vouchsafed to them Therefore hee ought to bee defended by them Vers. 14. Behold the third time I am ready to come to you and I will not bee burdensom to you for I seek not yours but you for the Children ought not to lay up for the Parents but the Parents for the Children Reason 5. Confirming the former Because the Apostle was still of the same mind towards them not to take any wages of them for the future when hee shall come to them for now hee prepared himself for comming the third time although his second intention to come was hindered As it is 1 Corinth 1. Yours Reason 6. Confirming the former Because hee sought the salvation of the Corinthians and not to convert their goods to his own proper use Therefore they ought to defend him For I seek not Reason 7. Because although hee bee their spiritual Father who ought to bee nourished by his folk or his children yet hee endeavoured to imitate natural Parents who ordinarily lay up for their children Otherwise if the Parents bee in want it is not to bee doubted but children ought to do their mutual duties to their Parents and to honour them by nourishing them Vers. 15. And I will very gladly spend and bee spent for you though the more abundantly I love you the less I be beloved Reas. 8. Because hee was ready to spend his goods and life it self for their salvation which vehement love hee amplifies from the ingratitude of the Corinthians who in the mean while did not make return of his love but received the false Apostles his Emulators and made more of them than the Apostle himself their Father Vers. 16. But bee it so I did not burden you nevertheless being crafty I caught you with guile 17. Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you 18. I desired Titus and with him I sent a Brother did Titus make a gain of you walked wee not in the same Spirit walked wee not in the same steps Reason 9. In which hee prevents an objection some might say although thou thy self hast not received of them wages yet perhaps thou hast drawn much from them by those whom thou â—ast sent Hee answers that his companions and Embassadors which hee had sent to the Corinthians have taken the same care lest they should burthen the Corinthians But by the way hee checks his adversaries whilst hee clears himself from those arts which those crafty workmen did use who when they would seem to receive nothing themselves did subborn others who should receive for their use whatsoever they could squeeze from the Corinthians Therefore the Corinthians ought to defend Paul and stop the mouths of his accusers in his absence The Third Part. Vers. 19. Again think you that wee excuse our selves unto you wee speak before God in Christ but wee do all things dearly beloved for your edifying The third part of the Chapter follows wherein by preventing an objection hee gives the reasons of his defence Some might say wherefore dost thou write these things wherefore is that defence whether art thou conscious of some evil or dost thou desire to bee extolled by us Hee answers by giving five reasons why hee was so solicitous in that kind 1. I have not writ these to this intent that as guilty of some evil or that I desired glory I may clear my self amongst you or excuse my self but out of my love to you that I might promote your edification and Salvation lest you viz. thinking meanly of my Apostleship should by the false Apostles bee moved from the simplicity of the Gospel for the testimony of this my assertion I call God who hath known my mind and Christ whose business I do to bee my witnesses Vers. 20. For I fear lest when I come I shall not find you such as I would and that I shall bee found unto you such as yee would not lest there bee debates envyings wrath strifes back-bitings whisperings swellings tumults Reason 2. I fear lest my Authority and Doctrine being diminished amongst you through the false Apostles when I come I shall find you such as I would not i. e. infected with those evils which follow upon Schismes such are strifes or contentions emulations or envy concerning the gifts of God wraths or angers from mutual injuries brawlings or mutual provocations back-bitings and whisperings by which openly and privily men are wont to defame one another swellings and as it were puffings up of the mind out of pride and lastly tumultuous seditions And that I Reason 3. I fear lest yee should find me more severe than you would unless yee timely mend by admonitions and submit to my doctrine and authority in the Lord. Vers. 21. And lest when I come again my God will humble mee among you and that I shall bewail many which have sinned alreadie and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed Reason 4. I fear lest if my authority bee despised amongst you many amongst you will impenitently continue in their defilement fornications and such like sins which I have in the former Epistle reproved Will humble mee Reason 5. I â—ear lest the Lord should afflict mee when I come to you viz. lest your sins should create shame sadness and mourning to mee and offences amongst you who are my glorie and joy if you behave your selves as it becometh children but yee will cause shame and sadness to mee if you do otherwise That hee might prevent these evils and take away scandals arising amongst them it was necessary that the authority of the Apostle and Apostolical Doctrine should bee maintained amongst them for this end this the Apostles Apologie was necessarie CHAP. XIII IN this last Chapter hee proceeds to vindicate his Apostolical Authoritie from contempt and to make it awful and amiable amongst them The Proposition to bee confirmed is this My Authority ought to bee reverenced by you The Arguments which confirm this Thesis are ten Vers. 1. This is the third time I am coming to you â— in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word bee established Argum. 1. I fore-warn you by that authority committed unto mee of the purpose of my coming unto you now the third time that you being twice or thrice fore-warned concerning my coming it might bee instead of two or three witnesses to certifie you of my firm purpose to exercise Ecclesiastical censure amongst you Therefore my authority is to bee feared by you Vers. 2 I told you before and foretell you as if I was present the second time and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned and to all other that if I come again I will not spare Argum. 2. From the commination of exercising severity when hee came upon the impenitent who had first sinned and not repented Bee perswaded that I will severely punish the impenitent when I come Therefore fear yee and repent Vers. 3. Since yee
