contumacy forsake her husband nor the husband to forsake his wife but if she depart let her live unmarryed or be reconciled to her husband 694. Luk. 22. 28. Ye are they who have continued with me in my temptations Mat. 26. 56. All the Disciples forsook him and fled In the former place the Disciples constancy is commended for the time past that they forsook not Christ in his temptations when others were backward In the latter is observed their scattering abroad for that at the time of Christs passion their faith was much shaken 695. Luk. 22. 29. I appoint to you a Kingdom as my Father hath appointed me Mar. 10. 40. For to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give He speaks at first not of the Kingdome of heaven whereof he hath the sole government but of the administration of the Kingdome of Grace in the promulgation of the Gospel through all the world and planting of Churches by Apostolical Authority which he going to his Father left in charge with them as he had it committed to him by his Father 696. Luk. 22. 31. Satan desired to have you that he may sift you as Wheat 1 Joh. 5. 18. And he that is born of God sinneth not and that wicked one that is the Devill toucheth him not Satan lays snares for godly men alwayes seeking whom he may devour that Christ confirms by example of the Disciples John teacheth that that evill one shall not hurt us though he set upon us For God is faithful who will not 1 Cor. 10. 13. suffer you to be tempted above what you are able but will with the temptation make a way to escape that you may be able to bear it 697. Luk. 23. 34. Father forgive them Joh. 17. 9. I pray not not for the world Christ both by words and his own example taught us to pray for our enemies he prayed not for the world that is for wicked men hardned in their sins of whom there was no hopes of repentance we must not imitate that because he onely knew best who they were that were such 698. Luk. 24. 10. Mary Magdalen and Joanna and Mary the Mother of James which told these things unto the Apostles Mar. 16. 10. Mary Magdalen told them that had been with him Mark excludes not the other women he names Mary Magdalen either because she spake to the Apostles in the name of all the rest or else with greater affection or because she spake first The Gospel of St. JOHN IT contains a relation of Christs Person both Mat. 10. 7. according to his divine and humane Nature also his Office and pains he endured unto the death or the Crosse his Resurrection also and his appearings It was written after the other Evangelists against the Heresies of Ebion and Cerinthus being as it were a Complement of those things were let passe by the other Evangelists 699. Joh. 1. 7. John came for a witnesse to bear witnesse of the light c. 5. 34. I saith Christ receive not testimony from man John testified of Christ that he was the light Act. 1. 8. c. 10. 39. of the world not for Christs cause but for mans cause that they might believe in him For seeing he is the chief good the testimony of men or Angels can adde nothing unto him 700. Joh. 1. 8. He that is John was not that light c. 5. 35. He was a burning light John was not the light of life which enlightens Joh. 8. 12. every man that comes into the world but Christ who is the light of the world Yet John was a burning light which not of himself but before others carryed the Torch-light of the Word and enlightned many by the Ministery that so they might see that true Light and Sun of Righteousnesse So Ministers of the Church and all the godly shine before others in holy doctrine and a pious life 701. Joh. 1. 14 18. We behold his glory as of the only begotten of the Father Gal. 3. 26. For you are all the children of God by faith which is in Christ Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God Rom. 8. 15. 2 Cor. 1. 22. c. 5. 15. namely the natural Son begotten from everlasting by the communication of the whole divine Nature from the Father the faithful are called the sons of God by Adoption their faith in Christ and the holy Ghost which is called the Spirit of Adoption because by his vertue and operation he adopts us to be the sons of God 702. Joh. 1. 27. He it is who came after me v. 27. For he was before me Christ was born after John the Baptist of the Virgin Mary in the sixth moneth according to his humane Nature but he was before him as he was God from everlasting 703. Joh. 2. 4. Woman what have I to doe with thee Mat. 15. 4. Honour thy Father and Mother The words of Christ were of Information not of Reprehension For we must obey God rather then men By the word woman he implyes that the Virgin Mary must not be the object of Invocation but God only saith Epiphan Haeres 79. 704. Joh. 3. 13. No man hath ascended up to heaven but he that came from heaven even the Son of Man which is in heaven c. 17. 24. Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory By ascending and descending here we must understand the usurpation of heavenly things for the natural and carnal man perceiveth not those things which are from the Spirit of God And all those whom the Father gave to Christ that is the faithful shall be blessed with him for ever both in souls and bodies and so the first place is explained by the latter Christ is Head of the faithful and we are his Members he is in the midst of us and our conversation is in heaven He descended in weaknesse that he might raise us to his glory for no man can come to the Father but by him 705. Joh. 3. 17. God sent not his Son into the world Gal. 4. 4. God sent his Son God sent not his Son to judge the world in his state of humiliation but he sent him to redeem those that were under the law now in his state of exaltation he doth and will judge the world For all judgement and power is Joh. 5. 19. Mat. 28. given to him from the Father both in Heaven and in Earth 706. Joh. 4. 1. Jesus baptized v. 2. Jesus himself baptized not but his Disciples Christ did not outwardly baptize with his own hands but by his Disciples yet it is called Christs Baptism because he appointed it and consecrated it by his Word sanctified it by his own Baptism adorned it and confirmed it by annexing a promise to it and because with the outward Baptism by water he joyneth the baptism by fire that is he Mat. 3. 11. Luk. 3. 17. inwardly washeth
about the Law In the first place he requires that Teachers by their Office shall rebuke those that are gainsayers with all long suffering and sobriety in the later that they avoid janglings about words that is contentious clamorous unprofitable Disputations and verball Discourse which tends not to edification either with Heretiques or others in the Church because they edifie none but rather confirm them in their sinnes 1007. Tit. 2. 15. Rebuke with all authority 1 Tim. 3. 3. A Bishop must be no striker Titus was gentle by nature therefore he is warned to rebuke with authority He inculcates to Timothy modesty and mildnesse that when he rebukes he should not strike but should rebuke diversly according to the diversity of mens faults offices ages degrees otherwise old men otherwise young men otherwise those that sinne of malice otherwise those that sinne of infirmity otherwise those that were ready to obey and otherwise those that were obstinate as there were in Crete many despisers of the Ministry The Epistle of St PAUL to PHILEMON HE intercedes for Onesimus who was runne from his Master Philemon and would have his Master receive him again 1008. Philem. v. 5. He had love and faith toward all the Saints Mark 16. 16. John 3. 16. Whosoever beleeveth in Christ shall be saved Philemon did testifie to all men by his works of love toward the Saints that he had a lively faith in Christ The Epistle to the HEBREWS is also thought to be St PAULS but his Name was left out least the Jews should be deterred from the reading of it HE describes the person of Christ according to his Divine and humane Nature and he confirms his Offices Priestly Kingly and Propheticall and exhorts the Jews to faith constancy and good works by the example of the Fathers 1009. Heb. 1. 3. Christ sate down at the right hand of the Majesty on high Acts 7. 55. Steven saw the son of man standing at the right hand To sit at the right hand is to have all Glory Majesty Kingdom and Power both in heaven and in earth The Lamb standing at Gods right hand which was slain for us and intercedes as a Priest on our behalf stands as Aaron stood with his Censer of old betwixt the living and the dead to turn away the wrath of God 1010. Heb. 2. 3. The Gospel was confirmed unto us by those that heard Christ Gal. 1. 12. I neither received it of man neither was I taught it but by the revelation of Jesus Christ In the first place it is spoken of the Apostles who were with the Lord into which number Paul was taken after Christs resurrection and he was more confirmed after his admission communicating with them those things that he had learned by revelation from Christ 1011. Heb. 7. 19. The Law made nothing perfect James 1. 25. The perfect Law of liberty The first place is concerning the Ceremoniall Law which the Jews abused separating the Law from Grace and the Spirit of Christ and opposing the Law to the Gospel The later place is concerning the whole Doctrine divinely revealed comprehended in Gods Word which contains not only in writing Morall Precepts but also Promises concerning Christ of all which Christ is the soul recreating our souls by his Spirit and enlightning our eyes 1012. Heb. 11. 6. He that cometh to God must believe that he is Rom. 2. 6. God shall render to every man according to his deeds We must beleeve because faith is the means and the instrument of our Justification God shall render to every one according to his works because works are the outward testimoniall and mark of our Faith and Justification before God 1013. Heb. 11. 13. The Patriarchs all died not having received the promises ver 33. Obtained promises Acts 2. 39. The promise is made unto you The promise made to the Fathers was temporall concerning the possession of the Land of Canaan which Abraham Isaac and Jacob Act. 7. 5. obtain'd not by themselves but by their successours but the promise was spirituall concerning Christ to be sent and that by faith in Joh. 8. 56. him they should obtain eternall life so the Fathers obtained the promises because they saw Christ afar off and rejoyced that Christ should come they did not obtain the promises because he came not in their daies yet they beleeved he should come 1014. Heb. 12. 17. Esau found no place for repentance though he sought it carefully with tears Acts 2. 38. Repent for the remission of your sinnes Repentance if it be taken passively is referred to Esau's father whose minde could not be changed with his prayers that so he might revoke the blessing conferred upon Jacob but Gen. 27. 33. v. 45. take it actively concerning Esau's repentance and that was not serious but hypocriticall who intended to kill his brother The Canonicall Epistle of St JAMES HE warns them who boasted of their faith without works that they should shew their faith by their works in the Divine Law and flee from sinnes that are forbidden and embrace virtues that are commanded 1015. James 1. 5. If any man lack wisdom let him ask it of God 1 Cor. 3. 18. If any man amongst you seemeth to be wise in this world let him become a fool that he may be wise The first place is concerning spirituall and heavenly wisdome the Authour whereof is God the later concerning vain earthly worldly wisdome and carnall which is foolishnesse with God 1016. James 1. 25. ch 2. 12. The perfect Law of liberty Gal. 4. 24. Which gendreth unto bondage In the former place not only the Morall Joh. 8. 36. Law according to which whosoever liveth is free but also the Doctrine of the Gospel whence true liberty results is to be understood in the later in respect of us and by accident it is called the Law of bondage 1017. James 2. 24. A man is justified by works and not by faith only Rom. 3. 28. We conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the Law The sayings of the Apostles Paul and James Aug quest 76. are not repugnant one to the other the one saith that a man is justified by faith without works the other saith that faith is dead without works those works that go before faith are vain but he speaks of those works that follow faith Paul considers a man justified before God James a man justified before men Paul speaks of true internall faith which justifies in the sight of God James of the outward profession of faith historicall knowledge and the effects and testimonies of it The two Epistles of the Apostle St PETER THe former commemorates Gods benefits exhorts all men in generall to the duties of piety and honesty toward God themselves and their neighbours but in particular in their Domesticall Politique and Ecclesiasticall condition c. the later warns the faithfull that they proceed in godlinesse and fly from false teachers deriders and such as deny the
