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COMMENTARY
UPON
THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
BY JOHN CALVIN
EDITED FROM THE ORIGINAL ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF
CHRISTOPHER FETHERSTONE, STUDENT IN DIVINITY,
BY HENRY BEVERIDGE, ESQ
VOLUME FIRST
CHRISTIAN CLASSICS ETHEREAL LIBRARY
GRAND RAPIDS, MI
http466....ccel.org
,(+T78S P8,9*C,
TH, pre!ent C7MM,:T*8;% nece!!aril) parta$ing o" the character o" the -oo$ .hich it i!
de!igned to ill'!trate% i! more hi!torical than doctrinal< and hence doe! not contain !o m'ch
pro"o'nd theological di!c'!!ion a! !ome o" Calvin=! other Commentarie!. The leading topic i!
the progre!! o" the >o!pel 'nder the in!pired teacher! to .hom it! "ir!t propagation .a!
entr'!ted% and% in immediate connection .ith thi!% the Con!tit'tion o" the *po!tolic Ch'rch% and
the privilege! en?o)ed #) it! mem#er!. To thi! latter point the attention o" the religio'! .orld i!
no. more e!peciall) directed< and .hatever #e the vie.! entertained .ith regard to it #) an)
reader into .ho!e hand! thi! Commentar) ma) "all% i" he "eel! aright% he .ill not thin$ that hi!
!t'd) o" the controver!) i! complete 'ntil he ha! made him!el" ac@'ainted .ith .hat ha! #een
!aid 'pon it #) !'ch a man a! Calvin.
* .or$ o" talent need not #e either the le!! intere!ting or the le!! in!tr'ctive that it advocate!
vie.! at variance .ith o'r o.n. +" o'r opinion! have #een deli#eratel) and candidl) "ormed% it i!
a !ati!"actor) te!t o" their !o'ndne!! .hen the) contin'e 'n!ha$en #) all that the a#le!t opponent
can 'rge again!t them.
The Tran!lation appear! to #e .ell e3ec'ted. +t i!% perhap!% not !o !trictl) literal a! that o" the
Commentar) on the 8oman!% .hich the C*LA+: S7C+,T; ha! alread) p'#li!hed< #'t an)
di""erence% in thi! re!pect% i! more than compen!ated #) the general !'periorit) o" it! !t)le. There
are occa!ional o#!c'ritie! or mi!tran!lation! .hich the ,ditor ha! endeavored% a! in the
Commentar) on the 8oman!% to remove #) "ootnote!< #'t% on the .hole% it i! #elieved that the
pre!ent Tran!lation .ill not !'""er #) compari!on .ith that o" an) Theological Tran!lation o" the
!ame period.
H. -.
/
TH, C7MM,:T*8+,S
79 M. B7H: C*LA+:
CP7: TH, *CT,S 79 TH, *P7STL,S
FAITHFULLY TRANSLATED OUT OF LATIN INTO ENGLISH FOR THE GREAT
PROFIT OF OUR COUNTRYMEN, BY CHRISTOPHER FETHERSTONE
STUDENT IN DIVINITY.
L7:(7:%
+mpen!i! >. -i!hop.
1DED.
3
T7 TH, 8+>HT H7:78*-L, TH, L78(
H,:8;%
,*8L 79 HC:T+:>T7:%
L78( H*ST+:>S% ,TC.%
Knight Of The Most Honorable Order Of The Garter, And Lord President Of The Queens Majestys
Counsel stablished !n The "orth Parts,
CHRISTOPHER FETHERSTONE WISHETH INCREASE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS,
LONG LIFE, AND HAPPY DAYS.
+" that F8ight Honora#leG + !ho'ld pre"i3 an) long and tedio'! pre"ace #e"ore thi! .or$ in
commendation o" )o'r honor% H + !ho'ld o" !ome #e !'!pected o" "latter)< i" in prai!e o" the!e
learned Commentarie!% H it !ho'ld !eem a thing !'per"l'o'!% !eeing the) !'""icientl) commend
them!elve!< i" in e3c'!e o" tho!e "a'lt! .hich are #) me in tran!lating hereo" committed% H
!ome cen!'ring Cato .o'ld condemn me% #eca'!e + .o'ld ta$e in hand a .or$ !o .eight)% #eing
not a#le to #e .itho't "a'lt% and #) craving pardon "or "a'lt! la)ing open m) "oll). 7mitting%
there"ore% tho!e thing! .hich might carr) .ith them !'ch inconvenience!% + ha!ten 'nto that
.hereo" + am chie"l) to !pea$< namel)% to la) open the ca'!e! moving me to dedicate thi! m)
!imple tran!lation 'nto )o'r honor.
;o'r de!ert! o" >od=! ch'rch% )o'r !ing'lar 5eal% )o'r 'n"eigned "aith% )o'r !incere pro"e!!ion%
)o'r e!pecial care to advance >od=! glor)% and to root o't Papi!tr)% )o'r "aith"'lne!! to.ard!
)o'r prince% have #een !'ch% that thi! realm generall)% #'t m) co'ntr)men in the north part!% m)
native !oil% !peciall)% have% and !hall have% great ca'!e to prai!e >od "or )o' in the da) o" their
vi!itation% even .hen it !hall plea!e >od o" hi! great merc) to #ehold them .ith "avora#le
co'ntenance% and to ta$e "rom them in greater mea!'re that #lindne!! and !'per!tition% .herein
the) had #een long time no'!led% and #eing "a!t #red #) the #one% i! not )et Fthro'gh .ant o"
mean!G gotten o't o" the "le!h. Seeing all the!e virt'e! are in )o' to #e "o'nd< !eeing #oth thi!
ch'rch and co'ntr) have "o'nd )o' !o #ene"icial% .hom o'ght not the!e thing! to provo$e to
!ho. all than$"'lne!! to.ard! )o'r honorI
*gain% .hen thi! hi!tor) o" the *ct! o" the *po!tle! .a! "ir!t penned in >ree$ #) L'$e% it .a!
dedicated to no#le Theophil'!. Jhen M. Calvin did the !econd time p'#li!h hi! Commentarie!
there'pon in Latin% he pre!ented them 'nto one .ho .a! in mind a no#le Theophil'!. Le!t%
there"ore% thi! .or$% no. p'#li!hed in ,ngli!h% !ho'ld #) dedication #e an) .hit de#a!ed% + have
made choice o" )o'r honor% #eing no le!! a no#le Theophil'! than tho!e #e"ore mentioned.
*nother thing% .hich i! not !o m'ch a ca'!e a! an enco'ragement% i! that co'rte!) .hich )o'r
honor !ho.eth to tho!e .hich pre!ent 'nto )o' an) e3erci!e! o" learning% ho. !imple !oever
the) #e% .hereo" + have had "'ll good e3perience even in m) tender )ear!< namel)% at !'ch time
a! + .a! trained 'p in the cit) o" Carli!le% 'nder that man% in hi! calling pain"'l% and to the
common.ealth pro"ita#le% M. Ha)e!% .hom "or that d't) .hich to him + o.e + name. *t .hich
time% tho'gh tho!e e3erci!e! .hich 'nto )o'r honor .e then pre!ented .ere !imple% )et .ere
0
the) !o co'rteo'!l) o" )o' received% that the remem#rance thereo" doth even no. enco'rage me
to pre!'me to o""er 'nto )o' !ome .eightier matter.
The la!t% #'t not the lea!t% i!% the con!ideration o" that great and 'nde!erved $indne!!% .hich all
m) "riend! in general% #'t e!peciall) m) #rother% )o'r honor=! !ervant% have "o'nd at )o'r hand!%
.hich% to rip 'p at large% .o'ld #e too tedio'!. +n their #ehal"% there"ore% 8ight Honora#le% a!
al!o in mine o.n% a! a !mall te!timon) o" a than$"'l heart% + pre!ent 'nto )o'r honor thi! .or$<
!imple% i" )o' re!pect the tran!lation% #'t mo!t e3cellent% i" )o' con!ider the matter. *nd th'!%
h'm#l) craving pardon "or m) #oldne!!% and m'ch more h'm#l) #e!eeching the Lord to #le!!
)o' in the reading hereo"% + concl'de% "earing proli3it). The Lord o" heaven #le!! )o'% and grant
that4 a! )o' have #een hereto"ore a good Theophil'!% !o )o' ma) contin'e to the glor) o" >od%
the increa!ing o" hi! Ch'rch% and the pro"it o" thi! common.ealth.
9rom Maigh"ield in S'!!e3% thi! 1/th o" 7cto#er% 1DED.
;o'r Honor=! mo!t h'm#le and o#edient%
and in Chri!t at commandment%
CHRISTOPHER FETHERSTONE.
D
TH, ,P+STL, T7 TH, 8,*(,8.
TH7C ha!t at length% FChri!tian reader%G thro'gh the #le!!ing o" >od% .here.ith he hath #le!!ed
m) la#or!% tho!e learned Commentarie! o" M. Calvin 'pon the *ct! o" the *po!tle!% tho'gh
!impl)% )et "aith"'ll)% t'rned into ,ngli!h< and tho'gh o" man) + .a! the 'nmeete!t to attempt
thi! travail% )et !'ch .a! the earne!t re@'e!t o" m) godl) "riend!% that 'nle!! + !ho'ld have ta$en
it in hand% + !ho'ld have !eemed void o" co'rte!)% and al!o o" care to pro"it >od=! Ch'rch. + .ill
not !tand to rip 'p tho!e commoditie! .hich tho' #) reading the!e Commentarie! ma)e!t reap%
#'t + leave them to thine o.n e3perience. Jhat m) travail hath #een in thi! .or$% tho!e .ho
have end'red li$e toll can #e!t ?'dge. *nd "ora!m'ch a! + $no. .ell% that a"ter great pain!ta$ing
!ome thing! have e!caped me% + #e!eech thee% Fgentle reader%G condemn me not ra!hl)% #'t rather
amend them "riendl). +" tho' !halt gro. "or.ard in #no$ledge #) reading thi! .or$% then prai!e
>od% .ho hath #) thi! mean! made thee pro"it. >od give thee good !'cce!! in reading% that
there#) tho' ma)e!t #oth #e #etter learned% and al!o #etter lived.
Thine in the Lord,
CHRISTOPHER FETHERSTONE.
6
T7 TH, M7ST 8,:7J:,( P8+:C,% TH,
L78( :+C7L*S 8*(K+J+LL% (CL, +:
7L+L*%
COUNTY PALATINE OF VILNA, CHIEF MARSHAL, AND HEAD CHANCELLOR OF
THE GREAT DUKEDOM OF LITHUANIA, ETC.,
H+S L78( H+>HL; T7 -, 8,A,8,:C,(%
B7H: C*LA+:.
JH,8,*S + have made mention o" the name! o" tho!e $ing! 'nto .hom + had dedicated the!e
m) Commentarie!% le!t the change inc'r the crime o" lightne!! among certain 'n!$ill"'l men% +
m'!t #rie"l) render !ome rea!on thereo". 9or altho'gh #oth the remem#rance o" the "ather% .ho
i! dead% doth retain that reverence .ith me .hich it de!erveth% and + do al!o% a! #ecometh me%
reverence the !on< )et the import'nitie! o" certain did en"orce me to p't o't
91
their name! in thi!
!econd edition% .ho% #eing incen!ed again!t me .ith a "'rio'! hatred and "ear% le!t the ma?e!t) o"
$ing! do p'rcha!e !ome "avor to m) .riting!% do #oa!t a#road that the) did conceive !ore
di!plea!'re% that their name .a! mi3ed .ith the doctrine o" the !acrament! .hich the)
them!elve! di!allo.. + leave it indi""erent .hether that #e tr'e or no% neither do + pa!!<
9/

"ora!m'ch a! + did neither h'nt a"ter an) private gain% nor )et !ee$ to .in "avor. -'t #eca'!e it
!eemed to me an indecent and "ilth) thing to en"orce tho!e #oo$! 'pon men .hich are 'n.illing
to entertain them% .hich do "ind .illing reader! eno'gh% it .a! .orth the declaring no.% that +
never did thin$ an) thing le!!< #'t that + did hope "or more co'rte!) than + "o'nd. +n that tr'l)
there can #e no o""en!e% i" .ithdra.ing m)!el" "rom the contempt o" tho!e .ho loathe m)
d'ti"'llne!!% + !'""er them to en?o) tho!e delight! o" their! .hich the) de!ire% and .herein the)
delight.
7" )o'% mo!t "amo'! prince% have + made choice% not .itho't good ca'!e% .hom + might p't in
the place o" t.o< #oth #eca'!e + thin$ )o' mo!t .orth) to have )o'r name appear in the !pirit'al
#'ilding o" Chri!t=! temple< neither do + "ear #'t that m) #oo$ !hall "ind the !ame "riend!hip at
)o'r hand!% .hich )o' did vo'ch!a"e to declare to.ard! me in )o'r mo!t gentle letter!. -'t%
omitting at thi! time the re!pect o" private good.ill% + .ill !ta) in another thing. Moreover% +
ma) "'ll .ell appl) 'nto )o' that !peech .hich + had #e"ore .ith another. :either am +
determined in thi! place to commend tho!e mo!t e3cellent virt'e! .here.ith )o' have p'rcha!ed
great a'thorit) and !ing'lar "avor .ith the Ling
93
o" Polonia< + am rather #ent 'nto an
e3hortation% the !'m .hereo" !hall #e thi!% that .ith the li$e readine!! and ?o)"'lne!! .here.ith
)o' have at the #eginning received the p're doctrine o" the >o!pel% that .ith the li$e !to'tne!! o"
co'rage .here.ith )o' have hitherto endeavored to maintain the tr'e .or!hip o" >od% )o' do
.ith the !ame con!tanc) pro!ec'te thi! co'r!e 'nto the end.
+t .a! !'rel) a point o" rare virt'e% that .herea! )o' did $no. that man) did hate nothing more
than the "ran$ pro"e!!ion and "ree !t'd) o" godline!!% )et% !o !oon a! the tr'th o" the >o!pel o"
Chri!t did once !hine and appear 'nto )o'% )o' did not "ear #) giving )o'r name to provo$e their
hatred again!t )o'. :either do tho!e o""ice! and good t'rn! de!erve !mall prai!e% .hich )o' did
M
not cea!e to #e!to. 'pon the cheri!hing and increa!ing o" the "ir!t #eginning! o" the Ch'rch<
altho'gh thi! )o'r diligence did p'rcha!e 'nto )o' great env) among!t man) no#lemen% .hich
did not allo. the !ame. -'t% #eca'!e )o' have no le!! hard !trait! to pa!! thro'gh% )o' m'!t
o"tentime! !tir 'p and enco'rage )o'r!el" to overcome them all% 'ntil )o' have "ini!hed the la!t
act< and% !o m'ch the more care"'ll)% #eca'!e man) prince!% altho'gh the) !ee the e!tate o" the
Ch'rch "ilthil) corr'pt% )et dare the) attempt no remed)< #eca'!e that danger .hich the) "ear
.ill proceed "rom innovation% .hen evil! m'!t #e driven o't o" their old and @'iet po!!e!!ion%
doth hinder and $eep them #ac$ "rom doing their d't). 7ther !ome thin$ it to #e an a#!'rd and
"ooli!h thing to to'ch For !et hand toG di!ea!e! .hich are inc'ra#le. 7ther !ome F+ cannot tell
thro'gh .hat "or.ardne!!G do "lee "rom and a#hor all manner o" re"ormation. -'t to intreat o"
tho!e let! .here.ith )o' are environed on ever) !ide% it .ere !'per"l'o'!% e!peciall) !eeing )o'
$no. them .ell eno'gh. ;et% ho.!oever Satan doth a!!a'lt )o'% and .ith .hat com#at! !oever
he doth e3erci!e )o'% )o' cannot% .itho't great .ic$edne!!% #e .ear) o" thi! hol) .ar"are%
.hich )o' have pro"e!!ed 'nder Chri!t hi! #anner. 9'rthermore% altho'gh )o' #e "or.ard
eno'gh o" )o'r!el"% )et + hope it .ill neither #e tro'#le!ome% nor )et 'npro"ita#le "or )o'% to
have )o'r pro!pero'! co'r!e o" )o'r earne!t !t'd)% holpen and "'rthered .ith thi! help .hich
>od doth o""er 'nto )o'r hand! #) me.
90
So o"ten a! .e !ee thing! to!!ed to and "ro% and% a! it .ere% t'rned top!)t'rv) in the .orld% there
can no more "it and !'re prop #e "o'nd to e!ta#li!h and !ta) o'r .ea$ con!cience!% than .hen a!
!etting #e"ore o'r e)e! the $ingdom o" Chri!t% a! it doth no. appear% .e con!ider .hat hath #een
9D
the e!tate and condition o" the !ame "rom the #eginning. Jhen .e !pea$ o" the $ingdom o"
Chri!t% .e m'!t re!pect t.o thing!< the doctrine o" the go!pel% .here#) Chri!t doth gather 'nto
him!el" a ch'rch% and .here#) he governeth the !ame% #eing gathered together< !econdl)% %he
!ociet) o" the godl)% .ho #eing co'pled together #) the !incere "aith o" the go!pel% are tr'l)
acco'nted the people o" >od. -oth .hich thing!% ho. livel) the) are e3pre!!ed #) L'$e% in the
*ct! o" the *po!tle!% it i! #etter to $no. #) the reading o" the .hole #oo$% than to #elieve either
m) commendation% or the commendation o" an) man el!e. 9or altho'gh the Son o" >od hath
al.a)! reigned% even "rom the "ir!t #eginning o" the .orld% )et a"ter that% #eing revealed in the
"le!h% he p'#li!hed hi! go!pel% he #egan then to erect a more "amo'! tri#'nal!eat than #e"ore%
.hence he doth no. appear mo!t plainl)% and to #e al!o mo!t glorio'!. +" .e t'rn o'r e)e! hither%
the) !hall #e "ed% not .ith a vain pict're% Fa! Airgil !aith o" hi! *,nea!G #'t .ith the !o'nd
$no.ledge o" tho!e thing! "rom .hich .e m'!t "etch li"e. *nd to the end + ma) ret'rn 'nto that
.hereo" + determined to !pea$% thi! i! the #e!t re"'ge "or the con!cience o" men% .here the) ma)
@'ietl) re!t amid!t the!e tro'#le!ome tempe!t! .here.ith the .orld i! !ha$en. 9inall)% thi!
meditation alone !hall #ring to pa!!% that that !hall never #e"all '!% .hich too too man)
e3periment! do prove to have #een tr'l) !po$en #) ,nni'! in time! pa!t o" the more part o" men%
that $isdo% is dri&en a$ay so often as the %atter is handled by &iolen'e( 9or i"% in the greate!t
and mo!t vehement heat o" com#at!% the !.eet harmon) o" in!tr'ment! .a! o" !'ch "orce
among!t the Lacedemonian!% that it did a!!'age that "'rio'!ne!! and "iercene!! .hich .a!
engendered in that .arli$e people% and did temper that violence .hich doth then o't o" mea!'re
rage in tho!e nat're! .hich are other.i!e impatient% ho. m'ch more !hall the $ingdom o" Chri!t
do thi! #) the heavenl) plea!ant t'ne o" the Hol) >ho!t% .hich doth not onl) tame mo!t cr'el
#ea!t!% #'t ma$eth al!o lam#! o" .olve!% lion!% and #ear!< .hich t'rneth !pear! into hoo$!% and
!.ord! into plo'gh!hare!I
E
There"ore% !eeing that% mo!t no#le prince% + o""er 'nto )o' !'ch $ind o" temperat're a! the
nece!!it) o" time! re@'ireth% + hope that thi! d't) o" mine !hall not #e 'n.elcome to )o'r
highne!!< !o that% indeed% )o' !hall perceive thi! $ind o" con"irmation to #e ver) pro"ita#le and
"it to loo$ into the #eginning o" the Ch'rch% a! it i! de!cri#ed o" L'$e% .herein appeareth #oth
.onder"'l po.er o" >od 'nder the reproach o" the cro!!% and al!o mo!t valiant patience o" the
!ervant! o" >od% 'nder the h'ge #'rden o" tro'#le!% and the !'cce!! it!el" incredi#le to the
?'dgment o" the .orld% #ringeth "orth mo!t plenti"'l "r'it o" #oth. -'t that + ma) omit other
thing! .hich )o' had #etter !et [!ee$] o't #) reading o" L'$e him!el"% + .ill to'ch one thing
.hich i! proper to earthl) prince!% and the chie" governor! o" $ingdom! and co'ntrie!< to .it%
that !eeing that Fthe po.er o" the .hole .orld gain!a)ing% and all men .hich .ere then in
a'thorit) #eing armed to oppre!! the go!pelG a "e. men% o#!c're% 'narmed% and contempti#le%
tr'!ting onl) to the aid o" the tr'th and the Spirit% did la#or !o !to'tl) in !preading a#road the
"aith o" Chri!t% did re"'!e no pain! nor danger% did !tand !to'tl) again!t all a!!a'lt!% 'ntil at
length the) got the victor)< there remaineth no e3c'!e "or Chri!tian no#le!% .ho are o" an)
dignit)% !eeing >od hath "'rni!hed them .ith the !.ord to de"end the $ingdom o" hi! Son% 'nle!!
the) #e at lea!t a! con!tant and #old to ta$e 'pon them !'ch an honora#le o""ice.
9'rthermore% it i! not m) part to declare ho. "aith"'ll) and 'prightl) + have #ehaved m)!el" in
interpreting thi! hi!tor). + hope% !'rel)% m) la#or !hall #e "r'it"'l to all men. *nd a! "or )o'% mo!t
.orth) prince% + m'!t again re@'e!t and #e!eech )o'% that )o' do #oth privatel) addict )o'r!el"
.holl) 'nto Chri!t hi! government% a! )o' have o" late happil) #eg'n< and that )o' .o'ld al!o
#ecome not onl) a "aith"'l helper% #'t al!o a mo!t !to't and valiant !tandard#earer in "'rthering
the $ingdom o" Chri!t 'nto !o man) no#le men% .hom not onl) the reno.n o" their !toc$ and
lineage% #'t al!o the e3cellenc) o" their virt'e!% doth commend. >od hath vo'ch!a"ed to #e!to.
'pon the realm o" Polonia a !ing'lar privilege o" honor% that the #etter part o" the no#ilit)%
#idding adie' to .ic$ed !'per!tition!% .hich are a! man) corr'ption! and poll'tion! o" the
.or!hip o" >od% !ho'ld de!ire .ith one con!ent a tr'e "orm o" godline!!% and a .ell "ramed and
re"ormed order o" the Ch'rch. +t i! .ell $no.n that the!e men .ere not a little aided #) )o'r
a'thorit). -'t there remain more com#at! #oth "or )o' and al!o "or them% than that% li$e
over.orn
96
!oldier!% )o' !ho'ld give )o'r!elve! to idlene!! and re!t.
9ir!t% altho'gh no "oreign enem) tro'#le )o'% )o' !hall have #'!ine!! eno'gh to .ith!tand tho!e
evil! .hich are at home .ith )o'. ;o' have !'""icientl) tried .ith ho. man) !leight! Satan i!
"'rni!hed% that he ma) .or$ !ome polic) to overthro. that hol) concord among!t #rethren%
.herein con!i!teth the !a"et) o" the Ch'rch< that #e"alleth )o' .hich i! common ever).here% "or
tro'#le!ome men to thr'!t in them!elve! .hen thing! are o't o" order< .ho% .hil!t the) !ee a
"e.% and tho!e .ea$ling! tro'#led #) a great m'ltit'de% and that the) do .ith m'ch ado de"end
the tr'th% .hich i! covered .ith the thic$ clo'd! o" "al!e acc'!ation!% the) do more ea!il) come
'pon them 'na.are!
9M
*nd #) thi! !'#tlet) doth that chie" .or$er o" all deceit and g'ile !ee$ the
r'in o" the Ch'rch% not onl) #) c'tting% mangling% and p'lling in piece! the 'nit) o" the "aith% #'t
#) #'rdening the name o" Chri!t .ith "al!e env)< #eca'!e the companie! o" the godl)% among!t
.hom the!e .ic$ed $nave! mi3 them!elve!% !eem to #e certain receptacle! and !in$! o" all
"ilthine!!.
So% .hil!t that Stancar'!% a man o" a tro'#le!ome nat're% doth% thro'gh that am#ition .here.ith
he i! .holl) !et on "ire% !pread a#road among!t )o' hi! doting!% here'pon #ra$e o't that
contention .hich threateneth !ome !cattering a#road< and )o' .ere laid open 'nto the !lander!
o" man)% #eca'!e it .a! tho'ght that hi! !ect did !pread it!el" "arther. -ehold% on the other !ide% a
1
certain ph)!ician% called >eorge -landrata% .or!e than Stancar'!% #eca'!e hi! error i! more
dete!ta#le% and #eca'!e he hath in hi! mind more !ecret poi!on. 9or .hich ca'!e the!e al!o are
the more .orth) to #e reproved% at .ho!e hand! the 'ngodline!! o" Servet'! hath "o'nd !'ch
"avor o" !'ch a !'dden. 9or altho'gh + am per!'aded that the) are "ar "rom tho!e perver!e and
!acrilegio'! opinion!% )et the) !ho'ld have ta$en #etter heed% and not have !'""ered thi! "o3
cra"til) to creep into their compan). -eca'!e !'ch plag'e! .ill never #e .anting% neither .ill
Satan ever cea!e to #ring a#road into the "ore"ront !'ch champion! a! have given over
them!elve! to !erve him% that he ma) tro'#le the #eginning! o" the go!pel% it i! "or )o' to #e
contin'all) in a readine!!< and to the end )o' ma) prevent greater evil!% )o' m'!t !et do.n right
and godl) manner o" government% .hich i! the "aith"'l $eeping o" hol) peace. 9or a! it i!
mani"e!t that p'rit) o" doctrine i! the !o'l o" the Ch'rch% !o .e ma) "'ll .ell compare di!cipline
'nto the !ine.!% .here.ith the #od) #eing #o'nd and $nit together% doth maintain hi! [it!]
!trength.
:o.% on the other !ide% the 'ngodline!! o" other enemie! o'ght to !harpen )o'r !t'd) Fand
earne!tne!!%G + mean the preacher! o" *ntichri!t o" 8ome% .ho% to the end the) ma) deceive the
ignorant% do contin'all)% .ith !hrill voice% !o'nd o't the name o" the Ch'rch. There i! no
controver!) among!t '! a#o't the Ch'rch% #'t all grant that the a'thorit) thereo" o'ght to #e
reverenced o" all the children o" >od< !ave onl) that the)% 'nder "al!e color o" honor% do ma$e the
!hado.i!h name o" the Ch'rch !'#?ect to their l'!t!< .e do !o reverence the Ch'rch "rom o'r
heart% that .e acco'nt it great .ic$edne!! to pro"ane the !acred name thereo". That + ma) omit
other godl) mini!ter! o" p're and !o'nd doctrine% + m)!el" have again and again hereto"ore in
man) place! handled thi! @'e!tion. Jhen mention i! made o" the Ch'rch% .ho!e head i! the Son
o" >od% and .hich he% .ho i! the "o'ntain o" li"e eternal% doth al.a)! @'ic$en #) hi! Spirit% ho.
ridic'lo'! a thing it i! to #ring "orth a #od) .itho't a head% and% !econdl)% a dead carca!!.