the Spirit not of the flesh by Faith and not by any natural bond or tye Vers. 33. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his Wife even as himself and the Wife see that shee reverence the Husband Letting the mystery pass hee returns to the Precepts touching the duties of Husband and Wife and in the last place adds Precept 3. wherein hee reduces all the duties of the Husband to sincere love such as is the love wherewith hee loves himself and this love hee presses upon them On the other side hee reduces all the duties of the Wife to fear and reverence towards her Husband that shee offend him not but indeavour in the Lord to please him in all things CHAP. VI. HEE proceeds to give Precepts touching oeconomical and common Christian duties There are two parts of the Chapter The first contains four Precepts touching oeconomical duties to vers 10. The other is the conclusion of the Epistle containing some common duties unto the end Vers. 1. Children obey your Parents in the Lord for this is right Precept 1. to children that they should honour their Parents and yeeld reverence and obedience to them in all things so far as is possible and pleasing to God the reasons hereof are four 1 Because it is required by all Law both of God and of Nature that children should obey their Parents Vers. 2. Honour thy Father and thy Mother which is the first Commandement with Promise Reas. 2. Because the obedience of children is expressly mentioned in the Commandements as a part of honour due to Parents and commanded in the Law Which is Reas. 3. Because this is the first command which hath a particular promise particularly applyed Vers. 3. That it may bee well with thee and thou mayest live long on the earth Reas. 4. Because the obedience of children towards their Parents conduces to the childrens good and hath a special blessing the lengthening of temporal life which Promise is either simply fulfilled or else by change of the benefit for one much better of a better life Vers. 4. And yee Fathers provoke not your children to wrath but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Prec 2. Touching the part and duty of Parents towards their children that on the one side by too much severity towards their children they abuse not their Fatherly power lest they drive their childrens affection from them and on the other side that by too much indulgence they do not nourish any childish malepertness in their children but that rather they strive to correct their vices and instruct them in good manners in the fear of the Lord. Vers. 5. Servants bee obedient to them that are your Masters according to the flesh with fear and trembling in singleness of your heart as unto Christ Prec 3. Of the duty of Servants towards their Masters the parts whereof are six 1 That they obey their Masters acknowledging their external servile condition to bee from God and that they are not freed from a political servitude by Christ who neither takes away nor changes Governments 2 That they remember that their Masters are not Masters of their consciences but of the flesh or outward man and in things which concern this life 3 That they serve them in reverence and in fear of their anger 4 That laying aside deceit they deal truly and sincerely with their Masters 5 That they serve them with reference to Christs command and so in obeying them they will serve Christ. Vers. 6. Not with eye-service as men-pleasers but as the servants of Christ doing the Will of God from the heart 5. With good will doing service as to the Lord and not to men 6 That without flattering deceit they take care of their Masters business no less in their absence than when they are present to over-look them and not onely that they may please their Masters but that they may please God Lastly That they serve not out of self-love or meer fear but out of good will as those that serve God and not men for hee serves God who obeyes him commanding him to serve his Master Vers. 8. Knowing that whatsoever good thing man doeth the same shall hee receive of the Lord whether hee bee bond or free Besides the Arguments which are tacitly couched in what went before to confirm this Precept hee adds the hope of reward which they shall receive from God who liberally rewards the works of his servants whether they bee free or bond in the flesh Vers. 9. And yee Masters do the same things unto them forbearing threatning knowing that your Master also is in Heaven neither is there respect of persons with him Prec 4. Concerning the duty of Masters towards their servants That proportionably making use of the same virtues they should exercise their masterly power over their servants after a Christian manner and particularly that they should bee moderate in threatnings lest they rule tyrannically over them Knowing Hee adds two reasons 1 Because they have the Lord above them who is able to revenge their weak tyranny 2 Because God is just who doth not respect the person of the Master or servant but beholds the cause and work of both according to equity The Second Part. Vers. 10. Finally my Brethren bee strong in the Lord and in the power of his might The other part of the Chapter contains the conclusion of the Epistle which hath in it four points In the first hee exhorts them to constancy in Faith and Holiness of life and to put on the spiritual armor against our enemies with whom wee must grapple as long as wee live Brethren saith hee bee yee strengthened in the Lord. The Arguments to press on this Exhortation are three Argum. 1. Because they have communion with the Lord in whom is power and strength in whom if yee continue by Faith and make use of his Grace hee will bee ready to help you with his power and effectual operation that so you will both dare to venture on and bee able valiantly to oppose all your enemies and hinderances Therefore bee yee strengthened in the Lord. Vers. 11. Put on the whole Armour of God that yee may bee able to stand against the wiles of the Devil Argum. 2. Because you are armed with all sorts of weapons which are necessary for your war which weapons hee exhorts them to put on that they may bee able to stand in the fight against the Devils assaults and treachery Vers. 12. For wee wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities against powers against the rulers of the darkness of this world against spiritual wickedness in high places Argum. 3. Because our strife is not meerly with men or against our own flesh or against men onely such a fight might seem tolerable but wee are to fight against the author of all these evils the Devil and the whole army of unclean spirits who are no weak and ordinary souldiers but all of them
