safety and success 2. And that the strongest believers must so much see and regard their dangers as to move them earnestly to pray for deliverance 32. That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God and may with you be refreshed 32. That I may not be hindred from my desired coming to you and comfort among you Note That when we would fain serve God in Peace God oft chooseth otherwise that we shall serve him as Paul there did in Prison And his Will is best 33. Now the God of peace be with you all Amen 33. And it is my Prayer for you that God who is the lover and giver of Peace may dwell among you with the great blessing of Love Peace and Concord Amen CHAP. XVI 1. I Commend unto you Phebe our Sister which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea 2. That ye receive her in the Lord as becometh saints and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you for she hath been a succourer of many and of my self also 1 2. I pray you kindly receive and assist Phebe c. For she hath been a great help and reliever of many Saints and me 3. Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus 4. Who have for my life laid down their own necks unto whom not only I give thanks but also all the Churches of the Gentiles 3 4. Salute in my name Priscilla and her Husband Aquila eminent in helpfulness and willing hazards by which all the Gentiles take themselves beholden to them as means of my deliverance Note The preserving and helping an eminent Minister may oblige many Churches 5. Likewise greet the Church which is in their house 5. Salute all their Christian Family and the Saints that use there to assemble in Communion 5 6. Salute my well beloved Epenetus who is the first fruits of Achaia unto Christ Greet Mary who bestowed much labour on us 5 6. Note that God would have the good works and service of his Saints to be valued and praised 7. Salute Andronicus and Junia my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners who are of note among the apostles who also were in Christ before me 7. Noted for their sufferings and service among the Apostles 8. Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. 9. Salute Urbane our helper in Christ and Stachys my beloved 10. Salute Apelles approved in Christ Salute them which are of Aristobulus houshold 11. Salute Herodion my kinsman Greet them that be of the houshold of Narcissus which are in the Lord. 12. Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis which laboured much in the Lord. 13. Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord and his mother and mine 14. Salute Asyncritus Phlegon Hermas Patrobas Hermes and the brethren which are with them 15. Salute Philologus and Julia Nereus and his Sister and Olympias and all the saints which are with them 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 That you may see that I mind them in particular salute specially these whom I have notice of 16. Salute one another with an holy kiss The churches of Christ salute you 16. And exercise such love one to another expressed by not an immodest and lascivious but an Holy Kiss the usual expression of friendship in those times The Churches which have notice of my writing salute you 17. Now I beseech you brethren mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the Doctrine which you have learned and avoid them 17. And though I seem to have ended I will reassume my exhortation for Love and Concord for which I have said so much in this Epistle Beseeching you to mark those Men that bring false and new Doctrines which the Apostles never taught you and to promote them and for other sinful ends draw parties and make Divisions and Scandals among you avoid these and turn from them 18. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ but their own belly and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple 18. For tho this sort of Men pretend to be the chiefest servants of Christ and promoters of Truth and Holiness and Happiness yet it will be found that it is not Christ and his Gospel Kingdom and Interest which indeed they serve For these are much disâ—served by Divisions and Scandals But it is their own Belly and Fleshly Interest in some Carnal Design for to escape suffering or prosper or be followed and cried up as excellent Persons And though it is usual with them to have good Words and fair Pretences of Wisdom and Excellency and to use subtile Arguments which the Simple are much taken with as if they were clear Truth and holy Zeal yet indeed they do not edifie them but deceive the Hearts of such ignorant undiscerning Persons 19. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men I am glad therefore on your behalf but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good and simple concerning evil 19. Think not that I accuse you but warn you I rejoice that you are famous for your Obedience to the Apostolical Doctrine of Faith Love Peace and Concord But yet I know so much of the way of Dividing Seducers and of the Weakness and Injudiciousness of many zealous Christians that I see cause to warn you and all others and to tell you that there is need of much Wisdom to escape this Snare and to discern Good from Evil and to wish that you may be wise as well as zealous to all that is good and simple or unacquainted with Sinning and Heresies 20. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you Amen 20. And to encourage you I foretell you That God who would be known to us as the God of Peace and hath promised that the Holy Seed shall break the Serpents Head will e're long bruise Satan under your Feet overcoming his Temptations and subduing the Tyrannical and Persecuting Instruments that serve him against the Church That the great Riches of all Christs Grace may be with you is the best Benediction and Wish that I can have for you Amen 21 22. Timotheus my workfellow and Lucius and Jason and Sosipater my kinsmen salute you I Tertius who wrote this epistle salute you in the Lord. 23. Gaius mine host and of the whole church saluteth you Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you and Quartus a brother 21 22 23. The Brethren here with me salute you c. 24. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all Amen 24. From the abundance of my Affection to you I again repeat my great Benediction and Desire The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all Amen 25 26. Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery which was
into a strong mans house and spoil his goods except he first bind the strong man and then he will spoil his house 29. How could I cast out Satan from his possession and destroy his works if I did not overcome him 30. He that is not with me is against me and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad 30. So far am I from working by the Devil that I take him for mine enemy that doth not serve me in my opposition to his Kingdom and will judge him as one that is for Satan N. In War men use to say of their own Soldiers He that is not for us is against us and to be counted an enemy But of the Countreymen and the enemies quarters He that is not against us is for us that is If he do us no harm he doth us good and let us use him kindly So Christ saith of profest Christians If they be not effectually for me I will judge them as treacherous and against me and shall not save them But of those without the Church he saith He that is not against us is for us that is tho he be not himself in a state of Salvation as true Christians are yet its commendable to do us no harm and the Church is assisted by such fair and moderate unbelievers 31. Wherefore I say to you All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven to men but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven to men 32. And whoever speaketh a word against the Son of man it shall be forgiven him but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven him neither in this world nor in the world to come 31 32. All other sin and blasphemy against me as I appear in my humane nature hath some excuse and may be cured and so be pardoned But seeing the Great works of the Holy Ghost done by me and to be done by my Disciples in Miracles and Sanctification are the greatest evidences that God will give the world to convince them of the truth of my Gospel he that is convinced of the fact that all these Miracles and this holiness is wrought and will yet deny it to be Gods attestation and blasphemously stand to it that its the work of the Devil this man rejecteth the greatest evidence and shall have no greater and so his infidelity is incurable and aggravated with blasphemy and obstinacy and will never be repented of nor forgiven Note This blaspheming the Holy Ghost 1. Is the sin of none but resolved Infidels 2. And such of them only as are convinced of the great works of the Holy Ghost miraculous and others 3. And yet rather than they will believe in Christ by this Divine testimony will believe and say that it is by the Devil and Conjuration that all this is done See my Treat of the Blasphemy of the Holy Ghost in my Book called The unreasonableness of Infidelity 33. Either make the tree good and his fruit good or else make the tree corrupt and his fruit corrupt for the tree is known by his fruits 33. Judge of the tree by the fruit Of the power which I work by by the works If it be no good work to heal the Sick and Blind and Lame and cast out Devils and preach repentance and forgiveness of sin to convert and save Souls then God is not the Author of them If they be bad works they have a bad cause If they be good works they have a good Author either say plainly you that ascribe them to the Devil that the works are good and the Devil is good or else that the Devil is bad and the works are bad Or if you confess the works to be good confess that they are done by the Spirit of God 34. O generation of vipers how can ye being evil speak good things for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh 34. I need go no farther for an instance than your selves were you not a generation of Vipers the Serpents seed ye would not blaspheme the Holy Ghost and his works for your mouths speak out of the evil of which your heart is full As you are so you speak you are so bad that you cannot speak well And if I work'd by the Devil my works would be bad as the Devil is 35. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth good things and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things 35. Good men are such first at the heart where goodness is a setled habit and nature and out of this treasure they bring forth good words and deeds And a bad man being such at the heart doth speak and do accordingly Note Tho hypocrites may have words and deeds much better than their hearts that is but in some by instances and not in the tenor of their lives Fictions are narrow and soon overcome 36. But I say to you That every idle word that men shall speak they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment 36. And think not lightly of you belying and blaspheming the Holy Ghost for I tell you that for every Lye you shall give account in the day of judgment and be condemned if you be not proved penitent believers N. In the Hebrews use Idle and Vain were taken for deceitful false or lying 37. For by thy words thou shalt be justified and by thy words thou shalt be condemned 37. For tho thou must be made and accounted by God a just man by thy inward change and thy forgiveness in order before thy words or works yet supposing that thou survive God who hath made a Law for thy words and works will judge thee by that Law as justified and rewardable or as unjust and punishable in the day of Judgment Christ hath not made us lawless nor made us a Law of Grace in vain No man shall be saved that is not justifiable against the accusation that he lived and died an impenitent ungodly man any more than if he had died an infidel 38. Then certain of the Scribes and of the Pharisees answered saying Master we would see a sign from thee 38. We would see some certain sign from Heaven that indeed God doth own thee thy word 39. But he answered and said to them An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign and there shall no sign be given to it but the sign of the prophet Jonas 40. For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whales belly so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth 39 40. A false hearted people that will not be convinced by miracles but ascribe them to the Devil yet would have a sign from Heaven of their own chusing But God will not gratifie their insolent demand They shall have no sign but that of Jonas who was a Type of me lying in the Whales belly three days and nights as I shall
man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh 45. As the man is so usually will his words and actions be for hypocritical force is usually short l.v'd. 46. And why call ye me Lord Lord and do not the things which I say 46. All the good words and praises of God and Religion from disobedient men do but aggravate their sin 47. Whosoever cometh to me and heareth my sayings and doeth them I will shew you to whom he is like 48. He is like a man which built a house and digged deep and laid the foundation on a rock and when the floud arose the stream beat vehemently upon that house and could not shake it for it was founded upon a rock 47 48. As a building on a Rock will stand in Storms so he that obeyeth my Word will stand in Tryal Q. How is our Obedience made the Rock that we build on Is not Christ the Rock Ans Similitudes must not be stretched beyond their intent It 's only the stability of the obedient that is meant 49. But he that heareth and doeth not is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth against which the stream did beat vehemently and immediately it fell and the ruin of that house was great 49. Hypocritical disobedient Hearers and Professors have no firm foundation and stability trusting to a barren Opinion instead of true Faith and so fall by woful ruin in their Tryals CHAP. VII 1. NOw when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people he entred into Capernaum 2. And a certain centurions servant who was dear unto him was sick and ready to die 3. And when he heard of Jesus he sent unto him the elders of the Jews beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant 4. And when they came to Jesus they besought him instantly saying That he was worthy for whom he should do this 5. For he loveth our nation and he hath build us a synagogue 1 2 3 4 5. See Mâ—â—th 8.9 6. Then Jesus went with them And when he was now not far from the house the centurion sent friends to him saying unto him Lord trouble not thy self for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof 7. Wherefore neither thought I my self worthy to come unto thee but say in a word and my servant shall be healed 8. For I also am a man set under authority having under me souldiers and I say unto one Go and he goeth and to another Come and he cometh and to my servant Do this and he doth it 6 7 8. Note The Devotion of this man in building a Synagogue and his great Humility shew that he was better prepared for Faith than many others 9. When Jesus heard these things he marvelled at him and turned him about and said unto the people that followed him I say unto you I have not found so great faith no not in Israel 9. As Man he marvelled as God he foreknew it Note Whether he took Christ for his Saviour is uncertain but the â—earing of his works had caused him strongly to believe his power to heal 10. And they that were sent returning to the house found the servant whole that had been sick 11. And it came to pass the day after that he went into a city called Naim and many of his disciples went with him and much people 12. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city behold there was a dead man carried out the only son of his mother and she was a widow and much people of the city was with her 13. And when the Lord saw her he had compassion on her and said unto her weep not 14. And he came and touched the bier and they that bare him stood still and he said Young man I say unto thee Arise 15. And he that was dead sat up and began to speak and he delivered him to his mother 16. And there came a fear on all and they glorified God saying that a great Prophet is risen up among us and that God hath visited his people 10 11 12 13 14 15 16. Note This Saviour hath still the same Love and Pity though he use not Miracles so much He is still Lord of Life and Death 17. And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judea and throughout all the region round about 18. And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things 19. And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them unto Jesus saying Art thou he that should come or look we for another 17 18 19. Note It 's like John did it to convince his Disciples 20. When the men were come unto him they said John Baptist hath sent us unto thee saying Art thou lie that should come or look we for another 20. See Matth. 11. 21. And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues and of evil spirits and unto many that were blind he gave sight 22. Then Jesus answering said unto them Go your way and tell John what things ye have seen and heard how that the blind see the lame walk the lepers are cleansed the deaf hear the dead are raised to the poor the Gospel is preached 23. And blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in me 21 22 23. Tell John what is done and let him judge by the works But mens great danger is of being scandalized at my visible meanness and my sufferings 24. And when the messengers of John were departed he began to speak unto the people concerning John What went ye out into the wilderness for to see a reed shaken with the wind 25. But what went ye out for to see a man clothed in soft raiment Behold they which are gorgeously appareled and live delicately are in kings courts 26. But what went ye out for to see a prophet Yea I say unto you and much more than a prophet 27. This is he of whom it is written Behold I send my messenger before thy face which shall prepare thy way before thee 28. For I say unto you Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he 24 25 26 27 28. The least true Believer in my Church hath a more honourable state and work See Matth. 11. 29. And all the people that heard him and the publicans justified God being baptized with the baptism of John 29. All the People that heard Christ speak so highly of John were pleased at it and justified God that sent him for they had been baptized by him Or as others expound it all the People that heard John and the publicans received his Message from God c. 30. But the
none away till they put away themselves 2. He forceth none to stay 3. It greatly fixeth a Christians resolution to stick to Christ to know there is none else to go to As it resolveth us to look for happiness to God and Heaven because we are sure there is no other 4. sound Faith may attain assurance that Christ is the Son of the living God It hath alwayes objective certainty and a prevalent certainty and a prevalent confidence and may reach to a mental confirmed certainty name as willing followers to their own Salvation and not drive men into the Church or Heaven against their wills 4. And when he putteth forth his own sheep he goeth before them and the sheep follow him for they know his voice 4. And as the sheep using to find that their Shepherd hurteth them not but feedeth them and bringeth them to pasture therefore follow him willingly as one that loveth them and is for their good so do Christs sheep believe that he loveth them and is their Saviour and therefore follow him and know his voice 5. And a stranger will they not follow but will flee from him for they know not the voice of strangers 5. And as Sheep like our Dogs have no such confidence in a stranger but fly from him in fear so will true Christians do from false Christs and from false Pastors for their voice is strange to them and contrary to the new nature that is in them and to their good 6. This parable spake Jesus unto them but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them 7. Then said Jesus unto them again Verily verily I say unto you I am the door of the sheep 8. All that ever came before me are theives and robbers but the sheep did not hear them 9. I am the door by me if any man enter in he shall be saved and shall go in and out and find pasture 7. As my Fathers Mission and Witness is the door by which I enter so I being hereby made the Shepherd of the Flock am the door by which all others Pastors and Flocks must enter All that before me pretended to be Christs were but Theives and Robbers and the chosen flock of God did not believe in them nor follow them I am the true Christ and Head of the Church They that believe in me and follow me shall as my sheep be safe and plentifully fed 10. The thief cometh not but for to steal and to kill and to destroy I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly 10. False Christs and false Prophets have but sought themselves and seduced the people to destruction of Soul and Body I am come to give men spiritual and eternal Life and to raise them higher in Light Life and Love than was vouchsafed to the Church before my Incarnation 11. I am the good shepherd the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep 11. As he that keeps the sheep not as an hireling but as his own will venture himself to defend them from Theives and Wolves so will I lay down my life for my sheep 12. But he that is an hireling and not the shepherd whose own the sheep are not seeth the wolf coming and leaveth the sheep and fleeth and the wolf catcheth them and scattereth the sheep 13. The hireling fleeth because he is an hireling and careth not for the sheep 12 13. He that seeketh his own worldly interest by deceit will shift for himself and for that interest expose the people to destruction as not seeking their salvation but his vain-glory 14. I am the good shepherd and know my sheep and am known of mine 14. I known mine own their persons their hearts and all their concerns with the love and care of a good Shepherd And my grace hath taught them to know me and my Word 15. As the Father knoweth me even so know I the Father and I lay down my life for the sheep 15. As my Father knoweth me with Love and I know the Father so with a special Love I lay down my Life for their Redemption and Salvation 16. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold them also I must bring and they shall hear my voice and there shall be one fold and one shepherd 16. And besides the Jews I have a chosen people among the Gentiles Them I must call and gather to me and Jews and Gentiles shall be one Catholick Church under me their only universal Head and Shepherd 17. Therefore doth my Father love me because I lay down my life that I might take it again 17. N. 1. It is not unfit to assign causes in man of Gods Love 2. Yet nothing real in God is caused by any Creature 3. But as Gods Love is taken for it's Effects our qualifications are a receptive cause or dispotion 4. And so a cause extrinsical of the Relative denomination of God himself So Christs consent to do the full work of a Mediator was the condition of his peculiar reward which is call'd the Fathers loving him for it 18. No man taketh it from me but I lay it down of my self I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again This commandment have I received of my Father 18. N. 1. Christ foreknew his Death and Resurrection 2. It was the Law of Mediation proper to him that he should consent so to die and then Rise and Reign as his reward 19. There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings 20. And many of them said He hath a devil and is mad why hear ye him 21. Others said These are not the words of him that hath a devil Can a devil open the eyes of the blind 20. When they understood not Christ they said the man is a distracted demoniack Why stand you to hear him But others were better convinced both by his Words and his Miracles 22. And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication and it was winter 22. N. Christ refused not to be present at this solemn Feast though appointed but by Maccabeus for a thankful commemoration of the repairing of the Temple 23. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomons porch 24. Then came the Jews round about him and said unto him How long dost thou make us to doubt If thou be the Christ tell us plainly 24. Put us out of doubt 25. Jesus answered them I told you and ye believed not the works that I do in my Fathers name they bear witness of me 25. Why ask you me to tell you who believe me not My Miracles done in the Name and by the Power of God are a more satisfying testimony than my words 26. But ye believe not because ye are not of my sheep as I said unto you 27. My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me 26 27 But no wonder that you believe not me for you are not
positive penalty on Christs soul called here The Pains of Death But most think otherwise 25. For David speaketh concerning him I foresaw the Lord always before my face for he is on my right hand that I should not be moved 26. Therefore did my heart rejoyce and my tongues was glad moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope 27. Because thou wilt not leave my Soul in hell neither wilt thou suffer thine holy One to see corruption Note Though David spake this partly of himself the Holy Ghost spake it by him of Christ that God would not leave him in the state of Death nor suffer his body to be corrupted 28. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance 29. Men and brethren let me freely speak unto you of the Patriarch David that he is both dead and buried and his Sepulchre is with us unto this day 30. Therefore being a prophet and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his loyns according to the flesh he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne 31. He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ that his Soul was not left in hell neither his flesh did see corruption 30. Quest How is Christ said to sit on Davids Throne which was of a visible Earthly Kingdom Answ It is that which was principally meant in the promise to David And the eminent and highest Reign containeth the lower under its power 2. The Article of Christs descent into Hell is so largely handled by many that I will not here interpose any more of it than to say that I take it to be best expounded by A. Bishop Vsher in his Answer to the Jesuits challenge And this Text speaking first of David and ultimately of Christ seemeth to mâ—an no other Hell for Christ but what David meant of â—â—â—self which is Hades the State of separated Souls as such 32. This Jesus hath God raised up whereof we all are witnesses 33. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted and having received of the Father the promise of the holy Ghost he hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear 32. We being all Witnesses of his Resurrection and Ascension he being in Glory in the fulness of his Power and having promised thus to send down the Holy Ghost hath performed his promise as ye see and hear 1. To prove by this Miracle the truth of his Power to convince Unbelievers 2. And to enable us to Teach the Gospel to the People of divers Languages in the World Note The Apostles were credible Witnesses of fact 2. The Holy Ghost is the infalible evidence that Christians mission and power is of God 34. For David is not ascended into the Heavens but he saith himself The LORD said unto my Lord Sit thou on my right hand 35. Until I make thy foes thy footstool 34. David went not up to Heaven bodily as Jesus did but only his Soul but he Prophesied of Christs Ascension and Glory 36. Therefore let all the House of Israel know assuredly that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have Crucified both Lord and Christ 36. All of you therefore believe these Divine attestations and know asuredly that this Jesus whom you Crucified is in Glory exalted by God to be the Lord King and Saviour 37. Now when they heard this they were pricked in their heart and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles Men and brethren what shall we do 37. These words accompanied with so great Evidence and the work of the Spirit now poured out they could not resist but their hearts convinced were prickt or wounded with grief and fear to find that they had Crucified the Messiah whom they expected And they cryed out is there yet no hope or remedy If there be what shall we do 38. Then Peter said unto them Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the holy Ghost 38. There is yet hope and remedy Repent of this and all your sins and give up your selves by Faith to Christ in the Baptismal Covenant and your sins shall be remitted and this Holy Ghost which you now admire shall also be given unto you 39. For the promise is unto you and to your Children and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call 39. For the Messiah with his Grace of Remission and the Spirit is promised and is offered to you that are Jews and your whole Nation and Children in the first place and shall be yours yet if you accept the offer And not to you only but to as many as God shall call of the Gentiles in the remotest parts of the World For Christ is now to be the Universal King and Saviour of all Nations and Persons that accept him 40. And with many other words did he testifie and exhort saying Save your selves from this untoward generation 40. And with many more Exhortations he perswaded them to believe and repent and not to imitate the unbelieving persecuting hardned part of the Jews lest they perish with them 41. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls 41. Then they that believed and gladly consented to be Christians were baptized And that day about three thousand were converted to Christianity 1. These Jews were before instructed in much of the Law and Prophets and therefore their Baptism was not delayed so long as the following Churches delayed the baptizing of the Gentile Catechumens 2. Yet though all were converted that day it is not certain that all were Baptized that day 3. None were Baptized that did not profess to believe the Essentials of the Baptismal Covenant that Jesus is the Christ sent of God to reconcile us to him and give us remission of sin and his Spirit and everlasting Salvation and profest not willing consent to the Covenant 42. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers 42. And being thus Convinced Converted and Sacramentally bound and devoted to Christ they continued united in Communion with the Apostles in learning their Doctrine and in brotherly Communication and Love and in Celebration of the Lords Supper and in conjunct Prayer The Apostles conducting the Society in all this 43. And fear came upon every soul and many wonders and signs were done by the Apostles 43. The wonder amazed all men and the Miracles wrought by the Apostles increased mens conviction 44. And all that believed were together and had all things common 45. And sold their possessions and goods and parted them to all men as every man had need 44. The greatness of the thing raised them above the World and the Holy Ghost filled them with such Love as made
