A Paraphrase on the New Testament

CHAP. XII.

THEN Jesus, six days before the passoover, came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. 2. There they made him a Supper, and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

1. N. 1, Christ was not against festival entertainment. 2. This is the same History mentioned, Luk. 10. Where you may see more of it.

3. Then took Mary a pound of ointment, of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.

3. N. 1. It is not unlike that such an action was twice done, that is, by two several Mary 's; and that this is not the same with that Luke 7. But yet it is very hard to judge where this was done: that it was thrice done is not probable: And that it was done in the house of Simon the Leper other Evangelists notify: yet here it seemeth to have been done in Martha 's own house, compared with Luke 10. I'ts most likely to me that Simon and Martha dwelling in the same Village at Bethany joined their Purses and Labor and feasted him in Simon's house where this anointing was done: But that he was also entertained at Martha and Mary 's house, where that was done, which is recorded, Luke 10.

4. Then said one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him. 5. Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?

4, 5. N. That as Piety is oft pretended by hypocrites against Charity, so is Charity here by Judas against Piety: And there is no work so good but may be opposed by very fair pretences.

6. This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

6. Judas being Purse-bearer, falsely pretended a care of the poor, for his selfish covetousness.

7. Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burial hath she kept this. 8. For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

7. This which she gave shall be as it were for my funeral embalming; that may be best on such an extroardinary occasion which ordinarily is not so. You may always give to the poor.

9. Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came, not for Jesus sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. 10. But the chief Priests consulted, that they might put Lazarus also to death. 11. Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

9. N. To be put to death by such wicked Priests and Rulers, is no dishonor or note of guilt in the sufferer. 2. We see here how much Dives was deceived, Luk. 16. That thought his brethren would have been persuaded by Lazarus sent from the dead: It's like they would have indicted him for a Scandalum Magnatum, or put him to death again.

12. On the next day, much people that was come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13. Took branches of palm-trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna, blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.

12, 13. They honored him by this applauding solemnity, as the Messiah sent from God to be the King of Israel.

14. And Jesus when he had found a young ass, he sat thereon; as it is written, 15. Fear not, daughter of Zion: behold, thy King cometh sitting on an asses colt.

14, 15. Thus Zach. 9.9. Was fulfilled.

16. These things understood not his disciples at the first, but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.

16. N. Many things are said and done by Christ, which shall not be presently understood, but in their season.

17. The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. 18. For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.

17, 18. N. It was the people that had seen and heard of his raising Lazarus, that there met him as King with Hosanna 's.

19. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

19. N. They thought their danger immanent, that the people would proclaim him King, and then the Romans would destroy their Country as Rebels; for they could not trust God to save them from the Romans, though Miracles should have taught it them.

20. And there were certain Greeks among them, that came up to worship at the feast:

20. These Greeks were not the Jews of Alexandriae that used the Greek tongue, (elsewhere called Greeks ) but the Proselytes of the Gates, who worshipped but as Catechumens did with Christians.

21. The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. 22. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip told Jesus. 23. And Jesus answered them, saying, the hour is come, that the Son of man shall be glorified. 24. Verily, verily I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground, and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

21. When Greeks by the same of Christ's Miracles desired to see him, he tells them, that indeed the time of his glory in the world by men's believing on him, was at hand: But that he must die first, and then the Catholic Church should be gathered. A grain of Wheat is said to die, because the dissolution and change maketh it no longer a grain of Wheat, but the seed of many new grains with the Straw.

25. He that loveth his life, shall lose it, and he that hateth his life in this world, shall keep it unto life eternal.

25. And, as it is with me it will be with you: He that so overloveth his life, as that he cannot forsake it for my sake and his Salvation, shall lose it by keeping of it: And he that casteth it away as men do a hated thing, rather than deny me and sin, shall live forever.

26. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor.

26. If any man will be a Christian let him not stick to do and suffer as I do; but believe that he shall fare no worse than I, but if he die he shall be with me where I am: For my Father will honor those that serve me.

N. 1. To be a Christian and to be one that serveth Christ, are all one. 2. Salvation is promised to all that serve Christ. 3. They that serve him shall be with him where he is: therefore the spirits of the just made perfect are in Paradise, and Heaven; for Christ is there. This is our great comfort in life and at death: And we must then thus think of our godly departed friends: they are all with Christ.

27. Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour, 28. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from Heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

27.28. I am a man, and my Soul is troubled at the foresight of my death and suffering and nature inclineth me to say, Father save me from it: But I must not take up with that natural desire; for I came on purpose thus to suffer: Therefore my choice and prayer is, Father glorify thy Name: Then came there a voice, &c.

29. The people therefore that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.

29. They heard the sound but understood not the words.

30. Jesus answered and said, this voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. 31. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. 32. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. 33. (This he said, signifying what death he should die.)

30. This voice though spoke to me, was for your conviction, and not for my sake only: For now the time is at hand when the wickedness of this world shall be detected and punished, and Satan the Prince of this world cast out of his possession by the gathering of my Chu • ch: And when I am lifted up from the earth by Crucifixion, I shall be lifted up to Heaven in glory▪ and will by my Word and Spirit draw many Nations to me their Savior: By being lift up he meant his Crucifixion as in order to his Resurrection and Ascension.

34. The people answered him, We have heard out of the law, that Christ abideth forever: and how sayest thou, the Son of man must be lift up? who is this Son of man?

34. We have been taught that Christ dieth not, but shall have an everlasting Kingdom! who then is that Son of man that thou sayest must be lift up.

35. Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you; walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness, knoweth not whither he goeth. 36. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may▪ be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.

35, 36. Though Christ abide forever; he will not forever abide visible with you: It is but a little while that he who is the light will continue among you: Obey the Light while you have it lest darkness surprise you: and he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth, nor whether he do well or ill. Before I be taken from you, believe in me that ye may be illuminated adopted, and enjoy the light.

37. But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him. 38. That the saying of Isaiah the Prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?

37. All his Miracles caused them not to believe: And so Isaiah's prophesy was fulfilled in them, &c.

39. Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again. 40. He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart, that they shou • d not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. 41. These things said Isaiah, when he saw his glory and spake of him.

39. And no wonder that they believed not, for it could not be, it being foretold by Isaiah that God would forsake them which Isaiah foreseeing Christ's day by inspiration, did mean in that prophesy.

N. To understand this 1. We must distinguish between▪ a caused Necessity, and a Necessity of Consequence in order of arguing. 2. Between men that have forfeited God's grace by rejection, and those that Grace is newly offered to. And so 1. God is not the efficient cause of any sin. 2. But he dese • teth many that abuse his Grace, and leaveth them to their blindness and obstinacy, 3. And for it, he causeth their destruction 4. And he oft foretelleth this. 5. And his prediction maketh the thing foretold hypothetically necessary, or a certain consequence in order of arguing: It being impossible that God should lie: And so all that is foreknown by God or man will come to pass; when foreknowledge doth not cause it, but prove it. 6. And deserted Souls have a moral impotency to repent, that is, an indisposition which nothing in their depraved nature will overcome.

42. Nevertheless, among the chief rulers also many believed on him, but because of the Pharisees, they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the Synagogue. 43. For they loved the praise of men, more then the praise of God.

42. Many of the chief Rulers had a secret belief, but not enough to make them openly own and confess him, left they should be excommunicate and reproached: For the love of their reputation with men did prevail in them against their love of God's approbation.

44. Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. 45. And he that seeth me, seeth him that sent me.

44. To believe in me is not to take my own testimony, but God's that sent me, and so is ultimately to believe on him: And it is God's power that you see when ye see my works.

46. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me, should not abide in darkness.

46. The world is in darkness, and I am sent to be their Light and Teacher to bring them out of it; even from the darkness of Atheism, Heathenisms, Infidelity and unrighteousness.

47. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. 48. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

47. It is not the work that I came for into the world to accuse men as their enemy for rejecting my Word: The final rejecters of it will be condemned, but not so much by my accusation, as by the evidence of Truth and Divine Attestation in the word which they rejected.

N. It is usual in the Gospel, for a comparative negation to be expressed positively: as [I judge him not] that is, not chiefly; (care not: Labor not for the food that perisheth) that is, comparatively, let it be least and last. Many such there are.

49. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment; what I should say, and what I should speak. 50. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

49, 50. It is not the mere word of me as a man, but God's word spoken by me by his command, which I have preached: And his Word is the cause of and guide to everlasting life.

N. Christ as man was under a peculiar Law of mediation, proper to himself.

CHAP. XIII.

NOW before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come, that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

1. The foreknowledge of his approaching departure to the Father, caused him in this special manner to show his love to his disciples.

2. And Supper being ended, (the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him.)

2. N. Sin is the offspring of a wicked heart and the devil together.

3. Jesus kowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God: 4. He riseth from Supper, and laid aside his garments, and took a tower and girded himself. 5. After that he poured water into a bason and began to wash the disciples feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

3. Jesus knowing that he was presently to take possession of his universal dominion, and return to God from whom he came, did humble himself to this work of LOVE and SERVICE, for an example to them; He riseth from Supper, &c.

N. What is meant by Christ's coming from God, is before opened.

6. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, doest thou wash my feet. 7. Jesus answered and said unto him What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter.

6, 7. N. 1. We must not refuse God's Mercies on pretence of humility or unworthiness. 2, We must obediently submit to those commands and dealings of God, the reason of which we cannot yet understand, because it is God's will, and we shall understand them hereafter.

8. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part in me. 9. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

8, 9. N. 1. It was Peters rashness to resolve against that which he understood not. 2. Christ washeth all that have part in him from the guilt and filth of sin. 3. It's lawful and a duty to change a purpose taken up upon mistakes, and to break that word which did but express such a purpose: There are three sorts of affirming words. 1. Assertious saying, This or that is true, or is not true : To violate these willfully is Lying; and in witness bearing it is a heinous Sin. We must assert nothing but truth.

2. Promises : Which if made to God, are Vows: if to man, it giveth them right to what what we promise. These bind us as far as we had power to make them: And if we had such power, and it be about lawful things, we may not break them: without his consent to whom the promise was made, or someone that hath full power over him in that concern.

3. There is a Pollicitation, or rather, a bare utterance of a man's resolution, As [ This or that I will do or give, &c.] This ever in all rational men supposeth many conditions, As [if God will] [if I live and be able, ] [If the change of things alter not my case.] If I find not my Reason mistaken, &c. ] No Christian may be supposed to say [I will do this whether God will or not: whether I live or die: whatever befall me, or though I find that my Reason is an error: As in all such cases it is a duty to change a resolution, so it is a duty to go against that word by which we expressed our Resolution: to change mind▪ word and work for the better, is a duty. So Peter doth here.

10. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed, needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. 11. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.

10, 11. The washing of the feet only may be as sufficient a ceremony to signify your cleansing as if I had washed you all over. I have done this according to the custom of this Country, where with going bare leg'd the feet gather dust, to show you that as you have need of daily cleansing from the pollution that you are liable to gather from this world, so I am he that condescend to cleanse you from it, &c.

12. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 13. Ye call me Master, and Lord, and ye say well: for so I am. 14. If I then your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 15. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

12, 13, 14, 15. Knowing what pride and uncharitableness man's nature is capable of, and what must be the spirit and life of my Ministers, I have given you this example to teach you to stoop to the feet of the lowest, to the lowest offices of Love and Service: and now if you or any of my Ministers shall either disdain this by pride, and instead of it domineer, and menace, or persecute the weak, or by sloth or uncharitableness neglect such Ministerial offices of Love, my example shall condemn all such.

16. Verily, verily I say unto you, The servant is nor greater then his lord, neither he that is sent, greater then he that sent him. 17. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

16, 17. Make not light of what I say to you; and pretend not your superiority or Episcopal Power to excuse you from this Ministerial Service and condescension to the lowest: you are not greater then I that send you: you are but my servants, and this is your service. If you not only know this but do it, you shall be blessed in your reward: But if you pretend learning and knowledge and neglect this work, your guilt and misery will be double.

18. I speak not of you all, I know whom I have chosen: but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me, hath lift up his heel against me.

18. I do not equal you by this speech: I know you all whom I have chosen to follow me; and I know that in one of you that Scripture will be fulfilled, He that eateth bread, &c.

19. Now I tell you before it come, that when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.

19. I tell you before that when you see that I know what will come so pass, it may confirm your faith.

20. Verily verily I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send, receiveth me: and he that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me.

20. But you that are my faithful Messengers, shall not fail of success or of reward: I will take the receiving of you and your Message, as the receiving of myself, and as the receiving of God himself that sent me.

21. When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and tes • ified and said, Verily verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

21. Then Jesus with a troubled mind, in a just sense of the Traitors Sin and Misery, and his own approaching sufferedg told them more plainly, that one of them would betray him to death.

22. Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.

22. They were troubled, and were thinking who this should be.

23. Now there was leaning on Jesus bosom, one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24. Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. 25. He then lying on Jesus breast, saith unto him, Lord, who is it?

23. John at the desire of Peter asked him secretly, who it was.

26. Jesus answered, He it is to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot the son of Simon.

26. Jesus told John secretly, it is he to whom I give the next piece of Bread dipped: Which he did to Judas.

27. And after the sop, Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.

27. As his hypocrisy and thieving and covetousness gave Satan power over him before, so now upon his obdurateness after all warnings; he had greater power to hurry him to the execution. And Christ by saying [what thou dost do quickly] intimated to him that he knew his mind.

28. Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.

28. None of them (unless perhaps John ) understood what he meant.

29. For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast: or that he should give something to the poor. 30. He then having received the sop, went immediately out, and it was night.

29. Judas had the Purse, and that occasioned their mistake. 30. N. This immediate going out, maketh it unce • tain whether he received the Sacramental part of the Supper.

31. Therefore when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32. If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.

31.32. Now is the time at hand that I shall be glorified by my Death and Resurrection; and God shall be glorified in me: And because God is glorified in me, he will glorify me speedily in myself.

33. Little Children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me, and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come: so now I say unto you.

33. Dear Children the time is now at hand, when I must depart from you, and you cannot now follow me.

34. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

34. And being to part from you, I leave this with you as my last and great command in my Testament, that you truly love one another; even as I have loved you who lay down my life for you.

35. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

35. It is not bare names and words that make men my true disciples, but learning of me, and obeying me: And this is the great Lesson and Command which you must learn as the Symbol of my Religion and Church, by which all must know that you are my disciples, even by true practical effectual Love to all true Christians.