The hireling "latterer! o" the Pope do cr) o't that the) have the Ch'rch< #'t .e can $no. #) no
mean! #etter% .hether thi! #e tr'e or no% than .hen .e loo$ 'nto the head. *! "or that% it i!
mani"e!t that it i! c't o"" #) their !acrilegio'! violence. 9or ho. !hall Chri!t retain the place o"
the head% #eing de!poiled o" all hi! po.er% thro.n do.n "rom hi! government% deprived o" hi!
dignit)I Cpon thi! condition hath the heavenl) 9ather made him the head o" the Ch'rch% that he
ma) govern all men "rom the greate!t to the lea!t% #) the doctrine o" hi! go!pel< that he ma) #e
the onl) prie!t to reconcile the 9ather contin'all)% a! he hath once appea!ed hi! .rath #) the
!acri"ice o" hi! death< that hi! death ma) contin'all) p'rge o'r !in!< that hi! #lood ma) #e the
onl) .a!hing< that hi! o#edience ma) #e a per"ect !ati!"action< that he ma) #e a Fcontin'al andG
!ole interce!!or% thro'gh .ho!e mean! o'r pra)er! ma) #e heard< that he ma) #e a "aith"'l
de"ender and t'tor% that he ma)% #) hi! aid% de"end '!< that Fthe vice! o" o'r "le!h #eing tamedG he
ma) re"orm '! 'nto righteo'!ne!! and holine!!< that he alone ma) #egin and "ini!h in '! a
#le!!ed li"e. +" the Papi!t! have le"t him an) o" the!e thing!% let them have the Ch'rch on their
!ide. -'t i" the Pope% oppre!!ing men=! con!cience! .ith hi! "ierce and more cr'el t)rann)% have
di!ann'lled and ta$en a.a) Chri!t hi! government< i" he have #ro'ght in a "orm o" government
altogether contrar) to the go!pel< i" he have invented a ne. and !trange prie!thood% that he ma)
thr'!tin him!el"% #eing #'t a mortal man% to #e the mediator #et.een >od and the .orld< i" he
have "orged dail) !acri"ice!% that he ma) trot them in Chri!t=! place< i" he have invented a
tho'!and !ati!"action! "or !in!< i" he have #ro'ght reigned .a!hing! "rom the la$e o" hell% to
ma$e dr) the #lood o" the Son o" >od< i" he have p't in hi! place in"inite patron!< i" he have torn
in a tho'!and piece! that righteo'!ne!! .hich m'!t #e !et [!o'ght] .holl) "rom him< i"% in!tead
10
o" the Hol) >ho!t% he have erected man=! "ree.ill< it i!% .itho't all @'e!tion% that the tr'e Chri!t
i! #ani!hed "ar "rom Papi!tr). 9or thi! ca'!e have + !aid that the Papi!t! ma$e #oa!t o" a dead
carca!! in!tead o" the livel) #od) o" Chri!t% #eca'!e% tho'gh the) have e3ting'i!hed the doctrine
o" the go!pel% F.hich i! the tr'e !o'l o" the Ch'rch% and .hich d'l) doth @'ic$en the !ame%G )et
the) do greatl) #oa!t o" a !hado.i!h and tri"ling $ind o" Ch'rch.
Je ma$e it "'ll .ell $no.n ho. corr'pt the p'rit) o" doctrine i! among!t them% )ea% .ith .hat
mon!tro'! error! it i! poll'ted. The) do not onl) cover all their corr'ption! 'nder the !hado. o"
the Ch'rch% #'t al!o complain that .e do great in?'r) to the Ch'rch% #eca'!e .e !a) that the
!ame doth err. -'t the) !ho'ld "ir!t have e3amined the doctrine% that the Ch'rch might there#)
#e $no.n. The!e ?'!t and hone!t ?'dge! .ill have the reigned title o" doctrine to have !'""icient
"orce o" pre?'dice to cover and !'ppre!! the di""erence% and that not to deceive men. 9or .ith
.hat !leight! and legerdemain .o'ld the) a!!a) to #lear even da55ling e)e! in !o great lightI -'t
#eca'!e the) acco'nt thi! li#ert) o" l)ing a part o" their t)rann)% the) thin$ the) reign not a! the)
.o'ld% 'nle!! the) reproach"'ll) moc$ mi!era#le !o'l!.
That .e ma) !et an e3ample no "arther% .e have !een in o'r time!% !ometime! the Tridentine
9ather!% !ometime! the 9ather! o" -ononia% .ho% altho'gh the) .ere even at dagger! dra.ing
among them!elve!% )et did the) "oam o't their vain canon! on #oth !ide!. *nd !'rel) i" men
a!!ent to their principle!% the tri'mph !hall #e prepared on #oth !ide!. There !it there + cannot tell
ho. man) #i!hop! and a##ot!% peradvent're an h'ndred horned #ea!t!. +" the mo!t "ine "lo.er o"
all the nation !ho'ld !hine there% )et !ho'ld it #e nothing el!e #'t a .ic$ed con!pirac) again!t
>od. *nd no. a"ter that the Pope hath gathered together the #ran and chip! o" hi! 'nclean and
"ilth) rotten "loc$% !hall the repre!entative Ch'rch !'ddenl) appear thereI *nd are the) not )et
a!hamed to call that an hol)% general% and la."'l Co'ncil% .hich doth not de!erve !o m'ch a! to
#e called a vain and comical vi!or o" a Co'ncilI -'t a! "or '!% to .hom the promi!e i! made% that
*ntichri!t% .ho !itteth in the temple o" >od% !hall #e de!tro)ed .ith the #reath o" the Lord=!
mo'th< let not '! F+ !a)G cea!e to re"'te thi! "ilth) and .hori!h imp'denc)% .ith that mo!t !acred
.ord .hich the) !o #oldl) moc$% that all men ma) !ee .hat di""erence there i! #et.een the
cha!te !po'!e o" Chri!t and the !tin$ing .hore o" -elial< #et.een the !anct'ar) o" >od and the
#rothelho'!e o" Satan< #et.een the !pirit'al ho'!e o" the godl) and the !t)e o" hog!< and%
"inall)% #et.een the tr'e Ch'rch and the co'rt o" 8ome. There can no more certain or plain
demon!tration #e #ro'ght concerning thi! matter either #) ,'clid% either )et #) *rchimede!% than
i" the Ch'rch% a! L'$e de!cri#eth it% #e compared .ith the Popi!h !)nagog'e. :either am + !o
!trait that + .o'ld have that con"'!ed l'mp% #eing altogether rep'gnant 'nto the order o" nat're
and manner o" h'manit)% to #e agreea#le in all point! to the r'le o" the *po!tle!% .hich i!
angelical and heavenl). +" the) can !ho. an) thing .herein the) are li$e 'nto them%
9E
the) ma)
tri'mph "or me< #'t "ora!m'ch a! all thing! are contrar)% and altho'gh the more part o" men
#ecome #lind .illingl)% at lea!t .i!e% [!till] !eeing the .hole heaven! do allo.
91
'!% .e ma) not
onl) contemn their #rain!ic$ pride .itho't an) "ear% #'t al!o "reel) !pea$ evil o" the !ame.
+n the mean !ea!on% .e have no !mall con!olation to !'pport '!% that ho.!oever the Papi!t! do
!et again!t '! .ith !tern co'ntenance
910
the name and title o" the Ch'rch% )et .e $no. that .e
"ight onl) again!t the pro"e!!ed enemie! o" Chri!t. Je o'ght a#ove all thing! to de!ire% that the
mo!t reno.ned $ing% .ho% according to hi! .i!dom% hath long ago !pied o't the !'#tle !leight!
o" the 8omi!h co'rt% commanding tho!e vain #'ll! to avoid%
911
.herein the co'ncil #oa!teth a"ar
o""% ma) at length more "reel) appl) hi! mind 'nto the earne!t and per"ect re!toring o" the
Ch'rch< )et o'ght no lingering to $eep )o' #ac$% #'t ever) one o" )o' m'!t% .ith might and
11
main% endeavor to enlarge and !pread a#road tho!e #eginning! .hich are #eg'n to ari!e !o
happil).
9are.ell% mo!t e3cellent lord and right reno.ned prince. The Lord al.a)! govern )o' .ith hi!
Spirit% ampli") #) all mean! )o'r dignit)% and #le!! )o'r godl) enterpri!e! even 'nto the end.
At Gene&a, the )st of August, 1D60.
1/
TH, *8>CM,:T
UPON
TH, *CTS 79 TH, *P7STL,S.
To the intent that all godl) men ma)% .ith more diligence% read thi! hi!tor)% and al!o #e more
de!iro'! thereo"% it !hall not #e .itho't pro"it #rie"l) to note .hat commodit) the) !hall reap
there#).
Thi! i! the chie"e!t prai!e that a pro"ane hi!tor) hath% namel)% that it i! the mi!tre!! o" li"e. +" that
narration o" "amo'! deed!% .hich onl) teacheth men .hat the) o'ght to "ollo.% or .hat the)
o'ght to e!che.% in their common action!% de!erve !'ch a title% o" ho. great prai!e are the divine
hi!torie! .orth)% .hich do not onl) "rame the o't.ard li"e o" man that he ma) .in prai!e #)
virt'e% #'t al!o F.hich i! moreG .hich declare 'nto '! that >od% "rom the #eginning% hath had a
!pecial regard al.a)! o" hi! Ch'rch% Fand "aith"'l congregation%G that he hath #een al.a)! a mo!t
?'!t revenger o" all .rong! done 'nto tho!e that have #eta$en them!elve! 'nto hi! t'ition% and
have committed them!elve! 'nto hi! c'!tod)< that he hath !ho.ed him!el" "avora#le and
merci"'l 'nto mo!t mi!era#le and .retched !inner!< and% la!tl)% #) teaching '! "aith% rai!ed '!
high a#ove the heaven!. + !a) nothing o" thi!% that the) do ever).here !et "orth the providence o"
>od% that the) di!ting'i!h the tr'e .or!hip o" >od "rom the "al!e% and never err in the di""erence
o" vice and virt'e< altho'gh + omit no. al!o tho!e .orth) prai!e! .hich '!ed mo!t commonl) to
#e attri#'ted 'nto the !acred hi!torie!% intending onl) !hortl) to to'ch tho!e .hich are proper to
thi! #oo$ .hich .e have ta$en in hand.
Tho!e thing! .hich L'$e !etteth #e"ore '! in thi! place to #e learned are not onl) great% #'t al!o
o" rare pro"it< "or% "ir!t% in that he !ho.eth that the Spirit o" >od .a! !ent 'nto the apo!tle!% he
doth not onl) prove that Chri!t .a! "aith"'l Fand tr'eG in $eeping hi! promi!e made 'nto hi!
apo!tle!< #'t al!o he certi"ieth '!% that he i! al.a)! mind"'l o" hi!% and a perpet'al governor o"
hi! Ch'rch% #eca'!e the Hol) Spirit did de!cend "rom heaven to thi! end< .here#) .e learn that
the di!tance o" place doth no .hit hinder Chri!t "rom #eing pre!ent .ith tho!e that #e hi! at all
time!. :o.% here i! mo!t livel) painted o't the #eginning o" Chri!t=! $ingdom% and a! it .ere the
rene.ing o" the .orld< "or altho'gh the Son o" >od had gathered together% #) hi! preaching% a
certain Ch'rch% #e"ore !'ch time a! he departed o't o" the .orld% )et% neverthele!!% that .a! the
#e!t "orm o" the Ch'rch .hich #egan then% .hen a! the apo!tle!% having ne. po.er given them
"rom a#ove% #egan to preach that that onl) Shepherd did #oth die and al!o ri!e again% that
thro'gh hi! cond'ct all tho!e .hich .ere di!per!ed% "ar and .ide% F'pon the "ace o" the .hole
earth%G might #e gathered 'nto one !heep"old. Here i!% there"ore% !et do.n #oth the #eginning and
al!o the increa!ing o" the Ch'rch o" Chri!t a"ter hi! a!cen!ion% .here#) he .a! declared to #e
Ling #oth o" heaven and earth.
9'rthermore% therein appeareth% a! .ell the marvelo'! po.er o" Chri!t% a! the great "orce and
e""icac) o" the go!pel it!el"< "or in that Chri!t% #) a !ort o" !imple !o'l!% Fand o" no rep'tation
among!t men%G #eing ind'ed al!o .ith no elo@'ence at all% hath !'#d'ed the .hole .orld !o
ea!il)% #) the onl) voice o" the go!pel% .herea!% not.ith!tanding Satan did re!i!t him .ith !o
man) let!% he hath !ho.ed a mo!t mani"e!t to$en o" hi! divine po.er and might therein. *nd
13
al!o% .e !ee in the !ame the incredi#le "orce o" the go!pel% that it did not onl) come "orth and
!ho. it!el"% altho'gh the .hole .orld did !a) na)% #'t al!o .ith great glor) and ma?e!t)% ma$e
all that .hich did !eem !t'##orn to #e o#edient 'nto Chri!t. There"ore% the!e "e. and !imple
creat're! did more prevail again!t the tro'#le!ome t'm'lt! o" the .orld% .ith the #a!e and !imple
!o'nd o" their mo'th% than i" >od !ho'ld openl) have thro.n do.n lightning!
91/
"rom heaven.
*nd% on the other !ide% the Spirit o" >od teacheth '!% that the $ingdom o" Chri!t #eginneth never
!ooner to "lo'ri!h% #'t #) and #) Satan oppo!eth him!el" mo!t "'rio'!l) again!t the !ame% and
'!eth all hi! engine! either 'tterl) to overthro. or !ore to !ha$e the sa%e( :either are .e onl)
ta'ght% that Satan doth re!i!t Chri!t a! an enem)% #'t al!o that the .hole .orld doth "'rio'!l)
rage together again!t him% that he ma) not reign over them. ;ea% "'rthermore% that i! to #e !et
do.n a! a thing mo!t certain% that .ic$ed men% .hil!t the) do !o rage again!t the go!pel% do #oth
"ight 'nder Satan=! #anner% and are pric$ed "or.ard #) him into !o #lind "'r). Here'pon do ari!e
!o man) 'proar!% !o man) plag') con!piracie!% !o man) devili!h endeavor! o" the repro#ate to
overthro. the go!pel% Fand to hinder the "ree pa!!age o" the !ame%G .hich L'$e !etteth do.n
almo!t in ever) place.
La!tl)% li$e a! the apo!tle! have indeed tried%
913
that the doctrine o" the go!pel i! a "ire and a
!.ord% !o ma) .e learn #) their e3perience that it .ill al.a)! come to pa!!% not onl) #) the
o#!tinate malice o" Satan% #'t al!o #) the "atal !t'##ornne!! o" men% that the go!pel !hall !'""er
man) con"lict!% and that there#) man) t'm'lt! !hall #e rai!ed. -'t% on the other !ide% he declareth
that the apo!tle!% F.ith a !to't !tomach%G .ith a livel) co'rage and invinci#le violentne!! ["orce]
o" mind% did% not.ith!tanding% e3ec'te the o""ice .hich the) $ne. .a! en?oined them #) >od<
and al!o% .hat inn'mera#le tro'#le! the) !'""ered .ith great per!everance% .hat .eari!omene!!
the) pa!!ed over% ho. patientl) the) !'!tained mo!t cr'el per!ec'tion< and% la!tl)% ho. mee$l)
the) !'""ered reproach% !orro.% and calamit) o" all !ort!. *nd .e m'!t learn patience #) !'ch
e3ample!% !eeing the Son o" >od hath prono'nced that the cro!! and tri#'lation !hall al.a)!
accompan) hi! go!pel< .e m'!t not pamper and cheri!h o'r!elve! .ith a vain hope% a! tho'gh
the !tate and condition o" the Ch'rch !ho'ld #e @'iet Fpro!pero'!G and "lo'ri!hing here 'pon
earth. Let '!% there"ore% addre!! o'r!elve! to !'""er the li$e thing!. *nd that i! added a! no !mall
com"ort "or '!% that a! >od hath marvelo'!l) delivered hi! Ch'rch in time! pa!t% #eing a""licted
and oppre!!ed !o man) .a)!% !o he .ill at thi! da) #e pre!ent .ith '! al!o. 9or% !'rel)% !eeing
that in thi! #oo$ i! declared ho. that >od% #) hi! might) hand and o't!tretched arm alone% doth
contin'all) de"end hi! Ch'rch% #eing amid!t contin'al death!4 >od him!el"% #) thi! mean!%
!etteth #e"ore o'r e)e! hi! contin'al providence in proc'ring the !a"et) thereo".
9'rthermore% here are !et do.n certain !ermon! o" the apo!tle! .hich intreat in !'ch !ort o" the
great mercie! o" >od% o" the grace o" Chri!t% o" the hope o" #le!!ed immortalit)% o" the calling
'pon >od% o" repentance and the "ear o" >od% and al!o o" other principal point! o" Chri!tian
doctrine% that .e need not !ee$ the .hole !'m o" godline!! an).here el!e.4 -'t that + ma) no.
omit the declaration o" !o'nd and p're doctrine% H i" that #e a thing mo!t need"'l to #e $no.n%
namel)% to 'nder!tand ho. the Ch'rch o" Chri!t "ir!t #egan< ho. the apo!tle! #egan to preach the
go!pel< .hat !'cce!! the) had in the !ame< .hat cr'el com#at! the) !'""ered< ho. man"'ll) the)
pa!!ed thro'gh !o man) let! and impediment!< ho. co'rageo'!l) the) tri'mphed over all the
pride o" the .orld 'nder the reproach o" the cro!!< ho. .onder"'ll) >od .a! pre!ent .ith them4
then m'!t .e highl) e!teem o" thi! #oo$% .hich% 'nle!! it .ere e3tant% the $no.ledge o" !o great
thing! !ho'ld either #e @'ite #'ried% or greatl) o#!c'red% or .rapped in diver! do'#t!. 9or .e !ee
that Satan '!ed all hi! engine!% that he might !o #ring to pa!!% that never an) o" the act! o" the
10
apo!tle! might come to light% #'t !'ch onl) a! .ere mi3ed .ith lie!< to the end he might #ring
into !'!picion .hat thing !oever .a! !po$en o" them% and !o #) that mean! might pl'c$ o't o"
the mind! o" the godl) all the remem#rance o" that age. 9or he al.a)! rai!ed 'p% either doting
"ool! or cra"t) "lo'ter!%
910
that the) might !pread a#road a !ort o" "ilth) "a#le! 'nder the name! o"
other men< the #loc$i!hne!! .hereo" did m'ch di!credit even the tr'e hi!torie!.
So in tho!e #oo$! o" Peter and Pa'l% .hich are reigned to #e o" Lin'! hi! doing% are contained
!'ch a !ort o" !tin$ing tri"le!% that the) ca'!e the .ic$ed to la'gh at them% and the godl) to loathe
them. So that reigned di!p'tation o" Peter .ith Simon Mag'! i! !o ridic'lo'!% that it doth
di!credit the name o" a Chri!tian. The !ame opinion m'!t .e have o" all that minglemangle%
91D

.hich i! !et #e"ore the 8ecognition! and Co'ncil! o" Clement% and recited o" >ratian'! in hi!
9ragment!. The) #eg'ile the 'n!$ill"'l 'nder color o" ancient name!< the .ic$ed #oa!t o" tho!e
a! o" oracle!% no le!! #oldl) than imp'dentl)% .hen a!% indeed% the) are "ilth) to)!. Satan did '!e
!'ch li#ert) to lie% that .e might have no certain thing le"t '! a"ter Chri!t=! a!cen!ion. So that
'nle!! thi! .or$
916
o" L'$e .ere e3tant% it might !eem that Chri!t #eing ta$en 'p into heaven%
le"t no "r'it o" hi! death or re!'rrection 'pon earth. 9or all !ho'ld have vani!hed a.a) .ith hi!
#od). Je !ho'ld not $no. that Chri!t .a! !o received into hi! cele!tial glor)% that% neverthele!!%
he #eareth r'le in all the .orld< .e !ho'ld not $no. that the go!pel .a! p'#li!hed #) the
apo!tle!% and !o came "rom them 'nto '!% tho'gh #) the mean! o" other!<
91M
.e !ho'ld not $no.
that the) .ere in!pired #) the Hol) >ho!t% le!t the) !ho'ld teach an)thing #'t that .hich .a!
divine% to the end o'r "aith might #e gro'nded onl) 'pon the in"alli#le verit) o" >od. La!t o" all%
.e !ho'ld not $no. that that prophec) o" ,!aia! .a! "'l"illed% .herein he "oretold that the la.
!ho'ld come o't o" Sion% and the Jord o" the Lord o't o" Ber'!alem.
Seeing thi! #oo$ proceeding% no do'#t% "rom the Spirit o" >od% ta$eth "rom '! all do'#ting o"
the!e thing!% .e m'!t co'nt the !ame a! a great trea!'re% a! + have !aid #e"ore not .itho't ca'!e%
and no. again con"irm the !ame.
1D
C7MM,:T*8;
UPON
TH, *CTS 79 TH, *P7STL,S.
CH*PT,8 1
ACTS 1:1-2
1. The "ormer !peech tr'l) have .e had% 7 Theophil'!% o" all thing! .hich
Be!'! #egan to do and teach% 2. ,ven 'ntil that da)% .herein% a"ter he had given
commandment #) the Hol) >ho!t to the apo!tle!% .hich he had cho!en% he
.a! ta$en 'p.
TH*T he ma) pa!! over 'nto tho!e thing! .hich "ollo.ed the a!cen!ion o" Chri!t% he #rie"l)
gathereth the !'m o" all tho!e .hich #e"ore he had handled in the "ormer #oo$% that he ma)
anne3 thi! there'nto. *nd he #rie"l) !etteth do.n thi! de!cription o" the hi!tor) o" the go!pel%
that it i! a narration o" tho!e thing! .hich Chri!t did and !aid !o long a! he .a! conver!ant 'pon
earth. 9'rthermore% .herea! the) interpret thi! commonl)% that there .a! "ir!t in Chri!t p'rit) o"
li"e% #e"ore !'ch time a! he #egan to preach% it ma$eth nothing 'nto L'$e=! mind. Tr'th it i!% that
the manner! o" a good and godl) teacher o'ght !o to #e "ramed% that he !pea$ "ir!t .ith hi! li"e%
then .ith hi! tong'e% other.i!e he !ho'ld di""er nothing "rom a !tagepla)er. -'t L'$e hath
re!pect rather 'nto that .hich he had !aid a#o't the end o" hi! go!pel% F
N0//011O
L'$e /0411%G
namel)% that Chri!t .a! a prophet might) in deed and .ord% that i!% !'ch a one a! did e3cel no
le!! in deed! than in .ord!< altho'gh there #e #'t !mall di""erence #et.i3t the!e t.o place!. 9or
the mightine!! o" .or$! .hich i! commended there doth #elong 'nto hi! miracle!% #'t thi!% to
do, doth reach "'rther in m) opinion% namel)% that 'nder the !ame are comprehended all the
"amo'! act! .hich .ere proper 'nto hi! mini!tr)% .herein hi! death and re!'rrection are the
chie"e!t. 9or the o""ice o" the Me!!ia! did not onl) con!i!t in doctrine% #'t it .a! al!o #ehove"'l
that he !ho'ld ma$e peace #et.een >od and man% that he !ho'ld #e a 8edeemer o" the people% a
re!torer o" the $ingdom% and an a'thor o" everla!ting "elicit). *ll the!e thing!% + !a)% a! the) .ere
promi!ed o" the Me!!ia!% !o .ere the) loo$ed "or at hi! hand!.
:o. .e !ee that the !'m o" the go!pel con!i!teth o" the!e t.o part!% namel)% o" the doctrine o"
Chri!t% and o" hi! act!< "ora!m'ch a! he did not onl) #ring 'nto men that em#a!!age .hich .a!
given him in charge o" hi! 9ather% #'t al!o per"ormed all thing! that co'ld #e re@'ired o" the
Me!!ia!. He #egan hi! $ingdom% he paci"ied >od .ith hi! !acri"ice% he p'rged man=! !in! .ith
hi! o.n precio'! #lood% he !'#d'ed death and the devil% he re!tored '! 'nto tr'e li#ert)% he
p'rcha!ed righteo'!ne!! and li"e "or '!. *nd to the end that .hat!oever he either did or !aid
might #e certain% he proved him!el" #) miracle! to #e the Son o" >od. So that thi! .ord% to do, i!
e3tended 'nto hi! miracle! al!o< #'t it m'!t not #e re!trained onl) 'nto the !ame. Here m'!t .e
note% that tho!e .hich have onl) the #are $no.ledge o" the hi!tor) have not the go!pel< 'nle!!
the $no.ledge o" the doctrine .hich ma$eth mani"e!t the "r'it! o" the act! o" Chri!t #e ad?oined
there'nto. 9or thi! i! a hol) $not .hich no man ma) di!!olve. There"ore% .hen!oever mention i!
16
made o" the doctrine o" Chri!t% let '! learn to ad?oin there'nto hi! .or$!% a! !eal! .here#) the
tr'th thereo" i! e!ta#li!hed and con"irmed% and the e""ect declared. 9'rthermore% that .e ma)
reap commodit) #) hi! death and re!'rrection% and al!o that miracle! ma) have their '!e% .e
m'!t al.a)! have re!pect 'nto him that !pea$eth. 9or thi! i! the tr'e r'le o" Chri!tianit).
1. Of all things $hi'h he began( + do not greatl) mi!li$e the interpretation .hich !ome give o"
thi! place that L'$e !aid rather o" all than all* #eca'!e it i! po!!i#le in !ome mea!'re to intreat o"
the .or$! and doctrine o" Chri!t% #'t to !et do.n the .hole co'r!e% that the narration ma) #e
per"ect% .ere a matter o" great
91E
.eight. Li$e a! Bohn doth declare that the .orld co'ld not
contain the #oo$!% F
N03/1/DO
Bohn /14/D.G That i! al!o to #e noted that L'$e !aith% that he #egan hi!
hi!tor) at the #eginning o" the .or$! o" Chri!t. -'t !o !oon a! he hath declared the nativit) o"
Chri!t% he pa!!eth over 'nto the t.el"th )ear o" hi! age F
N0/0/0/O
L'$e /40/<G and a"ter he had
#rie"l) !po$en o" hi! di!p'tation had in the temple .ith the doctor!% pa!!ing over eighteen )ear!
.itho't !pea$ing an) thing o" them% he entereth [on] the ?'!t narration o" the .or$! o" Chri!t. +t
i!% there"ore% mani"e!t that tho!e .or$! and !a)ing! onl) .hich ma$e an) thing 'nto the !'m o"
o'r !alvation are noted in thi! place. 9or% a"ter that Chri!t came a#road into the .orld clothed
.ith o'r "le!h% he lived privatel) at home 'ntil he .a! thirt) )ear! o" age% at .hich time hi!
9ather p't 'pon him another manner o" per!on. >od .o'ld have him to lead the "ormer part o"
hi! li"e o#!c'rel)% to thi! end% that the $no.ledge o" the!e thing! might #e more e3cellent .hich
do edi") o'r "aith.
The for%er s+ee'h( +t !eemed good to me to tran!late thi! on thi! .i!e% #eca'!e logon poieisqa<i%
i! the !ame .ith the >recian!% .hich &erba fa'ere, or to !pea$% i! .ith the Latin!% a! -'dae'!
doth note. *nd .e m'!t 'nder!tand the contrariet) o" the !econd part% .hich he ta$eth in hand%
that .e ma) $no. that the evangeli!t determined .ith him!el" a"re!h to .rite% having ne. matter
.here'pon to .rite.
2. &en until that day( There"ore% the a!cen!ion o" Chri!t i! the end o" the hi!tor) o" the go!pel.
9or he hath a!cended% !aith Pa'l% that he might "'l"ill all thing!% F
N010010O
,phe!ian! 0410.G 7'r "aith
gathereth other "r'it there#)< #'t it !hall #e !'""icient to note in thi! place% that o'r redemption
.a! "'ll) complete and "ini!hed then .hen Chri!t did a!cend 'nto hi! 9ather< and% there"ore% that
L'$e did "'ll) per"orm hi! d't) in thi! narration% a! to'ching the doctrine and .or$! o" Chri!t.
*nd he i! !aid to #e ta$en 'p% that .e ma) $no. that he i! tr'l) departed o't o" thi! .orld% le!t
.e !ho'ld con!ent 'nto their doting! .ho thin$ that in hi! a!cen!ion there .a! no alteration o"
place made.