anger and took him away in my wrath God gave a lawfull Magistrate of his mercy for the good of the godly to defend them against the Philistines yet because by diffidence of God they sought for a King after the example of the Nations as if they could not be safe without a King therefore God gave them a King in his anger 212. 1 Sam. 13. 14. David was a man after Gods own heart Act. 13. 2 Sam. 11. 4. An adulterer Vers 5. A Murderer David amended all by repentance and the heart of God is that he desireth not the death of a sinner but rather that he should be converted and live David indeed erred in many Just Mart. quaest 78. things yet was he constant in the Covenant with God 213. 1 Sam. 15. 24. Saul said to Samuel I have sinned now therefore I pray thee pardon my sin Isa 43. 25. I am he saith the Lord that blot out thy transgressions for my name sake God by his own authority but men ministerially from God remit sins and declare to those that are penitent the pardon of their sins for Christs sake 214. 1 Sam. 15. 35. After Agag was slain Samuel saw Saul no more Chap. 19. 24. Saul prophesied with the rest before Samuel Samuel saw him no more when he had withdrawn himself from Saul till he had joyned himself to the company of Prophets or he never saw him more in his Kingly ornament or to converse familiarly with him as before 215. 1 Sam. 15. 35. It repented the Lord that he had made Saul King Rom. 11. 29. The gifts and graces of God are without repentance The Scripture speaking by anthropopathy after the manner of men affirmes that God repented because he knew Saul to be impenitent and that he should lose his Kingdome and his life also by the just judgement of God 216. 1 Sam. 16. 1. Saul was rejected by God that he should no longer raign over Israel above 10 years Act. 13. 21. he gave them Saul the son of Cis a King for 40 years Saul after he was anointed raigned 10. years Paul joyned the govenment of Saul and Samuel together 217. 1 Sam. 16. 21. David stood before Saul and became his Armour-bearer Chap. 17. 55. Saul seeing David goe forth against the Philistines he said unto Abner Whose sonne is this young man Order is not alwayes observed in History before the duell with Goliah David was no approved Souldier but after that therefore it is Hysterosis that is put before which should follow after 218. 1 Sam. 21. 1. David came to Nob to Abimelech the Priest Mark 2. 26. He went into the house of God in the dayes of Abiathar the Priest Abimelechs Father was Abiathar the Son doing the Priests office was in place of his Father who followed David and was in exile with him 219. 1 Sam. 21. 13. David changed his behaviour before Achis and fayned himself mad Eccles 7. 17. Be not foolish 1 Pet. 2. 1. David fearing greatly conterfeited folly and by that dishonest meanes secured himselfe 220. 1 Sam. 26. 10. Or his day shall come Job 14. 5. to die Eccles 7. 17. Why wilt thou die before thy time His dayes are determined the number of his months are with God thou hast appointed his bounds which he cannot passe Ecclesiastes warns us that we should not by intemperance and wichednesse shorten our own dayes for they that are put to death by mans reason might live longer 221. 1 Sam. 28. 14. Samuel appeared to Saul after his death Revel 14. 13. For the dead rest from their labours He saw a shadow of Samuel but not true Samuel whose soul is in Gods hand and his body rests in peace had it been Samuel indeed he would not suffer Saul to worship him but would have reproved him for that he had fallen from God to look after Witches it was the Devill therefore in Samuels likenesse 222. 2 Sam. 8. 18. The Sons of David were priests elders Lev. 8. Aaron and his sons were consecrated to be Priests Priests that were to officiate in sacred things were chosen only out of the tribe of Levi as Aaron and his sons but in politick matters by priests of Justice Presbyters of counsels are Presidents Princes and chief Rulers to be understood 223. 2 Sam. 10. 2. David would make a league with Hanun King of the Ammonites Deut. 23. 3. Ammonites and Moabites shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord. The Jews might not make a publick league with the Ammonites yet they might hold private friendship with them and the Moabites 224. 2 Sam. 12. 15. David judged a man worthy of death for taking away a sheep Exod. 22. 1. If any one steal a sheep he shall restore four sheep for it David judged the punishment of this theft ought to be increased for the civill circumstances that went with it so the Magistrate useth to lay on more punishment where he finds the offender more bold 225. 2 Sam. 12. 30. David put the crown of the King of the Ammonites on his own head Deut. 7. 25. Thou shalt take nothing to thy self of the prey taken from the enemies of God That law was concerning Idolatrous people that inhabited the Land of promise the Ammonites were out of those bounds therefore David sinned not when he put the Kings crown on his own head and divided the spoil to his followers 226. 2 Sam. 14. 27. Absalon had three sons and one daughter whose name was Tamar Chap. 18. 18. He said I have no sons to keep my name in remembrance The sons of Absalon were dead before their father and so he was without sons 227. 2 Sam. 17. 25. The Father of Amasa was Jethra an Israelite 2 Chron. 2. 17. An Ismaelite He was an Israelite by birth by education an Ismaelite for he lived there a long time 228. 2 Sam. 19. 23. The King said to Shimei Thou shalt not die and he sware unto him 1 King 2. 9. He said to Solomon Bring down his hoary head to the grave with bloud David swore for himself but not for his successor Shimei need not fear whilst David lived and under Solomon he had been out of danger had he staid at Jerusalem 229. 2 Sam. 20. 23. Joab was over the whole Army Chap. 19. 13. David said to Amasa Thou shalt be Captain of the hoast for ever before me in the room of Joab David desired to remove Joab from being Captain because of his cruelty yet he did it not because in great matters he stood in need of him In the mean time Joab deceitfully killed Amasa lest he should be preferred before him the punishment for this David deferred but he did not wholly remit 230. 2 Sam. 24. 9. Joab gave up the number of the people to the King 800000. 2 Chron. 21. 5. He gave David the number of them 1100000. In the former place only the valiant men are counted in the latter the ordinary Souldiers also 231. 2 Sam. 24. 9.
Of the tribe of Judah 500000. 1 Chron. 21. 5. They are numbred 47000. First the Souldiers are numbred with their Colonels but next they are reckoned without their Officers 232. 2 Sam. 24. 13. Shall seven yeares of Famine come unto thee 1 Chron. 21. 12. Choose three years Famin. The Famin of seven years is joyned with the three years famine sent for the cruelty of the house of Saul after that should follow the other for the sins of David 233. 2 Sam. 24. 14. It is better to fall into the hands of the Lord. Heb. 10. 31. It is a fearfull thing to fall into the hands of the living God It is good to be in the hands of God when he is pleased with us because his mercies are great It is fearfull to fall into the hands of God when he is angry for the wicked cannot stand before him in judgement 234. 2 Sam. 24. 15. God sent a Pestilence upon Israel from the morning unto the time appointed Vers 13. Shall there be three dayes Pestilence in thy Land The time appointed was from the morning untill noon of one day or of the continuall morning sacrifice that is four hours 235. 2 Sam. 24. 24. David bought of Araunah the floor and the Oxen for 50. shekels of silver 1 Chron. 21. 25. David gave to Araunah for the threshing floor 600. shekels of gold of just weight The floor with all the ground about it was bought for 600. shekels of gold a greater price then what was given for the threshing floor the Oxen and the wood appointed for the sacrifice The two Books of KINGS Heb. Malachim THe first Book contains the History of Solomon The building of the Temple The division of the Kingdome to Judah and Israel The life of five of the Kings of Judah and eight of Israel Of Elias the Prophet With the History of 116 yeers The second contains the deeds of sixteen Kings of Judah and twelve of Israel Of Elisha and the destruction of the Kingdome and carrying the people of Israel captivo to Assyria Of the children of Judah to Babylon With the History of 345. yeares Jeremias writ them both 236. 1 King 2. 4. If thy children shall keep my wayes and walk in them in truth there shall not fail thee a man to sit on the throne of Israel Gen. 49. 10. The scepter shall not depart from Judah till Shiloh come In the former place it is spoken conditionally of the Kingdome of Israel If the sons of David should keep the wayes of the Lord but because Solomon failed therefore the Kingdome of Israel departed from his son and in the seventh generation the Kingdome of Judah was translated upon Nathan whose posterity ruled over the Jews untill the coming of Christ In the latter place any kind of dominion is foretold to remain in Judahs posterity untill the Messias should come 237. 1 King 3. 1. Solomon took Pharaoh his daughter and brought her into the City of David Exod. 34. 15. Enter not into Covenant with the Inhabitants of that Land nor marry a wife c. Marriages in a different Religion are dangeros nor are they pleasing to God We must not 2 Cor. 6. 14. draw in the same yoak with Infidels for there can be no firme charity or unity where the foundation is neglected that is true Godlinesse That Queen forsaking her Religion and her 1 King 11. 