come till the Jews Rebellion and Revolt from the Romans provoke them to destroy them and then will the wicked Destroyer appear even the Roman Imperial Pride and Rage who exalt themselves above all Humane Power and will arrogate the Name and worship of Gods and put down Gods own instituted Worship and will have Altars and Images erected to themselves 6. What delayeth them yet you know They are killing one another for Empire at Rome and the sin of the poor Jews against Christ and his Apostles is not yet ripe for utter ruine and then next the destroyer will appear For their Self-idolizing is already at work as Caligula's attempt assureth us with Nero's Pride and Cruelty Onely the foresaid impediments at Rome c. do stop the Desolation and Abomination till it be removed and then it will invade the Holy City and Temple and Judea shall feel the Roman Pride and Idolatry Who come as from Satan with all the help that he can give them by Powerful Armies and with the Countenance of the Roman Idolaters Learning and Magicks and Lying Oracles and wonders such as Vespasian pretended to work and the Virtues that his Son Titus made ostentation of And with all the deceitful Learning and Arts which may countenance Idolatry and Wickedness and beguile Men fitted to destruction Because these poor Jews received not the Gospel in Love that they might be saved by Christ and many Christians proved Hypocrites and Formalists and Hereticks therefore God penally will let loose upon them the Learned Roman Idolaters with their Arts and Subtlety and advantages of Power to delude them to worship Idols which are Lying Vanities And so they that would not believe the Truth but had pleasure in Unrighteousness might be left to be their own destroyers by believing and practising the Idolatry and Wickedness which will damn them The Matter of all these three Expositions in it self hath a great deal of Truth that is Mahomet is an Antichrist most notorious The Pope as pretended Universal Head of the Church corrupting Christianity in Doctrine Worship and Discipline and bloodily destroying Sounder Christ is one sort of Antichrist The Roman Pagan Idolaters that set up the Desolating Abomination were no less But which this Text meaneth I know not But I detest that Opinion that maketh all the Visible Church Idolatrous and Antichristian since Constantine delivered it from Pagan Persecution Sure such should not now complain of Persecution but fear Deliverance and Prosperity 13. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you brethren beloved of the Lord because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth 13. But when I speak of this pernicious Apostasie of the followers of this Man of sin and perdition it mindeth me to be thankful to God for you that from the beginning he hath chosen and marked you out for Salvation by Sanctifying you by his Spirit and giving you a found belief of that truth which these Apostates do deny Note That Gods election Connecteth the End and Means whom he chooseth to Salvation he at once chooseth to Sanctification and Confirmed Faith 14. Whereunto he called you by our gospel to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ 14. And I am thankful that my preaching the Gospel was the means by which he called you hereto and to obtain your part with Christ in Glory 15. Therefore brethren stand fast and hold the traditions which ye have been taught whether by word or our epistle 15. Therefore stand fast and hold the same Doctrine which I have delivered to you whether by Preaching Discourse or Writing against all Innovating Seducers 16. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God even our Father which hath loved us and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace 17. Comfort your hearts and stablish you in every good word and work 16 17. And I have great incouragement to pray for you in hope that you may be comforted and established in all that is good because it is to that Christ that is our Saviour and God who is our Father and hath already shewed that he loveth us and hath by his Grace given us solid hope and the foretaste of the everlasting consolation CHAP. III. 1. FInally brethren pray for us that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified even as it is with you 1. And as I pray for you pray ye for us that the word of God may run abroad with speed and prosperous success and not be stopt or hindred by persecutors contradictions or Scandalous Seducers but may be honoured by free and full reception and obedience as it is with you which praise I give you to encourage you 2. And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men for all men have not faith 2. And that our Persons may be preserved and our Preaching prosper against all the endeavours of absurd and wicked Men who are our adversaries For faithless Men are every where against us 3. But the Lord is faithful who shall stablish you and keep you from evil 3. But tho Men be faithless who resist me we have a faithful God who will confirm you and keep you from Satan and from evil 4. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you that ye both do and will do the things which we command you 4. And we have good hope that you will still follow the Precepts which we give you from the Lord. 5. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patient waiting for Christ 5. To which end I pray that God would direct your Hearts to love himself and patiently to wait for Christ and these two Graces will keep you in obedience from backsliding 6. Now we command you brethren in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that ye withdraw your selves from every brother that walketh disorderly and not after the tradition which he received of us 6. And this is one of the Commands which in the name of Christ I have to deliver you to preserve you from revolting viz to keep your Society clean from Scandal by avoiding the familiar company of every one professing Christianity who liveth disorderly and not according to the Law of Christ which we delivered to him Note 1. That there is a degree of avoiding Familiarity with a disorderly Christian to shame him into Repentance and to preserve our selves and the Honour of Christianity which is short of a publick Declarative Excommunication and casting out of the Church It is justly called Suspension because a Man is not to be Excommunicate till he be proved obstinately Impenitent But a Man that is guilty of a notorious scandalous sin may be suspended while he is under tryal whether he will repent or not 2. Note That this Command of withdrawing from the disorderly doth not require that we withdraw from the Church when
hearts to the bottom and to discover and separate evil from good in the secretest thoughts and intents of the heart 13. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do 13. It is as the Light from the Sun the word of that God before whose Eyes all hearts and things are in open view as a diffected body and such a searching Light is his Word with whom we have to do or which we are speaking of 14. Seeing then that we have a great high priest that is passed into the heavens Jesus the Son of God let us hold fast our profession 14. Having then so great a High Priest ascended into Heaven the Eternal Word who sendeth forth his searching Word who is able to save and help us or destroy us if we revolt Let us hold fast our professed Faith and Hope through all our Tryals 15. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin 15. For we have not a High Priest that is so far from our natures and case as to be unconcerned and void of compassion towards us as much as we are toward the brutes but one that was man and tempted and persecuted as much as we but without sin Note That Temptation may be without sin It is not our sin meerly to be tempted 16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need 16. Let us therefore so fully trust to the sufficiency and mercy of our High Priest in the Heavens as to come though with filial Reverence yet with boldness in the belief of our acceptance that we may obtain mercy and find suitable and seasonable help in all our dangers and needs For God will yet be sought unto for all CHAP. V. 1. FOR every high priest taken from among men is ordrained for men in things pertaining to God that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins 1. For among men the High Priest that is one of them is a person consecrated to officiate for them God-wards or in things of their concernment towards God specially in offering Gifts and Sacrifices for sin 2. Who can have compassion on the ignorant and on them that are out of the way for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity 2. Who can the more compassionately offer for those sins of ignorance errour and weakness which the Law alloweth Sacrifice for as being liable to infirmity himself 3. And by reason hereof he ought as for the people so also for himself to offer for sins 3. And being liable to sin himself he must offer for his own sin as well as theirs 4. And no man taketh this honour unto himself but he that is called of God as was Aaron 4. And so Sacred an Office was not to be invaded by Usurpers without God's call for by it Aaron was made Priest 5. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest but he that said unto him Thou art my Son to day have I begotten thee 5. And Christ usurped not this honour but God gave it him who said Thou art my Son c. 6. As he saith also in another place Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec 6. And Psal 110. he saith Thou art c. Thou art a King and Priest as Melchisedec was and that for ever 7. Who in the days of his flesh when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death and was heard in that he feared 7. Who in the Garden and on the Cross when he had offered Prayers with Agony sweating like Water and Blood and cryed out on the Cross Why hast thou forsaken me to him that could have prevented his death and all the pains which he feared not with any sinful distrust in God nor any opposition to his Fathers Will but from that strong aversation to suffering and death as such which is a property of Humane Nature and did consist with a full submission to his Fathers Will and consent to be a Sacrifice for us and he was heard in that he feared though he must first suffer before he was raised 8. Though he were a Son yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered 8. Though he was a Son and sinless yet did he by his suffering experimentally know and shew what it is to obey at the dearest raâ—e as absolutely subject to the Will of God 9. And being made perfect he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him 9. And being consummate or made by the perfection of his performed part on Earth a perfect Redeemer he is in the fulness of Power in Heaven become the Author of Eternal Salvation by Intercession Pardon Communication of his Spirit and by actual Glorification to all that hearken to him and obey him Note 1. That these Texts do not intimate any privative imperfection in Christ's Knowledge or Obedience or any qualification before but a negative imperfection cannot be denyed to his Humane Nature As Adam new made knew not all sensible Objects remote as he did when they came before his senses so Christ in his Infancy and in the Stable at Bethlehem must not be supposed to know as man all that after he knew Yea himself saith that after he knew not the day and hour c. so he had no sensible experimental knowledge of passive Obedience before 2. He is said to be made perfect in two respects 1. In the perfect performance of his Work on Earth as any undertaker is called perfect when he hath perfected his undertaking 2. In his own perfection in Heaven 3. Obeying Christ is part of the condition of final Justification and Salvation 10 11. Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec Of whom we have many things to say and hard to be uttered seeing ye are dull of hearing 10 11. Of which Priesthood of Christ as compared to Melchisedec we have much to say which it is not easie to make intelligible by words to those that are so unprepared as you are by ignorance and a dull and slow understanding Note 1. All great Scripture Truths be not equally easie to be understood 2. It is the incapacity of hearers through dulness and want of preparatory knowledge which maketh Scripture and Teaching not understood 3. It is no uncharitable dishonouring of professed Christians but an undeniable thing to say that great numbers of them are dull hearers and by ignorance uncapable at the present of hard things 12. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God and are
A PARAPHRASE ON THE New Testament With NOTES DOCTRINAL and PRACTICAL By PLAINNESS and BREVITY fitted to the Use of Religious FAMILIES in their daily Reading of the Scriptures and of the younger and poorer sort of Scholars and Ministers who want fuller helps With an Advertisement of Difficulties in the REVELATIONS By RICHARD BAXTER 1. Tim. 3.16 Great is the mystery of Godliness God was manifested in the flesh Justified in the Spirit Seen of Angels Preached to the Gentiles Believed on in the World Recieved up into Glory 1. Joh. 4.16 God is Love and he that dwelleth in Love dwelleth in God And God in him Joh. 1.4 In him was Life and the Life was the Light of Men. Joh. 20.17 Go to my Brethren and say to them I ascend unto my Father and your Father and unto my God and your God 2. Pet. 3.11 Seeing that all these things shall be dissolved what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God 13. We according to his promise look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness Luk. 23.43 To day shall thou be with me in Paradise Josh 24.15 Choose you this day whom you will serve But as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. LONDON Printed for B. Simmons at the Three Cocks and Tho. Simmons at the Princes Arms in Ludgate-street M DC LXXXV An Account of the Reason and Use of this Paraphrase READER THis Paraphrase written for my own use being published for yours in order to that end I owe you this account of it A Friend long urging me to write a Paraphrase on the Epistle to the Romans as being hard to 〈◊〉 understood when I had done that I found so much profit by that Attempt that it drew me to go on till I had finished what I offer you It was like almost all my other publick works done by the unexpected conduct of Gods urgent Providence not only without but contrary to my former purposes God hath blest his Church with many Mens excellent Commentaries on the Scriptures and I never thought my self fit to do it better than they have done But that is best for some persons and uses which is not best to others I long wish'd that some abler Man would furnish vulgar Families with such a brief exposition as might be fitted to the use of their daily course in reading the Scriptures and instructing their Housholds I found that many who have done it better than I can do are too large and costly for this use some like Deâ—date very sound are unsatisfactorily brief some have parcelled their Annotations into so numerous shreds that Readers specially in a Family course will not stay to search and set them together to make up the sense I like Dr. Hammends order best but 1. I differ from him in so much of the matter 2. and took his stile to be too lax 3. and his Criticisms not useful to the vulgar 4. and his Volumn too big and costly And therefore I chose more plainly and yet more briefly and practically by the way of Paraphrase to suit it to my intended end But I must give the Readers notice 1. That where I seem but in few words to vary from the Text those words answer the large Criticisms of divers expositors as the Learned may find by searching them and the Greek-Text though I must not stay to give the reason of them as I go on 2. That tho I have studied plainness yet brevity is unavoidably obscure to unexercised persons who as Learners cannot understand things without many words 3. That where the Evangelists oft repeat the same things to avoid tediousness I repeat not the whole Exposition and yet thought not meet wholly to pass it by 4. That where the Text is plain of it self instead of an Exposition I fill up the space by Doctrinal or Practical Observations seeing Practice is the end of all and to Learners this part is of great necessity 5. That where great Doctrinal Controversies depend on the Exposition of any Text I have handled those more largely than the rest and I hope with Pacificatory and Satisfactory Evidence â—y great desire and care is that â— may hereby pâ—omote Christian Piety in Families To which special end I also wrote my Poor Mans Family-book and The Catechizing of Housholders And had I not done it in many Books so oft already I should here set my self with greatest Earnestness to urge and intreat all Christian Parents to the more faithful Practice of Family Religion especially in the wise and diligent Instruction and Education of their Children Sure no good Christians should come behind the Jews who had far less light and help that we have who yet are twice Commanded by God Deut. 6. and 11. Hear O Israel the Lord God is one Lord. Thou shall Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy might And these words which I command thee this day shall be in thy heart And thou shalt teach them diligently to thy Children and shall talk of them when thou fittest in thy House and when thou walkest by the way and when thou lyest down and when thou risest up And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thy Hand and they shall be as Frontlets between thine Eyes And thou shalt write them on the Posts of thy House and on thy Gates Yet now many thousand Families called Christians account this much Puritanism and needless preciseness as if the Scripture even the Gospel of Salvation were only for the use of Priests yea some that disown the Papists restraint of the Laity-unlicensed from reading it translated in a known Tongue do worse than Popishly refrain themselves And those that in Baptism vowed to bring up their Children as Christians in the knowledge of the Gospel of Christ persidiously break that solemn vow as they Hypocritically made it and by ungodly negligence betray to Satan the Souls of their Children and themselves which they devoted to God Reader I beg of you as from Christ for his sake for your Souls sake for your Childrens sake for the sake of Church and Kingdom that you will conscionably and seriously set up Family-Religion calling upon God Singing his Praises and instructing your Children and Servants in the Scripture and Catechism and in a wise and diligent Education of Youth Hear me as if I beg'd it of you with tears on my knees Alas what doth the World suffer by the neglect of this It is out of ungodly Families that the World hath ungodly Rulers ungodly Ministers and a swarm of Serpentine Enemies of Holiness and Peace and their own Salvation What Country groaneth not under the Confusions Miseries and horrid Wickedness which are all the Fruits of Family neglects and the careless and ill Education of Youth It is a work of great skill and constant care to instruct and
hand know what thy right hand doth 4. That thine alms may be in secret And thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly 3 4. But tho your good works must shine before men to God's glory yet be so carefully afraid of all affectation of vain-glory to your selves as purposely to conceal all when nothing but your own praise requireth openness yea do not note it too much in your selves to puff you up and then as your hearts and lives are all known to God he will openly reward them to the full 5. And when thou prayest thou shalt not be as the Hypocrites are for they love to pray standing in the Synagogues and in the corners of the streets that they may be seen of men Verily I say to you they have their reward 5. So let not your Prayer be like the Hypocrites all done in publick as on a Stage to be seen of men I tell you mens praise is all the reward they shall have N. Not but that publick Church-Prayer and Family-prayer are as great duties as secret Prayer But they must not be done for to be thought Religious nor secret Prayer made open or neglected 2. Standing is a lawfull praying gesture in it self But where Kneeling signifieth more reverence it must be preferred in humbling duties 6. But when thou prayest enter into thy closet and when thou hast shut thy door pray to thy Father which is in secret and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly 6. But do thou pray secretly where only God is witness of thy Prayers and therefore approve to him thy secret desires and heart as well as thy words and believe that God will openly reward thee N. 1. Both publick and secret prayer are our duty 2. Praying only before men is gross hypocrisie But all secret prayer will not prove sincerity 3. They that say We must not serve God for reward oppose Christ and Scripture and all Religion It is not a reward in Commutative Justice as if we profited God But in Fatherly love and justice as pleasing God through Christ as Fathers reward good children and not bad ones 7. But when ye pray use not vain repetitions as the Heathen do for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking 8. Be not ye therefore like unto them for your Father knoweth what things you have need of before you ask him 7. When you pray do not so repeat over the same words or lengthen your Prayers with unmeet repetitions as the Heathens do that think canting over certain words or spinning out Prayers to such a length is acceptable to God or as if God were moved by terms or length For God is your Father and knows what you need before you speak and pityeth you according to your needs And your Prayers are not to move and change him but by exercising your own desires and faith and repentance and thankfulness to make you fit to receive his further gifts 9. After this manner therefore pray ye 9. I will give a perfect directory for the matter and order of your desires and prayers and in words fit for your use when you pray but summarily 9 10 c. Our Father which art in Heaven Hallowed be thy name Thy kingdom come Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven Give us this day our daily bread And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil For thine is the kingdom the power and the glory for ever Amen 9 c. We come not to thee as our unreconciled avenging Judge but as to our merciful Father reconciled to us by Christ The only God whose Glory is eminently in Heaven infinite in perfection of Being and of Power Knowledge and Goodness our absolute owner our Supreme Ruler and our most loving Father by Creation Redemption and Regeneration whose we are and whom we must serve and whom we must Love and Trust we are sinful needy miserable and unworthy in our selves but thy Children by Christ our Intercessor who is worthy whose hearts are by desire towards thee as our God and to the good of others as our brethren as well as by necessity to our own felicity We know that as all things are Of Thee and Through Thee and To thee so Thou art our Ultimate end And therefore we first humbly beg that Thy Great Wise and Good and Holy name may be known and shine forth and be glorified and holily regarded upon earth and not blasphemed or be unknown and disregarded by Atheists Infidels or wicked hypocrites nor the honour of men be set up against thee But that the Nations of the earth and all Societies and our own selves may be wholly devoted and live to thy Glory And our next Petition is that the world or its Societies or our own and our brethrens Souls may not be given up to the wicked Tyrannical Kingdom of Satan or men that are his Ministers and governed by him nor to the Wars bloud and cruelty of such But that thy Divine Government even the Kingdom of Messiah may come on Earth in that fulness as may destroy the Kingdom of Satan that Faith Love and Righteousness may be the constitution of Societies and Souls and the Reign of Grace may prepare us for Glory which we specially pray for And our third Petition is that in this thy Kingdom Societies and Souls our own and others may in disposition be conformed to thy Governing Will and in practice obey it and in Faith Hope and Love with joyful Trust expect the promised reward and patiently submit to thy Fatherly corrections and disposals And that in all these aforesaid three requests this Earth that is grown so near to Hell may be made more like to them in heaven who Know Love and Obey and Glorifie thee with Perfection Unity and full delight And because thou hast made our natures such as cannot but love our selves and hast bound us to seek our own and others welfare and Grace presupposeth Nature and our Being is necessary first to our Well-being Therefore our fourth Petition is that thou wilt support our natures and maintain them by necessary food and sustenance and make us content with thy allowance and save us from covetousness and overmuch love to worldly fulness prosperity and wealth and cause us to subserve thy providence by our wise and diligent labours and not to forfeit thy maintenance by our self confidence idleness or vicious sensuality nor turn our strength to serve our sinful lust And knowing that Holiness and Justice require the punishment of Sin we next beseech thee to look on us in Christ whom thy Love and Mercy sent into the world to be a Sacrifice and Propitiation for sin whose perfect Righteousness and Sacrifice have merited that pardon and grace which he hath given in his Covenant and proclaimed and offered to us all in the Gospel Forgive all the sins of our