Co%%and%ent by the Holy Ghost( L'$e !ho.eth in the!e .ord!% that Chri!t did not !o depart o't
o" the .orld that he did no longer care "or '!< "or in that he hath ordained a perpet'al government
in hi! Ch'rch% he there#) declareth that he had a care to provide "or o'r !alvation< )ea% he hath
promi!ed that he .ill #e pre!ent .ith hi! to the end% F
N00/E/0O
Matthe. /E4/0%G li$e a!% indeed% he i!
al.a)! pre!ent #) hi! mini!ter!. L'$e% there"ore% doth !ho. 'nto '!% that Chri!t did no !ooner
depart hence% #'t !traight.a) he provided "or the government o" hi! Ch'rch< .hence .e ma)
gather that he i! care"'l "or o'r !alvation. *nd thi! hi! providence hath Pa'l plainl) noted in the
place latel) cited% .hen he !aith% That he hath "'l"illed all thing!% ma$ing !ome apo!tle!% !ome
evangeli!t!% !ome pa!tor!% etc. -'t the!e commandment!% .hich the evangeli!t !aith Chri!t gave
'nto hi! di!ciple!% do + interpret o" the preaching o" the go!pel< li$e a! am#a!!ador! '!e to #e
in!tr'cted .ith certain precept! #e"ore the) go o" their em#a!!age% le!t the) !ho'ld ra!hl)
attempt an) thing contrar) to hi! .ill and mind that !endeth them. *nd all thi! i! !po$en in
1M
commendation o" that doctrine .hich the apo!tle! ta'ght. The .hich that it ma) appear more
mani"e!tl)% ever) thing i! to #e mar$ed in order a! it lieth. 9ir!t o" all% he !aith the) .ere elect
and cho!en o" Chri!t% that .e ma) #e certain o" their calling 'nto that "'nction. :either doth he
in thi! place !et >od=! election again!t man=! merit!% #'t onl) a""irmeth that the) .ere rai!ed 'p
#) >od% and that the) did not ra!hl) ta$e 'pon them thi! "'nction. That i! tr'e% indeed% that the)
.ere "reel) cho!en< #'t no. have .e to in@'ire .hat i! L'$e=! dri"t in thi! place. + !a) that he
hath re!pect 'nto nothing el!e% #'t that .e ma) #e certain o" the calling o" the apo!tle!% that .e
ma) learn not to have re!pect 'nto men% #'t 'nto the Son o" >od% the a'thor thereo"% #eca'!e thi!
m'!t al.a)! #e a ma3im in the Ch'rch% that no man '!'rp an) honor. Secondl)% he !aith% that
the) .ere in!tr'cted o" Chri!t .hat the) !ho'ld do. *! i" he !ho'ld !a)% that the) 'ttered not their
o.n invention!% #'t the) delivered that !incerel) and "aith"'ll) .hich .a! en?oined them #) their
heavenl) Ma!ter. *nd to the end that that .hich Chri!t ta'ght them might #e the more
reverenced% he addeth thi!% that thi! .a! done #) the direction o" the Hol) >ho!t. :ot #eca'!e the
Son o" >od had an) need to #e g'ided #) an) other% .ho i! eternal .i!dom% #'t #eca'!e he .a!
al!o man% le!t an) man !ho'ld thin$ that he did deliver tho!e thing! 'nto hi! di!ciple! .hich he
delivered #) man=! .it and rea!on% he calleth '! #ac$ e3pre!!l) 'nto the divine a'thorit). Li$e a!
the Lord him!el" doth !o o"ten a""irm% that he ta'ght nothing #'t that .hich he had received o"
hi! 9ather< and there"ore he !aith% that hi! doctrine .a! not hi! o.n. There"ore% he !igni"ieth that
in the preaching o" the go!pel there i! nothing .hich i!!'eth "rom man=! #rain% #'t that it i! the
divine ordinance o" the Spirit% .here'nto the .hole .orld m'!t #e !'#?ect.
ACTS 1:-!
. To .hom al!o he !ho.ed him!el" alive% a"ter that he had !'""ered% in man)
proo"!% .hile that he i! !een o" them #) the !pace o " "ort) da)!% and he intreateth o"
the $ingdom o" >od. ". *nd .hen he had gathered them together% he commanded
them that the) !ho'ld not depart "rom Ber'!alem% #'t that the) !ho'ld .ait "or the
promi!e o" the 9ather< .hereo"% !aith he% )e have heard o" me4 !. -eca'!e Bohn
tr'l) #apti5ed .ith .ater< #'t )o' !hall #e #apti5ed .ith the Hol) >ho!t% a"ter a
"e. da)!.
. ,nto $ho%, et'( He addeth thi!% that he might ma$e the re!'rrection to #e #elieved% a! a thing
mo!t nece!!ar) to #e $no.n% and .itho't the .hich the .hole go!pel "alleth "iat to the gro'nd%
neither remaineth there an) more "aith. *nd that + ma) omit to !pea$ o" other di!commoditie!
that come #) #eing ignorant o" the re!'rrection o" Chri!t% the go!pel lo!eth hi! .hole a'thorit)%
'nle!! .e $no. and #e al!o "'ll) per!'aded that Chri!t #eing alive% !pea$eth 'nto '! "rom the
heaven!. Jhere'nto L'$e hath chie"e!t re!pect in thi! place. There"ore% that the tr'th hereo"
might not #e called in @'e!tion% he !aith that it .a! proved #) man) !ign! and to$en!. Tho!e
.hich ,ra!m'!% "ollo.ing an old interpreter% doth call arg'ment!% + have tran!lated proo"!. 9or
*ri!totle doth call that tekmhrion% in the "ir!t #oo$ o" hi! -hetori's, .hich i! nece!!ar) in !ign!.
Thi! i!% there"ore% that .hich + !aid #e"ore% that Chri!t did ma$e mani"e!t hi! re!'rrection 'nto hi!
apo!tle! #) evident to$en!% .hich did !erve in!tead o" nece!!ar) proo"!% le!t the) !ho'ld do'#t o"
the !ame. 9'rthermore% he doth not rec$on 'p tho!e to$en! and !ign!% !aving onl) that he !aith%
that Chri!t did appear 'nto them a#o't the !pace o" a month and onehal" o"tentime!. +" he had
#'t once appeared 'nto them% it might have #een !ome.hat !'!picio'!% #'t in !ho.ing him!el"
!o o"ten 'nto them% he di!!olveth all do'#t! .hich might ari!e in their mind!% and #) thi! mean!%
1E
al!o% he p'tteth a.a) the reproach o" the ignorance .hich he !aid .a! in the apo!tle!% le!t it
di!credit their preaching.
He intreateth of the #ingdo% of God( He telleth '! again that the apo!tle! them!elve! .ere .ell
ta'ght
911
#e"ore !'ch time a! the) too$ 'pon them to teach other!< there"ore% .hat!oever thing!
the) 'ttered and #ro'ght to light% either #) .ord or #) .riting% to'ching the $ingdom o" >od%
the) are tho!e !peeche! .hich Chri!t him!el" 'ttered. *nd here#) doth he #rie"l) !et do.n the
end o" the doctrine o" the go!pel< namel)% that >od ma) reign in '!. 8egeneration i! the
#eginning o" thi! $ingdom% and the end thereo" i! #le!!ed immortalit)< the middle proceeding!
are in a more ample going "or.ard and increa!e o" regeneration. -'t that thi! thing ma) appear
more evidentl)% .e m'!t "ir!t note% that .e are #orn% and that .e live alien! and !tranger! "rom
the $ingdom o" >od% 'ntil !'ch time a! >od doth "a!hion '! again 'nto a ne. li"e. There"ore% .e
ma) properl) !et the .orld% the "le!h% and .hat!oever i! in man=! nat're again!t the $ingdom o"
>od% a! contrar) to it. 9or the nat'ral man i! .holl) occ'pied a#o't the thing! o" thi! .orld% and
he !ee$eth "elicit) here<
9/0
in the mean !ea!on% .e are a! it .ere #ani!hed "rom >od% and he
li$e.i!e "rom '!< #'t Chri!t% #) the preaching o" the go!pel% doth li"t '! 'p 'nto the meditation o"
the li"e to come. *nd to the end he ma) the #etter #ring thi! to pa!!% he re"ormeth all o'r earthl)
a""ection!% and !o having !triped '! o't o" the vice! o" o'r "le!h% he !eparateth '! "rom the .orld.
*nd% li$e a! eternal death i! prepared "or all tho!e .hich live a"ter the "le!h% !o in a! m'ch a! the
in.ard man i! rene.ed in '!% that .e ma) go "or.ard in the !pirit'al li"e% .e dra. nearer 'nto
the per"ection o" the $ingdom o" >od< .hich i! the !ociet) o" the glor) o" >od. There"ore% >od
.ill reign in and among!t '! no.% that he ma) at length ma$e '! parta$er! o" hi! $ingdom.
Here#) .e gather that Chri!t did principall) intreat o" the corr'ption o" man$ind< o" the t)rann)
o" !in% .ho!e #ond!lave! .e are< o" the c'r!e and g'iltine!! o" eternal death% .here'nto .e all
are !'#?ect% and al!o o" the mean! to o#tain !alvation< o" the remi!!ion o" !in!< o" the den)ing o"
the "le!h< o" !pirit'al righteo'!ne!!< o" hope o" eternal li"e% and o" li$e !'ch thing!. *nd i" .e .ill
#e rightl) in!tr'cted in Chri!tianit)% .e m'!t appl) o'r !t'die! to the!e thing!.
". Gathering the% together, he 'o%%anded, et'( The) had #e"ore done the d't) o" *po!tle!< #'t
that la!ted #'t a .hile< and% !econdl)% !o "ar "orth that the) might .ith their preaching a.a$e the
Be.! to hear their Ma!ter. *nd !o that commandment to teach% .hich Chri!t had given them%
F
N00100MO
Matthe. 104M%G .hil!t he lived .ith them 'pon earth% .a!% a! it .ere% a certain entrance
into their apo!tle!hip .hich .a! to come% "or .hich the) .ere not )et ripe. There"ore% their
ordinar) "'nction .a! not laid 'pon them% 'ntil !'ch time a! Chri!t .a! ri!en again< #'t the)
!tirred 'p their nation Fa! + have !aidG li$e crier!% that the) might give ear to Chri!t. *nd then at
length% a"ter the re!'rrection% the) .ere made *po!tle!% to p'#li!h a#road thro'gho't the .hole
.orld that doctrine .hich .a! committed to them. *nd .herea! a"ter the) .ere made *po!tle!%
Chri!t commandeth them a! )et to a#!tain "rom their o""ice% that i! done not .itho't ?'!t ca'!e<
)ea% man) ca'!e! ma) #e alleged .h) it !ho'ld #e !o. That "ilth) "or!a$ing o" their Ma!ter .a!
)et "re!h< man) note! and to$en! o" 'n#elie" .ere )et "re!h. Jherea!% the) had #een !o
thoro'ghl) ta'ght% and had !o !'ddenl) "orgotten all% the) !ho.ed a mani"e!t to$en o" their great
d'llne!! o" .it. :either .ere the) "ree "rom !l'ggi!hne!!% .hich co'ld not other.i!e "itl) #e
p'rged% than #) de"erring the promi!ed grace% that he might the more !harpen their de!ire. -'t
thi! ca'!e i! chie"l) to #e noted% that the Lord did appoint a certain time "or the !ending o" the
Spirit% that the miracle might #e the more apparent. *gain% he !'""ered them to re!t a .hile% that
he might the #etter !et "orth the greatne!! o" that #'!ine!! .hich he .a! a#o't to commit 'nto
11
them. *nd there#) i! the tr'th o" the go!pel con"irmed% #eca'!e the *po!tle! .ere "or#idden to
addre!! them!elve! to preach the !ame% 'ntil the) !ho'ld #e .ell prepared in !'cce!!ion o" time.
*nd the) .ere commanded to !ta) together% #eca'!e the) !ho'ld all have one !pirit given them.
+" the) had #een di!per!ed% the 'nit) !ho'ld not have #een !o .ell $no.n. Tho'gh the) .ere
!cattered a#road a"ter.ard! in diver! place!% )et #eca'!e the) #ro'ght that .hich the) had "rom
one and the !ame "o'ntain% it .a! all one% a! i" the) al.a)! had had all one mo'th. 9'rthermore%
it .a! e3pedient that the) !ho'ld #egin to preach the go!pel at Ber'!alem% that the prophec)
might #e "'l"illed%
PThere !hall a la. go o't o" Kion%
and the .ord o" the Lord o't o" Ber'!alem%Q F
N/30/03O
+!aiah /43.G
*ltho'gh the participle sunalizomenov% ma) #e diver!el) tran!lated% )et ,ra!m'! hi! tran!lation
did plea!e me #e!t% #eca'!e the !igni"ication o" gathering together .ill agree #etter .ith the te3t%
[conte3t.]
They should $ait for the +ro%ise( +t .a! meet that the!e !ho'ld #e acc'!tomed to o#e) "ir!t% .ho
!ho'ld !hortl) a"ter la) Chri!t=! )o$e 'pon the nec$ o" the .orld. *nd !'rel) the) have ta'ght '!
#) their e3ample% that .e m'!t .or$ and re!t at the Lord=! plea!'re alone. 9or i"% d'ring o'r li"e%
.e go on .ar"are 'nder hi! #anner and cond'ct% !'rel) he o'ght to have no le!! a'thorit) over '!
than an) earthl) captain hath in hi! arm). There"ore% a! .arli$e di!cipline re@'ireth thi!% that no
man .age 'nle!! he #e commanded #) the captain% !o it i! not la."'l "or '! either to go o't% or to
attempt an) thing% 'ntil the Lord give the .atch.ord< and !o !oon a! he #lo.eth the retreat% .e
m'!t !ta)% [halt.] Moreover% .e are ta'ght that .e are made parta$er! o" the gi"t! o" >od thro'gh
hope. -'t .e m'!t mar$ the nat're o" hope a! it i! de!cri#ed in thi! place. 9or that i! not hope
.hich ever) man "eigneth to him!el" 'nadvi!edl)% #'t that .hich i! gro'nded on the promi!e o"
>od. There"ore Chri!t cloth not !'""er hi! apo!tle! to loo$ "or .hat!oever the) .ill% #'t he
addeth e3pre!!l) the promi!e o" the 9ather. 9'rthermore% he ma$eth him!el" a .itne!! thereo"<
#eca'!e .e o'ght to #e !o !'re and certain% that altho'gh all the engine! o" hell gain!tand '!% )et
thi! ma) remain !'rel) "i3ed in o'r mind!% that .e have #elieved >od. + $no.% !aith Pa'l% .hom
+ have #elieved% F
NDD011/O
/ Timoth) 141/.G *nd here he p'tteth them in mind o" tho!e thing! .hich
are .ritten in
N03101DO
Bohn 1041D% 16%
P+ .ill pra) the 9ather% and he !hall give )o' another Com"orter% that he ma) contin'e
.ith )o'< + !a) the Spirit o" tr'th%Q etc.
*gain%
P+ have !po$en the!e thing! 'nto )o' .hile + am .ith )o'.Q P*nd the Spirit% .hom m)
9ather !hall !end in m) name% !hall teach )o' all thing!%Q F
N0310/DO
Bohn 104/D% /6%G etc.
*nd again%
PJhen the Spirit o" tr'th !hall come% .hom + .ill !end "rom m) 9ather% he !hall #ear
.itne!! o" me%Q F
N031D/6O
Bohn 1D4/6.G
*nd again%
P+" + !hall go hence% + .ill !end )o' the Com"orter% .ho !hall reprove the .orld%Q
F
N03160MO
Bohn 164M.G
/0
*nd he had !aid long #e"ore%
PHe .hich #elieveth in me% o't o" hi! #ell)
!hall "lo. river! o" living .ater%Q
F
N030M3EO
Bohn M43E.G
!. .e'ause /ohn truly( Chri!t repeateth thi! 'nto hi! apo!tle! o't o" Bohn=! o.n .ord!. 9or !ome
part o" them had heard that at Bohn=! mo'th% .hich the ,vangeli!t! report% P+ tr'l) #apti5e )o'
.ith .ater% #'t he that cometh a"ter me !hall #apti5e )o' .ith the Hol) >ho!t% and .ith "ire.Q
:o. Chri!t prono'nceth that the) !hall .ell perceive that that i! tr'e indeed .hich he !aid.
9'rthermore% thi! !erveth greatl) to con"irm the !entence ne3t going #e"ore% "or it i! an arg'ment
dra.n "rom the o""ice o" Chri!t. *nd that th'!4 Bohn .a! !ent to #apti5e .ith .ater% he "'l"illed
hi! "'nction a! it #ecame the !ervant o" >od. The Son o" >od i! !ent to #apti5e .ith the Hol)
>ho!t< it remained% there"ore% that he do hi! d't). :either can it #e other.i!e #'t he m'!t do that
.hich hi! 9ather hath commanded him to do% and "or .hich al!o he came do.n into the earth.
-'t it !eemeth a ver) a#!'rd thing to re!train that 'nto the vi!i#le !ending o" the Hol) >ho!t%
.hich .a! !po$en 'niver!all) o" regeneration.
9/1
+ an!.er% that Chri!t did not then onl) #apti5e
.ith the Hol) >ho!t% .hen a! he !ent him 'nder the "orm o" "ier) tong'e!< "or he had #apti5ed
hi! apo!tle! #e"ore thi!< and he #apti5eth all the elect th'! dail). -'t #eca'!e the !ending o" the
Hol) >ho!t a"ter !o glorio'! a !ort .a! a to$en o" the hidden grace .here.ith he doth dail)
in!pire hi! elect% he doth "itl) appl) there'nto the te!timon) o" Bohn. *nd tr'l) thi! .a! a! tho'gh
it had #een the common #apti!m o" the Ch'rch. 9or #e!ide! that the apo!tle! did not receive the
Spirit "or them!elve! onl)% #'t "or the '!e o" all the "aith"'l% there .a! al!o declared the 'niver!al
"avor o" Chri!t to.ard! hi! Ch'rch% .hile that he po'red o't there'pon the gi"t! o" hi! Spirit in
great a#'ndance.
*ltho'gh% there"ore% he doth dail) #apti5e the elect o" hi! 9ather% )et .a! thi! no let .h) he
might not !ho. "orth thi! to$en to #e remem#ered a#ove all other!% that the apo!tle! might $no.
that the) .ere onl) entered #) Bohn< and that not in vain% !eeing their per"ection .a! hard at
hand. *nd that i! "rivolo'! .hich !ome gather o't o" thi! place mo!t commonl)%
9//
namel)% that
the #apti!m o" Bohn and the #apti!m o" Chri!t .ere diver!e. 9or here doth not he di!p'te in thi!
place o" #apti!m% #'t ma$eth onl) a compari!on #et.i3t the per!on o" Bohn and the per!on o"
Chri!t. Jhen a! Bohn did !a) that he did #apti5e .ith .ater onl)% he did not rea!on o" .hat !ort
hi! #apti!m .a!< #'t .hat he him!el" .a!< le!t he !ho'ld arrogate that 'nto him!el" .hich .a!
proper to Chri!t. *! al!o% the mini!ter! in the!e da)! o'ght not to !pea$ other.i!e o" them!elve!<
#'t the) m'!t ac$no.ledge Chri!t to #e the a'thor o" all tho!e thing! .hich the) do pre"ig're in
the o't.ard #apti!m% and leave nothing to them!elve! !ave onl) the o't.ard admini!tration. 9or
.hen a! the!e title! are attri#'ted 'nto #apti!m% namel)% that it i! the laver o" regeneration%
F
ND6030DO
Tit'! 34D%G a .a!hing a.a) o" !in!% the "ello.!hip o" death% and #'r)ing .ith Chri!t%
F
N0D0600O
8oman! 640%G and a gra"ting into the #od) o" Chri!t% it i! not declared .hat man% #eing the
mini!ter o" the o't.ard !ign% doth< #'t rather .hat Chri!t doth% .ho onl) giveth "orce and
e""icac) 'nto the !ign!. Je m'!t al.a)! hold "a!t thi! di!tinction% le!t% .hil!t .e dec$ man too
m'ch% .e ta$e "rom Chri!t.
9/3
-'t here ma) a @'e!tion #e moved% .h) he doth rather name Bohn here than an) other< "ir!t% +t i!
mani"e!t eno'gh that Bohn did pro"e!! him!el" to #e the mini!ter o" the o't.ard !ign% namel)% o"
.ater% and that Chri!t .a! the a'thor o" the !pirit'al #apti!m< !econdl)% -eca'!e it .a! meet that
Bohn !ho'ld decrea!e and Chri!t increa!e< and% thirdl)% -eca'!e the apo!tle! did !o m'ch e!teem
/1
o" Bohn% F
N030330O
Bohn 3430%G it might have #een that there#) the glor) o" Chri!t might have #een
o#!c'red. There"ore% Chri!t% to the end he might reclaim them to him!el"% telleth them that Bohn
did onl) mini!ter 'nto them the e3ternal #apti!m< not.ith!tanding% he con"irmeth them al!o% le!t
the) !ho'ld do'#t o" the promi!e< "or the) did attri#'te ver) m'ch 'nto Bohn% and there"ore .ere
the) per!'aded that the #apti!m .hich the) had received #) him .a! not in vain. :o.% i" that the
verit) and "orce thereo" m'!t #e loo$ed "or at Chri!t=! hand!% then o'ght the apo!tle! to hope that
that !hall !'rel) #e "'l"illed .hich Bohn pre"ig'red.
So m'!t .e% in li$e manner% thin$ that .e are not in vain #apti5ed .ith .ater #) men% #eca'!e
Chri!t% .ho commanded the !ame to #e done% .ill "'l"ill hi! o""ice% and #apti5e '! .ith the
Spirit. So "aith dra.eth a con!e@'ent "rom the o't.ard !ign 'nto the in.ard e""ect< )et doth it
not attri#'te an) more than i! meet% either to the !ign or to the mini!ter thereo"% #eca'!e in the
!ign it onl) loo$eth 'nto the promi!e% .hich i! Chri!t=!% and doth ac$no.ledge him to #e the onl)
a'thor o" grace. Let '!% there"ore% '!e !'ch a mean that .e do in no part dimini!h Chri!t=! honor<
and )et% neverthele!!% let '! hope "or that "r'it #) o'r #apti!m .hich i! noted in thi! place. -)
a!!igning !o !hort a time o'r Savior ma$eth them more ?o)"'l to hope .ell. Jhere'pon it
"ollo.eth% that that death .a! not to #e lamented .hich #ro'ght .ith it pre!entl) !o precio'!
"r'it. *nd let '! note thi! al!o% that thi! .ord #apti!m i! '!ed improperl) in thi! place% that the
contrariet) ma) #e "'ll. *"ter the !ame !ort% Pa'l% in hi! ,pi!tle 'nto the 8oman!% F
N0D03/6O
8oman!
34/6%G a"ter he hath !et do.n the la. o" .or$!% to the end that the contrar) ma) an!.er on the
other !ide% he '!eth the la. o" "aith "or "aith it!el".
ACTS 1:#-$
#. *nd .hen the)% .ere gathered together% the) a!$ed him% !a)ing% Lord% do!t
tho' at thi! time re!tore the $ingdom 'nto +!raelI %. *nd he !aid 'nto them% +t
i! not "or )o' to $no. the time! and the !ea!on!% .hich the 9ather hath placed
in hi! o.n po.er. $. -'t )o' !hall receive po.er .hen a! the Spirit !hall
come 'p. on )o'4 and )o' !hall #e .itne!!e! 'nto me% a! .ell at Ber'!alem a!
in all B'dea% and in Samaria% and 'nto the "arthe!t part o" the earth.
#. He !ho.eth that the apo!tle! .ere gathered together .hen a! thi! @'e!tion .a! moved% that .e
ma) $no. that it came not o" the "ooli!hne!! o" one or t.o that it .a! moved% #'t it .a! moved
#) the common con!ent o" them all< #'t marvelo'! i! their r'dene!!% that .hen a! the) had #een
diligentl) in!tr'cted #) the !pace o" three .hole )ear!% the) #etra) no le!! ignorance than i" the)
had heard never a .ord. There are a! man) error! in thi! @'e!tion a! .ord!. The) a!$ him a!
concerning a $ingdom< #'t the) dream o" an earthl) $ingdom% .hich !ho'ld "lo. .ith riche!%
.ith daintie!% .ith e3ternal peace% and .ith !'ch li$e good thing!< and .hile the) a!!ign the
pre!ent time to the re!toring o" the !ame. the) de!ire to tri'mph #e"ore the #attle< "or #e"ore !'ch
time a! the) #egin to .or$ the) .ill have their .age!. The) are al!o greatl) deceived herein% in
that the) re!train Chri!t=! $ingdom 'nto the carnal +!rael% .hich .a! to #e !pread a#road% even
'nto the 'ttermo!t part! o" the .orld. 9'rthermore% there i! thi! "a'lt in all their .hole @'e!tion%
namel)% that the) de!ire to $no. tho!e thing! .hich are not meet "or them to $no.. :o do'#t
the) .ere not ignorant .hat the prophet! did prophe!) concerning the re!toring o" (avid=!
$ingdom% the) had o"tentime! heard their Ma!ter preach concerning thi! matter. La!tl)% +t .a! a
!a)ing common in ever) man=! mo'th% that% in the mo!t mi!era#le captivit) o" the people% the)
!ho'ld all #e com"orted% .ith the e3pectation o" the $ingdom that !ho'ld #e. :o.% the) hoped
//
"or the re!toring hereo" at the coming o" the Me!!ia!% and here'pon .a! it that !o !oon a! the
apo!tle! !a. their Ma!ter Chri!t ri!en "rom the dead% the) !traight.a) #egan to thin$ there'pon<
#'t% in the meantime% the) declared there#) ho. #ad !cholar! the) .ere 'nder !o good a Ma!ter.
There"ore doth Chri!t #rie"l) comprehend
9/0
in thi! !hort an!.er all the error! .hereinto the)
"ell in thi! their @'e!tion% a! + !hall !traight.a) declare. To re!tore% in thi! place% doth !igni") to
!et 'p again that .hich .a! "allen% and thro'gh man) r'in! gro.n o't o" "a!hion< "or o't o" the
dr) !toc$ o" +!ai [Be!!e] !ho'ld !pring a -ranch% and the ta#ernacle o" (avid% .hich .a! laid
.a!te%
9/D
!ho'ld #e erected and !et on "oot again.
%. !t is not for you to #no$, et'( Thi! i! a general reprehen!ion o" the .hole @'e!tion. 9or it .a!
too c'rio'! "or them to de!ire to $no. that .hereo" their Ma!ter .o'ld have them ignorant< #'t
thi! i! the tr'e mean! to #ecome .i!e% namel)% to go a! "ar "or.ard in learning a! o'r Ma!ter
Chri!t goeth in teaching% anal .illingl) to #e ignorant o" tho!e thing! .hich he doth conceal "rom
'!. -'t "ora!m'ch a! there i! nat'rall) engendered in '! a certain "ooli!h and vain c'rio!it)% and
al!o a certain ra!h $ind o" #oldne!!% .e m'!t diligentl) o#!erve thi! admonition o" Chri!t%
.here#) he correcteth #oth the!e vice!. -'t to the end .e ma) $no. .hat hi! meaning i! here#)%
.e m'!t mar$ the t.o mem#er! .hich he ?oineth together. P+t i! not "or )o'Q F!aith heG Pto $no.
tho!e thing! .hich the 9ather hath placed in hi! o.n po.er.Q He !pea$eth% indeed% o" the time!
and !ea!on!< #'t !eeing there i! the li$e rea!on in other thing!% .e m'!t thin$ thi! to #e a
'niver!al precept% That #eing contented .ith the revelation o" >od% .e thin$ it an heino'! crime
to in@'ire an) "'rther. Thi! i! the tr'e mean #et.een the t.o e3treme!. The Papi!t!% that the)
ma) have !ome.hat .here.ith to cloa$ their gro!! ignorance% !a) "or them!elve!% that the) omit
the hidden m)!terie! o" >od% a! tho'gh o'r .hole "aith and religion did con!i!t 'pon an) thing
el!e than 'pon the hidden m)!terie! o" >od< then ma) .e ta$e o'r leave o" Chri!t and hi! go!pel%
i" .e m'!t a#!tain 'tterl) "rom the hidden m)!terie! o" >od. -'t .e m'!t $eep% a! + !aid #e"ore a
mean herein< "or .e m'!t #e de!iro'! to learn !o "ar a! o'r heavenl) Ma!ter doth teach '!< #'t a!
