Commentary on the Gospels and Acts

Verse 2. He taught them many things by Parables. ]

MInisters must like wise fetch comparisons from things most familiar, and best known to their hearers: as the Prophets from when they have to deal with the Egyptians, from flocks and herds; when with the Arabians, from Merchandise and Navigation; when with the Tyrians and Sidonians, &c. And as our Savior from fishing, when he dealeth with fishers: from sowing when with seedsmen, &c.

Verse 3. Hearken, behold ]

Christ well knew the fickleness of men's spirits, and how every small matter calls them off, when most earnestly set to hear: See the Note on Matth. 13. 3.

Verse 4, 5, &c. ]

See the Notes on Matth. 13. 3, 4, 5, &c.

Verse 8. Fruit that sprang up and increased ]

This is spoken in opposition to the thorny ground, where the thorns grow up together with the corn, and over-top it: Whereas the good ground brings forth fruit increasing, and ascending: and although it have many thorns, yet grace is superior to corruption, and keeps it under.

Verse 11. Unto them that are without ]

That are in the Church, but not of the Church. She hath her hang-byes, that are as Wens or botches to the body.

Verse 12.]

See the Note on Matth. 13, 14, &c.

Verse 16. Immediatly they receive it with gladness ]

As children run away with sweet-meats. But the new-birth is seldom without pain, and without a flux of mortification. Leap-Christians prove Apostates.

Verse 21. Is a candle brought ]

Or lighted, q. d. Take the benefit of the light of the Gospel, suffer it not to stand under a bed or bushel: for there is nothing hid, viz. in our hearts but it shall be opened, viz. by the power of the word most plainly. Lex, lux, the word is a curious critic, Heb. 4. 12.

Verse 24. Take heed what you hear ]

As the husbandman is very curious in the choice of his seed.

Verse 25. For he that hath to him shall be given ]

Grace grows by exercise, and impairs by idleness: As that side of the teeth which is least used in chewing, is apt to have more rheum settle upon it. Though both arms grow, yet that which a man useth, is the stronger and bigger: so is it in grace. God giveth grace for grace, and his righteousness is revealed from faith to faith: that is, from a less measure to a greater. Whereas it is easy to observe an Eclipse and decay of God's gifts in them that use them not, till at last they may say with Zedekiah, When went the spirit of God from me?

Verse 26. So is the Kingdom of God ]

God sows and reaps in the Church, though none observes it, and hath his fruit in due season.

Verse 27. And should sleep ]

Ministers must rest secure of the success of their endeavors, having diligently done their duties. The Word may work many a year after: as they say of the Elephant, that she brings not forth till thirteen years after she hath conceived.

Verse 28. First the blade, then the 〈◊〉 ]

And the husbandman looks upon it with delight, in hope of an harvest: so doth God take in good part our weak beginnings, whiles we strive to better the blessing that is upon our very buds. Isaiah 44. 3. The first springs in the womb of grace are precious to him, Ephes. 2. 1.

Verse 30. Whereunto shall we liken, &c]

The wisdom of God, the great Counselor, seems to be at a fault for a fit expression low enough for our slow apprehension.

Verse 33. As they were able to hear ]

Not as he was able to have spoken. A Minister must masticate his matter as Nurses do their children's meat, and speak to his hearers shallow capacities; or else he shall be a Barbarian to them, and they to him. He's the best Preacher saith Luther, that preacheth vulgarly, trivially, &c.

Verse 34. He expounded ]

He read them the riddles, as it were, or untied the knots. So Judge. 7. 15. We read of a dream and the interpretation, or breaking of it. A metaphor from the breaking of a Nut to get the kernel.

Verse 36. They took him ]

Viz. out of that part of the Ship where he had taught, into another part more convenient, where he might rest. For he had preached all that day till the evening, without taking either repast or repose, verse 1.

Verse 38. Asleep on a pillow ]

Neither did the noise of the sea, nor the hurry of the seamen laboring for life, awake Christ, till his own time was come. Despair not, if help be not at hand at first; as we desire: but awake Christ, as here, and Isaiah 51. 9. God hath a mighiy arm, but, it may be asleep; the Church therefore cries three times in a verse, Awake.

Verse 39. Peace be still ]

That is, have done quickly: so much the ingemination imports, Gen. 41. 32.

Verse 40. Why are ye so fearful? ]

Increpatio cum admiratione: As their, Master, carest thou not, &c. was interrogatio conquerentis & reprehendentis. But if Caesar in a tempest could bid the Barge-man be of good cheer, for he carried over the fortune of Caesar, which could not miscarry; how much more might those that were upon the same bottom with Christ, have been confident of a safe arrival?

Verse 2. A man with an unclean spirit ]

GRaece. In an unclean spirit, quod eum spiritus quasi inclusum 〈◊〉 . So the flesh is called the old man, as if it were the whole of a natural man: and the Devil is said to work effectually in such, Ephes. 2. 2. See the Note on Mark 1. 23.

Verse 3. Who had his dwelling among the Tombs ]

The buriallplaces of the Saints were anciently thought to have a kind of holiness in them. Hence grew that superstition of meeting and praying together at the Saints Sepulchers; and afterwards of praying for them, and to them. Which to foment the Devil usually haunted such places, there to play his pranks.

Verse 4, 5, 6.]

See the Notes on Matth. 8. 28.

Verse 7. I adjure thee by God ]

Exemplum horrendum impudentiae sceleratorum spirituum, saith Beza. To adjure one, is to take an oath of him for our own security. An oath is not rashly to be undertaken, but by a kind of necessity, when it is exacted. Hence the Hebrew Nishbang is a passive, and signifieth To be sworn, rather then to swear.

Verse 9. My name is Legion ]

That is, a multitude. A 〈◊〉 was commonly among the Romans saith (Isidore) six thousand armed soldiers. So many Devils were gotten in one poor man. Let us in him see, what the best of us have deserved: and, since we have escaped, offer a Passe over each for himself.

Verse 11. Nigh unto the Mountains ]

All this Country was full of hills ( intercursantibus montibus Galaad ) and mountains of Gilead.

Verse 13. Jesus gave them leave ]

If Christ condescended to the Devils, though to the loss of others, will he not hear us?

Verse 15. They come to Jesus ]

And, amazed with the miracle, they expostulate not an injury; but acknowledging him Lord of all, they beg him to be gone, lest they should sustain further loss by him: The Devil shall have his dwelling again in themselves rather then in their pigges (as that martyr phrased it) they will rather lose Christ then their porket.

Verse 17. And they began, &c. ]

See the Note on Mat. 8. 34.

Verse 19. Tell how great things, &c. ]

This was all the fee Christ looked for, for his cures. Words seem to be a slender and slight recompense: but Christ (saith Nazianzen ) calleth himself the Word.

Verse 20. Began to publish in Decapolis]

A great mercy to them to have such a Preacher sent amongst them. Bethsaida was denied this favor, Mark 8. 26.

Verse 22, 23, 24.]

See the Notes on Matth. 9. 18. &c.

Verse 25. And a certain woman ]

This History fell out fitly, that Jairus might be confirmed, and the different degrees of faith in several Saints, the better discerned.

Verse 26. And had spent all that she had ]

Physicians are many of them crumenimulgae, & fordida poscinummia. They call their drugs 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , gifts: yet we pay dear for them.

Verse 28. If I may but touch ]

See the Note on Mat. 9. 21.

Verse 30. That virtue had gone out of him ]

As heat goeth out of the Sun into the air, water, earth, earthly bodies, and yet remains in the Sun; so here. Salienti aquarum fonti undas si tollas, nec exhauritur, nec extenuatur, sed dulcescit: 〈◊〉 , etiam docendi officio, dulcedinem 〈◊〉 , non sentiat minutias. A fountain is not drawn dry, but cleared: so skill is not lost by communicating it to others, but increased.

Verse 32. And he locked round about ]

He confuted the rashness of his Disciples, not with words, but looks. We may more fitly sometimes signify our dislike of sin by frowns, then by speeches. As the North-wind drives away rain, &c.

Verse 34. Daughter, thy faith, &c.]

They that can shame themselves to honor Christ, shall receive much settlement, and inward satisfaction.

Verse. 35. Thy daughter is dead ]

Christ commonly reserves his holy hand for a dead lift.

Verse 40.

See the Note on Matth. 9. 24. &c.

Verse 43. That no man should know it ]

Lest he should be too soon known and acknowledged by the people. But when he knew that he was shortly to die, he openly restored to life Lazarus, and the Widows son. Every thing is beautiful in its season.

Verse 3. Is not this the Carpenter? ]

SEe the Note on Matthew 13. 55.

Verse 5. He could do there no mighty work ]

He could not, because he would not. Note here the venernous nature of infidelity, that transfuseth, as it were, a dead palsy into the hands of omnipotency, disabling Christ, in a sort, to do such a man good. Christ by his absolute power can do all things: by his actual power he can do no more then he will do.

Verse 6. And he marvelled ]

Unbeleife must needs be a monstrous sin, that puts Christ to the marvel.

Verse 8. Save a stasse. ]

Such a one as may ease and relieve you, not such as may curb and hinder you, Matth. 10. 10. So that seeming contradiction is assoiled.

Verse 12. That they should repent ]

This must be done; or men are utterly undone. Aut poenitendum aut pereudum. Hence Repentance is so pressed and preached in both Testaments. Exod. 23. 20. with 33. 2. 3, 4. Immediately after God had given the Law (by the rules and threats whereof God the Father was to proceed, saith One) and after they had transgressed it, he could not go along with them, for he should destroy them: but his Angel, that is Christ, he would send with them; who also would destroy them, if they turned not and repented according to the rules of his Law, the Gospel.

Verse 13. And anointed with oil many, &c. ]

By the misunderstanding of this text, and that Jam. 5. 14. Pro pastoribus habuit Ecclesia unguentarios, et pigmentarios; qui hoc 〈◊〉 miser as oviculas non tantum ungerent, sed etiam emungerent. This oil in the text was used, not as a medicine, but as a sign and symbol of that power of miraculous 〈◊〉 .

Verse 14. For his name was spread ]

By miracles, as by wings the Gospel quickly spread far and near. Eusebius saith that the Gospel spread at first, through the world, like a Sun 〈◊〉 . When 〈◊〉 first stirred, it was carried through the Christian world, as on Angels wings. This was that miracle, which 〈◊◊〉 these last times, are to look for.

Verse 16.]

See the Notes on Matt. 14. 2, 3, &c.

Verse 19. Herodias had a quarrel against him ]

Gr. Hung over him, as highly displeased at him, and waiting an occasion to be even with him. 〈◊◊◊〉 , they that follow truth close at heels, may have their 〈◊〉 struck out, though she be a good mistrisse. Tange 〈◊◊◊〉 . As wild beasts cannot endure fire, so neither can carnal hearts fervency and plaindealing.

Verse 20. 〈◊◊◊〉 ]

Holiness is majestical. 〈◊◊◊◊◊〉 because holy. He honoreth his Saints in the 〈◊〉 of their greatest enemies.

Verse 21 Made a supper ]

The ancients took a light dinner usually, and therefore called it Prandium quasi perendium: at supper they feasted more freely, and therefore called it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , because then their days-work was done.

Verse 22. Came in and danced ]

With immodest gesticulations and trippings on the toe, wherewith the old fornicator was so inflamed, that he swore she should have anything of him.

Verse 23. To the half of my Kingdom ]

What was his whole kingdom to the life of that precious man, of whom the world was not worthy? Shortly after, he was turned out of his kingdom, and (its to be feared) out of God's too.

Verse 24. And she went forth ]

The men and women dined not together. In Barbary, tis death for any man to see one of the Zeriffes concubines.

Verse 26. And for their sakes that sat with him ]

Sic plerique, malum iter ingressi, post cum se errare resciscant, non desciscunt 〈◊〉 , ne leves videantur: sui dicti domini, ut dicunt, esse volunt. Some, rather then be worse then their words, will violate their consciences.

Verse 31. Rest a while ]

God would not have the strength of his people to be exhausted in his service: but that respect be had to the health of their bodies, as to the welfare of their 〈◊〉 . Therefore the Priests of the Law took their turns of serving in the order of their course, as Zacharias, 〈◊〉 1. 8. And the Ministers of the Gospel are allowed to drink a little Wine for their healths sake as Timothy. Those that neglect their bodies, must reckon for it. Coloss. 2. 23.

Verse 33. Ran afoot thither ]

That is, they came thither by land, not by sea; whither on foot or a 〈◊〉 : for many of them were not able to foot it, as being weak, lame, maimed, &c.

Verse 34. They were as Sheep, &c ]

They were all slaves to the Romans, and many of them lame and diseased: but nothing troubled Christ so much as this, that they wanted Pastors and Teachers. They that are without a teaching Priest, are said to be without God in the world, 2 Chron. 15. 3.