former life and the remaining corruption of our hearts and the daily faults that we are guilty of in our state of imperfection And knowing that thou forgivest none but penitent believers and bindest us to love and forgive others as ever we would be forgiven we confess and lament our manifold sins of corrupt nature and practice of ignorance and of knowledge of negligence rashness and presumptuous wilfulness The remembrance of them is our grief and shame we loath our selves for them and earnestly beg to be healed of them we cast our selves by believing Trust tho alas too weak on Jesus our Saviour his Merits and Intercession and thy Love and Mercy and promises in him desiring henceforth to be roled by him and sanctified by his Spirit and Grace And we unfeignedly love and forgive all those that have wronged us we beseech thee therefore charge not our sins upon us but acquit us from the everlasting punishment and all vindictive penalties in this life on Soul or Body And grant the same to all our brethren for whom we pray And because if thou keep us not we shall run on in guilt by new temptations and lose all that thou hast given us We lastly beseech thee to save us from all dangerous temptations either by Satans inward suggestions or outward snares by our own ill inclinations or worldly alâ—urements or by such sufferings as may be too strong for our faith hope and patience or would suppress our holy love and thankfulness and joyfull praise And save us from Satan from our selves our enemies and our friends that would tempt us to any evil and from the sin and misery and thy deserved judgments of which we are in danger And fortifie us with thy confirming comforting spirit And we beg all these mercies of thee to this end that we may employ them with all thy Saints in joyful praises of thy blessed Kingdom and Government in Heaven and Earth and in holy admiration of thy Power and all perfections and in glorifying thy Infinite Goodness and Blessedness with the glorified Society for evermore These are the desires of our Souls and the requests of our lips which we humbly and earnestly in Faith and Hope do present to thee our Heavenly Father by the motion of thy Spirit through Jesus Christ our Intercessor Lord and Saviour Amen Note Reader So perfect is the Method of the Lords Prayer that I had thought to have Anatomized it and set it before thee in a Scheme But I now write for the less learned that cannot well comprehend accurateness They that can may find it done already in my Latin Method of Theology and the lower sort may find such a brief and plain Exposition as such are capable of in my Family Catechism And in both the controversies hereabout resolved 14. For if ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you 15. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses neither will your Father forgive your trespasses 14. Lest you should think that no qualification for pardon and other gifts are necessary in you I again repeat what selfish nature is loth to observe that tho God be your heavenly Father yet your love and forgiveness of your Brother is so necessary to his forgiving you that without it you shall not be forgiven For if you have not this in sincerity you are not God's children and he is called your Heavenly Father but as offering you his grace But if you have sincere Love with notable defects in your forgiving others God will correct you as Children and will not forgive you some sharp chastisements but make you know that you must love others if you will have the comfort of his love 16. Moreover when ye fast be not as the hypocriâ—es of a sad countenance for they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to fast Verily I say to you they have their reward 16. Do not for to be thought godly seem to be more humbled than you are nor shew that outwardly which should be a concealed secret fast such hypocrites shall have no better reward than the esteem and praise of men which they thus seek 17 18. But thou when thou fastest anoint thy head and wash thy face that thou appear not to men to fast but to thy Father which is in secret And thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly 17 18. But look thou for thine approbation and reward from God and hide from the notice of the world thy private humiliations tho publick humiliations of Churches and Nations and for open wrongs must be publickly shewn and God will openly reward thee 19. Lay not up for your selves treasures upon earth where moth and rust doth corrupt and where thieves break through and steal 19. Note 1. By Treasure is meant that which a man most loveth and trusteth to for his supply and comfort and practically placeth his chief welfare in 2. By laying up is meant over valuing eagerly desiring and seeking and caring for That which rust moths and thieves can soon bereave you of is unfit to be your beloved trusted treasure 20. But lay up for your selves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt and where thieves do not break through and steal 20. But by Faith place your happiness in heaven and on that lay out your care and love and labour and so use your wealth as God hath promised to reward in Heaven For that treasure is incorruptible inviolable and everlasting Note That tho it be our God and Saviour that layeth up our treasure in Heaven and saveth us freely by Grace yet it is we that are commanded to lay it up and save our selves subordinately by faith hope love and labour which qualifie us as fit receivers of it 21. For where your treasure is there will your heart be also 21. And by this you may know whether you truly place your Treasure in Heaven or on earth Not by your speculative opinion or words for what Hypocrite will not say that Heaven is better than Earth But by the bent of your hearts Your Love Care Trust and hope will be where your Treasure is That which you 1. highliest value practically 2. and most desire and chuse 3. and labour for tho with the greatest care and cost that 's it that is indeed your Treasure 22. The light of the body is the eye If therefore thy eye be single thy whole body shall be full of light 23. But if thy eye be evil thy whole body shall be full of darkness If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness how great is that darkness 22 23. As the eye seeth not for it self alone but for the whole body to guide its action so thy understanding or practical judgment is that superiour visive faculty that must guide all thy love and choice and life If therefore thy judgment be sound and thou knowest the difference between laying up a treasure in Heaven and
but as a low familiar way as ignorant carnal men are capable of 2. The Prophecy nor Christ means not that its Gods intent to hide the truth lest it convert men but that this is the effect and event of their own wilfull neglect whereby their conversion is as effectually hindred as if they did it purposely lest they should be converted 16. But blessed are your eyes for they see and your ears for they hear 17. For verily I say to you that many Prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see and have not seen them and to hear those things which ye hear and have not heard them 16 17. How great is Gods mercy to you that hath given you both teaching and understanding by which you are made capable of more I tell you prophets and righteous men of old did desire to see and hear what you do but it was not granted them but reserved for you 18 19. Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower When any one heareth the word of the Kingdom and understandeth it not then cometh the wicked one and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart this is he which receiveth seed by the way side 18 19. Note 1. By not understanding is meant also Not considering it to take it in 2. It is said to be sown in his heart only because it was by the sower so intended but not as there received 20. But he that received the seed into stony places the same is he that heareth the word and anon with joy receiveth it 21. Yet hath he not root in himself but dureth for a while for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word by and by he is offended 20 21. Note That the reason why such fall away was the want of rooting of the word is plain But whether such should be saved if they had died before they fell away is a controversie too long to be here handled and not so needful as some think 22. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choak the word and he becometh unfruitful 22. That is He loveth the wealth and prosperity of this world more than the Word and so that which he most loveth doth prevail against the other and he liveth more to the world than unto God and for the world will forsake his duty and Christ himself in strong temptations 23. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word and understandeth it which also beareth fruit and bringeth forth some an hundred fold some sixty some thirty 23. Note Qu. What is it that makes the ground called Good before the receiving of the word Answ 1. There was a certain degree of faith which was a state of Salvation before Christ was personally known or preached as incarnate These persons that had this were good ground ready to hear the Gospel when it was preached Those that truly repented according to Johns Preaching were prepared to receive Christ 2. And those that faithfully obey that Light of Truth already revealed to them desiring more are better prepared for more than other men 24. Another parable put he forth to them saying The kingdom of heaven is like to a man that sowed good seed in his field 25. But while men slept his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way 24 25. Another similitude he used to shew how the Church will be corrupted with Heresies and vices 26. But when the blade was sprung up and brought forth fruit then appeared the tares also 26. Note Heresies and Church corruptions appear not at first but when time and temptation ripen them 27. So the servants of the housholder came and said to him Sir didst thou not sow good seed in thy field from whence then hath it tares 27. Note Seeing God and his word are good it puzleth men to think how the Church and world come to be so bad 28. He said to them An enemy hath done this The servants said to him Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up 29. But he said Nay left while ye gather up the tares ye root up also the wheat with them 28 29. N. 1. Satan is the sower of Heresie and Vice whoever be his Ministers 2. Ministers and others are more inclined to vindictive severity oft than Christ is 3. God forbeareth the hypocrites and wicked not through in difference but lest the godly suffer by their destruction 4. Christ oft denieth the revengeful and severe desires of his servants 30. Let them both grow together till the harvest and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers Gather ye together first the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them but gather the wheat into my barn 30. Note 1. Gods delay to execute his judgment on the wicked is no sign of their safety Their misery will surely come at last 2. We must not misinterpret Gods patience with the ungodly 31. Another parable put he forth to them saying The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard-seed which a man took and sowed in his field 32. Which indeed is the least of all seeds but when it is grown it is the greatest among herbs and becometh a tree so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof 31. As a grain of Mustard-seed is one of the smallest sort of seeds and yet becometh a plant like a tree c. So the Kingdom of the Messiah beginneth in a few poor men but shall become a Kingdom that shall flourish in the World so that worldly men shall obtrude into it for worldly ends and desire the protection of Christian Governours Note That the Mustard-plant was much greater in Judea than it is with us 33. Another parable spake he unto them The Kingdom of Heaven is like to leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till the whole was leavened 33. As a little leaven doth leaven a great quantity of meal so the Gospel shall convert a few at first where it comes and afterward by the help of those few whole Towns and Countries shall turn Christians and own the Truth 34. All these things spake Jesus to the multitude in parables and without a parable spake he not to them 35. That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet saying I will open my mouth in parables I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world 34 35. Thus Jesus taught them only by Similitudes as it is written c. I will utter great and excellent Mysteries which former ages have not known and that by the way of familiar Similitudes 36. Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house and his disciples came to him saying Declare to us the parable of the tares of the field 36.
thunder 18. And Andrew and Philip and Bartholomew and Matthew and Thomas and James the son of Alpheus and Thaddeus and Simon the Canaanite 19. And Judas Iscariot who also betrayed him and they went into an house 16. c. N. He suited the number to the twelve tribes till the Church was to be made Catholike and then he increased the number 20. And the multitude cometh together again so that they could not so much as eat bread 21. And when his friends heard of it they went out to lay hold on him for they said He is beside himself 20.21 His kindred thought that all this ado did signifie some extasie and would have got him home But one very old Greek Copy Bezas readeth it thus When the scribes and the rest heard of it they came to apprehend him for they said that he made men mad 22. And the Scribes who came down from Jerusalem said He hath Beelzebub and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils 22. They denied not the matter of fact of his Miracles but said that he did it by the Prince of the Devils 23. And he called them to him and said to them in parables How can Satan cast out Satan 24. And if a kingdom be divided against it self that kingdom cannot stand 25. And if a house be divided against it self that house cannot stand 26. And if Satan rise up against himself and be divided he cannot stand but hath an end 27. No man can enter into a strong mans house and spoil his goods unless he first bind the strong man and then he will spoil his house 23. c. It is not by the Devils own consent that he is cast out but by overcoming him 28. Verily I say to you All sins shall be forgiven to the sons of men and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme 29. But he that shall blaspheme against the holy Ghost hath never forgiveness but is in danger of eternal damnation 30. Because they said He hath an unclean spirit 28 c. All other sin and blasphemy is curable and pardonable but if men will take all the miracles gifts and graces of the holy Ghost by which I and my servants prove me to be sent from God to be all done by the Devil to deceive them there is no greater evidence of Gods attestation left to convince them and therefore their blasphemous unbelief is uncurable and unpardonable 31. There came then his brethren and his mother and standing without sent unto him calling him 32. And the multitude sate about him and they said to him Behold thy mother and thy brethren without seek thee 33. And he answered saying Who is my mother or my brethren 34. And he looked round about on them that sate about him and said Behold my mother and my brethren 35. For whosoever shall do the will of God the same is my brother and my sister and my mother 31 c. If you would know me you must look beyond my fleshly Kindred and Relations As I am of an higher off-spring so I have higher works to do than to please natural kindred I draw you not from due regard to your natural kindred God commandeth you to honour Parents But Spiritual Relations to me as such are more amiable and happy than meer Natural Relations as such It is a more amiable thing to be a Lover of God and to obey him than to be my Mother Sister or Brother If they had no better they would perish for ever But all that love God and obey him shall be saved This is great comfort to every true Christian that they are dearer to Christ than Mother Brother or Sister as such would have been had they not been holy CHAP. IV. 1. ANd he began again to teach by the sea side and there was gathered to him a great multitude so that he entred into a ship and sate in the sea and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land 2. And he taught them many things by parables and said to them in his doctrine 3. Hearken behold there went out a sower to sow 4. And it came to pass as he sowed that some fell by the way side and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up 5. And some fell on stony ground where it had not much earth and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth 6. But when the sun was up it was scorched and because it had no root it withered away 7. And some fell among thorns and the thorns grew up and choaked it and it yielded no fruit 8. And other fell on good ground and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased and brought forth some thirty and some sixty and some an hundred 9. And he said to them He that hath ears to hear let him hear See Paraphrase on Matth. 13. 10. And when he was alone they that were about him with the twelve asked him the parable 10. He is said to be alone when the multitude were gone 11. And he said to them To you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God but to them that are without all these things are done in parables 12. That seeing they may see and not perceive and hearing they may hear and not understand lest at any time they should be converted and their sins should be forgiven them See Matth. 13.12 13. God hath vouchsafed you greater help and light than to those without that are not my Disciples Parables are fitted to their ignorant state who wilfully neglect instruction and are never the better for what they hear so that it doth not convert and heal them Did they enquire and diligently search for truth it should be fullier opened to them 13. And he saith to them Know ye not this parable and how then will ye know all parables 13. If ye understand not this plain similirude how will ye understand many more which you must hear 14. The lower soweth the word 15. And these are they by the way side where the word is sown but when they have heard Satan cometh immediately and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts 16. And these are they likewise which are sown in stony ground who when they have heard the word immediately receive it with gladness 17. And have no root in themselves and so endure but for a time afterward when persecution or affliction ariseth for the words sake immediately they are oftended 18. And these are they which are sown among thorns such as hear the word 19. And the caâ—es of this world and the deceitfulness of riches and the lusts of other things entring in choak the word and it becometh unfruitful See Matth. 13. The several Writers of Christs words give us the same in sence tho there be some small difference in the words 20. And these are they which are sown on good ground such as hear the word and receive it and bring forth fruit
some thirty some sixty and some an hundred 20. N. All sound Christians are not equally fruitful 2. The quality of the hearts of the hearers causeth the differing success of the same Doctrine or Sermons on different persons 21. And he said to them Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel or under a bed and not to be set on a candlestick 21. God doth not give you more light than others to hide it but to use it for the good of many 22. For there is nothing hid which shall not be manifested neither was any thing kept secret but that it should come abroad 22. Light is for the manifesting of all things and it will manifest all things how dark or secret soever they seem 23. If any man have ears to hear let him hear 23. Let him that hath ears and understanding see that he hear Gods word regardfully with all the serious attention of his heart for it is of greatest concernment to his soul 24. And he said to them Take heed what you hear with what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you and to you that hear shall more be given 25. For he that hath to him shall be given and he that hath not from him shall taken even that which he hath 24 25. See that you set your hearts to the word you hear For as you use Gods word he will use you Learn faithfully and you shall be taught more but if you stifle or neglect the truth your knowledge will be as none or worse than none to you and God may forsake your understandings 26. And he said So is the kingdom of God as if a man should cast seed into the ground 27. And should sleep and rise night and day and the seed should spring and grow up he knoweth not how 26 27. N. Man soweth but God blesseth it and we see it not grow but see that it hath grown Who then shall exact of another an account just when or how he was convetted 28. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of her self first the blade then the ear and after that the full corn in the ear 29. But when the fruit is brought forth immediately he putteth in the sickle because the harvest is come 28. Do your part in sowing and God will prosper it And tho you see not present fruit it will ripen and shew it self last and be rewarded and fully blest 30. And he said Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God or with what comparison shall we compare it 31. It is like a grain of mustard-seed which when it is sown in the earth is less than all the seeds that be in the earth 32. But when it is sowed it groweth up and becometh greater than all herbs and shooteth out great branches so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it 30 c. You all look for the Kingdom of the Messiah but you mistake in expecting a sudden visible pompous appearance of it It is the Catholick Church for which now I am sowing the seed of the Gospel and seemeth like a grain of Mustard-seed a small inconsiderable thing one of the contemptiblest Societies on Earth But God will prosper this seed so that my Church shall become so conspicuous and eminent that Princes and Nations and worldly men shall be glad for their interest to have the name of Christians and to be under the protection of the Christian Powers 33. And with many such parables spake he the word to them as they were able to bear it 34. And without a parable spake he not to them and when they were alone he expounded all things to his disciples 33 34. He spake to them according to their low capacities as to Children by familiar comparisons further teaching the sence of all to those that as Scholars came to learn of him 35. And the same day when even was come he saith to them Let us pass over unto the other side 36. And when they had sent away the multitude they took him even as he was in the ship and there were also with him many other little ships 37. And there arose a great storm of wind and the waves beat into the ship so that it was now full 38. And he was in the hinder part of the ship asleep on a pillow and they awake him and say to him Master carest thou not that we perish 35. c. N. God raiseth dangers to shew us our weakness and his power in our deliverance 2. They are safe who are in the same ship with Christ 3. Yet Christ seemeth for a time to neglect us in our dangers as if he cared not what became of us 39. And he arose and rebuked the wind and said to the sea Peace be still and the wind ceased and there was a great calm 4. And he said to them Why are ye so fearful How is it that ye have no faith 41. And they feared exceedingly and said one another What manner of man is this that even the wind and the sea obey him 39. c. N. All things obey Christ save voluntary sinners 2. It is but a word of his that is needful to allay all our dangers 3. Too much fear sheweth too little faith Trusting Christ is the cure of such fear 4. How greatly should he be reverenced and obeyed by man whom wind and seas and all creatures must obey CHAP. V. 1. ANd they came over to the other side of the sea into the Countrey of the Gadarenes 2. And when he was come out of the ship immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit 3. Who had his dwelling among the tombs and no man could bind him no not with chains 4. Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains and the chains had been plucked asunder by him and the fetters broken in pieces neither could any man tame him 5. And always night and day he was in the mountains and in the tombs crying and cutting himself with stones Matth. 8.28 tells us that they were two which Mark denieth not tho he mention but one 6. But when he saw Jesus afar off he ran and worshipped him 6. Devils worship is but a constrained confession of Christs power over them 7. And cried with a loud voice and said What have I to do with thee Jesus thou Son of the most high God I adjure thee by God that thou torment me not 7. N. It is no wonder if malicious hypocrites abuse the name of God by Excommunications and reproaching of his truest servants when the Devil durst use Gods name to adjure Christ himself 8. For he said to him Come out of the man thou unclean spirit 8. N. It appeareth that Devils are not always just in the same condition but when they are restrained from going about to do mischief it is to them an imprisonment and tornment as it is to a Wolf to be tyed up from killing sheep
Pharisees and Lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves being not baptised of him 30. Rejected Gods Message sent by John or rejected Christs Testimony of John 31. And the Lord said Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation and to what are they like 32. They are like unto children sitting in the market-place and calling one to another and saying We have piped unto you and ye have not danced we have mourned to you and ye have not wept 33. For John the Baptist came neither eating nor drinking wine and ye say He hath devil 31 32 33. See Matth. 11.33 That he is distracted 34. The Son of man is come eating and drinking and ye say Behold a gluttonous man and a wine-bibber a friend of publicans and sinners 35. But wisdom is justified of all her children 34 35. Neâ—â—her his austerâ—ty nor my free conversation do escape your censure But the wise will justifie Wisdom 36. And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him And he went into the Pharisees house and sat down to meat 37. And behold a woman in the city which was a sinner when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisees house brought an alabaster box of ointment 38. And stood at his feet behind him weeping and began to wash his feet with tears and did wipe them with the hairs of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment 36 37 38. A Woman who had been of a bad life 39. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it he spake within himself saying This man if he were a prophet would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him for she is a sinner 39. Christ and the Pharisees agreed that sin is hateful 40. And Jesus answering said unto him Simon I have somewhat to say unto thee And he said Master say on 41. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors the one ought five hundred pence and the other fifty 42. And when they had nothing to pay he frankly forgave them both Tell me therefore which of them will love him most 43. Simon answered and said I suppose that he to whom he forgave most And he said unto him Thou hast rightly judged 40 41 42 43. Note When God forgiveth great sins it is that we may love him much 44. And he turned unto the woman and said unto Simon seest thou this woman â— entred into thine house thou gavest me no water for my feet but she hath washed my feet with tears and wiped them with the hairs of her head 45. Thou gavest me no kiss but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet 46. Mine head with oyl thou didst not anoint but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment 44 45 46. She hath shewed more Love than thoâ— 47. Wherefore I say unto thee her sins which are many are forgiven for she loved much but to whom little is forgiven the same loveth little 47. Her great Love sheweth that her great sins are forgiven for it is her â—rateful return But they that think they need but little pardoâ— will return but little thankfulness for it 48. And he said unto hâ—â— Thy sins are forgiven 48. Note No doubt they were truly repented of hated and forsaken 49. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves who is this that forgiveth sins also 50. And he said unto the woman thy faith hath saved thee go in peace 49. Note None can forgive sins against God but God and man after not before him by declaring and delivering Gods pardon 50. God pardoneth and saveth all true believers And thou hast shewed that thou art a believer Though God freely give pardon and Salvation thy faith maketh thee a qualified receiver and so saveth thee CHAP. VIII 1. ANd it came to pass afterward that he went throughout every city and village preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God and the twelve were with him 2. And certain women which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities Mary called Magdalene out of whom went seven devils 3. And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herods steward and Susanna and many others which ministred unto him of their substance 1 2 3. In the thankful sense of their deliverance attended him and contributed to his mâ—intenance Note Christ that was Lord of all and gave otherâ— Life and Salvation disdained not to live on others gifts and contribution 4. And when much people were gathered together and were come to him out of every city he spake by a parable 5. A sower went out to sow his seed and as he sowed some fell by the ways side and iâ— was trodden down and the fowls of the air devoured it 6. And some fell upon a rock assoon as it was sprung up it withered away because it lacked moisture 7. And some fell among thorns and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it 8. And other fell on good ground and sprung up and bare fruiâ— an hundred-fold And when he had said these things he cried He that hath ears to hear let him hear 4 5 6 7 8. See the exposition on Matth. 19. Note It is the difference of the receivers and reception which is the notable cause of different succâ—sses of the same word yet supposing Gods election 9. And his disciples asked him saying What might this parable be 10. And he said Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God but to others in parables that seeing they might not see and hearing they might not understand 9 10. Note The reception of one truth prepareth for more and the rejection of Gods calls prepareth men to be forsaken 11. Now the parable is this The seed is the word of God 12. Those by the way-side are they that hear then cometh the devil and taketh away the word out of their hearts lest they should believe and be saved 13. They on the rock are they which when they hear receive the word with joy and these have no root which for a while believe and in time of temptation fall away 14. And that which fell among thorns are they which when they have heard go forth and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life and bring no fruit to perfection 11 12 13 14. Note Hopeful and fair beginnings in very many fall short of Salvation 15. But that on the good ground arâ— they which in an honest and good heart having heard the word keep it and bring forth fruit with patience 15. Who receive the Gospel so as to renew them their hearts before prepared being by it sanctified and persevere to maturity 16. No man when he hath lighted a candle covereth it with a vessel or putteth it under a bed but setteth it on a candlestick that they which enter in may see the light 16.