"or !'ch thing! a! he .ill have '! ignorant o"% let mine #e !o #old a! to in@'ire a"ter them that .e
ma) #e .i!e .ith !o#riet). There"ore% !o o"ten a! .e are ve3ed .ith thi! "ooli!h de!ire o"
$no.ing more than .e o'ght% let '! call to mind thi! !a)ing o" Chri!t% P+t i! not "or )o' to
$no..Q 9or 'nle!! .e .ill #'r!t in again!t hi! .ill and commandment% thi! !hall have "orce and
!trength eno'gh to re!train the o'trageo'!ne!! o" o'r .it!.
:o.% a! to'ching the "ore$no.ledge o" time!% Chri!t condemneth onl) the !earching o't thereo"
.hich reacheth #e)ond the mea!'re o" >od=! revelation< and that i! to #e noted o't o" the !econd
mem#er% a! #e"ore + have !aid% P.hich the 9ather hath placed in hi! o.n po.er.Q Tr'th it i!% that
>od hath in hi! o.n po.er .inter and !'mmer% and the re!t o" the !ea!on! o" the )ear% cold and
heat% "air .eather and "o'l. -'t #eca'!e he hath te!ti"ied that the co'r!e o" the )ear! !hall #e
perpet'al% F
N010100O
>ene!i! 1401%G he i! !aid not to have placed that in hi! o.n po.er .hich he
hath revealed 'nto men. Jhat thing !oever the philo!opher! or h'!#andmen do comprehend or
'nder!tand #) art% #) learning% #) ?'dgment% or e3perience% all that doth >od not retain 'nto
him!el"% #eca'!e he hath a"ter a certain !ort revealed it 'nto them% F
N010E//O
>ene!i! E4//.G The
!ame opinion m'!t .e have o" the prophet!< "or it .a! their o""ice to $no. tho!e thing! .hich
>od did reveal. -'t .e m'!t #e ignorant o" the !ecret event! o" thing!% a! to'ching the time to
come< "or there i! nothing .hich ma) ma$e '! more !lac$ in doing o'r d'tie!% than too care"'l an
in@'i!ition herein% "or .e .ill al.a)! ta$e co'n!el according to the "'t're event o" thing!< #'t the
Lord% #) hiding the !ame "rom '!% doth pre!cri#e 'nto '! .hat .e o'ght to do. Here ari!eth a
con"lict% #eca'!e .e .ill not .illingl) !'""er >od to have that .hich i! hi! o.n% namel)% the !ole
/3
government and direction o" thing! .hich are to come< #'t .e ca!t o'r!elve! into a !trange and
inordinate care"'lne!!. To concl'de% Chri!t "or#iddeth '! to appl) tho!e thing! 'nto o'r!elve!%
.hich >od doth challenge a! proper to him!el" alone. 7" thi! !ort i! the "ore$no.ledge o" tho!e
thing! .hich >od hath ta$en to him!el" to govern and direct% according to hi! o.n plea!'re% "ar
contrar) to o'r opinion% and other.i!e than .e co'ld invent.
9/6
$. 0ou shall re'ei&e +o$er( 7'r Savior Chri!t doth here call them #ac$ a! .ell 'nto the promi!e
o" >od a! al!o 'nto hi! commandment% .hich .a! the readie!t .a) to #ridle their c'rio!it).
C'rio!it) doth ri!e almo!t al.a)! either o" idlene!! or el!e o" di!tr'!t< di!tr'!t i! c'red #)
meditating 'pon the promi!e! o" >od. *nd hi! commandment! do tell '! ho. .e o'ght to
occ'p) o'r!elve! and emplo) o'r !t'die!. There"ore% he commandeth hi! di!ciple! to .ait "or the
promi!e o" >od% and to #e diligent in e3ec'ting their o""ice .here'nto >od had called them. *nd
in the mean !ea!on he noteth
9/M
their great ha!tine!!% in that the) did prepo!tero'!l) catch at
tho!e gi"t! .hich .ere proper 'nto the Hol) Spirit% .hen a! the) .ere not a! )et end'ed .ith the
!ame. :either did the) ta$e the right .a) herein% in that #eing called to go on .ar"are% the)
de!ire Fomitting their la#orG to la$e their ea!e in their inn.
9/E
There"ore% .hen he !aith% you shall
re'ei&e +o$er, he admoni!heth them o" their im#ecilit)% le!t the) "ollo. #e"ore the time tho!e
thing! .here'nto the) cannot attain. +t ma) #e read ver) .ell either .a)% ;o' !hall receive the
po.er o" the Spirit< or% The Spirit coming 'pon )o'< )et the latter .a) !eemeth to #e the #etter%
#eca'!e it doth more "'ll) declare their de"ect trod .ant% 'ntil !'ch time a! the Spirit !ho'ld
come 'pon them.
0ou shall be %y $itnesses( He correcteth t.o error! o" their! in thi! one !entence. 9or% "ir!t% he
!ho.eth that the) m'!t "ight #e"ore the) can tri'mph< and% !econdl)% that the nat're o" Chri!t=!
$ingdom .a! o" another !ort than the) ?'dged it to have #een. There"ore% !aith he% 0ou shall be
%y $itnesses* that i!% the h'!#andman m'!t "ir!t .or$ #e"ore he can reap hi! "r'it!. Hence% na)
.e learn that .e m'!t "ir!t !t'd) ho. .e ma) come 'nto the $ingdom o" >od% #e"ore .e #egin
to di!p'te
9/1
a#o't the !tate o" the li"e to come. Man) there #e .hich do c'rio'!l) in@'ire .hat
manner [o"] #le!!edne!! that !hall #e .hich the) !hall en?o) a"ter the) !hall #e received into the
everla!ting $ingdom o" heaven% not having an) care ho. the) ma) come to en?o) the !ame.
930

The) rea!on concerning the @'alit) o" the li"e to come% .hich the) !hall have .ith Chri!t< #'t
the) never thin$ that the) m'!t #e parta$er! o" hi! death% that the) ma) live together .ith him%
F
NDD0/11O
/ Timoth) /411.G Let ever) man% there"ore% appl) him!el" in hi! .or$ .hich he hath in
hand< let '! "ight !to'tl) 'nder Chri!t=! #anner< let '! go "or.ard man"'ll) and co'rageo'!l)
931

in o'r vocation% and >od .ill give "r'it in d'e time Fand tide.G There "ollo.eth another
correction% .hen he !aith% that the) m'!t #e hi! $itnesses( 9or here#) he meant to drive o't o" hi!
di!ciple!= mind! that "ond and "al!e imagination .hich the) had conceived o" the terre!trial
$ingdom% #eca'!e he !ho.eth 'nto them #rie"l)% that hi! $ingdom con!i!teth in the preaching o"
the go!pel. There .a! no ca'!e% there"ore% .h) the) !ho'ld dream o" riche!%
93/
o" e3ternal
principalit)% or an) other earthl) thing% .hil!t the) heard that Chri!t did then reign .hen a! he
!'#d'eth 'nto him!el" Fall the .holeG .orld #) the preaching o" the go!pel. Jhere'pon it
"ollo.eth that he doth reign !pirit'all)% and not a"ter an) .orldl) manner. *nd that .hich the
apo!tle! had conceived o" the carnal $ingdom proceeded "rom the common error o" their nation<
neither .a! it marvel i" the) .ere deceived herein.
933
9or .hen .e mea!'re the !ame .ith o'r
'nder!tanding% .hat el!e can .e conceive #'t that .hich i! gro!! and terre!trialI Here'pon it
cometh% that% li$e #r'te #ea!t!% .e onl) de!ire that .hich i! commodio'! "or o'r "le!h% and
there"ore .e rather catch that .hich i! pre!ent. Jhere"ore% .e !ee that tho!e .hich held opinion%
/0
that Chri!t !ho'ld reign a! a $ing in thi! .orld a tho'!and )ear!
930
"ell into the li$e "oll).
Here'pon% al!o% the) applied all !'ch prophecie! a! did de!cri#e the $ingdom o" Chri!t
"ig'rativel) #) the !imilit'de o" earthl) $ingdom! 'nto the commodit) o" their "le!h< .herea!%
not.ith!tanding% it .a! >od=! p'rpo!e to li"t 'p their mind! higher. *! "or '!% let '! learn to
appl) o'r mind! to hear the go!pel preached% le!t .e #e entangled in li$e error!% .hich prepareth
a place in o'r heart! "or the $ingdom o" Chri!t.
93D
!n all /udea( Here he !ho.eth% "ir!t% that the) m'!t not .or$ "or the !pace o" one da) onl)% .hile
that he a!!igneth the .hole .orld 'nto them% in .hich the) m'!t p'#li!h the doctrine o" the
go!pel. 9'rthermore% he re"'teth
936
the opinion .hich the) had conceived o" +!rael. The)
!'ppo!ed tho!e to #e +!raelite! onl) .hich .ere o" the !eed o" *#raham according to the "le!h.
Chri!t te!ti"ieth that the) m'!t gather there'nto all Samaria< .hich% altho'gh the) .ere nigh in
!it'ation% )et .ere the) "ar di!tant in mind and heart. He !ho.eth that all other region! "ar
di!tant% and al!o pro"ane% m'!t #e 'nited 'nto the hol) people% that the) ma) #e all parta$er! o"
one and the !ame grace. +t i! evident F
N030001O
Bohn 041G ho. greatl) the Be.! did dete!t the
Samaritan!. Chri!t commanded that Fthe .all o" !eparation #eing #ro$en do.nG the) #e #oth
made one #od)% F
N010/10O
,phe!ian! /410%G that hi! $ingdom ma) #e erected ever).here. -)
naming B'dea and Ber'!alem% .hich the apo!tle! had tried
93M
to #e "'ll o" mo!t deadl) enemie!%
he "oretelleth them o" the great #'!ine!! and tro'#le .hich .a! prepared "or them% that he ma)
ca'!e them to cea!e to thin$ 'pon thi! tri'mph .hich the) hoped to have #een !o nigh at hand.
93E
:either co'ld the) #e a little a"raid to come #e"ore !o cr'el enemie!% more to in"lame their
rage and "'r). *nd here .e !ee ho. he giveth the "ormer place 'nto the Be.!% #eca'!e the) are%
a! it .ere% the "ir!t#egotten% F
N0/00//O
,3od'! 04//.G :ot.ith!tanding% he calleth tho!e >entile! one
.ith another% .hich .ere #e"ore !tranger! "rom the hope o" !alvation% F
N010/11O
,phe!ian! /411.G
Here#) .e learn% that the go!pel .a! preached ever).here #) the mani"e!t commandment o"
Chri!t% that it might al!o come 'nto '!.
ACTS 1:&-11
&. *nd .hen he had !po$en the!e thing!% .hile the) #eheld% he .a! ta$en 'p
on high% and a clo'd received him o't o" their !ight. 1'. *nd .hile the) loo$ed
'p !tead"a!tl) into heaven% a! he .ent% #ehold% t.o men !tood #) them in
.hite apparel% 11. Jhich al!o !aid% ;e men o" >alilee% .h) !tand )e ga5ing 'p
into heavenI Thi! !ame Be!'!% .hich i! ta$en 'p "rom )o' into heaven% !hall !o
come a! )o' have !een him go into heaven.
&. The reader! ma) learn o't o" o'r +n!tit'tion! .hat pro"it .e reap #) the a!cen!ion o" Chri!t.
:ot.ith!tanding% #eca'!e it i! one o" the chie"e!t point! o" o'r "aith% there"ore doth L'$e
endeavor more diligentl) to prove the !ame< )ea% rather% the Lord him!el" meant to p't the !ame
o't o" all do'#t% .hen a! he hath a!cended !o mani"e!tl)% and hath con"irmed the certaint) o" the
!ame #) other circ'm!tance!. 9or% i" !o #e it he had vani!hed a.a) !ecretl)% then might the
di!ciple! have do'#ted .hat .a! #ecome o" him<
931
#'t no.% !ith that the)% #eing in !o plain a
place%
900
!a. him ta$en 'p .ith .hom the) had #een conver!ant% .hom al!o the) heard !pea$
even no.% .hom the) #eheld .ith their e)e!% .hom al!o the) !ee ta$en o't o" their !ight #) a
clo'd% there i! no ca'!e .h) the) !ho'ld do'#t .hither he .a! gone. 9'rthermore% the angel! are
there al!o to #ear .itne!! o" the !ame. *nd it .a! need"'l that the hi!tor) !ho'ld have #een !et
do.n !o diligentl) "or o'r ca'!e% that .e ma) $no. a!!'redl)% that altho'gh the Son o" >od
/D
appear no.here 'pon earth% )et doth he live in the heaven!. *nd thi! !eemeth to #e the rea!on
.h) the clo'd did over!hado. him% #e"ore !'ch time a! he did enter into hi! cele!tial glor)< that
hi! di!ciple! #eing content .ith their mea!'re
901
might cea!e to in@'ire an) "'rther. *nd .e are
ta'ght #) them that o'r mind i! not a#le to a!cend !o high a! to ta$e a "'ll vie. o" the glor) o"
Chri!t< there"ore% let thi! clo'd #e a mean to re!train o'r #oldne!!% a! .a! the !mo$e .hich .a!
contin'all) #e"ore the door o" the ta#ernacle in the time o" the la..
1'. T$o %en( He calleth them !o #) rea!on o" their "orm. 9or altho'gh it might #e that the) had
the #odie! o" men in deed% concerning .hich thing + .ill not greatl) !tand in de"en!e o" either
part% )et certain it i! the) .ere not men< #'t #eca'!e thi! %etony%ia i! commonl) '!ed in the
Script're!% e!peciall) in the 9ir!t -oo$ o" Mo!e!% + .ill not greatl) !tand there'pon. Their $hite
gar%ents .ere a to$en o" rare and e3cellent dignit). 9or >od meant #) thi!% a! #) an evident
to$en to di!ting'i!h them "rom the common !ort o" people% that the di!ciple! might give #etter
ear 'nto them<
90/
and that at thi! da) .e al!o ma) $no. that thi! vi!ion .a! !ho.ed them o"
>od.
11. 0e %en of Galilee, et'( + am not o" their opinion .ho thin$ that thi! name .a! given the
apo!tle! a"ter an oppro#rio'! !ort% a! i" the angel! meant to reprehend the !lo.ne!! and d'llne!!
o" the apo!tle!. +n m) opinion% it .a! rather to ma$e them more attentive% in that men% .hom
the) did never !ee #e"ore% did name them a! tho'gh the) had per"ectl) $no.n them. -'t the)
!eem to reprehend .itho't ca'!e% "or loo$ing 'p into heaven. 9or .here !ho'ld the) rather !ee$
"or Chri!t than in heavenI (oth not the Script're! al!o o"tentime! e3hort '! there'ntoI + an!.er%
that the) .ere not reprehended #eca'!e the) loo$ed 'p to.ard! heaven< #'t #eca'!e the)
coveted to !ee Chri!t% .hen a! the clo'd .hich .a! p't #et.een them and him did $eep them
"rom !eeing him .ith their #odil) !en!e!4 Secondl)% #eca'!e the) hoped that he .o'ld ret'rn
again !traight.a)% that the) might en?o) the !ight o" him again% .hen a! lie did a!cend to !ta) in
the heaven! 'ntil !'ch time a! he !ho'ld come
903
to ?'dge the .orld. Jhere"ore% let '! "ir!t learn
o't o" thi! place that .e m'!t not !ee$ Chri!t either in heaven% either 'pon earth% other.i!e than
#) "aith< and al!o% that .e m'!t not de!ire to have him pre!ent .ith '! #odil) in the .orld< "or he
that doth
900
either o" tho!e t.o !hall o"tentime! go "arther "rom him. So thi! their admiration i!
reprehended% not !impl)% #'t ina!m'ch a! the) .ere a!tonied #) the !trangene!! o" thi! matter<
li$e a! .e are o"tentime! carried 'nadvi!edl) into a .onder"'l great .ondering at >od=! .or$!<
#'t .e never appl) o'r!elve! to con!ider "or .hat end and p'rpo!e the) .ere done.
/esus, $hi'h is ta#en u+ into hea&en( There are t.o mem#er! in thi! one !entence. The "ir!t i!%
that Chri!t .a! ta$en 'p into heaven% that the) ma) not hence"orth "ooli!hl) de!ire to have him
an) longer conver!ant .ith them 'pon earth. The other i! !traight.a) added a! a con!olation
concerning hi! !econd coming. 7't o" the!e t.o ?ointl)% and al!o !everall)% i! gathered a "irm%
!ta#le% and !trong arg'ment% to re"'te the Papi!t!% and all other .hich imagine that Chri!t i! reall)
pre!ent in the !ign! o" #read and .ine. 9or .hen it i! !aid that Chri!t i! ta$en 'p into heaven<
here i! plainl) noted the di!tance o" place. + grant that thi! .ord hea&en i! interpreted diver!
.a)!% !ometime! "or the air% !ometime! "or the .hole connection
90D
o" the !phere!% !ometime!
"or the glorio'! $ingdom o" >od% .here the ma?e!t) o" >od hath hi! [it!] proper !cat% ho.!oever
it doth "ill the .hole .orld. *"ter .hich !ort Pa'l doth place Chri!t a#ove all heaven!%
F
N0101//O
,phe!ian! 14//%G #eca'!e he i! a#ove all the .orld% and hath the chie"e!t room in that
place o" #le!!ed immortalit)% #eca'!e he i! more e3cellent than all the angel!% F
N01001DO
,phe!ian!
041D.G -'t thi! i! no let .h) he ma) not #e a#!ent "rom '! #odil)% and that #) thi! .ord hea&ens,
there ma) not #e !igni"ied a !eparation "rom the .orld. Let them cavil a! m'ch a! the) .ill% it i!
/6
evident that the heaven .hereinto Chri!t .a! received i! oppo!ite to the "rame o" the .orld<
there"ore it doth nece!!aril) "ollo.% that i" he #e in heaven% he i! .itho't [#e)ond] the .orld.
-'t% "ir!t% .e m'!t mar$ .hat the p'rpo!e o" the angel! .a!% "or there#) .e !hall more per"ectl)
$no. .hat the .ord! mean. The angel!= intent .a! to call #ac$ the apo!tle! "rom de!iring the
carnal pre!ence o" Chri!t. 9or thi! p'rpo!e .a! it that the) !aid that he !ho'ld not come again
'ntil he came to ?'dge the .orld. *nd to thi! end !erveth the a!!igning o" the time% that the)
might not loo$ "or him in vain #e"ore that !ame time. Jho !eeth not that in the!e .ord! i!
mani"e!tl) !ho.ed that he .a! #odil) a#!ent o't o" the .orldI Jho !eeth not that .e are
"or#idden to de!ire to have him 'pon the earthI -'t% the) thin$ the) e!cape !a"e .ith that cra"t)
an!.er% .hen a! the) !a) that then he !hall come vi!i#l)< #'t he cometh no. invi!i#l) dail). -'t
.e are not here to di!p'te o" hi! "orm< onl) the apo!tle! are ta'ght that Chri!t m'!t a#ide in
heaven 'ntil !'ch time a! he appear at the latter da). 9or the de!iring o" hi! corporeal pre!ence i!
here condemned a! a#!'rd and perver!e. The Papi!t! den) that he i! pre!ent in the !acrament
carnall)% .hile that hi! glorio'! #od) i! pre!ent .ith '! a"ter a !'pernat'ral !ort% and #) a
miracle< #'t .e ma) .ell eno'gh re?ect their invention! concerning hi! glorio'! #od)% a! childi!h
and "rivolo'! to)!. The) "eign 'nto them!elve! a miracle not con"irmed .ith an) te!timon) o"
Script're. The #od) o" Chri!t .a! then glorio'!% .hen a! he .a! conver!ant .ith hi! di!ciple!
a"ter hi! re!'rrection. Thi! .a! done #) the e3traordinar) and !ecret po.er o" >od< )et%
not.ith!tanding% the angel! do "or#id to de!ire him a"ter.ard a"ter that !ort% and the) !a) that he
!hall not come 'nto men in that !ort F#e"ore the latter da).G There"ore% according to their
commandment% let '! not go a#o't to p'll him o't o" the heaven! .ith o'r o.n invention!<
neither let '! thin$ that .e call handle him .ith o'r hand!% or perceive him .ith o'r other !en!e!%
more than .e can !ee him .ith o'r e)e!. + !pea$ al.a)! o" hi! #od). 9or in that the) !a) it i!
in"inite% a! it i! all a#!'rd dream% !o i! it !a"el) to #e re?ected. :everthele!!% + .illingl) con"e!!
that Chri!t i! a!cended that he ma) "'l"ill ["ill] all thing!< #'t + !a) that he i! !pread a#road
ever).here #) the po.er o" hi! Spirit% not #) the !'#!tance o" hi! "le!h. + grant% "'rthermore% that
he i! pre!ent Jith '! #oth in hi! .ord and in the !acrament!. :either i! it to #e do'#ted% #'t that
all tho!e .hich do .ith "aith receive the !ign! o" hi! "le!h and #lood% are made tr'l) parta$er! o"
hi! "le!h and #lood. -'t thi! parta$ing doth nothing agree .ith the doting! o" the Papi!t!< "or the)
"eign that Chri!t i! pre!ent in !'ch !ort 'pon the altar a! :'ma Pompili'! did call do.n hi!
B'piter ,licit'!% or a! tho!e .itche! did "etch do.n the moon "rom heaven .ith their
enchantment!. -'t Chri!t% #) reaching '! the #read in hi! S'pper% doth .ill '! to li"t 'p o'r
heart! into heaven% that .e ma) have li"e #) hi! "le!h and #lood. So that .e do not eat hi! "le!h
gro!!l)% that .e ma) live there#)% #'t he po'reth into '!% #) the !ecret po.er o" hi! Spirit% hi!
"orce and !trength.
He shall so 'o%e( + have !aid #e"ore% that #) thi! con!olation all !orro. .hich .e might
conceive% #eca'!e o" Chri!t=! a#!ence% i! mitigated% )ea% 'tterl) ta$en a.a)% .hen a! .e hear that
lie !hall ret'rn again. *nd al!o the end "or .hich he !hall come again i! to #e noted< namel)% that
he !hall come a! a 8edeemer% and !hall gather '! .ith him into #le!!ed immortalit). 9or a! lie
doth not no. !it idle in heaven% Fa! Homer !igni"ieth% that hi! god! #e #'!ied onl) a#o't their
#ellie!<G !o !hall not he appear again .itho't pro"it. There"ore% the onl) loo$ing "or Chri!t=!
coming m'!t #oth re!train the import'nate de!ire! o" o'r "le!h% and !'pport o'r patience in all
o'r adver!itie!< and% la!tl)% it m'!t re"re!h o'r .earine!!. -'t it .or$eth thi! onl) in the "aith"'l%
.hich #elieve that Chri!t i! their 8edeemer< "or it #ringeth 'nto the .ic$ed nothing #'t dread%
horror% and great "ear"'lne!!. *nd ho.!oever the) do no. !co""= and ?e!t .hen a! the) hear o"
/M
hi! coming% )et !hall the) #e compelled to #ehold him !itting 'pon hi! tri#'nal!eat% .hom no.
the) .ill not vo'ch!a"e to hear !pea$. 9'rthermore% it .ere #'t "rivolo'! to move an) @'e!tion
a#o't hi! apparel .here.ith he .a! then clothed% .hether he !hall come again #eing clothed
.ith the !ame or no. :either am + no. determined to re"'te that .hich *'g'!tine% in hi! ,pi!tle
'nto Con!enti'!% doth to'ch% 1August( ad Con( ,pi!t. 106<G not.ith!tanding% it i! #etter "or me to
omit that thing .hich + cannot 'n"old.
ACTS 1:12-1"
12. Then the) ret'rned 'nto Ber'!alem "rom the mo'ntain .hich i! called
7livet% .hich i! nigh 'nto Ber'!alem% #eing di!tant a#o't a Sa##athda)=!
?o'rne). 1. *nd% coming in% the) .ent 'p into an 'pper cham#er% .here
a#ode Peter and Bame!% Bohn and *ndre.% Philip and Thoma!% -artholome.
and Matthe.% Bame! the !on o" *lphe'!% and Simon Kelote!% and B'da! the
#rother o" Bame!. 1". The!e all a#ode together .ith one accord in pra)er and
!'pplication% .ith the .ive!% For .omen%G and Mar) the mother o" Be!'!% and
.ith hi! #rethren.
12. That he ma) pa!! over 'nto another hi!tor)% he !ho.eth that the di!ciple! #eing ret'rned 'nto
Ber'!alem% d.elt together in one parlor. 9or it .a! the 'pper part o" the ho'!e% .hich '!ed to #e
let o't 'nto tho!e .hich did hire ho'!e!<
906
"or the mo!t commodio'! place! .ere re!erved 'nto
them that .ere ma!ter! o" the ho'!e% F"or their o.n '!e.G Jhere"ore% #) thi! .ord L'$e doth
!igni") that the) .ere driven into a !trait room<
90M
and )et% not.ith!tanding% tho'gh thi!
commodit) .ere great% )et the) did not part a!'nder. The) might have #een more commodio'!l)
a!'nder% )et might the) not part compan) #e"ore the) had received the Spirit. +n that he noteth
here the di!tance o" place% it #ringeth credit 'nto the hi!tor). Cnle!!% peradvent're% he meant
here#) to declare that the) .ere not terri"ied .ith an) "ear o" danger% #'t that the) did all ret'rn
and $ept compan) together in one ho'!e% .hich .a! not !o large% #'t that the compan) #eing
greater than the place co'ld .ell contain% it might #reed !ome r'mor For noi!e.G * Sa##athda)=!
?o'rne) .a! t.o mile!% and that acco'nt doth .ell agree .ith the place o"
N03111EO
Bohn 1141E%
.here he !aith% Pthat Ber'!alem .a! di!tant "rom -ethan) almo!t "i"teen "'rlong!<Q .hich
containeth a#o't a tho'!and and nine h'ndred pace!. *nd the mo'nt 7livet .a! at the !ide o"
-ethan). There .a! no Sa##athda)=! ?o'rne) pre!cri#ed in the la.< "or the Lord doth command
them !impl) to re!t 'pon the Sa##athda) in the la..
90E
-'t #eca'!e the Be.! co'ld not ea!il) #e
r'led% #'t that the) .o'ld r'n a#road a#o't their #'!ine!! 'pon the Sa##athda)% Fa! the Lord
him!el" doth complain% Pthat the) did #ear #'rden! o't at the gate!%QG F
N/01M/0O
Beremiah 1M4/0%G
there"ore% it i! to #e tho'ght that it .a! determined #) the prie!t!%
901
Fto the end the) might
re!train !'ch enormitie!%G that no man !ho'ld travel 'pon the Sa##athda) a#ove t.o mile!.
*ltho'gh Berome% in hi! *n!.er! 'nto *lga!ia% doth !a) that thi! tradition did come "rom t.o
8a##in!% namel)% "rom *tri#a% and "rom Simon Heli.
1. 2here they abode( Some tran!late it% $here they did abide* a! tho'gh the) did '!e to d.ell
there. -'t + am o" that opinion% that the) did then "ir!t o" all '!e that hired room to d.ell together
in% 'ntil !'ch time a! the Hol) Spirit .a! come 'pon them. Too% too ridic'lo'! are the Papi!t!%
.hich go a#o't to prove Peter hi! !'premac)
9D0
here#)% #eca'!e he i! rec$oned 'p "ir!t o" all the
apo!tle!. *ltho'gh .e do grant that he .a! the chie"e!t o" the apo!tle!% )et it doth not "ollo.
here'pon that he .a! the chie"e!t r'ler o" all the .orld. -'t i" he #e% there"ore% the chie" o" all the
apo!tle!% #eca'!e hi! name i! "ir!t in the catalog'e o" the apo!tle!= name!% + .ill again concl'de%
/E
that the mother o" Chri!t .a! in"erior 'nto all the re!t o" the .omen% #eca'!e !he i! [here]
rec$oned the la!t< .hich the) .ill in no ca!e admit% a! indeed it .ere a thing too a#!'rd.