Vcrse 35. And when the day was now far spent ]

Beza renders it, Cum jam multus dies esset. Our forefathers had a saying

Verse 37. Shall we go and buy, &c. ]

q. d. Yes: a likely 〈◊〉 surely: Where's your money? have we two-hundred pence to cater for such a company? It is Interrogatio cum admiratione, atque adeo cum ironia quadam conjuncta, saith Beza. A question not without a jear.

Verse 40. 〈◊〉 down in ranks ]

Gr. ranks, ranks; that is, 〈◊〉 by rank, as rouse or borders of beds in a garden. Ordinatim 〈◊〉 in Ecclesia faciendae. Church-work is to be done decently, and in order.

Verse 48. Would have passed by them ]

Either the more to try them, or rather to spare them: because he foresaw they would be further frighted else.

Verse 50. It is I ]

I with an Emphasis: q. d. It is I; not a Spirit. A concise kind of speech, importing his haste to comfort them. He comes leaping over the mountains of Bether, all 〈◊〉 and impedements.

Verse 2. They found fault ]

THey mumped at it, as we say: they dispraised, accused, complained. Vituperant homines quam collaudant promptius, saith one: Another being demanded, what was the easiest thing in the world? answered, To find fault with another. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , saith a Third: It is easier to find a fault, then to mend it.

Verse 3. Except they wash their hands oft ]

Or up to the Elbow, or with utmost diligence. The Pharisees deemed it as great a 〈◊〉 to eat with unwashen 〈◊〉 , as to commit fornication. Do not our Modern Pharisees the Papists as much? Fornication is a money matter with them: but to eat an Egg in Lent, or the like, a deadly sin. You may see them sometimes in Italy go along the streets with a great rope about their necks, as if they were dropped down from the gallows. And sometimes they wear a sawsedge or a swine's-pudding in place of a silver or gold chain. Is not this sufficient to deserve heaven by?

Verse 4. 〈◊〉 of Cups ]

Gr. Baptismes. The Pharisees were great washers of the outside. Whence Justin Martyr calls them Baptists, by a peculiar Epithite.

Verse 5, 6.]

See the Note on Matt. 15. 2, 3.

Verse 8. Ye hold the tradition of men ]

Gr. With tooth and nail ye hold it, Mordicus retinetis, as if on that hinge hung all your happiness.

Verse 9. Full well ye reject ]

q. d. Its finely done of you, is it not? Ironice; year wise men therewhile: This was 〈◊〉 to other masterships. Sapientes sapienter in infernum 〈◊〉 , saith a Father. The worlds wizards have not wit enough to escape hell.

Verse 12. Ye suffer him ]

i. e. Ye license him to deny his Parents any further succor.

Verse 14. Called all the people ]

For he saw there was no good to be done upon the Pharisees, and that he did but wash a tilestone, or a Blackmoore: he turns him therefore to the commonsort. Pearls must not be cast to pigs.

Verse 15, 16, &c. ]

See the Note on Matt. 15. 11.

Verse 19. And goeth out into the draught ]

Or into the long and lowermost gut, as Physicians use the word: and as it is, 1 Sam. 5. 9. 12. Robert Smith Martyr made one of Bonners Doctors that examined him, say, that his God must needs enter into the belly, and so fall into the draught. To which he Answered, What derogation was it to Christ, when the Jews spit in his face? If the Jews (said Smith ) being his enemies did but spit in his face, 〈◊〉 , we being his friends throw him into the draught, which of us deserveth the greater damnation?

Verse 20. That defileth the man ]

Far worse then any jakes. Sin is the Devils excrement.

Verse 22. An evil eye ]

Envious, and rejoicing at the miseries of others, which is the property of Edomites, abjects, witches, and devils. Those that are bewitched are said to be overlooked, sc. with an evil and malicious eye. 〈◊〉 quis teneros, &c.

Verse 23. All these evil things ]

Should God but break open that sink of sin that is within us, we should never endure the stench, but rid ourselves out of the world, as Judas, Ahithophel, &c.

Verse 24. Would have no man know &c. ]

There was therefore two wills in Christ: the one whereof rightly willed, that which the other justly and wisely nilled.

Verse 25. For a certain woman ]

Of an heroical faith, felt her want of Christ, and 〈◊〉 out for him.

Verse 27. To cast it unto Dogs ]

Gr. unto whelps, for more contempt-sake, as Beza 〈◊〉 . The Pope made Dondalus the 〈◊〉 Ambassador to come before him, tied in iron chains, and to wallow under his table with dogs, whilst his Holiness sat at supper. Unde ei Canis cognomentum apud suos, saith Kevius. He was ever after called the Dog-Ambassador.

Verse 28. Yes, Lord ]

See the Note on Matth. 15. 27.

Verse 33. And he took him aside, &c.]

Though these men's faith was but weak, yet he yieldeth unto them at the first word, who held off the Syrophenisse before, to the third Petition: He knew the strength of her faith. The skillful Armourer trieth not an ordinary piece of Arms with Musquet shot. The wise Lapidist brings not his softer stones to the stithy. The good Husbandman turns not the wheel upon his cumin, nor his 〈◊〉 upon his fetches. For his God doth better instruct him, Isaiah 28. 26, 29.

Verse 34. He sighed ]

As if himself had felt and fainted under the same burden: so the word signifieth. And he was so much the more sensible, as well weighing the cause.

Verse 35. His 〈◊◊〉 opened ]

So are the ears of all that belong to Christ, and their tongues loosed to his praise, which before were bound by Satan. O pray that God would make the boar of our ears as wide as may be, and teach us that pure language, Zeph. 3. 9. that our tongues may run as the pen of a ready writer.

Verse 36. So much the more ]

Eo magis praefulgebat utique quia non visebatur, as Tacitus saith of Brutus: the more he sought to secret himself, the more he was noticed.

Verse 37. He 〈◊〉 done all things well ]

Praise we him much more for his spiritual cures, of like kind, upon ourselves and others.

Verse: 1. The multitude being very great. ]

YEt not so great as the five thousand before fed with fewer loaves, and more leavings: To teach us, that God's blessing, and not the muchnesse of meat, feeds and satisfies.

Verse 2. I have compassion, &c.]

See the Notes on Matthew 15. 32, 33, 34, &c.

Verse. 3. They will faint ]

Their sine 〈◊〉 will be loosened, as it useth to fare with men in fainting fits. Physicians sometimes let blood usque ad deliquium animae: so doth God; as he did David often. See the Note on Matth 15. 32.

Verse 4. With bread ]

That is, with the coarsest fare. 〈◊〉 opponit panem libis & placentis. Lib. 1. Ep. 10. Bread is used for homely provision.

Verse 5, 6, 7, &c. ]

See the Notes on Matth. 15. 34, 35, 36.

Verse 12. And he sighed deeply ]

His heart was straightened (as the word signifies) and would have burst, but for a vent.

So those marked mourners sighed and cried for others, who were altogether insensible of their own miseries. So Habacuc trembled and quivered for the Chaldeans calamities, cap. 3. 16.

Verse 13. And he left them ]

See the Notes on Matthew 16. 1, 2.

Verse 15. Of the leaven of Herod ]

Of the Sadducees saith Matthew: to the which Sect some conceive that Herod had now joined himself, the better to still the noise of his conscience, by making himself believe there was no judgment to come.

Verse 18. Do ye not remember? ]

All's loft that is not well laid up in this pot of Manna, the sanctified memory, 1 Cor. 15. 2.

Verse 19, 20.]

See the Note on Matth. 16. 10, 11, &c.

Verse 21. How is it that ye do not understand? ]

It is very ill taken when we improve not experiments. Of all things God can least abide to be forgotten.

Verse 23. He took the blind man by the hand ]

He could have delivered him to his friends, to lead him; but he did it himself, as holding it an honor, a pleasure, to do men in misery any office of courtesy.

Verse 25. He saw every man clearly ]

Procul & dilucide, longe 〈◊〉 . When we come to heaven we shall see as we are seen, who now see but as in a glass obscurely, as old men do thorough Spectacles, 1 Cor. 13.

Verse 26. Neither go into the town ]

Christ would not vouchsafe such an ungrateful people the benefit of one more Preacher, though never so mean. This was a greater judgment upon them, then if he had turned some other way that arm of the sea that brought so much wealth into their town.

Verse 27, 28.

See the Note on Matth. 16. 13.

Verse 29. Thou art the Christ ]

This was much in few. Here is not Thou art Peter, and upon this Rock, &c. Which if either Saint Mark or Saint Peter had esteemed (as Papists now do) the foundation of the Christian Church, it had not been here omitted (as Beza well observeth) since it goes for currant among the Ancients, that Saint Mark wrote this Gospel at Saint Peters mouth.

Verse 31. And after three days ]

That is, within three days, or on the third day.

Verse 34. Whosoever will come after me ]

See the Notes on Mat. 10. 38. and Mat. 16. 24.

Verse 35. For whosoever will save his life ]

As that revolting 〈◊〉 , Host to Philbert 〈◊〉 Martyr, slain by his enemy upon a private quarrel. As those Angrognians that yielded to the Papists that came against them, and were more cruelly handled by them then their neighbors that continued constant in the truth. As Denton the Smith of Welle in Cambridgshire, that could not burn for Christ, and was afterwards burned in his own house. As West that was Chaplain to Bishop Ridley, who refusing to die in Christ's cause with his Master, said Mass against his conscience, and soon after pined away for sorrow. If I shrink from God's truth (said Doctor Taylor Martyr) I am sure of another manner of death then had Judge Hales: who being drawn for fear of death, to do things against his conscience, did afterwards drown himself.

Verse 36. For what shall it profit a man ]

And yet many do as Shimei that to seek his servants, lost himself. And as Jonas, that was content to be cast into the Sea, that the Ship with her lading might come safe to shore.

Verse 38. In this adulterous & sinful, &c. ]

The worse the times are, the better we should be. Stars are most needed in a dark night. We may as well, saith Zwingli, Adaram Jovis aut Veneris adorare, ac sub Antichristo fidem occultare. Antichrists limbs have their mark in their hand, which they may show or hide at pleasure: but Christ's members have their mark in their foreheads only. David's parents and brethren came down to him, to the cave of Adullam though to their great danger, 1 Sam. 22. 1. Onesiphorus was not ashamed of Paul's chain at Rome, 2 Tit. 1.

Verse 1. Shall not taste of death ]

SAints only taste of death, sinners are swallowed up of it, they are killed with death, Revelation 2. 23. Whereas the righteous do mori vitaliter; death is to them neither total, nor perpetual, Rom. 8. 10, 11.

Verse 3. Became shining ]

Gr. Glistring and sparkling as stars which twinckle and beckon to us as it were to remember their and our Creator.

Verse 10. And they kept that saying ]

With much ado they kept it (as the word imports) for the rest of the Disciples were very inquisitive, likely, what was said and done in the Mount. A friend that can both keep counsel, and give counsel, is worth his weight in gold.

Verse 12. Set at naught ]

Vilified and nullified as an 〈◊〉 , or one that had nothing in him. Vermis sum et non 〈◊〉 . I am a worm and no man, saith the Psalmist in the person of Christ.

Verse 15. Were greatly amazed ]

To see him come in so opportunly, in the very nick, which is his usual time. See the Note on Matt. 17. 14.

Verse 20. The spirit tare him ]

Thus things oft go backward ere they come forward; as the corn grows downward before it comes upward. Duplicantur lateres, venit Moses. This child had never such a sore fit, as now that he was to be cured. See verse 26.

Verse 22. It hath cast him into the fire, &c. ]

So doth blind zeal deal by them in whom it is.

Verse 24. I believe ]

This act of his in putting forth his faith to believe as he could, was the way to believe as he would.

Verse 29. But by prayer and fasting ]

The cause why they could not cure the child, was unbelief: the cure of unbelief is sought and wrought by fasting and prayer.

Verse 34. Who should be the greatest ]

viz. In Christ's earthly Kingdom, in the which they vainly dreamt of a distribution of honors and offices, as once in the days of David and Solomon.

Verse 37. Receiveth not me ]

Non removet, sed corrigit, saith Erasmus. He receiveth not me only, but him that sent me.

Verse 38. And John answered him ]

John was soon sated with that sad discourse of our Savior, and begins a relation of another business, little to the purpose.

Verse 39. Forbid him not ]

It is probable that this man would not forbear, unless Christ himself should forbid him: which here he refuseth to do, and shows reason for it.

Verse 41. 〈◊〉 whosoever shall give, &c. ]

Much more he that shall cast out devils in my name, and out of love to me.

Verse 43. It is better for thee to enter ]

The Trojanes, after long debate, concluded it better to part with Helen, though a Lady of incomparable beauty, then, by retaining her longer, to venture their utter wreck and ruin.

'A 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , say they. Did we but forethink what sin will cost us, we durst not but be innocent.