Policy was not utterly demolished till near fourty years after Christs Resurrection Therefore till then the Jews there were to be Preacht to and the twelve Apostles suited to the twelve Tribes though after the number was changed by Pauls Conversion when the Gospel was to be principally sent unto the Gentiles 23. And they appointed two Joseph called Barsabas who was surnamed Justus and Matthias 24. And they prayed and said Thou Lord which knowest the hearts of all men shew whether of these two thou hast chosed 25. That he may take part of this Ministery and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell that he might go to his own place 23 24 25. Note 1. The Apostleship was not only the qualification of Eye Witnesses of Christs works but a special preeminent office of some of those many who saw his works All that saw them were not Apostles Therefore Christ did set diversity and disparity of Ministerial Offices in his Church 2. Peters speech was to all the Disciples ver 15 16. It s therefore to be supposed that the two were chosen by all the Company but by the Conduct of the Apostles And God by Lot chose one of the two it being his Prerogative to make Apostles And I know no reason why the chief Pastors of the Church at least in cases of doubt should not now be so chosen 26. And they gave forth their lots and the lot fell upon Matthias and he was numbred with the eleven apostles 26. Note How casual soever it seemed God was the undoubted determiner of it But solemnly to appeal to his determination in ludricrous toys or things already determined by his word is but prophanely to take his name in vain CHAP. II. ANd when the day of Pentecost was fully come they were all with one accord in one place 1. It is by most Expositors taken to be on the Lords day though some few contradict it 2. Christ chose the time to send the Spirit when they were unanimously assembled for his worship 2. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind and it filled all the house where they were sitting 3. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire and it sat upon each of them 2 3. Note It is likely it was only on the Apostle 4. And they were all filled with the holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance 4. They that were unlearned men were all suddenly filled with the Holy Ghost who inspiring their minds with Sacred Light of Knowledge and fervor of affection caused them to utter these in various Languages which they had never learnt in the Praises of God and his works Note As Baptism entereth Men into the state of Christianity this effusion of the Spirit solemnly invested the Apostles in the full state and power of their Offices 5. And there were dwelling at Jerusalam Jews devout men out of every Nation under heaven 5. Then were at Pentecost Jews out of many Nations where they were dispersed that came up to the Feast 6. Now when this was noised abroad the multitude came together and were confounded because that every man heard them speak in his own language 7. And they were all amazed and marvelled saying one to another Behold are not all these which speak Galileans And how hear we every man in our own tongue wherein we were born 9. Parthians and Medes and Elamites and the dwellers in Mesopotamia and in Judea and Cappadocia in Pontus and Asia 10. Phrygia and Pamphylia in Egypt and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene and strangers of Rome Jews and proselytes 11. Cretes and Arabians we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God 6 7 c. The word as of Christ and of his Gospel was that which they speak in the Tongues of all these Countries 12. And they were all amazed and were in doubt saying one to another What meaneth this 13. Others mocking said These men are full of new wine 12 13. Some derided them as Drunken 14. But Peter standing up with the eleven lift up his voice and said unto them Ye men of Judea and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem be this known unto you and hearken unto my words 15. For these are not drunken as ye suppose seeing it is but the third hour of the day 14 c. It is but nine a Clock at which time Men use to pray fasting and Drunkeness will not enable a Man to speak various Languages 16. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel 17. And it shall come to pass in the last days saith God I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh and your sons and your daughters shall prophesie and your young men shall see visions and your old men shall dream dreams 18. And on my servants and on my hand-maidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit and they shall prophesie 16 c. This is the fulfilling of what Joel Prophecied of the times of the Messsiah c 19. And I will shew wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath bloud and fire and vapour of smoke 20. The Sun shall be turned into darkness and the Moon into bloud before that great and notable day of the Lord come 21. And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved 19 20 21 Many Prodigies in Heaven and Earth as if the frame of Nature did shake or were altered shall go before the destruction of the Temple and Nation of the Jews But faithful praying Christians shall be saved 22. Ye men of Israel hear these words Jesus of Nazareth a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you as ye your selves also know 23. Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God ye have taken and by wicked hands have crucified and slain 24. Whom God hath raised up having loosed the pains of death because it was not possible that he should be holden of it 22 23 24. You deny not the fact of those Miracles done by Jesus which are the infallible works of Gods attestation Gods determinate Counsel having appointed him to die as a Sacrifice for the Sins of the World and he foreknowing all that your wicked hearts do in it hereto accordingly with wicked hands you have murdered him not at all excusable by the said decree or fore knowledge of God But God raised him from the dead having loosed the bonds of Death it being impossible they should be held and conquered by it Note The word translated Pains of death may be also translated bonds But if it must be read Pains Death as a separation of Soul and Body is by privation a Penal state though not dolorous by positive evil yet some think that the Article of Descent into Hell signifieth some
called till they cast off this Theocracy yet the Holy Ghost here tells us that Moses eminently Prophesied this of Christ who must be Universally obeyed as our Soveraign and not to obey him will be sure Condemnation of which the Jews destruction was a fore tast 24. Yea and all the Prophets from Samuel and those that follow after as many as have spoken have likewise foretold of these days 24. The sum of all the Prophets was to foretell the sufferings and the Kingdom of Christ now begun 25. Ye are the Children of the Prophets and of the covenant which God made with our Fathers saying unto Abraham And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the Earth be blessed 25. According to the Flesh ye are the Posterity of the Prophetical Nation and first in that Covenant whch God made with Abraham pronouncing all Nations blessed in his Seed as thence deriving their blessedness 26. Unto you first God having raised up his Son Jesus sent him to bless you in turning away every one of you from his iniquities 46. Accordingly God having raised up his Son doth first offer him and his Grace to you before he be Preached to the Gentiles we declare to you his Miracles Resurrection and Doctrine that you may be turned from your unbelief and other sins and be a People first blessed as pardoned and sanctified and saved by his Grace CHAP. IV. ANd as they spake unto the People the Priests and the Captain of the Temple and the Saducees came upon them 2. Being grieved that they taught the people and Preached through Jesus the Resurrection from the dead 3. And they laid hands on them and put them in hold unto the next day for it was now even-tide 1. Note The great Persecutors and Silencers were the Priests who should have been the holiest and the Sadducees that believed no life but this and next the Soldiers that were mercenary One would wonder what should make such Bruitists as the Sadduces to be such furious Silencers and Persecutors If there were no life to come what harm can other Mens hopes oâ— it do them But in depraved Souls all Faculties are vitiated A blind mind hath a malignant heart and a cruel hand To this day who Persecute Men more for Preaching and seeking the heavenly Glory than Atheists and Bruitists who believe there is none such 4. Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed and the number of the men was about five thousand 4. The Assembly that owned Christianity was increased to above five thousand and that success grieved the Malignants 5. And it came pass on the morrow that their Rulers and Elders and Scribes 6. And Annas the high Priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander and as many as were of the kindred of the high Priest were gathered together at Jerusalem 5. Their Rulers the High Priest and their consorts met in Council 7. And when they had set them in the midst they asked By what power or by what name have ye done this 7. Who gave you Power and Authority to set up as Miracle workers and Preachers to the People 8. Then Peter filled with the holy Ghost said unto them Ye Rulers of the people and Elders of Israel 9. If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man by what means he is made whole 10. Be it known unto you all and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth whom ye Crucified whom God raised from the dead even by him doth this man stand here before you whole 8. It is Christs Power that did the Cure and to his Glory they proclaim it 11. This is the stone which was set at nought of your Builders which is become the head of the corner 12. Neither is there Salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved 11 12. He whom you rejected is made the Leader and Head over all And it is only by trusting and obeying him that man can be saved 13. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men they marvelled and they took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus 13. When they perceived their freedom of speech and that thay had not been bred up to Learning but were vulgar persons untaught they marvelled and took notice that they had seen them with Jesus 14. And beholding the man which was healed standing with them they could say nothing against it 14. The Evidence of the fact silenced them at present but did not cure their heardened hearts 15. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the councel they conferred among themselves 16. Saying What shall we do to these men for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem and we cannot deny it 17. But that it spread no further among the People let us straitly threaten them that they speak henceforth to no man in this name 15. Note O their Blindness and Devillish malignity of these silencers of Christs Ministers while they confess the miracle and should consult how to repent of their former wickedness they go on to consult how to silence the Preachers And think the Apostles so cowardly that their threatning would serve to hinder them from preaching 18. And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus 19. But Peter and John answered and said unto them Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more then unto God judge ye 18 19. The hardened Wretches called them and silenced them by their pretended Authority commanding them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus But Peter and John answered the miracle proveth Gods attestation and we know it by his spirit and dare you say that you are greater than God And that we should obey you against his command None but an Atheist dare affirm it Q. But may not Christian Rulers and Prelates silence Ministers though the Jewish might not Ans Either of them may silence Blasphemy and wickedness But sure Christian Rulers have no more power to fight against Christ and his Gospel and silence his Ministers than Heathens but much more obligation to encourage them Q. But must not Ministers called by Men obey Men that silence them though Apostles called by Christ might not Ans They that are called justly by Men are called by Christ who that way signifyed his Will And Timothy that was called by Men is charged before God and the Lord Jesus Christ who shall Judge c. to Preach the word and be instant in season and out of season c. Which way ever Christ call Men they are bound to be true to him Christian Rulers must be obeyed in the determination of Circumstances as time places maintenance
c. which are left to them as Judges of Edification But not when they forbid Christs Ministers the work to which they are vowed and consecrated unless they be unable or forfeit their Commission The Pastors or Bishops Preached three hundred years against the Will of Emperors and Kings and long after against the Will of Christian Emperors called Arians Eutychians Monothelites c. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard 20. We are not so blind and hardened as to go against all the Divine Evidence which we have seen and heard and to silence what God bids us speak of which we have been the Eye and Ear Witnesses our selves 21. So when they further threatned them they let them go finding nothing how they might punish them because of the people for all men glorified God for that which was done 21. The common People were not so blinded hardened and malignant as the Chief Priests and Rulers but glorifyed God for that which did but stir up the Rulers malice â— God made the People a restraint to the Priests and Rulers rage 22. For the man was above fourty years old on whom this miracle of healing was shewed 22. For the case was past all doubt the Man having been thus lame forty years Chap. 3.2 23. And being let go they went to their own company and reporred all that the chief Priests and Elders had said unto them 24. And when they heard that they lift up their voice to God with one accord and said 23. Note Not that all are supposed with conjunct voice to say just the same words but either some of them one part and some another or some said these words with others acclamations and consent or they all spake by turns to the same sence Lord thou art God which hast made Heaven and Earth and the Sea and all that in them is 25. Who by the mouth of thy Servant David hast said Why did the heathen rage and the people imagine vain things 26. The Kings of the Earth stood up and the Rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against his Christ 24. God Prophesied by David that the Rulers of the Nations Gentiles and Jews should in vain joyn their Councels and Powers against Christ his Gospel and his Kingdom 27. For of a truth against thy holy Child Jesus whom thou hast anointed both Herod and Pontius Pilate with the Gentiles and the people of Israel were gathered together 28. For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy Counsel determined before to be done 27. All combined by their own wickedness to do that which God hath foredetermined God foredecreed that Christ should be a sacrifice for sin but the wicked determination of their Wills that did it God only foresaw and permitted but did not cause 29. And now Lord behold their threatnings and grant unto thy Servants that with all boldness they may speak thy word 30. By stretching forth thine hand to heal and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus 29 30. Note 1 That threatnings of malignant People are a fit opportunity for Gods Grace to his Servants 2. Boldness to Preach when unjustly forbidden is a great effect of Gods grace to his Servants 3. The gift of convincing miracles though promised must be prayed for by them 31. And when they had prayed the place was shaken where they were assembled together and they were all filled with the holy Ghost and they spake the word of God with boldness 31. The Spirit caused them thus to pray and more of the Spirit was poured on them in answer to those Prayers giving the boldness which they asked and that with a signal shaking of the place 32. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and one Soul neither said any of them that ought of the things which be possessed was is own but they had all things common 32. They were all of one mind and will and practice united in fervent Love which made all common to them Note It was not a commonness by levelling Titles but by voluntary fervent love 2. And the Spirit did this in the beginning to give the word an example what true Christianity and the Spirits Operation is even such fervent Love to each other for Christ's sake as destroyeth all sinful selfishness and maketh others interest to be to us as our own and so uniteth us in one Body 33. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and great grace was upon them all 33. And with evident miracles and wonderful gifts of the Spirit did the Apostles perform their Testimony of Christs Resurrection And the favour of God and Man was upon them or great charity prevailed among them 34. Neither was there any among them that lacked for as many as were possessours of land or houses sold them and brought the prices of the things that were sold 35. And laid them down at the apostles feet and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need 34. This was neither to be the constant practice nor yet was it an unwise excess of zeal But it was a present effect of the Spirit to shew what a degree of Love all Christians should desire and what self-denial and contempt of Riches it should cause 36. And Joses who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas which is being interpreted The Son of consolation a Levite and of the Countrey of Cyprus 37. Having land sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles feet 36 37. To signifie his renouncing the World and selfishness in Love to Christ and his Church he himself being after to go abroad the World to preach the Gospel CHAP. V. BUt a certain man named Ananias with Sapphira his wife sold a possession 2. And kept back part of the price his wife also being privy to it and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles feet 3. But Peter said Ananias why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the holy Ghost and to keep back part of the price of the land 1. They pretended to give the whole price but brought a part and said it was all Why hast thou let Satan put so great a sin into thy heart as to think to deceive the Holy Ghost in us Apostles as if he knew not when thou lyest Note The sin consisted 1. In Hypocrisie pretending to give more than he did 2. In the remnant of a worldly distrustful mind that could not trust God with all 3. In blasphemy against the Holy Ghost implyed as if he knew not the heart 4. In reserving what he pretended to devote which was a kind of Sacriledge 4. Whiles it remained was it not thine own and after it was sold was it not thine own power why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart thou hast not lied unto men but unto God 4. While it was unsold it was thy
own and in thy power and so was the money when thou hadst sold it why did thy heart conceive so great a sin as to play the Hypocrite and Lie Didst thou not know that it was to God who knew thy heart 5. And Ananias hearing these words fell down and gave up the Ghost and great fear came on all them that heard these things 5 Note This was by part of the Apostolical Power to retain sin or punish it in the time and manner that the Spirit in them did choose which made Believers see that Christ hath punishments and is to be feared when mercy and holy things are abused 6. And the young men arose wound him up and carried him out and buried him 7. And it was about the space of three hours after when his wife not knowing what was done came in 8. And Peter answered unto her Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much And she said Yea for so much 9. Then Peter said unto her How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord Behold the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door and shall carry thee out 10. Then fell she down straightway at his feet and yielded up the Ghost and the young men came in and found her dead and carrying her forth buried her by her husband 6. Note This was to confirm the honour of the Holy Ghost in the Apostles and the certainty of their Testimony Sealed by him And to do that which Magistrates by the Sword afterwards were to do As the Prophetical Theocracy under Moses and Joshua differed from the Monarchy of Saul so more did the Apostles punishing Men by the power of the Holy Ghost from Christian Magistrates who came after 11. And great fear came upon all the Church and upon as many as heard these things Note Under the most joyful tidings of Love Mercy and Salvation God seeth that some fear is needful 12. And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people and they were all with one accord in Solomons porch 12. A large Porch into the Temple was the place of their unanimous assembling 13. And of the rest durst no man joyn himself to them but the people magnified them 13. Note Though the Gospel invite all it flattereth none but will tell Hypocrites and Lyars of their danger to drive them from entering deceitfully into the Church As there is most hope in the Church to the sincere there is more danger there to Hypocrites than to those without 14. And believers were the more added to the Lord Multitudes both of men and women 14. Yet these Judgments frightning away Hypocrites hindred not the increase of the Church but the powerful works of the Holy Ghost external and internal converted multitudes of both Sexes 15. Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and Couches that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them 15. As Nature taught them to desire the healing of their bodies experience taught them to expect miracles from the Apostles and that the very shadow of Peter should tend to heal them 16. There came also a Multitude out of the Cities round about unto Jerusalem bringing sick folks and them which were vexed with unclean spirits and they were healed every one 16. Note Reader That all this was done as well for us at this day as for them then All our hopes comforts and holyness dependeth on our belief of the promises of the life to come by Christ The things are unseen and much above us Had we not Gods own Testimony from Heaven by many uncontrouled miracles our reason would be puzzelled and in doubt and our Faith might fail But God knoweth our weakness and by all the miracles that they were then convinced by who saw them we also are convinced to whom by infallible record they are transmitted as if we had stood by and seen all these things 17. Then the high Priest rose up and all they that were with him which is the sect of the Sadducees and were filled with indignation 18. And laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common Prison 17 18. Note So horridly corrupted was the Arch-Priesthood in those times that the Atheistical Brutish Sadduceâ—s were their party Priesthood and Prophane Brutists were as one body Malignity filled these with Indignation and made them persecute and imprison the Apostles 19. But the Angel of the Lord by night opened the Prison-doors and brought them forth and said 20. Go stand and speak in the Temple to the people all the words of this life 19 20. God will be above Man Angels can do more than Devils and Persecutors They can open the Prison doors and say go and fear not these proud Tyrants but preach to the People in the Temple all the Doctrine of Christs Resurrection and of our Resurrection and Salvation by him and let Priests and Sadducers and Infidels do their worst to you 21. And when they heard that they entred into the Temple early in the morning and taught But the high Priest came and they that were with him and called the Council together and and all the Senate of the Children of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought 21. the Priest and his Council sent to have them brought out of Prison before them 22. But when the Officers came and found them not in the prison they returned and told 23. Saying The Prison truly found we shut with all safety and the keepers standing without before the doors but when we had opened we found no man within 22. It was not long of the Keepers that they got out 24. Now when the high priest and the Captain of the Temple and the chief Priests heard these things they doubted of them whereunto this would grow 24. Note They saw that God overcame their malice and that the Gospel would not be so easily supprest as they imagined 25. Then came one and told them saying Behold the men whom ye put in Prison are standing in the Temple and teaching the people 26. Then went the Captain with the officers and brought them without violence for they feared the people lest they should have been stoned 26. Note It s strange that they accused not the People of Sedition or Rebellion or a Ryot And the Apostles of heading it 27. And when they had brought them they set them before the Council and the high Priest asked them 28. Saying Did not we straitly command you that you should not teach in this name and behold ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine and intend to bring this mans bloud upon us 27. Note O the blindness and madness of proud Worms What are your commands against God Did not God command you not to murder and them to Preach his word Did not you bring his blood upon your selves 29.