inventions of men follow after godliness Living Hee amplifies this Reason and confirms it from two properties in God in whom wee trust The first is God is the Living God not onely subjectively or as to the subject Actuous but also effectually or in respect of us hee that gives life who so performs his promises that wee know him to bee the author of truth and life Secondly God is the Saviour of all men as it is said Psal. 36. Thou preservest man and beast by his general goodness nourishing and supporting all men making his Sun to rise upon the just and unjust But chiefly and upon a more special ground the Saviour of beleevers who relying upon his promises concerning the happiness of the life to come renounce and reject humane inventions and opinions even in the dangers of persecution and follow after the exercises of godliness Vers. 11. These things command and teach Hee repeats and amplifies this Exhortation Hee entreats Timothy according to his authority that hee commend this Doctrine to his Brethren to bee taught and urged and that hee himself also diligently press it Vers. 12. Let no man despise thy youth but be thou an example of Beleevers in word in conversation in charity in spirit in faith in purity Exhort 3. That hee endeavour to maintain his authority and to this end Lest any one should have just cause of despising his youth hee commands him to shew himself a Pattern and as it were a speaking Rule in life and Doctrine in word and deed in whom love to God and his neighbour spiritual affection fidelity in his office chastity or purity from defilements with which they who are given to carnal pleasures use to pollute themselves may shine forth Vers. 13. Till I come give attendance to reading to exhortation to doctrine Exhort 4. That hee diligently apply himself to his office of teaching partly by diligent reading the Scripture partly in frequent exercising himself in preaching especially so long as hee may abide in one place and by name so long as hee should continue at Ephesus for such an occasion could not easily bee expected after the Apostles coming by reason of his travels with the Apostle Vers. 14. Neglect not the gift that is in thee which was given thee by Prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery The reasons of his Exhortation so often repeated and pressed are five 1. Because that holy office of an Evangelist whereunto hee was called is the gift of Gods Grace and therefore not to bee neglected Given Reas. 2. Because this office of preaching is committed to thee by a special Prophetical Revelation which God put into the Prophets that Timothy should bee taken into the Ministery of the Gospel Therefore thou oughtest not to manage it negligently Laying on of hands Reas. 3. Because thou art also called by the Church to this office by the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery that is the Colledge of Presbyters Amongst whom for the time Paul himself was President who in the name of the Presbytery and together with other Presbyters laid his hands upon him as it appears by comparing 2 Tim. 1.6 By which imposition of hands they intimated that the man was consecrated and dedicated unto God Therefore the execution of thy office so solemnly committed unto thee is not to bee neglected by thee Vers. 15. Meditate upon these things give thy self wholly to them that thy profiting may appear to all Reas. 4. This Ministery is to bee heeded so as that thy profiting in Doctrine and also in Life or in all the parts of thy Ministery may evidently appear unto all Therefore it is thy duty seriously to attend to thy Ministery with mature deliberation and meditation Vers. 16. Take heed unto thy self and unto the Doctrine continue in them for in doing this thou shalt both save thy self and them that hear thee Reas. 5. Because so as an instrumental cause thou shalt bring those that hear thee to eternal salvation Therefore it behoves thee constantly to attend to thy Life and Doctrine in this thy Ministery CHAP. V. IN this Chapter hee instructs Timothy how hee ought to carry himself in private admonitions towards all and how towards Widows that distribute the Alms of the Church and how towards Presbyters The parts of the Chapter are three In the first private Admonitions are handled to vers 3. The second part concerns Widows to vers 17. The third concerns Presbyters to the end Vers. 1. Rebuke not an Elder but intreat him as a Father and the younger men as Brethren As touching the first part of the Precept concerning private admonitions there are four branches of it 1 Concerning the Elder sort whom hee would have gently dealt withall with a modest exhortation rather than a severe reprehension that honour may bee given to their age according to the fift Precept 2 That the younger sort bee admonished with the expression of brotherly love Vers. 2. The Elder Women as Mothers the Younger as Sisters with all purity 3 That the Elder Women bee admonished with due respect to their age that the admonition may bee more acceptable 4 That the Younger Women bee admonished as Sisters But hee adds with all purity or expressions of chastity left by occasion of their private discourse whilst admonishing the Devil ensnare them in their chastity or credit whether of Timothy admonishing or the woman that is admonished The Second Part. Vers. 3. Honour Widows that are Widows indeed The second part of the Chapter follows wherein hee gives seven Precepts concerning Eleâ—mosynary Widows who were to bee kept by the publick charges of the Church Precept 1. That hee honour Widows indeed i. e. that hee take care they bee provided for by the publick charges of the Church and so hee should preserve their reputation lest being reduced to poverty they become contemptible Vers. 4. But if any Widow have Children or Nephews let them learn first to shew piety at home and to requite their Parents for that is good and acceptable before God Precept 2. That hee should not burthen the Church in providing for those Widows who might bee provided for by their Children or Nephews but take care that the Children and Nephews performed the duty of Piety first towards their own families their Mothers and Grandmothers There are two Reasons of the Precept R. 1 Because so they should requite their Parents who had trained up their children with this hope that their Children if need were might 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 after the manner of Storks nourish and cherish their aged and weak Parents destitute of sustenance For that R. 2 Because this duty performed towards Parents is acceptable to God and enjoyned by him Vers. 5. Now shee that is a Widow indeed and desolate trusteth in God and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day Precept 3. That hee observe in the choice of Widows that shee which is chosen bee not without the qualifications