N. To hate, malign, hurt and persecute Christ's servants, doth as truly prove men to be no Christians, as to deny the faith, how fair pretences soever may be their cloak.

36. Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now: but thou shalt follow me afterwards.

36. Thou shalt go to the same place in time, and the like way.

37. Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake. 38. Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily verily I say unto thee, the Cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

38. As confident as thou art of thy fidelity, I know thy heart better than thou dost, and I know that before Cocks crowing be past thou wilt thrice deny thou knowest me.

CHAP. XIV.

LET not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2. In my Fathers house are many Mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; I go to prepare a place for you.

1. Let not my departure trouble your hearts: trust God and trust me with your Souls and Bodies. In my Fathers house there are Rooms enough to receive all mine as well as me: If it were not so, I would not have drawn you to hope for it in vain, but have told you the truth: I go before you to prepare for your entertainment.

3. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.

3. Fear not that I should leave you desolate: I do not prepare a place for you in vain, but will come again and take you and all believers to myself as a glorified Society. N. Did not many other Texts assure us of the Souls reception to Christ at our death, this would be sad to us, and make us think he would not take us to himself till his return to judgment. But it being then that our felicity will be consummate, in the consummation of the whole Church in one body, therefore Christ putteth this promise of the fullest perfection for their comfort.

4. And whither I go, ye know, and the way ye know.

4. And you are not utter strangers to the God and Place that I go to, or to the way.

5. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest: and how can we know the way? 6. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, the life: no man come • th unto the Father but by me.

5, 6. It is to the Father I am going: And think not carnally of the place or state or way: I am your way and Guide, and I am the Truth signified by all ceremonial shadows; and I am your Life both efficiently, directively and finally: you must come to God as your end, by me as the only way, if ever you will be happy.

7. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also? and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

7. You see me in my bodily presence: But if you had known me better in my spiritual Being, and in the works which I have done by my Fathers power; you would better have known my Father also. But as you have seen him in me and my works, so henceforth you shall know him more.

8. Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

8. If we might but see the Father, it would satisfy us. N. Man in flesh would fain live by sight as more satisfying to him than mere faith.

9. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me, hath seen the Fathet: and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? 10. Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you, I speak not of myself: but the Father, that dwelleth in me, he doth the works.

9, 10. God is invisible, and to be seen only in his works, effects and appearances: And in what or whom canst thou expect to see him more apparently than in me? Have I been so long with you and hast thou not seen and known me? If thou hast seen me, thou hast seen the notifying appearance of the Father? And what other sight of the Father canst thou expect? Believest thou not that God the Father is so in me and I in him, as that he appeareth to the world by me? and (though his Greatness shine more conspicuously in Sun and Stars, Heaven and Earth, yet) his Holiness, Wisdom, and ruling Will, and his saving Love to sinful man show themselves most in me, in the words that I speak and the works that I do, which it is the Father that worketh in me.

11. Believe me, that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works sake. 12. Verily, verily I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do, shall he do also, and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

11. If you will not believe my own testimony, believe me for my Works, that I am in the Father and acted by him, and he is in me, and his Power acteth by me. And this Power shall be so manifested, that I will enable those that believe in me, to do greater Miracles than I have done, when I ascend to my Father and send down my Spirit on them, by which you shall see that I was acted by the Power of the Father.

13. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.

13. And you shall find by experience in the answer of your Prayers, that I am in God and actuate you by his Power; For whatever you ask in my name, which is fit to be asked and received, I will do it as the Mediator between the Father and you, that the Father may be glorified in and by the office of my Mediation and Administration. When you find that asking in my name procureth your d • sire, you may know that it is by me.

15. If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever. 17. Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him, for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

15, 16, 17. If you do but love me, and show it by sincere keeping my commandments, I will pray the Father, and he shall give you the Holy Ghost in an eminent peculiar manner, to be a Paraclet, or an Agent and Advocate, and Intercessor between me and you, pleading my Cause with you and the World, and pleading your Cause in Prayer with me and my Father; To which end he shall as a vital Principle abide with you forever. Even God's Spirit of Truth, who shall teach you the Truth, and confute the lying Deceiver; The World cannot receive him as an Illuminater and Comforter, because not knowing him, and being prepossessed with contrary malignant inclinations, it resisteth him: But he hath in some measure taken possession of you already, and ye know and obey him, and he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you, as sent by me, and as my Witness.

18. I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you.

18. Let not my departure too much trouble you, I will not leave you as destitute Orphantes, but I will rise and see you, and when Ascended I will come to you by my Spirit, and at last come and take all the Church unto my Glory.

19. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more: but ye see me, because I live, ye shall live also.

19. Though I shall shortly depart out of the sight of this World, yet ye shall see me: For I am your Head and Principle of Life, and as I shall live with God in Glory, so shall ye live by Communication of Life from me. Note, Here we have security for the Souls Immortality, and Heavenly felicity. If Christ live we shall live.

20. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.

20. In that measure that this Spirit of Life is from me communicated to you, ye shall Experimentally find that as I am in the Father and act by his Power, so you are in me acted by my Love and Power, and I in you thus acting you by my Spirit.

21. He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

21. This Holy Spirit which I promise you, is the Spirit of Love: And he that loveth and keepeth my Commandments, is he that truly loveth me: And (though with a Love of benevolence and beneficence I Love many Enemies to their Conversions, yet) it is only they that thus Love me that shall be Loved of my Father with Complacence and Felicitation. And I will delight, bless and glorify them with my Love, and make myself fuller known to them.

22. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23. Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

22, 23. The manifestation of myself, is not to be by Monarchical outward Pomp, which the World expecteth, but by Spiritual Gifts and Comforts, and Rewards: And none are prepared for these but they that love me and keep my words: These my Father will Love, and my Father and I will come to him by the Spirit, and make our abode with him forever.

24. He that loveth me not, keepeth not my sayings: and the word which you hear, is not mine, but the Fathers which sent me.

24. But the World that Loveth me not, keepeth not my words: And it is the Fathers word and not mine only which they reject.

25. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 26. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

25, 26. I tell you all these things with my own Mouth, while I am present with you: But they shall be better understood, and take deeper rooting in your Memory and Affections, by the work of the Paraclets, the Holy Ghost, whom my Father will send in my Name, my Agent, Advocate and Witness; he shall more fully teach you all things, and bring all things that ever I said to your remembrances, that you may teach and record them to the World.

27. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

27. And taking my farewell of you, I do not only wish, but give and leave with you my Grace and Benediction: Not such an ineffectual or delusory peace in Sin as the World giveth: But the beginning of everlasting Felicity. Therefore let not your hearts be troubled or afraid at my departure as if ye were deserted

28. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater then I.

28. Ye have heard with trouble my words that I go away and come again to you. If ye understood this aright, your Love to me would make you rejoice, because as I told you, it is my Father that I go to. And he is greater than I whom he hath made Mediator; And the presence of his Glory is better than this base wicked World.

29. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

29. I have foretold you of my departure, and my sending the Spirit, that when its come to pass, your Faith may be helped by remembering my Predictions.

30. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the Prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing, in me.

30. I shall not speak much more to 〈…〉 my death: For the Devil the Prince of the 〈◊〉 and the Romish and Jewish Powers, his Agents are ready to Execute what I came to suffer, but shall find in me no guilt or desert of suffering.

31. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment; even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

31. But that I may show to Mankind, that my Love to my Father, and my perfect Obedience to his Commands, are more Powerful in me than the love of this Life, I shall willingly suffer for Man an undeserved cursed death. Arise, and let us go to the place where I know Judas will come to apprehend me.

CHAP. XV.

I Am the vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

1. I am to you like the Vine that giveth forth her Vital juice for Mans life and delight: And my Father is as the Husbandman that planteth, owneth and disposeth of the Vine and Fruit. Note, Whether Christ spake this before they rose from Supper, or as they went by the way is uncertain.

2. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh away: and every branch that bareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

2. All that manifest themselves Christians, and are Baptized and Grafted into my Church, are to me as the Branches are to the Vine; as to Cove • ant-insition. And every 〈…〉 • hristia • 〈◊〉 is not sincerely fruitful 〈…〉 superfluous branch: And the sincere and fruitful shall be pruned by Instruction, Discipline and Correction, that they may be yet more fruitful.

3. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine: no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

3, 4. You are now in some measure cleansed and sanctified by my Word and Grace: But do ye think that all your work is done, or all your danger over▪ it must be still your care to abide in me by continued Faith and Love, and that I may abide in you by my Spirit and Grace: For as the branch can bear no Fruit of itself, but by virtue communicated from the Stock, and therefore must abide in it: No more can you, except you abide in me.

5. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

5. Your ••• tion and continuance in me, must make you fruitful. • or out of me and without my communicated Spirit of Grace, you can do nothing that will save you.

6. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

6. He that being Grafted into my Church and me, and Apostatizeth, shall be damned. Quest. Is this spoken of the sincere or of the unsound and Hypocrites. If of the sincere, do they fall away to Damnation? If of others, would they not be burned or damned if they should persevere, in their Hypocritical dead Profession? Answ. First, Christ tells us how we may judge of them, We know them not to be Hypocrites till they fall off and then we may discern their misery. Secondly, The Sincere that shall never fall quite away, have need of Promises, and Threatenings, Hopes and Fears to be the means of their perseverance: For God fulfilleth his decrees by means. Thirdly, Whether there be not an initial unconfirmed degree of Grace (like Adams ) which may be lost, which else would save (though confirmed Grace be never totally lost) is a Controversy so ancient and among the wisest and best of men, as that it requireth great modesty in the Deciders.

7. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

7. If ye abide in me and my words abide practically in you, you shall be so accepted with God for your Union with me and Interest in me, that for my s • ke all your just • equests shall be granted: But this privilege 〈…〉 interrupt.

8. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit, so shall ye be my Disciples.

8. It is not your barren Profession, but your greater Fruitfulness in doing good, which is the honoring of God who is the Author of Religion, and must prove you to be my true Disciples.

9. As the father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

9. As God the Father hath set his special Love on me and sent me on his work, so have I set my special Love on you, and chosen you for my Service: See that you forfeit not my Love by forsaking me, or being unfaithful in my Service.

10. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love: even as I have kept my Fathers commandments; and abide in his love.

10. The way to continue in my Love, is to keep my Commandments; for thus I abide in my Fathers Love, even his Complacency in me as his Servant, by keeping his Commandments.

11. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

11. My end in all this Counsel to you is but that I may still have joy in your Fidelity and Fruitfulness, and you may have fullness of Joy in me, and in the Reward of your Fidelity.

12. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

12. The sum of my Command and Doctrine is Love; even that in your entire Love to one another, and the Fruits and expression of it, you inmitate my Love to you.

13. Greater love hath no man then this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

13. Mans love of Friendship hath no higher Expression, than laying down ones life for his Friends.

14. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

14. I lay down my life for you, and that as for my beloved friends who shall enjoy my friendly Love forever, if you prove my friends indeed: and that must be by doing whatsoever I command you, and not by bare words and boasts of friendship.

15. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father, I have made known unto you.

15. Though you are my Servants, I have a higher name to call you by, even my Friends: For mere Service signifieth not that endeared intimacy which I have used with you. LOVE and Friendship is higher than mere Service and Obedience. I have made known to you the Mysteries of God, which signify my Love of friendship.

16. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

16. You did not first begin in Love to me, and choose me for your Savior, but I began in Love of benevolence to you, and chose you to be my Friends the Objects of my Complacency: And ordained you to be my Apostles to Convert the World, that you may see the Catholic Church gathered as the settled fruit of your Labors. And that whatever Power you ask of God, by Miracles or other Gifts to promote your Labor he may give it you.

17. These things I command you, that ye love one another.

17. I mention all this to you to enforce my last and great Command, that ye love one another. Note, Alas how far are the Accusing, Slandering, Reviling, Backbiting and Persecuting Teachers, Rulers and Sects, from the Nature and Practice of this Love, which Christ so vehemently urgeth.

18. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

18. When you meet with hatred from ungodly Men, remember that I that am the Son of God and never sinned, was hated by them before you, and you do but follow me, and suffer for and with me.

19. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

19. If you were mere ungodly Wordlings or Infidels, the World would not hate you for Godliness or Faith, but love you for being like them. But they hate you for that Christian Excellency in which my chosen ones excel them: And would you not be Better and Happier than they, though you be hated for it.

20. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater then the Lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you: if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

20. If you take me for your Lord indeed, remember that I have told you that you are not greater than I, and look for no better usage of the World than I have found: If they have Persecuted me, they will Persecute you: And if the unbelieving Part reject my Word, wonder not if they do so by yours, and if the chosen only do receive it.

21. But all these things will they do unto you for my names sake, because they know not him that sent me.

21. It is for my sake that they will Persecute you, because they know not God and his Testimony of me.

22. If I had not come, and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.

22. If I had not spoken to them and confirmed my Word by my Works their sin had not been so great, but had excuse ( Note, Here [not had Sin] a Positive is put for a Comparative): Or if I had not come with sufficient evidence, it had not been their sin not to believe me to be the Christ: But now their unbelief and Persecution hath no pretence.

23. He that hateth me, hateth my Father also.

23. The hatred that is against me, is consequently against God my Father, it being his Word, Works and Witness which they reject.

24. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen, and hated both me and my Father.

24. They had not been bound to believe me to be the Christ, if I had not shown God's Attestation, such works as no man else can do, or if any one had done the like. Note, Yet it is a false inference of the Infidels, that therefore none are bound to take him for the Christ, where he never came and did such works: For History may as infallibly transmit the notice of his Works, as Sight and Hearing could receive them.

25. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their Law, They hated me without a cause.

25. But the Word written in Psal. 3.19. which in a large sense is part of their Law is thus fulfilled.

26. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.

26. But when the Holy Ghost my Advocate and your Comforter is sent down upon you, whom after my Resurrection I will send to you, for his Eminent signal Gifts, from the Father▪ even that Holy Spirit of Truth which proceedeth from the Father, he shall be my great Prevailing Witness both to you, and by you to the World, and shall cause belief.

27. And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

27. And you on whom this Spirit shall come down, shall by his operation be made my effectual Witnesses, of what I have said and done and suffered, because you have been with me, as Eye and Ear Witnesses from the beginning of my public Ministration.