4. fathers house and marrying with Solomon was a type of the mariage of Christ and his Church But because Solomon loved also the women of other Nations and his heart was led away by them to follow other gods he drew the anger of God upon himself and his posterity and caused a defection from them 238. 1 King 3. 13. I have also given thee riches and honour thot none of the Kings shall be like unto thee Mat. 6. 29. Solomon in all his glory was not like the Lillies of the field Solomon exceeded all the Kings in wisdom riches and honour Christ compares the Lillies with his vestiments in his greatest splendour 239. 1 King 6. 2. The house which Solomon built for the Lord the length thereof was 60 cubits the breadth 20. cubits and the height thereof 30 cubits 2 Chron. 3. 4. it is said to be 120 cubits In the first place common cubits in the latter cubits of the Sanctuary must be understood for the sacred cubit did contain two common cubits 240. 1 King 7. 15. He made two brasen pillars of 18 cubits high a piece 2 Chron. 3. 15. He made two pillars of 35 cubits high a piece Both the pillars did appear but 35 cubits high the half of each cubit was hid in the capitall or crowning of the pillar 241. 1 King 7. 19. The chapiters were four cubits 2 King 25. 17. They were three cubits The crown with the chapiter was four cubets without the crown but three cubits 242. 1 King 7. 26. The sea contained 2000 baths 2 Chron. 4. 5. 3000 baths In the former place is expressed the number of baths which ordinarily were put into the Vessell by the Kings order In the latter the capacity of the vessell is set down unto the brim of it so it would hold 3000 baths 243. 1 King 8. 4. The Priests brought up the Arke of the Lord and the Tabernacle of the Congregation into the Temple 2 Chron. 1. 13. The Tabernacle of the Congregation of God was at Gibeon The Tabernacle of David was a new one 2 Sam. 6. 17. 1 Chron. 16. 1. in which was the Arke of the Covenant The old one made by Moses was in the desart and remained at Gibeon 244. 1 King 8. 46. There is no man that sinneth not 1 Joh. 3. 9. Every man that is born of God doth not commit sin Naturally we are polluted with sin by the frailty of the flesh they that are born of God are the sons of God who being regenerate by the holy Spirit doe not give way to sin but carefully resist it being guided by the holy Ghost 245. 1 King 8. 27. The heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain God Col. 2. 9. In Christ dwelleth all fulnesse of the God-head bodily The divine nature cannot be apprehended by us the divinity of Christ is personally united to the flesh and dwels in it as in its proper Temple 246. 1 King 9. 23. Princes over Solomons work 550. 2 Chron. 8. 10. All the Princes over Solomons work were 250. In the former place mention is made of all who took charge of the work in the latter of those that took charge by course 247. 1 King 9. 28. Hiram sent to Solomon 420 talents of gold 2 Chron. 8. 18. They brought from Ophir 450 talents af gold The mariners and Solomons servants spent 30 talents by the way and they brought to Solomon to Jerusalem 420. 248. 1 King 11. 35. God said to Jerohoam I will give unto thee tentribes Vers 36. To Solomons son one tribe Chap. 12. 21. Rehoboam
gathered together all the house of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin Rehoboam had but one whole Tribe and Jeroboam ten tribes the tribe of Benjamin was divided between them both Some others also of other tribes that were godly men specially the Priests and Levites came to Jerusalem and staid in Judea 249. 1 King 12. 24. This thing is from me 2 Sam. 7. 16. Psal 142. 12. saith the Lord that is the revolting of the Israelites 2 Chron. 13. 5. The Lord God gave the Kingdome of David over Israel to him and his sons by a Covenant of salt The promise made to David doth not much concern his temporall kingdome as the eternall and incorruptible kingdome of Christ and the promise also was under a condition if his children should keep Gods laws and walke in his wayes 1 King 2. 4. 250. 1 King 15. 14. Asa took not away the high places 2 Chron. 14. 5. Also he took out of all the Cities of Judah the high places and the Images Those high places where God was worshipped Asa took not away but he destroyed the Idols of the Gentiles and the Images of the Sun 251. 1 King 16. 8. In the 26 year of Asa King of Judah began Ela the son of Basa to reign over Israel in Tersa two years Vers 10. And Zimri went and smote Ela in the 27 year of Asah King of Judah In the 26 yeare of Asah King of Judah Ela reigned over Israel in the 27 year of Asa Zimri rebelled against Elah and killing him took the kingdome from him 252. 1 King 17. 4. God commands the Ravens to feed Elias Lev. 11. 15. Every kind of Raven was abominable to God A Raven indeed is an unclean creature not by creation but by divine ordination and the forbidding men to eat his flesh but to touch the Raven alive or to eat the meat he brought was not unclean to Elias nor an abomination before God 253. 1 King 17. 22. Elias raised the son of the Widow of Sarepta 2 King 4. 18. Elizaeus raiseth the Shunamites childe Joh. 5. 28. God quickneth the dead God raiseth the dead by his own power the Prophets did it not by their own power but by power from him and so confirmed the heavenly doctrine 254. 1 King 19. 11. The Lord was not in the wind or the tempest Ephes 4. 6. God is all in all God did not reveal his presence to Elias in Act. 12. 21. the wind or tempest though he be otherwise in all his creatures 255. 1 King 22. 49. Ahasias the son of Ahab said unto Jehosaphat Let my servants go with thy servants in the ships but Jehosaphat would not 2 Chron. 20. 35. Jehosaphat joyned himself with Ahasias King of Israel to make ships to goe to Tarsis Jehosaphat first refused the friendship of Ahazias but at length he granted 256. 2 King 1. 10. Elias consumed two fifties with fire Luk. 9. 54. Christ forbad his disciples to doe so Elias was the Executor of the wrath of God on the enemies of God The Disciples would rashly have done the like their vocation was not to return evill for evill but to overcome evill with good and to love their enemies 257. 2 King 4. 29. Go and if thou meet any man salute him not Rom. 16. 10. Salute one the other with an holy kisse Salute the Churches Superstitious salutations must be rejected profitable and honest salutations by which we wish good and profit to our neighbour must be observed The command of Elisha to his servant obliged him that without delay or lingring he should performe his errand for what he was commanded was a singular charge 258. 2 King 8. 25. Ahasias reigned in the 12 year of Joram the son of Ahab Chap. 9. 29. In the 11 year of Joram the son of Ahab Ahasias raigned over Judah In the end of the eleventh year and beginning of the twelfth of Joram Ahasiah began to reign 259. 2 King 8. 26. Ahasias was 22. years old when he began to reign 2 Chron. 22. 2. Ahasias was 42 yeares old when he began to reigne Ahasias his age in the former place and the time of the reign of all the house of Omri is put in the latter place 260. 2 King 9. 26. I have seen the bloud of Naboth and the bloud of his sons saith the Lord. 1 King 21. 14. Then they sent to Jesabel saying Naboth is dead Naboth and his sons were killed lest they should by lawfull inheritance possesse the vineyard what therefore the holy Ghost conceals in one place he explains in an other 261. 2 King 12. 21. Josachar and Josabad his servants smote Joas and they buryed him with his Fathers in the City of David 2 Chron. 24. 26. Zabad and Josabad conspired against him and killed him in his bed and buryed him but not in the sepulchre of the Kings Josachar otherwise is called Zobad Joas was unworthy of Kingly buriall because he was perfidious to God and ungratefull to men 262. 2 King 13. 1. In the 23 year of Joas the son of Ahaziah King of Judah reigned Jehoahaz the son of Jehu over Israel in Samaria 17 years Vers 10. In the 37 year of Joas King of Judah began Jehoash the son of Jehoash to reign over Israel 16 years in Samaria Joachas King of Israel reigned 17 years to the 30 year of Joas King of Judah the son of Joachas Joas was joyned with his father in the Government in the 37 year of Joas King of Judah and so he reigned two years with his father 263. 2 King 15. 30. Hoshea the son of Elah after the death of Pekah reigned in the 20 year of Jotham the son of Vzziah King of Judah about 33. Jotham reigned 16 years Hoshea reigned in the 20 year of Jotham not of his reign but from the beginning of his reign who died in the 16 year and Ahaz his son succeeded him 264. 2 King 16. 2. Ahaz was 20 years old when he began to reign and he reigned 16 years Chap. 18. 2. Ezechias was 25 years old when he began to reign so should he be born in the eleventh year of Ahaz Physitians do allow this others do attribute to Jotham 20 years and read it thus Ahaz was 20 years old when Jotham began to reign 265. 2 King 22. 3. In the 18 year of King Josiah the king sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah 2 Chron. 38. 8. In the 18 year of his reign he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah Josias began to reign in the 8 year of his age and in the 18 year of his raign he sent Shaphan to Helkiah 266. 2 King 23. 30. The people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah and anointed him King in his Fathers stead Vers 34. And Pharaoh Necho made Eliakim the son of Josiah King in the room of his Father Mat. 1. 11. Josias begat Jechonias Iechonias nephew to Iosias was the son of Ioakim set by Pharaoh into the place of Ioacas who was carryed
because the beginnings of this did not seem to answer the Majesty of the former Temple 283. 1 Ezd. 7. 7. And there went up some of the children of Israel of the Priests and the Levites unto Jerusalem in the seventh year of Artaxerxes Ch. Jer. 25. 12. 34. 10. 2 Chron. 3. 22. 1. 1. In the first year of Cyrus King of Persia the Jews had power given them to go up to Jerusalem After that Cyrus had given licence to them to return from Babylon to Jerusalem many with Ezdras and Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem under the reign of Artaxerxes 284. 2 Ezd. 3. 8. The Jews built the wals of Jerusalem after their return Zach. 3. 4. Jerusalem shall be inhabited without wals Under the name of Jerusalem Zacharias prophesieth Zach. 2. 5. of the Church of Christ and the heavenly Jerusalem the majesty of it is larger then can be comprehended in one City of which God is the wall a fire round about and glory in the midst of her 285. 2 Ezd. 5. 9. 10. 12. Nehemias reprehends the richer Jews because they thought to live by usury Gen. 47. 23. Joseph bought the land of Egypt and the people thereof he made subject to Pharaoh for corne The Egyptians were punished by God for their iniquities the Jews after their return into their Country were so proved the richer Jews oppressing their poor brethren with biting usury did burden them which Joseph did not 286. 2 Ezd. 10. 32. The houses were not builded Vers 3. Let not your doores be open Their houses were not fully built the Cities had gates 287. 2 Ezd. 8. 18. Ezdras read in the book day by day 1 Ezd. 3. 4. They kept also the feast of Tabernacles as it is written This was a singular example of piety for they were not bound to do so by the Law yet they came willingly day by day to hear the book of the Law 288. 