Jhere"ore% 'nle!! the) .ill !et their Papac) to #e la'ghed at o" all men% a! hitherto the) have
done% the) m'!t leave o"" to adorn it .ith !'ch "ooli!h to)!. -'t .hat i! their intentI 9or!ooth%
the) .ill prove o't o" the Script're! that there .a! a !econdar) head o" the Ch'rch% in"erior to
Chri!t< .herea! there i! no !)lla#le in the Script're .hich i! con!enting 'nto thi! their "ooli!h
invention. :o marvel i! it% there"ore% i" the) do !natch here and there certain place!% .hich%
altho'gh no man !mite them o't o" their hand!% the) .ill let "all o" their o.n accord. -'t
omitting them% let '! mar$ .hat i! L'$e=! p'rpo!e in thi! place. -eca'!e the di!ciple! had "allen
a.a)% and "ilthil) "led "rom their Ma!ter Chri!t% ever) man .hither "ear did drive him%
F
N00/6D6O
Matthe. /64D6%G the) did de!erve% li$e "or!a$er! o" their ma!ter!% or r'nagate!% to #e
deprived o" honor. There"ore% that .e ma) $no. that #) the appointment o" the Lord the) .ere
gathered together again% and re!tored to their "ormer degree% L'$e rec$oneth 'p all their name!.
1". 2ith their $i&es( Some tran!late it $o%en* and the) thin$ that he !pea$eth o" tho!e .hich
accompanied Chri!t. *! + .ill not contend .ith an) man concerning thi! matter% !o have + not
do'#ted to pre"er that .hich + tho'ght .a! more pro#a#le. + grant that the .ord .hich L'$e
'!eth ma) #e interpreted #oth .a)!. -'t thi! i! m) rea!on% .h) + do thin$ that he !pea$eth rather
o" .ive!% #eca'!e% !eeing that the) '!ed a"ter.ard to carr) their .ive! a#o't .ith them% a! Pa'l
doth te!ti")% F
N06010DO
1 Corinthian! 14D%G it i! not li$el) that the) .ere then a!'nder. 9or the) might
more ea!il) re!t together in one place% than #) .andering to and "ro o"tentime! to change their
a#iding< and% !econdl)% !eeing that the) did loo$ "or the coming o" the Hol) >ho!t% .hich .a!
even then at hand% .hat rea!on .a! there .h) the) !ho'ld deprive their .ive! o" !o great
goodne!!I Peter=! .i"e .a! a#o't to #e a helper 'nto him !hortl) a"ter% .hich .e m'!t al!o thin$
o" the re!t o" the .ive!. The!e .omen had need o" heroical "ortit'de and con!tanc)% le!t the)
!ho'ld "aint. Jho .o'ld% there"ore% thin$ that the) .ere e3cl'ded "rom their h'!#and! .hil!t
the) loo$ "or the coming o" the SpiritI -'t i" the) .ill !tic$ to the general .ord% it !tandeth .ith
rea!on that there .ere married .omen in the compan). Ho.!oever it #e% it i! L'$e=! mind to tell
'! #) the .a) ho. greatl) the) had changed their mind!.
9D1
9or .herea! #e"ore the men% #eing
a"raid% had "led a.a)% the .omen are gathered together .ith them no.% neither do the) "ear an)
danger. He doth rec$on 'p the mother o" Be!'! .ith the other .omen% .hom% not.ith!tanding%
Bohn i! !aid to have $ept at hi! o.n ho'!e. -'t% a! + have !aid #e"ore% the) met altogether no.
onl) "or a !hort !ea!on< "or it i! not to #e do'#ted #'t that the) departed one "rom another
a"ter.ard!. +t i! .ell $no.n that among!t the He#re.! all $in!"ol$ are comprehended 'nder thi!
.ord brethren(
All these did 'ontinue( Here he !ho.eth that the) did diligentl) loo$ "or the coming o" the Hol)
Spirit.< 9or thi! .a! the ca'!e o" their pra)er% that Chri!t .o'ld !end hi! Spirit% a! he had
promi!ed. Jhere'pon .e ma) gather that thi! i! the tr'e "aith .hich !tirreth '! 'p to call 'pon
>od. 9or the !ec'rit) o" "aith doth m'ch di""er "rom !l'ggi!hne!!. :either doth >od% there"ore%
a!!'re '! o" thi! grace% that o'r mind! ma) !traight.a) #ecome carele!!% #'t that he ma) rather
!harpen o'r de!ire to pra). :either i! pra)er an) !ign o" do'#ting% #'t rather a te!timon) o" o'r
F!'re hope andG con"idence% #eca'!e .e a!$ tho!e thing! at the Lord=! hand! .hich .e $no. he
hath promi!ed. So it #ecometh '! al!o Fa"ter their e3ampleG to #e in!tant in pra)er%
9D/
and to #eg
at >od=! hand! that he .ill increa!e in '! hi! Hol) Spirit4
9D3
increa!e% F+ !a)%G #eca'!e #e"ore .e
can conceive an) pra)er .e m'!t need! have the "ir!t"r'it! o" the Spirit. 9or a! m'ch a! he i! the
/1
onl) Ma!ter .hich teacheth '! to pra) aright% .ho doth not onl) give '! 'tterance%
F
N0D0//DO
8oman! /4/D%G #'t al!o govern! o'r in.ard a""ection!.
9'rthermore% L'$e doth e3pre!! t.o thing! .hich are proper to tr'e pra)er% namel)% that the) did
per!i!t% and that the) .ere all o" one mind. Thi! .a! art e3erci!e o" their patience% in that Chri!t
did ma$e them !ta) a .hile%
9D0
.hen a! he co'ld !traight.a) have !ent the Hol) Spirit< !o >od
doth o"tentime! drive o""%
9DD
and% a! it .ere% !'""er '! to lang'i!h% that he ma) acc'!tom '! to
per!evere. The ha!tine!! o" o'r petition! i! a corr'pt% )ea a h'rt"'l plag'e< .here"ore it i! no
marvel i" >od do !ometime! correct the !ame. +n the mean !ea!on Fa! + have !aidG he doth
e3erci!e '! to #e con!tant in pra)er. There"ore% i" .e .ill not pra) in vain% let '! not #e .earied
.ith the dela) o" time. *! to'ching the 'nit) o" their mind!% it i! !et again!t that !cattering
a#road% .hich "ear had ca'!ed #e"ore. ;et% not.ith!tanding% .e ma) ea!il) gather% even #) thi!%
ho. need"'l a thing it i! to pra) generall)% in that Chri!t commandeth ever) one to pra) "or the
.hole #od)% and generall) "or all men% a! it .ere% in the per!on o" all men4 7'r 9ather% >ive '!
thi! da)% etc.% F
N000601O
Matthe. 641.G Jhence cometh thi! 'nit) o" their tong'e! #'t "rom one
SpiritI Jhere"ore% .hen Pa'l .o'ld pre!cri#e 'nto the Be.! and >entile! a right "orm o" pra)er%
he removeth "ar a.a) all divi!ion and di!!en!ion. That .e %ay, F!aith he%G #eing all o" one mind%
.ith one mo'th glori") >od% F
N0D1D06O
8oman! 1D46.G *nd tr'l) it i! need"'l that .e #e #rethren%
and agree together li$e #rethren% that .e rightl) call >od 9ather.
ACTS 1:1!-22
1!. +n tho!e da)!% Peter !tanding 'p in the mid!t o" the di!ciple!% !aid% Fand the
compan) o" name! together .a! almo!t an h'ndred and t.ent)%G 1#. Men and
#rethren% it .a! e3pedient that thi! Script're !ho'ld #e "'l"illed% .hich the Hol)
>ho!t "oretold #) the mo'th o" (avid concerning B'da!% .hich .a! g'ide 'nto
them .hich too$ Be!'!4 1%. Jhich .a! adopted into the n'm#er o" '!% and had
o#tained part [lot] o" thi! mini!tr). 1$. *nd he tr'l) hath [had] po!!e!!ed [or
gotten] a "ield .ith the re.ard o" ini@'it)% and #eing hanged% he #'r!t in !'nder in
the middle% and all hi! #o.el! g'!hed o't. 1&. *nd thi! .a! $no.n 'nto all the
inha#itant! o" Ber'!alem% that that "ield i! called% in their tong'e% *celdama% that i!%
The "ield o" #lood. 2'. 9or it i! .ritten in the #oo$ o" the P!alm!% Let hi!
ha#itation #e void% and let there #e none to d.ell therein% and let another man ta$e
hi! #i!hopric. 21. 7" all tho!e% there"ore% .hich .ere gathered together .ith '! all
that time .herein the Lord Be!'! .ent in and o't among!t '!% 22. -eginning "rom
the #apti!m o" Bohn% 'ntil that da) .herein he .a! ta$en 'p "rom '!% m'!t one #e
made a .itne!! together .ith '! o" hi! re!'rrection.
1!. +t .a! meet that Matthia! !ho'ld #e cho!en into the place o" B'da!% le!t% thro'gh the treacher)
o" one man% all that might !eem to have #een made o" none e""ect .hich Chri!t had once
appointed. He did not 'nadvi!edl) choo!e the t.elve in the #eginning% a! principal preacher! o"
hi! go!pel. 9or .hen he !aid that the) !ho'ld #e ?'dge! o" t.elve tri#e! o" +!rael%
N0/0613O
L'$e
6413%
N0306M0O
Bohn 64M0< he !ho.eth here that it .a! done o" !et p'rpo!e% that the) might gather
together the tri#e! o" +!rael 'nto one "aith. -'t a"ter that the Be.! had re"'!ed the grace o""ered
'nto them% it .a! #ehove"'l that the +!rael o" >od !ho'ld #e gathered together o't o" all
co'ntrie!.
Thi!% there"ore% .a!% a! it .ere% a hol) n'm#er% .hich% i" it !ho'ld have #een dimini!hed thro'gh
the .ic$edne!! o" B'da!% then !ho'ld the preaching o" the go!pel #oth have had% and al!o have%
30
le!! credit at thi! da)% i" the #eginning thereo" had #een imper"ect.
9D6
*ltho'gh% there"ore% B'da!
.o'ld Fa! m'ch a! in him la)G have di!appointed the p'rpo!e o" Chri!t% )et. neverthele!! it !tood
"irm and !ta#le. He peri!hed a! he .a! .orth)% )et did the order o" the apo!tle! remain .hole and
!o'nd.
The 'o%+any of na%es( +t i! 'ncertain .hether he meaneth the men .ho onl) have the name
properl)% !eeing the .omen are comprehended 'nder the name o" the men< or .hether he ta$eth
name! !impl) "or all the head!% a! the He#re.! call them !o'l!. Thi! ma) al!o #e called in
@'e!tion% .hether the) .ere .ont dail) to "re@'ent that parlor in .hich the apo!tle! did d.ell% or
the) did contin'all) d.ell there .ith them. 9or the place .a! !carce a#le to contain !o great a
m'ltit'de% to !erve them "or all nece!!ar) '!e!. S'rel) it !eemeth to me a thing more li$e to #e
tr'e% that L'$e doth in thi! place e3pre!! the n'm#er o" them% that .e ma) $no. that the) .ere
all gathered together .hen Peter made thi! !ermon. Jhere#) .e ma) g'e!! that the) .ere not
al.a)! pre!ent there. *ltho'gh + dare not a""irm an) certain thing concerning thi! matter% )et
#eing moved .ith a pro#a#le con?ect're% + do rather lean 'nto thi! part% that the ch'rch .a!
gathered together them #eca'!e the) had to intreat o" a !erio'! matter% and to thi! end al!o
tendeth thi! .ord rising% [!tanding 'p.]
1#. !t $as %eet that the 3'ri+ture should be fulfilled( -eca'!e Peter doth !pea$ in thi! their
a!!em#l)% there"ore the Papi!t! .ill have him to #e the head o" the ch'rch.
9DM
*! tho'gh no man
might !pea$ in an) a!!em#l) o" the godl) #'t he !ho'ld !traight.a) #e Pope. Je do grant% that
a! in ever) a!!em#l) there m'!t #e !ome .hich m'!t #e chie"% !o in thi! a!!em#l) the apo!tle!
did a!cri#e thi! honor 'nto Peter. -'t .hat ma$eth thi! 'nto Fthe proving o"G their Papac)I
Jhere"ore% #idding them adie'%
9DE
let '! con!ider .hat the Spirit doth !pea$ #) the month o"
Peter. He !aith That the Script're m'!t need! have #een "'l"illed% le!t an) man=! mind !ho'ld #e
tro'#led .ith that horri#le "all o" B'da!. 9or it !eemed a !trange thing that he .hich .a! cho!en
#) Chri!t 'nto !o e3cellent a "'nction% !ho'ld !o "ilthil) "all in the #eginning o" hi! co'r!e. Peter
removeth thi! !tone o" !t'm#ling% .hen he !aith that it .a! "oretold #) the Script're. Jhence .e
ma) gather an admonition ver) nece!!ar) "or dail) practice< namel)% that .e o'ght to attri#'te
thi! honor 'nto the prophecie! o" the Script're!% that the) are a#le to appea!e all !'ch "ear a! .e
conceive o" the !'dden event o" thing!. 9or there i! nothing .hich doth more tro'#le '! than
.hen .e !ta) !till in o'r o.n !en!e and 'nder!tanding% and proc're 'nto o'r!elve! let! and
do'#t!%
9D1
.hich the Lord .o'ld #e read) to c're% i" !o #e that .e .o'ld hold "a!t thi! one thing%
that nothing i! a#!'rd .hich he hath "ore!een% appointed% and "oretold% that he might ma$e '!
more !trong. :either .a! B'da! there"ore e3c'!a#le% #eca'!e that .hich #e"ell him .a! "oretold%
!eeing that he "ell a.a)% not #eing compelled #) the prophec)% #'t onl) #) the malice o" hi! o.n
heart. The oration o" Peter hath t.o part!. 9or% in the "ir!t place% he p'tteth a.a) the o""en!e
.hich godl) mind! might have conceived #) rea!on o" the "all o" B'da!< .hence al!o he
gathereth an e3hortation that the re!t ma) learn to "ear >od. Secondl)% he telleth them that it
remaineth that the) choo!e another into hi! place% #oth .hich he proveth #) te!timon) o"
Script're.
2hi'h the Holy Ghost foretold( S'ch manner o" !peeche! #ring greater reverence to the
Script're!% .hil!t .e are ta'ght #) them that (avid and all the re!t o" the prophet! did !pea$
onl) a! the) .ere directed #) the Hol) >ho!t< !o that the) them!elve! .ere not the a'thor! o"
their prophecie!% #'t the Spirit .hich '!ed their tong'e! a! an in!tr'ment. Jhere"ore% !eeing that
o'r d'llne!! i! !o great% that .e a!cri#e le!! a'thorit) 'nto the Script're! than .e o'ght% .e m'!t
31
diligentl) note !'ch manner o" !peeche!% and ac@'aint o'r!elve! .ith them% that .e ma)
o"tentime! remem#er the a'thorit) o" >od to con"irm o'r "aith .ithal.
1%. Ado+ted( +t i! .ord "or .ord re'#oned( *nd he !aith that he .a! one o" the n'm#er% that he
might !igni") 'nto them that it .a! need"'l that the empt) place !ho'ld #e "illed% to the end that
the n'm#er might contin'e .hole. *nd to thi! propo!e !erveth that .hich "ollo.eth% that he had
o#tained a part in the mini!tr). 9or there'pon it doth "ollo. that the #od) !ho'ld #e% a! it .ere%
lame% i" that part !ho'ld #e .anting. S'rel) it .a! a thing .hich might ma$e them greatl)
ama5ed% that he .hom Chri!t had e3tolled 'nto !o high dignit) !ho'ld "all headlong into !'ch
de!tr'ction. Jhich circ'm!tance doth increa!e the cr'elt) o" the "act%
960
and teacheth the re!t to
ta$e heed 'nto them!elve!.
961
:either i! it to #e do'#ted #'t that the di!ciple! did remem#er
B'da! .ith great grie" and !orro.. -'t Peter doth here e3pre!! #) name the e3cellenc) o" hi!
"'nction% that he might ma$e them more attentive and more care"'l to provide a remed).
1$. And he truly( +t !eemeth 'nto me a thing li$e to #e tr'e% that thi! narration o" the death o"
B'da! .a! p't in #) L'$e< there"ore% it !eemeth good to me to incl'de it .ithin a parenthe!i!% that
it ma) #e !eparated "rom Peter=! !ermon. 9or to .hat end !ho'ld Peter here rec$on 'p 'nto the
di!ciple! tho!e thing! .hich the) alread) $ne. .ell eno'ghI
Secondl)% it !ho'ld have #een an a#!'rd thing to have !po$en a"ter thi! among them% that the
"ield .hich .a! #o'ght .ith the mone) that .a! given to #etra) Chri!t .a! called o" the
He#re.!% in their o.n mother tong'e% A'elda%a( -'t .herea! !ome do an!.er% that Peter !po$e
thi! 'nto the >alilean!% .ho!e !peech did di!agree .ith the Be.i!h tong'e% it i! #'t vain and
"rivolo'!. +n ver) deed the) did !ome.hat di!agree in pron'nciation< )et not !o m'ch #'t that
the) did .ell 'nder!tand one another< li$e a! do the!e o" Pari! and the men o" 8o'en.
9'rthermore% ho. co'ld thi! #e a "it .ord "or Ber'!alem% .here Peter made hi! !ermonI To .hat
end !ho'ld he interpret in >ree$ among the He#re.! their o.n mother tong'eI There"ore doth
L'$e o" him!el" p't in thi! !entence concerning the death o" B'da!% le!t Peter=! .ord! might !eem
!trange
96/
thro'gh ignorance o" that hi!tor).
He +ossessed a field( Thi! .ord hath a do'#le !igni"ication% .hich% in m) opinion% doth rather
!igni") in thi! place to po!!e!! than to get< )et #eca'!e it !$illeth little .hether .a) .e read it% +
leave it indi""erent. *nd he !pea$eth a"ter thi! !ort% not #eca'!e B'da! had the '!e o" the "ield% or
that he him!el" did #') it% !eeing it .a! #o'ght a"ter hi! death. -'t L'$e=! meaning .a!% that hi!
#'rial .a! the perpet'al note o" ignomin)< .a! the re.ard .hich he had "or hi! "al!ehood and
.ic$ed act. :either did he !o m'ch !ell Chri!t "or thirt) piece! a! hi! apo!tle!hip. He en?o)ed not
the mone)<
963
he onl) po!!e!!ed the "ield. 9'rthermore% it came to pa!! thro'gh the marvelo'!
providence o" >od% that the ver) common name o" the "ield !ho'ld #e a note o" in"am) "or the
prie!t!% .hich had #o'ght FtheG innocent #lood o" ["rom] the traitor. He !aith that the He#re.!
did call it #) that name in their tong'e% #eca'!e he him!el" .a! a >recian #orn< and he calleth
that the He#re. tong'e .hich the Be.! did '!e a"ter the captivit) o" -a#)lon% namel)% !'ch a!
.a! mi3ed o" the *!!)rian tong'e and o" the Chaldean tong'e.
!t is $ritten in the boo# of Psal%s( He ta$eth a.a)% #) a'thorit) o" Script're!% all o""en!e .hich
might have happened #) rea!on o" the "alling a.a) o" B'da!. ;et might thi! place !eem to #e
greatl) .re!ted4 9ir!t% in that (avid did not .i!h that the!e thing! might #e"all an) partic'lar
per!on% #'t Fin the pl'ral n'm#erG he .i!heth them 'nto hi! enemie!. Secondl)% it !eemeth that
Peter doth appl) the!e thing! ami!! 'nto B'da!% .hich .ere !po$en o" the enemie! o" (avid. +
3/
an!.er% that (avid doth there !pea$ a"ter thi! [a"ter.ard!] o" him!el"% that he ma) de!cri#e the
condition and !tate o" Chri!t=! $ingdom.
+n that P!alm F+ !a)G i! contained the common image o" the .hole Ch'rch% .hich i! the #od) o"
the Son o" >od. There"ore% the thing! .hich are there !et do.n m'!t need! have #een "'l"illed in
the head% .hich are indeed "'l"illed% a! the evangeli!t! do te!ti")% $no.% i" an) man o#?ect that
tho!e thing! .hich there .ere !po$en again!t the enemie! o" (avid do not "itl) agree 'nto B'da!%
.e ma) ea!il) gather that the) do !o m'ch the rather agree .ith him% #eca'!e (avid doth not
re!pect him!el" a! #eing !eparated "rom the #od) o" the Ch'rch< #'t rather a! he .a! one o" the
mem#er! o" Chri!t% and !o ta$ing 'pon him hi! image% he !teppeth "orth in hi! name.
Jho!oever !hall mar$ that thi! !ing'lar per!on .a! attri#'ted to (avid% that he !ho'ld #e a
"ig're o" Chri!t% .ill not marvel i" all the!e thing! #e applied 'nto him .hich .ere pre"ig'red in
(avid. *ltho'gh% there"ore% he doth comprehend the .hole Ch'rch% )et he #eginneth at the head
thereo"% and doth e!peciall) de!cri#e .hat thing! Chri!t !ho'ld !'""er #) the hand! o" the .ic$ed.
9or .e learn o't o" Pa'l=! doctrine% that .hat!oever a""liction! the godl) !'""er% the) are part o"
the a""liction! o" Chri!t% and !erve to the "'l"illing o" the !ame% F
ND10110O
Colo!!ian! 1410.G Thi!
order and connection did (avid o#!erve% or rather the Spirit o" >od% .ho meant #) the mo'th o"
(avid to in!tr'ct the .hole Ch'rch. -'t a! to'ching the per!ec'tor! o" Chri!t% all that .hich i!
commonl) !po$en o" them i! #) good right re"erred 'nto their !tandard#earer< .ho!e impiet)
and .ic$edne!!% a! it i! mo!t "amo'!% !o hi! p'ni!hment o'ght to #e made $no.n 'nto all men.
+" an) man do o#?ect again% that that .hich i! recited in the P!alm i! onl) certain c'r!ing!% and
not prophecie!< and that% there"ore% Peter doth gather improperl) that it .a! o" nece!!it) that it
!ho'ld #e "'l"illed% it i! !oon an!.ered. 9or (avid .a! not moved .ith an) perver!e or corr'pt
a""ection o" the "le!h to crave vengeance< #'t he had the Hol) Spirit to #e hi! g'ide and director.
There"ore% .hat thing! !oever he pra)ed "or there% #eing in!pired .ith the Hol) >ho!t% the) have
the !ame !trength .hich prophecie! have% #eca'!e the Spirit doth re@'ire no other thing than that
.hich >od
hath determined .ith him!el" to per"orm% and .ill al!o promi!e 'nto '!. -'t .herea! Peter doth
cite o't o" the Script're! t.o diver!e te!timonie!< #) the "ir!t i! meant% that B'da!% together .ith
hi! name and "amil)% !ho'ld @'ite #e e3ting'i!hed% that hi! place might #e empt)< the other%
.hich he "etcheth o't o" the 101th P!alm% tendeth to thi! end% that there !ho'ld #e another cho!en
to !'ppl) hi! place. The!e !eem at "ir!t to #e contrar)< namel)% a .a!te ha#itation and !'cce!!ion.
;et% #eca'!e the Spirit !aith onl)% in the "ormer place% that the adver!arie! o" the Ch'rch !ho'ld
#e ta$en a.a)% that their place might #e empt)% and .itho't one to d.ell therein% in re!pect o"
them!elve!% thi! i! no let .h) another ma) not a"ter.ard !'ppl) their empt) place. ;ea% thi! doth
al!o a'gment their p'ni!hment% in that the honor% a"ter it .a! ta$en "rom him that .a! 'n.orth)
thereo"% i! given to another.
And his bisho+ri'( The He#re. .ord co'ld not #e tran!lated more "itl). 9or hdwkp 1+e'udah4
doth !igni") a ?'ri!diction or government% !o called o" the over!eeing and #eholding o" thing!.
9or a! "or tho!e .hich interpret it $ife, the te3t
960
re"'teth them< "or it "ollo.eth in the ne3t ver!e%
o" hi! .i"e% that !he ma) #e made a .ido.. There"ore% a"ter that he had .i!hed that the .ic$ed
ma) #e deprived o" hi! li"e% he addeth% moreover% that he ma) #e !poiled o" hi! honor< neither
doth he !ta) here% #'t al!o he de!ireth that another ma) !'cceed him% .here#)% a! + have !aid
#e"ore% hi! p'ni!hment i! do'#led. +n the mean.hile% he noteth #) the .a)%
96D
that thi! "al!e%
treachero'!% and .ic$ed per!on% .hereo" he !pea$eth% !ho'ld not #e !ome one o" the common
33
!ort% #'t !'ch an one a! !ho'ld #e ind'ed .ith honor and dignit)< "rom .hich% neverthele!!% he
!hall "all. *nd o't o" thi! place m'!t .e learn% that the .ic$ed !hall not e!cape !cott "ree% .hich
have per!ec'ted the Ch'rch o" >od< "or thi! mi!era#le and .retched end i! prepared "or them all.
21. 2e %ust therefore( Thi! .hich he #ringeth in might !eem% at the "ir!t !ight% to #e "ar !et
["etched.] 9or i" !o #e it (avid did !pea$ o" tran!po!ing
966
B'da!=! #i!hopric% it did not there'pon
!traight.a) "ollo. that the di!ciple! !ho'ld choo!e another to #e hi! !'cce!!or< )et% #eca'!e the)
$ne. that the) had thi! charge given them to order the Ch'rch% !o !oon a! Peter had told them
that it did plea!e the Lord that it !ho'ld #e !o% he gathereth there'pon that the) o'ght to do it. 9or
.hen!oever >od .ill '!e a! mean!%
96M
to maintain the government o" hi! Ch'rch% !o !oon a! .e
$no. .hat hi! .ill i!% .e m'!t not linger% #'t !to'tl) per"orm .hat!oever i! re@'ired in o'r
mini!tr) Fand "'nction.G That .a!% .itho't all controver!)% .hat .a! the d't) o" the Ch'rch< li$e
a!% at thi! da)% .hen .e hear that tho!e m'!t #e p't "rom their o""ice .hich #ehave them!elve!
'ngodl) and .ic$edl)% and that other! m'!t #e cho!en in their room!% the Ch'rch m'!t ta$e thi!
charge in hand. Jhere"ore% it .a! !'per"l'o'! to move an) @'e!tion a#o't a thing that .a! not to
#e do'#ted o". There"ore% let '! al.a)! remem#er to con!ider .hat .e have to do% that .e ma)
#e read) to o#e) the Lord. 9'rthermore% .hen a! he intreateth o" the ma$ing o" an apo!tle% he
!aith% He m'!t #e a .itne!! o" the re!'rrection< .hich !igni"ieth that the apo!tle!hip i! not
.itho't the preaching o" the go!pel. Jhence it ma) appear ho. vain and "rivolo'! the Popi!h
#i!hop! are% .hich having on onl) d'm# vi!or!% #rag that the) are the !'cce!!or! o" the apo!tle!<
#'t .herein are the) li$e 'nto themI + grant that Peter doth here re@'ire !'ch a .itne!! a! !a.
the Lord a"ter hi! re!'rrection% o" .hich !ort Bohn pro"e!!eth him!el" to #e one% .hen he !aith%
PHe .hich !a. it #eareth .itne!!%Q F
N03113DO
Bohn 1143D.G 9or thi! did !erve "or the con"irmation o"
"aith< )et% neverthele!!% Peter ma$eth it a thing nece!!ar) in him and the re!t o" hi! "ello.! in
o""ice% that the) !ho'ld teach% .hil!t he ma$eth them and him!el" preacher! or .itne!!e! o" the
re!'rrection.