trembled and durst not behold 31. If so small an appearing of God will make man tremble why are not we constantly awed by the belief of his Glory 33. Then said the Lord to him Put off thy shoes from thy feet for the place where thou standest is holy ground 33. Note 1. The Holiness of Places is their separate relation to some holy work of God or some appearance of him God will have outward bodily expressions of inward Reverence to him and to that which is specially related to him 34. I have seen I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt and I have heard their groaning and am come down to deliver them And now come I will send thee into Egypt 34. Note God is not ignorant or regardless of his peoples sufferings 2. But his usual season of deliverance is when their sufferings are at the greatest 35. This Moses whom they refused saying Who made thee a ruler and a Judge the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliver by the hands of the Angel which appeared to him in the bush 35. God sent by his Angel the same man to Rule and Deliver them whom they refused to be their Ruler and deliverer even as you now have done by Jesus Christ whom God hath sent 36. He brought them out after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt and in the red Sea and in the wilderness fourty years 36. God wrought many Miracles by him for their deliverance who had rejected him As he hath done by Jesus for your deliverance 37. This is that Moses which said unto the children of Israel A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me him shall ye hear 37. This Moses of whom you boast thus prophesied of Christ a Prophet c. 38. This is he that was in the Church in the wilderness with the Angel which spake to him in the mount Sina and with our Fathers who received the lively Oracles to give unto us 39. To whom our Fathers would not obey but thrust him from them and in their hearts turned back again in Egypt 40. Saying unto Aaron Make us Gods to go before us for as for this Moses which brought us out of the land of Egypt we wot not what is become of him 38. This is he whose name you honour who was in the Congregation in the Wilderness who received the Oracles of God by voice which he gave you then as the way of life in subordination to Faith in his promises whom yet your Ancestors would not obey but rebelled against him and refused him and unthankfully would have returned to that Egyptian Bondage from which by so many Miracles they were delivered yea rebelled against God and turned Idolators and made Aaron make them feigned Gods to go before them 41. And they made a calf in those days and offered sacrifice unto the idol and rejoyced in the works of their own hands 41. So sottish were they as to honour that as God which they had made themselves 42. Then God turned and gave them up to worship the host of Heaven as it is written in the book of the Prophets O ye House of Israel have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of fourty years in the wilderness 43. Yea ye took up the Tabernacle of Moloch and the star of your God Remphan figures which he made to worship them and I will carry you away beyond Babylon 42. That the text Amos 5. meaneth by Moloch and Rempham a Deifyed Egyptian King and Saturn See Dr. Hammonds Annot. and other conjectures in Beza c. whether this last Idolatry was included in the Golden Calf or the Text only meant they fell to it after Joshua's days is uncertain Though the Hebrew say beyond Damascus and Lukes Greek Beyond Babylon the sence is the same And Luke writing in the Greek it 's like used not the same word as Stephen in Chaldee 44. Our Fathers had the Tabernacle of Witness in the wilderness as he had appointed speaking unto Moses that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen 44 These Ancestors had the Tabernacle of the Testimony where was the Ark of God that had the Tables of the Law and where God used by signs to signifie his presence and give his Oracles This Moses was to make according to the pattern which God shewed him 45. Which also our Fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles whom God drave out before the face of our Fathers unto the days of David 45. This Tabernacle our Fathers after brought into Canaan with Joshua and it continued till Davids time 46. Who found favour before God and desired to find a Tabernacle for the God of Jacob. 47. But Solomon built him an House 46. Who being beloved of God desired to have built him a Temple But God chose Solomon to build it 48. Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in Temples made with hands as saith the Prophet 49. Heaven is my throne and Earth is my foot-stool What House will ye build me saith the Lord or what is the place of my rest 50. Hath not my hand made all these things 48 49 50. Temples are for Gods Worship and not for Gods confinement or necessary abode Heaven is the place of his glory and Earth of his lower blessings and all the world of his presence He made all things and needeth not your Temple but may forsake it for your Sin 51. Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears ye do always resist the holy Ghost as yours Fathers did so do ye 51. Ye are an unruly obstinate People whose hearts are unreformed and uncircumcised and your Ears stopt against the Truth while you glory in your Circumcision you have in all ages resisted the Spirit and Word of God And while you disown your fore-fathers actions you are like them and do the very same 52. Which of the Prophets have not your Fathers persecuted and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the just One of whom ye have been now the betrayers and Murderers 53. Who have received the Law by the disposition of Angels and have not kept it 52 53. You boast of the Law and the Prophets and the expected Messiah But which of the Prophets did not your Fathers persecute And those that Prophesied of the Messiah they murdered And so have you done now by the Messiah himself and out done all your Ancestors in wickedness and the Law which yo boast of delivered by Angels you have neither understood nor kept 54. When they heard these things they were cut to the heart and they gnashed on him with their teeth 54. At these words their very hearts were enraged against him c. Reproof which convinceth and humbleth them whom God Converteth enrageth proud obdurate sinners and turneth them to persecute the Reprovers
which presageth their destruction 55. But he being full of the holy Ghost looked up stedfastly into heaven and saw the Glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God 56. And said Behold I see the Heavens opened and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God 55 56. God gave him so extraordinary a measure of the Spirit as when he looked stedfastly toward Heaven he had an appearance of the Glory of God and Christ standing at his right hand which in this Rapture he declared to them all Note Christ saw it meet by such a glorious Miracles sight to encourage and honour his first dying Martyr O who would fear suffering for Christ Martyrs may expect the Spirits greatest help and afterward the most glorious Crown 57. Then they cryed out with a loud voyce and stopped their ears and ran upon him with one accord 58. And cast him out of the City and stoned him and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young mans feet whose name was Saul 57 58. Note Holiness and Miracles do but increase their rage They will run when malignity and the Devil instigates Sinners are never so mad as against Christ and Mercy and their own Salvation They that were the Accusers for Blasphemy were by the Law to cast the first stone as the Executioners 59. And they stoned Stephen calling upon God and saying Lord Jesus receive my Spirit 59. Note He that gave up himself to Christ in life and death might comfortably expect to be received 2. The Spirit liveth after the bodies death And Christ receiveth it to himself This is part of Christs Office now in Heaven See my Printed Sermon on this Text. 60. And he kneeled down and cryed with a loud voyce Lord lay not this sin to their charge And when he had said this he fell asleep 6. He died Praying and that for his Persecutors as Christ did And it s like the Conversion of Saul was an answer to this Prayer Quest How far may we pray In Faith for wicked men or others and expect the thing prayed for Answ For that which is absolutely promised we may pray accordingly in assurance For that which supposeth a qualifying condition in the receiver we must believe that they shall have it if they are so qualified For that which hath no promise to them but is merely at Gods unrevealed Will we must pray with submission to that Will and accordingly take the event for uncertain CHAP. VIII ANd Saul was consenting unto his death And at that time there was a great persecution against the Church which was at Jerusalem and they were all scattered abroad throughout the Regions of Judea and Samaria except the Apostles 1. Note Sauls Persecution must be recorded before his Conversion 2. The purest Church was not free from the malice of wicked men 3. God used Malignant Persecutions for the spreading abroad his word 2. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial and made great lamentation over him 2. They made a Funeral for Stephen with solemn mourning 3. As for Saul he made havock of the Church entring into every House and hailing men and women committed them to prison 3. By halling people to Prisons out of their houses Saul wasted the gathered Church 4. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where Preaching the word 4. Note It was a tolerable hurt to their bodies which brought good to others Souls and so enlarged the Church by scattering it as seed is scattered that is sown 2. All Christians may and must publish the Gospel where they come if there be need tho only called Ministers must make an office and calling of it as separated to it 5. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and Preached Christ unto them 5. Philip the Deacon Preacht at the City of Samaria after by Herod called Sebaste 6. And the People with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake hearing and seeing the miracles which he did 7. For unclean Spirits crying with loud voice came out of many that were possessed with them and many taken with palsies and that were lame were healed 8. And there was great joy in that City 6. The Samaritans received the Gospel with great joy convinced by Miracles and pleased by many Cures Note The Gospel where ever it cometh is cause of great joy 9. But there was a certain man called Simon which before time in the same city used sorcery and bewitched the People of Samaria giving out that himself was some great one 10. To whom they all gave heed from the least to the greatest saying This man is the great power of God 11. And to him they had regard because that of long time he had bewitched them with Sorceries 9. One Simon had long been reputed among them some great man even the great power of God as he boasted of himself because by Sorcery he had long bewitched and done some strange things among them And they all admired and regarded him Note Deceivers have usually many followers 12. But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God and the Name of Jesus Christ they were baptized both men and women 12. Note This suddain Baptizing yet implyeth time for instruction and profession of all essential to Christianity 13. Then Simon himself believed also and when he was baptized he continued with Philip and wondered beholding the miracles and signs which were done 13. Simon saw the reality of Philips Miracles being conscious of the fallacy of his own and he believed that Jesus was the Christ and was baptized into his name and stayed with Phillip admiring his works Note 1. Simon had a Superficial opinionative belief that was not clear and sound nor effectual to renew his Soul 2. The Ministers of Christ baptized not as Heart searchers as knowing mens sincerity but as taking their Profession for their title to Baptism 14. Now when the Apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God they sent unto them Peter and John 14. Note As Peter or John were no Rulers of the rest of the Apostles so the rest sent not them as Rulers of them by Vote but by brotherly request and consent 15. Who when they were come down prayed for them that they might receive the holy Ghost 16. For as yet he was fallen upon none of them only they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus 17. Then laid they their hands on them and they received the holy Ghost 15. Note 1. It was at first the eminent Priviledge of the Apostles that the Holy Ghost should be given by their Ministry 2. Imposition of hands being an usual act of Authoritative benediction was used as the sign herein 3. Yet Prayer to God must first prevail for his grant thereof before the Sign was used 4. This gift of the Holy Ghost was not that which is Regenerating and necessary to pardon and Salvation else
had called us for to preach the Gospel unto them 10. Note It is the duty of Ministers to follow Gods call though all have not visions all have some notifications of Gods will by Mens necessity opportunity invitation c. 11. Therefore loosing from Troas we came with a straight course to Samothracia and the next day to Neapolis 12. And from thence to Philippi which is the cheif city of that part of Macedonia and a colony and we were in that city abiding certain days 11. Note The Apostles did choose Populous Cities to Preach in because there was most matter to work on It s best fishing in the Sea Besides that the Jews Synagogues were mostly in such places 13. And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a River-side where prayer was wont to be made and we sat down and spake unto the women which resorted thither 13. Note Whether here was an Oratory or Chapple or only the open Field is uncertain And whether the Assemblies were Proselites of the Jews or Jews with such or the better sort of Gentiles is not certain But the first is likely because they kept the Sabbath 14. And a certain woman named Lydia a seller of purple of the city of Thyatira which worshipped God heard us whose heart the Lord opened that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul 14. 1. Note It s like she was a Proselite 2. They that worship God are best prepared for further Grace 3. Gods opening the heart maketh the word effectual 4. Diligent regardful attention to the word is the beginning of Conversion or a great preparation 15. And when she was baptized and her houshold she besought us saying If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord come into my house and abide there And she constrained us 15. Note 1. It was the ordinary way of Apostles to Baptize Housholds Not that they could be sure they were all true Believers or that the Rulers could make them such But it was the Rulers duty to devote all in their Power to God and therefore to do their best to perswade them to a true consent and to rid their house of all unnecessary Persons that refused And God used to bless their endeavours and their interest and power might do much 2. Converted Persons have so much love to Christs Ministers who converted them that they greatly desire their Company and further help 16. And it came to pass as we went to prayer a certain Damsel possessed with a Spirit of divination met us which brought her Masters much gain by sooth saying 16. One possessed with a deluding foretelling Devil who thereby brought him gain for Divination 17. The same followed Paul and us and cried saying These men are the servants of the most high God which shew unto us the way of salvation 17. Note God constrained the Devil to confess Christ against his will 18. And this did she many days But Paul being grieved turned and said to the Spirit I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her And he came out the same hour 18. Note 1. Satan must be dispossest of Body Soul or Nation whenever Christ commandeth it 19. And when her Masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone they caught Paul and Silas and drew them into the market-place unto the Rulers 19. Note It s like her Masters being more then one were some Heathen Priests however we see the love of Money is the root of Persecution and all evil 20. And brought them to the magistrates saying These men being Jews do exceedingly trouble our city 21. And teach customs which are not lawful for us to receive neither to observe being Romans 20 21. They brought them to the Roman Officers under whose Government they were and accused them as being Jews of a contrary Religion and by their unlawful Doctrines causing Sedition and disturbing the publick peace Note Covetous malignants use the accusation of Sedition to hide their malice 22. And the multitude rose up together against them and the magistrates rent off their clothes and commanded to beat them 23. And when they had laid many stripes upon them they cast them into prison charging the jayler to keep them safely 24. Who having received such a charge thrust them into the inner prison and made their feet fast in the stocks 22 c. Note Rulers and Rabble nnd most were for the DevIl against Christ and their own Salvation And the innocent Servants of Christ are imprisoned and used as Rogues meerely for seeking Mens wellfare 25. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises unto God and the prisoners heard them 25. Note Persecution doth not disoblige us from joyful praise to God nor destroy believers comforts 26. And suddenly there was a great Earthquake so that the foundations of the Prison were shaken and immediately all the doors were opened and every ones band were loosed 26. Note Luke that wrote this was one of their Company in the City when this was done Gods Power is invincible 27. And the keeper of the Prison awaking out of his sleep and seeing the Prison-doors open he drew out his sword and would have killed himself supposing that the Prisoners had been fled 28. But Paul cried with a loud voice saying Do thy self no harm for we are all here 27. He would have killed himself to prevent punishment in the rage of his passion 29. Then he called for a light and sprang in and came trembling and fell down before Paul and Silas 30. And brought them out and said Sirs what must I do to be saved 29. Note When Gods dreadful Judgments and his Grace joyn together no heart can resist them 31. And they said Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thy house 31. Note 1. He was resolved to do whatever they required knowing by this miracle that they were sent by God 2. Believing in Christ includeth all the essentials of Christianity 3. His house would not be saved for his Faith without any of their own But it is supposed that God would bless his endeavours to convert them 32. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord and to all that were in his house 32. They instructed him and his Houshold that they might indeed believe and be saved 33. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes and was baptized he and all his straightway 33. He presently shewed his Repentance and Faith For he that had scourged them washed their sores to heal them and he and all his Houshold were presently Baptized as having professed their resolved Faith in Christ Note The Apostles delayed not Baptism when serious profession gave them right but in doubtful cases of ignorant or unresolved Men it ought to be longer delayed 34. And when he had brought them into his house he set meat before them and rejoyced believing in God with all his
that it was neither Peter nor Paul Circumstances have perswaded me that Christianity came first into England by Christian Soldiers that were in the Roman Army such as built the Church called St. Martins near Canturbury which Beda mentioneth And it is more probable that such as Cornelius being Converted in Judea and having their dependance on Rome and business there were like to be the first introducers of of Christianity there As such were in Helvetia 16. And vvhen vve came to Rome the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a souldier that kept him 16. One Soldier was his Guard 17. And it came to pass that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jevvs togeâ—her And vvhen they vvere come together he said unto them Men and brethren though I have committed nothing against the people or customs of our fathers yet vvas I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans 18. Who vvhen they had examined me vvould have let me go because there was no cause of death In me 19. But vvhen the Jevvs spake against it I was constrained to appeal unto Cesat not that I have ought to accuse my nation of 17. Note Though Paul Preached against the Gentiles subjection to Moses Law yet to the Jews he only spake against the imposing it as necessary on others and against its justifying Power without Christ 19. I appealed in my own necessary Defence and not as an Accuser of the Jews 20. For this cause therefore have I called for you to see you and to speak vvith you because that for the hope of Israel I am bound vvith this chain 20. It is for Preaching that Messiah who hath long been expected and prayed for as the Hope of Israel that I am come hither a Prisoner in this Chain 21. And they said unto him We neither received letters out of Judea concerning thee neither any of the brethren that came shevved or spake any harm of thee 22. But vve desire to hear of thee vvhat thou thinkest for as concerning this sect vve knovv that every vvhere it is spoken against 21. We have had no Accusation of thee but that we may be able to judge of thee we would hear thee our selves what it is that thou holdest and teachest For Christians are every where spoken aganist as an evil Sect. Note He that would know how far to regard common fame against any man or party must know what sort of people they be that report it whether Men of truth sobriety and conscience or debaucht ungodly malignant sâ—oundrils And by what motives they are set on work whether by Gods word and will or by Carnal interests and flattery of Great and ungodly Worldlings or enmity to Holy Doctrine and Practice And what Eviedence they give to prove their Accusations 23. And vvhen they had appointed him a day there came many to him into his lodging to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God perswading them concerning Jesus both out of the law of Moses and out of the prophets from morning till evening 23. He proved to them out of the Law and Prophets that Christ was the Messiah whose Kingdom is spiritual and is now begun as foretold upon his Resurrection and Ascension and gathering an Universal Church by the Miracles Gifts and Grace of the Holy Ghost 24. And some believed the things vvhich vvere spoken and some believed not 25. And vvhen they agreed not among themselves they departed after that Paul had spoken one word Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers 26. Saying Go unto this people and say Hearing ye shall hear and shall not understand and seeing ye shall see and not perceive 27. For the heart of this people is vvaxed gross and their ears are dull of hearing and their eyes have they closed lest they should see vvith their eyes and hear with their ears and understand vvith their heart and should be converted and I should heal them 26. You verifie the words of the Prophets being like your fore fathers of whom Isaiah saith that though they have their Natural faculties of seeing hearing and understanding yet they have willfully so indisposed and corrupted them that as to the knowledge and obedience of God they are as if they had neither Eyes Ears or Understanding from whence it is that my resisted and rejected Grace doth not Convert and heal them 28. Be it knovvn therefore unto you that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles and that they vvill hear it 28. Be it known to you that the Christ whom you reject shall be Preached to the Gentiles and they will believe in him and receive him for their Saviour And Christ will set up among them the Catholick Church and Kingdom of God which you reject and shall therefore be none of yours that boasted in your expectations of it 29. And vvhen he had said these vvords the Jevvs departed and had great reasonings among themselves 29. Note But so many of them believed both at Rome Jerusalem and many Countrys as were a considerable part of the Christian Church at that time And within four hundred years Christianity was the professed National Religion in Judea 30. And Paul dvvelt tvvo vvhole years in his own hired house and received all that came in unto him 31. Preaching the kingdom of God and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence no man forbidding him 30. And Paul was so free a Prisoner that he was allowed to live in his own hired house and there for two years received all how many soever great or small who came to him Preaching even in Imperious Rome the Kingdom of God as Ruling Souls to Salvation by the Redeemer Teaching all the Doctrines and Practices of Christianity the History of Christ his Person Office Acts Grace and Glory and this with all boldness and freedom NO MAN FORBIDDING HIM silencing him or condemning them for Conventicles or any way hindring him even in Proud Powerful Heathen Rome When the Religious Jewish Priests and Rulers hunted Christs Ministers as Blood-hounds forbidding them to Preach to the Gentiles that they might be saved and so wrath is come upon them to the uttermost as it will in due time on all that imitate them Note 1. What Paul Preached not vain jangling or envious railing but the Kingdom of God and the things concerning Jesus Christ and Salvation 2. Where In Rome and in his own hired house 3. To whom To all that come to him 4. How long Two years at that time 5. How with all confidence openness and boldness 6. How tolerated No man Emperour or Senate or inferior Officer Soldiers or Magistrates Priests or People hindering or forbidding him in the Capital Heathen City of the World which yet was devoted to Idolatry and capvated the Church of God both Jews and Gentiles But had Paul Preached immorality Rebellion