2 Ezd. 10. 32. Also we made ordinances amongst our selves yearly to charge ourselves with a third part of a shekell for the work of the Lord. Exod. 30. 13. They shall give every one that passeth amongst them that be numbred halfe a shekell Moses once by Gods command laid on them that tribute and Joas at the renewing of the Temple ordered that every one should give what he pleased so Nehemias ordained the third part of 2 shekell by the year to restore the Temple not from the Law but from necessity 289. 2 Ezd. 11. 6. Of the children of Phares that dwelt at Jerusalem were 468. Benjamin 928. 2 Chron. 9. 6. Jehuel 690. Benjamin 956. First the chief are set down to whom a dwelling fell by lot then other voluntary inhabitants who chose a habitation willingly ESTHER THe book of Esther is so called from Esther who was Ahasuerus wife here is shewed how Ahasuerus divorcing Vashti chose Esther to be Queen Haman the enemy of the Jews and of Mordecai is hanged Mordecai is made Provost of the Kingdome It contains the History of 20 years Ezdras was the writer of it or else the men of the great Synagogue 290. Esth 1. 12. Ahasuerus divorced Vashti because she refused to come at his commandement Mat. 19. 9. Whosoever shall put away his wife except for fornication and shall marry an other committeth adultery The pride of Vashti hurt not the King alone but all the people and Princes of the Kingdom by shewing a kind of dominion over the King before other women Now adayes men do not divorce their wives but for the cause of Adultery only and they are bound by the Laws of God and man to obey their husbands 291. Esth 9. 21. Mordecai sent to the Jews in all the provinces that the 14 and 15 dayes of the moneth Adar should be held for festivals Deut. 4. 2. Chap. 12. 32. What I command you this day you shall not add to it The ordinance of Mordecai was not against the Law nor was it a feast of Gods worship but only commemorative for the divine wonderfull deliverance of the people of the Jews JOB THis Book is so called from Job who was also called Jobab King of Edom. Moses Gen. 36. is thought to have written that book for an example of patience there is contained the affliction of Job and contention with his friends and disputing with them God ends this controversie at last and restores Job to his former posterity The History appertains to the time of Jacob. 292. Job 1. 1. He lived in the land of Vz his name was Job he was a perfect and an upright man and one that feared God and eschewed evill Psal 147. 20. He hath not done so with any Nation Under the old Testament the publick worship of the true God was amongst the Israelites whither other Nations were admitted to come which God called by divers wayes to come unto him and he had amongst them some that served him sincerely as Jethro Moses father in Law the Gibeonites and Job here so Rahab and Ruth 293. Job 1. 6. Satan came amongst the sons of God 2 Pet. 2. 4. God spared not the Angels that sinned but cast them down to hell and delivered them unto chains of darknesse The coming of Satan amongst the sons of God was onely as an executioner of the commands and judgments of God 294. Job 5. 1. Call if there be any that will answer thee and to which of the Saints wilt thou turn Isa 63. 16. Abraham knew us not Israel was ignorant of us Eliphaz teacheth Job that there is no flying to Saints in misery and that no man is unjustly punished by God but there is alwayes a just cause for it therefore saith he shew any of the Saints who being in such a calamity as thou art that was so without a cause as thou supposest thy self to be 295. Job 14. 4. Who can bring a clean thing Psal 51. 7. Rom. 7. 20. out of unclean Rom. 11. 16. For if the first fruits be holy the lump is also holy All of us by originall sin are conceived and born in sin and sin dwels in us yet by Gods grace we are reckoned for holy which account passeth over all within the Covenant as we are 296. Job 14. 5. His dayes are determined the number of his moneths are with thee thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot passe Prov. 18. 21. Life and death are in the power of the tongue Death and life of man are in the power of God who hath put bounds to his dayes Life and death is said after a sort to be in the power of the tongue because a wicked man may by slanders and detraction and contention hurt a man even to death 297. Job 14. 6 14. Shall a man if he die live again 1 Cor. 15. 22. In Christ shall all be made alive Job denyeth not the resurrection but he saith Dan. 12. 2. rather that men shall rise not with bodies subject to death but such as shall live for ever
shall be called the Prince of peace of his peace there shall be no end Matth. 10. 34. Think not that I came to send peace on the earth I came not to send peace but the sword In the former place is understood the true Christian peace of God and Christ which we have with God our Neighbour and our selves In the latter is meant worldly peace that we have with men of this world which is often bad Yet Christ doth not of himselfe bring the sword but by accident in regard of the malice of the World and the Devill who are the authours of contentions 409. Isai 9. 6. He shall be called the everlasting Father 1 Cor. 15. 24. He shall deliver up the Kingdome to his Father when he shall have put down all principality Since Eternall and Kingly power belongeth unto Christ it shall never be taken from him but the manner of his government shall be changed for he shall no longer govern his Church by the Ministery of his Word and Sacraments but shall represent it to his heavenly Father freed from all evill Nor shall there be any more worldly governments after the blessed resurrection 410. Isa 9. 7. Of the increase of his Government and peace there shall be no end Luke 12. 49. I came to send fire into the earth and what will I but that it may be kindled It is not meant a fire of discord and malice amongst men but a fire of pure doctrine consuming all filth and temptations betwixt the spirit and the flesh the true and false teachers the godly and the wicked the Devill and men For the Gospell is no cause of troubles but as lime when it is mixt with water groweth hot so the wickednesse of men stirred up by Gods Word rageth against Christ and his Gospell 411. Isai 26. 20. The wicked will not behold the Majesty of the Lord. Chap. 40. 5. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it The Prophet speaks concerning the Kingdome of Christ and the state thereof and and he teacheth in the former place that the wicked shall be so blinded that they cannot perceive the mighty work of God wherein he hath shewed his greatnesse his glory his power and his mercy which blindnesse of theirs doth not take away the glory of God and of Christs Kingdome which all men may see in the saving worke of mans Redemption 412. Isai 28. 16. Behold I lay in Sion a stone a sure foundation saith the Lord. 1 Cor. 3. 10. I have laid the foundation saith Paul God laid the foundation of our salvation in respect of his decree the sending of his Son and the perfection of mans salvation Paul laid the foundation in respect of manifestation and of his office and of the Christian Religion at Corinth 413. Isai 38. 1. Set thy house in order for thou shalt die and not live Vers 5. I 2 King 20. 1. 2 Chron. 32. 24. will adde unto thy dayes fifteen yeares saith the Lord. Augustine saith that Ezechias was in order to die according to some causes of future events In Gen. tit l. 6. c. 17. yet God added fifteen years to his life doing only that which be foreknew he would do before the beginning of the world Gods Justice brought the command for Ezechias death but his Mercy prolonged his life and so Ezechias Piety and Repentance is proved 414. Isai 41. 7. Chap. 46. 6. They lavish gold out of the bag and weigh silver in the ballance and hire a Goldsmith and he maketh it a God 1 Cor. 8. 4. An Idoll is nothing Silver and Gold and such materials as the Idols are made of were created by God but relatively unto God they are said to be nothing because they have nothing of God in them for God will not be worshipped by Idols 415. Isai 42. 8. Chap. 48. 11. I will not give my glory to another Mat. 11. 29. Chap. 28. 19. All power is given to me in heaven and in earth God will not give his praise and glory to an Image Christ to whom all power and glory is given is not only man but the true and eternall God also with the Father and the holy Ghost having co-equall glory with them but by reason of his office of Mediator all things are given him of the Father 416. Isai 42. 8. I will not give my glory to an other Rom. 8. 14. The glory of God shall be revealed in us The first place is concerning those things wherein God will be glorified by us in this life that is by worship adoration invocation The latter concerning the participation and place of glory in the life to come which he will communicate to us 417. Isai 42. 10. Sing unto the Lord a new Song that is the Gospell Gen. 3. 15. It was sung in Paradise concerning the blessed seed of the woman That Evangelicall song is called new not from time but because it comprehends new and wonderfull things a new light is kindled by it it makes a new Creature and shews us the new way to heaven 418. Isai 45. 6 7. I am the Lord and there is none else I forme the light and create darkenesse I make peace and create evill I the Lord do all these things Gen. 1. 31. And all that God made was good God makes evill not of sin but of punishment and calamity by which he justly afflicts sinners Also the Prophet here opposeth the evill of the misery of war to the good of peace Mad men here wrest the name of evill as though God were the author of evill that is sin but it may easily appear how absurdly they do it abusing the testimony of the Prophet The Antithesis sheweth this sufficiently the members whereof must be compared together for he opposeth peace to evill that is to adversity 419. Isai 49. 6. I wil also give thee for a light to the Gentiles that thou mayest be my salvation unto the ends of the earth Mat. 10. 5. Christ sent the twelve saying unto them Go not into the way of the Gentiles but to the lost sheep of the house ef Israel The first is concerning the generall gracious Ministery of Christ to both Jewes and Gentiles The latter concerning the especiall sending forth of the Apostles to the Jews alone to whom the Gospell was first published untill such time as the partition wall betwixt the Jews and Gentiles was broken Mat. 28. 19 Mark 16. 15 Luk. 2. down which was done in the resurrection of Christ Afterwards he sent the Apostles to all Nations for he was the light of the Gentiles 420. Isai 52. 10. The Lord hath made have his holy arme in the eys of all the Nations Mat. 15. 24. I am not sent but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel Christ was sent for the salvation and redemption of all Nation His office of teaching and confirming his Doctrine by