He nameth the re!'rrection% not #eca'!e the) m'!t #ear .itne!! thereo" alone< #'t #eca'!e% "ir!t%
'nder thi! i! comprehended the preaching o" the death o" Chri!t< !econdl)% #eca'!e .e have the
end o" o'r redemption therein% and the accompli!hment thereo"% and al!o it #ringeth .ith it the
cele!tial government o" Chri!t% and the po.er o" the Spirit in de"ending hi!% in e!ta#li!hing
?'!tice and e@'it)% in re!toring order% in a#oli!hing the t)rann) o" !in% and in p'tting to "light all
the enemie! o" the Ch'rch. Let '! $no.% there"ore% that tho!e thing! are not e3cl'ded #) thi!
.ord .hich are nece!!aril) $nit together. %:everthele!!% let '! note that the re!'rrection i! here
named #e"ore other thing!% a! #eing the chie" point o" the go!pel% a! al!o Pa'l teacheth% F
N061D1MO
1
Corinthian! 1D41M.G
-'t .ere the apo!tle! alone .itne!!e! o" the re!'rrectionI Ja! not thi! al!o common to the re!t
o" the di!ciple!I 9or Peter !eemeth to challenge thi! a! proper onl) to the apo!tle!. + an!.er% that
thi! title i! there"ore attri#'ted 'nto them% #eca'!e the) .ere cho!en pec'liarl) 'nto that
"'nction% and #eca'!e the) had the chie" room among!t tho!e .hich did #ring thi! em#a!!age<
there"ore% tho'gh the) .ere the chie" o" tho!e .hich .ere a!!igned% )et .ere not the) onl)
appointed there'nto.
All that ti%e( He #eginneth at that time .hen Be!'! #egan to !ho. him!el" 'nto the .orld% .hich
i! diligentl) to #e o#!erved% a! #e"ore + have !aid< "or he lived privatel) 'ntil !'ch time a! he .a!
almo!t thirt) )ear! o" age. 9or he .o'ld not ma$e him!el" $no.n "'rther than .a! need"'l "or
o'r !alvation. There"ore% .hen the time .a! come .herein he m'!t go a#o't that #'!ine!! .hich
30
hi! 9ather had appointed him% he came a#road li$e a ne. man% and one that .a! #'t latel) #orn.
,ver) man ma) ea!il) perceive .hat great "orce thi! hath to #ridle o'r c'rio!it). The .hole li"e
o" Chri!t might have #een a mirror mo!t marvelo'!%
96E
o" more than a#!ol'te per"ection< and )et%
not.ith!tanding% that he might $eep '! occ'pied in the !t'd) and meditation o" tho!e thing!
.hich .ere mo!t need"'l to #e $no.n% he .o'ld lead the #etter part o" hi! li"e o#!c'rel) and in
!ecret.
961
Jho dare no. .ander .itho't Chri!t% !eeing that he doth appl) the $no.ledge o"
him!el" to the edi")ing o" "aithI
The He#re.! ta$e thi!% to go in and o't% "or to #e conver!ant and to lead the li"e among men. +n
.hich !en!e% citi5en! are !aid to go in and o't #) the gate! o" their cit)< !o
N031001O
Bohn 1041%
P+" an) man enter in #) me% he !hall go in and o't%
and !hall "ind pa!t're.Q
*ltho'gh% in the Second -oo$ o" the Chronicle!% the "ir!t chapter% and tenth ver!e% it !eemeth to
#e a to$en o" r'le and government.
ACTS 1:2-2#
2. Then the) pre!ented t.o% Bo!eph% .ho!e !irname .a! -ar!a#a!% .hich .a!
called B'!t'!% and Matthia!. 2". *nd .hen the) had pra)ed% the) !aid% Tho'% Lord%
.hich $no.e!t the heart! o" men% !ho. .hether o" the!e t.o tho' ha!t cho!en% 2!.
That he ma) ta$e the room o" thi! mini!tr) and apo!tle!hip% "rom .hich B'da! i!
"allen% that he might go 'nto hi! place. 2#. *nd the) gave in their lot!% and the lot
"ell 'pon Matthia!< and he .a! #) common con!ent co'nted .ith the eleven
apo!tle!.
2. The) .ere to choo!e one onl) into the room o" B'da!< the) pre!ent t.o. Here ma) a @'e!tion
#e a!$ed% Jh) the) .ere not contented .ith one onl)I Ja! it #eca'!e the) .ere !o li$e% that
the) co'ld not di!cern .hether .a! more "itI Thi! tr'l) had #een no !'""icient rea!on .h) the)
!ho'ld !'""er it to #e decided #) lot!. *nd al!o it !eemeth that Bo!eph .a! o" greater e!timation
other.i!e< or .a! it #eca'!e the) .ere diver!el) a""ectionedI -'t thi! !eemeth !carce pro#a#le%
neither i! thi! to #e admitted a! tr'e% #eca'!e o" that mo!t e3cellent te!timon) .hich L'$e did
give a little #e"ore o" their 'nit) and agreement. La!tl)% +t had #een ver) a#!'rd "or them to have
poll'ted the election o" the apo!tle .ith !'ch !tri"e and contention.
9M0
-'t "or thi! ca'!e did the)
'!e the ca!ting o" lot!% that it might #e $no.n that Matthia! .a! not onl) cho!en #) the voice! o"
men% #'t al!o that he .a! made #) the determination and ?'dgment o" >od.
9or there .a! thi! di""erence #et.een the apo!tle! and the pa!tor!% that the pa!tor! .ere cho!en
!impl) #) the Ch'rch% the apo!tle! .ere called o" >od. +n .hich re!pect Pa'l% in the pre"ace o"
hi! ,pi!tle to the >alatian!% F
N0E010/O
>alatian! 14/%G doth pro"e!! him!el" to #e an apo!tle% Pneither
o" men% neither made #) man.Q There"ore% li$e a! the dignit) o" thi! "'nction .a! e3cellent% !o
.a! it meet that in the choo!ing o" Matthia!% the chie" ?'dgment !ho'ld #e le"t 'nto >od%
ho.!oever men did their d't). Chri!t #) hi! o.n mo'th did appoint the re!t< there"ore% i"
Matthia! had #een cho!en onl) #) man to #e one o" them% he !ho'ld have had le!! a'thorit) than
the). Thi! .a! ver) orderl) done%
9M1
that the di!ciple! !ho'ld pre!ent 'nto >od tho!e .hom the)
tho'ght to #e the #e!t< and he !ho'ld choo!e to him!el" .hom he $ne. to #e mo!t "it% !o that
>od% #) the "all o" the lot% doth prono'nce that he did allo. o" the apo!tle!hip o" Matthia!. -'t
the apo!tle! might !eem to have dealt ver) ra!hl) and di!orderl)% .hich laid !o great and .eight)
3D
a matter 'pon a lot< "or .hat certaint) co'ld the) gather there#)I + an!.er% that the) did it onl)
a! the) .ere moved there'nto #) the Hol) Spirit< "or altho'gh L'$e doth not e3pre!! thi!% )et%
#eca'!e he .ill not acc'!e the di!ciple! o" ra!hne!!% #'t rather doth !ho. that thi! election .a!
la."'l and approved o" >od< + !a)% there"ore% that the) .ent thi! .a) to .or$% #eing moved #)
the Spirit% li$e a! the) .ere directed in all the action #) the !ame Spirit. -'t .h) do the) not
pra) that >od .o'ld choo!e .hom he .o'ld o't o" the .hole m'ltit'deI Jh) do the) re!train
hi! ?'dgment 'nto t.oI +! not thi! to ro# >od o" hi! li#ert)% .hen a! the) tie him% and% a! it .ere%
ma$e him !'#?ect 'nto their voice! and con!ent!I
9M/
-'t .ho!oever !hall @'ietl) ponder the
matter !hall plainl) perceive% #) the dri"t o" L'$e% that the di!ciple! d'r!t do nothing #'t that
.hich the) $ne. .a! their d't) to do% and .a! commanded them #) the Lord. *! "or the
contentio'!% let them go !ha$e their ear!.
9M3
2". !n +raying, they said( Jord "or .ord it i!% Having pra)ed% the) !aid< #'t there i! no o#!c'rit)
in the !en!e% #eca'!e hi! meaning .a! to !pea$ a! "ollo.eth% that the) pra)ed< and )et he doth
not rec$on 'p all the .ord!% #eing content #rie"l) to !ho. the !'m. There"ore% altho'gh the)
.ere #oth o" hone!t conver!ation% )ea% altho'gh the) did e3cel in holine!! and other virt'e!% )et
#eca'!e the integrit) o" the heart% .hereo" >od i! the alone $no.er and ?'dge% i! the chie"% the
di!ciple! pra) that >od .o'ld #ring that to light .hich .a! hidden "rom men. The !ame o'ght to
#e re@'ired even at thi! da) in choo!ing pa!tor!< "or ho.!oever .e are not to appoint t.o "or
one% )et #eca'!e .e ma) o"tentime! #e deceived% and the di!cerning o" !pirit! cometh o" the
Lord% .e m'!t al.a)! pra) 'nto >od% that he .ill !ho. 'nto '! .hat men he .ill have to #e
mini!ter!% that he ma) direct and govern o'r p'rpo!e!. Here .e ma) al!o gather .hat great
regard .e m'!t have o" integrit) and innocenc) in choo!ing pa!tor!% .itho't .hich #oth learning
and elo@'ence% and .hat e3cellenc) !oever can #e invented% are a! nothing.
9M0
2!.
9MD
Of the %inistry and a+ostleshi+( -eca'!e the .ord mini!tr) .a! #a!e% he addeth
apo!tle!hip% .herein there i! greater dignit)< altho'gh the !en!e !hall #e more plain i" )o'
e3po'nd it% Pthe mini!tr) o" the apo!tle!hip.Q 9or the "ig're hy+allage i! common in the
Script're!. *!!'redl) L'$e meant to ?oin .ith the #'rden the e3cellenc) o" the o""ice% that it
might have the greater reverence and a'thorit)< and )et thi! .a! hi! intent al!o% to declare that
the apo!tle! are called 'nto a pain"'l "'nction.
2#. They ga&e in their lots( Je .ill not% in thi! place% ma$e an) long di!p'tation a#o't lot!.
Tho!e men .ho thin$ it to #e .ic$edne!! to ca!t lot! at all% o""end partl) thro'gh ignorance% and
partl) the) 'nder!tand not the "orce o" thi! .ord. There i! nothing .hich men do not corr'pt .ith
their #oldne!! and vanit)% .here#) it i! come to pa!! that the) have #ro'ght lot! into great a#'!e
and !'per!tition. 9or that divination or con?ect're .hich i! made #) lot! i! altogether devili!h.
-'t .hen magi!trate! divide province! among them% and #rethren their inheritance% it i! a thing
la."'l. Jhich thing Solomon doth plainl) te!ti")% .hen he ma$eth >od the governor o" the
event.
PThe lot! F!aith heG are ca!t into the #o!om% and the ?'dgment o" them cometh "orth "rom
the Lord%Q F
N/01633O
Prover#! 16433.G
Thi! ordinance or c'!tom i! no more corr'pt and depraved #) corr'ption% than the corr'pt vanit)
o" the Chaldean! doth corr'pt tr'e and nat'ral a!trolog). Jhil!t the Chaldean! go a#o't% .ith the
name o" a!trolog)% to cloa$ and color their .ic$ed c'rio!it)% the) de"ame a !cience #oth
pro"ita#le and prai!e.orth). The !ame do tho!e .hich tell men their de!tinie! Fa! the) call themG
#) ca!ting lot!< #'t it i! o'r d't) to di!cern the la."'l '!e "rom the corr'ption. He !aith the lot!
36
.ere given% that #eing p't into a pot% or one o" their lap!% the) might a"ter.ard! #e dra.n o't.
*nd here .e m'!t al!o note that thi! .ord lot is diver!el) ta$en in thi! place< "or .hen he !aid
#e"ore that B'da! had o#tained a lot o" the mini!tr)% hi! meaning .a!% Faccording to the common
c'!tom o" the Script're%G that he had a portion given him o" the Lord. He !pea$eth a"ter.ard!
properl)% and .itho't an) "ig're o" a lot% )et i! it li$el)% "ora!m'ch a! the .ord larg% 1goral4 i!
commonl) '!ed #) the He#re.! "or #oth thing!% that Peter meant to all'de 'nto that .hich the)
.ere a#o't to do% and that L'$e had re!pect 'nto the !el"!ame thing.
The lot fell u+on Matthias( +t came to pa!! a! no man .o'ld have loo$ed "or< "or .e ma) gather
#) that .hich goeth #e"ore% that there .a! not !o great acco'nt made o" Matthia! a! o" the other<
"or% #e!ide! that L'$e gave him the "ormer place% the t.o !irname! .hich -ar!a#a! had do !ho.
that he .a! in great e!timation. He .a! called -ar!a#a!% Fthat i!% the son of an oath, or of rest,4 o"
the thing it!el"% a! i" he .ere !ome mirror% either o" "aith"'lne!! and innocenc)% or o" a @'iet and
mode!t nat're. The other !irname did import !ing'lar hone!t). Thi! man% there"ore% in men=!
?'dgment% .a! the "ormer% [!'perior<] #'t >od did pre"er Matthia! #e"ore him. Jhere#) .e are
ta'ght that .e m'!t not glor) i" .e #e e3tolled 'nto the !$ie! in the opinion o" men% and i" #)
their voice! and con!ent!
"M6
.e #e ?'dged to #e mo!t e3cellent men< #'t .e m'!t rather have
regard o" thi!% to approve o'r!elve! 'nto >od% .ho alone i! the mo!t la."'l and ?'!t ?'dge% #)
.ho!e !entence and ?'dgment .e !tand or "all. *nd .e ma) o"tentime! mar$ thi! al!o% that >od
pa!!eth over him .hich i! the chie"e!t in the !ight o" men% that he ma) thro. do.n all pride
.hich i! in man. +n that he addeth% that he $as re'#oned a%ongst the rest, he .ipeth a.a) all
!ini!ter note o" ra!hne!! "rom the ca!ting o" lot!% #eca'!e the Ch'rch did em#race him a! cho!en
#) >od on .hom the lot "ell.
3M
CH*PT,8 /
ACTS 2:1-"
1. *nd .hen the da) o" Penteco!t .a! "'l"illed% the) .ere all .ith one accord
gathered together4 2. *nd there .a! made "rom heaven !'ddenl) a !o'nd% a! it
.ere .hen a violent .ind #rea$eth in% and it "illed all the ho'!e .here the) !at4
. *nd the) !a. cloven tong'e!% a! it .ere o" "ire% and it !at 'pon ever) one o"
them. ". *nd the) .ere all "illed .ith the Hol) >ho!t% and the) #egan to !pea$
.ith !trange tong'e!% even a! the Spirit gave them to !pea$.
1. And $hen( To be fulfilled i! ta$en in thi! place "or to 'o%e( 9or L'$e #eareth record again o"
their per!everance% .hen he !aith that the) !tood all in one place 'ntil the time .hich .a! !et
them. Here'nto !erveth the adver#% $ith one a''ord( 9'rthermore% .e have #e"ore declared .h)
the Lord did de"er the !ending o" hi! Spirit a .hole month and a hal". -'t the @'e!tion i!% .h) he
!ent him 'pon that da) chie"l). + .ill not re"'te that high and !'#tle interpretation o" *'g'!tine%
that li$e a! the la. .a! given to the old people "i"t) da)! a"ter ,a!ter% #eing .ritten in ta#le! o"
!tone #) the hand o" >od% !o the Spirit% .ho!e o""ice it i! to .rite the !ame in o'r heart!% did
"'l"ill that .hich .a! "ig'red in the giving o" the la. a! man) da)! a"ter the re!'rrection o"
Chri!t% .ho i! the tr'e Pa!!over. :ot.ith!tanding% .herea! he 'rgeth thi! hi! !'#tle interpretation
a! nece!!ar)% in hi! #oo$ o" R'e!tion! 'pon ,3od'!% and in hi! Second ,pi!tle 'nto Ban'ari'!% +
.o'ld .i!h him to #e more !o#er and mode!t therein. :ot.ith!tanding% let him $eep hi! o.n
interpretation to him!el". +n the mean !ea!on% + .ill em#race that .hich i! more !o'nd.
Cpon the "ea!t da)% .herein a great m'ltit'de .a! .ont to re!ort to Ber'!alem% .a! thi! miracle
.ro'ght% that it might #e more "amo'!. *nd tr'l) #) mean! hereo" .a! it !pread a#road% even
'nto the 'ttermo!t part! and #order! o" the earth.
9MM
9or the !ame p'rpo!e did Chri!t o"tentime!
go 'p to Ber'!alem 'pon the hol) da)!%
9ME
FBohn /% D% M% 10% 1/%G to the end tho!e miracle! .hich
he .ro'ght might #e $no.n to man)% and that in the greater a!!em#l) o" people there might #e
the greater "r'it o" hi! doctrine. 9or !o .ill L'$e a"ter.ard declare% that Pa'l made ha!te that he
might come to Ber'!alem #e"ore the da) o" Penteco!t% not "or an) religion=! !a$e% #'t #eca'!e o"
the greater a!!em#l)% that he might pro"it the more% F
N00/016O
*ct! /0416.G There"ore% in ma$ing
choice o" the da)% the pro"it o" the miracle .a! re!pected4 9ir!t% that it might #e the more e3tolled
at Ber'!alem% #eca'!e the Be.! .ere then more #ent to con!ider the .or$! o" >od< and% !econdl)%
that it might #e #r'ited a#road% even in "ar co'ntrie!. The) called it the "i"tieth da)% #eginning to
rec$on at the "ir!t"r'it!.
2. And there $as %ade( +t .a! re@'i!ite that the gi"t !ho'ld #e vi!i#le% that the #odil) !en!e might
the more !tir 'p the di!ciple!. 9or !'ch i! o'r !loth"'lne!! to con!ider the gi"t! o" >od% that 'nle!!
he a.a$e all o'r !en!e!% hi! po.er !hall pa!! a.a) 'n$no.n. Thi! .a!% there"ore% a preparation
that the) might the #etter $no. that the Spirit .a! no. come .hich Chri!t had promi!ed.
*ltho'gh it .a! not !o m'ch "or their !a$e a! "or o'r!% even a! in that the cloven and "ier)
tong'e! appeared% there .a! rather re!pect had o" '!% and o" all the .hole Ch'rch in that% than o"
them. 9or >od .a! a#le to have "'rni!hed them .ith nece!!ar) a#ilit) to preach the go!pel%
altho'gh he !ho'ld '!e no !ign. The) them!elve! might have $no.n that it came to pa!! neither
#) chance% neither )et thro'gh their o.n ind'!tr)% that the) .ere !o !'ddenl) changed< #'t tho!e
!ign! .hich are here !et do.n .ere a#o't to #e pro"ita#le "or all age!< a! .e perceive at thi! da)
3E
that the) pro"it '!. *nd .e m'!t #rie"l) note the proportion o" the !ign!. The violence o" the
.ind did !erve to ma$e them a"raid< "or .e are never rightl) prepared to receive the grace o"
>od% 'nle!! the con"idence Fand #oldne!!G o" the "le!h #e tamed. 9or a! .e have acce!! 'nto him
#) "aith% !o h'milit) and "ear !etteth open the gate% that he ma) come in 'nto '!. He hath nothing
to do .ith pro'd and carele!! men. +t i! a common thing "or the Spirit to #e !igni"ied #) .ind% For
a #la!t%G F
N03/0//O
Bohn /04//.G 9or #oth Chri!t him!el"% .hen he .a! a#o't to give the Spirit to hi!
apo!tle!% did #reathe 'pon them< and in ,5e$iel=! vi!ion there .a! a .hirl.ind and .ind%
F
N/60100O
,5e$iel 140.G ;ea% the .ord Spirit it!el" i! a tran!lated .ord< "or% #eca'!e that hy+ostasis,
or per!on o" the (ivine e!!ence% .hich i! called the Spirit% i! o" it!el" incomprehen!i#le% the
Script're doth #orro. the .ord o" the .ind or #la!t% #eca'!e it i! the po.er o" >od .hich >od
doth po'r into all creat're! a! it .ere #) #reathing. The !hape o" tong'e! i! re!trained 'nto the
pre!ent circ'm!tance. 9or a! the "ig're and !hape o" a dove .hich came do.n 'pon Chri!t%
F
N03013/O
Bohn 143/%G had a !igni"ication agreea#le to the o""ice and nat're o" Chri!t% !o >od did
no. ma$e choice o" a !ign .hich might #e agreea#le to the thing !igni"ied% namel)% that it might
!ho. !'ch e""ect and .or$ing o" the Hol) >ho!t in the apo!tle! a! "ollo.ed a"ter.ard.
The diver!it) o" tong'e! did hinder the go!pel "rom #eing !pread a#road an) "arther< !o that% i"
the preacher! o" the go!pel had !po$en one lang'age onl)% all men .o'ld have tho'ght that
Chri!t had #een !h't 'p in the !mall corner o" Be.r). -'t >od invented a .a) .here#) it might
#rea$ o't% .hen he divided and clove the tong'e! o" the apo!tle!% that the) might !pread that
a#road among!t all people .hich .a! delivered to them. Jherein appeareth the mani"old
goodne!! o" >od% #eca'!e a plag'e and p'ni!hment o" man=! pride .a! t'rned into matter o"
#le!!ing. 9or .hence came the diver!it) o" tong'e!% !ave onl) that the .ic$ed and 'ngodl)
co'n!el! o" men might #e #ro'ght to na'ghtI F
N01110MO
>ene!i! 114M.G -'t >od doth "'rni!h the
apo!tle! .ith the diver!it) o" tong'e! no.% that he ma) #ring and call home% into a #le!!ed 'nit)%
men .hich .ander here and there. The!e cloven tong'e! made all men to !pea$ the lang'age o"
Canaan% a! +!aiah "oretold% F
N/3111EO
+!aiah 1141E.G 9or .hat lang'age !oever the) !pea$% )et do
the) call 'pon one 9ather% .hich i! in heaven% .ith one mo'th and one !pirit% F
N0D1D06O
8oman!
1D46.G + !aid that that .a! done "or o'r !a$e% not onl) #eca'!e the "r'it came 'nto '!% #'t #eca'!e
.e $no. that the go!pel came 'nto '! not #) chance% #'t #) the appointment o" >od% .ho to thi!
end gave the apo!tle! cloven tong'e!% le!t an) nation !ho'ld .ant that doctrine .hich .a!
committed 'nto them< .here#) i! proved the calling o" the >entile!< and% !econdl)% here#) their
doctrine doth p'rcha!e credit% .hich .e $no. .a! not "orged #) man% !eeing that .e hear that
the Spirit did d.ell in their tong'e!.
:o.% it remaineth that .e declare .hat the fire meaneth. Jitho't all do'#t% it .a! a to$en o" the
F"orce andG e""icac) .hich !ho'ld #e e3erci!ed in the voice o" the apo!tle!. 7ther.i!e% altho'gh
their !o'nd had gone o't into the 'ttermo!t part! o" the .orld% the) !ho'ld onl) have #eat the air%
.itho't doing an) good at all. There"ore% the Lord doth !ho. that their voice !hall #e "ier)% that it
ma) in"lame the heart! o" men< that the vanit) o" the .orld #eing #'rnt and con!'med% it ma)
p'rge and rene. all thing!. 7ther.i!e the) d'r!t never have ta$en 'pon them !o hard a "'nction%
'nle!! the Lord had a!!'red them o" the po.er o" their preaching. Here#) it came to pa!! that the
doctrine o" the go!pel did not onl) !o'nd in the air% #'t pierce into the mind! o" men% and did "ill
them .ith an heavenl) heat Fand #'rning.G :either .a! thi! "orce !ho.ed onl) in the mo'th o"
the apo!tle!% #'t it appeareth dail). *nd% there"ore% .e m'!t #e.are le!t% .hen the "ire #'rneth%
.e #e a! !t'##le. 9'rthermore% the Lord did once give the Hol) >ho!t 'nder a vi!i#le !hape% that
31
.e ma) a!!'re o'r!elve! that hi! invi!i#le and hidden grace !hall never #e .anting to the
Ch'rch.
And it sat( -eca'!e the n'm#er i! !'ddenl) changed% it i! to #e do'#ted .hether he !pea$eth o"
the "ire. He !aid that there appeared tong'e! a! it had #een o" "ire. +t "ollo.eth #) and #)% and it
sat u+on the%( :ot.ith!tanding% + re"er it 'nto the Spirit. 9or the He#re.! '!e commonl) to
e3pre!! the !'#!tantive o" the ver# in the !econd mem#er% .hich the) did omit in the "ormer.
Jhere"ore .e have an e3ample in thi! place4 !t sat 'pon them% and the) .ere all "illed .ith the
Hol) >ho!t. *nd .e $no. that altho'gh L'$e did .rite in >ree$% )et i! he "'ll o" tho!e phra!e!
.hich the He#re.! '!e.
9M1
:o.% .herea! he calleth the tong'e! the Hol) >ho!t% it i! according
to the c'!tom o" the Script're. 9or Bohn calleth the dove #) the !ame name% F
N03013/O
Bohn 143/%G
#eca'!e the Lord .o'ld te!ti") and declare the pre!ence o" hi! Spirit #) !ome !'ch !ign. +" it
.ere a vain !ign% it !ho'ld #e an a#!'rd naming Fto call the !ign #) the name o" the thing
!igni"ied<G #'t .here the thing i! anne3ed% the name o" the thing i! "itl) given to the !ign .hich
o""ereth the !ame 'nto o'r !en!e! to #e perceived. The "'llne!! o" the Spirit% .here.ith he !aith
ever) one .a! repleni!hed% doth not e3pre!! the [an] e@'al mea!'re o" gi"t! in ever) one% #'t that
e3cellence .hich !ho'ld #e meet "or !'ch a calling.
9E0
". They began to s+ea#( He !ho.eth that the e""ect did appear pre!entl)% and al!o to .hat '!e
their tong'e! .ere to #e "ramed and applied% -'t #eca'!e L'$e !etteth do.n !hortl) a"ter% that
!tranger! o't o" diver! co'ntrie! did marvel% #eca'!e that ever) one o" them did hear the apo!tle!
!pea$ing in their o.n tong'e% !ome thin$ that the) !po$e not in diver! tong'e!% #'t that the) did
all 'nder!tand that .hich .a! !po$en in one tong'e% a! .ell a! i" the) !ho'ld hear their nat'ral
tong'e.
9E1
There"ore% the) thin$ that one and the !ame !o'nd o" the voice .a! diver!el)
di!tri#'ted among!t the hearer!. *nother con?ect're the) have% #eca'!e Peter made one !ermon
in the a'dience o" man) gathered together o't o" diver! co'ntrie!% .ho co'ld not 'nder!tand hi!
!peech Fand lang'age%G 'nle!! another voice !ho'ld come 'nto their ear! than that .hich
proceeded o't o" hi! mo'th. -'t .e m'!t "ir!t note that the di!ciple! !po$e indeed .ith !trange
tong'e!< other.i!e the miracle had not #een .ro'ght in them% #'t in the hearer!. So that the
!imilit'de !ho'ld have #een "al!e .hereo" he made mention #e"ore< neither !ho'ld the Spirit
have #een given !o m'ch to them a! to other!. *gain% .e hear ho. Pa'l giveth than$! to >od%
that he !pea$eth .ith diver! tong'e!% F
N06101EO
1 Corinthian! 1041E.G Tr'l) he challengeth to
him!el" #oth the 'nder!tanding% and al!o the '!e thereo". :either did he attain to thi! !$ill #) hi!
o.n !t'd) and ind'!tr)% #'t he had it #) the gi"t o" the Spirit. +n the !ame place he a""irmeth that
it i! an e!pecial gi"t% .here.ith all men are not end'ed. + !'ppo!e that it doth mani"e!tl) appear
here#) that the apo!tle! had the variet) and 'nder!tanding o" tong'e! given them% that the) might
!pea$ 'nto the >ree$! in >ree$% 'nto the +talian! in the +talian tong'e%
9E/
and that the) might
have tr'e comm'nication Fand con"erenceG .ith their hearer!. :ot.ith!tanding% + leave it
indi""erence .hether there .a! an) !econd miracle .ro'ght or no% !o that the ,g)ptian! and
,lamite! did 'nder!tand Peter !pea$ing in the Chaldean tong'e% a! i" he did 'tter diver! voice!.