CHAP. XVI.

THese things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. 2. They shall put you out of the Synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you, will think that he doeth God service.

1, 2. I foretell you what you must expect, that when it cometh you may not be scandalized and turned back. They shall cast you out by Excommunication of their Sacred and Civil Assemblys, as a reproach, yea they that kill you shall do it as an acceptable offering or service to God. Note, How little do the Religious pretenses of Persecutors deserve regard.

3. And these things will • they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

3. Did they know the Father and me, they would do otherwise: willful Ignorance is the cause.

4. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.

4. Remember▪ I foretold you all this: which I said not from the beginning, because I was with you to encourage you, and your time of trial was not come and at first you could not so well bear it.

5. But now I go my way to him that sent me, and none of you asketh me whither goest thou? 6. But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.

5, 6. But now I am going to him that sent me, and though it be on your business and for your interest, you ask me not whither and for what I go? But sorrow oppresseth you to hear of my departure.

7. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you

7. Believe it, my departure is for your benefit: For the Holy Ghost whom I will then send will be better to you than my bodily presence on Earth.

8. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9. Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10. Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11. Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

8, 9, 10, 11. And it will be his work effectually to plead my cause. And first to convince the World, of their sin in accusing, rejecting and murdering me, in whom they should have believed, which he will do by his Gifts, Miracles, and inward Operations: And, Secondly to convince them of the Truth and Righteousness of my Person and Doctrine, and my Right to be the Head of the Church, and the Righteousness of my Government of it; Because I go into Heaven to take fuller Possession of my Plenipotency and Administration, and by my Spirit in you and on the Hearers, shall more effectually convince Men and gather my Church, than I did while I was with you: And Thirdly, He shall convince them that God hath Exalted me to the Power of Conquering Satan and his Kingdom, and punishing Rebellious Adversaries, when they shall see that by my Spirit the Kingdom of Satan falleth, and the Powers that served him are partly Converted, and partly confounded and destroyed.

12. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

12. I have many things more to make known to you, which you are not yet prepared to receive.

13. Howbeit, when he the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.

13. But when the Holy Spirit of Truth is come upon you, he will make you capable, and will guide you into all Truth, (which you must Preach and Record for the Propagating and ordering my Church, Preaching to the Gentiles, laying by the Mosaic Law, &c. ) For he shall speak but that which is of God, and things to come, and which you are not yet fit to receive.

14. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.

14. It is this Extraordinary gift of the Holy Ghost, which shall be my great convincing Witness in the World that shall prove me to be the Savior: For it is from me that he is sent, and my Word that he shall Teach you, whether it be Remembering or Expounding what I have already spoken or Teaching you more by Inspiration. What he saith and doth in and by you my chosen Apostles that I do by him and you.

15. All things that the Father hath, are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.

15. I say he shall take of mine: For the wisdom Grace and Gifts that come from the Father, come from me; that which is his is mine, and the Spirit is sent by the Father and by me.

16. A little while and ye shall not see me: and a • ain a little while and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.

16. As it is but a little while till I that am now with you▪ shall depart from your sight, so it will be but a short time till I shall return from Heaven to which I am Ascending (or as some Expound it [I shall be a little while dead, and a little while with you after my Resurrection.]

17. Then said some of his Disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father? 18. They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith. 19. Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye inquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while and ye shall not see me and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?

17, 18, 19. Jesus perceived that they understood him not.

20. Verily verily I say unto you, that ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. 21. A woman when she is in travail, hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. 22. And ye now therefore have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

20. You shall have a time of suffering Sorrow, while bad Men are triumphing over you and rejoicing; but your Sorrow shall be turned into Joy; in the sense of my Resurrection and the Comforts of the Holy Ghost, and the success of your labors, and your own Salvation. As a Woman delivered hath joy in her Birth, instead of the sorrows of her Travail. I myself will again see you, when I am Risen, and finally glorify you: And then you shall have a Joy which none can deceive you of or diminish.

23. And in that day ye shall ask me nothing: Verily verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. 24. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive that your joy may be full.

23, 24. You shall not then learn by asking me questions, as now: But you shall Petition the Father in my Name, and he will give you what you need both for your own Instruction and for your Ministry. You have not hitherto understood and used my Intercession so fully as you must do hereafter, and have nor used to ask in my Name so explicitly as you must do. But he • er • after you must ask in my Name to be heard for my Merits and sake as your Intercessor: As thus by fervent Prayer, and fuller answers and gifts shall cause your fuller Joy.

25. These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: the time cometh when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall show you plainly of the Father.

25. I have hitherto spoken to you in Parables, letting in the Light by such degrees as you were fit to bear. But when I send you the Holy Ghost, you shall know more plainly the Mysteries of God.

26. At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: 27. For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.

26, 27. You shall then put up all your Prayers in my Name, which I would not have you so to understand, as if the Father himself did not Love you, but must be moved to it by me: I say more than that I will Pray for you; even that the Father himself, loveth you, because ye have loved me, and believed in me, &c. Note, First, I say not that I will Pray, is but Christ's ordinary use of a Positive phrase for a Comparative : it is, I say not this only, but more. Secondly, Our Love to Christ as well as our Faith is called the cause why God loveth us. Thirdly, But this [ Because ] signifieth no efficient cause of anything in God, but a Moral Qualification of the receiver, called a Material dispositive receptive Cause.

28. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again I leave the world, and go to the Father.

28. Note, I have before shown that this coming from the Father, signifieth not any local removal of of the Deity, but its Conjunctive Operation on the human Nature and its miraculous Conception or Production.

29. His Disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. 30. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

29, 30. We now perceive that thou knowest the secrets of our hearts, and what thoughts and doubts they were that troubled us; which thou hast now plainly resolved: Therefore we believe thou comest from God.

31. Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe? 32. Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

31, 32. As confidently as you speak, I tell you the hour is now at hand, in which you shall every man be afraid to own me, and shall shift for yourselves and fly to your Houses, and shall leave me forsaken of you all alone: But I will not call it alone; for the Father will not forsake me.

33. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

33. I have told you what is to befall you hereafter, that though you will be grieved at my departure, you may fetch your Peace and Joy from the Assurance of what I will do for you after my Resurrection. You shall have Tribulation to the flesh in the World: But let not that dismay you; but take comfort in me, who have overcome the World, even its flattering Tempations, and its malicious Prosecutions. And my Victory is virtually yours, who shall overcome by my Intercession, Spirit and Graces.

CHAP. XVII.

THese words spake Jesus, and lift up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee.

1. This Prayer Christ made to his Father, lifting up his Eyes to Heaven, to teach us to look thither as the place whence God appeareth in Glory, Father the hour of my death undertaken, for Mans Redemption is at hand: Glorify thy Son by thy Attestation and his Resurrection, that his Glory may be the Glory of thy Power, Wisdom and Love to Man.

2. As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

2. As thou hast advanced him to this Power, to be the Owner and Lord of all flesh, for Disposals, Legislation, Judgment and Execution, to order all things, so as may secure the Possession of an Eternal Life, of Happiness, to all that thou hast given him by effectual Decree to be certainly eventually saved: All things being for the good of thine Elect.

3. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.

3. And what is Life Eternal, but that perfect knowledge of thee, which fills the Soul with Love and Joy and the knowledge of thy Glory, shining forth in thy Son Jesus Christ with his Body the Heavenly Society. And the beginning of this knowledge is the beginning and way to Perfection.

4. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

4. My Doctrine, Example and Miracles have here shown forth thy Glory: I am near the end, and have almost finished that work on Earth for Mans Redemption, which I undertook.

5. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own-self, with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

5. As I have almost performed my part perform thou thy part of the Covenant of my Mediation; and give me the Son of Man a due participation of that Glory, which my Divine Nature had with thee from Eternity. Note, This Text is by divers diversely Expounded. First, Some say that▪ Christ's human Soul was Glorified before the Word was. Secondly, The Arians say that he had a superangelical Nature only before the World was, which united itself to a human Soul (say some) or only animated a human Body, (say others;) Thirdly, Others of late say he hath three Natures uniting itself to the Prime Created Superangelical Nature; And this uniting itself to a human Soul and Body (say some) or to a human Body alone (say others) Fourthly, But the plain Paraphrase which I have given, is the Doctrine of the Orthodox universal Church.

6. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; ad they have kept thy word.

6. I have made known thee and thy Will, to them whom thou gavest me out of the World, to be my peculiar Disciples: They were thine as their Creator, and thou gavest them me to be their Redeemer, and I have taught them thy word and they have kept it.

7. Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me, are of thee.

7. They have known this Fundamentally, that I and my Doctrine and Works are all of thee.

8. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.

8. Note that Christ insisteth so much on this, because to believe that he and his doctrine and Works are all of God, is virtually to believe, that they are all true without searching after any other Reason of yours. For he is mad that believeth not that there is a God, and he believeth not a God who believeth him not to be perfect, and therefore to be Just, Good and True, and not the Deceiver of the World.

9. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me, for they are thine. 10. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine, and I am glorified in them.

9, 10. It is out of special Love to them, for the Salvation and welfare of these, that I now pray to thee, and not for the mere Worldlings and Enemies of thy Kingdom, (though for them also I have such desires and Prayers as signify my common Love; and the Elect among them yet unconverted, I have such requests for, as are suited to their state.) But these that thou hast given me peremptorily to save, are the People of of thy peculiar Love as well as mine. And all that I so Love thou lovest also, and it is in them that I am glorified and my Person, Office and Grace is honored, which others do but Swinishly despise.

11. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name, those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

11. And now I am leaving the Word, but must leave them in it to Trials and Persecutions, while I am with thee. And seeing their Union, by one Faith and Love is their Character strength and safety, without which they will fall into Scandal and dissolution, O keep them by Concentring in thee and thy Will (and not distracted by human Devices and Interests) that they may be one in Faith, Hope and Practice, as we are one,

12. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition: that the scripture might be fulfilled.

12. All that thou gavest to be my adherent followers, I have kept in thy Name, save the Son of Perdition, in whose Revolt and Treachery the Scripture is fulfilled.

13. And now come I to thee, and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.

13. I Come to thee, but I leave them my Word, to fortify them with that joy which they will need in their Afflictions.

14. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

14. It is not all the World that will be saved by me, but a select People to whom I effectually give thy Word, and the World hateth them, because their Doctrine, Mind and Life do differ from the World, and they are of another Spirit and Society of which I am the Head.

15. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

15. They have work to do in the World, from which I do not pray thou shouldest take them, but that thou keep them pure from the sins. Temptatations and Malice of the World, as those that are separa-from it to obey thee, as I their Leader am.

17. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

17. Qualifie and separate them by thy Truth, to propagate thy Truth, even thy Word which is Truth.

18. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

18. As thou sentest me for the work of a Redeemer into this sinful World, so have I sent them, for the work of Apostleship.

19. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

19. For their sakes I become a Sacrifice offered to thee, that they may by my Doctrine, Example, and Spirit, be also totally devou • ed to serve thee.

20. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word:

20. But it is not for them only that I pray, but for all that by their Ministry shall become true Christians.

21. That they all may be one, as thou Father art in me, and I in thee; that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou has sent me.

21. And the sum of my Prayer for them is, that as I am so united to thee, that what thou speakest I speak, and what thou Lovest I Love, and thy Works are my Works, wrought by thee, so they may be one in us (and not in any uncapable Center of human Invention and Usurpation) and may all speak the same thing which they have heard from thee by me, and may Love what we Love, and do our work and not their own: That by their concord in Faith, Love and Practice the world may be won to Christianity and not scandalized by their Discord and Fractions, or by forsaking the true Unity, and combining for worldly Interest on worldly terms.

22. And the glory which thou gavest me, I have given them: that they may be one, even as we are one.

22. And as thou has glorified me in the World by the Power of working Miracles, and gathering Sinners home to thee, I have glorified them by giving them the same Power to work Miracles and to call and convert the World: that they may be one Body, of one Mind and do one work, as I have done thy work alone.

23. I in them and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

23. That while I work in them, by my Word and Spirit, as thou workest in me, they may be perfected into one concordant harmonious Body, united in Faith and Love, that this Luster of their Excellency and Concord may convince the World, that thou hast sent me to restore them that are so much restored, and that thou lovest them as thy Redeemed Sanctified ones, as thou lovest me their Redeemer.

24. Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

24 Father as it was thy Covenant with me as my Reward for Redemption, it is now my Will and Desire, that all that thou givest me by Conversion as true Christians, to be saved, may be after death with me where I am, that they may see the Glory which thou givest me, the sight of which is part of their glorification: For thou lovest me before the Foundation of the World, and wilt communicate Glory to them by me.

25. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee; but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.

25. O Righteous Father, that world of Men whom thou hast Created have not known thee, but I that have known thee have declared thee to them, and these my Disciples having known that thou hast sent me, have believed my word concerning thee.

26. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me, may be in them, and I in them.

26. And I have by my Word and Works made thee and thy will known to them, and will do so yet more; that the Holy Spirit of Love with which thou hast filled me, may be in them, and by that Spirit I may be in them.

CHAP. XVIII.

WHen Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his deciples over brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the the which he entered, and his Disciples. 2. And Judas also which betrayed him; knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

1. This Sermon and Prayer being spoken after the Sacrament, Jesus went to the Garden where he knew he should be apprehended: Judas knew the place, because Christ oft went thither, &c.

3. Judas then having received a band of men, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns, and torchees, and weapons.

3. Note, Judas was the Informer that led the Officers (such as Constables,) and the Chief Priests and the Pharisees of their party were they that (like Justices) furnished them with Commissions and Armed men.

4. Jesus therefore knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? 5. They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also which betrayed him, stood with them.

5, 6. Note, Christ fled not when his hour was come. 2. What a stony heart had Judas all this while.

6. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward and fell to the ground.

6. Some of them went backward and fell. Note, This stopped not them or their Companions.

7. Then asked he them again, whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. 8. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he. If therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: 9. That the saying might be fulfilled which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me, have I lost none.

7, 8, 9. Note, Christ was careful for the Bodily safety of his Disciples till their hour came. 2. His words of Loosing none, are here Expounded as reaching to the body as well as to the Soul.