Verse 44. Where their worm ]

As out of the corruption of our bodies worms breed, which consume the flesh, so out of the corruption of our souls this never-dying worm. This worm (say Divines) is only a continual remorse and furious reflection of the soul upon its own willful folly, and now woeful misery. Oh consider this before thy friends be scrambling for thy goods, worms for thy body, devils for thy soul. Go not dancing to hell in thy bolts, rejoice not in thy bondage, as many do; to whom the preaching of hell is but as the painting of a toad, which men can look on and handle, without affrightment.

Verse 49. For everyone shall be salted with fire ]

The Spirit, as salt, must dry up those bad humors in us that breed the neverdying worm; and, as fire, must waste our corruptions, which else will carry us on to the unquenchable fire.

Verse 50. Salt is good ]

Nature 〈◊〉 prudently mingled salt with all things, that they may not easily putrefy. Greges enim pecorum urinam salsissimam effundere videmus, & in omnes stirpes salem infusum.

Verse 1. And, as he was wont, he taught ]

PRaedicationis officium 〈◊〉 quisquis ad Sacerdotium accedit. It was death for the High Priest to enter the Holy-place, or to come abroad, without his bells and pomegranates. Saint Mark is much in setting forth Christ's forwardness to teach.

Verse 4. Moses suffered to write ]

Not commanded. There is difference between a permission and a precept, properly so called. See the Note on Matth. 19. 7. Non statim probat Deus quod permittit. God approves not presently whatsoever he permits.

Verse 11. Whosoever shall put away his wife ]

Annon columnae 〈◊〉 , 〈◊◊〉 Lutherus, 〈◊〉 errarunt, & 〈◊〉 se dederunt, cum illud 〈◊◊◊〉 dederunt 〈◊〉 illi & 〈◊〉 Principi Philippo Lantgravio, ut 〈◊〉 adhue priore legitima 〈◊〉 uxore, 〈◊〉 alteram, 〈◊〉 est adulteram? saith Zanchi: Luthor and his fellow-Divines were shamefully out in licensing the Lantgrave to put away his lawful wife, and marry another.

Verse 12. And if a woman have put away ]

No such thing was permitted by Moses, but usurped by the women of those licentious times. Among Turks the women may sue a divorce; but only then when her husband would abuse her against nature.

Verse 14. For of 〈◊〉 is 〈◊〉 kingdom of God ]

As oft therefore as we see an infant, 〈◊〉 us think that a teacher is given us of God. Psal. 131. 1, 2.

Verse 19. Defraud not ]

Do no man injury either by force 〈◊◊〉 . This seems to be an abstract of all the other fore-mentioned commandments.

Verse 21. Loved him ]

As a 〈◊〉 man, and fit to live in a civil society. Or he loved him, that is, he pitied him, as a self-deceiver: like as we pity moderate Papists.

Verse 22. Went away grieved ]

Which he would not have done, if he had loved God and his neighbor, as he professed to do.

Verse 24. For them that trust in riches ]

As most rich men do, thinking themselves simply the better and the safer for them. This blab is soon blown up.

Verse 27. With God all things are possible ]

This place is much pleaded by the Papists for their fiction of Transubstantiation. I tell thee (said Bonner to Philpot ) that God by his omnipotency may make himself to be this Carpet, if he will.

Verse 30. Brethren, and sisters, and mothers ]

Mothers he cannot receive in kind, when once dead; but God will be to his better then ten mothers: Communion with him shall yield more comfort, then all outward comforts can. He can also make Jonathan more loving to David then any wife, and the Kings of Moab and Ammon to be his foster-parents. This made Hermannus Archbishop of Cullen to reform his Church, using therein the aid and advice of Martin Bucer: Wherefore he was deposed by the Emperor, which he patiently suffered. Zech. 10. 6. They shall be as if I had not cast them off, and I will hear them. God will one way or other make up his people's losses: they shall have it again either in money, or moneys-worth. Ne excrucier ob 〈◊〉 & argentum: 〈◊〉 enim es mihi omnia, said Paulinus Nolanus, when the Town was taken by the Barbarians. Let not my losses trouble me, Lord; for thou art mine exceeding great reward.

Verse 32. Jesus went before them ]

As most willing of his way, though he went now to suffer. Shew we like forwardness, and say, I am in prison till I am in prison.

Verse 35. Whatsoever we shall desire ]

One said he could have what he would of God: And why? but because he would ask nothing, but what was agreeable to the will of God. Fiat voluntas mea, said Luther in a certain prayer; but then falls off sweetly, Mea voluntas, Domine, quia tua. One saith of Luther, Vir iste potuit quod voluit apud Deum: That man can do what he will with God.

Verse 39. Ye shall indeed drink of the cup ]

But not of that bitter cup of his Fathers wrath, which he drank off in his passion. Only the Saints fill up that which is behind of the sufferings of Christ, Colos. 1. 24. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈◊〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 .

Verse 42. They which are accounted to rule ]

All earthly ruledomes are but shows and shadows, to that of God. Qui videntur imperare: They do but seem to rule.

Verse 46. Blind Bartimaeus]

Named and celebrated in the Gospel, when many mighty Monarchs are utterly forgotten, or else lie shrouded in the sheet of shame.

Verse 48. The more a great deal ]

True faith works its way through many obstacles, as the clouded sun doth.

Verse 50. And he casting away his garment ]

Though a beggar, he stood not upon the loss of his coat; but for joy of his calling 〈◊〉 it from him. So Joh. 4. 28. Heb. 12. 1.

Verse 2. Whereon never man sat ]

AS if it had been done on set purpose. Here was a wheel within a wheel, Ezek. 1. the better to convince the stubborn Jews of his Kingly office.

Verse 3. Say ye that the Lord hath need of him ]

See here six several arguments of our Savior's Deity: 1. That he knew there was such an asse-colt. 2. That he sent for it. 3. Fore-saw that the masters of the colt would question them that fet it. 4. That he professeth himself the Lord of all. 5. That he could tell they would send the colt. 6. That accordingly they did so.

Verse 12. He was hungry ]

This, and that he knew not but that there were figs on the tree, declare him to be true Man.

Verse 13. The time of figs was not yet ]

viz. Of ripe figs; but if he could have found but green figs only, he would at that time have been glad of them. He looked for somewhat from that great show of leaves. But the old Proverb became true, Great brute, little fruit.

Verse 17. My house shall be called, &c. ]

He inveighs against the same fault with the same arguments, as before, Joh. 2.

Verse 21. And Peter calling to remembrance ]

So the fig-tree bare far better fruit now that it was dried, then when it was green and flourishing. 〈◊〉 nos Patres, tum docentes, tum labentes: The Saints teach us, as by their instructions, so by their infirmities.

Verse 25. And when ye stand, praying ]

Several gestures in prayer are described, not prescribed in God's Book. The word here rendered stand, importeth a presenting ones self before the Lord, whether he stand, sit, or kneel, &c.

Verse 30. From heaven, or of men, answer me ]

So when the enemies of Reformation demand what we mean by so doing, ask them what they think of that we do? Is it from heaven, or of men? If from heaven, why do not they approve it? If of men, why do not they disprove it by the Scriptures? Bucer and Melancthon framed a form of Reformation according to the truth of the Gospel, with the approbation of the Peers and States of Cullen; but the Clergy, though not able to contradict it by good reason, yet rejected it with slander, and said that they had rather choose to live under the Turkish Government, then under a Magistrate that embraced that Reformation.

Verse 1. A certain man planted, &c. ]

SEe the Notes on Matth. 21. 33.

Verse 3. And beat him ]

Properly, they hilded him; but by a Metonymy, they beat him. Sie 〈◊〉 vulpem, 〈◊〉 pellis 〈◊〉 AEtrahatur: So men beat a Fox, that they may the better hilde him.

Verse 4. Wounded him in the head ]

Caput. 〈◊〉 , they brake his head. Theophylact interpreteth it, They completed their villainy, and spent all their spite upon him.

Verse 6. They will reverence my 〈◊〉 ]

They will surely be 〈◊〉 to look him in the 〈◊〉 . This is the proper signification of the word. But sin had 〈◊〉 an impudency in their faces, that they could blush no more then a Sack-but.

Verse 13. To catch him in his words ]

As Hunters catch the beast in a toil; as Fowlers catch the bird in a snare, as Saint Matthews word here signifies.

Verse 14. To give tribute ]

This tribute the Jews then paid to the Romans, as now they do to the Turks, for the very heads they wear. And yet they had the face to say to our Savior, Joh. 8. 33. We never were in bondage to any man. But perhaps these Jews were of the Sect of Judas Gaulonites, who would not be drawn by any torments to acknowledge any Lord upon earth; believing that God only was to be held their Lord and King.

Verse 24. Not knowing the Scriptures ]

And yet they alleged and argued out of Scripture, but upon a false ground; viz. that the state of men should continue in the other world such as it is here, as to eat, drink, marry, generate, &c.

Verse 26. I am the God of Abraham]

Therefore thy God also, if thou walk in the foot-steps of faithful Abraham, Rom. 4. 23, 24.

Verse 28. Asked him, which is the first ]

All Christ's Disciples must be 〈◊〉 , Questionists, and do the same to learn, that this Scribe here doth, for a worse purpose.

Verse 29. Is one Lord ]

This the wiser Heathens, as Pythagoras, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle with his Ens Entium miserere mei (if that were his) acknowledged. Exod. 34. 14. Thou shalt worship 〈◊〉 other god. Where the word Acher rendered Other, hath R greater then ordinary, to show the greatness of the sin of serving others gods, and to set forth a difference between Acher Other, and Echad One God; One in Three, and Three in One.

Verse 34. Answered discreetly ]

That he was better then the Pharisees used to be. He was Egregie cordatus homo, and began to lift up his head out of the mud toward heaven.

Verse 35. How say the Scribes ]

They were great Genealogists; how was it then that they were no better versed in the Genealogy of Christ? that they could give no better an account of his twofold nature? Of other things one may be ignorant, and yet be saved: Not so here.

Verse 36. Said by the Holy Ghost ]

The Psalms then are a part of holy Writ by Christ's own testimony, who also Luk. 24. 44. divideth the Old Testament into the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms. Yea, Psalmorum liber 〈◊〉 utilia sunt ex omnibus continet, saith Augustine after Basil: The Psalms are a treasury of all holy truths.

Verse 38. Love to go in long clothing ]

Down to the heels, as Senators, or Counselors. A garment that Christ himself ware, as being a Citizen or free Denison of Capernaum. But he loved not to go in it, as these Pharisees, these glorious Masters of the Jews; he affected not this habit more then another out of pride and vainglory, to be looked at, and admired by the vulgar. This they thought a goodly business.

Verse 41. And beheld ]

He still sits and seeth the condition, gift, and mind of every alms-giver: And weighs all, not by the worth of the gift, but by the will of the Giver. Lycurgus enjoined the Lacedaemonians to offer small sacrifices. For God, said He, respecteth more the internal devotion, then the external oblation.

Verse 42. Two mites ]

A mite is valued of our money to be three parts of one c.

Verse 43. This poor Widow ]

Women are noted in the Parable of the lost Groat to be fond of money: Widows especially, and poor Widows, make much of that little they have, as their life, so it is called here, verse 44. even all her life, that is, her livelihood. All this she cast in, it being rather to and for the service of God, then to the poor. She resolves, as a Widow indeed, to trust wholly in God.

Verse 1. What manner of stones, &c. ]

HUge stones, and so cunningly cimented, and as it were inoculated the one into the other, that a man would have thought and sworn almost, that they had been all but one entire stone. Josephus writeth of these stones, that they were fifteen cubits long, twelve high, and eight broad.

Verse 2. There shall not be left one stone, &c. ]

There's no trusting therefore to Forts and strong-holds, no though they be munitions of rocks; as Isaiah speaketh; The Jebusites, that jeered David and his forces, were thrown out of their Zion. Babylon, that bore her self bold upon her twenty years provision laid in for a siege, and upon her high Towers and thick walls, was surprised by Cyrus. So was this goodly Temple by 〈◊〉 , who left only three towers of this stately edifice unrazed, to declare unto posterity the strength of the place, and valor of the vanquisher. But, sixty five years after, AElius 〈◊〉 inflicting on the rebelling Jews a wonderful flaughter, subverted those remainders, and sprinkled salt upon the foundation.

Verse 4. Shall be fulfilled ]

Or, have an end, that is, be destroyed, as verse. 2. Which yet these Apostles held not destroyable till the worlds destruction, as appears 〈◊〉 . 24.

Verse 5. And Jesus answering them, &c. ]

Not directly to their question, but far better to their edification. This was 〈◊〉 with our Savior.

Verse 7. The end shall not be yet ]

Neither of the world, nor of the Temple.

Verse 8. The beginning of sorrows ]

The sorrows and throws of child-birth; which are nothing so bad at first, as in the birth.

