Abraham There are three kind of speeches concerning Christ some things are spoken of him according to his divine Nature so he was before Abraham some things are spoken according to his humane Nature when he is called Abrahams seed or Davids and some things are spoken of both Natures that he is the Mediator between God and Man 1 Tim. 2. 5. 738. Joh. 9. 3.
of Beleevers 772. Acts 1. 9. Whilst the Disciples beheld Christ was taken up and a cloud received him John 3. 13. No man hath ascended up into heaven but he that came down from heaven The body of Christ was taken up visibly on high where Christ was personally before according to his Divine nature 773. Acts 1. 15. The number of names together were about an hundred and twenty 1 Cor. 15. 6. After that he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once The number of an hundred and twenty must be restrained to the faithfull there at Jerusalem the rest were out of this gathering in other places Luke by calling the brethren that were present sheweth that there were no women present at the Election of Matthias 774. Acts 1. 18. Judas purchased a field with the reward of iniquity Matth. 27. 3. He repented himself and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief Priests and Elders Judas purchased a field not actually but by purpose and event for he hoped with those silver pieces to buy a field he acquired the money It is Metonymia adjuncti and the price wherewith the Priests bought the field 775. Acts 2. 23. Jesus being delivered by the determinate counsell and foreknowledge of God by wicked hands you have crucified and slain John 19. 11. He that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin The death of Christ is ascribed to God and men in divers respects God delivered him by his determinate counsell that he might procure life for us The Jews out of their diabolicall hate that they might blot out the memory of him 776. Acts 2. 33. Christ is exalted by the right hand of God John 17. 5. Christ was glorified with the Father before the world was The state of Christs humiliation and exaltation is in respect of right and profession Christ was as Mediator at the right hand of God also before his corporall Ascension but in respect of use after his Ascension 777. Acts 2. 36. God hath made that same Jesus whom you have crucified both Lord and Christ Luke 2. 11. He is called Lord at his Nativity by the Angell Christ by right of his personall union was made Lord at his Nativity by possession and use in his Glorification declared to be so by his sitting at the right hand of God according to the rule Then a thing is said to be done when it is manifested to be done 778. Acts 2. 38. And be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ Mat. 28. 19. Baptizing them in the Name of the Father of the Son and of the holy Ghost In the first place there is the command and fruit of Baptism but not the form Some by the Name Christ understand the three Persons the Father anointing the Son anointed and the holy Ghost the unction Also in the Name of Christ is in the doctrine faith knowledge and obligation of Christ 779. Acts 3. 2. And a man lame from his mothers womb they laid daily at the gate of the Temple to ask alms chap. 4. 34. neither was there any among them that lacked They that carried the lame man to the Beautifull Gate of the Temple were not of the number of those who beleeved in Christ nor the lame man himself before he was healed 780. Acts 4. 31. And when they had prayed they were all filled with the holy Ghost chap. 2. 4. In the Feast of Pentecost the holy Ghost sat upon every one of them before The first place is of the increase of gifts and their boldnesse and confidence to professe the Gospel that casting away all sorrow they were full of rejoycing and preached the Word of God freely against the threatnings and interdicts of the High priests 781. Acts 7. 38. Moses received in mount Sinai the lively Oracles 2 Cor. 3. 7. Paul cals the Law the ministration of death The words of the Law were words of life because the Law hath life in it self and leads us to Christ it is not the Ministration of death in it self but in respect of mens infirmities and our corrupt nature 782. Acts 7. 2. Men Brethren and Fathers hearken vers 52. Betrayers and murderers In the former place he doth civilly use those compellation to the Jews in the later he shews what the truth is according to the Gospel they were enemies but according to Election they are beloved for the Fathers sake Rom. 11. 28. 783. Acts 7. 51. You do alwaies resist the holy Ghost as your fathers did Rom. 9. 19. Who hath resisted his will To resist the holy Ghost is not to hear him in the Word of God so the Jews rejected grace proferred unto them and despised it revealed in the Word and so were the cause of their own damnation The Apostle speaks of Gods absolute will according to that he doth all things to which we must be subject 784. Acts 7. 