10. Then Simon Peter having a sword, drew it, and smote the high priests servant, and cut off his right ear. The servants name was Malchus. 11. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword unto the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

10, 11. Note, Peter that before trusted too much to his own constancy, now trusteth too much to his Sword, without Commission. • Christ would not be rescued from his undertaken sufferings by human strength.

12. Then the band, and the captain, and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him.

12. The Colonel with his Soldiers and the Officers, bind Jesus as as a Malefactor; being slavish Executioners.

13. And led him away to Annas first (for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.) 14. Now Caiaphas was he which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

13. The Power was in Caiaphas, but his Father in Law was made the way to him, no doubt being a forward Actor.

15. And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another Disciple. That Disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. 16. But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other Disciple which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.

15. Note, It seems acquaintance made them bear with John, and yet pretended they knew him not to be a Disciple.

17. Then saith the Damsel that kept the door, unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not. 18. And the Servants and Officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals (for it was cold) and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.

17, 18. Note, Whenever we have business in bad Company, we should foresee what Temptations, we may there expect, and be forewarned.

19. The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.

19. N. The Perversion and Confusion of this blinded World, Man Examineth and Judgeth God: An ignorant High Priest who pretendeth to no honor, but to be an Officer of God judgeth his Master.

20. Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the Synagogues and in the Temple, whither the Jews always resort, and in secret have I said nothing, 21. Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.

20, 21. Note, Christ that came to die for our sins, yet would not accuse himself but refe •• ed the ensnaring Prelate to his Auditors, and bid him p • oduce his Witnesses if he had anything to accuse him of: Giving us an Example how to answer such malicious High Priests. Secondly, By [ in secret have I said nothing ] hemeaneth, I have not fraudulently concealed my Doctrine, Thirdly, Christ did not separate from the Temple or Synagogue, and yet they could not bear him while he put them but to prove their accusations; they expected that his obedience to their demands should have furnished their Malice with matter against him, while they were breaking God's Commands.

22. And when he had thus spoken one of the officers which stood by, stroke Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?

22. Note, It is no wonder if wicked High Priests have wicked Officers, ready to say and do as they. Rebels against God charge God himself for not obeying them in iniquity; and expect more than due submission from God's Servants while they were against God himself.

23. Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?

23. If I have by my answer broken the Law, prove it: If not, why art thou Executioner without Trial or desert.

24. (Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high Priest.) 25. And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself: They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not. 26. One of the servants of the high Priest, (being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off) saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him? 27. Peter then denied again, and immediately the Cock crew.

24, 25, &c. All this was done in Caiaphas house whither Annas had sent Christ bound. There Peter then denied Christ: Though one denial be here omitted.

28. Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas, unto the hall of Judgment: And it was Early, and they themselves went not into the Judgment-hall lest they should be defiled: but that they might eat the Passover.

28. Note, Thus That Hypocrite Priests make Conscience of a Ceremony, while they are shedding holy Blood.

29. Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring you against this man? 30. They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.

29, 30. Note, The wicked Priests expected that Pilate should have taken their bare word against Christ to Condemns him.

31. Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him and judge him according to your Law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: 32. That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.

31, 32. If he must be Condemned upon your bare word, be you the Judges of him by your own Law: For the Rommans use not to Condemn men so unjustly.

Note, The Romans having Conquered the Jews, allowed them the use of their Law for lesser punishments, but not for death (though some think otherwise:) Crucifying was the Roman punishment.

33. Then Pilate entered into the judgment-hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the king of the Jews? 34. Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?

34. I perceive thy question implieth accusation: Who is the Accuser? Is it thyself or any other.

35. Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation, and the chief Priests have delivered thee unto me: What hast thou done?

35. I am no Jew, nor Judge of your Prophesies, pretences and quarrels; It is thy own Nation and those that should best understand the matters of it, even the High Priest that have delivered thee to me: How hast thou offended them.

36. Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

36. I know it is as the Usurper of the Crown against Caesar that they intend to accuse me: But of that they have no just cause: For it is no Earthly Kingdom that I claim; nor do I raise Men to fight for me, as I should do if I claimed an Earthly Kingdom.

37. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth: everyone that is of the truth, heareth my voice. 38. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth?

37. And art thou a King indeed. Jesus answered, I am a King, (though I claim no man's Crown) it was to this end that I was born and came into the World, that the Truth might Reign, and that I might Reign in the Minds of Men by the Light of Truth: And everyone that is thus enlightened to obey the Truth, obeyeth me: Pilate said, in disdain, what is that Truth which thou pretendest to be thy Reign.

And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.

38. I find not that he breaketh any of our Laws, by any capital Crime.

39. But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the king of the Jews? 40. Then cried they all again, saying Not this man, But Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.

39. Note, Pilate derided Christ, but was loath to murder him, judging him innocent.

Note, Whereas other Writers of the Gospel oft tell us that Christ answered not a word, and John tells us of his most pertinent Answers, it only signifieth that to many other Questions not here mentioned, he gave no Answer; and that he forbore partly as seeing it was in vain with such unrighteous Men, and being not over regardful of self defense, and partly that he might not give them matter against him, wrested from his own words: But the answers omitted by others John reeiteth.

CHAP. XIX.

THen Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. 2. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns; and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, 3. And said, Hail king of the Jews: and they smote him with their hands.

1, 2. Note, When the unjust Ruler had once led the way by Scurging him, all the Rabble and Soldiers make great Sport in deriding and abusing him; such are the frolicks of wicked ignorance.

4. Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. 5. Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man.

4. In Scorn.

6. When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, Crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and Crucify him: for I find no fault in him.

6. Thus Christ is the Foot-ball of Cruelty and Heathen Scorn. Pilate saith, let it be your own dowing if you will needs have it done, for by our Law he deserveth it not.

7. The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God. 8. When Pilate therefore heard that saying; he was the more afraid; 9. And wenr again into the judgment-hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.

7, 8, 9. Note, The Name of the Son of God, was used by the Priests against Christ to accuse and Murder him, and yet to a Heathen Judge caused fear and further enquiry: And to this day it is matter of Scorn to such that the Faithful are called the Children of God.

10. Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to Crucify thee, and have power to release thee? 11. Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

10. Note, 1. Christ would not tell him whence he was by Words, that would not know it by his Works. 2. Pilate thought that the power of Life and Death, should have forced Jesus to answer him. And Christ saith [whatever Proud men may claim or pretend to, no man can have more Governing Right or Authority than God the absolute Sovereign giveth him (who giveth none against himself) Therefore the Arch-Priests that deliver me to thee to be Crucified, are so much the greater Sinners that would turn God's Ordinances of Magistracy against himself.

12. And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesars friend, whosoever maketh himself a King, speaketh against Caesar.

12. Then the Priests used that Argument with Pilate which he had not strength to overcome; as if they would question his Life or Office, as a Traitor to Caesar, if he would not Condemn Christ as such. Though Christ had told him that he pretended not to a Kingdom of this World; yet for the Name of a King either Christ must die as an Enemy to Caesar, or Pilate go for such. Thus though all Royal Authority be of God, yet it is oft the strength and most prevailing Argument, that Wicked men use against God and his Law and Servants.

13. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment-seat, in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14. And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King. 15. But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, Crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I Crucify your King? The Chief Priests answered, we have no King but Caesar.

13. When Pilate saw that there was no resisting them without danger to himself, he sat in Judgment on Christ in a place called in the Syriac Gabbatha.

Note, The Controversy of the day, (whether it was that called by us Friday or Wednesday or Thursday) and that of the hour (whether it was the sixth hour (as John saith it was about,) or the third hour (as Mark saith) and whether in John it should he read the third (as Beza and some others think) are both too hard for Vulgar Readers, and therefore I leave them to Controversal writers: Much is said on both sides.

Note, 2. These Arch-Priests that at the heart were much against Caesar, yet to murder Christ as a Rebel, pretend to be the greatest Caesarian Royalists.

16. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be Crucified. And they took Jesus and led him away. 17. And he bearing his Cross, went forth unto a place called the place of a scull, which is called in the Hebrew, Golgotha.

17. He bare his Cross (till his strength failed and then they made Simon of Cyrene to bear it) to a place called in Syriac Golgotha, or the place of a Skul.

18. Where they Crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. 19. And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.

18, 19. Note, The Title signified his accusation.

20. This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was Crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.

20. Written in Syriac or Chaldee words with Hebrew Letters, and in Greek and Latin.

21. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. 22. Pilate answered, What I have written, I have written.

21, 22. The Title which Pilate made in Scorn, and God over ruled as real Truth, displeased the Arch-Priests: but Pilate would not alter it.

23. Then the Soldiers, when they had Crucified Jesus, took his garments (and made four parts, to every soldier a part) and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. 24. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rent it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.

23. Not that the Prophesy made them do it, but was fulfilled by their doing it.

25. Now there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother, and his mothers sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. 26. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son. 27. Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy Mother. And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

25, 26, 27. Note, Christ on the Cross had a care of his Mothers future comfort in the World: which consisted in her Entertainment and Converse with his beloved Disciple.

28. After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith I thirst. 29. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a Spunge with Vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. 30. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

28. As other Scriptures of him were fulfilled, so he would have that Psal. 69.22. And having drunk the Vinegar, he said, my Sacrifice on the Cross is performed, and the Prophecies of it fulfilled, and he bowed his Head and resigned his Soul.

Many passages are omitted by John because written by others.

31. The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the Sabbath-day (for that Sabbath-day was an high day) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was Crucified with him.

31, 32. Note, What day it was, whether the Seventh day Sabbath, or another so called by the Jews Superstition Expositors varying, I have before said, I will not trouble the Vulgar Reader with the Controversy.

33. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs. 34. But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

33, 34. They made sure since that he was dead!

35. And he that saw it, bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. 36. For these things were done, that the Scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.

35, 36. John that saw it is a true Witness. And that Psal. 34.20. which speaketh God's care of all his People, was specially meant of Christ, whether David so understood it or not.

37. And again another Scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

37. Thus also that of Zach. 12.10. was fulfilled.

38. And after this, Joseph of Arimathea (being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews) besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: And Pilate gave him leave: He came therefore and took the body of Jesus.

38. Joseph that duist not own Christ openly alive, begs and obtaineth his body for burial.

39. And there came also Nicodemus (which at the first came to Jesus by night) and brought a mixture of Myrrh and Aloes; about an hundred pound weight. 40. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen cloths, with spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.

39. The Mirrh and Aloes were to keep the Body from Putrefaction: but it seems they did for hast (being late) but rudely lay them to the body with the Cloaths, deferring the full Embalming till the first day of the week, when the Women came with Spices to have done it.

41. Now in the place were he was Crucified, there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulcher, wherein was never man yet laid. 42. There laid they Jesus therefore, because of the Jews preparation-day, for the sepulcher was nigh at hand.

41, 42. It was Josephs Sepulcher which he had prepared for himself, cleanness and nearness made it convenient.

CHAP. XX.

THe first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early when it was yet datk, unto the Sepulcher, and seeth the stone taken away from the Sepulcher.

1. Mary and other Women first see it.

2. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other Disciple whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the Sepulcher, and we know not where they have laid him. 3. Peter therefore went forth, and that other Disciple, and came to the Sepulcre. 4. So they ran both together: and the other Disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the Sepulcher. 5. And he stouping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying; yet went he not in. 6. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the Sepulcher, and seeth the linen clothes lie; 7. And the napkin that was about his head, not lying with the Linnen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. 8. Then went in also that other Disciple which came first to the Sepulcher, and he saw, and believed.

2, 3, &c. Peter and John moved by Marys words, went and saw, &c.

9. For as yet they knew not the Scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

9. Though the Scripture (and Christ himself often) foretold them his Resurrection, they yet believed it not.

10. Then the Disciples went away again unto their own home. 11. But Mary stood without at the Sepulcher, weeping: and as she wept, she stouped down and looked into the Sepulcher. 12. And seeth two Angels in white, sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain: 13. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

10, 11, &c. Though some Evangelists mentioned but one Angel, that denieth not that there were two, which is here affirmed.

14. And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 15. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? she supposing him to be the Gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have born him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16. Jesus saith, unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni, which is to say, Master.

14. Not, Whether her not knowing him was not by reason of distance, darkness, or Christ's not appearing in full notoriety, is uncertain. Secondly, Christ's first words are of Compassion to a weeping Sinner that loved him. Thirdly, Its easy to think with what passionate Joy this sight and word surprised her.

17. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not: for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and to my God and your God.

17. I am not risen for such familiar Conduct and Converse as I had with you before my Resurrection, but must Ascend to my Father where my Body shall be a Glorified spiritual body. And though I will allow you as much familiarity as shall convince you of my Resurrection, yet no more, nor such as formerly. But go to my Disciples, and tell them, I take them as my Brethren, and am shortly to Ascend where I shall be better to them than on Earth, even to him, that is my Father (by Nature and Merit ) and their Father, (by adopting, Grace and Union with me through my Merit) to my God (as I am Mediator and Man) and their God (through my Mediation.)

Note, All true believers should labor to get this most Comfortable text deeply imprinted on their Minds, and never think of God or come to him but as here described; My Father and your Father, My God and your God. And thus only to think of Heaven, and our change at Death, we are Ascending to our ascended Savior called our Brother, and to his Father and our Father, to his God and our God.

Note, That there seemeth a great difference between the Evangelists in describing these passages and appearances to the Women and Apostles: But it is but because one leaveth out what another mentioneth but not that they contradict each other. And if you you take them altogether as one History, the order seemeth to be this, First, Mary Magdalene, Johanna Mary of James, and Sallome, having bought Spices, and going to Embalm the Body, said who will roll away the Stone for us. Secondly, When they come they found that the Stone was rolled away; for an Angel had done it, and with his appearing and Earthquake affrighted away the Soldiers. Thirdly, That Angel with another saith to the Women fear not, I know you seek Jesus that was was Crucified: why seek ye the living among the dead; he is not here, he is Risen, Come, see the place, &c. 4. Then the Women run and tell the Disciples, They have taken away the Lord we know not where they have laid him. 5. Then Peter and John run to see: 6. Mary being come back stood weeping at the Enterance and looked back and saw two Angels, as John reciteth it. 7. Then Mary looked back and saw Christ, and at first knew him not, and he spake to her as here. 8. Then she runs and tells the Disciples, that she had seen the Lord: 9. Either then or when she was gone Jesus met the rest of the Women, and said to them All hail, and they laid hold on his Feet and worshipped him; and he said fear not, Go tell my brethren &c.