Verse 10. Among all nations ]

i. e. Among other nations then the Jews.

Verse 11. Neither 〈◊〉 ye 〈◊〉 ]

Conne not your answers as boys use to do their Orations and School-exercises, which the Greeks call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 : whereunto Beza thinks our Savior here 〈◊〉 .

Verse 14. The abomination of dissolution ]

The Roman forces, therefore most abominable to God and his Angels, because they desolated the pleasant land, and abolished the true worship of God. See Revel. 17. 4, 5.

Verse 19. For in those days shall be affliction ]

Gr. Those days shall be affliction: as if the very time were nothing else but 〈◊〉 itself. See the Notes on Mat. 24. 21.

Verse 20. Except the 〈◊〉 had 〈◊〉 ]

〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 . Not in respect of the divine decree, but 1. of the long miseries that the people had deserved: 2. of the enemies rage, that would have exceeded. See 〈◊〉 . 1. 13.

Verse 28. Now learn a parable of the fig-tree ]

We should not rest content with a natural 〈◊〉 of the creatures, as bruits do, but pick some spiritual matter out of every sensible object. Thus 〈◊〉 Master 〈◊〉 when the Sun shined on his face now lying on his death bed, fell into a sweet meditation of the glory of God, and his approaching joy.

Verse 30. Till all these things be done ]

Begun they were in the destruction of Jerusalem, carried on by the enemies rage against the Church, and to be ended with the last age of the Church, which begins at the coming of Christ in the flesh.

Verse 34. The porter to watch ]

That the rest did their work.

Verse 35. When the Master cometh ]

But come he will to judgment, as sure as that he hath destroyed Jerusalem: This is a pledge of the other.

Verse 37. Watch ]

What Serbidius Scevola was wont to say of the Civil Law, holds more true of the divine Law: Jus civile scriptum est vigilantibus, non dormitantibus: The Law was written for those that observe to obey it.

Verse 1. After two days ]

TWo days after the former discourse. This Sun of righteousness shone most amiably toward his going down.

Verse 2. Not on the feast-day ]

And yet they did it on the feast-day, as loath to lose the opportunity then offered them by Judas the traitor: But God had a special hand in it, that by the circumstance of time Christ might appear to be the true Passover. He was crucified on the very true day of that Feast.

Verse 3. Of spikenard very precious ]

Or pure, right, sincere, not sophisticate, or adulterate; so Theophylact interprets it. But 〈◊〉 saith it was spikenard of Opis, a Town not far from Babylon, whence the most precious odors and ointments were 〈◊〉 into other parts.

Verse 5. Three hundred pence ]

That is, fifty-two French pounds and more, as Budaeus computes it. She spared for no cost.

Verse 14. The guest-chamber ]

In a private house; for the whole City was then turned into a great Inn, for the receipt of strangers that came up to the Feast.

Verse 21. Good were it for that man ]

For his own particular: for otherwise in respect of the glory of God's justice, in that man's righteous condemnation, good it was that he was born.

Verse 25. I will drink no more ]

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 I will not, not, not 〈◊〉 , So Heb. 13. 5. I will not, not, not forsake those. Our Savior here seemeth to allude to that grace-cup (as they call it) after which they might not eat anything more, till the day following.

Verse 31. I will not deny thee ]

The Syriac addeth Mari, that is, Domine mi. And this he affirmed magis ex abundanti. So did Pendleton the Apostate, when he said to Sanders the Martyr with greatest vehemency, I will see the 〈◊〉 drop of this grease of mine molten away, and the last gobbet of this flesh consumed to ashes, before. I will forsake God and his truth.

Verse 36. Abba, Father ]

Father, Father, with greatest earnestness. This was an effectual prayer, had he said no more. God can feel breath in prayer, Lam. 3. 56.

Verse 37. Couldst thou not watch ]

How then wilt thou die with me? So how will they endure wounds for Christ, that cannot endure words? See Jer. 12. 5.

Verse 40. Neither wist they what to answer ]

They were ashamed to excuse it, yet fell again into it.

Verse 41. Sleep on now, take your rest ]

If you can at least, or have any mind to it, with so many swords and halberds about your ears. They were in heaviness, and yet are sharply reproved for relapsing so oft into the same sin. Let not us be more mild then Christ was; but deal freely and faithfully with all.

Verse 47. And one of them ]

Beza gathereth from this Text, that Mark received not this Gospel from Peter; because Peter would no less have confessed this rashness in himself, then he had done his denial of his Master.

Verse 61. The Son of the Blessed? ]

So God is called, because to be everlastingly blessed and praised of Men and Angels. Hence God is frequently set forth in the Commentaries of the Hebrew Doctors by 〈◊〉 , He that is blessed. So 〈◊〉 begins his Canticle with Blessed 〈◊〉 the Lord God, &c. Luk. 1. 68.

Verse 63. Rent his clothes ]

So they used to do in case of blasphemy, to signify that their very hearts were rent with grief at so sad a hearing.

Verse 64. They all condemned him ]

As a Blasphemer, because he made himself the Son of God. This may comfortably assure 〈◊〉 that we are freed by Christ from that crime of blasphemy we stand guilty of, for affecting a Deity in our first Parents.

Verse 65. Prophesy ]

Est hic sarcasmus amarulentissimus. 〈◊〉 . This is a most bitter 〈◊〉 .

Verse 68. He went out ]

Thinking to steal away: and here he heard the Cock, but recanted not.

Verse 71. To 〈◊〉 and to swear ]

Let him that stands, take heed, &c. 〈◊〉 autem, si pavebis. God had a sweet providence in all this, that Peter might be an eye-witness of our Savior's sufferings.

Verse 72. And when he thought thereon ]

Or, adding to his grief, proportioning his sorrow to his sin: Or, throwing his garment over his head (which was the garb of deep mourners, 2 Sam. 16. 30. Esth. 6. 12.) so Theophylact expounds it. Or, prorupit in fletum. He 〈◊〉 out and wept.

Verse 1. And strait way in the morning ]

THey thought once to have deferred his execution till after the 〈◊〉 , chap. 14. 2. But their malice was wrestlesse: as his was that said, he would not away till he saw the Martyrs (the 〈◊〉 he called him) heart out.

Verse 6. Now at the Feast )

Or, at each great Feast: viz. at the Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles, The reason of this custom see in Notes on Matt. 27. 15.

Verse 15. When he had scourgod him ]

Purposely to move the people to Pity him, and therefore brought him forth so misused with, Behold the man. But this was ill done of Pilate nevertheless: As was also his comparing him with Barabbas, though with 〈◊〉 so to have delivered him. For we may not do evil, that good may come thereof.

Verse 21. And they compel 〈◊〉 Simon ]

We all come off heavily, and shrink in the shoulder when called to carry the Cross, as Peter did, Joh. 21. 18.

Verse 23. Wine mingled with 〈◊〉 ]

This was not the same potion with that verse 36. and Matth. 27. 48. but another.

Verse 33. Darkness over the whole Land ]

Portending doubtless those dreadful calamities that were coming upon this perverse people: according to Isaiah 5. 30. & 8. 22. Lam. 3. 1, 2. But clearly showing God's heavy displeasure against his Son our Surety, which made him also cry out with a loud voice in the next verse, as 〈◊〉 so far forsaken, as not afforded the common-benefit of Sunnelight.

Verse 42. The day before the Sabbath ]

Their preparation to the Sabbath began at three aclock in the afternoon. The Jews of 〈◊〉 began their. Sabbath sooner then others: those at Tsepphore continued it longer; adding de profano ad sacrum. Among our Forefathers at the ringing of the Bell to Prayer on Saturday-evening, the husbandman would give over his labor in the field, and the tradesman his work in the shop, and set themselves to 〈◊〉 for the Sabbath.

Verse 43. Went in boldly unto Pilate]

It was boldly done indeed, thus to oppose, not the Jews only, but Pilate in that which 〈◊〉 had done to Christ. Good blood will not bely itself.

Verse. 1, 2. And when the Sabbath was past ]

AS God on the first day of the week drew the World out of that abhorred estate of nothing, and brought light out of 〈◊〉 : so did Christ, on that day, draw his people out of an estate worse then nothing, and brought life and immortality to light by the Gospel.

Verse 4. And when they looked ]

Or, as some read it, when they looked up: for till now they may seem either to have gone plodding on with their eyes downward; or else to have looked on one another, as people use to do when they are conferring.

Verse 8. Any thing to any man ]

whom they met with, but hastened to the Disciples.

Verse 9. He appe red first ]

This honor done to Mary Magdalene, Mark relateth more at large then the rest: 'though otherwise, mostly, he be more brief then the rest.

Verse 15. Preach the Gospel ]

Eckins hence blasphemously 〈◊〉 , that Christ did never command his Apostles to write, but to preach only.

Verse 16. He that believeth ]

That which you preach.

Verse 18. It shall not hurt them ]

No more shall the deadly poison of sin hurt those that have drunk it, if they belong to God; provided that they cast it up again quickly by Confession, and meddle no more with such a mischief.

Verse. 1. Many have taken in 〈◊〉 . ]

OR, have attempted, but not effected. Hence some have concluded, that Luke wrote 〈◊〉 of the four Evangelists. Howbeit the common opinion is (and the most ancient copies say as much) that Matthew wrote his Gospel eight years 〈◊〉 Christ, Mark ten, Luke fifteen, and John forty two.

Verse 2. Which from the beginning were eye-witnesses ]

Therefore it may seem his Gospel was not dictated to him by Paul (who was no eye-witness) as some Ancients have affirmed. But if we can believe Tacitus or 〈◊〉 in things that fell out long before they were born, because we are confident of their diligence in enquiring: how much more should we believe Saint Luke upon such doubted assurance, &c?

Verse 3. Having had perfect understanding ]

Or, Following them close at heels, (and as we say) hot-foot.

Verse 4. Wherein thou hast been instructed ]

Which thou hast received by hear-say, or by word of mouth: and wherein thou hast been catechised, receiving the mysteries of the faith by the ministry of the voice. And surely when we see men caring and 〈◊〉 how to find out this certainty here spoken of, and not to 〈◊〉 led by conjectural suppositions, but be fully persuaded as St. Luke was, and would have his Theophilus to be, then there will be some hopes that the Lord's parts will increase.

Verse 5. In the days of Herod ]

Herod a stranger, upon the death of Antigonus, last of the Maccabeans, by Augustus his favor, was made King of Judea, and reigned 34. years. After 〈◊〉 and his sons death, Judea was again reduced into a Roman Province; and the government thereof committed unto Pontius Pilate, then to Petronius, after him to Felix, Festus, Albinus and Florus, whose cruelty provoked the Jews to rebellion and war, to their utter overthrow.

Verse 6. In all the Commandments and Ordinances ]

That is, in all the duties of both the Moral and Ceremonial Law.

Verse 7. And they had no child ]

Which was then held an heavy judgment, as that which rendered them suspected of impiety: since Godliness had the promise of increase both within doors and without.

Verse 8. In the order of his course ]

He took but his turn, and served but his time. God never purposed to burden any of his creatures with devotion.

Verse 9. To burn incense ]

In the incense of prayer, how many sweet spices are burned together, by the fire of Faith, as humility, love, &c?

Verse 10. Praying without, at the time of incense ]

Cant. 3. 6. the Church is said to ascend out of the wilderness of this world with pillars of smoke, elationibus fumi, that is with affections, thoughts, desires toward heaven. And although she be black as smoke, in regard of infirmities, yet hath she a principle to 〈◊〉 her upwards.

Verse 11. Standing on the right side of the Altar ]

As Satan stood at the right hand of Jehoshuah to molest him: So stand the Angels at our right hand, in the public Assemblies especially to withstand him. And to signify this, the curtains of the Tabernacle were wrought full of Cherubims within and without.

Verse 12. He was troubled ]

But without cause: he should have been comforted rather; for his sins were covered. How will wicked men stand before Christ?

Verse 13. For thy prayer is heard ]

Both for a Son, and for a Savior.

Verse 14. Thou shalt have joy ]

This is not every fathers happiness. Many fathers are forced through grief for their untoward children to wish to die, as Elias did when he sat under the juniper: and as Moses did when wearied out by the people, Numb. 11. 15.

Verse 15. Great in the sight of the Lord ]

Significatur singularis 〈◊〉 praestantia, ut Gen. 10. 9. He shall be singularly qualified.

Verse 16. Shall he turn to the Lord ]

An high honor to have any hand in the conversion of souls. They that wise others shall shine in heaven, Dan. 12. 2.

Verse 17. In the spirit and power of Elias]

There is a great agreement between the times of Elias and John Baptist. Herod answereth to Ahab, Herodias to Jezebel, &c.

Verse 18. For I am an old man ]

Thus Reason will be encroaching upon the bounds of Faith, till she be taken captive by infidelity. Drive therefore Hagar out of doors.