inflicts it hath the nature of good 450. Lam. 5. 7. Our fathers have sinned and are not and we have born their iniquities Ezek. 18. 20. The sons shall not bear the Fathers iniquities The children succeeding the Parents in their sins succeed them also in their punishments Godly and penitent children shall not beare the iniquities of their parents for ever though they be afflicted with temporall punishments 451. Lamen 5. 21. Turn thou us unto thee O Lord and we shall be turned Psal 119. ult Hosea 14. 2. Turn O Israel to the Lord thy God Conversion and Repentance is the worke Act. 11. 8. of God he gives it to the Gentiles and none but those that are enlightned in their hearts can truly turn unto God EZEKIELS Prophesie THe Priest the son of Buzi who was brought into Babylon under Jekonias and confirmed the Prophesie of Jeremiah and comforted the captives about the year 3350. by the river Chebar he had the visions from God He prophesied 20 years 452. Ezek. 8. 12. The Lord seeth us not Heb. 4. 13. All things are naked and open before the eyes of God The Prophet makes mention of what foolish men say who thought both by their words and deeds that God saw them not whose perverse judgement doth not hinder the truth which maintains that all things be they never so secret yea the thoughts of our hearts are open before God 453. Ezek. 18. 4. The soul that sins that shall die Rom. 5. 6. Christ died for us The first sentence is legall and teacheth what must be done by the law divine or humane legally The last is Evangelicall shewing that God for Christs sake freely gives us his grace and salvation 454. Ezek. 12. 13. I will bring Zedekiah into Babylon to the land of the Chaldees yet shall be not see it though he shall die there Jer. 34. 3. Thine eyes shall behold the eyes of the King of Babylon and he shall speak with thee mouth to mouth Zedekias being taken saw the King of Babylon afterwards they put out his eyes that he could not see the Land of the Caldees nor Babylon in his captivity 455. Ezek. 18. 19. Walke in my precepts keep my judgements 1 Tim. 19 The law was not made for the righteous but for the wicked and disobedient The Prophet understands the law that teacheth and enlightens us The Apostle the law that condemns us For there is no condemnation Rom. 8. 33 to those that are justified in Christ Jesus 456. Ezek. 18. 21. But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed he shall not die Heb. 6. 4. It is impossible for those that were once illuminated if they shall fall away to renew them again by repentance It is hard and impossible in respect of those who bar themselves out from Gods mercy and shut their hearts that they may not be enlightned by the Sun of righteousnesse but it is not so in respect of God who would have all men to repent and be saved yet he justly punisheth with finall impenitency all obstinate and malicious Apostates and such as sin against the holy Ghost 457. Ezek. 18. 23. 33. 11. God will not the death He hath no pleasure in the death of the wicked Rom. 9. 18. He hath mercy on whom he will and whom he will he hardneth God will not the death of a sinner by his antecedent will but by his consequent will or his justice because he justly punisheth him who rejects the grace of God offered unto him He hardens therefore permissively not effectively 458. Ezek. 18. 23. I will not the death of him that dyeth Chap. 3. 18. Thou shalt die the death God as our Father will not by the Gospell but as he is our judge and revenger he will by the law that a sinner shall die 459. Ezek 18. 23. 32. I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth 1 Joh. 5. 16. A sin unto death God will not the death of him that repents for his mercy is over all his works A sin unto death is a sin against the holy Ghost and so it is called because it is iustly punished with finall impenitency 460. Ezek. 18. 26. When a righteous man turns away from his righteousnesse and doth iniquity he shall die in it Rom. 8. 30. Whom he justified them he glorified Righteous in the first place is not truly so but only in opinion so Christ came not to call the just but the Apostle speaks of Mat. 9. 13. those that are truly just who are justified in Christ and shall be surely glorified Or if the place of the Prophet be to be interpreted of him that is truly just it is conditionall and so proves nothing and the contradiction is reconciled 461. Ezek. 20. 25. I gave them also Statutes that were not good and judgments whereby they should not live Psal 19. 9. The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether Precepts that are not good are either legall threatnings by which God menaces curses to the wicked or false doctrine when God by his just judgement suffers those that would not believe the truth but go forward in iniquity to believe lies 462. Ezek. 44. 9. No stranger uncircumcised in heart and flesh shall enter into my Sanctuary Gal. 5. 2. If you be circumcised Christ shall profit you nothing The Prophet means spirituall circumcision by faith in Christ but the Apostle means nothing but corporall and legall circumcision which was that the Jews strove to be justified by Col. 2. 15. DANIELS Prophesie DAniel was carried young with Joakim to Babylon there he lived 70 years to the time of Cyrus in the year 3370. He interprets Nebuchodonozors dream of the image and writeth what was done under Nebuchodonozors reign Balshazars and Darius And describes the four Monarchies and the eternall kingdome of Christ he numbred also the weeks of years of the coming of Christ 463. Dan. 1. 5. The King appointed for Daniel and his fellowes a dayly provision that at the end of three years they might stand before the King Chap. 2. 1. In the second year of Nebuchadnezzar the King dreamed a dream wherewith his spirit was troubled Vers 16. Daniel went in and desired of the King that he would give him time That was done in the second year after these things were ended which were appointed for the education of Daniel and his companions under the government of Nabuchodonozor 464. Dan. 1. 21. 6. 28. And Daniel continued unto the first year of King Cyrus Chap. 10. 1. In the third year of Cyrus King of Persia a thing was revealed to Daniel In the former place the two following years are not excluded but it is noted that God prolonged the life of Daniel untill the time of the return of the people of the Jews from Babylon Daniel was in his office at Court to the first year of Cyrus then being grown old he led a quiet private life 465. Dan. 2.
JOELS Prophesie the son of Pethuel HE Prophesied in the year 3239. That the Israelites should be carried captives into Assyria he exhorts them to repentance and promiseth mercy to them that are penitent 480. Joel 1. 13. Chap. 2. 12. Turn you unto me with fasting with weeping and with mourning Mat. 6. 17. When thou fastest anoint thy head and wash thy face that thou seem not to fast before men Christ discommends not private or publick fastings but he taxeth the hypocrisie of the Pharisees in their fasts for godly people must not sound a trumpet but be content to have God the witnesse of their works 481. Joel 2. 14. Who knoweth whether God will return and repent and pardon us Jam. 1. 6. He that doubts is like a wave of the sea Who knoweth belongs not to remission of sins but removing of punishment for that is to be prayed for upon condition of the will of God and our good 482. Joel 2. 28. Isai 44. 3. And it shall come to passe after this that I will powre out my spirit upon all flesh 2 Sam. 23. 2. 2 Pet. 1. 21. Holy men of God spake as they were inspired by the holy Ghost Joel speaks of the state of the Church after the coming of Messias and of the comparing of the spirituall gifts of the Jewish and Christian members of the Church And he teacheth that after the Messias shall be come the spirituall gifts of God shall be greater amongst all men but not that all under the new Testament should have the gift of Prophesie The latter places are of publick and ordinary prophesie 483. Joel 2. 32. Whosoever cals upon the name of the Lord shall be delivered Heb. 6. 4. Chap. 10. 26. They that are once enlightned if they fall they cannot be restored The first place speaks of the faithfull who call on the Lords name in faith The latter concerning Apostates that sin against the holy Ghost who have neither faith nor true prayer though they pray with their lips for they do it not sincerely and therefore their prayers are an abomination to God 484. Joel 3. 20. But Judah shall dwell for ever and Jerusalem from generation to generation Amos 9. 11. The Tabernacle of David is fallen down Mat. 24. 1. Act. 15. 16. The promises of the perpetuity of the Temple and Kingdome of Judah belong not to the building and wals of the City or the civill kingdome but to the perpetuity of the Kingdome of Christ and his Church against which the gates of hell shall never be able to prevail and they are conditionall upon their faith obedience and purity of Divine worship AMOS his Prophesie WHo was of the common people amongst the heardsmen of Tekoa He prophesieth of the wrath of God to the Kings and Kingdomes of Judah and Israel and he threatens Famine Sword Pestilence devastation and ruine to the neighbours who were enemies to Gods people He prophesied in the year 3153 in the dayes of Josiah King of Judah 485. Amos 1. 3. 6. 9. 11. 13. Chap. 2. 1. 4. 6. For three transgressions and for four I will not spare And at length he reckons but one It is a periphrasis of the seventh number which three and four do make which is called a perfect number in the Scriptures and a certain number is put for an uncertain as if he would have said For many iniquities I will not spare those Nations 486. Amos 5. 21. I hate I despise your feast dayes Exod. 20. 8. Remember thou keep holy the Sabbath day God hated the feasts and solemnities of the Israelites because they were defiled with humane traditions and a Pharisaicall opinion of merit But he doth not despise the Sabbaths appointed by himself and feasts which are kept at his command 487. Amos 5. 18. Woe unto you that desire the day of the Lord that day of the Lord is darknesse Mat. 6. 10. Thy Kingdome come Chap. 24. 30. Let it come with glory The Prophet speaks of the day of Judgement of this world which hypocrites desire who look to be justified in their works and not of the last judgement which godly men ought to pray for and to cry without ceasing Come Rev. 22. Lord Jesus 488. Amos 5. 26. But ye have born the Tabernacle of your Moloch and the images of your Idols the star of your God Rempham the statutes of your Gods which you made for your selves I will cause you to go into captivity beyond Damascus Act. 7. 43. You took up the Tabernacle of Moloch and the star of your God Rempham figures which you made to worship them and I will carry you beyond Babylon Stephen cites this Prophesie though in divers Rom. 16. 19 1 Eâ—d 8. 17. words yet in the same sense so Christ and his Apostles cite other places of the old Testament Moloch and Rempham were the Idols of the Ammonites The Israelites of Damascus by Cyromedia were carryed further into Persia and the Countrey of the Caspians beyond Babylon 489. Amos 8. 14. They shall fall and never rise up again 1 Cor. 11. 22. We shall all rise The first place speaks of a resurrection from sin to grace or from death to life which is denyed to impenitent sinners But the latter speaks of the generall resurrection of our bodies at the last day OBADIAHS Prophesie HE Prophesieth against the Idumeans He comforteth the Jewes and promiseth grace and help to the people of God He prophesied in the year 3337. 490. Obad. v. 15. As thou hast done it shall be done unto thee Revel 18. 6. Double unto her double In both places is manifested the just revenge of God he is commanded to mix double for Babylon according to her works thereby to shew that the kingdome of Antichrist shall be most miserably destroyed and trod down 491. Obad. v. 21. And Saviours shall come upon mount Sion Mat. 1. 21. Jesus shall save his people from their sins The Prophet means ministeriall Saviours that is the Apostles and other Ministers of the Jer. 3. 18. 1 Tim. 4. 16. Jam. 5. 20. Isa 53. 11. Joh. 1. 29. Ephes 1. 7. Church who do serve for the salvation of those that believe in Christ by the ministery of the word and not by the merit of their works and these turning sinners from their evill wayes do save their souls from death Christ Jesus is the only Saviour who takes away the sins of the world in whom we have redemption by his bloud and remission of our sins according to the riches of his grace nor is there salvation in any other Act. 4. 12. JONAS Prophesie THe son of Amittai of the tribe of Zebulon He was sent to Nineve the Metropolis of Assyria to preach First when he refused he was cast into the sea swallowed by a fish and the third day he was cast on the shoar then being sent again to Nineve he was angry because God spared them upon their repentance therefore he was reprehended by God He