Or perhaps we may make it shorter. As, 1. The Stone rolled away and the keeper affrighted away. 2. Mary and the other women comes and find it so. 3. They go in and miss the body. 4. Many runs and tells Peter and John. 5. They run to see. 6. The women Staying see first one Angel on the Stone on the right side and then two, one at the head and one at the feet of the place. 7. These Angels say all that is mentioned, to Mary and the rest. 8. Mary seeth Jesus and so do the rest, who holding him by the feet he restraineth further corporal contract, and speaketh to Mary and the rest all that is mentioned. 9. Then she and they tell the Disciples that they had seen him, and what he said. This seemeth the order of all together.

18. Mary Magdalene came and told the Disciples, that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. 19. Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut, where the Disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

18, 19. Note, Christ rose and first appeared on the first day of the week, If any should question it by cavilling at the Text as doubtful; the practice of the Universal Church, ever since observing that day without any Contradicting Party, proveth it past doubt to all that use sober reason in the case. 2. Christ owned their private meeting, not reproving the Cautelous fears of Persecutors. 3. The first word that he spake to them together (or after his words to Mary ) was [peace be unto you] (Little understood by many Churchmen.)

20. And when he had so said, he showeth unto them his hands and his side. Then were the Disciples glad when they saw the Lord.

20. Several appearances are past by because mentioned by others.

21. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the holy Ghost. 23. Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosoever sins ye retain, they are retained.

21, 22, &c. Peace is the sum of my Gift and Benediction to you, and the sum of your duty to others; as my Father sent me into the World to Gather, Guide and save his Church as their Head and Mediator, so I send you to Gather, Guide and Save the Church as my Apostles: And breathing on them he said, As my Father sent me not with a bare Title unfurnished for his work, but filled with the Spirit of Life and Power, of Light and Wisdom, of Love and Goodness, so I will give you the same Holy Spirit, and send you furnished with Power, Knowledge and Love, (and not with mere names and Titles as Images): I give you Power to Preach the Gospel so effectually as shall open men's Eyes, and turn them from Darkness to Light, and from the Power of Satan unto God, that they may receive really from God, and by Sacramental investiture in Baptism, from your Remission of Sins, and right to the inheritance among the Sanctified by Faith in me: To be the Guids of my Church entrusted with Witnessing and Recording my Doctrine, Laws and Promises for their Government to the end of the World; And with the Keys of Church order, as authorized Judges in your several charges, who is capable of Church Communion, to be received by Baptism, restored by Repentance, or as uncapable Apostates cast out: Together with an extraordinary Power, to inflict or to remit bodily Punishment by my rule; not at your pleasure, but as it shall please the Holy Ghost, which he shall give you. And I do breath on you to communicate now some beginnings of that Spirit which I will send down on you after my Ascension; And so signify to you that it is a real Qualification and Spiritual that I will give, (as God when he made Man breathed into him a living Soul) that you deceive not yourselves and the Church by dead Imaginary and Powerless names: The witness of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophesy, And of Sanctification. And if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his, by what name or Title soever he be dignified.

24. But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25. The other Disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

24. Note, All Christ's Disciples were not equally inclined to believe. 2. This obstinate Resolution deserved a desertion yet Christ in mercy overcame it and forsook him not.

26. And after eight days, again his Disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

26. The next first day of that week, they being assembled, &c. Note. Coming in when the doors were fast shut whether he opened them (as some groundlessly think) or not, was a Miracle, he whose Body was quickly to be a Glorious Spiritual body when it came to that Glorious spiritual Region no doubt had after his Resurection a change preparatory thereto, by which he could appear and disappear and vanish from their sight, and come in when the door was shut, and at last ascend to heaven: And the Carnal objections against this are all vain.

27. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

27. Note, Wonderful is the Condescension of Christ to those that he will save.

28. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

28. Note, The convincing condescension of Christ turns unbelief into a Rapture of adoration: Now Thomas crieth My Lord and my God.

29. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

29. I have condescended to thy sight and feeling: But this shall be the common way to blessedness, but they that have not seen shall believe and so be happy.

30. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his Disciples, which are not written in this book. 31. But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God, and that believing ye might have life through his name.

30, 31. These and many more not recited he did: And it being by believing that Christ is the Son of God, and Savior that you must come to life, and by the evidence of these Miracles that you must believe that he is the Christ, therefore these Miracles are Recorded to convince you that you may believe.

CHAP. XXI.

AFter these things Jesus shown himself again to the Disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shown he himself: 2. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his Disciples. 3. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

1, 2, 3. Note, The Disciples went home to their Trades when Jesus was Crucified: 2. Their unsucesfulness was to prepare for the Miracle.

4. But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the Disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

4. His appearance after his Resurrection was with some change from what he appeared before.

5. Then Jesus saith unto them Children, have ye any meat? They answered him No. 6. And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

5, 6. Christ taketh occasion of their frustration to show his Power and help their Faith.

7. Therefore that Disciple whom Jesus loved, saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fishers coat unto him (for he was naked) and did cast himself into the sea.

7. When the Miracle convinced him upon Johns words that it was the Lord, he put on his Fishers Coat and leapt into the Sea, to show that he trusted Christ with his Life.

8. And the other Disciples came in a little ship (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits) dragging the net with fishes. 9. As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. 10. Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. 11. Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land, full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.

8. Here are two Miracles conjoined: The Fish catched, and the Fish and Bread & Fire prepared for them.

12. Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine, And none of the Disciples durst ask him: Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. 13. Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.

12, 13. They knew him more by the Miracle than by his Visage. Though it be not said tha the did Eat and Drink with them; it is not improbable though uncertain.

14. This is now the third time that Jesus showeth himself to his Disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

14. This was the third time that he appeared to many of them together, or the third that John Recordeth, and the third day of his appearing, though the sixth appearance made: And whether that on a Mountain in Gallilee, mentioned by others was at this time is doubted.

15. So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon Son of Jonas, lovest thou me more then these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my Lambs.

15. Thou didst lately profess that if all men forsook me, yet thou wouldst not, as if thou hadst loved me more than all the rest. And yet did three times deny me: Art thou now of the same Resolution more confirmed — If thou be, what Love thou hast to me, show it by thy Ministerial Love and Labor, for the Souls even of the lowest.

16. He saith to him again the second time, Simon son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, yea Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

16. Thou knowest the heart and therefore knowest that I love thee, &c.

17. He saith unto him the third time, Simon son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved, because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

17. N. Peters threefold denial required a threefold Confession, and engagement to future fidelity and obedience; and this told him what Discipline he was to use by the power of Church Government towards others that so offend. 2. Ministers that are to require Confession and Promises of obedience to Christ from offenders in order to their Restoration, must lead the way in the same themselves if they scandalously sin. 3. The great evidence of our Love to Christ must be in serving the Church and Souls.

18. Verily, verily I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

18, 19. Thou wast at thy free dispose, &c. But here, after others shall bind thee, and carry thee to Prison against thy will, and also unto death. By these words he signified that he should be Martyred.

19. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

19. Follow me in labor and fufferings unto Glory.

20. Then Peter turning about, seeth the Disciple whom Jesus loved, following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord which is he that betrayeth thee? 21. Peter seeing him, saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?

20. What shall become of John.

22. Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me.

22. What is that to thee how long he shall live, if it were till my coming; or if he live till he see my Catholik Church settled under my proper Government, when the Jews Law and Policy are fully dissolved at the destruction of their Temple and Nation.

23. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren that that Disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die: but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?

23. Note, A false Tradition may pass amongst Christ's own Disciples by misunderstanding in some things.

24. This is the Disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

24. This is John the Disciple who was an Eye and Ear witness of all this, and who wrote this History of Christ; And whose testimony the Church doth justly receive as true.

Note, Though some take these words to be the Bishops of Asia that published Johns Gospel, (at whose request they say he wrote it about thirty two years after Christ's Resurrection,) yet it is no less probable that the words are his own, and that [we know] signifieth only [its well known to the Churches.

25. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which if they should be written everyone, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

25. Though this History be written to Record divers things which others have omitted, yet altogether are far from containing all the Miracles that Christ did: which were so many that should they all be written, the many and great Volumes would as it were overload the World.

Note, 1. That therefore it is not to be matter of offense, if any one Evangelist pass by divers particulars.

2. That though multitudes of Christ's Words and Miracles may be unknown to us, as much is Recorded as he would have taken as needful to the notice of the Church through all Generations: And none of his Laws or Promises the objects of our Obedience and Faith are omitted: yea all that is essential to Christianity is contained in Baptism or a very narrow room.

3. It is in vain to pretend Oral Tradition for any needful thing omitted in the Scripture Records, though the Essentials and greatest practical Matters of Religion are most certainly delivered us both ways, even by the Scriptures, and by the Universal public practice of the Churches.

CHAP. I.

THE former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2. Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the holy Ghost had given commandments unto the Apostles whom he had chosen.

1. I wrote the Gospel History as a Record of Christ's Birth, Miracles and Doctrine • , reaching to the day of his Ascension, after he had by breathing on his Disciples given them the Holy Ghost, and their Comissions.

3. To whom also he shown himself alive after his passion, by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

3. That their Faith should not waver but have full assurance, he shown himself to them by unquestionable manifestation, at several times in the forty days space, in which he abode on Earth before his Aseention, Instructing them in the matters of his Kingdom.

4. And being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the holy Ghost, not many days hence.

4, 5. And when he was among them he bid them wait at Jerusalem for the great Gift of the Father even the Holy Ghost, the Promise of which ye have heard of me: which shall be your full solemn initiation into your Apostolical and Extraordinary Ministry, and a few days hence you shall receive.

Note, The Holy Ghost given by Christ's breathing on them, was not a mere Title, Name or Relation, bu • yet it was not that full effusion which they were to have after his Ascension; but a previous earnest of it, to show them from whom the fuller Communication was to come, differing from this later, as his own Resurrection Victory differed from his Ascension, Majesty and Kingdom. They were not to set upon the Public Ministry without this necessary previous qualification: nor should any now take up the ordinary Ministry, without holy suitable qualifications by Christ's Spirit.

6. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom-to Israel?

6. They were now in hope of Earthly Dominion, and said, wilt thou now deliver Israel from Captivity and reign in visible Glory over them, as the Messiah.

7. And he said unto them, it is not for you to know the-times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own Power. 8. But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: And ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

7. Presume not to inquire into God's secrets, of which this is one, at what time God will advance you and his Israel to visible Reign and Glory. But such Power as is fittest for you at present, ye shall receive by the coming of the Holy Ghost upon you: by which you shall be enabled to declare your Testimony of what you have seen and heard of me, throughout the Earth.

Note, It may seem strange that Christ confuteth not their conceit of an Israelitish Kingdom restored, but only their demands about the season. But they were so far in the Right, as that Christ would advance believing Israelites with the rest of the Catholic Church, though not restore the Mosaic Policy, nor set the Israelites over others in a local Monarchy at Jerusalem. Therefore Christ intimateth that they shall have better than they expected, which the Spirit should teach them better to understand.

9. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight.

9. Note, No doubt but Christ's body at its entrance in the Glorious Region of Spirits, became glorious and spiritual eminently such as Paul saith ours shall be 1 Cor. 15.

2. The sight of Christ's Ascension must needs be as full an ascertaining of the Apostles Faith as his Resurrection; And it must be no wonder that four Evangelists mention it not, it being enough that any mention it, God's Spirit making their several Histories indicted by him to be as one Book.

10. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven, as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11. Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

10, 11. While they looked up after him two Angels in the likeness of Men, in white stood by them, saying, ye Men of Galilee, gaze no more after the body of Jesus ascended into heaven: Know ye not that he must there Reign in Glory, and thence send you down the Grace and Blessings purchased by his life on Earth; and yet he shall come again at the day of Judgment, attended with his glorious Angels, and does not forsake you by his remove.

12. Then returned they unto Jerusalem, from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a Sabbath-days journey.

12. Note, Mount Olivet at the nearest part is but five Furlongs from Jerusalem, (a Furlong is six hundred feet, and five Furlongs a thousand Yards.) And Christ is said Luke 24. to lead them out as far as Bethany, which is said to be fifteen furlongs from Jerusalem John 11.18. To understand thus some say. 1. That Bethany was the name of a large space of Ground (as Hackney where some houses are far nearer London than other.) 2. And that Christ ascended not from the nearest part of Mount Olivet, but from the top: And it is possible that Christ might lead them as far as Bethany, and in the house of Lazarus instruct them, and go forth again with them to the top of the Mount, and thence ascend.

13. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper Room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon Zealots, and Judas the brother of James. 14. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the Mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

14. Note, The sight of Christ Ascending confirmed their Faith. 2. And that Faith presently caused constant Prayer in Concord and Communion.

15. And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the Disciples, and said, (the number of the names together were about an hundred and twenty).

15 An hundred and twenty being assembled for Prayer and mutual encouragement in Faith.

16. Men and brethren, This Scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the holy Ghost, by the Mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. 17. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

16. Note, This [must needs signify no necessity or constraint put on Judas, but a necessity Hypothetical, and of consequence, that is, i • cannot but be true which God foretelleth or foreseeth, 2. Judus, though a Thief and a Devil had by Christ's own choice a part or office in the Apostolic Order: But not after Christ's breathing on them and giving them the Holy Ghost for the proper work of his universal Kingdom, as it began after his Resurrection, but only as one sent to offer Grace to the twelve Tribes of Israel that mostly refused it such may be Ministers to condemnation of them selves and others; and God may bless their doctrine to his Elect.

18. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

18 N. Mat. 27. Saith he strangled himself: Some Expositors suppose stangling was not by hanging himself but the rage of his Conscience and Passion did suffocate or strangle him, and that he fell down and burst: or rather that he cast himself headlong from some high place and burst: Others think that the Rope or Bough break where he was hanged: And its possible without hanging he might at once strangle himself with a Cord on the brow of some Precipice or fall or cast himself down it.

19. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

19. This is commonly known, and the name of the field to this day is as a Record of it.

20. For it is written in the book of psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and, His bishopric let another take.