Verse 19. That stand in the presence of God ]

Ut apparitor, ab apparendo, ready pressed to any service.

Verse 20. And behold thou shalt to dumb ]

His tongue that so lately moved through unbelief is now tied up. God will not pass by the well-meant weaknesses of his own, without a sensible check. He was also deaf as well as dumb: hence they made signs to him, verse. 62.

Verse 21. The people waited for Zacharias]

They would not away without the blessing, prescribed to the Priests, Numb. 6. In the Council of Agathon it was decreed, that people should not presume to go out of the Temples, before the Ministers had blessed the Congregation.

Verse 22. He could not speak unto them ]

Hereupon a Divine thus descants: Tacuit pater vocis, & cessit in miraculum: Vox 〈◊◊〉 , cedit in contradictionem. Nunquid aeque obmutescit 〈◊〉 & filius? Johannes & Zacharias? Nunquid & praeco 〈◊〉 ost? Let us lean to the Papists (saith another) Ministrorum muta officia, populi caeca obsequia, their Ministers, dumb Offices; their people's, blind obedience.

Verse 23. As soon as the days, &c. ]

Zacharias, though he ceased to speak, yet he ceased not to minister. Though he were dumb, yet he was not lame, but could do sacrifices, and did it. We may not straight take occasions of with-drawing ourselves from the public services.

Verse 24. And hid her self ]

Obscurum qua id fecerit ex causa. Its hard to say wherefore she did this, saith a learned Interpreter: but, likely, out of modesty; and that she may make no show, till she were sure; as also that the miracle might appear the greater.

Verse 25. Thus hath the Lord ]

She saw that all her prayers, that she had haply forgot, were not lost, but laid up with God, who now sends in the blessing, that she had despaired of. The Lord oft doth things for his people that they look not for, Isaith 64. and stays so long, that when he comes, he finds not Faith, Luke 18. 8.

Verse 26. Unto a City of Galilee ]

God and his Angels can find out his hidden ones, Psal. 83. 3. in what corner of the country soever.

Verse 27. Espoused to a man ]

1 The better to free her from suspicion of fornication. 2 That she might have one to provide for her, when she was with Child. 3 That the mystery of God manifested in the flesh might come to light by little and little.

Verse 28. Hail thou that art highly favored ]

A salutation, and not a prayer as Papists pervert and abuse it. And when the Ave-Mary-Bell rings, which is at Sun-rising, Noon, and Sunsetting, all men in what place soever, house, field, street, or market do presently kneel down, and send up their united devotions to heaven by an Ave-Maria. Also, where one fasteth on Friday, which they count our Lord's day, many fast on Saturday, which they count our Ladies day.

Verse 29. She was troubled at his saying ]

Affect not the vain praises of men, saith one. The blessed Virgin was troubled, when truly praised of an Angel. They shall be praised of Angels in heaven, who have eschewed the praises of men on earth.

Verse 30. Fear not Mary ]

We are not fit to hear, till quit of carnal affections and passions. The ear which tastes words, as the mouth doth meat, when filled with choller or other ill humors, can relish no comfort.

Verse 31. Shalt call his name Jesus ]

See the Note on Matt. 1. 21. If it were such a mercy to Israel that God raised up of their Sons for Prophets, and of their young men for Nazarites, Amos 2. 11. What was it to Mary and in her to all mankind, that she should be mother to the Arch-prophet, to that famous Nazarite?

Verse 32. Son of the highest ]

Answerable to the Hebrew Elion, whence 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 for the sun, cujus antiquissima veneratio, saith Beza, whom the ancients defy.

Verse 33. And of his Kingdom there shall be no end ]

St. Paul saith indeed that he shall at the end of the world deliver up the Kingdom to God the Father: not that his Kingdom shall then cease, but that form of administration only, that he now useth in the collecting and conserving of his Church.

Verse 34. How shall this be? ]

This is a speech not of unbelief, but of wonderment, as desiring also to be better informed.

Verse 35. The power of the highest shall over-shadow thee ]

As once he did the confused Chaos in the Creation: This very, expression was a great confirmation to the Virgins faith, and may well serve for a caution to us not to be over-curious in searching into this secret.

Verse 36. Who was called barren ]

It is observed that the barren women (so called in both Testaments) had the best Children, as Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, Elizabeth, &c. because long held off, and much humbled. Some also have observed that the New Testament affords more store of good women then the Old.

Verse 37. For with God, &c. ]

We never doubt of God's will, but we do in some measure doubt of his power. See them both running parallel, Job 42. 2.

Verse 38. Behold the handmaid of the Lord ]

Not Mall God's maid, as a black-mouthed Blatero hath blasphemed in print, that the Puritans rudely call her.

Verse 39. Into the hill-country ]

Of Judah, southward of Jerusalem, into the City of Hebron, Josh. 21. 9.

Verse 40. Saluted Elizabeth ]

To whom she could not rest till she had imparted the good news, and both given and received some spiritual gift for mutual confirmation and comfort, Rom. 1. 11, 12 Greif grows greater by concealing, joy by expression. Only the meeting of Saints in heaven can parallel the meeting of these two couzens.

Verse 41. The babe leapt in her womb ]

Such comfort there is in the presence of Christ (though but in the womb) as it made John to spring. What then shall it be in heaven, think we?

Verse 42. Blessed art thou among women ]

So is Jael the wife of Heber said to be, Judge. 5. 24. who yet perhaps was hardly so good a woman as Deborah, that called her so. But it was no small confirmation to the blessed Virgin, to hear the same words from Elizabeth, that she heard before from the Angel.

Verse 43. That the mother of my Lord, &c. ]

That the Lord himself should come amongst us, as he did in the flesh, and doth still by his Spirit, Oh what a mercy!

Verse 44 Leaped in my womb ]

More like a suckling at the the breast (as the word signifieth) then an Embryo in the womb. The Spirit then worketh, even in unborn babes that are elect, some kind of saving knowledge of Christ, answerable to faith in those that are grown up.

Verse 45. Blessed 〈◊〉 she, &. ]

Mary believed: so did not 〈◊〉 , though a man, a Priest, aged, learned, eminent, and the message to him of more appearing possibility. This, Elizabeth here seems to have an eye to.

Verse 46. And Mary said ]

See the benefit of good 〈◊〉 , and how one Christian kindleth another. As Iron sharpeneth iron, so 〈◊〉 the face of a man his friend.

Verse 48. The low estate ]

Vilitatem, the 〈◊〉 and abject 〈◊〉 . Cóntra Mariae 〈◊〉 , quae 〈◊〉 Papicolae. Here's no mention of merit.

Verse 49. He that is mighty ]

〈◊〉 The mighty strong God.

Verse 50. From generation to generation ]

Personal goodness is profitable to posterity.

Verse 51. He hath shown strength, &c. ]

It appears by the whole frame of this holy song, that the blessed Virgin was well versed iu the Scripture, which she here makes so much use of in sundry passages. She was eruditionis pietatis & modestiae 〈◊〉 , as one speaketh of the Lady Jane Gray.

Verse 52. He hath 〈◊〉 down the mighty ]

As he did 〈◊〉 the proud Turk, and set up Tamberlaine a Stythian shepherd; who said that he was sent from heaven to punish Bajazets rashness; and to teach him that the proud are hated of God, whose promise is to pluck down the mighty, and raise up the lowly.

Verse 53. He hath filled the hungry ]

See 〈◊〉 Note on Matth. 5. 6.

Verse 54. He 〈◊◊◊〉 servant ]

He hath put under his hand, and raised him prostrate, taken him up at his feet. This he will not do for an evil doer: he taketh not the ungodly by the hand, Job 8. 20.

Verse 55. As he spake to our fathers ]

Who lived upon reversions, and died upon the promises, accounting them good free-hold. God keeps promise with nights and days, 〈◊〉 33. 20. 25. How much more will he, with Abraham, and his seed forever?

Verse 56. And 〈◊〉 to her own house ]

An honest heart is where its calling is. Such a one, when 〈◊〉 is abroad, is like a fish in the air; whereinto if it leap for recreation or necessity, yet it soon returns to its own element.

Verse 57. And she brought forth a son ]

The voice of the Lord maketh the Hinds to calve, Psal. 29. 9. though of all other brute creatures they bring forth with great trouble, bowing themselves, bruising their 〈◊〉 , and casting out their sorrows, Job 39. 4. 6. How much 〈◊〉 will 〈◊〉 help his dear handmaids?

Verse 58. The Lord 〈◊◊〉 great 〈◊〉 ]

And the greater, 〈◊〉 in her old age. Births, with those that are ancienter, are with greater danger: so is the new birth in old sinners.

Verse 59. To Circumcise the child ]

Infants are no innocents, they are conceived in sin, and the first sheet or blanket wherewith they are covered is woven of sin, shame, blood and filth, Ezek. 16. 4. 6. They were Circumcised, to signify that we had bettet be stayed, and have our skin quite stripped off, then to have it as a skinbottle hanging in the smoke of filthy desires, and blown full of 〈◊〉 motions with the breath of Satan.

Verse 60. He shall be called John]

Bucer here observeth that he that was high Priest when Solomon built the Temple, was called John: and that there was herein a sweet suitableness. 〈◊〉 vero connenit, saith he, ut quo nomine sacerdos Salomonis typici, hoc & veri vocaretur: that the Type and Truth might accord in the very name.

Verse 61. There is none of thy kindred ]

There is an inbred desire in us all of immortality: we would eternize our names, and do therefore call our children, cities, lands, &c. after them, Psal. 49. 11. But they do best that get assurance that their names are written in heaven. They that depart from God shall be written in the earth, Jeremiah 17. 13. as Cain's son, Lord Enoch of Enoch, Genesis 4. And those men of renown, Genesis 11. 4 were.

Verse 62. And they made signs to his father ]

Who therefore seems to have been deaf (as well as dumb) because he had not hearkened to the Angels speech, but gain-said it.

Verse 63. And he asked for a writing-table ]

Tabellam sc. 〈◊〉 , in qua olim stylo 〈◊〉 , saith Sa. He had an excellent faculty of whom Martial reporteth,

Verse 64. And he spake and praised God ]

And had he had as many tongues as he had hairs upon his head, he could never have sufficiently praised God for his son, but especially for his Savior. See 1 Timothy 1. 15, 16, 17. Zacharias believeth and therefore speaks, Psal. 116. 10. the tongue of the dumb sings, Isaiah 35. 6.

Verse 65. And fear came on all ]

This was either the fear of admiration at the many strange accidents about the birth of the Baptist; or the fear of punishment, seeing so good a man as Zacharias so long to have suffered for his unbelief.

Verse 66. And the hand of the Lord ]

That is, his grace and blessing. He had the honor to be Legis & gratiae fibula, as Chrysologus hath it; the buckle and boundary of the Law and Gospel.

Verse 67. Was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied ]

This was a plentiful amends for the late loss of his speech. See here the goodness of God to all his; Quibus non solum ablata restituit `sed 〈◊〉 concedit (saith Ambrose ) Ille dudum 〈◊〉 Prophetat. God is better to his then their hopes.

Verse 68. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel ]

This is 〈◊〉 Evangelicissimus, say both Bucer and Pelican. A most Evangelical Canticle.

Verse 69. An horn of salvation ]

A Cornu-copia, or a mighty Savior, qui instar bovis cornupetae inimicos populi Dei prosternat atque dejiciat, that can bestir him much better then that Heegoate, Alexander the great, who had a notable horn between his eyes, wherewith he cast down the Ram to the ground and stamped upon him, &c. Dan. 8. 7. Macedones tunc temporis AEgeades, id est caprini dicti sunt. Occasionem vide Justin. lib. 7. The Macedones were at that time called Goat-sprung.

Verse 70. By the mouth ]

There were many Prophets, yet had they all but one mouth: so sweet is their harmony.

Verse 71. That we should be saved ]

Gr. Salvation from our enemies. This properly importeth the privative part of man's happiness, but includes the positive too.

Verse 72. To perform the mercy ]

God's love moves him to promise, his truth binds him to perform. See both these, 2 Sam. 7. 18. 21. For thy words sake, and according to thine own heart: (that is, ex mero motu ) haste thou done all these things.

Verse 73. The oath which he sware ]

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 a hedge, 〈◊〉 a man may not break: much less will God.

Verse 74. Might serve him ]

Servati sumus ut serviamus. Christ hath therefore broke the devils yoke from of our necks, that we may take upon us this sweet yoke, and not carry ourselves as sons of Belial.

Verse 75. Before him ]

The sense of God's presence makes men conscientiously obedient to both tables of the Law. Cave, 〈◊〉 Cato, was a watch-word among the Romans. Noli 〈◊〉 , Deus videt, 〈◊〉 astant, &c. Take heed what thou doest, God beholds thee, Angels observe thee, &c.