Tribunal but his command shall bee promulged by some chief Angel the Trumpet shall sound or a voice in stead of a Trumpet and the sound shall bee heard in all places where the dead are to bee raised And they Artic. 4. The dead in Christ shall arise before the living shall bee changed Vers. 17. Then wee which are alive and remain shall bee caught together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the Air and so shall wee ever bee with the Lord. Artic. 5. The faithful that are alive at the comming of the Lord being changed suddenly in a moment in the twinckling of an eye from mortality to immortality shall bee caught up together with the Saints that are raised to meet the Lord in the Air. And so Artic. 6. The Saints after judgement shall go with the Lord into Heaven and shall remain with him to eternity Hee speaks nothing concerning the Reprobates because consolation doth not pertain to them neither concerning them when they dye can any comfort bee taken Vers. 18. Wherefore comfort one another with thâ—se words Hee applies a Prophecy to the use of the Thessalonians that from the Resurrection every Beleever should seek comfort in his grief and also should administer it to other Beleevers CHAP. V. HEE proceeds in the same Argument There are three parts of the Chapter In the first hee continues the Doctrine concerning Christs comming to the general judgement to vers 6. In the second hee brings divers Exhortations to all kind of Christian virtues to vers 13. In the third the Epilogue and Conclusion of the whole Epistle is contained Vers. 1. But of the times and seasons Brethren yee have no need that I write unto you There are added four other Articles concerning the Lords comming Art 1. The time and hour of the Lords coming is not revealed but lyeth hid in the secrets of God neither is it expedient to inquire curiously or write any thing concerning it Vers. 2. For your selves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thâ—ef in the night Artic. 2. Containing the reason of the former No less suddenly will Christ come than a thief in the night is wont suddenly to creep into other mens houses Vers. 3. For when they shall say peace and safety then sudden destruction cometh upon them as travel upon a woman with childe and they shall not escape Art 3. Explicating the former and applying it to impenitent As unawares certainly and necessarily the pains of travel ceize upon those that are with childe so the unexpected day of the Lords anger shall ceize upon impenitent secure sinners on the sudden Vers. 4. But yee Brethren are not in darkness that that day should overtake you as a thief Art 4. In which hee further explains this Doctrine and applies it to the consolation of the faithful Yee beleevers need not fear that day because yee lye not in the darkness of sin and ignorance The last day cannot as a Thief in the night take hold of you Vers. 5. Yee are all the children of light and the children of the day wee are not of the night nor of darkness Hee gives a reason because as many as truly beleeve in Christ are the sons of light and of the day living in the light of faith and godliness And therefore none of us can bee in bondage to ignorance and sin The Second Part of the Chapter Vers. 6. Therefore let us not sleep as do others but let us watch and bee sober The second part of the Chapter containeth thirteen Exhortations to Christian duties Exhort 1. An Exhortation inferred from the Doctrine of the last Judgement to watchfulness and sobriety that wee may expect that day without fear That wee may not sayes hee sleep or indulge our selves in our sins as Infidels but on the contrary studying moderation in all earthly things wee may earnestly endeavour after works of holiness Vers. 7. For they that sleep sleep in the night and they that bee drunken are drunken in the night The Reasons of the Exhortation are six Reas. 1. Because they which sleep securely and give themselves to drunkenness use to do that in the night and in darkness which doth not become you Vers. 8. But let us who are of the day bee sober putting on the breast-plate of faith and love and for an helmet the hope of salvation Reas. 2. Because Christians who are the childrâ—n of the day and live in the light of faith are engaged to endeavour after sobriety of body and minde Putting off Reas. 3. Confirming the former Because Christians ought to live as in a warfare armed with spiritual Armour putting on Faith and Love as a breast-plate and the hope of salvation as an helmet Hee adds Love to Faith that wee may acknowledge that faith alone for a breast-plate which worketh by love Vers. 9. For God hath not appointed us to wrath buâ— to obtain salvation by our Lord Iesus Christ Reas. 4. God hath not predestinated us to wrath Therefore let us not indulge our lusts and vitious desires for which the wrath of God cometh upon the children of disobedience By the Lord Reas. 5. God hath chosen and predestinated us to salvation by Jesus Christ Therefore let us strive unto salvation in the wayes of the Lord. Vers. 10. Who dyed for us that whether wee wake or sleep wee should live together with him Reas. 6. Because Christ for this end dyed for us not that wee should walk and live with the devil and the world in sin but that wee should walk and live with him in the wayes of holiness whether waking or sleepâ—ing i. e. night and day in obedience to him and dying in the communion of his quickning life Therefore wee must not sleep in sin but awake in the works of holiness Vers. 11. Wherefore comfort your selves together and edifie one another even as also ye do Exhort 2. Inferred from the former That they mutually exhort comfort and build up one another in faith and holiness In the mean while for the present their obedience to this precept is commended Vers. 12. And wee beseech you brethren to know them which labour among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you Exhort 3. Which appertains to the people That they observe the Pastors and Presbyters with the whole assembly of the Elders teaching governing those which laboured amongst them in the Word and Doctrine and who were over them in the Lord ruling in Ecclesiastical affairs and according to their duty did admonish when there was need Concerning these hee commands them that as Saints and as it became thankful persons they acknowledge in heart words and deeds all the Presbyters appointed for the Ministers of Christ to their salvation There are three Reasons of the Exhortation Reas. 1. Because I an Apostle do lovingly and earnestly desire this Did labour Reas. 2. Because Ministers are worthy of this honour in as much as they labour for your edification