20. What is said in Psal. 69.25 and 109.8. is ultimately to be verified of him: his Office another must take.

21. Wherefore of these men which have companied with us, all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us. 22. Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

21, 22. Note, Many besides the twelve did constantly accompany Christ. 2. Quest. Why must the number of twelve Apostles be yet kept up, were not others good witnesses without being chosen Apostles. Answ. The Israelitish Policy was not utterly demolished till near forty years after Christ's 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 Paul's 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, show whether of these two thou hast chosed, 25. That he may take part of this Ministry 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 Christ's 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. Its 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 numbered 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 profanely 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 Lord's 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 prophesy, 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 prophesy.

16, &c. This is the fulfilling of what Joel Prophecied of the times of the Messsiah, &c,

19. And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20. The Sun shall be turned into darkness, and the Moon into blood, 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 yourselves 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 God's attestation: God's 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 positive penalty on Christ's 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 rejoice, 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 Sepulcher 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 loins, 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 David's 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 Christ's descent into Hell is so largely handled by many, that I will not here interpose anymore of it, than to say that I take it to be best expounded by A. Bishop Usher in his Answer to the Jesuits challenge. And this Text speaking first of David and ultimately of Christ, seemeth to m • an no other Hell for Christ, but what David meant of ••• 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 fullness 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 Christ's 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 Savior.

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 pricked or wounded with grief and fear, to find that they had Crucified the Messiah whom they expected; And they cried 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 everyone 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 yourselves 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 Savior of all Nations and Persons that accept him.

40. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

40. And with many more Exhortations he persuaded them, to believe and repent, and not to imitate the unbelieving, persecuting, hardened 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 professed not willing consent to the Covenant.

42. And they continued steadfastly 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 Lord's 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 men's 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 everyone to be to another as himself, and so made all common, not by destroying Propriety, but Selfishness, and causing Charity: And God that moved them to it, knew that they were quickly to be driven from their Possessions in Judea.

46. And they continuing daily with one accord in the Temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart.

46. In the Temple was the meeting of the multitude, and from house to house they had their lesser Meetings where they did eat together and Sacramentally Communicate and all with great joy and singleness of heart.

Note, Breaking Bread sometime signifieth common eating together, and sometimes Sacramental Communicating. And it is likest here to signify both conjunct, because there the Church used the Sacrament at the end of a meel, and not alone as now.

47. Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved.

47. Praising God and applauded by all, (or in Charity to all): God daily added to the Church new Coverts, saved from unbelief and sin, and to be saved by further Grace and Glory.

CHAP. III.

NOw Peter and John went up together into the Temple, at the hour of prayer being the ninth hour.

1. Note, They conformed to the Jews ordinary way of choosing the Temple for a place of Prayer, and choosing the common hour.

2. And a certain man lame from his mothers womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the Temple, which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the Temple. 3. Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the Temple, asked an alms. 4. And Peter fastening his eyes upon him, with John, said, Look on us. 5. And he gave heed unto them expecting to receive something of them. 6. Then Peter said, Silver and Gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Rise up and walk.

2. Note, 1. They that have not Money may have much better: Holiness and Spiritual Riches are found most with Poverty. 2. God gave this Cripple better than he asked.

7. And he took him by the right hand, and lift him up; and immediately his feet and Ancle-bones received strength. 8. And he leaping, stood, and walked, and entered with them into the Temple, walking and leaping, and praising God.

7. Note, This and such Miracles were not at the mere will of the Aposties; but when God would work them, his spirit by inspiration made it known to them and put them on.

9. And all the people saw him walking and praising God. 10. And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the Temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazment at that which had happened unto him.

9.10. He had so long used to be there begging that they well know him, and wondered at the change.

11. And as the lame man which was healed, held Peter and John, all the People ran together unto them in the Porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

11. The Miracle made the People crowd to gaze at them.

12. And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the People, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?

12. After all the Miracles that Christ himself did, why make you so strange a matter of this: or why gaze you with wonder on us, as if you, thought we did it by our own Power or Holiness.

13. The God of Abraham and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our Fathers hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. 14. But ye denied the holy one, and the just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you, 15. And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead: whereof we are witnesses.

13. This is the work of Jesus glorified, whom ye Murdered, though he was the Holy One and Just, and the Lord of Life, now raised to Glory.

16. And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him, hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

16, Quest. Whose Faith was it? The lame man shown no belief in Christ before he was healed. Answ. 1. It was by the Apostles Faith, 2. And for the generating of Faith in others.

17. And now brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your Rulers.

17. Note, Ignorance is the Common cause of error and all sin: But some men's ignorance is more willful than others and against more light, and hath less excuse: And so was the Rulers worse than the Peoples.

18. But those things which God before had shown by the mouth of all his Prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.

18. God who decreed Christ's sufferings for man, foretold it and permitted your sin that did it, and his Prophecies and Promises of our Redemption are thus fulfilled.

19. Repent ye therefore, and he converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord, 20. And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:

19, 20. Repent therefore of your rejecting Jesus Christ, and be Converted to true Christianity and Godliness, that your sins may be forgiven, and so found to your comfort, when the time of Christ's glorious return, shall rejoice all true believers, and God shall send Jesus visibly to justify and glorify them, whom we now Preach to you, and was designed, to be our Savior.

21. Whom the heaven must receive, until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy Prophets, since the world began.

21. Who must be in the Heavens in Glory (not visible here) till the great and blessed change shall come which God hath Promised by all his Prophets, and sin and curse shall be taken away, and the Creation shall be delivered from the bondage of Corruption into the glorious liberty of the Sons of God, and there shall be a new Heaven and a new Earth in which shall dwell Righteousness: Even the time of our actual, full, Redemption and Salvation.

22. For Moses truly said unto the Fathers, A Prophet, shall the Lord your God raise up unto you, of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things, whatsoever he shall say unto you. 23. And it shall come to pass, that every Soul which will not hear that Prophet, shall be destroyed from among the People.

22, 23. Note, Though Moses immediately spake of the species of the Jewish Government, by a Prophetical Theocracy, that God would not Rule them by Elective or Hereditary Kings; but by Prophets or Men Prophetically 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 Sovereign, and not to obey him will be sure Condemnation, of which the Jews destruction was a fore taste.

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 which 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 everyone 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 Sadducees 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 Sadducees to be such furious Silencers and Persecutors: If there were no life to come, what harm can other Men's hopes o • 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 Christ's Power that did the Cure, and to his Glory they proclaim it.

11. This is the stone which was set at naught 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 they 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 hardened hearts.

15. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, 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 Christ's 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 threatening 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 God's 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 signified 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 Christ's 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 ourselves.

21. So when they further threatened 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 glorified God for that which did but stir up the Rulers malice. • . God made the People a restraint to the Priests and Rulers rage.

22. For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shown.

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 sense.

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 join their Councils 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 threatenings: 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 threatenings of malignant People are a fit opportunity for God's Grace to his Servants. 2. Boldness to Preach when unjustly forbidden, is a great effect of God's 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 Christ's Resurrection: And the favor 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 possessors 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 show 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 Country of Cyprus, 37. Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles feet.

36, 37. To signify 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 liest.

Note, The sin consisted, 1. In Hypocrisy, 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 implied, as if he knew not the heart. 4. In reserving what he pretended to devote, which was a kind of Sacrilege.

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 honor 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 Solomon's porch.

12. A large Porch into the Temple, was the place of their unanimous assembling.

13. And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

13. Note, Though the Gospel invite all, it flattereth none; but will tell Hypocrites and Liars 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, hindered 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 everyone.

16. Note Reader, That all this was done as well for us at this day, as for them then: All our hopes, comforts and holiness 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 God's own Testimony from Heaven, by many uncontrolled 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 Sadduce • s, were their party; Priesthood and Profane 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 Christ's 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 entered 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 suppressed 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, Its 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 man's blood 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 yourselves?

29. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather then men.

29. Note, This none of them durst deny: But it is conscience and obedience to God that Diabolists fight against.

30. The God of our Fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

30. That God of our Fathers, whom you profess to obey, hath raised up Jesus whom ye crucified from death, and hath exalted him by and at his right hand, to be the Lord of all, and the Savior of his People, to give them converting grace and repentance, and forgiveness of sins.

32. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. 33. When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took Counsel to slay them.

32. And of his Resurrection and Ascension we are entrusted Witnesses, and must not silence our Testimony, and of his present Power and Glory, this gift of the spirit is a full proof, whose effects you see yourselves, and which God giveth to them that obey his Gospel.

34. Then stood there up one in the Counsel, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space, 35. And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves, what ye intend to do as touching these men. 36. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody, to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain, and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nonght.

34. Note. This Pharisee is not so mad as the Beastly Sadducees, who this Theudas was, we have no other notice, but by the words of Gamaliel.

37. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee, in the days of the taxing, and drew away much

70. Jesus answered them, have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a Devil 71. He spake of Judas Iscariot the Son of Simon; for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

70, 71. Even of you twelve whom I have chosen out of all the rest to be next me, one is a Devil; that is Judas.

N. 1. Some men are so bad that they may be called Devils. Both as false Calumniators whence is the name Diabolus ; and as they are the very agents of the Devil, and minded like him, and ruled by him, and do what he moveth them to do, in his three great works. Lying, or (Deceit) Hatred (or Malignity) and • urtfulness and Murder. 2. Such may be latent in the holiest Society. 3. Which yet must not be denominated by such.

CHAP. VII.

1. AFter these things Jesus walked in Galilee: For he would not walk in Jury because the Jews sought to kill him.

N. 1. Christ's own example tells us, that it is no sinful cowardice to avoid persecution, till our suffering or death be like to do more good than liberty or life.

2. Now the Jews Feast of Tabernacles was at hand. 3. His brethren therefore said to him, depart hence and go into Judea, that thy Disciples also may see the works that thou dost. 4. For there is no Man that doth anything in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly: If thou do these things, show thyself to the World. 5. For neither did his brethren believe in him.

2. &c. N. Christ's own Kindred believed not on him a long time: And censured him for not appearing more publicly in the face of dangers and rulers, if he were sent from God. Thus men will teach and reprove those of whom they should learn. Foolish men will seem wiser than Christ and dislike his ways.

6. Then Jesus said to them; my time is not yet come: but your time is always ready. 7. The world cannot hate you but me it hateth, because I testify of it that the works thereof are evil. 8. Go ye up to this feast; I go not up to this feast; for my time is not yet full come. 9. When he had said these words to them he abode still in Galilee. 10. But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly but as it were in secret.

6. &c. N. 1. Christ •• re also avoided perse • ution. 2. He trusted not 〈…〉 his purpose.

11. Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, where is he. 12. And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, he is a good man: Others said, nay, but he deceiveth the people. 13. Howbeit, no man spake openly of him, for fear of the Jews.

12, 13. The people divided in their judgments of him, did not openly speak their minds, for fear of the Rulers that were most against him.

14. Now about the midst of the feast, Jesus went up into the Temple, and taught. 15. And the Jews marveled, saying, how knoweth this man letters, having never learned. 16. Jesus answered them and said, my doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. 17. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

14. He that is sent of God may know more than he hath learnt of man: God tells me what to speak. And those that truly obey so much of the will of God as they know, are prepared to know more, and to discern my doctrine to be of God: but willful sinners are not.

18. He that speaketh of himself, seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

18. Did I seek vain-glory or any private ends of my own, you might suppose that I spake my own words: But if I only seek the Glory of God and good of men though to my own suffering, you have no cause to suspect me of deceit or any ill design.

19. Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? why go ye about to kill me?

19. But how unfit are you to discern what doctrine is of God, who keep not the Law of Moses which you boast of: For that Law forbiddeth Murder, and yet you seek to murder me.

20. The people answered and said, thou hast a devil who goeth about to kill thee?

20. N. They supposed him distracted: And the distracted were usually taken for Dem •• i •• .

21. Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel. 22. Moses therefore gave unto you circu • cision, [not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers] and ye on the Sabbath day circumcise a man. 23. If a man on the Sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the Sabbath day?

22. N. The History of his Cure and their Plotting his death for it, is here past over and supposed: But Christ knew their malicious design.

24. Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

24. Judge not by outward shows and worldly men's opinions, but according to the evidence of truth.

25. Then said some of them of Jerusalem, is not this he whom they seek to kill? 26. But lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing to him: Do the Rulers know indeed, that this is the very Christ?

25. Do they suffer him because they believe him to be Christ.

27. Howbeit, we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.

27. N. They knew his visible Originals, but they knew not his heavenly nature and glory.

28. Then cried Jesus in the Temple as he taught, saying, ye both know me, and ye know whence I am, and I am not come of myself; but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not. 29. But I know him, for I am from him, and he hath sent me.

28. Ye know my visible Originals: But you know not my Heavenly Father who sent me: But I know him, for I, &c.

30. Then they sought to take him, but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come. 31. And many of the people believed on him, and said, when Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done.

30.31, His Miracles convinced some against all prejudices and objections.

32. The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees a • d chief Priests sent Officers to take him. 33 Then said Jesus unto them, yet a little while I am with you, and then I go unto him that sent me. 34. Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.

32. &c. The Pharisees and Priests, thought persecuting necessary to keep people from believing on him: And Christ told them, it's but a little while, till I shall be out of the reach of your malice.

35. Then said the Jews among themselves, whither will he go, that we shall not find him? Will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles? 36. What manner of saying is this, that he said, ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?

35. Will he go to those Jews who are dispersed abroad the World, or what meaneth he?

37. In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood, and cried, saying, if any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38. He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living waters. 39. But this he spake of the Spirit, which they that believe on him, should receive: for the holy Ghost was not yet given, because that Jesus was not yet glorified.

37. In the last and great day of that Feast Christ proclaimed the promised gift of the Spirit, under the name of Rivers of living Waters, to all that should truly believe on him: That is, when he was glorified: for till then the Holy Ghost for the operation of these eminent gifts was not given.

40. Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, of a truth this is the Prophet. 41. Others said, this is the Christ: But some said, shall Christ come out of Galilee? 42. Hath not the Scripture said, that Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, whence David was? 43. So there was a division among the people because of him.

40. His Words and Works inclined many to believe in him: but they could not answer objections from his Originals.

44. And some of them would have taken him, but no man laid hands on him.

44. N. God hindereth bad men from doing what they would do, and they know not how he doth it.

45. Then came the officers to the chief Priests and Pharisees, and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? 46. The Officers answered, Never man spake like this man.

45, 46. God made Christ's words effectual at the present to convince and restrain them from violence.