59. Lord Jesus receive my spirit Luk. 16. 22. Lazarus was carried by the Angels into Abrahams bosom All the godly and faithfull children of Abraham must commend their spirits into the hands of the Sonne of God who enlivens us there is that bosom and the soul of Abraham rests there 785. Acts 8. 1. And they were all scattered abroad throughout the region of Judah and Samaria except the Apostles Mark 16. 15. Go into all the world and preach the Gospel The beginning of the Apostles preaching was at Jerusalem where they suffered persecutions building a Church unto Christ before they went to other Nations 786. Acts 9. 6. Go into the City and there it shall be told thee what thou must do Gal. 1. 15. Paul was not called by man neither from men to be an Apostle of Jesus Christ Saul was taught by Ananias concerning the means of his conversion but not concerning the Articles of his faith Ananias was sent to baptize him and heal him but not to call him to be an Apostle 787. Acts 9. 7. And the men that journeyed with him stood speechlesse ch 26. 14. and when we were all fallen to the earth I heard a voice The companions of Saul were first cast down then they stood speechlesse nor could they go forward untill Saul also rose from the earth 788. Acts 9. 7. They heard a voice but they saw no man ch 26. 14. They that were with me saith Paul heard not the voice Hearing the sound of the voice they understand not the meaning of it so a voice coming to Christ from heaven the company that heard John 12. 29. it said it thundred 789. Acts 9. 8. They led Saul into Damascus Gal. 1. 17. He went into Arabia Paul after his conversion was first at Damascus then he went into Arabia and so returned again to Damascus 790. Acts 9. 15 Paul bare the Name of the Lord before the Gentiles the Kings and the children of Israel Gal. 1. 16. He was separated to preach to the Gentiles the Gospel of Christ He was the ordinary Apostle
morally is either absolutely indifferent as to eat and drink or relatively to the Law and so good or bad as it is done contrary or according to the Law being ordinate or disordinate the later the Law condemns 853. Rom. 7. 8. Sinne in me wrought in me all manner of concupiscence James 1. 15. When lust hath conceived it bringeth forth sinne Paul means actuall concupiscence of corrupt nature James originall concupiscence 854. Rom. 7. 9. I was alive without the Law once saith Paul Phil. 3. 6. Touching the righteousnesse which is in the Law blamelesse Before his conversion Paul lived a Pharisee without any true knowledge of the divine Law ascribing to himself externall righteousnesse which was hypocrisie 855. Rom. 7. 12. The Law is holy just and good 2 Cor. 3. 7. It is the ministration of death The Law in it self in respect of the Authour is good holy and just because it declareth the good and holy will of God in respect of us it is called the ministration of Death because it reproves sinne and threatens us with death 856. Rom. 7. 14. I am carnall sold under sin ch 6. 22. We are made free from the Law of sinne wherein we were held The Apostle according to the unregenerated part was carnall that is indulgent to his carnall lusts but being Regenerate he did lament for those carnall affections and resisted them 857. Rom. 7. 18. In me dwelleth no good thing ch 8. 9. The Spirit of God dwelleth in us The first place is of the old man in me that is my flesh and that part which is not regenerate the second is concerning man that is regenerate for Christ liveth in us the holy Ghost liveth in us and indeed the whole Trinity John 14. 23. 858. Rom. 7. 18. To will is present with me Phil. 2. 13. God worketh in you to will To be willing is that good which is wrought in us by the holy Ghost but after the fall of man to be willing and be able to will what is good was lost in us 859. Rom. 7. 22. I delight in the Law of God after the inward man ver 23. I see another Law in my members warring against the Law of my minde Paul delighted according to his spirit and inward man the regenerate part in the Law of God but rebelled against it in his outward man the flesh and the part unregenerate for the whole man is as it is commonly said is partly flesh and partly spirit 860. Rom. 7. 23. I see another Law in my members warring against the Law of my minde ch 8. 2. The Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the Law of sinne and of death The faithfull are either captivated by the Law of sinne that they cannot do that good they would but what sinne will have done that dwelleth in them or they are freed from sinne here inchoatively because it doth not condemn them nor yet reign in them but in the next Psal 32. 1. Rom. 8. 1. ch 6. 12. world it shall be accomplished and they shall be perfectly made free from it 861. Rom. 8. 2. The Law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the Law of sinne and death Joh. 5. 