poverty by idleness but by calamity lest they waxe sloathful in the actions of any vertue but go couragiously forward to do thâ—se things which are decent and excellent Vers. 14. And if any man obey not our word by this Epistle note that man and have no company with him that hee may bee ashamed Exhort 7. That they note the refractory and brand them that obey not the Apostolical doctrine that is that they excommunicate those which is manifest from this that hee commands that they have no society with him that is thus noted which is the consequent of excommunication and for this end commands that the excommunicate person segregated from the society of others being ashamed might enter into himself and repent Vers. 15. Yet count him not as an enemy but admonish him as a brother Hee expounds the Commandement that they bee not cruel toward the excommunicated person or esteem him as an enemy but to shew their hatred to his sin that the excommunicated person may understand that under that severe correction there is brotherly love and so hee may bee reduced into favour with God and the Church by repentance Vers. 16. Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace alwayes by all means The Lord bee wiâ—h you all The Epilogue remains whereof there are three Articles In the first hee praies the God of Peace so to direct their waies and bridle the turbulent spirits of the disobedient that they may injoy peace towards God and amongst themselves and with those that are without which work did require a divine hand Furthermore hee praies that God by his gracious presence would bee alwaies present with them all Vers. 17. The salutation of Paul with my own hand which is the token in every Epistle so I write Artic. 2. Contains the obsignation of the Epistle by the subscription of Paul himself who for the most part did use the help of Scribes in writing the body of every Epistle but hee subscribed the conclusion with his own hand that his genuine Epistles might bee known from the adulterate and counterfeit which were carryed about in the name of Paul and by Impostors thrust upon the Churches Vers. 18. The Grace of our Lord Iesus Christ bee with you all Amen Artic. 3. Contains the Apostolical vote set down by his own hand wherein hee wishes the eternal influence of the Grace of Christ as the fountain of all good things to them for their sanctification and salvation The First Epistle of Paul to TIMOTHY Analytically expounded The Contents THe Apostle departing from Ephesus into Macedonia did not think it sufficient to commit the Church of Ephesus now publickly founded to the care of ordinary Pastors but desired the Evangelist Timothy that hee would tarry there a while to establish the Church in all things that appertained to Doctrine and Discipline which work being accomplished the Apostle intended to call him back and imploy him for the confirming of other Churches as appears in the end of the Epistle and other places But because Timothy was young as yet and might seem not sufficiently furnished with authority for the restraining of unruly men which possibly might make insurrection against him in this Epistle hee doth not onely admonish him concerning his office as one that hee knew very well instructed already but all the Churches and their Governours are informed touching the Authority of Timothy and their own duties The special parts of the Epistle are six according to the number of the Chapters In the first Chapter hee laies down the manner of his preaching the Law and the Gospel duly and with profit In the second Chapter hee sets down how Pastors and Hearers Men and Women ought to behave themselves in their publick prayers and Ecclesiastical meetings In the third Chapter hee treats of the right institution of Pastors and Deacons and concerning the Heads of Doctrine whereof they were to take special care In the fourth Chapter hee speaks of avoiding the Apostacy that was comming and touching the diligence which ought to bee used by a faithful Pastor to that end In the fifth Chapter hee treats of private admonitions to bee performed by the Elders and how they ought to carry themselves toward Widows and other Elders In the sixth Chapter hee delivers Precepts to Timothy wherein hee is instructed what hee ought to teach concerning Christian duties as well of private persons as of Ministers CHAP. I. BEsideâ— the Inscription which is contained in the two first verses There are three parts of the Chapter In the first hee enjoyns Timothy to observe the right method and course of teaching and to suppress the perverse Teachers of the Law to vers 12. In the second hee asserts his Apostleship that with authority it might bee avouched by Timothy as hee had commanded to vers 18. In the third hee encourages Timothy to carry himself stoutly in the discharge of his Ministery Vers. 1. Paul an Apostle of Iesus Christ by the Commandement of God our Saviour and Lord Iesus Christ which is our hope The Inscription of the Epistle wherein 1 That hee might win authority to this Epistle Paul affirms that in writing of it hee fulfilled his Apostolical Embassage for Christ 2 Hee confirms his Apostleship by a special command from God the Father whom hee calls the Saviour because hee is the Author of our Salvation who had called him to the office of an Apostle and used him in the execution of his office about the present matter hee was in hand with 3 Hee confirms his Apostleship from the command of our Lord Jesus Christ whom hee calls our hope because the Author the meritorious cause the object and the finisher of our hope Vers. 2. Unto Timothy my own Son in the Faith Grace Mercy and Peace from God our Father and Iesus Christ our Lord. Timothy to whom this Epistle is written is called the Son of the Apostle not simply but in 〈◊〉 Faith because hee was his Disciple and as the Son represents the Father in face and manners so Timothy resembled Paul in Doctrine and an holy conversation In his salutation hee wishes to Timothy 1 Grace i. e. the renovation of the Image of God from the fountain of Gods free good will 2 Mercy i. e. free remission of sins because hee knew that the holy young man affected with the sense of his sins with many tears did daily prostrate himself before God 3 Peace i. e. Quietness of conscience and joy from the apprehension of divine favour and finally a compleat felicity in the life to come which is comprehended under peace Vers. 3. As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus when I went into Macedonia that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other Doctrine The first part of the Chapter follows touching the right manner of teaching wherein after hee had confirmed to Timothy not an ordinary Episcopacy in the Church of Ephesus but a special temporary and extraordinary Commission hee repeats the command