47. Then answered them the Pharisees, are ye also deceived? 48. Have any of the Rulers, or of the Pharisees believed on him? 49. But this people, who knoweth not the law, are cursed.

47. 48. N. The vain respect to men of reputation and power, is a usual cause of unbelief and disobedience to God. 2. They rightly judged that ignorance is the cause of error and deceit; but they falsely thought their literal knowledge with prejudice and worldly minds, had been a safe state.

50. Nicodemus saith unto them, [he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them.] 51. Doth our law judge any man before it hear him, and know what he doth?

50.51. Nicodemus bearing a good will to Christ stopped them by a common rule of Justice, that by the Law no man should be condemned till he be heard speak for himself, and the Case be well tried.

52. They answered and said unto him, art thou also of Galilee? Search and look, for out of Galilee ariseth no Prophet. 53. And every man went into his own house.

52. N. 1. They give him a scorn instead of a good answer. 2. And then how poor a reason satisfieth them against all the Miracles and Doctrine of Christ: because Galilee was a contemned Country where Christ dwelt, though he was born at Bethlehem, of David's line. 3. One man's words may sometimes divert a persecution.

CHAP. VIII.

JEsus went unto the mount of Olives. 2. And early in the morning he came again into the Temple, and all the people came unto him, and he sat down, and taught them.

1. N. 1. He left the City at Night lest they should surprise him. 2. He chose the Temple as a place of God's Consecration and of best opportunity for auditors. 3. The Jews used to let them teach, who professed themselves to be teachers. 4. His sitting in teaching is not an obligatory example to us, but an indifferent circumstance.

3. And the Scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery, and when they had set her in the midst. 4. They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

3. N. That the last Verse of the foregoing Chapter, and the eleven first Verses of this Chapter, were not in divers of the old Books in the Greek ; and divers of the most credible Fathers have them not, or take them for Apocryphal; and so do many Protestants besides Beza : So that it is uncertain to us, whether it be any part of God's word: But we have enough besides of which we may be certain.

Suppose the Text current, it seems they would have drawn Christ into a snare, by getting him either to speak against the Law, or against Caesar who had taken from them the power of putting offenders to death which the Law gave them.

6. This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

6. Beza taketh this Writing on the ground to be improbable and part of the Apocryphal story: If it was otherwise, it signified but a discerning of their snare, and a putting off the answer by a seeming neglect or disregard.

7. So when they continued asking him, he lift up himself, and said unto them, he that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

7. N. Thus he evadeth the snare of their question, as not belonging to him to judge.

8. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even to the last? and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

8.9. N. It is so improbable that Christ should be left alone in the Temple that this increaseth Beza 's suspicion that it is Apocryphal: But if it be true, it meaneth that those went away who came to accuse the woman and left him with his auditors and the woman.

10. When Jesus had lift up himself and saw none but the woman, he said to her where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee. 11. She said, No man, Lord: And Jesus said to her, neither do I condemn thee: go and sin no more.

10.11. N. Those that hence take encouragement to connive at adultery must note 1. That the text itself is of uncertain authority. 2. If it were certain it signifieth not that Christ would have adultery unp • pnished: but that he disclaimed the office of a Judge in matters of corporal punishment, as being no Magistrate.

12. Then spake Jesus again to them, saying, I am the light of the World: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life.

12. N. Here begins the certain Text: q. d. I am that Teacher sent from God who show all my followers that light that quickeneth and leadeth to everlasting life, and others live and walk in darkness.

13. The Pharisees therefore said to him? Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true. 14. Jesus answered and said to them, though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go, but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.

13.14. Thy own testimony of thyself is not credible. Jesus said, Even my testimony of myself is true and credible, because I know what I say, and whence I come, &c. But your denial of it is not credible, because you know not whence I come, &c. but speak against what you know not.

15. Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. 16. And if I judge my judgment is true, for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.

15.16. You see no further than my fleshly part and originals; I do not so rashly judge of any: But yet my judgment is true and credible for you have not my bare word, but therewith the works of the power of my Father that sent me, and his attestation.

17. It is also written in your Law, that the testimony of two men is true. 18. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.

17.18. Your Law alloweth two Witnesses to be credible, I am one, who may be allowed to witness about other men's interest, that I am sent by the Father to save lost sinners; and the Father is the other, whose Voice and Works bear witness of me.

19. Then said they to him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, ye neither know me nor my father: If you had known me, ye would have known my father also.

19. Where is thy Father: Is not Joseph thy father? He said, you know neither Me nor my Father: Had you by my Doctrine and Works known Me and my Office, I should have taught you to know my Father.

20. These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the Temple: and no man laid hands on him, for his hour was not yet come.

20. N. Till God's appointed time of trial and suffering, among the fiercest enemies there is safety.

21. Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: Whither I go, ye cannot come.

21. I came to you as a Savior, and ye reject me, and I will accordingly depart from you and your sin shall bring destruction on you and I will send the Gospel to the Gentiles▪ and will ascend to Heaven, whence your sin will exclude you.

22. Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Wither I go, ye cannot come. 23. And he said unto them, ye are from beneath, I am from above: ye are of this world, I am not of this world. 24. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: For if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

22. Ye are of this lower World: I am of above and thither I go. And if you believe not that I am the Christ, your Nation shall be destroyed for rejecting me, and you shall die unpardoned in your sin.

25. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them; even the same that I laid unto you from the beginning. 26. I have many things to say, and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true: and I speak to the world those things, which I have heard of him.

25. Even the Messiah as I have always told you. I have much to say against your Infidelity, but I will now only appeal to my Fathers testimony, whose words I speak.

27. They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.

27. N. Gross ignorance is the parent and nurse of unbelief.

28. Then said Jesus unto them, when ye have lift up the son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself: but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

28. When ye have crucified me, then I shall convince many of you by fuller evidence that I am the Christ, and the rest shall feel it to their destruction; and these my words shall be confirmed.

29. And he that sent me, is with me: the Father hath not left me alone: for I do always those things which please him.

29. My Father that sent me never deserteth me, for I do but fulfil his will, and do what he appointed me.

30. And as he spake these words, many believed on him. 31. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, if ye continue in my word, then are you my Disciples indeed. 32. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

30.31. I cannot take you for my disciples, unless your Faith be rooted so as to persevere and proceed to learn what yet you have not learned. And if ye do this you shall know more of that truth that will save you, and deliver you from the greatest of your bondage.

33. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou? Ye shall be made free?

33. Some present answered him, we be Abraham's seed, and though the Romans master us, we are no men's slaves: What then is the freedom which thou dost promise us.

34. Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you; whosoever committeth sin, is the servant of sin. 35. And the servant abideth not in the house forever: but the Son abideth ever. 36. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

34, 35.36. Can you boast of your freedom who by your sinful practice show that you are the servants of sin, and by it are liable to the judgment of God, as slaves are to stripes: And if you have thus enslaved yourselves to sin and to God's judgments, he may turn you out of his house you know not how soon: But the Son and Heir is not turned away: Therefore if you will be free indeed from the guilt of sin, and the wrath of God, and the malice of Satan, come in by the Son and so you may be free.

37. I know you are Abraham's seed, but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. 38. I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.

37.38. I know that ye are the seed of Abraham by the flesh. But were you seed as he is the Father of the faithful, you would not seek to kill me, and reject my word. Even that word of truth which I have received of my Father, which you reject, and obey the will of your father.

39. They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father, Jesus saith unto them, If you were Abraham's Children, ye would do the works of Abraham. 40. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.

39.40. If ye were Abraham's Children you would be like him, and do as he did. But to seek to murder me for telling you the truth which I have heard from God, is not like Abraham's works of Faith.

41. Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication, we have one Father, even God. 42. Jesus said unto them, If God were your father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth, and came from God, neither came I of myself, but he sent me.

4 • . Ye show by your deeds whose nature you have, and so who is your father: 42. If God were your Father you would be like him, and then you would love me, who came from him, as sent by him.

43. Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. 44. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do: he was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie; he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

43.44. Why is my doctrine rejected by you, but because your corrupt natures, and sin are contrary to it; To speak plainly to you, as the Childs nature is like the Fathers from whom it is received, so yours is so like the Devils nature, that I may say you received it from him and he is the father of it, and so far of you. For you love to do that which he loveth and desireth: These are his great Characters. 1. He was from the beginning A MALICIOUS MURDERER. 2. He is A LIAR; a deserter of the Truth, and an enemy to it: His business in the World is to Deceive by Lying ; and when he thus lieth and deceiveth he doth according to his corrupt nature: for he is a Liar and the Father of Lies.

N, 1. By these three Characters of LYING, MALIGNITY and MURDER or hurtfulness, the devilish nature and seed is known: And no boasting of Abraham or Christianity, is any disproof of it. 2. Devilisms is the universal pravity of the malignant World: And it is no wrong or railing so to say: that the Devil is their Father.

45. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

45. Though nature love the Truth as Truth, yet because the Truth that I tell you is cross to your prejudice and carnal minds and lusts, ye reject it as if it were error.

46. Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me.

46. If you know any falsehood or sin by me, prove it if you can: but if it be Truth that I say, why doth prejudice and malice hinder you from believing it.

47. He that is of God, heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them nor, because ye are not of God.

47. The Children of God have a mind and nature like him: And therefore they savor and love his word: Therefore your rejecting God's word, doth prove that ye are not the Children of God.

48. Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?

48. They said, do we not call thee as thou art, in saying, thou art a distracte • Samaritan heretic.

49. Jesus answered, I have not a devil, but I honor my Father, and you do dishonor me. 50. And I seek not my own glory, there is one that seeketh and judgeth.

49. I am not a distracted Demoniak, (but you calumniators): My Doctrine and Works honor my Father, and as for your dishonoring of me, though I can bear it who seek not my own Glory, my Father will secure my honor and judge you for your reproach.

51. Verily, verily I say unto you, if a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.

51. I tell you that reject my word, that to believe and keep it is the way to everlasting life, and to be saved from death spiritual, temporal (by resurrection) and eternal.

52. Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the Prophets: and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. 53. Art thou greater than our father Abraham which is dead? And the Prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?

52, 53. Now we know that thou art a distracted demoniac: When thou talkest of men's not dying, when Abraham and the Prophets are dead: Art thou so much greater than all they.

54. Jesus answered, If I honor myself, my honor is nothing: It is my Father that honoreth me, of whom ye say, that he is your God: 55. Yet ye have not known him, but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you; but I know him, and keep his saying.

54. It is not my own testimony that I plead with you, it is my Father that honoreth me, whom you should believe because you call him your God. But indeed you know him not, and therefore understand not his testimony: But I know him, and should I deny his witness, and say I know him not, I should be a Liar like you: But I know him and his word, and keep it.

56. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

56. Your Father Abraham joyfully believed the promise of the Messiah, and so by Faith foresaw my coming and was glad.

57. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham.

57. They understanding all carnally, thought Christ spake like a distracted Fanatick.

58. Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

58. I tell you that before Abraham's days, (as I was from Eternity so) in time I was the promised Messiah in whom Abraham in his days believed: I am not so young as you imagine.

59. Then took they up stones to cast at him: But Jesus hid himself, and went out of the Temple, going thorough the midst of them and so passed by.

59. At these words they took him for a Blasphemer, and attempted to stone him to death: But he some way hid himself, and went out from among them.

N. That the last part of this Verse, is of uncertain authority, being not in some ancient Copies.

CHAP. IX.

1. AND as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. 2. And his Disciples asked him, saying Master, who did sin, this man or his parents, that he was born blind.

2. Was it for any foreseen sin that he would after commit, or for his original sin or for any sin of his Parents? Or, it is commonly held that all punishment is for sin: How could that be in this man? Not for his own sin, for he had none besides his original sin: Not for his Parents; for God punisheth not one for another's sin? What then, was it for.

N. 1. It's improbable that Christ's disciples thought that this Soul sinned in another body, and Christ not reprove them. 2. The Disciples knew that Adams sin, and our Original pravity, or our Parents sin, might be punished with as great a punishment as blindness. But they seemed to think that so miserable a punishment must be for some extroardinary sin, which Christ denieth.

3. Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned nor yet his parents, but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

3. N. Christ meant not to deny. 1. That he had Original sin. 2. Or his Parents had actual sin. 3. Nor that these were a cause of his punishment. 4. But it was none of these that was the differencing cause why this man was punished rather than others, q.d. Though all punishment be for sin, and this man's had such a common cause, yet no sin was the reason why he was singled out for this suffering: But God designed it for an advantage to glorify him in the man's miraculous cure.

4. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work.

4. God in this man giveth me an opportunity to do the work for which he hath sent me, for the sealing of the Gospel and convincing the World: And I will take the opportunity, for I shall shortly be gone hence: And hereby I give you warning to work while you have day: for the night is at hand, when you shall on earth have time to work no more; therefore take your present time.

5. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

5. God who made me the light of the World, will have me shine to it while I am here.

6. When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. 7. And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam (which by interpretation, is Sent.) He went his way therefore and washed, and came seeing.

6, 7. N. This dirty means▪ was no more than no means, as to the sufficienc • of Christ's commanding power; but he will have us use the unlikeliest means that we may be fit receivers.

8. The neighbors therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? 9. Some said, This is he: others said, he is like him: but he said, I am he.

8. They were struck with admiration, and had much ado to believe that he was the same man, till he himself told them that he was the man.

10. Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? 11. He answered, and said, a man that is called Jesus, made clay and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed; and I received sight. 12. Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not. 13. They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind. 14. And it was the Sabbath day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. 15. Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see. 16. Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the Sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner, do such Miracles? And there was a division among them.

10. &c. N. 1. They first attempted to disprove the matter of fact, and when they could not do that, they pretended Go is Law to prove him a bad man and consequently that it was not by God that he did his Miracles. 2. They that will try the Spirits and Miracles by the Scripture, must not misunderstand the Scripture.

17. They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a Prophet.

17. N. The benefit prepared the man to judge better than they. It is a double sin if those should judge ill of Christ who have been delivered by him.

18. But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they had called the parents of him that had received his sight. 19. And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then doth he now see? 20. His parents answered them, and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: 21. But by what means he now seeth, we know not, or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age, ask him, he shall speak for himself. 22. These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews; for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the Synagogue. 23. Therefore said his parents, He is of age, ask him.