Verse 76. And thou child ]

scil. qui nunc tantillus es, in virum magnum evades: Though little, thou shalt prove great.

Verse 77. To give knowledge ]

Not by infusion, Dan. 1. 17. but by instruction. See the dignity and duty of Ministers.

Verse 78. Whereby the day-spring ]

Or as Beza rendereth it, The Branch from on high, not from beneath, as other plants or branches. So the anchor of hope entereth not into the deep, but into that within the veil, Heb. 6. 19.

Verse 79. That sit in darkness ]

This imports 1. continuance, 2. content.

Verse 〈◊〉 . And the child grew ]

Though his meat was but course, and not so nourishing. The blessing of God is the staff of bread: bread would no more nourish without it then a piece of earth.

Verse 1. A decree from Caesar Augustus]

BY a sweet providence of God, that Christ might be born at Bethlehem, according to the Scriptures. Howbeit Augustus thought not so (as it is said in another case of Nebuchadnezzar, Isaiah 10.) but ambitiously sought the setting forth of his own greatness, and large command, and carried it without punishment; when as David smarted sore for a like offense. But God will take that from others, that he will not bear with in his own. Amos 3. 2.

Verse 2. When Cyrenius, &c. ]

Quirinus the Latin Writers call him. Now that the Scepter was departed, Shiloh came.

Verse 3. And all went to be taxed ]

To pay a certain small sum of money in token of fealty. I was once at a Court-Sermon (saith Melancthon ) on the Nativity-day, and this was the Text: but the Preacher, instead of discoursing on Christ's 〈◊〉 , spent the whole hour, in a very cold day, in persuading the people to obey Magistrates, and to give them as much money as they call for. This is the guise of Court-Parasites, Princes trencher-Flies.

Verse 4. And Joseph also went up ]

By a special providence of God, as is above-noted, verse 1. and not only so, but that the holy Virgin might still have with her the keeper and cover of her virginity; that the devil might not have occasion to raise up false reports, about her great belly.

Verse 5. Being great with child ]

Yet could not be excused. This was a cruelty in Augustus (not to spare great-bellied women) but a mercy of God to mankind; for what the 〈◊〉 had it been for us, if Joseph had gone to Bethlehem, and not Mary also?

Verse 6. The days were accomplished ]

Her delivery might well be hastened, or at least facilitated by her long journey; for it was no less then four days journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Some say she was gravida, but not gravata; great-bellied, but not unwieldy: Lumen enim quod in se habebat, pondus 〈◊〉 non poterat, saith Augustine: but I am not bound to believe him.

Verse 7. And she brought forth her first-born ]

Whether she were Deipara, the Mother of God, was a great controversy, and raised a great storm in the Council of Ephesus; insomuch as the Emperor declared both sides heretics. But forasmuch as 〈◊〉 was the Mother of Christ, Mat. 1. 23. and Christ is God, in bringing forth Christ, she was the Mother of God. Whether she continued after this a Virgin, pie credimus, sed nihil affirmamus. But that she vowed Virginity, as Papists 〈◊〉 , we deny: For how could she promise Virginity to God, and Marriage to Joseph?

Verse 8. Keeping watch over their flock ]

At the tower of 〈◊〉 , say some, between Jerusalem and Bethlehem, where Jacob, returning from Mesopotamia, stayed with his flock, after he had buried Rachel, Gen. 35. 21. Mic. 4. 8.

Verse 9. And lo the Angel of the Lord ]

Gabriel, likely, was sent, not to Zacharias or Simeon, &c. but to certain Shepherds. God goes a way by himself. Had the Sages of the East met with these Shepherds, they had received better intelligence then they did from the learned Scribes.

Verse 10. I bring you good tidings ]

The first Preacher of the Gospel, was an Angel. God hath now taken this honor from the Angels, and put it upon the Ministers, who are in Scripture called Angels, Revel. 2. 1. and Angels Ministers, Heb. 1. 14. The old Church had 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the promise, we have 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , the 〈◊〉 tidings.

Verse 11. A Savior ]

The Greek word is so emphatical (as Tully witnesseth) that other tongues can hardly find a fit word to express it. The Grecians by Flaminius rang out 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 with such a courage, that the birds astonished, fell to the earth.

Verse 12. Wrapped in swaddling-clothes ]

In vilibus & veteribus indumentis, saith 〈◊〉 . See the Note on verse 7.

Verse 13. 〈◊〉 God ]

Angels, who have neither so much interest in Christ, nor benefit by him as we, sing him into the world: And shall we be dumb? They sang when the world was created, Job 38. 7. So now that it was repaired by Christ.

Verse 14. In earth peace ]

Pax, quasi pactio conditionum. 〈◊〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , à connectendo in unum. Christ is the great Peace-maker; but only to the elect, called here the Men of God's good will. When he was born, Cuncta atque continua totius generis humani aut pax fuit aut pactio.

Verse 15. Let us now go even unto Bethlehem ]

They did not reason nor debate with themselves (saith Bishop Hooper Martyr in a Letter to certain good people taken praying in Bow-Churchyard, and now in trouble) who should keep the wolf from the sheep in the mean time; but committed the sheep to him whose pleasure they obeyed: So let us do now that we be called; commit all other things to him that called us. He will take heed that all shall be well. He will help the husband, comfort the wife, guide the servants, keep the house, preserve the goods: yea, rather then it should be undone, he will wash the dishes, rock the cradle, &c.

Verse 16. Found Mary and Joseph, &c. ]

They, though of the blood royal, yet lay obscured, not thrusting themselves into observation, but well content with a low condition. Beata Virgo in vili stabulo sedet, & jacet; sed quod homines negligunt, coelestes cives honorant & inquirunt, saith Stella. The humble person is like the violet, which grows low, hangs the head downwards, and hides it self with its own leaves. And were it not that the fragrant smell of his many virtues betrays him to the world, he would choose to live and die in his self-contenting 〈◊〉 .

Verse 17. They made known abroad ]

True goodness is communicative: there is no envy in spiritual things; because they may be divided in solidum: One may have as much as another, and all alike. These shepherds, as those lepers, 2 King. 7. 9. said one to another, We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace, &c.

Verse 18. Wondred at those things ]

Yet made little benefit of what they heard. All the world wondered after the Beast, Revel. 13. 3. And it was a wonder there was no more wondering at the birth of our Savior; if that were true especially, that (besides the Wise-men's star, Mat. 2. and the Angelical music in the air, &c.) among the Gentiles a voice was heard, The great God is now about to be born: And that at Rome, the likeness of a woman carrying a child in her arms was seen about the sun, &c. These things are storied. Polydor Virgil reports out of Orosius, that on the very day of Christ's nativity, Augustus Caesar caused proclamation that no man should style him Lord any longer, Manifesto praesagio majoris Dominatus, qui tum in terris ortus esset: as presaging a greater then himself then born.

Verse 19. Mary kept all those things ]

Her soul was as an holy ark: her memory like the pot of Mānnah, preserving holy truths, and remarkable occurrences.

Verse 20. As it was told unto them ]

God to show that he respected not persons, revealed this grand mystery to shepherds and Wise-men, the one poor, the other rich; the one learned, the other unlearned; the one Jews, the other Gentiles; the one near, the other far off.

Verse 21. For the Circumcising of the Child ]

Christ would be Circumcised, and so become bound to fulfill the Law, that he might free us that were under the Law, Gal. 4. 5.

Verse 22. And when the days of her purification ]

She was rather sanctified then polluted by bearing Christ, yet wrangleth not with the Law, nor claimeth an immunity. Now if she were so officious in ceremonies, what in the main duties of morality?

Verse 23. That openeth the womb ]

This proves that Mary brought forth Christ in a natural way, and not utero clauso, by a miracle, as Papists would have it, to prove their fiction of Transubstantiation.

Verse 24. A pair of Turtle-doves ]

Christ's Mother was not rich enough to bring a Lamb. Let this comfort poor Christians. I know thy poverty, saith Christ, but that's nothing, thou art rich, Revelations 2. 9. Smyrna the poorest Church, hath the highest commendation.

Verse 25. Just and devout ]

Or wary and cautelous; one that takes heed and is fearful of being deceived in that which he takes for right and currant.

Verse 26. It was revealed unto him ]

By an immediate Oracle. The Idolatrous heathens made use of this word to signify their impious and diabolical Oracles. The abuse of a word taketh not away the use of it.

Verse 27. And he came by the spirit, &c. ]

So still, the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, Psal. 37. 23. He sets his spirit as a Tutor, to direct and convince 〈◊〉 into all truth. Simeon likely, had done as Daniel did, Chap. 9. 2. found out by diligent search, that the fullness of time was come, and is therefore thus answered from heaven.

Verse 28. Then 〈◊〉 he him up in his arms ]

The blessed 〈◊〉 armfull that ever the good old man had in his life. The Patriarchs saluted him, but afar off, Heb. 11.

Verse 29. Lord now lettest thou thy servant ]

Simeon having laid in his heart (saith one) what he lapped in his arms, sung, 〈◊〉 dimitt as; I fear no sin, I dread no death. I have lived enough, I have my life; I have longed enough, I have my love; I have seen enough, I have my light: I have served enough, I have my saint: I have sorrowed enough, I have my joy: Sweet babe, let this Psalm serve for a 〈◊〉 to thee, and for a funeral for me. Oh sleep in my arms, and let me sleep in thy peace. Dying Velcurio broke out into these words, Pater est amator, 〈◊〉 Redemptor, Spiritus Sanctus Consolator: quomodo itaque tristitiâ affici possim? Dying 〈◊〉 said, Ego 〈◊〉 Sanctorum minimus, credo & 〈◊◊〉 Christum, salutem 〈◊〉 .

Verse 30. For mine eyes 〈◊◊〉 , &c. ]

A great satisfaction. So it was to Job, Chap. 42. 5. when he could say, I have heard of thee by the hearing of the 〈◊〉 , but now mine eye seeth thee. What shall it be to 〈◊〉 when we shall see God face to face, &c. 1 Cor. 13. 12.? 〈◊◊◊◊◊〉 asp 〈◊◊〉 . Worship we God with reverence till we come to see him face to face.

Verse 31. Before the face of all people ]

As a banner displayed, as a beacon on a hill, or as the Sun in heaven to be beheld of all: as the brazen serpent was lifted up in the wilderness, &c. Joh. 3. 15. 〈◊〉 . 2. 11.

Verse 32. The glory of thy people Israel ]

Oh! pity their 〈◊〉 , and pray their conversion, that the Jews may call God Abba, the Gentiles Father, Dan. 12. 11. There is a Prophecy of the Jews final restauration, (saith one) and the time is expressed which is 1290. years after the ceasing of the daily sacrifice, and the setting up of the abomination of desolation: which is conceived to be about Julians time, who assayed to re-build the Temple of the Jews, but was hindered from heaven. This was Anno Dom. 360. to which if you add 1290. years, it will pitch the calculation upon the year 1650.

Verse 33. Marvelled at those things ]

Saints the further they see into the mystery of Christ, the more are they transported with admiration. But most of all at the last day, 2 Thes. 1. 10.

Verse 34. And for a sign, &c. ]

For a but-mark, against whom his enemies shall shoot the shafts of their gain-sayings: Like as at the sack of Constantinople, the Image of the 〈◊〉 was taken 〈◊〉 by the Turks, and a Turks cap put upon the head thereof, and so set up, and shot at with their arrows, calling it the God of the Christians.

Verse 35. Yea a sword shall pierce, &c. ]

This confutes that of 〈◊〉 ; Mulier nulla cordicitus dolet ex animo. The word here rendered sword properly signifies a long Thracian 〈◊〉 .

Verse 36. From her virginity ]

i. e. She was a pure virgin when married to her husband. All are not virgins that pass for such: some have their secret conveyances, Prov. 30. 19. 20. They can eat stolen bread, and afterwards so wipe their lips that not the least crumb shall be 〈◊〉 .

Verse 37. A widow of about 84. years ]

She was now ripe, and ready, even of her own accord, to fall into God's hand, as ripe fruits do into the hand of the gatherer. And the thoughts of death had long since forbad the banes of a second marriage. Cogita te qisotidie mariturum, & de secundis 〈◊〉 nunquam cogitabis. Think of death, and the thoughts of marrying again will die within thee.

Verse 38. Gave thanks likewise ]

Succinuit Simeoni, seconded Simeon, and sang the same song. This was somewhat extraordinary, as being against that 1 Tim. 2. 12. and therefore fell out only in troublesome and confused times of the Church; as likewise 〈◊〉 the Prophetess. Our Praedicantissae have here no patronage.

Verse 39. According to the Law of the Lord ]

This is often recorded of them in this Chapter, that they observe the Law exactly, to their singular commendation. The Law is to be kept as the apple of ones eye, Prov. 7. 2. Count nothing little that God commands. It is as much treason to coin pence as twenty-shilling-pieces: And they were commanded not to 〈◊〉 of the blood, as ever they looked for God's blessing.