manner also that women adorn themselves in modest apparel with shamefastness and sobriety not with broidered hair or gold or pearls or costly array Precept 3. That women while they pray together with the Assembly and are present in other sacred performances in their cloaths and other habits compose themselves to honesty and modesty which will prove a greater ornament to them than if they should come into the publick with broidered hair or gold or pearls or costly apparel In which if there bee superfluity the adorning is unlawful and forbidden in this place Vers. 10. But which becometh Women professing godliness with good works Hee requires further to the adorning of women both private and publick that they bee eminent in good works the reason whereof is given from their Christian profession whereby in Baptism they promised to renounce the vanity and pomp of the world Vers. 11. Let the Woman learn in silence with all subjection Precept 4. That women alwaies in Church-Assemblies undertake the part of learners of teachers never And that they learn with silence and that in the acknowledgement of their infirmity and the natural subjection of their sex although in personal indowments some womee may excel many men Vers. 12. But I suffer not a woman to teach nor to usurp authority over the man but to bee in silence Hee explains the special Precept and according to his authority forbids women to teach in publick Usurp Authority The reasons of this prohibition are three The first reason is contained in the latter part of the prohibition because should a woman teach publickly the woman should have authority over the man shee should bee over and instruct the man who ought with silence to bee in subjection to her own Husband Vers. 13. For Adam was first formed then Eve Reas. 2. Confirming the former The manly sex is more worthy than the female for the man Adam was first formed and not for Eve the woman but Eve was last formed for the man Adam Therefore a woman ought to bee prohibited the office of teaching in the Church Vers. 14. And Adam was not deceived but the woman being deceived was in the transgression Reas. 3. The first seducement and sin was not by the man or Adam but by Eve who deceived by the Devil perswaded her Husband to transgress the command Therefore is it appointed of God that afterward shee should bee in subjection to her Husband and not publickly teach the man And these reasons are sufficient that the woman in the Church at least where the matter concerns souls should not have the preheminence Vers. 15. Notwithstanding shee shall bee saved in child-bearing if they continue in Faith and Charity and Holiness with Sobriety Hee answers an Objection and comforts the woman against this seclusion from the Pastoral office in the Church against the entrance of sin into the world by her against the subjection of her sex and against other inconveniences which are consequent to her sex So that her exclusion from the office of a Teacher nor the evils recited should hinder the salvation of women if so bee they were indued with true Faith and continued therein constantly maintaining charity holiness and modesty and the other fruits of true Faith in their domestick calling which for the most part and ordinarily is imployed in bringing forth and educating children under which office figuratively all other duties are contained which pertain to a family to which the woman is designed that shee attend according to her office in domestical affairs And the Apostle promiseth that true beleeving women no less than beleeving men or faithful Pastors of the Church should obtain eternal life in this their subjection as certainly and easily as if they had been admitted to the Ecclesiastical office of teaching in which they cannot bee saved unless they had such a Faith which shews forth its efficacy by love and good works CHAP. III. THere are two parts of the Chapter In the first is treated of the Election of Ministers of the Church to vers 14. In the other concerning the principal Articles of Doctrine to bee held in the Church to the end Our Apostle divides Ecclesiastical offices Rom. 12. into Prophecy and the office of a Deacon under Prophecy comprehending Pastors and Teachers who in this Chapter are called Bishops under the office of a Deacon comprehending as here both those Elders who had an over-sight of the manners and carriage of the Church and Deacons properly so called who were to look to the Church goods and the poor Vers. 1. This is a true saying if a man desire the office of a Bishop hee desireth a good work In this verse that hee might open the way for describing the properties of a Bishop hee commends the Pastoral office premising a grave asseveration as the most honourable function and laborious imployment which who ever desires to that end that by labouring in the Gospel hee may bring men to eternal salvation by the true worship of God is worthy of commendation Vers. 2. A Bishop then must bee blameless the husband of one wife vigilant sober of good behaviour given to hospitality apt to teach Hee describes the gifts and properties of a Bishop i. e. of a Pastor and Teacher partly affirmatively partly negatively prescribing as it were certain rules to bee observed in the election of a Bishop Without rebuke The properties of a Bishop are in number sixteen First It behoves a Bishop to bee unblameable in his life i. e. free from scandals that hee may not justly bee accused by men nor such a one that is altogether without sin but such an one as is without scandal Of one 2. Property It behoves him to bee 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the husband of one wife which property is not laid down by way of precept as if it was necessary for a Pastor to bee married but by way of limitation because if hee purpose to marry hee ought to content himself with one wife so long as shee lives and to keep himself from Polygamy which was frequent in those times Vigilant 3. It behoves him to bee vigilant in his office to take care of those things which lye upon him in respect to the edifying of the flock and the preservation of it from the snares of spiritual adversaries Sober 4. It behoves him to bee sober in food and apparel and moderate in his affairs to manage all things with right reason undertaking nothing lightly or rashly but gravely weighing and considering all his words Of good behaviour 5. It behoves him to bee of good behaviour neither exposing himself to contempt by his rudeness nor by his Stoical severity Given to hospitality 6. It is required That hee bee given to hospitality and according to his revenues hee bee ready to refresh the servants of God those that are in need especially strangers and banished persons Apt to teach 7. It is required That hee bee apt to teach i. e. that hee bee not