have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you 9. For God whom I serve with a devoted Soul doth know that this your honourable profession of the Christian Faith doth make me the more constantly remember you in my Prayers 10. And request of God if it seem good to him that I may come to you for the furtherance of my joy and your edification 11. For I long to see you that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift to the end you may be established 12. That is that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me 11 12. For I long to see you that by communicating to you what God hath given to me you may be further established and you and I may be comforted in the mutual manifestation of our Concordant Faith 13 Now I would not have you ignorant brethren that oft times I purposed to come unto you but was let hitherto that I might have some fruit among you also even as among other Gentiles 13. I would have you know that as God hath called me to be an Apostle to the Gentiles I oft purposed to come to you though hitherto hindred that I might reap some fruit of that my Office among you as well as among other Gentiles 14. I am a debter both to the Greeks and the Barbarians both to the wise and to the unwise 14. By this my Mission and Office it is my duty to Preach the Gospel both to the learned Greeks and Romans and to unlearned Barbarous Nations 15. So as much as in me is I am ready to preach the Gospel to you that are at Rome also 15. Therefore if it be the Will of God that I shall come unto you I am ready as the Apostle to the Gentiles to exercise mine Office by Preaching to you as I have done to others 16. For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ For it is the power of God to salvation to every one that believeth to the Jew first and also to the Greek 16. For though a Crucified Christ be to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Gentiles foolishness I am not ashamed most openly to own and Preach this Gospel For the Power of God by this called weakness and foolishness by Men is manifested in it and by it in the Conversion Comfort and Salvation of every true Believer whether Jews with whom it began or Greeks to whom it is now preached 17. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith As it is written The just shall live by faith 17. For that sort of Righteousness which God hath made the necessary and acceptable way to Salvation is therein revealed to the World even Righteousness by Faith is revealed to beget Faith in Men by which it is that Men must be justified and saved as was foretold 18. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold the truth in unrighteousness 18. For that Gospel which pardoneth Penitent Believers doth reveal Gods wrath against the Impenitent and Unbelievers who by the love of Sin resist and reject the Truth and continue in ungodliness and unrighteousness 19. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them for God hath shewed it to them 19. For they may know much of the nature and attributes of God as manifested by the light of Nature in them and by the Providence of God among them by which God sheweth it unto them 20. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made even his eternal Power and Godhead so that they have no excuse 20. For though God and Heavenly things be invisible even his Eternal Power and his God-head yet are they clearly to be seen in the Glass of his Works so that their sin against God thus revealed leaveth them without all just excuse 21. Because that when they knew God they glorified him him not as God neither were thankful but became vain in their imaginations and their foolish heart was darkened 22. Professing themselves wise they became fools 23. And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man and to birds and four-footed beasts and creeping things 21. Because when by his Works and the light of Nature they were forc'd to confess the Divine perfections they yet lived not to his Glory or in holy thankfulness to the God whom they acknowledged but dishonoured him and corrupted their Minds by vain Imaginations and their foolish Hearts were darkened by gross errours 22. And professing themselves to be the Learned Philosophers and Wise Men of the World and contemning others as Ignorant and Barbarous they shewed by their practice that they were Fools 23. For when their Tongues acknowledged the glory of the incorruptible God they worshipped him as in and by the Images of Corruptible Men and of Birds Beasts and creeping things as if God had been like these 24. Wherefore God gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts to dishonour their own bodies between themselves 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshipped and served the creature more than the creator who is blessed for ever Amen 24. Wherefore as a just punishment for their wilful sins God lest them to the lusts of the Flesh to base unnatural uncleanness 25. Seeing they confessing the Perfections of the True God yet represented him in the Image of vain shadows and Creatures and so offered their worship to such Creatures and to the Stars rather than to the True and Blessed Creator whom they acknowledged 26. For this cause God gave them up to vile affections for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature 27. And likewise also the men leaving the natural use of the woman burned in their lust one towards another men with men working that which is unseemly and receiving in themselves that recompense of their errour which is meet 26 27. For this Sin God gave them to base lusts against Nature who in their Religion sinned against the light of Nature both Women and Men burning in worse than beastly unnatural lusts towards those of their own Sex and by being left to that unnatural filthiness were justly punished for their unnatural Idolatry 28. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge God gave them over to a reprobate mind to do those things which were not convenient 28. And as their wicked Hearts refused to obey and honour God practically though they did in words acknowledge him God gave them over to a reprobate Mind to do those things which the light of Nature and common Reason do condemn 29 30 31. Being filled with all unrighteousness fornication wickedness covetousness maliciousness full of envy murder debate deceit malignity whisperers backbiters haters
was made subject to vanity not willingly but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope 20. For so much of the world as was made for Man and marr'd or cursed for mans sake so was made subject to this Curse and Mutation not for its own sin nor by its own choice but by the sin of Man even by that God who subjected its condition to the free will and state of Man and so to suffer with and for him but with a purpose to restore it with him unto its integrity 21. Because the creature it self also shall be delivered from the bondege of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God 21. Because the Natural and Sensitive parts of the World that were subjected to the use of Man and fell under a Curse by Man shall be delivered with Man from that Curse and Bondage and Corruptibility into a state of liberty and useful perfection suitable to the Glory of the Children of God for whom they were made 22. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travelleth in pain together until now 22. For it is evident that the whole Natural and Subjective World which was thus subjected to Man and cursed for him is like a Woman in the pangs or expectation of Child-birth and groaneth till it be delivered with us at that time of restoration 23. And not only they but our selves also which have the first fruits of the Spirit even we our selves groan within our selves waiting for the adoption to wit the redemption of our body 23. And if this be their case much more do we who have the Spirit of God which is the Pledge Earnest and First-fruit of Glory feeling our selves burdened with sin temptations and sufferings in the World and yet short of our expected Glory feel our selves as a Woman in Travel groaning for deliverance and longing for the blessed inheritance yea even the Resurrection of the Body it self to which we were Adopted 24. For we are saved by hope But hope that is seen is not hope for what a man seeth why doth he yet hope for 24. For our present state of Salvation is not in sight and full possession but in the hope of unseen things that are promis'd and this hope will bring us to possession But if we had sight and possession of it we could not be said to live by the hopes of it for why should we be said to hope for that which we see and possess 25. But if we hope for that we see not then do we with patience wait for it 25. But hoping for that which we never saw or possessed we do with patience under all delays and sufferings wait for the desired attainment and possession 26. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the Spirit it self maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered 26. And the Spirit which God hath given us helpeth us against our Infirmities of Hope and Prayer and under our sufferings and distresses for we are unmeet judges of our own necessities and condition and the flesh is too prone to desire its own ease and safety But the Spirit of Christ in us teacheth and inclineth us to go to God as to a merciful alsufficient Father and to pour out our Souls complaints before him at least with groans when we cannot utter them with Words and to cry Abba Father and to refer our selves unto his Wisdom and cast our case in trust on him 27. And he that searcheth the heart knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit because he maketh intercession for the Saints according to the will of God 27. And God that searcheth the Heart knoweth the meaning of those very groans excited by his Spirit which we want words to express For he knoweth what his own Spirit moveth us to ask and what desires come from himself for as Christ is in Heaven our Intercessor with the Father so the Holy Spirit sent down into our Hearts is our Intercessor with the Father and the Son for as he is Christs Agent and Witness in us to communicate Spiritual Life Light and Love to us so he is a Spirit of Supplication and Adoption in us and the spring of all our holy desires and motions Godward and that only which is of him is accepted of God for he moveth us to ask what pleaseth God and to submit to his Will and returneth us the answer of our Prayers in inward strength and consolation 28. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God to them who are called according to his purpose 28. For we know that all the course of Gods providence and particularly all our sufferings for him do by Gods over-ruling ordination work together for our good even to carry on them that love him to Salvation who are called hereto according to the gracious benevolent purpose of his own Will 29. For whom he did foreknow he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son that he might be the first-born among many brethren 29. For those whom he fore-knew and purposed to glorifie he also predestinated as the way to their Glory to be conformed to the Image of his Son in holiness and patient suffering that his Church as Brethren might be like their Head and eldest Brother 30. Moreover whom he did predestinate them he also called and whom he called them he also justified and whom he justified them he also glorified 30. And those whom God thus predestinateth to be conformed to Christ them in time he effectually called to repent and believe in Christ and those whom he thus called and made true Christians he justified both making them just by pardoning their sin and giving them his Indwelling Spirit of love and Holiness and accounting them just for the merits of Christ and those whom he thus justifieth he will glorifie with Christ 31. What shall we then say to these things If God be for us who can be against us 31. What then shall we say when we consider all this but with joyful thankfulness conclude that God is for his Saints their Father and Protector and therefore they have no cause to fear any that are against them how great or many or strong soever that is not fear their power so be it we take heed that they draw us not to sin 32. He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him also freely give us all things 32. He that spared not his own Son not thinking him too precious a gist but delivered him up to suffer as a Sacrifice to procure the pardon of sin and salvation to be given to all by a Conditional Covenant of faith and acceptance and actually to pardon and save all true Believers that accept him how can it be that he should think any thing else which we need too good for
Law and freely given by Grace and fully now revealed in the Gospel by Jesus Christ and trusting to their own Works of the Law as a sufficient Righteousness to justifie them have by their errour rejected Gods free gift of Justification by Faith in Christ 4. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth 4. For they should have understood that the sense and use of the Law is to lead them for Righteousness to Christ who is its end and prefigured in its Sacrifices and other Types 5. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law That the man which doth those things shall live by them 5. For though the Law do point Men to a better Righteousness yet in it self as a Law it owneth nothing as a Righteousness sufficient to Justification but that which Moses thus discribeth Lev. 18.5 The Man that doth these things and breaketh not this Law shall live by them 6. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise Say not in thy heart Who shall ascend into heaven that is to bring Christ down from above 7. Or Who shall descend into the deep that is to bring up Christ again from the dead 8. But what saith it The word is nigh thee even in thy mouth and in thy heart that is the word of faith which we preach 6 7 8. But I may describe the Righteousness which is of Faith in the Words of Moses Deut. 30. Say not in thy Heart Who shall ascend into Heaven or how can we know Gods Will that never were in Heaven Or who shall bring us thence a certain Messenger of it or Who shall descend into the deep or it is hid from us like the depths of the Sea and who shall fetch it to our Knowledge But as it saith The word is nigh thee God hath not concealed it but sent it from Heaven Christ is come down to make known God and his Word and he is risen and gone to intercede for us in Heaven And he hath brought his Gospel both to our Eyes Mouth and Ears and writeth it by his Spirit in our Hearts And Moses there seemeth to intend such a way of Righteousness by free Grace to the Repenting Israelites And this is it which our Preaching fuller revealeth to you 9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thy heart that God hath raised him from the dead thou shalt be saved 9. That if thou confess Christ before Men notwithstanding persecution and own him as Christ before the world and believe truly and heartily that God raised him from the dead and thereby witnessed that he owned him and justified the truth of his Gospel thou shalt be saved as well as justified For to justifie a Man is partly to justifie his Right to Salvation 10. For with the heart man believeth to righreousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation 10. For these two make up the Gospel terms of Life To give up Soul and Body to Christ if thou believe sincerely in him with thy Heart thou wilt be accepted for his Merits by God as Righteous and if thou constantly confess and own him whatever thou suffer by it from Men by Word and Deed in obedience and patience thou shalt possess the Salvation to which thy Justification initially gave thee right 11. For the scripture saith Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed 11. For Isa 8.16 God hath prmised us in his Word that whoever believeth on him and trusteth him on his Promise and practically placeth his hope accordingly shall never be disappointed and ashamed of that Hope 12. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him 12. For God is no respecter of persons and saveth not Men or rejecteth Men because they are Jews or Greeks The Law of Grace doth equally pardon and justifie Jew and Gentile that truly repent and believe and no other He is the same Lord over all and is Rich in Mercy to all that call on him in Faith for when he proclaimed his Name to Moses Exod. 34. as gracious and merciful forgiving iniquity transgression and sin c. it was his very Nature and Decree by which he would be known to all the World and not only by the Jews 13. For whosoever shall call on the Name of the Lord shall be saved 13. For as it is said Joel 2.32 Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall he saved that is of what Nation soever he be if he truly seek God he will be found of him and if he fear God and work Righteousness by Faith he shall be accepted of him for he is the Rewarder of them that diligently seek him Heb. 11.6 14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard And how shall they hear without a preacher 14. And this sheweth you the necessity of Preaching the Gospel for how shall Men seek and worship and call on that God and Saviour in whom they have not believed And how shall they believe in him of whom they have never heard And how shall they hear if no one tell them or preach to them Even the Works of Nature and Providence that reveal God darkly must be told Men by Instructors to make them capable of understanding them Much more the Gospel of Christ 15. And how shall they preach except they be sent As it is written How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things 15. And how shall Men Preach the Mysteries of Salvation that are not called and sent of God by his Qualifications and Commission for who can be such a Light in the World that is not taught and gifted by the Father of Lights And who can in Gods name proclaim the Word of Reconciliation as his Messenger who is not authorized by him so to do We love glad Tidings and welcome the Messengers of them and this should be the Entertainment of Christs Apostles and Ministers in the World who bring the most joiful Tidings of Salvation As it is written How beautiful are the Feet of them that c. Isa 52.7 16. But they have not all obeyed the Gospel for Esaias saith Lord who hath believed our report 16. But you may say Why then doth not this Preaching convert more of the Jews This excellence of the Gospel and the preaching of it doth not suppose that all that have it will be converted by it For of the Jews Isaiah saith Lord who hath believed our Report Few did hearken to the Prophets Isa 53.1 17. So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God 17. It is evident that they must hear that they may believe and Gods Word must be preach'd to them or made
by reciting them preceptively And so they bind all Christians now as the Law of Nature and the Law of Christ 4. God by giving the Jews their Laws gave us Directions to know in the like Cases what is equal or wrong to us 5. But formally as it was Gods Law delivered by Moses to the Jews it binds not us and it 's done away For 1. It never as such bound any but the Jews and the few Proselytes among them For it was never promulgated to the World And even the Decalogue was Political and all made for that Common-wealth And all the World was never bound to turn Jews nor to dwell or come into a remote Country no bigger than half England 2. The Jews own Commonwealth is dissolved and so are their peculiar Laws 3. The Apostle expresly saith That the Law written in Stone that was glorious is done away ver 7. 11.13 compared 4. Moses was no Ruler or Mediator to the whole World 5. If one part of Moses Law as such bind then all of it bindeth a quatenus ad omne and so we must turn Jews 6. Paul expresly nameth Sabbaths as abolished that is A Day of Ceremonial Rest which the Fourth Commandment ordaineth as a Type of Spiritual Rest by Christ The Sum is That we are bound to the Law commonly called Moral as it is the Law of Nature and of Christ but not formally as the Law given the Jews by Moses or as written in Stone CHAP. IV. 1. THerefore seeing we have this ministery as we have received mercy we faint not 1. Therefore having received a more honourable Ministry than that of Moses Gods Mercy encourageth us and keepeth us from faâ—nting in our Labours and Sufferings 2. But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully but by manifestation of the truth commending our selves to every mans conscience in the sight of God 2. But have renounced those things which cannot endure the Light lest they should be shamed but are craftily carried on in the dark nor do we use deceiving Arts in handling the Word of God but in the open Light by Evidence of Truth we expose our selves to trial and expect Success 3. But if our gospel be hid it is hid to them that are lost 3. So that if our Preaching be not yet understood and believed it is not for want of our clear Delivery but from the miserable Case of lost uncapable Hearers 4. In whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ who is the image of God should shine unto them 4. Because the Devil by the love of worldly things ruling the Hearts of worldly Men hath blinded them that they may not believe the Gospel and see that Glory which shineth in Christ who is the Image of God 5. For we preach not our selves but Christ Jesus the Lord and our selves your servants for Jesus sake 5. It is not our selves that we commend by preaching to you or set up for you to believe in but it is Christ Jesus the Lord else indeed our Ministry were inglorious and we only manifest our selves to be faithful Servants for your Salvation by Christ who hath called us hereto and whose Glory we proclaim 6. For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ 6. For God who by his Word created Light hath shined by Spiritual Light into our Hearts giving us that Knowledge of God which gloriously appeareth in the Person Doctrine and Works of Christ which he commandeth us to communicate to others 7. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us 7. But we that are thus trusted and honoured of God are our selves poor frail afflicted Mortals that it mâ—y appear that it is by the Power of God and not of Men that the Gospel prospereth 8. We are troubled on every side yet not distressed we are perplexed but not in despair 9. Persecuted but not forsaken cast down but not destroyed 8 9. We are many ways troubled but not brought to any extreme distress in straits but not in despair persecuted by Men but not forsaken of God cast down low and yet upheld and not destroyed 10. Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body 10. We still bear in our Bodies a memorative Conformity to our suffering dying Lord that our delivered Bodies also might have some conformity to his Life by whom we live and whom we preach 11. For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus sake that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh 11. For we that yet live are in continual danger of death by Persecutors for Jesus sake that we might be Emblems of Christs Resurrection and Life and a Proof that he liveth who preserveth us while we preach that blessed Life which he possesseth and hath purchased and promised 12. So then death worketh in us but life in you 12. So that in our Sufferings Christs Death is resembled but his Life in your Conversion and Preservation 13. We having the same spirit of faith according as it is written I belived and therefore have I spoken we also believe and therefore speak 13. But we have the sâ—me Spirit of Faith as you have and therefore say with David That we speak because we believe 14. Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus and shall present us with you 14. For he that raised up Christ shall raise us up both from our Sufâ—erings and Death and present us with you who are the Bâ—essings of our Labours 15. For all things are for your sakes that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God 15. For it is for you that we suffer and labour and are preserved that as many have the Benefit so God may be glorified by the Thanksgiving of many 16. For which cause we faint not but though our outward man perish yet the inward man is renewed day by day 16. Therefore we are not tired in our Labour or Suffering but while our Bodies suffer and perish our Souls receive daily new Supplies of Strength and Comfort 17. For our light affliction which is but for a moment worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory 17. For all our Sufferings for Christ and Bodily Afflictions are very tollerable and light and so short as to be but as for one moment and so gainful that they are the Means appointed to procure us a Crown of Glory which is weighty and of exceeding Worth and Everlasting 18. While we look
rose again 16. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh yea though we have known Christ after the flesh yet now henceforth know we him no more 16. Wherefore it is the great things of Spirituality and Eternity which we now look at in our Ministry and Life We value no Man on meer Carnal Advantages or Account yea if we had been of those that converst with Christ on Earth in the Body and had eat and drunk in his presence such Corporal Familiarity is ended and is not it that our Faith and Hope and Preaching most respecteth but his Spiritual Kingdom and Glorious Presence and the Means thereto 17. Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature old things are past away behold all things are become new 17. Therefore if any one be a Christian indeed a true Member of Christ he is a new Man as it were new made by Regeneration The old Legal and Carnal Mind and Conversation are ceased his old Mind and Will and Life are changed his fleshly and earthly Mind is become spiritual and heavenly and all is new 18. And all things are of God who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ and hath given to us the ministery of reconciliation 18. The Divine Revelation and the Divine Nature in us now causeth us to mind and use all things as they belong to God and as they are all Of Him and By Him and To Him and to overlook comparatively Carnal Interest and as reconciled and brought home to God by Jesus Christ and placing all our Interest and Hopes in him who also hath committed to us this Ministry to draw home the World into this reconciled State 19. To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation 19. To tell them that it was God himself that sent Christ to redeem us and was in Christ reconciling the lapsed World to himself by the Doctrine Merits and Sacrifice of Christ which was performed by his gracious Will for that end purchasing their Pardon and not using them as their Sin deserveth but giving them an Act of Oblivion on condition of Believing Acceptance and hath committed to us the Ministry to preach this Reconciliation to the World 20. Now then we are ambassadours for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead be ye reconciled to God 20. By all this they that contemn us may see what is the Nature and Dignity of our Apostleship We are sent to Men from God as his Ambassadors to persuade them to believe in Christ As though God himself did beseech you by us his Messengers we pray you in Christs stead who is the Prime and Great Apostle from the Father to be reconciled to God even thankfully to accept his Grace and to give up Heart and Life to him 21. For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him 21. For God hath made Christ to be a Sacrifice for Sin who himself was sinless and this in our stead and for our Pardon and Salvation that so in him we might have the Righteousness which is freely given us of God and be Partakers of the Divine Nature ANNOTATIONS 1. THe Socinians strive hard to distort the first part of this Chapter as if it spake of no Heavenly House till the Resurrection Their first Reason is Because 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Domicilium is opposed to the Body here and therefore it must mean the future Body But 1. by the Tabernacle of our Earthly House Paul seemeth to me to mean both this Body and Earth together our present worldly state in the Flesh 2. Were it otherwise yet their Conclusion would not follow For the Heavenly State of Glory without a Body may be called our House as contradistinct to this Body 3. Nor is this Objection any thing to the Old Fathers and some present Divines as Dr. Moâ—e c. who think that departed Souls have a pure sort of Bodies above to us invisible either taking with them some tenacious igneous Spirits hence or passing into some Etherial Vehicle there as even Mammertus thought and others who yet assert that Souls themselves are immaterial 2. Their Second Reason is from v. 2. because it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 our House which is from Heaven and not which is in Heaven But 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 oft signifieth the Substance Matter or thing of which another thing is made as we say some things are made from or of Earth Stone Iron Silver c. So here 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 doth necessarily signifie no more but that our House or Building after Death will be Heavenly that is of Heavenly Substance Quality and State 3. And the Context doth confute the Perverters For 1. The first verse intimateth that we shall have the Eternal Building in Heaven when the Earthy Tabernacle is dissolved for the conditional 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 intimateth the time 2. Verse 3. signifieth that we shall not be found naked which none could suspect after the Resurrection that believed it but the putting off the Body might make Men fear 3. What else can be meant v. 6 8. by being absent from the Lord while we are in the Body and being absent from the Body and present with the Lord And v. 9. by being accepted of him as the height of our Ambition when we die II. Verse 19. is mistaken by many as if by the World were meant only the Elect because Reconciliation and not imputing Trespasses are mentioned But the Text most plainly tells us of a General Reconciliation and non-imputation to Mankind and a particular to Believers God did so far reconcile and forgive the World as not to deal with them meerly on the terms of the violated Law of Innocency but to give them a Redeemer and a Law of Grace and a Sealed Pardon of all sin and free gift of Salvation by Christ on condition of Believing Acceptance and that is commonly said to be given which is freely by a deed of Gift conferr'd though Acceptance be implyed or exprest as the Condition of enjoymenr and a Man may yet wilfully refuse it or neglect it yea such Conditions aâ—e so naturally necessary that they use not to be expressed Yet no Man is Actually but only Conditionally possest of Pardon and Reconciliation till that Condition be performed Yet God was forgiving them on his part and was not imputing sin and unworthiness of Redemption to them when he gave them a Saviour And yet the work of the Ministry remaineth even to intreat Men to believe and accept this Pardon and Reconciliation as offered and it is then actually theirs when they thus accept it To say that then their Faith doth more than Christs did or Gods Grace is a putid Cavil Their Faith or Acceptance is no efficient