Verse 40. And the grace of God was upon him ]

Without measure; so that of his overflow we have all received grace for grace He had a fullness not repletive only, but diffusive too: not of plenty only, but of bounty also, not only of abundance, but of redundancy. He was Anointed with the Oil of gladness, not only above, but for his fellows.

Verse 41. Now his parents went, &c. ]

Every male was to appear thrice a year before the Lord. In the females it was a freewill offering, and well accepted.

Verse 42. And when he was twelve years old ]

What he did from his infancy hitherto, the Scripture is silent: Papists fain many idle relations, and thereby expose us to the jeares of Jewish and Turkish miscreants. Where the Scripture hath no tongue, we must have no ears.

Verse 43. Joseph and his mother knew not ]

One would wonder they should be so careless of so peerless a pearl: They might well think there were enough at Jerusalem, among the 〈◊〉 especially, that would have been glad to have dispatched 〈◊〉 that should take upon them to be Messias the prince, as Daniel calleth him, Chap 9. 25.

Verse 44. Sought him among their kinsfolk ]

They knew him to be of a disposition not strange and Stoicall, but sweet and sociable. Let not us tie up ourselves in a stern austerity, but run into the company of those now, that must be our everlasting companions in heaven.

Verse 45. And when they found him not ]

The best are sometimes at a loss, and hard put tooit for three days, or so. 〈◊〉 this, mostly, for their security, as the Church in the 〈◊〉 .

Verse 46. Sitting in the midst of the Doctors ]

Christus prius sedet 〈◊〉 medio Doctorum (ut recte distin. 36. Gratian.) quam 〈◊〉 capit munus Mediatoris obire.

Verse 47. At his understanding ]

Which was so large, even as 〈◊〉 , that some have affirmed it to be infinite, and uncreated: 〈◊〉 of this, his manhood, being a creature, was uncapable. Howbeit here 〈◊〉 Savior put forth a beam of his Deity, which yet he soon drew in again, and lay long after obscured.

Verse 48. Have sought thee sorrowing ]

Animo 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 afflictissimo. God often cures a Lethargy of security, by a 〈◊〉 of perplexity.

Verse 49. Wist ye not ]

Men be they pleased or displeased, God must be obeyed.

Verse 50. They understood not ]

Yet were well versed in the 〈◊〉 . If God give us not sight as well as light, we are still to seek.

Verse 51. 〈◊〉 was subject unto them ]

Labouring with his 〈◊〉 , &c, Mark 6. 5.

Verse 52. Increased in wisdom ]

Being 〈◊〉 as Macarius was called, whilst a child, for his extraordinary grace and gravity.

Verse 1. Pontius Pilate being governor ]

TAcitus calleth him Procurator only of Judea. But Saint Luke here makes little difference betwixt his office and the Imperial honor of his Master Tiberius: for he useth the same word to express both. The Earl of Flanders counts it a great prerogative, that he writes himself Comes Dei gratiâ. Others only Dei clementiâ. The Duke of Milan, that he is the prime Duke of Europe. The Deputy of Ireland, that there cometh no Vicegerent in Europe more near the Majesty and prerogative of a King then he, &c.

Verse 2. Annas and Caiaphas being high Priests ]

By turns, Joh. 11. 44. Act. 4. 6. contrary to the old order. Throughout the whole Turkish Territories, there is but one Mufta or HighPriest, and he is the supreme Judge and rectifier of all actions, as well Civil as Ecclesiastical.

Verse 3. Preaching the Baptism of Repentance ]

Johns note was still, Repentance. Christ comes not, where this Herald hath not been before him. Yet now it is come to that pass, that many men scorn to hear a Sermon of Repentance. Its a sign, say some; that the Minister hath been idle that week, or that his stock is spent when he comes to preach of such a common theme as Repentance. If God be not merciful, we shall quickly dispute away all our Repentance, as a famous preacher justly complaineth.

Verse 4. In the book of the words of Isaiah]

Called a great roll, Isaiah 8. 1. (because it treats of great things, Maxima in minimo ) and said to be written with the Pen of a man, that is clearly that the simplest of men may understand it, Deuteronomy 30. 11.

Verse 5. Every valley shall be filled ]

Every hole, or hollow. Fainting of heart unfits the way for Christ, as well as the swelling hills of pride. Plain things will join in every point one with another; not so, rough and hollow things: so plain spirits close with God's Truths; not so those that are swollen, and uneven.

Verse 6. All flesh shall see ]

Viz. All that order their conversation aright, Psal. 50. 23. which is the life of thankfulness. ib.

Verse 7, 8, 9.]

See the Notes on Matthew 3. 7, 8, 9, 10.

Verse 10. What shall we do? ]

q. d. What are those fruits worthy of Repentance, that we in our places must bring forth?

Verse 11. He that hath two coats ]

Thus Tyrus evidenced her repentance, Isa. 23. 18. by feeding and clothing God's Saints with her merchandize. Thus Zacchaeus, Dorcas, &c. This is all the lesson that for the present he sets them, being but young scholars in the school of Christ.

Verse 13. Exact no more ]

Make no more of your places, then ye may with a good conscience. Shun that mystery of iniquity that is crept into most callings. A great part of the Turks Civil Justice at this day is grounded upon Christ's words, Thou shalt not do what thou wouldst not have done to thee.

Verse 14. Do violence to no man ]

Shake no man by the shoulders, toss no man to and fro, to put him into a fright, smite no man with the fist of wickedness. Tamerlaine took such order with his Soldiers that none were injuried by them: If any soldier of his had but taken an apple or the like from any man, he died for it. One of his soldiers having taken a little milk from a country woman, and she thereof complaining, he caused the said soldier to be presently killed, and his stomach to be ripped, where the milk that he had of late drunk being found, he contented the woman and so sent her away: who had otherwise undoubtedly died for her false accusation, had it not so appeared.

Verse 15. Whether he were the Christ ]

Yet John did no miracle, but he was a burning and a shining light, he thundered in his doctrine, and lightened in his life. Hence was he so much admired.

Verse 16. The latchet of whose shoes, &c. ]

By this expression the Baptist acknowledgeth Christ's Godhead, as did also Mary by washing his feet. But what doth the Pope that holds forth his feet to be kissed? Is not this he that sits as God in the Temple of God? Is not this Dominus Deus noster Papa? Learned he not this abominable insolency of Dioclesian that bloody Persecutor? who as he was the first Roman Emperor that would be worshipped as God, so he was the first that wore shoes embellished with precious stones, and held forth his feet to be kissed of his prostrate suitors.

Verse 17. Whose fan ]

Viz. The preaching of the Gospel.

Verse 19. For Herodias his brother Philip's wife ]

Whom it was not lawful for Herod to have, though Philip were dead, as Josephus saith he was. This was the case so much controverted here and beyond Seas in Henry the eighths time, touching his marriage with his brother Arthurs widow, by Papal dispensation. The King had first a scruple cast into his mind about it by the Bishop of Baion the French Ambassador, who came to him to consult of a Marriage between the Lady Mary, and the Duke of Orleans, whether Mary were legitimate, &c. This gave occasion to the casting the Popes authority out of England. Mary was forced, for fear of death, to renounce the Bishop of Rome, and to acknowledge her Mothers marriage to have been incestuous and unjust, &c. Though afterwards, she set up the Pope here again: and it was her policy, so to get, and keep the Crown upon 〈◊〉 head.

Verse 20. Added yet this ]

There is no stint in sin: but as one wedge makes way for another: so here. As after Jonathan and 〈◊〉 Armor-bearer, came the whole host: So.

Verse 21. And praying, the heaven was opened ]

Prayer is the key of God's Kingdom: And must be used, as at other times, so especially when we or ours receive the Sacraments: though the most, if urged hereto, must say, if they say truly as 1 Sam. 17. 39. I cannot go with these accoutrements: for I am not accustomed to them.

Verse 23. Being (as was supposed) ]

But falsely: for Joseph was no more then his Pater politicus, as Postellus calleth him his foster-father, reputed father.

Verse 27. Which was the son of Neri]

Salathiel was naturally the son of Neri, but legally, and by succession the son of Jeconiah, Matt. 4. 12. for he succeeded him in the Kingdom. Neri which signifieth My candle, seemeth to have been so named from the candle which the Lord reserved for David and his house, 2 Chron. 21. 7.

Verse 30. Which was the son of Simeon]

Our Savior's genealogy is here the more accurately described, because there were that would have substituted and put false Christ's upon the Church Ezek. 2. 62. The Priests that could not produce their genealogies were outed.

Verse 36. Which was the son of Cainan]

This name crept by some means, into the Greek copies after Jeromies time, saith Beza and 〈◊〉 . Others say, that Saint Luke herein followed the Septuagint's translation, out of wisdom and charity to the Hellenists or Greek-Jews, that had received it, and read it. 2. That writing for heathens, he followed the heathens Bible in his quotations. 3. That in his genealogies he was to be a Coppier, not a Corector.

Verse 38. Which was the son of God ]

Not by generation, but creation. Therefore the Syriac translator hath it Demen Elaba, A Deo, Of God, not Bar Elaha, the son of God.

Verse 1. Returned from Jordan and was led ]

NO sooner out of the water of baptism, but in the fire of temptation. After greatest feelings, we are to expect sharpest assaults: neither can we better quench the Devils fiery darts then with the water of baptism. We read, saith Luther, of a certain holy virgin, who, whensoever solicited to sin, would stop the tempters mouth with this one answer Christiana sum, I am a Christian. Intellexit enim hostis statim virtutem Baptismi & fidei —. & fugit ab ea. Satan could not abide the mentions of baptism, but fled from her presently.

Verse 2. Being forty days ]

During which time, he was set upon with all sorts of temptations. These three here recorded were likely the very worst; in quibus Diabolus omnes astus & 〈◊〉 suae sacculos deplevit, (as one saith) wherein the Devil did his utmost.

Verse 3. Command this stone ]

Bread of deceit is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. Compare this verse with verse 9. and see how the devil usually tempteth by extremes, to make men offend either in defect, or excess. Thus he tempted Master Knox upon his death-bed, if not to despair, then to presume that heaven should be his, for his zeal in the Scottish Reformation.

Verse 5. Showed unto him all the Kingdoms ]

In visible landskip of his own making, presented to the eye.

Verse 6. To whomsoever I will, I give it ]

The Pope, as heir to the Devil, takes upon him to be Dominus regnorum mundi. Boniface. 8. wrote to Philip King of France, that he was lord of all, both Temporals and Spirituals, in all countries. Os papae & cultus diabobi in eodem sunt praedicamento, saith one. But, Cui volo do illa, is God's only to say Dan. 4. Z 2.

Verse 7 If thou wilt worship ]

Papa duliâ adorandus, say the Canonists.

Verse 8. Get thee behind me ]

See the Note on Matthew 4. 10.

Verse 13. He departed from him for a season ]

We must look for the tother bout, and in a calm prepare for a storm. The tempter is restless and impudent: so that a man is to expect, if he live out his days, to be urged to all sins, to the breach of every branch of the ten commandments, and to be put to it in respect of every Article of the Creed.

Verse 14. In the power of the Spirit ]

Without which the word is preached to no purpose. Cathedram in caelo habet, qui corda docer, saith Augustine. It is with the word and spirit, as with the veins and arteries; as the veins carry the blood, so the arteries carry the spirits to quicken the blood.

Verse 15. Glorified of All ]

Envy itself was thrattled, which yet usually waits upon virtue. Every Zopyrus hath his Zoilus.

Verse 16. Where he had been brought up ]

The Jews were to be kind to the Egyptians, and to pray for the prosperity of Babylon, where they had been bred, and fed. Be ye thankful, Coloss. 3. 15, viz. to your friends and benefactors.

Verse 17. He found the place ]

Whether he looked for it, or it so fell out by a providence, its uncertain. Origen, after his fall, lighting on that text, Psal. 50. What hast thou to do to take my words, &c. fell into a passion of weeping, and came out of the pulpit, as not able to speak to the people. Augustine hearing from heaven Tolle, lege, and happening upon that place Rom. 13. 14. Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, &c. was presently converted thereby. So was Cyprian, by reading the prophecy of Jonah.

Verse 18. He hath anointed me to preach ]

Therefore the Gospel is a sure saying, and worthy of all acceptation, since its an effect of the holy Spirit: doubt not of its excellency, authority, certainty, sufficiency. See my True Treasure.

Verse 19. The acceptable year of the Lord ]

A joyful Jubilee. Let us not stand out the time, least we be bored in the ear by the Devil.

Verse 20. Were fastened on him ]

A good help against distractions. Our hearts are fickle and fugitive, if not hard held to it.

Verse 21. This day is the Scripture, &c. ]

This was the sum of his sermon, as were also the 〈◊〉 we read, the heads only and short notes of the Prophets larger discourses. Brevity breeds obscurity.