9or there #e !ome con?ect're! .hich per!'ade me th'! to thin$% and )et not !o "irm #'t that the)
ma) #e re"'ted. 9or it ma) #e that the) !po$e .ith diver! tong'e!% a! the) light 'pon thi! man or
that% and a! occa!ion .a! o""ered% and a! their lang'age! .ere diver!e. There"ore% it .a! a
mani"e!t miracle% .hen the) !a. them read) to !pea$ diver! lang'age!. *! to'ching Peter=!
!ermon% it might #e 'nder!tood o" the greater part o" men .here!oever the) .ere #orn< "or it i! to
#e tho'ght that man) o" tho!e .hich came to Ber'!alem .ere !$ill"'l in the Chaldean tong'e.
*gain% it !hall #e nothing inconvenient i" .e !a) that he !po$e al!o in other tong'e!. *ltho'gh +
00
.ill not m'ch !tand a#o't thi! matter< !o that thi! #e o't o" do'#t% that the apo!tle! changed their
!peech.
9E3
ACTS 2: !-12
!. *nd there .ere at Ber'!alem Be.! a#iding% godl) men% o't o" ever) nation o"
tho!e .hich are 'nder heaven. #. *nd .hen thi! .a! noi!ed a#road% the m'ltit'de
came together% and .a! a!toni!hed4 #eca'!e ever) one heard them !pea$ in hi! o.n
tong'e. %. *nd the) .ondered all% and marveled% !a)ing among!t them!elve!%
-ehold% are not all the!e .hich !pea$ men o" >alileeI $. *nd ho. do .e ever) one
hear them !pea$ing in hi! o.n lang'age% .herein .e .ere #ornI &. Parthian!% and
Mede!% and ,lamite!% and inha#iter! o" Me!opotamia% B'dea% and Cappadocia% o"
Pont'! and *!ia% 1'. *nd o" Phr)gia and Pamph)lia% o" ,g)pt% and o" the part! o"
Li#)a to.ard! C)rene% and !tranger! o" 8ome< 11. Be.! and Pro!el)te!% Crete! and
*ra#ian!% .e hear them !pea$ing in o'r tong'e! the .onder"'l .or$! o" >od. 12.
There"ore the) .ere all ama5ed% and marveled% !a)ing one to another% Jhat
meaneth thi!I 7ther! moc$ing% !aid% The) are "'ll o" !.eet .ine.
9E0
!. And there $ere at /erusale%( Jhen he calleth them godl) or religio'! men% he !eemeth to give
'! to 'nder!tand that the) came to Ber'!alem that the) might .or!hip >od< li$e a! >od% in all
age!% a"ter the !cattering a#road% did gather together into that cit) !ome !eed .hich remained%
having% a! it .ere% !et 'p hi! #anner% #eca'!e a! )et the temple did !erve to !ome '!e. ;et%
neverthele!!% he !ho.eth% #) the .a)% .ho tho!e #e .hich pro"it #) tho!e miracle!% .here#) >od
doth declare hi! po.er. 9or .ic$ed and pro"ane men do either la'gh at them% or el!e pa!! [care]
not "or them% a! .e !hall !ee #) and #). 9'rthermore% he meant to cite tho!e a! .itne!!e!% .hich
ma) the #etter #e #elieved "or their religion and godline!!. Jhen he !aid% out of e&ery nation, he
meaneth o't o" diver! co'ntrie!% .hereo" one i! "ar "rom another. 9or he doth al!o a"ter.ard!
rec$on 'p tho!e land! .hereo" one .a! "ar di!tant "rom another% o" .hich !ort are Li#)a and
Pont'!% 8ome and Parthia% and *ra#ia% and !'ch li$e. Thi! !erveth to increa!e the greatne!! o" the
thing. 9or the Cretian! and men o" *!ia% d.elling !o near together% might have !ome li$elihood
and agreement in !peech<
"ED
#'t the !ame co'ld not #e #et.i3t the +talian! and the men o"
Cappadocia% #et.i3t the *ra#ian! and tho!e o" Pont'!. ;ea% thi! .a! al!o a .or$ o" >od .orth)
to #e remem#ered and .ondered at% that in !o h'ge and horri#le a !cattering a#road o" the
people% he did al.a)! re!erve !ome relic!% )ea% he ca'!ed certain !tranger! to ad?oin them!elve!
'nto a people .hich .a! in !'ch mi!er)% and% a! it .ere% @'ite de!tro)ed. 9or altho'gh the) lived
here and there in e3ile in "ar co'ntrie!% and #eing one "ar "rom another% did% a! it .ere% inha#it
diver! .orld!% )et did the) hold among them!elve! the 'nit) o" "aith. :either doth he call them
'nadvi!edl)% and .itho't good con!ideration% godl) men% and men gearing >od.
#. 2hen this $as noised abroad( L'$e !aith th'! in >ree$% This &oi'e being %ade* #'t hi!
meaning i!% that the "ame .a! !pread a#road% .here#) it came to pa!! that a great m'ltit'de came
together. 9or i" one a"ter another in diver! place!% and at diver! time!% had heard the apo!tle!
!pea$ing in diver! tong'e!% the miracle had not #een !o "amo'!< there"ore the) come altogether
into one place% that the diver!it) o" tong'e! ma) the #etter appear #) the pre!ent compari!on.
There i! a "'rther circ'm!tance al!o here to #e noted% that the co'ntr) Fand native !oilG o" the
apo!tle! .a! commonl) $no.n% and thi! .a! al!o commonl) $no.n% that the) never .ent o't o"
their co'ntr) to learn
9E6
!trange tong'e!. There"ore% "ora!m'ch a! one !pea$eth Latin% another
01
>ree$% another the *ra#ian tong'e% a! occa!ion .a! o""ered% and that indi""erentl)% and ever) one
doth al!o change hi! tong'e% the .or$ o" >od appeareth more plainl) here#).
11. The $onderful $or#s of God( L'$e noteth t.o thing! .hich ca'!ed the hearer! to .onder<
"ir!t% #eca'!e the apo!tle! #eing #e"ore ignorant and private per!on!%
9EM
#orn in a #a!e corner%
9EE
did% not.ith!tanding% intreat pro"o'ndl) o" divine matter!% and o" heavenl) .i!dom. The other i!%
#eca'!e the) have ne. tong'e! given them !'ddenl). -oth thing! are .orth the noting% #eca'!e
to h'ddle o't ['tter] .ord! 'nadvi!edl) and "ooli!hl)% !ho'ld not !o m'ch have !erved to move
their mind!< and the ma?e!t) o" the thing! o'ght the more to have moved them to con!ider the
miracle. *ltho'gh the) give d'e honor to >od% in that the) are a!toni!hed and ama5ed% )et the
principal and o" the miracle i! e3pre!!ed in thi!% that the) in@'ire% and there#) declare that the)
are prepared to learn< "or other.i!e their ama5edne!! and .ondering !ho'ld not have done them
an) great good. *nd certainl) .e m'!t !o .onder at the .or$! o" >od% that there m'!t #e al!o a
con!ideration% and a de!ire to 'nder!tand.
12. Others %o'#ing( Here#) it appeareth ho. mon!tro'! a! .ell the !l'ggi!hne!!% a! al!o the
'ngodline!! o" men i!% .hen Satan hath ta$en a.a) their mind. +" >od !ho'ld openl) Fand
vi!i#l)G de!cend "rom heaven% hi! ma?e!t) co'ld !carce more mani"e!tl) appear than in thi!
miracle. Jho!oever hath an) drop o" !o'nd 'nder!tanding in him m'!t need! #e !tric$en .ith
the onl) hearing o" it. Ho. #ea!tl)% then% are tho!e men .ho !ee it .ith their e)e!% and )et !co""%
and go a#o't .ith their ?e!t! to moc$ the po.er o" >odI -'t the matter i! !o. There i! nothing !o
.onder"'l .hich tho!e men do not t'rn to a ?e!t .ho are to'ched .ith no care o" >od< #eca'!e
the) do% even 'pon !et p'rpo!e!% harden them!elve! in their ignorance in thing! mo!t plain. *nd
it i! a ?'!t p'ni!hment o" >od% .hich he #ringeth 'pon !'ch pride% to deliver them to Satan% to #e
driven headlong into #lind "'r). Jhere"ore% there i! no ca'!e .h) .e !ho'ld marvel that there #e
!o man) at thi! da) !o #lind in !o great light% i" the) #e !o dea" .hen !'ch mani"e!t doctrine i!
delivered% )ea% i" the) .antonl) re"'!e !alvation .hen it i! o""ered 'nto them. 9or i" the
.onder"'l and !trange .or$! o" >od% .herein he doth .onder"'ll) !et "orth hi! po.er% #e !'#?ect
to the moc$er) o" men% .hat !hall #ecome o" doctrine% .hich the) thin$ ta!teth o" nothing #'t o"
that .hich i! commonI *ltho'gh L'$e doth !igni") 'nto '! that the) .ere not o" the .or!t !ort%
or altogether pa!t hope% .hich did la'gh Fand moc$<G #'t he meant rather to declare ho. the
common !ort .a! a""ected .hen the) !a. thi! miracle. *nd tr'l) it hath #een al.a)! !o in the
.orld% "or ver) "e. have #een to'ched .ith the tr'e "eeling o" >od a! o"ten a! he hath revealed
him!el". :either i! it an) marvel< "or religion i! a rare virt'e% and a virt'e .hich "e. men have<
.hich i!% indeed% the #eginning o" 'nder!tanding. :everthele!!% ho.!oever the more part o" men%
thro'gh a certain hard !ti""nec$edne!!% doth re?ect the con!ideration o" the .or$! o" >od% )et are
the) never .itho't "r'it% a! .e ma) !ee in thi! hi!tor).
ACTS 2:1"-21
1". -'t Peter% !tanding .ith the eleven% li"t 'p hi! voice% and !po$e 'nto them% ;e
men o" B'dea% and all )e .hich d.ell at Ber'!alem% let thi! #e $no.n 'nto )o'% and
.ith )o'r ear! hear m) .ord!. 1!. 9or the!e men are not dr'n$ a! )e !'ppo!e< "or it i!
the third ho'r o" the da). 1#. -'t thi! i! that .hich .a! !po$en #) the prophet Boel%
1%. *nd it !hall #e in the la!t da)!% !aith >od% + .ill po'r o't m) Spirit 'pon all "le!h<
and )o'r !on! and )o'r da'ghter! !hall prophe!)% and )o'r )o'ng men !hall !ee
vi!ion!% and )o'r elder! !hall dream dream!4 1$. Aeril)% + .ill po'r o't o" m) Spirit in
tho!e da)! 'pon m) !ervant!% and 'pon mine handmaid!% and the) !hall prophe!). 1&.
*nd + .ill !ho. .onder! in heaven a#ove% and !ign! 'pon the earth #eneath% #lood
0/
and "ire% and vapor o" !mo$e. 2'. The !'n !hall #e t'rned into dar$ne!!% and the
moon into #lood% #e"ore the great and nota#le da) o" the Lord do come. 21. *nd it
!hall come to pa!!% that .ho!oever !hall call 'pon the name o" the Lord he !hall #e
!aved.
1". And Peter, standing( -) thi! .ord standing he did !igni")% that there .a! a grave !ermon
made in the a!!em#l)< "or the) did ri!e .hen the) !po$e 'nto the people% to the end the) might
#e the #etter heard. The !'m o" thi! !ermon i! thi!% he gathereth that Chri!t i! alread) revealed
and given #) the gi"t o" the Hol) >ho!t% .hich the) !a.. ;et% "ir!t% he re"'teth that "al!e opinion%
in that the) tho'ght that the di!ciple! .ere dr'n$. Thi! re"'tation con!i!teth 'pon a pro#a#le
arg'ment< #eca'!e men '!e not to #e dr'n$ #etime! in the morning. 9or% a! Pa'l !aith%
PTho!e .hich are dr'n$ are dr'n$ in the night%Q
F
ND/0D0MO
1 The!!alonian! D4M.G
9or the) "lee the light "or !hame. *nd !'rel) !o great i! the "ilthine!! o" thi! vice% that "or good
ca'!e! it hateth the light. *nd )et thi! arg'ment .ere not al.a)! good< "or ,!aia! doth inveigh in
hi! time again!t tho!e .hich did ri!e earl) to "ollo. dr'n$enne!!. *nd at thi! da) there #e man)
.ho% li$e hog!% !o !oon a! the) a.a$e% r'n to @'a""ing. -'t #eca'!e thi! i!
9E1
a common c'!tom
among!t men% Peter !aith% that it i! no li$el) thing. Tho!e .hich have #'t even !mall !$ill in
anti@'it) do $no. that the civil da)% "rom the ri!ing o" the !'n 'ntil the going do.n thereo"% .a!
divided into t.elve ho'r!< !o that the ho'r! .ere longer in !'mmer% and !horter in .inter.
There"ore% that .hich !ho'ld no. #e the ninth #e"ore noon in .inter% and in !'mmer the eighth%
.a! the third ho'r among!t the old people.
910
There"ore% .herea! Peter doth onl) lightl) remove
the opinion o" dr'n$enne!!% he doth it "or thi! ca'!e% #eca'!e it had #een !'per"l'o'! to have
!tood a#o't an) long e3c'!e.
911
There"ore% a! in a matter .hich .a! certain and o't o" do'#t% he
doth rather paci") tho!e .hich moc$ed% than la#or to teach them. *nd he doth not !o m'ch re"'te
them #) the circ'm!tance o" time% a! #) the te!timon) o" Boel. 9or .hen he !aith that that i! no.
come to pa!! .hich .a! "oretold% he to'cheth #rie"l) their 'nthan$"'lne!!% #eca'!e the) do not
ac$no.ledge !'ch an e3cellent #ene"it promi!ed 'nto them in time! pa!t .hich the) no. !ee
.ith their e)e!. *nd .herea! he 'p#raideth the "a'lt o" a "e. 'nto all%
91/
he doth it not to thi!
end% that he ma) ma$e them all g'ilt) o" the !ame "a'lt< #'t #eca'!e a "it occa!ion .a! o""ered
#) their moc$ing to teach them altogether% he doth not "ore!lo. the !ame.
913
1%. !t shall be in the last days( -) thi! e""ect he proveth that the Me!!iah i! alread) revealed.
Boel% indeed% doth not e3pre!! the la!t da)!% F
N/10//1O
Boel /4/1<G #'t "or a! m'ch a! he intreateth o"
the per"ect re!toring o" the Ch'rch% it i! not to #e do'#ted #'t that that prophec) #elongeth 'nto
the la!t age alone. Jhere"ore% that .hich Peter #ringeth doth no .hit di!!ent "rom Boel=!
meaning< #'t he doth onl) add thi! .ord "or e3po!ition !a$e% that the Be.! might $no. that the
Ch'rch co'ld #) no other mean! #e re!tored% .hich .a! then deca)ed% #'t #) #eing rene.ed #)
the Spirit o" >od. *gain% #eca'!e the repairing o" the Ch'rch !ho'ld #e li$e 'nto a ne. .orld%
there"ore Peter !aith that it !hall #e in the la!t da)!. *nd !'rel) thi! .a! a common and "amiliar
thing among the Be.!% that all tho!e great promi!e! concerning the #le!!ed and .ellordered !tate
o" the Ch'rch !ho'ld not #e "'l"illed 'ntil Chri!t% #) hi! coming% !ho'ld re!tore all thing!.
Jhere"ore% it .a! o't o" all do'#t among!t them% that that .hich i! cited o't o" Boel doth
appertain 'nto the la!t time. :o.% #) the la!t da)!% or "'llne!! o" time% i! meant the !ta#le and
"irm condition o" the Ch'rch% in the mani"e!tation or revealing o" Chri!t.
03
! $ill +our out %y 3+irit( He intendeth to prove% Fa! .e have alread) !aid%G that the Ch'rch can #e
repaired #) no other mean!% !aving onl) #) the giving o" the Hol) Spirit. There"ore% "ora!m'ch
a! the) did all hope that the re!toring dre. near% he acc'!eth them o" !l'ggi!hne!!% #eca'!e the)
do not once thin$ 'pon the .a) and mean! thereo". *nd .hen the prophet !aith% P+ .ill po'r
o't%Q it i!% .itho't all @'e!tion% that he meant #) thi! .ord to note the great a#'ndance o" the
Spirit. *nd .e m'!t ta$e ! $ill +our out of %y 3+irit in the !ame !en!e% a! i" he had !aid !impl)% +
.ill po'r o't m) Spirit. 9or the!e latter .ord! are the .ord! o" the prophet. -'t Peter "ollo.ed
the >recian!% .ho tran!late the He#re. .ord j% 1'heth,4 apo( There"ore% !ome men do in vain
more !'#tlel) pla) the philo!opher!< #eca'!e% ho.!oever the .ord! #e changed% )et m'!t .e !till
retain and $eep the prophet=! meaning. :everthele!!% .hen >od i! !aid to po'r o't hi! Spirit% +
con"e!! it m'!t #e th'! 'nder!tood% that he ma$eth mani"old variet) and change o" gi"t! to "lo.
'nto men "rom hi! Spirit% a! it .ere o't o" the onl) "o'ntain% the "o'ntain .hich can never #e
dra.n dr). 9or% a! Pa'l doth te!ti")% there #e diver! gi"t!% and )et #'t one Spirit% F
N061/00O
1
Corinthian! 1/40.G *nd hence do .e gather a pro"ita#le doctrine% that .e can have no more
e3cellent thing given '! o" >od than the grace o" the Spirit< )ea% that all other thing! are nothing
.orth i" thi! #e .anting. 9or% .hen >od .ill #rie"l) promi!e !alvation to hi! people% he a""irmeth
that he .ill give them hi! Spirit. Here'pon it "ollo.eth that .e can o#tain no good thing! 'ntil
.e have the Spirit given '!. *nd tr'l) it i!% a! it .ere% the $e) .hich openeth 'nto '! the door%
that .e ma) enter into all the trea!'re! o" !pirit'al good thing!< and that .e ma) al!o have
entrance into the $ingdom o" >od.
,+on all flesh( +t appeareth% #) that .hich "ollo.eth% o" .hat "orce thi! generalit) i!< "or% "ir!t% it
i! !et do.n generall)% all flesh* a"ter that the partition i! added% .here#) the prophet doth !igni")
that there !hall #e no di""erence o" age or $ind% #'t that >od admitteth all% one .ith another% 'nto
the parta$ing o" hi! grace. +t i! !aid% there"ore% all flesh, #eca'!e #oth )o'ng and old% men and
.omen% are there#) !igni"ied< )et here ma) a @'e!tion #e moved% .h) Clod doth promi!e that
'nto hi! people% a! !ome ne. and 'n.onted good thing% .hich he .a! .ont to do "or them "rom
the #eginning thro'gho't all age!< "or there .a! no age void o" the grace o" the Spirit. The
an!.er o" thi! @'e!tion i! !et do.n in the!e t.o !entence!4 P+ .ill po'r o't%Q and% PCpon all
"le!h<Q "or .e m'!t here note a do'#le contrariet)%
910
#et.een the time o" the 7ld and :e.
Te!tament< "or the po'ring o't Fa! + have !aidG doth !igni") great plent)% .hen a! there .a! 'nder
the la. a more !carce di!tri#'tion< "or .hich ca'!e Bohn al!o doth !a) that the Hol) >ho!t .a!
not given 'ntil Chri!t a!cended into heaven. All flesh cloth !igni") an in"inite m'ltit'de% .herea!
>od in time! pa!t did vo'ch!a"e to #e!to. !'ch plent) o" hi! Spirit onl) 'pon a "e..
9'rthermore% in #oth compari!on! .e do not den) #'t that the "ather! 'nder the la. .ere
parta$er! o" the !el"% !ame grace .hereo" .e are parta$er!< #'t the Lord doth !ho. that .e are
a#ove them% a! .e are indeed. + !a)% that all godl) men !ince the #eginning o" the .orld .ere
end'ed .ith the !ame !pirit o" 'nder!tanding% o" righteo'!ne!!% and !ancti"ication% .here.ith the
Lord doth at thi! da) ill'minate and regenerate '!< #'t there .ere #'t a "e. .hich had the light
o" $no.ledge given them then% i" the) #e compared .ith the great m'ltit'de o" the "aith"'l%
.hich Chri!t did !'ddenl) gather together #) hi! coming. *gain% their $no.ledge .a! #'t
o#!c're and !lender% and% a! it .ere% covered .ith a veil% i" it #e compared .ith that .hich .e
have at thi! da) o't o" the go!pel% .here Chri!t% the S'n o" righteo'!ne!!% doth !hine .ith per"ect
#rightne!!% a! it .ere at noon da). :either doth that an) .hit h'rt or hinder that a "e. had !'ch
an e3cellent "aith% that peradvent're the) have no e@'al at thi! da). 9or their 'nder!tanding did
neverthele!! !mell or !avor o" the in!tr'ction and !choolma!ter!hip
91D
o" the la.. 9or that i!
00
al.a)! tr'e% that godl) $ing! and prophet! have not !een nor heard tho!e thing! .hich Chri!t
hath revealed #) hi! coming. There"ore% to the end the prophet Boel ma) commend the e3cellenc)
o" the :e. Te!tament% he a""irmeth and "oretelleth that the grace o" the Spirit !hall #e more
plenti"'l in time thereo"< and% again% that it !hall come 'nto more men% F
N00131MO
Matthe. 1341M<
N0/10/0O
L'$e 104/0.G
And your sons shall +ro+hesy( -) the .ord +ro+hesy he meant to note the rare and !ing'lar gi"t
o" 'nder!tanding. *nd to the !ame p'rpo!e tendeth that partition .hich "ollo.eth a"ter.ard!%
5your young %en shall see &isions, and your old %en shall drea% drea%s*6 "or .e gather o't o"
the t.el"th chapter o" :'m#er!% that the!e .ere the t.o ordinar) .a)! .here#) >od did reveal
him!el" to the prophet!. 9or in that place% .hen the Lord e3empteth Mo!e! "rom the common !ort
o" prophet!% he !aith%
P+ appear 'nto m) !ervant! #) a vi!ion% or #) a dream< #'t + !pea$ 'nto Mo!e! "ace to
"ace%Q F
N001/06O
:'m#er! 1/46.G
There"ore% .e !ee that t.o $ind! are p't a"ter the general .ord "or a con"irmation< )et thi! i! the
!'m% that the) !hall all #e prophet! !o !oon a! the Hol) >ho!t !hall #e po'red o't "rom heaven.
-'t here it i! o#?ected% that there .a! no !'ch thing% even in the apo!tle! them!elve!% neither )et
in the .hole m'ltit'de o" the "aith"'l. + an!.er% that the prophet! did commonl) '!e to !hado.
'nder trope! mo!t "it "or their time%
916
the $ingdom o" Chri!t. Jhen the) !pea$ o" the .or!hip o"
>od% the) name the altar% the !acri"ice!% the o""ering o" gold% !ilver% and "ran$incen!e.
:ot.ith!tanding% .e $no. that the altar! do cea!e% the !acri"ice! are a#oli!hed% .hereo" there
.a! !ome '!e in time o" the la.< and that the Lord re@'ireth !ome higher thing at o'r hand! than
earthl) riche!. That i! tr'e% indeed< #'t the prophet!% .hil!t the) appl) their !t)le 'nto the
capacit) o" their time% comprehend 'nder "ig're! F.here.ith the people .ere then .ell
ac@'aintedG tho!e thing! .hich .e !ee other.i!e revealed and !ho.ed no.% li$e a! .hen he
promi!eth el!e.here that he .ill ma$e prie!t! o" Levite!% and Levite! o" the common !ort o"
men% F
N/366/1O
+!aiah 664/1%G thi! i! hi! meaning% that 'nder the $ingdom o" Chri!t ever) #a!e
per!on !hall #e e3tolled 'nto an honora#le e!tate< there"ore% i" .e de!ire to ]lave the tr'e and
nat'ral meaning o" thi! place% .e m'!t not 'rge the .ord! .hich are ta$en o't o" the old order
91M

o" the la.< #'t .e m'!t onl) !ee$ the tr'th .itho't "ig're!% and thi! i! it% that the apo!tle!%
thro'gh the !'dden in!piration o" the Spirit% did intreat o" the heavenl) m)!terie! propheticall)%
that i! to !a)% divinel)% and a#ove the common order.
There"ore% thi! .ord +ro+hesy doth !igni") nothing el!e !ave onl) the rare and e3cellent gi"t o"
'nder!tanding% a! i" Boel !ho'ld !a)% Cnder the $ingdom o" Chri!t there !hall not #e a "e.
prophet! onl)% 'nto .hom >od ma) reveal hi! !ecret!< #'t all men !hall #e end'ed .ith !pirit'al
.i!dom% even to the prophetical e3cellenc). *! it i! al!o in Beremiah%
P,ver) man !hall no longer teach hi! neigh#or< #eca'!e the) !hall all $no. me% "rom the
lea!t 'nto the greate!t%Q
F
N/03130O
Beremiah 31430.G
*nd in the!e .ord! Peter inviteth the Be.!% 'nto .hom he !pea$eth% to #e parta$er! o" the !ame
grace. *! i" he !ho'ld !a)% the Lord i! read) to po'r o't that Spirit "ar and .ide .hich he hath
po'red 'pon '!. There"ore% 'nle!! )o' )o'r!elve! #e the ca'!e o" let% )e !hall receive .ith '! o"
thi! "'llne!!. *nd a! "or '!% let '! $no. that the !ame i! !po$en to '! at thi! da) .hich .a! then
!po$en to the Be.!. 9or altho'gh tho!e vi!i#le grace! o" the Spirit #e cea!ed% )et >od hath not
0D
.ithdra.n hi! Spirit "rom hi! Ch'rch. Jhere"ore he o""ereth him dail) 'nto '! all% #) thi! !ame
promi!e% .itho't p'tting an) di""erence. Jhere"ore .e are poor and need) onl) thro'gh o'r o.n
!l'ggi!hne!!< and al!o it appeareth mani"e!tl)% that tho!e are .ic$ed and !acrilegio'! enemie! o"
the Spirit .hich $eep #ac$ the Chri!tian common people "rom the $no.ledge o" >od< and
"ora!m'ch a! he him!el" doth not onl) admit% #'t al!o call #) name 'nto him!el"% .omen and
men% )o'ng and old.
1$. ,+on %y ser&ants( +n the!e .ord! the promi!e i! re!trained 'nto the .or!hipper! o" >od. 9or
>od doth not pro"ane hi! Spirit< .hich he !ho'ld do% i" he !ho'ld ma$e the !tone common to the
'n#elieving and de!pi!er!. +t i! certain that .e are made the !ervant! o" >od #) the Spirit< and
that% there"ore% .e are not% 'ntil !'ch time a! .e have received the !ame< #'t% "ir!t% .hom >od
hath adopted to #e o" hi! "amil)% and .hom he hath "ramed #) hi! Spirit to o#e) him% tho!e doth
he "'rni!h .ith ne. gi"t! a"ter.ard. *gain% the prophet did not re!pect that order o" thee% #'t hi!
meaning .a! to ma$e thi! grace proper to the Ch'rch alone. *nd "ora!m'ch a! the Ch'rch .a!
onl) among the Be.!% he calleth them honora#l) the !ervant! and handmaid! o" >od. -'t a"ter
that >od did gather 'nto him!el" on ever) !ide a Ch'rch% the .all o" !eparation #eing p'lled
do.n% !o man) a! are received into the !ociet) o" the covenant are called #) the !ame name.