the word and doctrine because they are wholly set apart to the word and prayer Therefore it is fitting that they should bee liberally maintained Hee calls the stipend given them by the name of Honour because of such moment is their work that it cannot bee valued at any rate And because the stipend which is allowed them is to bee given not upon the account of wages but an Honorary or an honourable reward Vers. 18. For the Scripture saith Thou shalt not muzzle the Oxe that treadeth out the corn and the labourer is worthy of his reward Hee layes down two Reasons of the Precept 1 From Deut. 25.4 Where from the Allegory of an Oxe treading out the corn with his feet God commands that the Pastors of the Church should bee maintained reasoning from the greater to the less Worthy 2. From Levit. 9. or Luke 18.7 Where from the Precept of giving a due reward to the labourer it is gathered from the less to the greater Honour is much more to bee repayed to him who is not an hireling but a Father and a laborious Pastor Vers. 19. Against an Elder receive not an accusation but before two or three witnesses Precept 2. That an accusation against an Elder bee not received or taken for true unless upon the testimony of three witnesses or at the least two worthy of credit it bee affirmed And that which is here spoken to Timothy alone is spoken to all that sit in the Presbytery because other where judgement is committed to the whole Presbytery yea what is spoken here to Timothy is spoken to the whole Presbytery at Ephesus touching the administration of the whole Discipline of the Church Act. 20.28 Timothy the Evangelist in the mean time might exercise extraordinary power as hee was an Evangelist and the Apostles Legate Vers. 20. Them that sin rebuke before all that others also may fear Precept 3. Of avoiding scandals If the Elders or any other in the Church should offend openly that they bee publickly reproved The reason is That the rest may bee afraid being admonished by their example and may take heed to themselves that they do not offend Vers. 21. I charge thee before God and the Lord Iesus Christ and the elect Angels that thou observe these things without preferring one before another doing nothing by partiality Precept 4. In which by way of Epiphonema hee most gravely charges Timothy and in him all Ecclesiastical Judges that nothing bee done in Church affairs or censures with paâ—tiality or that nothing in these Precepts bee altered upon the accepting of any mans person Vers. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither bee partakers of other mens sins Keep thy self pure Precept 5. That hee do not rashly receive any one into the sacred Ministry without mature deliberation and examination preceding hee do not lay hands which was the sign of Ordination upon any one Hee gives two Reasons of it Neither Reas. 1. Lest if hee should ordain one unfitting in this very thing hee should communicate with him in his sins and by consequence in his punishments Thy self Reas. 2. Because thou oughtest to keep thy self pure from defilements and therefore from the ordaining of an unworthy man If happily the rest of the Presbytery at any time shall determine to admit an unfit man to the Ministry or one that is not approved keep thy self pure neither consent thou but labour by all means so to preserve purity and holiness that thou keep off from all affinity with sin as much as in thee lyes Hee explains the parts of this Precept in the two next following verses the meaning of the latter part of being himself pure vers 23. and shews the meaning of the former part vers 24. Vers. 23. Drinke no longer water but use a little wine for thy stomachs sake and thine often infirmities As to the latter part of the Precept of keeping himself pure because the Apostle knew that Timothy by reason of his earnest endeavours after purity and chastity had been injurious to his own health therefore by the way hee adviseth him that hee do not so understand the Precept of keeping himself pure as to neglect his health and render himself unfit for the works of his Calling but use an holy prudence and in subduing his body by drinking of water to use a little wine as it were physically and for the necessity of health lest if hee should proceed in not favouring his weak stomach and his body labouring under often infirmities immediately the tabernacle of his body should fall to decay and the Church should bee deprived of so profitable an instrument Vers. 24. Some mens sins are open before hand going before to judgement And some men they follow after As to what concerns the meaning of the former part of the Precept Lest hee should partake of other mens sins hee shews that hee spake of open sins which may bee known and avoided not of private which fall not under observation and that hee beware lest hee partake of other mens sins and in laying hands rashly on no man hee shews in this that using examination and tryal the open sins of any one that is unworthy may bee known as also the open virtues of men meet to bee admitted to the Ministery of the Gospel For the sins of some Candidates of the Ministery are so manifest that they prevent the examination and judgement of the Church that they may easily bee rejected For before the judgement of the Church can determine about them there is matter in readiness in their open sins for their condemnation or rejection from the Ministery by the opinion of the Ecclesiastical Senate And the sins of otherâ— upon examination premised and the judgement of the Church concerning them being given are brought forth into the light Vers. 25. Likewise also the good works of some are manifest before-hand and they that are otherwise cannot be hid In like manner the virtue of some that are Candidates to the Ministery and their good works are so manifestly known that it is easie for the Church to judge them fit to bee admitted But the works of those that are otherwise or upon examination had and inquisition made are not manifest or so secret that they cannot bee known of men they are to bee left to God nor can they long bee hid but in their own time will bee brought to light that if the Church cannot prevent but those hypocrites are admitted to the Ministery yet care may bee had where they are already made manifest that they bee dealt with according to the Discipline of the Church CHAP. VI. IN this Chapter hee gives seven Precepts to Timothy whereby he may be instrusted in the Doctrine concerning the duties of private persons and the duties of Ministers and how hee ought to behave himself towards the people and towards the Elders Vers. 1. Let as many servants as are under the yoak count their own Masters worthy of all honour that the name of