25. 32. He shall separate the Sheep from the Goats Joh. 10. 16. And there shall be one sheepfold The first place is concerning the future state of the Church after the day of Judgement that shall be otherwise then it is now for then shall there be a separation made Hypocrites now passe for Sheep then they shall be manifested to be Goats The latter place is of the faithful Eph. 2. 14. c. 5. 23. 1 Cor. 3. 11. who shall be gathered into one sheepfold that is the Church both Jews and Gentiles under one shepherd 620. Mat. 25. 34. Inherit the Kingdome prepared for you from the foundation of the world Ephes 1. 4. He chose us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy Christ by the beginning and foundation of the world understands eternity the Apostle looks to the first Creation for before the foundation of this world were laid God chose us in Christ to salvation 621. Mat. 25. 34. There is a Kingdome prepared for us before the foundation of the world Joh. 14. 3. I goe saith Christ to prepare a place for you There is a place by Gods decree provided for us from eternity according to predestination but not particular designation which is done after Christs ascension but the Devil Death and Hell and Malediction did not suffer us to come thither untill Christ had destroyed those impediments and by his death vanquished the Devil Death and Hell blotted out our sins and by rising again had restored life to us by his Ascension had opened heaven to us and going thither before us confirmed it that we should follow him thither 622. Mat. 26. 2. Ye know that after two days is the Feast of the Passeover v. 6. Jesus was in Bethany six days before the Passeover The Evangelist began to speak of what was done two dayes before the Passeover but repeating the matter higher he relates somethings were done in Bethany six days before the Passeover because the History of Judas the Traytor required that Therefore here is an Hysterosis 623. Mat. 26. 7. A woman poured Oyntment on our Saviours head Joh. 12. 3. Mary took a pound of Oyntment of Spikenard very costly and anoynted the feet of Jesus Some hold that these are different Histories yet it might be that when a greater quantity of oyntment was poured forth that his feet were anoynted also at the same time 624. Mat. 26. 8. The Disciples saw it and had indignation Joh. 12. 4. Then saith one of his Disciples Judas Iscariot The Evangelists usually ascribe to many the fact of one it their consent went along with him So the murmuring which Judas began is imputed to the rest who held their peace 625. Mat. 26. 11. You have the poor alwayes with you but me you have not alwayes c. 28. 20. And loe I am with you alwayes even unto the end of the world In the first place Christ speaks of his corporal presence and natural conversation with his Disciples in the state of humiliation that he should not be so alwayes with them In the latter of the assistance by his Person and his help that should be effectual in their Apostolical duty though it be difficult yet Christ would be present with them by a singular vertue of his Spirit dwelling in them The accomplishment of this promise was manifest in the Apostles and in all the faithful by the operation of the Spirit in us and shall be so to the end of the world 626. Mat. 26. 26. This is my Body c. 24. 23. If any man shall say unto you Loe here is Christ or there believe him not In the first place Christ asserts his presence in the sacred Supper In the latter he foretels that false Prophets should come and exhorts us that we should beware of those false Impostors and should not look for salvation in places times or persons contrary to Gods Word but only in Christ Jesus our Lord. 627. Mat. 26. 26. This is my Body Joh. 6. 63. The flesh profiteth nothing Christ in the first place understands his body that was given to dye for us In the latter flesh but not his own in special but in general the natural use of any meat whatsoever Not as the Capernaites dream that they should so eat his flesh who would eat him with their teeth but not with their heart 628. Mat. 26. 29. I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the Vine He puts these words after the Institution Luk. 22. 18. He puts those words before the Institution Christ once delivered the Sacramental cup to C. 3. de conv Evang his Disciples saith Augustine but Luke hath not made his Narration in a continued History nor alwayes observed the order of time so that here is an Hysterosis again 629. Mat. 26. 29. I will not drink henceforth of the fruit of the Vine untill that day when I drink it new with you in my Fathers Kingdome Act. 10. 41. We eat and drank with him after he rose from the dead Christ said he would not drink with his Apostles in his mortal body but after the Resurrection having put off the infirmity of his body he after conversed with his Disciples and eat and drank with them he cals it new because he is made immortal of mortal and the Devil and Death being destroyed he had opened a spiritual Kingdome 630. Mat. 26. 34. This night before the Cock crow thou shalt deny me thrice Mar. 14. 30. Before the Cock crow twice thou shalt deny me thrice Matthew briefly and in general without relating the circumstances but Mark relates the matter with more and more particular words 631. Mat. 26. 52. All they that take the sword shall perish with the sword Luk. 22. 36. He that hath no sword let him sell his garment and buy one A sword is taken properly in the first place for Christ will not that private men should use the sword for revenge and to resist evill but should overcome evill with goodnesse In the latter place a sword is taken metaphorically for the Word of God with which we must fight against Satan and our spiritual enemies and Rom. 12. therefore we must be armed with it 632. Mat. 27. 4. Iudas saith I have sinned betraying the innocent bloud Act. 1. 18. Falling headlong he burst asunder in the midst and all his bowels gushed out The confession of Iudas and the testimony he gave of Christs innocency was not with true repentance but only sorrow by the sense of his sin which led him not to conversion but to hand himself 633. Mat. 27. 32. They compelled Simon of Cyrenea to bear his Crosse Joh. 19. 17. Christ bearing his Crosse went forth into a place called the place of a skull At first going forth Christ himself carryed the Crosse and when he was grown too feeble in body the souldiers compelled Simon whom they met on the way to carry the Crosse 634. Mat. 27 44. The Theeves also who
Jews and Gentiles by the Jew to be meant the Asse which our Saviour rid first on but because she went untowardly he left her and road on the Foal which was an embleme of the Gentiles who received the Gospel willingly which the Jews rejected 650. Mar. 14. 12. And the first day of unleavened bread when they killed the Passeover Joh. 13. 1. Now before the Feast of the Passeover when Jesus knew that his hour was come The Iews began their day from the evening and they were to celebrate the Passeover on the 14. day of the month Nisan according to the law as Christ did But the Iews referred that solemnity to the Sabbath day and called it the Lev. 23. great day of the Sabbath 651. Mar. 14. 32. They came to a place which was named Gethsemani Luk. 22. 39. And he went as he was wont to the Mount of Olives Gethsemani that is the Valley of fatnesse it was so called from the fruitfulnesse of the place or otherwise the Garden in which the Mount of Olives was Therefore the Evangelists here set the same place by divers names 652. Mar. 15. 25. And it was the third hour and they crucified him Joh. 19. 14. About the sixt hour Pilate said to the Iews Behold your King In the former place the hour of the day was reckoned according to the manner of the Iews from Sun rising to Sun setting twelve hours to a day in the latter from midnight after the custome of the Romans Christ was condemned and cruificed the third hour after Sun-rising at the sixt hour he was exposed to scorns at the ninth hour after three hours darknesse he was dead and the remainder of the day was spent in his burial 653. Mar. 16. 1. When the Sabbath day was Job 20. 12. â— past the Maries brought spices Luk. 23. 56. The day of the Passeover the women prepared Spices and Oyntments On the day of the Passeover they bought spices and began to make Oyntments on the Sabbath day after Sun-set they continued it and when the Sabbath was past they came very early in the morning to Christs Sepulcher 654. Mar. 16. 5. In the Sepulcher they saw a young man sitting on the right side Luk. 24. 4. Behold two men stood by them in shining garments Mark makes mention of one Angel which spake to the women Luke speaks of two that were witnesses of our Saviours Resurrection 655. Mar. 16. 6. He is risen he is not here Behold the place where they laid him Joh. 20. 14. Mary turned her self back and saw Iesus standing The Angel speaketh concerning him dead such a one as the women sought for that they might anoynt his body but Christ witnessed himself that he was alive not only by testimony of Angel but by manifesting himself at the monument and speaking unto Mary 656. Mar. 16. 9. When Iesus was risen early the first day of the week he appeared first to Mary Magdalen Mat. 28 9. Iesus met the women which were Mary Magdalen and Ioanna and Mary the Mother of Iames and the rest Mary Magdalen is first named because she in a peculiar manner saw Christ then the other women after her saw him in their order 657. Mar. 16. 15. Preach the Gospel to every creature Mat. 10. 5. Goe not into the way of the Gentiles The first place is concerning the enlarging of Christs Kingdome amongst all Nations after Christs Resurrection The latter is concerning the first temporal mission of the Disciples to the Iews only for the mystery of our Redemption before Christs death was not to be preacht to the Gentiles therefore Christ was called Rom. 15. 