28. The hour is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice and come forth Resurrection from death to life is common to the good and bad but in a divers manner and for a divers end the good shall come forth gloriously to life the wicked ignominiously unto death 862. Rom. 8. 24. We are saved by hope Eph. 2. 8. By grace are you saved through faith Mark 16. 16. Subalternates disagree not the grace of God is the efficient cause faith and hope the instrumentall causes of our salvation 863. Rom. 8. 30. God whom he did predestinate them he also called Matth. 20. 16. c. 22. 14. Many are called but few chosen The first place is concerning those who being called are obedient to the holy Ghost and make their vocation firm unto the end of their lives The later is of those who resist the vocation of God in respect of the former there are as many predestinated as are called but of the later more called then are predestinated 864. Rom. 8. 31. If God be for us who can be against us 1 Pet. 5. 8. Your adversary the devil When God is for us though the devil be against us he prevails not 865. Rom. 8. 38. Nothing nor creature can separate us from the love of God ch 9. 3. I could wish that my self were accursed from Christ for my brethren The wish of Paul was conditionall if it were lawfull and might be done the Apostle thereby sheweth the vehemency of his affection toward his kindred and submits himself to the Divine will Chrysostom on this place saith that Paul by a premeditated prayer desired to be separated from Christ by a temporall and eternall abjection for the salvation of his brethren and so would by his own destruction redeem them to eternall salvation neither did he therefore love his brethren more then Christ for he did not desire to be separated from the love of Christ but from the fruit of his love and friendship he desireth to perish not as an enemy of Christ but a preserver of his brethren as Christ was made a curse for us not as Gods enemy but as our Redeemer 866. Rom. 9. 16. It is not of him that willeth nor him that runneth but of God that sheweth mercy Matth. 19. 17. If thou wilt enter into life keep the Commandments It is therefore said not to be of him that willeth because salvation is not given for our merit but of Gods mercy but it is also of him that willeth not because we will though no man is saved against his will but of unwilling to receive Gods call he is made willing 867. Rom. 9. 18. God hath mercy on whom he will have mercy and whom he will he hardneth ch 11. 32. God hath concluded them all in unbelief that he might have mercy upon all The first place is concerning the most free will and power of God who may have mercy on whom he please his antecedent will reacheth to all men his consequent will is restrained to the beleevers and unbeleevers and so he will have merey of the faithfull that they may be saved but he justly punisheth and hardneth the unbeleevers and wicked men who resist his grace freely offered unto them 868. Rom. 10. 10. With the mouth is made confession unto salvation 1 Cor. 4. 20. The Kingdom of God is not in word In the first place is spoken of confession with faith in the later of humane words which the false teachers used in preaching wherein the Kingdom of God consists not but in the vertue that is in a true performance of those things they professe with their mouths 869. Rom. 11. 7. Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for
Matth. 7. 7. Seek and you shall finde In the first place he speaks of works so they that seek God and righteousnesse attain it not but in the later the promise is made to them that seek by faith 870. Rom. 11. 11. The fall of the Jews is for the salvation of the Gentiles that they may provoke them to emulation ch 3. 8. We must not do evil that good may come of it God rejected the Jews by his just judgement not that were guiltlesse but because they were rebellious and unbeleeving and so caused God to cast them off and to take the Gentiles in their room the later place is to be understood of the evil of punishment 871. Rom. 11. 22. The Jews that were cut off shall be engrafted again and the Gentiles shall be cut off Ch. 11. 29 15. The gifts and callings of God are without repentance The unbeleeving Jews are excluded but they that beleeve shall be grafted in again and be saved therefore here follows no change of the counsell of God 872. Rom. 11. 16. If the first fruits be holy the lump is also holy and if the root be holy so are the branches Mat. 12. 39. An evil and adulterous generation John 8. 44. The Jews were of their father the devil The Jews are called holy by right of the Covenant because they were separated from the prophane Gentiles thence it is concluded that all hope of salvation is not cut off from them they are called a perverse generation for their wicked works 873. Rom. 11. 17. The Gentiles were engrafted into the stock of the Jews or the Olive tree Ch. 6. 