Verse 22. Is not this Josephs son? ]

And what of that? But it is still the course of our hearers, to look round about, if possibly they may find any hole in our coat, through which to flight and slip the cords of our doctrine, though they cannot but admire it.

Verse 23. Physician heal thyself ]

That is thy Country. So that for a man to cure his Country, is to cure himself.

Verse 24. No Prophet is accepted ]

See the Note on Matt. 13. 57.

Verse 25. Many widows were in Israel ]

q. d. God hath 〈◊〉 on whom he will have mercy, &c. He is a free agent, and may do with his own as he pleaseth. If the Prophets, by the Spirits direction, healed and helped foreigners sooner then Israelites; what so great wonder that Christ did not that for his own Country, that he did for others?

Verse 26. That was a widow ]

A calamitous name, 2 Sam. 14. 5. The Hebrews call her Almanah, a dumb woman, because either she dare not, or may not speak for herself: but God professeth himself the patron of such; and he can speak for them in the hearts of their greatest adversaries. Happy they in such an Advocate.

Verse 27. 〈◊〉 the Syrian ]

Nor he neither so long as he looked upon God's Jordan with Syrian eyes.

Verse 28. And all they in the Synogogue ]

Though but plain rusticks, yet they soon understood this saying of preaching to the Gentiles: which put them into an anger, and our Savior into a danger.

Verse 29. Thrust him out of the City ]

As unworthy to tread on their pavement. And so mad they were, that they could neither stay till the business were brought to a judicial trial, nor forbear execution till the Sabbath were over.

Verse 30. But he passing, &c. ]

Like a second Sampson: 〈◊〉 own arm saved him. This might have convinced his adversaries; but that they were mad with malice.

Verse 31. And came down to Capernaum]

Contempt drives away Christ. And woe be unto you if I forsake you, Hos. 9. 12. Contend earnestly for the Faith, since it is but once delivered to the Saints, Jude 3. You must never expect another edition of it.

Verse 32. For his word was with power ]

He preached not frigide & trepide, as the Scribes: but uttered oracles, and did miracles.

Verse 33. And in the 〈◊〉 ]

See Notes on Mark 1. 23.

Verse 34. The Holy One of God ]

The Pope will needs be called Most Holy: and so lifts up himself above Christ.

Verse 1. As the people pressed upon him ]

THis was both an argument of the truth of his humanity (that he was thronged and thrust 〈◊〉 by the unmannerly multitude) and a part of his passion.

Verse 2. Were washing their nets ]

Though they labored last night and had taken nothing. Ferendum & sperandum. Hope beguiles calamity, as good company doth the way.

Verse 3. He prayed him ]

Gr. He gently asked him, Will you be pleased to thrust out a little? See Philem. 8, 9. Posse & nolle, 〈◊〉 est.

Verse 4. Let down your 〈◊〉 ]

This is the fare he pays them, for the use of their ship. No man 〈◊〉 by Christ.

Verse 5. We have toiled all night, &c. ]

Omnia fui, & nihil expedit, said Severus the Emperor. See Hab. 2. 13. Hag. 2. 6. If God stop not that hole in the bottom of the bag, all will run 〈◊〉 .

Verse 6. And their net brake ]

Yet the 〈◊〉 got not out: which some note for another miracle.

Verse 7. Filled 〈◊〉 the ships ]

Here the dumb fishes do clearly preach Christ to be the Son of God.

Verse 8. For I am a sinful man ]

Gr. A man, a sinner, a very mixture and compound of dirt and sin. See the like phrase, Numb. 32. 14.

Verse 9. And he was astonished ]

Gr. Fear seized upon him, and surrounded him, as Tacitus saith Induere pavores.

Verse 10. Thou shalt catch men ]

See the Note on Matthew 4. 19.

Verse 11. They forsook all, and followed him ]

They had given their names to him before, John 1. But now they see by this miracle his power to provide for them, they leave all to live with him. We love to see how we shall subsist.

Verse 12. If thou wilt, thou canst ]

It is a ready way to speed, to found our prayers upon the power of God.

Verse 13. I will, be thou clean ]

So ready is Christ to gratify his suppliants, yea to be commanded by them, Isaiah 45. 11.

Verse 14. For a testimony unto them ]

For a Bill of Indictment against them. Reprobates shall give an heavy account to God of all the means and offers of grace.

Verse 15. But so much the more ]

Fame follows them that fly from it, and the contrary: as the Crocodile doth.

Verse 16. And he withdrew ]

Pray, if you mean to prosper.

Verse 17. And the power of the Lord ]

So tis, when any Ordinance is afoot.

Verse 18. And behold men brought ]

See the Notes on 〈◊〉 . 8. 2, 3, &c. and on Mark 2. 3. &c.

Verse 20. Thy sins are forgiven thee ]

Let our sicknesses mind us of our sins, that we may soon seek pardon.

Verse 23. Whether is easier ]

q. d. Neither of either: for both are equally hard, and feisable to God alone.

Verse 36. Strange things ]

〈◊〉 Paradoxes, things that we never thought to have seen: and above belief, had we not seen them.

Verse 35. And then shall they fast ]

This is fulfilled saith Bellarmine, in our Lent-fasts. But this was fulfilled say we, 〈◊〉 Christ was crucified, and the Apostles mourned. Papists set-fasts are mere mock-fasts.

Verse 39. The old is better ]

That is, milder, and so pleasanter. Vetustate enim vina mitescunt, quia vetustas igneum calorem, acerbitatem, & 〈◊〉 e vino tollit. Age clarifies wine, and ripens it.

Verse 1. On the second Sabbath after the first ]

JErom saith, that he asked Nazianzen what this second Sabbath after the first was? Nazianzen answered, I will tell you that, when I come next into the pulpit, for there you cannot contradict me. It a perjocum dixit (saith Melanchthon ) quod hodie serio 〈◊◊〉 . See the Note on Matt. 12. 1.

Verse 2. That which is not lawful ]

Our Savior grants that it had not been lawful indeed, but in case of hard hunger.

Verse 3. Have ye not read? ]

Yes, over and over: but either understood not, or, through malice, dissembled it. Quilibet nostrum de lege interrogatus facilus quam nomen suum respondet, saith Josephus. The Jews were all very well versed in the Scriptures.

Verse 6. And it came to pass ]

See the Notes on Matthew 12. 9, 10, 11, &c.

Verse 12. He went out into a mountain to pray ]

He premiseth prayer being to make choice of the twelve. If Eleazar prayed when to seek a wife for Isaac, Gen. 24. If Solomon prayed for wisdom, ere he set upon the Temple-work. If Ezra fasted and prayed, ere he committed the golden and silver vessels to them that kept them, Ezra 8. 21. 30. Should there not prayer be made for Ministers, ere they be set over God's house and people?

Verse 13. And of them he chose ]

See Notes on Matthew 〈◊〉 . 1.

Verse 20. Blessed 〈◊〉 ye poor ]

Here we have a repetition of that famous Sermon in the Mount, Matt. 5. 6, 7. See the Notes there.

Verse 22. And cast out your name ]

Ubicunque invenitur 〈◊〉 Calvini, deleatur, saith the Index expurgatorius. Persecutors proscribe true professors, tanquam nequissimos & lucis hujus usurâ indignos. After Joh. Hus was burnt, his adversaries got his heart which was left untouched by the fire, and beat it with their staves. A Frier preaching to the people at Antwerp, wished that Luther were there, that he might bite out his throat with his teeth, as Erasmus testifieth.

Verse 25. Woe unto you that laugh now ]

Worldlings jollity is but as a Book fairly bound: which, when its opened, is full of 〈◊〉 but tragedies.

Verse 26. When all men shall speak well ]

What evil have I done said Aristides, when one told him he had every man's good word? Male de me loquuntur; sed mali saith Seneca. Malis 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 est. When Doeg blasted David, he thinks the better of himself, Psal. 52. 8. Latimer says, he was glad when any objected indiscretion against him in his Sermons: for by that, he knew the matter was good; else they would soon have condemned that.

Verse 29. That smiteth thee on the one cheek ]

Socrates, when one gave him a box on the ear in the market-place said, Quam molestum est nescire homines quando prodire debeant cum galea? What an odd thing it is to go abroad without a head-piece.

Verse 30. Give to every man, &c. ]

General Norrice never thought he had that, that he gave not away. It is not lack, but love of money that maketh men churles.

Verse 31. And as ye would that men, &c. ]

The most part of the Turks Civil Justice is grounded upon this Rule as is above noted.

Verse 35. Lend, hoping for nothing ]

No not the principal, in case thy brother be not able to repay it. Thomas Tomkins Martyr a Weaver dwelling in Shore-ditch, whensoever any had come to borrow money of him, would show them such money as he had in his purse, and bid them take it: And when they came to repay it again, so far was he from Usury, that he would bid them keep it longer, till they were better able.

Verse 38. Into your bosom ]

The Jews ware large and loose garments, so that they could bare away much in their bosoms. Hence this expression.

Verse 2. 〈◊〉 a certain Conturions servant ]

PIscator thinks that this History is not the same with that Matthew 8. 5. His reasons may be read in his Scholia on that place. Videsis.

Verse 4. That he was worthy ]

So they held him: but he held himself unworthy, verse. 6. God in like manner saith that Jerusalem had received double for her sins, Isaiah 40. 2. But Jerusalem herself saith, Our God hath punished us less then our sins, Ezra 9. 13. Too much, saith God: Too little, saith she: and yet how sweetly and beautifully doth this kind of contradiction become both?

Verse 5. Built us a Synagogue ]

Antiochus had burnt up the Synagogues in sundry places. This man, now converted, is content to be at cost for God and his people. So the Israelites received to favor again after their foul fall in setting up the golden calf, brought enough and to spare toward the work of the Tabernacle.

Verse 6. For I am not worthy ]

So saith Jacob of himself, Gen. 32. 10. so Paul, 1 Cor. 15. so the Baptist. Matt. 3. so Augustine, Non sum dignus, quem tu diligas, Domine, I am not worthy of thy love, Lord.

Verse 9. He marvelled ]

See the Note on Matt. 8. 10.

Verse 12. There was a dead man ]

Though a young man. Our decrepit age both expects death and sollicits it: but vigorous youth looks strangely upon that grim sergeant of God. Senibus mors in jannis, adolescentibus in insidiis, Bern. Death seizeth on old men, and lays wait for the youngest.

Verse 13. He had compassion on her ]

Of his own free accord, and unrequested, he raised him. Christ had a most tender heart. How shall he not pity and provide for his praying people?

Verse 19. Art thou he that should come ]

The soul resteth not till it pitch upon Christ. See the Notes on Matt. 11. 2. &c.

Verse 23. And blessed is he ]

This is check to them for their preposterous zeal for John, their Master. Therefore also our Savior commends not John, till they were departed.

Verse 28. But he that is least ]

This is no small comfort to the Ministers of the Gospel, against the contempts cast upon them by the world. They are some-bodies in heaven, what ever men make of them.

Verse 29. Justified God ]

i. e. They glorified his word, Act. 13. 48. and acknowledged his righteousness, repenting of their sins, and believing Johns and Christ's testimony, which the Pharisees so pertinaciously rejected.

Verse 30. Rejected the counsel of God ]

Being ingrati gratiae Dei, as Ambrose speaketh, and so much the further off, for that they saw the people so forward.

Verse 33. Neither eating bread ]

But Locusts and wild Honey.

Verse 35. Of all her children ]

That is, her disciples, Psal. 34. 11.

Verse 36. Sat down to meat ]

It was fit he should feast sometimes, that fared so hard mostly.

Verse 38. To wash his feet ]

They that make their eyes a fountain to wash Christ's feet in, shall have his side for a fountain, to wash their souls in.

Verse 39. This man, if he were a Prophet ]

See the picture of an hypocrite, slighting and censuring his betters.

Verse 40. I have somewhat to say to thee ]

He that receives a courtesy, we say, sells his liberty. But so did not Christ at Simon's, at Martha's, &c. table. His mouth was not stopped with good cheer. He entertains the Pharisees with as many menaces, as they do him with messes of meat.

Verse. 44. Washed my feet with tears ]

We read not that the Virgin Mary ever did as this greater sinner did. Repentance is the fair child of that foul mother, sin, as the Roman said of Pompey. And it is question whether more glorifies God, Innocence or Penitence?

Verse 47. For she loved much ]

Nam, notificativum est, non impulsivum. Her love was an Argument (not a cause) that her sins were forgiven her.

Verse 48. Thy sins are forgiven thee ]

Melanchthon makes mention of a godly woman, who having upon her death-bed been much conflicted, and afterwards much comforted, brake out into these words; Now, and not till now, I understand the meaning of those words, Thy sins are forgiven. It is storied of another that courting a curtezan, and understanding that her name was