8. the Minister of the Circumcision 658. Mar. 16. 16. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved Rom. 10. 10. With the heart man believeth unto righteousnesse and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation Faith is the means of our salvation confession is required not that faith is unsufficient but because faith is not in the heart where confession is not in the mouth but where it is in the heart it ingenders all parts of outward confession 659. Mar. 16. 16. He that believeth not shall be damned Rom. 11. 32. God hath concluded them all in unbelief that he might have mercy upon all Christ speaks of some unbelievers who were hardned that they should not believe the Gospel such shall be damned So they that are not moved by promises or threatnings to believe the Gospel to them is cursing judgement and death Paul speaks of all them both Jews and Gentiles and describes their state before the preaching of the Gospel for they are all by nature shut up in unbelief and those that are believers of the Gospel are freed from this state that by the Gospel they may be made partakers of Gods mercy in Christ 660. Mar. 16. 19. The Lord Jesus after he had spoken unto them was received up into heaven and sate at the right hand of God c. 14. 22. This is my body Christ ascending and sitting at the right hand of God doth not take away the presence of his body in the holy Supper but confessing it that he is exalted above all things into Phil. 2. 9. glory 661. Mar. 16. 19. Christ sits at the right hand of God Eph. 1. 20. Col. 3. 1. Heb. 1. 3. c. 8. 1. 1 Pet. 3. 22. Act. 7. 56. Steven saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God To sit is the part of the Judge to stand the part of him that fights and helps us saith Gregory Homil. de Ascens Domini Steven therefore being at the conflict with death saw him standing whom he had for to help him but Mark describes Christ sitting after his Resurrection for after the glory of his Ascension he shall come as Judge in the end of the world St. LUKES Gospel IT comprehends the Conception of John Baptist and Jesus Christ with their Nativity Life Vocation Sermons in special the Miracles of Christ his Passion Death Resurrection Apparition and Ascension into Heaven 662. Luk. 1. 13. Zacharias prayer is heard v. 18. He believed not Although he had a conflict through the weaknesse of his faith of the special gift of so wonderful a son yet he had a general faith concerning a Messias the Deliverer of the people from their disgrace and therefore his doubting did not exclude his prayers from being heard 663. Luk. 1. 32. The Lord God shall give unto him the Throne of his Father David Joh. 18. 36. My Kingdome is not of this world To sit in the Throne of David here is not to govern a temporal Kingdome as David did here on earth but a spiritual wherein Christ reigns by faith in the hearts of his followers and he rules over sin death and the Devil 664. Luk. 1. 33. And he shall reign over the House of Jacob for ever 1 Cor. 15. 24. He shall deliver up the Kingdome to God the Father v. 28. He shall be subject unto him Christs
the beginning and the Father of lyes Satan fals from heaven when he is cast out of our hearts by sound doctrine and loseth his light that is his authority by the preachiny of Gods Word here as it were by a Thunderbolt from heaven that is from the Kingdome of God in the heart of man is he cast down and trod under foot but he was a murderer and lyar from the beginning that he fell not from that he was created 681. Luk. 10. 22. No man knoweth who the Son is but the Father and who the Father is but the Son Joh. 15. 26. The Spirit of Truth he shall testifie of me Christ excludes not the Persons of the Deity but the creatures and the false gods for the Father by the Son from eternity infinitely Joh. 16 13. communicating his infinite wisdome revealed it to the holy Ghost and therefore Christ saith the Spirit shall not speak of himself but whatsoever he shall hear that shall hee speak 682. Luk. 10. 24. Many Prophets and Kings have desired to see those things that you see Joh. 8. 56. Abraham saw my day There are different manners of the Visions 1 Cor. 13. 12. of Christ and of God We see now in a glasse darkly but then that is in the next life we shall see face to face Abraham and the faithful in the Old Testament saw Christ promised that he should come the Apostles saw him manifested in the flesh The Prophets saw him of old in shadows and figures the Apostles and the Christians now see him clearly and manifestly 683. Luk. 10. 28. Doe this and live Rom. 4. 5. But to him that worketh not but believeth his faith is counted for righteousnesse The parts of Gods Word are the Law and the Gospel the Law promiseth life eternal to them that doe it the Gospel to them that believe Christ by the words Doe this doth not shew that the Lawyer was able to fulfil the law but only admonisheth him so that he might grow sensible of his own weaknesse 684. Luk. 10. 41. Martha Martha Thou art careful and troubled about many things 1 Tim. 5. 14. I will that the younger women marry guide the house Christ reprehends not Marthas care of her house but for presumption and false opinion because she preferred the care of her house before the Word of God 685. Luk. 11. 41. Give Alms and all things are clean unto you 1 Cor. 13. 3. If I bestow all my goods to feed the poor it profiteth me nothing Christ speaks of alms proceeding from faith and charity the Apostle speaks of hypocritical alms without Christian Charity 686. Luk. 12. 33. Sell what you have and give alms 1 Tim. 5. 8. But if any provide not for his own especially those of his own houshold he hath denyed the faith Christ would not have us forsake our neighbour in his wants and necessities but rather to help him we should sell our possessions to declare our conpassion so far as we are able without doing injury to our family 687. Luk. 14. 23. Compell them to come in 1 Pet. 5. 3. Not as being Lords over Gods heritage There is used an internal compulsion spiritually when men are drawn to the knowledge of their sins by the law of God explained to them and are urged in thier consciences to fly to the mediation of Christ so from the dayes of John the Baptist untill now the Kingdom of heaven suffereth violence and the violent take Mat. 11. 12. it by force an external compulsion is when men not sufficiently instructed and forced by carnal weapons to religion against their conscience such are made rather hypocrites then good Christians therefore the Apostle warns us well that no man should affect to Lord it over Gods people that is the Church and to use a tyrannical power over their consciences 688. Luk. 14. 24. None of those men which were bidden shall tast of my Supper 2 Pet. 3. 9. God is long suffering to us-ward not willing that any should perish The Gospel since it is the power of God to salvation to all that believe they that hear it being invited by God and receive it not dying in their sins without repentance they are the cause of their own ruine and not God 689. Luk. 14. 26. He that hateth not his Father and Mother and Wife and Children and Brethren and Sisters yea and his own life also he cannot be my Disciple Ephes 6. 2. Honour thy Father and thy Mother that it may be well with thee c. 5. 25. Husbands love your Wives 1 Joh. 3. 15. He that hateth his brother is a Murderer Christ is to be beloved above all creatures and rather our Parents brothers and sisters and our own life should be lost then we should deny the Gospel He that loveth his Father or Mother more then me is not worthy of me saith Christ otherwise we must honour our Parents and love our children 690. Luk. 16. 9. Make you friends of the Mammon of unrighteousnesse 1 Tim. 4. 4. Every creature of God is good Riches are good in themselves as they are a creature but because they are after got unjustly and many abuse them to injustice pride tyranny luxury gluttony c. therefore Christ cals them the Mammon of unrighteousnesse thorns Mat. 13. 7. 1 Tim. 6. 9. the Apostle cals them the snare of the Devil and will have us so to dispose of our wealth that we may reap fruit of them in another world 691. Luk. 15. 7. The righteous need no repentance c. 3. 8. Bring forth fruits worthy of repentance Repentance of those that stand which is spoken of in the first place must be distinguished from repentance of those that are fallen which is meant by the latter place and we are admonished to it and to bring forth the fruits of it 692. Luk. 17. 10. When you have done all those things which you are commanded say We are unprofitable servants we have done that which was our duty to doe 2 Cor. 11. 12. Paul glorieth and reckons up his good works and divine Revelations In the former place Christ saith that no man can deserve any thing at the hand of God since we are all bound to obey God in all things unto the end so that we cannot boast before God In the latter Paul mentioneth his labours not of vain glory boasting but being compelled to it for the defence of his Ministry against all back-biters and false Apostles that unjustly reproached him 693. Luk. 18. 29. Verily I say unto you there is no man that hath left house or parents or brethren or wife or children for the Kingdome of Gods sake who shall not receive manyfold more 1 Cor. 7. 10. The wife must not depart from her husband and the man must not put away his wife For Christ his sake we may leave our Wives and al things when necessity constraineth us but we cannot leave our Matrimony Paul admonisheth the wife that she should not by