henceforth as the Unconverted Heathens that follow their own false imaginations 18. Having the understanding darkened being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the blindness of their heart 19. Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness to work all uncleanness with greediness 18 19. Their Understanding being darkened and they being meer strangers to a holy living on and unto God because of the ignorance and blindness of their Minds which have lost the very light of Nature and being stupified by Pravity and Custom in sin have given themselves up to fleshly lusts to do the filthiest Acts with greedy desire and delight 20. But ye have not so learned Christ 21. If so be that ye have heard him and have been taught by him as the truth is in Jesus 20 21. But Christ has taught you and you have learned a clean contrary course of life If indeed you have heard what he teacheth and have been taught the True Doctrine of Christ 22. That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts 23. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind 22 23. That you put off the old fleshly Mind and Life which is corrupt in disposition and practice by the deceit of sensual lusts And that you be made New Men in the very bent and habits of your Mind with New Judgment and Affections 24. And that ye put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness 24. And that you become New Men possest of New Dispositions wrought in you by God according to his Word and for his Glory consisting in Righteousness and true Holiness 25. Wherefore putting away lying speak every man truth with his neighbour for we are members one of another 25. And in particular as parts of your Righteousness see that you avoid all lying and fraud and speak the plain truth to one another for we are all fellow Members of one Body and therefore should not be false and fraudulent to each other 26. Be ye angry and sin not let not the sun go down upon your wrath 26. Anger is given us for the due resisting of Evil but use it not blindly rashly and inordinately to sin much less may you lie down and continue in such sin 27. Neither give place to the devil 27. And do not yield to Satan who by Mens provocations would draw you to sin 28. Let him that stole steal no more but rather let him labour working with his hands the thing which is good that he may have to give to him that needeth 28. If any have by want or errour been tempted to steal or take any thing that is anothers against his Will let him do so no more nor by idleness continue his necessities but as he is able labour in some profitable work and that not only to supply his own wants but to relieve as many others as he well can 29. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth but that which is good to the use of edifying that it may minister grace unto the hearers 29. Let no sinful rotten or filthy Discourse come out of your Mouths which will signifie a polluted Heart and may corrupt the hearers but let your words be such as are not only harmless to others but profitable even that which is useful to edification for useless truth it self is not to be chosen 30. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption 30. For the Spirit of God which is his Mark and Seal upon you to prepare you for the day of Salvation is a hater of all filthiness and vanity and a lover of Purity and Holiness and Mutual Edification And though he have not Passion and Grief as Men have yet as offended Men will in displeasure forsake that which is filthy and abhorred so will the Spirit of God in displeasure forsake a filthy sinner And that is one of the forest kind of Punishment 31. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and evil-speaking be put away from you with all malice 31. And Gods Spirit being the Spirit of Love cast away Malice and all that savoureth of it bitterness wrath and hurtful anger clamorous fierce and ill and hurtful words 32. And be ye kind one to another tender-hearted forgiving one another even as God for Christs sake hath forgiven you 32. As having the same Spirit in the same Body be kind and tenderhearted one to another taking the good or hurt of each other as your own And as you can easily forbear and forgive your selves and be willing that others forgive you so forgive one another and that out of the belief and thankful sense of Gods forgiving you much more for the sake of Jesus Christ CHAP. V. 1. BE ye therefore followers of God as dear children 2. And walk in love as Christ also hath loved us and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour 1 2. Having therefore so obliging an example of your Heavenly Father shew that you are his true beloved Children by imitating him and let Love be your very Nature and course of life remembring still how Christ hath loved us and given himself for us an Offering and Sacrifice for our sins with which God was highly pleased in him 3. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness let it not be once named amongst you as becometh saints 4. Neither filthiness nor foolish talking nor jesting which are not convenient but rather giving of thanks 3 4. But let not Fornication or any uncleanness or filthy lust be once named among you unless by necessary opposition and detestation for this is the course beseeming all Christians who must be pure or Saints Nor yet use any ribald talk or filthy action nor foolish speaking nor vain jesting or drollery the foam of a light vain wit for these are unbeseeming Holy Persons but rather employ your Tongues in thanks and joyful praise to God and in holy edifying Discourse 5. For this ye know that no whoremonger nor unclean person nor covetous man who is an Idolater hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God 5. Let none pretend that Christianity by freeing them from the Law giveth them liberty to sin unpunished For if you are Christians the Word and Law of Christ hath taught you that no Whoremonger or Unclean Person or Covetous Person who is an Idolater by loving the World more than God or one that imitateth Idolaters in lusts hath right of inheritance in Heaven or in the holy Church on Earth 6. Let no man deceive you with vain words for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience 7. Be not ye therefore partakers with them 6 7. Let no Hereticks or Libertines deceive you with false Pretences of Liberty for
it is supposed that we are wronged else there is no need of forgiving 2. True Christians are known by this Spiritual Nature as well as by Religious Exercises 14. And above all these things put on charity which is the bond of perfectness 14. But as the most necessary and excellent of all put on true endeared Love to others as your selves for the sake of God who must be most loved For as this is the highest Grace which Christs Spirit worketh in us so it is that Bond which by uniting Believers to Christ and each other tendeth to the perfect compagination growth and welfare of the Church and every Member of it 15. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts to the which also ye are called in one body and be ye thankful 15. And let that Peace which God both giveth you within and calleth you to exercise by dwelling in your Hearts bear rule in your lives towards all Men as being of the same Body And live in continual thankfulness to God 16. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 16. Let the word of God so possess your Souls that you may by it have plenteous Holy Wisdom to instruct and admonish one another and Holy Affections that those who have the gift of composing Holy Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs for themselves and others use may do it wisely and all of you use them with Holy Joy in singing to the Lord. 17. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God and the Father by him 17. And let all that you offer to God in word or deed in worship or obedience be done in the name of the Lord Jesus trusting for acceptance to his Mediation and offer your daily Thanksgiving to God the Father by him our High Priest in the Heavens 18 19 20 21 22 23. Wives submit your selves unto your own husbands as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands love your wives and be not bitter against them Children obey your parents in all things for this is well-pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers provoke not your children to anger lest they be discouraged Servants obey in all things your masters according to the flesh not with eye-service as men-pleasers but in singleness of heart fearing God And whatsoever ye do do it heartily as to the Lord and not unto men 24. Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance for ye serve the Lord Christ 18 19 20 21 22 23 24. See all this before Paraphrased Eph. 5 6. 25. But he that doth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done and there is no respect of persons 25. But if Masters or Servants do wrong to the other though they may escape the punishment of Man God who respecteth no Mans Person will judge and punish them CHAP. IV. 1. MAster 's give unto your servants that which is just and equal knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven 1. Let not your power over your Servants embolden you to abuse oppress or wrong them but give them all wages and usage which Justice and Equity require for you have a Master in Heaven who will judge you as you are and do 2. Continue in prayer and watch in the same with thanksgiving 2. Be constant in Prayer and not cursory or cold and watch in it against your corruptions and temptations joyning thanksgiving with your requests 3. Withal praying also for us that God would open unto us a door of utterance to speak the mystery of Christ for which I am also in bonds 3. Praying for us Ministers of Christ that God would give us freedom from Mens restraints and our own infirmities that we may with enlargedness and boldness preach the Gospel for which I suffer 4. That I may make it manifest as I ought to speak 4. That I may open and apply it as the Work and the Souls of Men require 5. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without redeeming the time 5. Use the wisdom toward them that are without the Church which is needful to keep you from receiving hurt by them or in doing good to them 6. Let your speech be alway with grace seasoned with salt that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man 6. Let all your speech be the exercise of God's Grace in your Hearts not rotten filthy or vain but wise and savoury that you may speak pertinently and fruitfully to every Man especially in the necessary defence of the truth against Gainsayers and resolving of the doubtful 7. All my state shall Tychichus declare unto you who is a beloved brother and a faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord 7. Tâ—chicus a faithful Brother fully shall acquaint you with my Concernments 8 9. Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose that he might know your estate and comfort your hearts With Onesimus a faithful and beloved brother who is one of you They shall make known unto you all things which are done here 10. Aristarchus my fellow-prisoner saluteth you and Marcus sisters son to Barnabas touching whom ye received commandments if he come unto you receive him 11. And Jesus which is called Justus who are of the circumcision These onely are my fellow-workers unto the kingdom of God which have been a comfort unto me 8 9 10 11. These are all that have helpt me here at Rome in my suffering and have much comforted me 12. Epaphras who is one of you a servant of Christ saluteth you always labouring fervently for you in prayers that ye may stand perfect and compleat in all the will of God 13. For I bear him record that he hath a great zeal for you and them that are in Laodicea and them in Hierapolis 12 13. Note 1. That Prayer should be a Work of fervent labouring 2. That Ministers-should long for the Peoples increase in Grace and universal Obedience more than to promote their own Interest with them 14 15. Luke the beloved Physician and Demas greet you Salute the brethren which are in â—aodicea and Nymphas and the church which is in his house 〈…〉 15. Which use to meet there And when this epistle is read amongst you cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea 16. Note 1. It was the Duty of the Churches to communicate the Epistles written to them by the Apostles 2. What Epistle that written to Laodicea was it concerneth us not to know It 's vain to think that Paul and other Apostles wrote no more Epistles than be in the Bible or that God is bound to bring down all that they wrote to us 17. And say to Archippus Take heed to the ministery which thou hast received in the Lord that thou
fulfil it 17. Note That Bishops or Pastors may have need to be admonished by the People to take heed to the Ministry which God calleth them to and not to slubber it over much less pervert it but fulfil it 18. The salutation by the hand of me Paul Remember my bonds Grace be with you Amen 18. In conclusion I subscribe my Salutation to you Let the remembrance of my Bonds remember you of your Duty to me in Prayer and receiving of this Word Grace be with you is the summary Benediction Amen The First Epistle of PAUL the Apostle to the THESSALONIANS CHAP. I. 1. PAul and Silvanus and Timotheus unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ Grace be unto you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ 1. To the Assembly of Christians associated in the professed Belief of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ c. 2 3. We give thanks to God always for you all making mention of you in our prayers remembring without ceasing your work of faith and labour of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of God and our Father 2 3. We thankfully remember your working Faith your laborious Love and patient Hope in Christ which is all seen and accepted by God our Father 4 5. Knowing brethren beloved your election of God For our gospel came not unto you in word onely but also in power and in the holy Ghost and in much assurance as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake 4 5. For I was assured that God had freely elected you to be honoured as a Church of Christ in that he sent me particularly to you and that with Power of Miracles and pouring out of the Holy Ghost he confirmed my Ministry and caused me to fulfil it as your Experience telleth you 6. And ye became followers of us and of the Lord having received the word in much affliction with joy of the holy Ghost 6. And because he blessed all with such Success that you obeyed our Word and were converted to God receiving the Word in the trial of sharp Affliction and Opposition and yet with Joy and the participation of the Holy Ghost 7. So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia 7. So that your Example tended to the happy imitation of all that now believe in Macedonia and Achaia 8. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not onely in Macedonia and Achaia but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad so that we need not to speak any thing 8. For from you the Word of God spread abroad even in many other Countries it is known so that I need not tell it them to your praise and their imitation 9. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entring in we had unto you and how ye turned to God from Idols to serve the living and true God 9. They tell abroad themselves what Success we had in your Conversion from Idolatry to the true God 10. And to wait for his Son from heaven whom he raised from the dead even Jesus which delivered us from the wrath to come 10. And to wait in Faith and Hope that his Son that is raised from death and ascended will come from Heaven for our Salvation even Jesus who delivereth us from the Wrath that will come on Unbelievers CHAP. II. 1. FOr your selves brethren know our entrance in unto you that it was not in vain 1. For you are my Witnesses that I came not to you in deceit on any false design or manner 2. But even after that we had suffered before and were shamefully entreated as ye know at Philippi we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention 3. But our shameful usage at Philippi did not discourage us but our trust in our God did embolden us to preach his Gospel to you though in a conflict of great opposition 3. For our exhortation was not of deceit nor of uncleanness nor in guile 4. But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel even so we speak not as pleasing men but God which trieth our hearts 3 4. For I came not to you to deceive you into Errour nor to plead for fleshly Lusts nor crastily to make advantage of you to our gain But as God approved and chose me to be put in trust with the Preaching of the Gospel I do it to please him who trieth our Hearts and not to please the Humours and Lusts of Men. 5. For neither at any time used we flattering words as ye know nor a cloke of covetousness God is witness 5. For you your selves know that I flattered you not nor indulged fleshly Pleasures and God knoweth that I made not the Gospel a Cloak to hide any covetous Design 6. Nor of men sought we glory neither of you nor yet of others when we might have been burdensom as the apostles of Christ 6. Nor did I preach up my self for Vain-glory Power or Profit neither with you or any others though as Christs Apostle I might have pleaded my Power and demanded Maintenance 7. But we were gentle among you even as a nurse cherisheth her children 7. But we sought not our Gain and Glory but your Good and that with all the love and tenderness to you as a Nurse cherisheth her Children in self-denial 8. So being affectionately desirous of you we were willing to have imparted unto you not the gospel of God onely but also our own souls because ye were dear unto us 8. So my strong Love to you made me not onely willingly to preach the Gospel to you without any selfish proud or covetous design but you are so dear to me that I think not my Life too dear for you 9. For ye remember brethren our labour and travel for labouring night and day because we would not be chargeable unto any of you we preached unto you the gospel of God 9. Ye cannot but remember my great Toil and Labour how working at my Trade Night and Day because I would not be chargeable to any of you I preached the Gospel to you freely 10. Ye are witnesses and God also how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved our selves among you that believe 10. I appeal to your selves and to God as Witnesses that our Behaviour with you was holy just and blameless 11. As you know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you as a father doth his children 12. That ye would walk worthy of God who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory 11 12. As you know how tenderly I exhorted and comforted and charged not onely the Assemblies but every one that I could speak to even as a Father will do to every Child that now you are Christians you will live as is suitable to
hath appointed to be Owner and Lord of all things as he is God and Man not only by the prime right of Creation but as the Redeemer of Man all power in Heaven and Earth and all things are delivered to him for the ends of Redemption And by him his Wisdom and Word he made the Worlds and all therein 3. Who being the brightness of his glory and the express image of his person and upholding all things by the word of his power when he had by himself purged our sins sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high 3. Who being the shining Beam or Splendor of his Glory by whom God shineth forth or giveth the knowledge of himself to us as the Sun is known to us by its light and the Character of his Subsistence and upholding and ruling all things by the Word of his Power as by that Word of God's Power they were made when he had by his own Merits and Sacrifice and Covenant made a sufficient Purgation to take away the guilt of our sins and so far purged them away as to enact a pardoning Covenant for all that will believingly accept it in him So that now the general Pardon wants nothing but Acceptance and none shall perish for want of sufficiency in the Sacrifice or Covenant he then ascended and is in heavenly Glory at the Right Hand of God's supream Celestial Majesty Head over all things to his Church that thence he may send down the Holy Ghost to gather his Chosen and bring his Mystical Body to Glory 4. Being made so much better than the angels as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they 4. Being in Excellency and Superiority set above the Angels as he hath by Lot or Inheritance obtained higher Titles Power and Offices than they 5. For unto which of the angels said he at any time Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee And again I will be to him a Father and he shall be to me a Son 6. And again when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world he saith And let all the angels of God worship him 5 6. He calls Christ his Son in divers Texts which though it speak partly of David yet ultimately meaneth Christ and he commandeth the Angel◠to worship him But none of this is said of Angels 7. And of the angels he saith Who maketh his angels spirits and his ministers a flame of fire 7. But he calls his Angels Spirits and Servants and a Flame of Fire 8. But unto the Son he saith Thy throne O God is for ever and ever a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom 9. Thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity therefore God even thy God hath anointed thee with the oyl of gladness above thy fellows 8 9. But to the Son he ascribeth the name of God and an Everlasting Throne and Kingdom and a Scepter of Righteousness and a Superiority by Divine Unction above all others 10. And thou Lord in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth and the heavens are the works of thine hands 11. They shall perish but thou remainest and they all shall wax old as doth a garment 12. And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up and they shall be changed but thou art the same and thy years shall not fail 10 11 12. He is said to be the Lord who made Earth and Heaven and who will remain when they perish and be the same when they are changed 13. But which of the angels said he at any time Sit on my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool 13. He never said to any Angel what he said to Christ of his Kingdom and the subduing of his Enemies c. 14. Are they not all ministring spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of Salvation 14. All those Spirits that are properly called Angels or Messengers are Spirits appointed and sent forth by God to minister for them who shall be Heirs of Salvation under Jesus Christ Annotation THE great difficulty here is to understand how this description belongeth to the Person of Christ Whether it be the Divine Nature that is said to be appointed Heir c. the Brightness of God's Glory the Character of his Subsistence or Person made better than Angels begotten this day set on God's right hand in power c. or the Humane Or whether it be spoken of the Person of Christ as in both Natures and we must not enquire according to which Nature the words are spoken of Christ I have before said on Col. 1.15 16. how many Opinions about the Person and Natures of Christ have been pleaded for 1. That of the Orthodox who assert but one Person of Christ and two Natures though the word Person was long refused by many as not meaning the same with Hypostasis And subtil Philosophers say that the Humane Nature can be no part of Christ's Person but an Adjunct because his Person was compleat from Eternity and the Deity cannot be a Part. But if it were not that the Hereticators will quarrel with it it may be said that the word Person is equivocal and that as Hypostasis is a Person the Divine Nature is the whole Person but not as it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or a Relative Person 2. That of the wretched Socinians who feign Christ to be meer Man advanced 3. That of the Arrians who make him only the first Creature or Emanation of God incarnate super-angelical Light of Lights Very God of very God begotten by Emanation not made as other Creatures but making them all but yet not of the same Essence or Substance with the Father but from the same as a Beam or light from the Sun This the Church hath condemned these 1300 years and more 4. That of some of late who say that Christ hath three Natures 1. The Divine 2. The aforesaid Super-angelical assumed by the Divine to nearest Union 3. The Humane assumed by Both. And they think that this Text speaketh chiefly of the second as assuming the third As it is dangerous to err about any necessary point concerning Christ's Person so it is dangerous to be rash in taking up any unnecessary Opinion about so incomprehensible a Mystery and worse to urge it with pride and fury to the dividing of the Church and the damning of Dissenters To say about many Cases that have torn the Churches I know not is more pardonable than turbulent Error CHAP. II. THerefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard lest at any time we should let them slip 1. Therefore we that have heard the Gospel of Christ and specially who have professed to receive it should with great earnestness set our minds and hearts unto it lest by negligence or unbelief we should lose what we have heard and be as leaking Vessels and be lost our selves 2. For if the word spoken by
more meet to be a Compassionate Helper the Example the Teacher and the Trust of them that must follow him through temptations and by his Merit and Victory hath obtained power to deliver them CHAP. III. WHerefore holy brethren partakers of the heavenly calling consider the apostle and high priest of our profession Christ Jesus 2. Who was faithful to him that appointed him as also Moses was faithful in all his house 1. Wherefore you who are holy Brethren by Faith and Dedication given up to Christ and in him made partakers of that Calling from Heaven which maketh you Heirs of Heaven study and consider Jesus Christ the great Apostle sent of God to be the prime Preacher of the Gospel and the High Priest and chief Guide and Mediator to Godward of our Religion and Profession who faithfully did all that belonged to his undertaken Office in sacrificing himself for our sins and fulfilling all Righteousness and conquering Satan and Death and ascending to intercede for us in Glory and sending down the Holy Ghost and making and sealing the Law of Faith even as Moses in his time was faithful though with disparity of Honour and Work Christ in his own House by a more perfect Administration and Moses but as a Steward 3. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses in as much as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house 3. For Christ is as much more honourable than Moses as the Maker and Master is than the House for Moses was but a Member of the Family but Christ the Maker and Master of it 4. For every house is builded by some man but he that built all things is God 4. All Families or Houses are founded by some man but he that built the Church is the same that built or made all things and that is God 5. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house as a servant for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after 6. But Christ as a son over his own house 5 6. And Moses as a Servant was faithful for the Delivery and Confirmation of so much of God's Word as was to be spoken to the Jews by him but Christ as the Son and Heir and Master of the House as his own 6. Whose house are we if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoycing of the hope firm unto the end 6. This House is the Church of which we are parts so be it we hold fast the confident Profession of our faith and the joy and glorying in our hopes of the promised Blessedness firm to the end 7. Wherefore as the holy Ghost saith To day if ye will hear his voice 8. Harden not your hearts as in the provocation in the day of temptation in the wilderness 9. When your fathers tempted me proved me and saw my works forty years 10. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation and said They do always err in their hearts and they have not known my ways 11. So I sware in my wrath They shall not enter into my rest 7 8 9 10 11. But seeing he will take none to dwell with him in Glory but those that persevere hear and consider what the Holy Ghost said to and of the Israelites To day c. Neglect not his present Call and your present Day to the hardening of your hearts as your Fathers did in the Wilderness by which God's Justice was engaged against them as a People whose hearts were habituated to evil and have not the obedient knowledge of his Ways and Works and Will So that he sware in his just displeasure that that Generation should not enter into the promised Land 12. Take heed brethren lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God 12. Take warning by these Israelites and see that there be not in any of you an evil unsound heart that is prepared by secret Unbelief to depart in Tryal from the Living God 13. But exhort one another daily while it is called To day lest any of you be hardned through the deceitfulness of sin 13. To this end one means appointed by God for your perseverance is speedily and daily to exhort and stir up one another the Pastors in the Church and Assemblies and all in their Places and Converse And the rather because Sin of which you are in danger is a deceitful thing and they that revolt are made believe that it is but a receiving of the Truth or a necessary Self-saving and no forsaking of Christ or Truth or Godliness N. Qu. But what if Rulers forbid us to meet daily for such Exhortation Answ God commandeth you to do it in the manner and time that the End requireth and no man can dispense with his Law The Christians for three hundred years assembled when forbidden Qu. But what if Christian Rulers forbid it Ans Christians have more Obligation than Heathens to do good but no more Authority to do evil or null God's Laws Qu. But what if Violence or Prisons restrain us Ans God requireth not Impossibilities 14. For we are made partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end 14. We are iâ—itially made partakers of Christ as our Saviour but if we will attain Salvation by him we must hold the subsisting faith or the confidence in which we have begun or which is our Principle firm to the end For Perseverance is made a Condition of the Promise of Salvation 15. Whilst it is said To day if ye 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 15 16. The words tell us that some that heard after Deliverance from Egypt provoked God but it was not all 17. But with whom was he grieved forty years was it not with them that had sinned whose carcases fell in the wilderness 17. With whom was God so displeased as Grief here signifieth Nothing displeaseth him but sin It was with backsliding disobedient unthankful murmurers that would not rest in the Will and Word and Providence of God but must have their own carnal will fulfilled and so God in Justice killed them in the Wilderness after so many Miracles had led them many years towards the promised Land Take heed lest you follow them in the like sin to greater punishment for abusing greater mercies 18 19. And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest but to them that believed not So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief 18 19. It was the sinning Unbelievers that he sware should not enter and it was because of their Unbelief that they could not enter Take heed therefore lest ye fall by Unbelief in Tryal for there is more required to our compleat Salvation than to our first part in Christ CHAP. IV. 1. LEt us therefore fear lest a