5. If we be planted into the likenesse of his death we shall be also into the likenesse of his resurrection Christ is the Vine the Olive tree the Figg tree in respect of his efficacy which is imputed to the Church by participation and they that are engrafted into Christ the Head are made members of the Church which is his Body 874. Rom. 11. 20. Be not high minded but fear v. 22. Otherwise thou also shalt be cut off ver 29. For the gifts and callings of God are without repentance The first place concerns hypocrites who profers the Doctrine of the Church the faithfull who are certain of their salvation by confidence from the heart fear with a filiall but not a servile fear for they are taught by that fear to be carefull that they do not by carnall security cast themselves into Gods displeasure 875. Rom. 11. 25. Blindnesse is happened in part unto Israel untill the fulnesse of the Gentiles be come in 1 Thess 2. 16. The wrath of God is come upon them to the uttermost The wrath of God remains upon the unbeleeving obstinate malicious Jews who crucified Christ persecuted the Apostles and hindred the preaching of the Gospel to the Gentiles 876. Rom. 11. 26. And all Israel shall be saved Luk. 18. 8. When the sonne of man cometh shall he finde faith on the earth Christ speaks comparatively extenuating the number of the faithfull in the last times either in respect of the multitude of the wicked or seduction of Antichrist but Antichrist being discovered and consumed with the blast of Gods mouth there will be a great multitude of the faithfull so that all Israel shall be saved for as the fulnesse of the Gentiles is not taken generally for the conversion of every individuall amongst the Gentiles but for a great part so it must be understood of the conversion of the Jews 877. Rom. 11. 32. God hath concluded them all in unbelief that he might have mercy upon all Matth. 7. 14. For straight is the way which leadeth unto life and few there are that finde it The Apostle understands all that is Jews and Gentiles who are not saved by themselves but of the meer mercy of God 878. Rom. 11. 34. For who hath known the minde of the Lord 1 Cor. 2. 16. But we have the minde of Christ The first place is concerning the inscrutable secrets of Gods wisdom which are not needfull for us to know the later is concerning mysteries that belong to our salvation revealed in Gods Word and such which no man by his naturall reason were it never so acute could ever come to know 879. Rom. 12. 20. Thou shalt heap coals of fire upon the head of thine enemy Matth. 5. 44. Love your enemies do good to them that hate you The Apostle understands here by coals the spirituall things of conscience not naturall coals for benefits done to an enemy are a cautery to his conscience which pricks and burns our adversary doth justly convince him and stirres him up to peace concord amendment of life let us therefore overcome evil with good and so win the victory over our enemies 880. Rom. 13. 1. There is no power but of God 1 Pet. 2. 13. Be subject to every Ordinance of man The Magistracy is a Divine Institution It is called the Ordinance of man because men undergo it and it is employed for the government of men and was ordained for the good of man though the Magistrate be ordain'd of men yet that is done by Divine Authority and subalternates disagree not 881. Rom. 13. 2. Whosoever resisteth the power resisteth the Ordinance of God Matth. 22. 21. Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesars and unto God the things that are Gods Preachers have authority to reprove the Magistate Theologically for his sinnes but not politiquely to resist him when he applies himself to Gods Commandments But if he shall degenerate into a Tyrant and Idolater and opposing 1 Tim. 5. 20. 2 Tim. 4. 2. Act. 5. 29. himself to God shall set up what is contrary to God then we must obey God rather then men For the second Table of the Law must give place to the first Table 882. Rom. 13. 5. You must needs be subject not only for wrath but also for conscience sake Gal. 5. 1. Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free The Decrees of the Magistrate if they agree with Gods Word and are appointed for good order they binde the conscience so also Ecclesiasticall constitutions for keeping the morall Laws are to be piously observed so farre as they hinder not the use of our Christian Liberty 883. Rom. 13 8. He that loveth another hath fulfilled the Law Matth. 22. 40. On these two Commandments the love of God and our neighbour hang all the Law and the Prophets The love of our neighbour proceeding from the love of God is the fulfilling of the Law since we have but the Image of God in our neighbour therefore God must be principally beloved 884. Rom. 13. 13. Let us not walk in strife and envying 1 Cor. 14. 39. Covet spirituall gifts Emulation joyned with envy by reason of anothers profit is evil and meant by the first place in the later sincerity of love proceeding from good zeal and Justicee 885. Rom. 14. 1. Him that is weak in the faith receive