those things which are commanded you say we are unprofitable servants we have done that which was our duty to do Luk. 17. 10. In the later place he speaks of those that strove with him by emulation to whom he compares himself not derogating from others but he magnifies his Apostleship from his faith and fruits of his works 948. 1 Cor. 15. 27. He hath put all things under his feet ver 28. The Son also shall be subject to the Father That subjection shall be effected in his members and Church which is his Body and by resignation of his Kingdom that now he administers at present by his Ministers in the midst of his enemies but not without battell also he shall declare his subjection to the Father answerable to that nature according to which all power is given to him in heaven and in earth 949. 1 Cor. 15. 50. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God ver 53. This corruptible must put on incorruption Flesh and blood here signifies the corrupt nature of man in the state of sinne this as it is such cannot inherit the Kingdom of God but our nature purged from corruption shall put on incorruption 950. 1 Cor. 16. 15. The houshold of Stephanus addicted themselves to the ministry of the Saints Heb. 5. 4. No man taketh this honour to himself but he that was called of God In the first place is meant the ministry of transparting the collections to the brethren and they did it by the sending of the Apostles by them in a most dangerous time 951. 1 Cor. 16. 22. If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ let him he Anathema Matth. 5 44. Love your enemies The Apostle doth not pronounce this Anathema out of his own private affection but being led by the holy Ghost it is not lawfull rashly to use private imprecations unlesse the glory of God require it in an especiall manner and there be no hope left of their salvation 952. 2 Cor. 1. 1. Timothy with Paul wrote that Epistle 1. Tim. 1. 3. He was left at Ephesus when Paul went into Macedonia Paul sayling from Corinth into Asia left Timothy at Ephesus together with Aquila Act. 18. 19. and Priscilla but that they were with the Apostle at Corinth at that time the Inscription it self testifieth 953. 2 Cor. 1. 8. In Asia we were pressed out of measure above strength 1 Cor. 10. 13. God will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able The first place is concerning temptation exceeding bare humane strength the second concerning faith and strength given to us by God which is our victory 954. 2 Cor. 5. 2. In this we groan earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven ver 4. We groan being burdened not that we would be uncloathed The first place is concerning the groaning by grace the second by nature for the holy Ghost stirres up a desire of life eternall in the minde of the godly and it is naturall to fear death because it destroys nature 955. 2 Cor. 5. 16. We know no man after the flesh Rom. 1. 3. Christ of the seed of David according to the flesh Phil. 2. 8. To know according to the flesh is to praise that which corrupt flesh delights in and to despise what it despiseth so we knew not Christ carnally but out of Gods Word we know him to be of the seed of David 956. 2 Cor. 5. 19. God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself ver 20. We pray you in Christs stead be ye reconciled to God Reconciliation is ascribed to God as the principall cause to Christ as the meritorious cause or to the Ministry of the Word as to the Instrumental cause or to our selves apprehending it by faith and applying it for our salvation 957. 2 Cor. 8. 20. Avoiding this that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administred by us 1 Cor. 4. 3. With me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you The first place is of just dispraise wherein our hearts convince us the later is concerning the unjust judgements of the world which proceed from mens depraved affections 958. 2 Cor. 11. 4. If he that cometh preacheth another Jesus whom we have not preached or receive another Gospel which ye have not accepted ye might well bear with him Gal. 1. 8. Though we or an Angel from heaven preach any other Gospel unto you then that we have preached let him be accursed In the first place is meant by another Christ and another Gospel a better Doctrine then the Apostle taught but in the later by another Gospel is meant false doctrine which overthroweth Gods grace and Christs merits 959. 2 Cor. 11. 17. That which I speak I speak it not after the Lord but foolishly 1 Pet. 4. 11. If any man speak let him speak as the oracles of God Paul being forced to it by the calumnies of false Apostles said somethings concerning his own labours and dangers which did not directly appertain to his Ministry Peter speaks of those things which directly appertain to the Ministry of the Word wherein the rule of our words must be the Oracles of God revealed in the Scriptures St PAULS Epistle to the GALATIANS HE defends the Justice of faith against false Apostles that a man is justified not by the works of the Law but by faith in Christ and exhorts to good works that the fruits of faith must be sowed in Christian charity and liberty It was written from Rome in the Year of Christ 60. 960. Gal. 1. 1. Paul an Apostle not of men neither by man but by Jesus Christ ch 2. 2. I communicated unto them the Gospel which I preach among the Gentiles ver 6. Who seemed to be somewhat Paul came to Peter and the rest of the Apostles not that he might learn the Gospel from them but to have their testimony of his Doctrine that he preached nothing to the Gentiles but the Gospel of Jesus Christ 961. Gal. 1. 17. I went not up to Jerusalem to them which were Apostles before me but I went into Arabia Act. 9. 26. Paul after his return to Damascus came to Jerusalem Paul after his conversion went into Arabia from Damascus and coming back thence to Damascus in the third year persecution befell him who being in hazard of his life was let down in a basket and escaped and coming to Jerusalem when they were all afraid of him he was brought to the Apostles by Barnabas ver 27. 962. Gal. 4. 11. I am afraid of you least I have bestowed upon you labour in vain 1 Cor. 15. 58. Be ye stedfast knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. In the first place the Apostle feared of the successe of his labour by reason of schism amongst the Galatians who sought their salvation more from the Law then from Christ in Isa 65. 23 the later he hopes well of the Corinthians that his
Kingdome is eternal and without end not as Davids earthly Kingdome was for a few dayes but it must be continued for ever in the Person of Christ and the faithful after a spiritual manner he shall deliver the Kingdome to the Father not that he shall no longer rule with the Father but because after this world is ended he will fully joyn us to his Father and will govern his Church otherwise then it is now governed 665. Luk. 1. 36. Elizabeth Maries Cousin ver 5. She was of the daughters of Aaron Luk. 2. 5. Mary was of the Tribe of Judah of the house of David In Scripture they are called Cousins though they are not all of the same family so vulgarly Anna is affirmed to be the Mother of Mary and the sister of Elizabeth 666. Luk. 1. 44. The babe leaped in my womb for joy that is John Baptist in the womb of his Mother when Mary came to her Joh. 1. 31. I knew him not saith John Christ was known to John before by internal and spiritual knowledge but John knew him externally and corporally in his baptism 667. Luk. 1. 67. Zacharias prophesied being full of the holy Ghost Joh. 7. 39. The holy Ghost was not yet because Christ was not yet glorified The first place is meant of the gift and Spirit of Prophesie the latter place is concerning the visible and wonderful effusion of gifts of the holy Ghost upon the Apostles after Christs glorification 668. Luk. 2. 11. There is born to you a Saviour in the City of David which is Christ the Lord. 1 Pet. 3. 21. Baptism doth save us Subalternates doe not disagree Christ makes his people safe from their sins principally as the efficient meritorious cause Baptism serves but instrumentally and not alwayes for it is not the want of baptism but the contempt which condemns us 669. Luk. 2. 33. His Father and Mother marvelled at those things Mat. 1. 8. Jesus according to his humanity no Father Heb. 7. 3. according to his Divinity had no Mother The Father of Jesus Christ Joseph was only so for his care but not really and naturally so for he was appointed by God to be a keeper of the Virgin Mary espoused to him and her Son and Christ being a little child gave him honour and reverence due to a Father The Virgin Mary was his natural Mother according to the flesh for he received his humane nature of her substance 670. Luk. 2. 34. Simeon blessed him Heb. 7. 7. The lesser is blessed of the better Simeon prayed well for Mary congratulating her concerning her happy and blessed Off-spring and by a Prophetique Spirit fore-shewing the hard successe she and her Son should have but he did not prefer himself before them 671. Luk. 3. 7. The Baptist cals the Pharisees a generation of Vipers Mat. 5. 22. He that saith to his brother Thou Fool shall be in danger of Hell fire John Baptist cals them not so reproachfully out of an ill affection but from his Office because such were full of poyson and malice working the Viperous works of the Devil the old Serpent So the Ministers of the Church must publickly complain of the sins of the people 672. Luk. 5. 10. Fear not from henceforth thou shalt catch men Joh. 1. 42. Andrew brought Simon his brother to Christ Simon is brought by Andrew to follow Christ and to professe the Gospel by a general call but Christ cals him by a special call to the Sacred Function about the matter of Fishing 673. Luk. 6. 1. And it came to passe on the second Sabbath after the first that he went through the Corn fields Mat. 12. 1. At that time Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the corn The Jews called the eight day of the great solemnity the second Sabbath after the first for some of their Feasts lasted for eight dayes and the first day with the eight day were the most solemn and the intermediate days not so much regarded moreover they were called Sabbaths 674. Luk. 6. 25. Woe to you that laugh now for you shall mourn and weep Joh. 16. 22. Your heart shall rejoyce and your joy no man taketh from you In the first place the pleasures and delights of the world are understood by the name of laughter the end whereof is alwayes sorrow in the latter place is meant joy in Christ by the holy Ghost which is heavenly and eternall 675. Luk. 6. 26. Woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you Mat. 5. 16. 1 Pet. 2. 12. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorifie your Father which is in heaven Woe be to them who do only so that they may please the world and desire the praise of men flattering the wicked and winking at their sins that they may get favour But not to them who like a light are an example of good works and a godly life to others 676. Luk. 6. 30. Give to every man that asketh Eccles 12. 4. Give to the godly and help not a sinner hold back thy bread and give it not unto him Christ will have that we shall doe good to our friends and to our enemies though they be wicked and ingrateful by the example of our merciful heavenly Father and if we give not to the person yet give to his Nature as he is a man A place of Ecclesiasticus may not be opposed to Canonical Scripture who will have him that craves an alms to be humble shutting out the wicked and obstinate in malice who abuse the beneficence of good men 677. Luk. 7. 13. Weep not Eccles 38. 16. Let tears fall down over the dead Christ comforts the widow who wept for the death of her onely son because her son should suddenly live again But Christ disallows not moderate weeping for the death of our neighbour only we must not mourn as those that have no hope 678. Luk. 8. 39. Return to thy house and shew how great things God hath done unto thee c. 5. 14. He commands the Leper that he should tell no man Christ commanded him that was possessed with the Devil to tell what benefits God had done for him because the time the place and other circumstances required that but he sent the leprous party who was cleansed to the Priest that he might approve of the cure 679. Luk. 10. 4. Salute no man by the way Rom. 16. 16. Salute one the other with an holy kiss The Churches of Christ salute you Phil. 4. 22. The Saints Christ will have his Disciples diligent in dispatch of their Office that they should not hinder the course of their Ministery with long discourses and salutations but should fulfil their journey in a short time such a command gave Elias to his servant which denyeth not our Christian duty and humane good manners to salute one the other 680. Luk. 10. 18. I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven Joh. 8. 44. The Devill was a Murderer from