As Beleef draweth us to an Union with God so misbeleef maketh a Separation 2. Mis-beleef is a special part of the hearts wickedness bewraying the enmity which naturally wee have against God as much as any ill For Mis-beleef denyeth to God the Honour of Truth Mercy and Goodness and importeth Blasphemies in the contrary 3. Mis-beleef is an ill in the heart making the heart yet worse and worse where it is and barring forth all the Remedies which might come by Faith to cure the heart 2. Hee warneth to take heed lest there be such an heart in any of them at any time Then 1. Mis-beleef is a subtil and deceitful sin having colours and pretences a number to hide it and must bee watched over lest it deceive and getting strength overcome 2. The Watch must bee constant at all occasions lest this ill get advantage when wee are careless and unattentive at any time 3. Watch must bee kept as over our selves so also over others lest any others mis-beleef not being marked draw us in the same snare with them 3. Hee describeth Apostacy by Mis-beleef and departing from the Living God Then 1. Beleeving is a drawing near to the Living God and staying with him 2. The loss that Mis-beleef bringeth should scare us from so fearful a sin 3. Departing from the true Christian Religion is a departing from the Living God whatsoever the Apostate or his Followers do conceive for God is not where Truth is not Vers. 13. But exhort one another daily while it is called To day lest any of you bee hardened through the deceitfulness of sin 1. Hee prescribeth a Remedy to prevent this ill to wit That they exhort one another daily while it is called To day That is Beside the publick Exhortation from their Preachers that every one of them mutually confer and stir up one another by speeches that make for decyphring the deceitfulness of Sin or preventing hardness of heart or confirming one another in the Truth of Religion and constant profession thereof Then 1. Private Christians not onely may but should keep Christian communion amongst themselves and mutually exhort and stir up one another 2. This is a necessary mean of preserving people from Defection 3. And a duty daily to bee discharged while it is to day that is as oft and as long as God giveth present occasion and opportunity for it lest a scattering come 2. The inconvenience that may follow if this be neglected is Lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin Then 1. There is none even the strongest of the Flock but they have need of this mutual help of other private Christians 2. Neither is there any so base or contemptible but the care of their standing in the Faith and of their safety belongeth to all 3. Sin hath many waies and colours whereby it may beguile a man and therefore wee have need of more Eyes than our own and more Observers 4. If it be not timeously discovered it will draw on hardness of heart so as a man will grow senseless of it confirmed in the habit of it and loath to quit it 3. In the former verse hee warneth them to beware of Apostasie in Religion and in this verse That they take course that they be not hardened in any sin in their conversation Then The ready way to draw on Defection in Religion is Defection from a godly Conversation And the way to prevent Defection in Religion is to study to Holiness of Conversation Vers. 14. For wee are made partakers of Christ if wee hold the beginning of our Confidence stedfast unto the end To stir them up to Perseverance hee layeth a necessity of holding fast gripe of the Principles of Christian Religion whereby they were perswaded to become Christians because onely so fellowship with Christ is gotten The Truth wherby they were begotten to Christian Religion hee calleth The beginning of our Confidence yea and of our Spiritual Subsistence as the word in the Original importeth Then 1. The Gospel is the beginning of our Confidence yea and of our Spiritual Subsistence of our new being that wee have as Spiritual Men in the State of Grace 2. The Man that renounceth the Grounds of the Gospel and persevereth not was never partaker of Christ. 3. Christian Religion is not a thing that a man may say and unsay keep or quit as Prosperity or Adversity Threatnings or Allurements do offer But such as must in all Estates upon all Hazzard be avowed Vers. 15. Whilest it is said To day if yee will hear his Voice harden not your hearts as in the Provocation 16. For some when they had heard did provoke howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses Now the Apostle draweth Collections from the words of the Prophet in the Psalm repeating the words of the Textâ— which speaâ— of the Provocation of the Fathers vers 25. Whereupon hee inferreth that there were some at least hearers of the Word which provoked God â—lbeit not all For whose cause David had reason to give Advertisement to their Posterity to beware of the like and the writer of the Epistle reason to apply the same unto them vers 16. Then 1. From the Apostles handling of the Text which hee hath in hand all must Learn not lightly to pass Scripture but to consider both what is said expresly in it and what is imported by consequence 2. Preachers practice is justified when they consider the circumstances of a Text and do urge duties upon their people or teach them Doctrine from the Text. Vers. 17. But with whom was Hee grieved forty years Was it not with that had sinned whose carcasses fell in the Wilderness Hee observeth another thing in his Text upon the persons with whom God was grieved that first they are marked to have sinned and afterwards punished Leaving to them to Gather That where Sin went before the Anger of God would follow upon the Sin and after the grieving of God Judgement light upon the Sinner Vers. 18. And to whom sware Hee that they should not enter into His Rest but to them that beleeved not 19. So wee see that they could not enter in because of unbeleef Hee hath yet another Observation upon the nature of the Sin whereby God was provoked to swear their damnation that sinned that is it was unbeleef vers 8. And formally deduceth his Doctrine by consequence That Misbeleef did stop the Sinners Entry into the Rest and made the Sinner to lye under an impossibility of entring vers 19. The use of which Doctrine hee presseth in the next Chapter Then 1. The Apostle leaveth us to gatheâ— That above all other Sins Mis-beleef provoketh God to indignation most 2. That as long as this Sin lyeth on and getteth way it is impossible for a man to enter into Gods Rest. This Sin alone is able to seclude him The Summe of Chap. IV. HEE presseth the use of the former Doctrine saying in substance Therefore be feared to be debarred