promise being left us of entring into his rest any of you should seem to come short of it 1. Seeing then that this Promise of Rest is conditional if we persevere and among so many Tryals we are in so much danger of our own heart let careful fear prevent your falling and missing the benefit of that Promise Note Qu. Why should we fear that which God s Decree and Grace have made impossible Ans 1. God hath not made it impossible in it self but only hypothetically or by consequence from his Decree and Foreknowledge to any man 2. His Decree Foreknowledge conjoyn the End and Means as if he said This man shall be saved by persevering Faith and shall persevere by fearing to fall away and avoiding the occasions 3. Weak Christians have not the assurance of God's Election and therefore can gather no such consequence 4. So few if any known did for many hundred years hold that no initial right to Salvation is lost or that all true Christians besides strong confirmed ones did persevere that it is not safe for doubting persons to lay their Salvation on such a controversie specially when it tendeth to abate necessary fear The Fathers of the first four hundred years thought that some beginnings of Justifying Faith were loseable as Adam't Innocency was And Calvin saith Semen qualecunque fidei perditur 2. For unto us was the gospel preached as well as unto them but the word preached did not profit them not being mixed with faith in them that heard it 2. They heard God's Word and so do we But it did not profit and save them because they received it not by a sound confirmed practical Belief 3. For we which have believed do enter into rest as he said As I have sworn in my wrath if they shall enter into my rest although the works were finished from the foundation of the world 3. There is a Rest promised to us Believers as well as the Typical Rest was to the Israelites and the seventh day separated for a Sabbath from the Creation which signified our better Rest 4 5. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise And God did rest the seventh day from all his works And in this place again If they shall enter into my rest 4 5. The Text tells us that besides the Sabbath Rest there was another promised 6. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein and they to whom it was first preached entred not in because of unbelief 7. Again he limiteth a certain day saying in David To day after so long a time as it is said To day if ye will hear his voice harden not your hearts 8. For if Jesus had given them rest then would he not afterward have spoken of another day 6 7 8. It is plain then that some must enter into Rest and Unbelief kept out them to whom it was then Preached and David long after their entring into Canaan seâ—s them a day for their further entrance which he would not have done if Joshua's bringing them into Canaan had been the full obtainment of the promised Rest it followeth that more than that was promised 9. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God 9. The great Sabbatism or Rest then promised to the People of God is yet to come Note This Sabbatism or Rest no doubt is All the state of the Churches deliverance and felicity by Christ Incarnate and Glorified which in the first-fruits is all the Grace which he giveth us on Earth but in the proper full performance it is the state of Glory I have before said why I assent not to Dr. Hammond whom maketh it to be the deliverance of Christians from Persecution and enjoying peaceable Assemblies by the destruction of Jerusalem as if this were the main sense of the Text. 1. How little a thing was that in comparison of Saving Grace and Glory 2. Most of the Christians to whom Paul wrote were to die before that and so not to see and enjoy it 3. The Apostles themselves were not to see it and enjoy it 4. Christianity continued after that a persecuted hated thing under the Heathen till above three hundred years till Constantine's time though with intermissions between the Ten Persecutions Multitudes more were martyred by the Heathens than by the Jews who were in servitude themselves 5. And if any apply it to the time after Costantine the mercy indeed was unspeakable but those that were here written to were not to see it And the Voice that is reported to say Hodiè venenum funditur in Ecclesiam hath by experience been so far credited that we must not prefer the Prelatical Grandure and Power which shortly was set up before the better Rest of Saints while we think how much Peaceable Assemblies which the Doctor calls that Rest through a great part of the Christian World have been hindered and persecuted by Violence Inquisitions Prisons and the Blood of many hundred thousand more than the Jews killed by the Canons and Executions of Papal Greatness and for its Interest And it is incredible that to the suffering Believers of that Age the Holy Ghost comforting them with this great Promise or a Sabbatism or Rest should not principally mean the great and glorious final Rest 10. For he that is entred into his rest he also hath ceased from his own works as God did from his 10. For as God is said to rest and sanctifie the Sabbath when he ended his six days work so our Sabbatism or Rest must be a ceasing from our own works that is 1. From Sin 2. From those Wilderness Labours or troublesom means as sorrow fear conflict c. which are short of the End And 3. From Suffering Note This Verse shews that it is the Heavenly Rest with the beginning of it by Holiness which is here meant for Church-grandure and full prosperity have been the cherishers of our own works and not the ceasing of them 11. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief 11. Let it then be the care and diligence of heart and life to attain that Rest and not to lose it by Apostacy but to take warning by those Unbelievers Note is it liker to be the destruction of the Jews and freedom from this Persecution that should be meant by an Apostle that gloried in suffering rather than that Glory which is indeed the end of Christian care and labour 12. For the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged Sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and of the joynts and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart 12. For though some may be deceived by a self-flattering heart and seducing reasonings and some think to conceal their sin God's Word is quick and powerful and sharper than a two-edged Sword being fitted by the all seeing God to search
with holy Resolution and soberly watch and keep up your Hope until the end for that glorious effect of Redemption and Grace which you shall see and enjoy at the day of Christ's glorious appearing which will answer all your Hopes 14. As obedient children not fashioning your selves according to the former lusts in your ignorance 14. And as obedient Children of God to whom you are reconciled no more living as you did in the time of your ignorance in fleshly lusts and worldly vice 15. But as he which hath called you is holy so be ye holy in all manner of conversation 16. Because it is written Be ye holy for I am holy 15 16. And as Children must be like their Father and they must please God who will be saved by him therefore as he that hath called you is a holy God and Saviour be ye a holy People for so God requireth Be holy for I am holy 17. And if ye call on the Father who without respect of persons judgeth according to every mans work passe the time of your sojourning here in fear 17. And if you call God your Father and call on him who without respect of persons for any worldly difference judgeth all men according to their works let the thoughts of his Holiness and future Judgment cause you to pass the time that you as Sojourners wait for Christ's coming in holy cautelous obedient fear 18. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers 19. But with the precious blood of Christ as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot 18 19. For the preciousness of the price which redeemed us tells us the great worth of our Salvation from sin and misery which was not with silver and gold or any corruptible price but it was with the precious blood of Christ the spotless Lamb of God that ye were redeemed from the vain Ceremonies and Traditions which you were bred up in and from your sinful conversation 20. Who verily was fore ordained before the foundation of the world but was manifest in these last times for you 21. Who by him do believe in God that raised him up from the dead and gave him glory that your faith and hope might be in God 20 21. Whom God had sore-ordained to this blessed Office before the foundation of the World but though oft prophesied of was not incarnate and manifest in the flesh till these last times even for you that live since his coming who are not by him drawn as we are falsly accused from the true and only God but by him are taught the true knowledge of God and to believe that God to be God indeed wise good and almighty who raised Christ from the dead and gave him glory and so that your Faith and Hope might be ultimately in God alone by Christ's Mediation 22. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently 22. And as you have purified your Souls from former Errour and Sin by obeying the Gospel by the work of God's Spirit unto unfeigned love of Christian Brethren be sure to keep up that Love and with a pure heart and deep affection to love each other 23. Being born again not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible by the word of God which liveth and abideth for ever 23. Seeing you are not only Brethren by corruptible generation and relation but of incorruptible seed by the Word of God who liveth and abideth for ever and so must your incorruptible love to each other which is part of your incorruptible nature 24. For all flesh is as grass and all the glory of man as the flower of grass the grass withereth and the flower thereof falleth away 25. But the word of the Lord endureth for ever And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you 24 25. For all flesh and all its glory is a fading dying thing like the grass and flower But God's Word is everlasting Truth as Christ the Author is and is our Guide to an Everlasting Life And this true Word is it which we preach to you by the Gospel and bespeaketh endless constancy in your holy love and obedience CHAP. II. 1. WHerefore laying aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisies and envies and all evil-speakings 2. As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby 1 2. Lay aside therefore and renounce all naughtiness and all deceit and hypocrisy or counterfeiting and all envy and all speaking evil of others And as new born babes desire and seek and drink in the rational Milk or intellectual without fraud and mixture that you may grow up to Salvation by it which the mixture of heresie or hypocrisie would vitiate and invectives against others would but turn it against your selves 3. If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious 4. To whom coming as unto a living stone disallowed indeed of men but chosen of God and precious 5. Ye also as lively stones are built up a spiritual house and holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ 3 4.5 And if you are Christians indeed and have had a Spiritual relish of the love of God in Christ you must suppose his Church to be like an House in which every stone is a living man and Christ is the chief Foundation stone as the Lord of Life on whom all the building is erected rejected indeed by the Jewish and Heathen Rulers but chosen of God to this blessed Office and more Precious than any Pearl and so coming to him the Foundation as so many living stones your selves you being cemented to him and to one another are made one Spiritual House of God yea as a Temple in which you are all Priests to offer Daily Sacrifice to God which he will accept through the Intercession of the great High Priest Jesus Christ For your Prayer and Praise may be thus accepted Think thus of Gods House and you may be for sweeping and repairing it but you will never be for dividing dismembring or separating from it 6. Wherefore it is contained in the scripture Behold I lay in Sion a chief corner-stone elect precious and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded 6. This the Scripture foretold saying I lay in Sion c. That is I set over the Church a Saviour and a King on whom the Church shall be sounded And none shall be put to shame by the frustration of their Faith Hope and Obedience who put their trust in him 7. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious but unto them which be disobedient the stone which the builders disallowed the same is made the head of the corner 8. And a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence even to
these Performances being the Condition of your actual Salvation your Covenant Title will be compleat and you shall have sure entrance and full possession of the Kingdom of Glory 12. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things though ye know them and be established in the present truth 12. And holy Diligence and Improvement being so necessary to you I must not be negligent to put you in remembrance and stir you up to it though you know it already and believe it Note We have great need to be diligently stirred up to the remembrance and practice of that which we know already as well as to know more 13. Yea I think it meet as long as I am in this tabernacle to stir you up by putting you in remembrance 14. Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me 13 14. Note 1. The Body is but the Soul's Tabernacle 2. Ministers must never give over pressing known Truths while they live 3. The knowledge of approaching death must quicken us to diligence 15. Moreover I will endeavour that you may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance 15. Note That we must not be careful only for our own life time but for a Succession and Continuance of Truth and Godliness when we are dead lest it dye with us Therefore we write 16. For we have not followed cunningly devised fables when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ but were eye-witnesses of his majesty 16. For our Doctrine of the Glorious Coming and Kingdom of Christ is not a cunningly devised fable For we were eye witnesses of a glimpse of that Glory in his Transfiguration which he foretold us of as a resemblance of his last coming and his Kingdom 17. For he received from God the Father honour and glory when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased 17. For he then received in his humane nature a communicated splendour and celestial honour and glory when God from the Heavenly magnificent glory said This is my c. Note 1. It is the highest honour and perfection of a Creature to be Loved and Pleasing to God 2. Gods Testimony of his Son from heaven is our Great obligation to faith and obedience to him 18. And this voice which came from heaven we heard when we were with him in the holy mount 18. This voice three of us heard when we were with him in that mount which was sanctified by this glorious appearance and may well be called The holy mount 19. We have also a more sure word of prophecy whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place untill the day dawn and the day-star arise in your hearts 19. And we have also in the Old Testament a firm prophetick word many prophets foretelling the Kingdom of Christ And ye do well to search and take notice of these as to a Light that was set up by God for the use of those darker ages to lead them to the Knowledge of Christ and so is very useful still till the clearer Preaching of that Gospel come and the Spirit of Christ as his agent and witness possess your hearts Note The word more sure signifieth not more sure than the Gospel but very sure Or more sure to the Jews than Peters bare word of the Transfiguration and voice on the mount 20. Knowing this first that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation 21. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Ghost 20 21. But this you must first know that no prophecy of Scripture is to be expounded as speaking only of those persons whom the speaker first meant whether himself or others nor according to the speakers proper private thought For the prophecy came not in old time by the Speakers own Wisdom Knowledge Invention or will but holy men of God were moved by Gods Spirit to speak those words which signified more than they designed or alwaies meant and understood themselves Note It seemeth strange to me that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 proper or private interpretation should be commonly by excellent Expositors misinterpreted as if it spake of prâ—per or private expositors and so set men on disputing who must be the publick Expositor when the words plainly speak of proper or private sense or objective exposition As when David oft speaketh words which are immediately true of himself or of Solomom you must not expound them as meant properly of them who were private persons and but types For it was the Holy-Ghost speaking in them whose sense must be known who meant Christ the publick person as typified by the private of whom they were first verified And whether David as in Psal 2. 22. and such other meant more than himself and his Kingdom or not the Holy-Ghost meant more If Grotius were in the right that Isaâ— meant but Jeremy or Iosiah in Isa 53. it s certain that they were but typicall and the Holy-Ghost meant Christ So that the plain sense is that Scripture prophecy receiving its full sense from the Spirit and not from the Speaker must not in our exposition be appropriated narrowly to those private men by whom or of whom they were proximately meant by the Speaker CHAP. II. 1. BUT there were false prophets also among the people even as there shall be false teachers among you who privily shall bring in damnable heresies even denying the Lord that bought them and bring upon themselves swift destruction 1. But one of your great Tryals will be as theirs of old by false Prophets so by false Teachers who will rise up among your selves who will by secret seducing persons wiâ—h whom by familiarity they have advantage bring in Sects holding damnable Errours even by plain consequence denying Christ that bought them while they deny what is essential to his Person and Offices or teaching that he many be denyed with the Tongue in dangers for self-preservation because God will have mercy and not sacrifice as long as the heart doth not deny him Note 1. That all Christians have need to be fortified against false Teachers as well as against persecuting enemies 2. Christ is called The Lord that bought them not because they falsly profest that he bought them as some say but because he purchased and made to them a Deed of gift of Christ pardon and life to be theirs on Condition of believing acceptance And because they should not perish for want of a sufficient sacrifice for sin 2. And many shall follow their pernicious wayes by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of 2. And many that profest Christianity shall be seduced by them and follow their pernicious waies
which maketh me the easilyer believe Epiphanius that John was first banished into Patmos in the reign of Claudius and there wrote part of the Book at least For though some of it might be written of things past it s hardly credible that most of it should be such This Verse hath many Expositions Many say it speaketh not of individual Kings but of seven sorts of Government viz. Kings Consuls Decemvirs Dictators Tribunes Military and Emperours and the Pope they make to be the seventh and eighth But so much is said against this as I cannot answer As 1. That it is not meer Power but Idolatrous and Persecuting Power that the Text describeth And none of these persecuted save the Emperours nor were they so Idolatrous as Athens and other places 2. That the meer Imperial Power as the Pillar of Idolatry is plainly made the Beast therefore not the five antecedent 3. That indeed these five were no Supreme Power for that was only in the Senate which had the Legislative Power till violence ravisht them of it which when it did the Consuls Decemvirs Tribunes had but a part No nor the Emperours long or oft These were not several Sovereigns but parts of the Supreme as the Tribuni Plebis were and some of them very short And the Pontisices Maâ— might as well be named as some of them And who the seventh and eight Head were is said with so great difficulties difference and confusion as would be tiresome to repeat The Papists Opinions about a future Antichrist and theirs that apply all to Mahomet I will not repeat They that expound it of particular Câ—sars also are opposed by many hard Objections Some of them apply all to the seven Emperours that the Christians were first troubled by viz. Claâ—aius Nâ—â—s Galâ—a Oâ—io Vitellius Vespasian Titus and Domitian the eighth But three or four of these persecuted not Some think that seven here signifieth not a determinate number but many They seem the same with the seven Heads chap. 13. And if the ten Horns signifie not precisely just ten why should the seven I that understand it not may say it is as probable as some of these that this be the sense it being the time of the Fall of the Beast and Whore that I am speaking of there shall be at that time seven Caesars alive at once of whom Dioclesian Constantius Chlorus Galerius Maximianus Severus and Galerius Maximinus are faln at the time when Constantine is destroying Idolatry Constantine is the sixth who is then in being Licinius is after to be used as one of them seeming then a Friend The bloody Dioclesian who with Max. Herculius laid down the Rule is one of the seven and together will by the Devil's instigation attempt again to be the eighth but to his own perdition Whether Maxentius pass only for a partial Usurper after or pass for the eighth rather than Dioclesian I let pass Both Licinius and Maxentius continued but a short space 12. And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten Kings which have received no kingdome as yet but receive power as kings one hour with the beasts 12. Say some they are twelve Heathen Kings that are not full Kings but tributary to Rome Say others they are the Gothish and other extraneous Kings that are not in the Empire but are consederates Some say it is the Tyrants that have headed the Devil's Kingdom in seven several Ages But this is a vain Popish Evasion That ten Kings were dependent on Pagan Rome is clear and that ten or more of the Barbarians broke the Christian Empire But which is meant is the doubt 13. These have one mind and shall give their power and strength unto the beast 14. These shall make war with the Lamb and the Lamb shall overcome them for he is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings and they that are with him are called and chosen and faithfull 13 14. The ten Idolatrous dependent Kingdoms shall assist and support the Roman Pagan Empire with their Power and Strength But Christ who overcometh Rome will overcome them also for he is over all Kings and Kingdoms and will help the Christian Army under Constantine Or say others ten Kings shall give their Power to the Pope and make War against Christ that is his Doctrine and Worship and Christ and the Reformers shall overcome them But these cannot be the same barbarous Kingdoms of Goths c. forementioned but mostly others 15. And he saith unto me The waters which thou sawest where the whore sitteth are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues 15. This Idolatrous Roman Power ruleth over many great and populous Nations of the Earth Or as others the Papal Idolatrous Power is upheld by many Nations even all the Empire 16. And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast these shall hate the whore and shall make her desolate and naked and shall eat her flesh and burn her with fire 16. The ten Nations that before upheld the Roman Idolatry shall turn against her and be the Instruments of her destruction The Britains Gauls Germans and divers others first fought with Constantine against the Pagans and many more of them after turned Christians Or say others the foresaid Goths Vandals c. shall overthrow the remnant of Pagans in Rome Or say others The Reformation shall be wrought by Princes that have forsaken Popery Whether it speak only of destroying the Idolatrous Roman Power or of destroying the Houses or City it self is controverted The latter is not yet performed nor the first as to the Papacy 17. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will and to agree and give their kingdom unto the beast until the words of God shall be fulfilled 17. God hath so over-ruled them and all their hearts that eventually they shall serve the Pagan Empire say some or the Papal Power say others till the time that God will pull them down as he foretold Note God can so order things that all his Judgments shall be executed by sinners without causing any one of their sins 18. And the woman which thou sawest is that great city which reigneth over the kings of the earth 18. It is certainly Rome that then reigned It is certain then that Pagan Imperial Rome was at that time the Beast on which the Whore sate And certain that Pagan Idolatry was it that then made Rome the Whore But whether besides this Christian Imperial Rome under Constantine or under the Western Emperours after or Imperial Constantinople or Rome as the Popes Seat before 606 or after only or when be the Whore And whether their very differen sort of sin make them two or three whores or the concord in general or similitude make Pagan and Papal Rome to be the same whore as meant in this Text these and other are the doubts But the certain part must not be doubted of CHAP. XVIII 1. ANd after these things I saw another angel come down from