18. &c. N. 1. Unjust Judges resolve first what to do, and inquire after. 2. Though excommunication be God's Ordinance, the Devil oft useth it by wicked men, against the just that own Christ and the Truth.

24. Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise, we know that this man is a sinner.

24. They said, ascribe thy cure to God, but think never the better of this man; for we know by his breaking the Sabbath that he is a bad man.

N. Wicked persecutors that speak against God's servants, dare not directly speak against God, but pretend to give him his praise, while they persecute his servants.

25. He answered, and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that whereas I was blind, now I see.

25. Though you say you know him to be a Sinner, I know it not, nor am bound to believe you: But I well • know he hath cured me of my blindness.

26. Then said they to h • m again, What did he to thee? How opened he thine eyes. 27. He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: Wherefore woe • ld ye hear it again? Will ye also be his Disciples? 28. Then they reviled him, and said, thou art his Disciple, but we are Moses disciples. 29. We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is. 30. The man answered, and said unto them; Why, herein is a marvelous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. 31. Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God and doeth his will, him he heareth.

27. Sure you do it not because you would be his disciples. 28. They took it for a reproach to be Christ's disciples. 30. You are strangely ignorant that know not whence a man is that doth such Miracles: Reason and common consent tells us, that God heareth not the prayers of wicked men, so far as to signify his approbation of them; but rejecteth them: But it is Godly worshippers of him, and them that obey his will that he heareth and approveth. (This none that owneth a God dare deny.)

32. Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. 33. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.

32. Never man did this before (much less by human power) He could never do it but by God's power and approbation.

34. They answered, and said unto him, thou wast altogether born in sins, and doest thou teach us? And they cast him out.

34. N. It's the way of proud wicked men, to scorn to learn, but to Lord it and revile and turn to violence on pretence of discipline, when they cannot answer with reason.

35. Jesus heard that they had cast him out: and when he had found him, he said unto him, Doest thou believe on the Son of God? 36. He answered, and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?

35. N. Christ receiveth those whom false Church governors unjustly cast out. 2. Christ taketh advantage of men's injuries to convert the persons injured. 3. The man was willing to believe as soon as he could be instructed whom he should believe in.

37. And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. 38. And he said, Lord, I believe: and he worshipped him.

37, 38. He believed and bowed or fell down to him.

39. And Jesus said, For judgment am I come into this world, that they which see not might see, and that they which see, might be made blind.

39. It is part of my judicial office in this World, to open the eyes of many that are now ignorant and blind in sin, and to give up many to their willful blindness, who think themselves the wisest men, but resist the light of saving truth.

40. And some of the Pharisees which were with him, heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?

40. N. Proud men (especially it Rulers or Teachers of others) cannot endure to be told of their sin, especially of their ignorance and error.

41. Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see, therefore your sin remaineth.

41. If your ignorance were as blindness is a necessary natural disease, you would not be voluntary in your error and guilt of sin: Or, if you knew yourselves to be ignorant and erroneous, you would learn and be cured: But your error being willful, and you conceited of your knowledge, you are guilty and inexcusable and settled in your sin,

CHAP. X.

VErily, verily I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2. But he that entereth in by the door, is the the shepherd of the sheep.

1. I say to you who have cast out this man for believing in me, you take upon you to be the true guides of the people, and you look for the Mesiah agreeable to your minds: But God's testimony and mission is the door to the Messiah, and the Messiah is the great shepherd and the door to the inferior Pastors and the Flocks: He that entereth any other way, climbeth in as a thief: But the true Shepherd (principal and Ministerial) cometh in by the door.

3. To him the porter openeth, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

3. To the Messiah God will open the door, and to Sub-Pastors, they that by office are door-keepers to the Church must open it, as to men sent of God; And God's Spirit teacheth Christians to know the voice of Christ, and under him of those that speak his Word: And as shepherds there regarded every sheep distinctly and called them by several names (as Plow-men now do their Oxen), and did not drive them with Clubs like Swine, but go before them and call them to their Pasture by name, so doth Christ and true Pastors now know every member of their Flocks, and lead them by

people after him: he also perished, and all even as many as obeyed him were dispersed.

37. This Judas pretended to be a Captain of the People against submitting to the Roman taxing; which he called servitude and unsufferable.

38. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for it this Counsel, or this work be of men, it will come to naught:

38. By God's Providence without your violence.

39. But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

39. You will overthrow yourselves and not it, if it be of God: Its madess to fight against him?

Note, O that the Malignant World would but examine which cause God is for.

40. And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41. And they departed from the presence of the Counsel, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

40. Note, Causeless stripes were the Mercy of these Men. The Holy Ghost did not work Miracles to revenge these injuries to the Apostles: But taught them to rejoice in this reproach for Preaching Christ, as their great honor.

42. And daily in the Temple, and in every House, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

42. And no commands, threats or cruelties made them cease Preaching Christ publicly and from house to house.

CHAP. VI.

ANd in those days, when the number of the Disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

1. Note, Those Jews that understood the Greek Tongue, and used the Greek Translation of the Scripture, were called Greeks : who were some at Jerusalem, most at Alexandria, and some scattered abroad the World, 2. Even in the greatest Exemplification of Christian Love, Concord and self denial, the interest of the body, and its provisions, began a murmuring among this chosen Flock that had all things common. And can we now expect to live without murmurring at each other upon cross interests and bodily wants. The suffering Party will think themselves injured, and will complain.

2. Then the twelve called the multitude of the Disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

2. We must prefer the greater before the less; the Preaching of God's word before the charge of distributing to Love feasts and to the Poor; and we are not sufficient for both.

3. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the holy Ghost and wisdom, whom ye may appoint over this business.

3. Note, 1. This is the first call of Officers mediately by Men: yet the Holy Ghost in the Apostles instituteth the office; but yet they give a reason for it. A Divine Institution, and reason from necessity and convenience, well agree. 2. The Apostles fix the number. 3. The Congregation must choose the Persons. 4. God by his Spirit in the Apostles limiteth them to certain qualifications: 1. Good Report. 2. Full of the Holy Ghost. 3. And of Wisdom. The Chosen Persons must be appointed or authorized and directed by the Apostles. Incapable Matter ma •• th both Election and Men's Ordination void. But yet the Electors still are Trusted whom to Elect, and the Ordainers whom to Ordain; And every Error is not a nullity, where there are the essential qualifications.

4. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

4. Where ever God will bless his Church with Bishops indeed, this will be their life and their description.

5. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith, and of the holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch.

5. The Reason of the motion, the Authority of the Apostles, and the Spirit of God, made them all unanimously consent.

6. Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

6. Prayer to God to accept and bless them, and the Authorizing them by the sign of Imposition of hands, was the Apostles way of Ordination (supposing them instructed for their Office.)

7. And the word of God increased; and the number of the Disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the Priests were obedient to the faith.

7. And the success of the Word increased, and the number of the Disciples in Jerusalem grow very great, and a great Company of the Priests (or a great Company, and of the Priests some) were obedient to the Doctrine of Christ by believing

8. And Stephen full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the People.

8. Stephen having a great measure of the Spirit, was full of Faith and Power and wrought great Miracles.

9. Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue, of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Silicia, and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

9. Jerusalem being the place where the scattered Jews of all Nations used at certain times to worship, no wonder if several Countrys had there several Synagogues. Libertines are by most supposed to be Jews made free: Though some derive the Name from a Country thinking one Letter is changed.

10. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spake. 11. Then they suborned men which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.

10. Note, On such terms we dispute with Malignant men. When they cannot resist the Truth they turn Diabolists, and suborn Men to swear to false Accusations: Malignity, Bood-thirsty Cruelty, and Lying are the three Essentials of a Diabolist. 2. It is next to a Miracle of Providence that no greater numbers of Religious persons have been murdered in the World by the way of Perjury, and pretence of Law, when so many thousands hate them, who make no Conscience of false Oaths.

12. And they stirred up the People, and the Elders and the Scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the Council;

12. Note, When Informers and Perjured Witnesses and Council or Judges were all of a Mind, false Malignants, blood thirsty men, it was easy to foreknow the sentence.

13. And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the Law. 14. For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.

13, 14. Note, It is very likely that they heard Stephen say some words of Christ's Abrogation of the Law, from which the Perjured gathered their Testimony, and puting their own sense on his words made Blasphemy of them, and did not think they were Perjured: And what man is there that Judges, Jury and Witnesses may not Condemn, if they will but put their ownsence on their words: Christ so suffered, before Stephen : And it is no wonder or dishonor to be condemned as the greatest Malefactors by such men: Therefore judge of History accordingly, where wicked Men are the Accusers and Judges.

15. And all that sat in the Council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face, as it had been the face of an Angel.

15. With a a splendor which might amaze them, but did not change them; so much was Dives in Hell deceived that one from the Dead would convert his sensual Brethren, when it is like that if Lazarus had come to them as he prayed, they would have put him to death again: For so they consulted to do by another Lazarus whom Christ raised. But where are these Judges and Gentlemen now?

CHAP. VII.

THen said the high Priest, Are these thing so?

1. The Arch-Priest is the Arch-malignant, and with seeming Gravity doth but inquire after Sin.

2. And he said, Men, brethren, and Fathers heraken: The God of glory appeared unto our Father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, 3. And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall show thee.

2, 3. Obey me in forsaking thy Idolatrous Country and go to another, which I will direct thee to.

4. Then came he out of the land of the Chaldeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his Father was dead, he removed him into this land wherein ye now dwell. 5. And he gave him none inheritance in it, no not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child. 6. And God spake on this wise, that his seed should sojourn in a strange land, and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them • vil four hundred years, 7. And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I Judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.

4, &c. Note, Obedience to God must be performed by the hope of what he promiseth though it be many hundred years after, and not only for present Possession. 2. The four years began at the Birth of Isaac, and not at the going into Egypt.

8. And he gave him the covenant of circumcision, and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob begat the twelve Patriarchs. 9. And the Patriarchs moved with envy sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him, 10. And delivered him out of all his affictions, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh King of Egypt: and he made him Governor over Egypt and all his house.

8. N. This History Stephen reciteth to convince them of the greatness of their forefathers sin and theirs, in still hardening their hearts against God's Mercies.

11. Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our Fathers found no sustenance. 12. But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our Fathers first. 13. And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren, and Josephs kindred was made known unto Pharaoh. 14. Then sent Joseph, and called his Father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls, 15. So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he and our Fathers.

14. Gen 46, 27. Saith they were but seventy: some say that Stephen includeth some born in Egypt with Joseph, and his sons and sons sons: Others say that the Septuagint which Stephen followed, hath a mistaken word which causeth the difference.

16. And were carried over into Shechem, and laid in the Sepulcher that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emor, the Father of Shechem.

16. Some difference from the Hebrew History here raiseth difficulty: The truth seemeth to be Jacob was carried and buried in the Field of Macpelah bought by Abraham of Ephron the son of Zoar, or of the Sons of Heth, Gen. 23.8. and 49.32. But Josephs bones were carried from Egypt to Shechem, Jos. 24.31, 32. and buried in the Field bought by Jacob of the Sons of Hemor ; and in which place his brethren were buried is uncertain.

17. But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the People grew and multiplied in Egypt. 18. Till another King arose, which knew not Joseph. 19. The same dealt subtly with our kindred, and evil entreated our Fathers, so that they cast out their young Children, to the end they might not live.

17. Note, Mans cruelty and subtlety fighting in vain against God's Providence and Mercy to his People, is the common case of the World

20. In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his Fathers House three Moneths: 21. And when he was cast out, Pharaohs daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.

20. See Exod. 2.

22. And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words, and in deeds.

22. And being by Pharaoh's Daughter Educated as her Son, he had the advantage of getting all the Egyptian sort of Learning, in which he excel 〈◊〉

23. And when he was full forty ye ••• 〈◊〉 it came into his heart to visit his brethren the Children of Israel. 24. And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:

23. Note, Though Moses Age and Learning be not mentioned in the Old Testament, it might be otherwise known. 2. And whether he was warranted to stay the Egyptian by any special Revelation, is doubtful.

25. For he supposed his brethren would have understood, how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.

25, What notice he had then of this purpose of God, we read not: But saith Doctor Hammond,

26. And the next day he shown himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren, why do ye wrong one to another.

26. Note, Even while they are oppresed by the common Tyranny of the King, they forbear not quarrelling and wronging one another.

27. But he that did his neighbor wrong, thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a Ruler, and a Judge over us? 28. Wilt thou kill me, as thou didst the Egyptian yesterday?

27, 28. Note. 1. It's the injuring party that is usually readiest to rise up against Peace-makers: 2. He that will reconcile Peace- 〈◊〉 and reprove the injurious, must expect to be accused as a Peace-breaker, and injurious and arrogant himself. 3. Self-avengers love not Rulers▪

29. Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Midian, where he begat two sons.

29. He knew then that the killing his Egyptian would be known to Pharaoh, and therefore fled.

30. And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina, an Angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.

30. The same appearance is said to be God and an Angel in fire: God speaking by an Angel in fire.

31. When Moses saw it, he wondered at 〈◊〉 sight: and as he drew nere to behold it, 〈◊〉 •• ice of the Lord came unto him. 32. Saying, I am the God of thy Fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses 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 people's 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 shown wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the red Sea, and in the wilderness forty 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 God's 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 honor 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 Idolaters, and made Aaron make them feigned God's to go before them.

41. And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.

41. So sottish were they as to honor 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 forty 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 Luke's Greek Beyond Babylon the sense 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 signify his presence and give his Oracles: This Moses was to make according to the pattern which God shown 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 David's time.

46. Who found favor 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 footstool: 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 God's Worship, and not for God's 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 stopped 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 forefathers 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 shown 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 steadfastly 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 steadfastly 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 honor 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 cried out with a loud voice, 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 man's 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 Christ's Office now in Heaven. See my Printed Sermon on this Text.

60. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, 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 its 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 God's 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, Saul's 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 havoc of the Church, entering 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 everywhere 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, though 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 sudden Baptizing yet implieth 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 Philip's 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 men's 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 Privilege 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 all these Baptized persons must be supposed till so long after unpardoned;) but it was that extraordinary gift which was for the first sealing and propagating the Gospel, of which others could be discerning Judges, (such as Languages Prophecy Healing, Miracles, &c. ); which they were not of sincere inward holiness.

18. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the Apostles hands, the holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19. Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the holy Ghost.