7nl) let '! remem#er% that the Spirit i! appointed "or the Ch'rch properl).
1&. And ! $ill sho$ $onders( Je m'!t "ir!t !ee .hat i! meant #) thi! great da) o" the Lord. Some
do e3po'nd it o" the "ormer coming o" Chri!t in the "le!h< and other! re"er it 'nto the la!t da) o"
the re!'rrection% + do allo. neither opinion. 9or% in m) ?'dgment% the prophet comprehendeth the
.hole $ingdom o" Chri!t. *nd !o he calleth it the great day, a"ter that the Son o" >od #egan to #e
revealed in the "le!h% that he ma) lead '! into the "'l"illing o" hi! $ingdom. There"ore% he
appointeth no certain da)% #'t he #eginneth thi! da) at the "ir!t preaching o" the go!pel% and he
e3tendeth the !ame 'nto the la!t re!'rrection. Tho!e .hich re!train it 'nto the time o" the
apo!tle! are moved .ith thi! rea!on% #eca'!e the prophet ?oineth thi! mem#er and that .hich
goeth ne3t #e"ore together. -'t in that there i! no a#!'rdit) at all% #eca'!e the prophet doth
a!!ign the time .hen the!e thing! #egan to come to pa!!% ho.!oever the) have a contin'al going
"or.ard even 'ntil the end o" the .orld. 9'rthermore% .herea! he !aith that the !'n !hall #e
t'rned to dar$ne!!% and the moon into #lood% the) are "ig'rative !peeche!% .here#) he doth give
'! to 'nder!tand th'! m'ch% that the Lord .ill !ho. to$en! o" hi! .rath thro'gh the .hole "rame
o" the .orld% .hich !hall #ring men even to their .it=! end% a! i" there !ho'ld #e !ome horri#le
and "ear"'l change o" nat're .ro'ght. 9or a! the !'n and moon are 'nto '! .itne!!e! o" >od=!
"atherl) "avor to.ard! '!% .hil!t that #) co'r!e the) give light to the earth< !o% on the other !ide%
the prophet !aith% that the) !hall #e me!!enger! to "ore!ho. >od=! .rath and di!plea!'re. *nd
thi! i! the !econd mem#er o" the prophec). 9or a"ter that he had intreated o" the !pirit'al grace
.hich !ho'ld #e a#'ndantl) po'red o't 'pon all "le!h% le!t an) man !ho'ld imagine that all
thing! !ho'ld #e @'iet and pro!pero'! together% there.ithal he addeth that the e!tate o" the .orld
!hall #e tro'#le!ome% and "'ll o" great "ear 'nder Chri!t< a! Chri!t him!el" doth more "'ll)
declare% Matthe. /0 and L'$e /1.
-'t thi! !erveth greatl) to the !etting "orth o" grace% that .herea! all thing! do threaten
de!tr'ction% )et .ho!oever doth call 'pon the name o" the Lord i! !'re to #e !aved. -) the
dar$ne!! o" the !'n% #) the #lood) !treaming o" the moon% #) the #lac$ vapor o" !mo$e% the
prophet meant to declare% that .hither!oever men t'rn their e)e!% there !hall man) thing! appear%
#oth 'p.ard and do.n.ard% .hich ma) ma$e them ama5ed and a"raid% a! he hath alread) !aid.
There"ore% thi! i! a! m'ch a! i" he !ho'ld have !aid% that the .orld .a! never in a more mi!era#le
06
ca!e% that there .ere never !o man) and !'ch cr'el to$en! o" >od=! .rath. Hence ma) .e gather
ho. ine!tima#le the goodne!! o" >od i!% .ho o""ereth a pre!ent remed) "or !o great evil!< and
again% ho. 'nthan$"'l the) are to.ard! >od% and ho. "ro.ard% .hich do not "lee 'nto the
!anct'ar) o" !alvation% .hich i! nigh 'nto them% and doth meet them. *gain% it i! o't o" all do'#t%
that >od meaneth #) thi! !o dole"'l a de!cription% to !tir 'p all godl) men% that the) ma) .ith a
more "ervent de!ire !ee$ "or !alvation. *nd Peter citeth it to the !ame end% that the Be.! ma)
$no. that the) !hall #e more mi!era#le 'nle!! the) receive that grace o" the Spirit .hich i!
o""ered 'nto them. ;et here ma) a @'e!tion #e a!$ed% ho. thi! can hang together% that .hen
Chri!t i! revealed% there !ho'ld !'ch a !ea o" mi!erie! over"lo. and #rea$ o't there.ithalI 9or it
ma) !eem to #e a thing ver) inconvenient%
91E
that he !ho'ld #e the onl) pledge o" >od=! love
to.ard man$ind% in .hom the heavenl) 9ather doth la) open all the trea!'re o" hi! goodne!!%
)ea% he po'reth o't the #o.el! o" hi! merc) 'pon '!% and that )et% #) the coming o" the !ame% hi!
Son% hi! .rath !ho'ld #e more hot than it .a! .ont% !o that it !ho'ld% a! it .ere% @'ite con!'me
#oth heaven and earth at once.
-'t .e m'!t "ir!t mar$% that #eca'!e men are too !lo. to receive Chri!t% the) m'!t #e
con!trained #) diver! a""liction!% a! it .ere .ith .hip!. Secondl)% "ora!m'ch a! Chri!t doth call
'nto him!el" all tho!e .hich are heav) laden and la#or% F
N0011/EO
Matthe. 114/E%G.e m'!t "ir!t #e
tamed #) man) mi!erie!% that .e ma) learn h'milit). 9or thro'gh great pro!perit) men do !et 'p
the horn! o" pride. *nd he cannot #'t de!pi!e Chri!t "iercel)% .ho!oever he #e% that !eemeth to
him!el" to #e happ). Thirdl)% #eca'!e .e are% more than .e o'ght% !et 'pon the !ee$ing o" the
peace o" the "le!h% .here#) it cometh to pa!! that man) tie the grace o" Chri!t 'nto the pre!ent
li"e% it i! e3pedient "or '! to #e acc'!tomed to thin$ other.i!e% that .e ma) $no. that the
$ingdom o" Chri!t i! !pirit'al. There"ore% to the end >od ma) teach '! that the good thing! o"
Chri!t are heavenl)% he doth e3erci!e '!% according to the "le!h% .ith man) mi!erie!< .here#) it
cometh to pa!! that .e do !ee$ o'r "elicit) .itho't the .orld. Moreover% men do #ring mi!erie!
'pon them!elve! thro'gh their 'nthan$"'lne!!< "or the !ervant .hich $no.eth hi! ma!ter=! .ill%
and doth not o#e)% i! .orth) o" greater and more !tripe!% F
N0/1/0MO
L'$e 1/40M.G The more
"amiliarl) that >od doth comm'nicate .ith '! in Chri!t% the more doth o'r 'ngodline!! gro. and
#rea$ o't into open cont'mac)% !o that it i! no marvel i"% .hen Chri!t i! revealed% there appear
man) to$en! o" >od=! vengeance on the other !ide% "ora!m'ch a! men do here#) more grievo'!l)
provo$e >od again!t them% and $indle hi! .rath thro'gh .ic$ed contempt. S'rel)% in that the da)
o" Chri!t i! "ear"'l% it i! an accidental thing< .hether >od .ill correct o'r !loth"'lne!!% to #ring
'! 'nder% .hich [.ho] are )et inapt to #e ta'ght% or .hether he .ill p'ni!h o'r 'nthan$"'lne!!.
9or it #ringeth .ith it o" it!el" nothing #'t that .hich i! plea!ant< #'t the contempt o" >od=!
grace doth provo$e him to horri#le anger not .itho't ca'!e.
21. 2hosoe&er shall 'all u+on( *n e3cellent place. 9or a! >od doth pric$ '! "or.ard li$e
!l'ggi!h a!!e!% .ith threatening! and terror! to !ee$ !alvation% !e% a"ter that he hath #ro'ght
dar$ne!! 'pon the "ace o" heaven and earth% )et doth he !ho. a mean! .here#) !alvation ma)
!hine #e"ore o'r e)e!% to .it% i" .e !hall call 'pon him. 9or .e m'!t diligentl) note thi!
circ'm!tance. +" >od !ho'ld promi!e !alvation !impl)% it .ere a great matter< #'t it i! a "ar
greater .hen a! he promi!eth the !ame amid!t mani"old d'ngeon! o" death. Jhil!t that F!aith heG
all thing! !hall #e o't o" order% and the "ear o" de!tr'ction !hall po!!e!! all thing!% onl) call 'pon
me% and )e !hall #e !aved. There"ore% ho.!oever man #e !.allo.ed 'p ill the g'l" o" mi!erie!%
)et i! there !et #e"ore him a .a) to e!cape. Je m'!t al!o note the 'niver!al .ord% $hosoe&er(
9or >od admitteth all men 'nto him!el" .itho't e3ception% and #) thi! mean! doth he invite
0M
them to !alvation% a! Pa'l gathereth in the tenth chapter to the 8oman!% and a! the prophet had
!et it do.n #e"ore%
PTho'% Lord% .hich heare!t the pra)er%
'nto thee !hall all "le!h come%Q
F
N116D0/O
P!alm 6D4/.G
There"ore% "ora!m'ch a! no man i! e3cl'ded "rom calling 'pon >od% the gate o" !alvation i! !et
open 'nto all men< neither i! there an) other thing .hich $eepeth '! #ac$ "rom entering in% !ave
onl) o'r o.n 'n#elie". + !pea$ o" all 'nto .hom >od doth ma$e him!el" mani"e!t #) the go!pel.
-'t li$e a! tho!e .hich call 'pon the name o" the Lord are !'re o" !alvation% !o .e m'!t thin$
that% .itho't the !ame% .e are thrice mi!era#le and 'ndone. *nd .hen a! o'r !alvation i! placed
in calling 'pon >od% there i! nothing in the mean !ea!on ta$en "rom "aith% "ora!m'ch a! thi!
invocation i! gro'nded on "aith alone. There i! al!o another circ'm!tance no le!! .orth) the
noting< in that the prophet doth !igni")% that the calling 'pon >od doth properl) appertain and
agree 'nto the la!t da)!. 9or altho'gh he .o'ld #e called 'pon in all age!% not.ith!tanding% !ince
that he !ho.ed him!el" to #e a 9ather in Chri!t% .e have the more ea!) acce!! 'nto him. Jhich
thing o'ght #oth the more to em#olden '!% and to ta$e "rom '! all !l'ggi!hne!!. *! he him!el"
doth al!o rea!on% that #) thi! privilege o'r "or.ardne!! to pra) i! do'#led to '!4 PHitherto have
)e a!$ed nothing in na) name< a!$% and )e !hall receive<Q a! i" he !ho'ld !a)% thereto"ore%
altho'gh + did not )et appear to #e a mediator and advocate in the "aith% )et did )e pra)< #'t no.%
.hen )o' !hall have me to #e )o'r patron% .ith ho. m'ch more co'rage o'ght )e to do thatI
ACTS 2:22-2"
22. ;e men o" +!rael% hear the!e .ord!< Be!'! o" :a5areth% a man !ho.ed to.ard!
)o' o" >od% #) po.er! and .onder!% and !ign!% .hich >od did #) him in the mid!t
o" )o'% a! )o' )o'r!elve! $no.4 2. Him% + !a)% have )e ta$en% #eing delivered #)
the determinate co'n!el and "ore$no.ledge o" >od% #) the hand! o" .ic$ed men%
and have !lain him% having "a!tened him to the cro!!. 2". Jhom >od hath rai!ed
'p% having loo!ed the !orro.! o" death% "ora!m'ch a! it .a! impo!!i#le that he
!ho'ld #e holden o" it.
22. /esus of "a7areth( :o. doth Peter appl) 'nto hi! p'rpo!e the prophec) o" Boel< namel)% that
the Be.! ma) there#) $no. that the time o" re!toring .a! pre!ent< and that Chri!t .a! given
them "or thi! p'rpo!e. 9or thi! promi!e .a! no other.i!e to #e "'l"illed% !ave onl) #) the coming
o" the Mediator. *nd thi! i! the right '!e o" all tho!e gi"t! .hich .e have #) Chri!t% .hil!t that
the) #ring '! 'nto Chri!t% a! 'nto a "o'ntain. -'t he cometh hither #) little and little. 9or he doth
not #) and #) in the #eginning a""irm that Be!'! .a! Chri!t< #'t he !aith onl) that he .a! a man
!ent o" >od< and that doth he prove #) hi! miracle!. *"ter.ard he addeth% that he ro!e "rom death
.hen he .a! !lain. Jhere#) it appeareth more certainl) and more "'ll) that he .a! not one o"
the prophet!% #'t the ver) Son o" >od% .ho .a! promi!ed to #e the repairer o" all thing!. Let thi!%
there"ore% #e the "ir!t mem#er% that Be!'! o" :a5areth .a! a man approved o" >od #) mani"e!t
te!timonie!% !o that he co'ld not #e de!pi!ed a! !ome #a!e and o#!c're per!on. The old
interpreter did not evil
911
tran!late uJpodedeigmenon a++ro&ed( *nd ,ra!m'! i! deceived% .ho
thin$eth that he did read it other.i!e< and he him!el" did not e3pre!! L'$e=! mind% .hen a! he
tran!lated it given.
9100
9or% !eeing that .ord doth !igni") among the >recian! to sho$,
.here'pon the mathematician! al!o call tho!e arg'ment! .here#) the) !et a thing% a! it .ere%
0E
#e"ore a man=! e)e!% apodeixeiv% or de%onstrations, L'$e meant to !a)% that Be!'! came not
'n$no.n% and .itho't an) te!timon) or appro#ation% #'t that tho!e miracle! .hich >od !ho.ed
#) him !erved to thi! end% that he might #e "amo'! and e3cellent. There"ore he !aith that he .a!
!ho.ed to.ard the Be.!< #eca'!e >od .o'ld have hi! Son to #e acco'nted e3cellent and great
among them< a! i" he !ho'ld !a)% that miracle! .ere not appointed "or other nation!% #'t "or the
Be.!% that the) might $no. that Be!'! .a! !ent 'nto them o" >od.
.y great $or#s( He calleth miracle! #) the!e three name!. *nd #eca'!e >od doth !ho. "orth hi!
po.er in them a"ter a ne. and 'n.onted !ort% or doth% at lea!t% proc're greater admiration% the)
are% "or good ca'!e!% called great $or#s(
9101
9or .e are commonl) more moved .hen an)
e3traordinar) thing doth happen. +n .hich re!pect the) are al!o called $onders,
910/
#eca'!e the)
ma$e '! a!toni!hed. *nd "or thi! ca'!e are the) called signs, #eca'!e the Lord .ill not have
men=! mind! to !ta) there% #'t to #e li"ted 'p higher< a! the) are re"erred 'nto another end. He
p't in three .ord!% to the end he might the more e3tol Chri!t=! miracle!% and en"orce the people%
#) hi! heaping and la)ing o" .ord! together% to con!ider the !ame. 9'rthermore% he ma$eth not
Chri!t the chie" a'thor% #'t onl) the mini!ter< #eca'!e% a! .e have alread) !aid% he determined to
go "or.ard #) degree!. :ot.ith!tanding% here ma) a @'e!tion #e a!$ed% .hether miracle! do
!'""ice to #e a !'""icient and ?'!t appro#ation [proo"] or noI -eca'!e #) thi! mean! inchanter!
might ca'!e their legerdemain
9103
to #e #elieved. + an!.er% that the ?'ggling ca!t! o" Satan do
m'ch di""er "rom the po.er o" >od. Chri!t !aith el!e.here% that the $ingdom o" *ntichri!t !hall
#e in .onder!% #'t he addeth #) and #)% in lying $onders, F
ND30/01O
/ The!!alonian! /41.G i" an)
man o#?ect% that .e cannot ea!il) di!cern% #eca'!e he !aith that the) !hall have !o great color that
the) !hall deceive Fi" it co'ld #eG the ver) elect< + an!.er again% that thi! error proceedeth onl)
"rom o'r o.n .ant o" .it% #eca'!e .e are !o d'll< "or >od doth !ho. hi! po.er mani"e!tl)
eno'gh. There"ore% there i! !'""icient appro#ation o" the doctrine and o" the mini!tr) in the
miracle! .hich >od doth .or$% !o that .e #e not #lind. *nd .herea! it i! not o" !'""icient "orce
among the .ic$ed% #eca'!e the) ma) no. and then #e deceived .ith the "al!e miracle! o" Satan%
thi! m'!t #e imp'ted 'nto their o.n #lindne!!< #'t .ho!oever hath a p're heart% he doth al!o
$no. >od .ith the p're e)e! o" hi! mind% !o o"ten a! he doth !ho. him!el". :either can Satan
other.i!e del'de '!% !ave onl) .hen% thro'gh the .ic$edne!! o" o'r heart% o'r ?'dgment i!
corr'pt and o'r e)e! #linded% or at lea!t #leared thro'gh o'r o.n !loth"'lne!!.
2. Hi% ha&e ye slain( He ma$eth mention o" the death o" Chri!t "or thi! ca'!e chie"l)% that the
re!'rrection might the more a!!'redl) #e #elieved. +t .a! a thing "'ll .ell $no.n among the
Be.! that Chri!t .a! cr'ci"ied. There"ore% in that he ro!e again% it i! a great and .onder"'l to$en
o" hi! (ivine po.er. +n the mean !ea!on% to the end he ma) pric$ their con!cience! .ith the
"eeling o" !in% he !aith that the) !le. him< not that the) cr'ci"ied him .ith their o.n hand!% #'t
#eca'!e the people% .ith one voice% de!ired to have him p't to death. *nd altho'gh man) o" the
hearer! 'nto .hom he !pea$eth did not con!ent 'nto that .ic$ed and 'ngodl) cr'elt)% )et doth
he ?'!tl) imp'te the !ame to the nation< #eca'!e all o" them had de"iled them!elve! either .ith
their !ilence% or el!e thro'gh their carele!!ne!!. :either hath the cloa$ and color
9100
o" ignorance
an) place% "ora!m'ch a! he .a! !ho.ed #e"ore o" >od. Thi! g'iltine!!% there"ore% 'nder .hich he
#ringeth them% i! a preparation 'nto repentance.
.y the deter%inate 'ounsel( He removeth a !t'm#ling#loc$< #eca'!e it !eemeth% at the "ir!t
#l'!h% to #e a thing ver) inconvenient% ['nacco'nta#le%] that that man .hom >od had !o greatl)
adorned% #eing a"ter.ard laid open to all manner o" moc$ing% doth !'""er !o reproach"'l a death.
There"ore% #eca'!e the cro!! o" Chri!t doth commonl) '!e to tro'#le '! at the "ir!t !ight% "or thi!
01
ca'!e Peter declareth that he !'""ered nothing #) chance% or #eca'!e he .anted po.er to deliver
him!el"% #'t #eca'!e it .a! !o determined Fand appointedG #) >od. 9or thi! $no.ledge alone%
that the death o" Chri!t .a! ordained #) the eternal co'n!el o" >od% did c't o"" all occa!ion o"
"ooli!h and .ic$ed cogitation=!% and did prevent all o""en!e! .hich might other.i!e #e
conceived. 9or .e m'!t $no. thi!% that >od doth decree nothing in vain or ra!hl)< .here'pon it
"ollo.eth that there .a! ?'!t ca'!e "or .hich he .o'ld have Chri!t to !'""er. The !ame
$no.ledge o" >od=! providence i! a !tep to con!ider the end and "r'it o" Chri!t=! death. 9or thi!
meeteth '! #) and #) in the co'n!el o" >od% that the ?'!t .a! delivered
910D
"or o'r !in!% and that
hi! #lood .a! the price o" o'r death.
*nd here i! a nota#le place to'ching the providence o" >od% that .e ma) $no. that a! .ell o'r
li"e a! o'r death i! governed #) it. L'$e intreateth% indeed% o" Chri!t< #'t in hi! per!on .e have a
mirror% .hich doth repre!ent 'nto '! the 'niver!al providence o" >od% .hich doth !tretch it!el"
thro'gho't the .hole .orld< )et doth it !peciall) !hine 'nto '! .ho are the mem#er! o" Chri!t.
L'$e !etteth do.n t.o thing! in thi! place% the fore#no$ledge and the de'ree o" >od. *nd
altho'gh the "ore$no.ledge o" >od i! "ormer in order% F#eca'!e >od doth "ir!t !ee .hat he .ill
determine% #e"ore he doth indeed determine the !ame%G )et doth he p't the !ame a"ter the co'n!el
and decree o" >od% to the end .e ma) $no. that >od .o'ld nothing% neither appointed an)thing%
!ave that .hich he had long #e"ore directed to hi! [it!] end. 9or men do o"tentime! ra!hl) decree
man) thing!% #eca'!e the) decree them !'ddenl). There"ore% to the end Peter ma) teach that the
co'n!el o" >od i! not .itho't rea!on% he co'pleth al!o there.ithal hi! "ore$no.ledge. :o.% .e
m'!t di!ting'i!h the!e t.o% and !o m'ch the more diligentl)% #eca'!e man) are deceived in thi!
point. 9or pa!!ing over the co'n!el o" >od% .here.ith he doth Fg'ide andG govern the .hole
.orld% the) catch at hi! #are "ore$no.ledge. Thence cometh that common di!tinction% that
altho'gh >od doth "ore!ee all thing!% )et doth he la) no nece!!it) 'pon hi! creat're!. *nd%
indeed% it i! tr'e that >od doth $no. thi! thing or that thing #e"ore% "or thi! ca'!e% #eca'!e it
!hall come to pa!!< #'t a! .e !ee that Peter doth teach that >od did not onl) "ore!ee that .hich
#e"ell Chri!t% #'t it .a! decreed #) him. *nd hence m'!t #e gathered a general doctrine< #eca'!e
>od doth no le!! !ho. hi! providence in governing the .hole .orld% than in ordaining and
appointing the death o" Chri!t. There"ore% it #elongeth to >od not onl) to $no. #e"ore thing! to
come% #'t o" hi! o.n .ill to determine .hat he .ill have done. Thi! !econd thing did Peter
declare .hen he !aid% that he .a! delivered #) the certain and determinate co'n!el o" >od.
There"ore% the "ore$no.ledge o" >od i! another thing than the .ill o" >od% .here#) he
governeth and ordereth all thing!.
Some% .hich are o" @'ic$er !ight% con"e!! that >od doth not onl) "ore$no.% #'t al!o govern .ith
hi! #ec$ .hat thing! !oever are done in thi! .orld. :everthele!!% the) imagine a con"'!ed
government% a! i" >od did give li#ert) to hi! creat're! to "ollo. their o.n nat're. The) !a) that
the !'n i! r'led #) the .ill o" >od% #eca'!e% in giving light to '!% he doth hi! d't)% .hich .a!
once en?oined him #) >od. The) thin$ that man hath "ree.ill a"ter thi! !ort le"t him% #eca'!e hi!
nat're i! di!po!ed or inclined 'nto the "ree choice o" good and evil. -'t the) .hich thin$ !o do
"eign that >od !itteth idle in heaven. The Script're teacheth '! "ar other.i!e% .hich a!cri#eth
'nto >od a !pecial government in all thing!% and in man=! action!. :ot.ith!tanding% it i! o'r d't)
to ponder and con!ider to .hat end it teacheth thi!< "or .e m'!t #e.are o" doting !pec'lation!%
.here.ith .e !ee man) carried a.a). The Script're .ill e3erci!e o'r "aith% that .e ma) $no.
that .e are de"ended #) the hand o" >od% le!t .e #e !'#?ect to the in?'rie! o" Satan and the
.ic$ed. +t i! good "or '! to em#race thi! one thing< neither did Peter mean an)thing el!e in thi!
D0
place. ;ea% .e have an e3ample !et #e"ore '! in Chri!t% .here#) .e ma) learn to #e .i!e .ith
!o#riet). 9or it i! o't o" @'e!tion% that hi! "le!h .a! !'#?ect to corr'ption% according to nat're.
-'t the providence o" >od did !et the !ame "ree. +" an) man a!$% .hether the #one! o" Chri!t
co'ld #e #ro$en or noI it i! not to #e denied% that the) .ere !'#?ect to #rea$ing nat'rall)% )et
co'ld there no #one #e #ro$en% #eca'!e >od had !o appointed and determined% F
N031136O
Bohn
11436.G -) thi! e3ample F+ !a)G .e are ta'ght !o to give the chie"e!t room to >od=! providence%
that .e $eep o'r!elve! .ithin o'r #o'nd!% and that .e thr'!t not o'r!elve! ra!hl) and
indi!creetl) into the !ecret! o" >od% .hither o'r e)e!ight doth not pierce.
.y the hands of the $i'#ed( -eca'!e Peter !eemeth to grant that the .ic$ed did o#e) >od%
here'pon "ollo.eth t.o a#!'rditie!<
9106
the one% either that >od i! the a'thor o" evil% or that men
do not !in% .hat .ic$edne!! !oever the) commit. + an!.er% concerning the !econd% that the
.ic$ed do nothing le!! than o#e) >od% ho.!oever the) do e3ec'te that .hich >od hath
determined .ith him!el". 9or o#edience !pringeth "rom a vol'ntar) a""ection< and .e $no. that
the .ic$ed have a "ar other p'rpo!e. *gain% no man o#e)eth >od !ave he .hich $no.eth hi!
.ill. There"ore% o#edience dependeth 'pon the $no.ledge o" >od=! .ill. 9'rthermore% >od hath
revealed 'nto '! hi! .ill in the la.< .here"ore% tho!e men
910M
do o#e) >od% .ho do that alone
.hich i! agreea#le to the la. o" >od< and% again% .hich !'#mit them!elve! .illingl) to hi!
government. Je !ee no !'ch thing in all the .ic$ed% .hom >od doth drive hither and thither%
the) them!elve! #eing ignorant. :o man% there"ore% .ill !a) that the) are e3c'!a#le 'nder thi!
color% #eca'!e the) o#e) >od< "ora!m'ch a! #oth the .ill o" >od m'!t #e !o'ght in hi! la.% and
the)% !o m'ch a! in them lieth% do
910E
to re!i!t >od. *! to'ching the other point% + den) that >od
i! the a'thor o" evil< #eca'!e there i! a certain noting o" a .ic$ed a""ection in thi! .ord. 9or the
.ic$ed deed i! e!teemed according to the end .hereat a man aimeth. Jhen men commit the"t or
m'rder% the) o""end
9101
"or thi! ca'!e% #eca'!e the) are thieve! or m'rderer!< and in the"t and
m'rder there i! a .ic$ed p'rpo!e. >od% .ho '!eth their .ic$edne!!% i! to #e placed in the higher
degree. 9or he hath re!pect 'nto a "ar other thing% #eca'!e he .ill cha!ti!e the one% and e3erci!e
the patience o" the other< and !o he doth never decline "rom hi! nat're% that i!% "rom per"ect
righteo'!ne!!. So that% .herea! Chri!t .a! delivered #) the hand! o" .ic$ed men% .herea! he
.a! cr'ci"ied% it came to pa!! #) the appointment and ordinance o" >od. -'t trea!on% .hich i! o"
it!el" .ic$ed% and m'rder% .hich hath in it !o great .ic$edne!!% m'!t not #e tho'ght to #e the
.or$! o" >od.
2". Ha&ing loosed the sorro$s of death( -) the !orro.! o" death + 'nder!tand !ome "arther thing
than the #odil) !en!e or "eeling. 9or tho!e .hich d'l) con!ider the nat're o" death% #eca'!e the)
hear that it i! the c'r!e o" >od% m'!t need! conceive that >od i! angr) in death. Hence cometh
marvelo'! horror% .herein there i! greater mi!er) than in death it!el". 9'rthermore% Chri!t died
'pon thi! occa!ion that he might ta$e 'pon him o'r g'iltine!!. That in.ard "ear o" con!cience%
.hich made him !o a"raid that he !.eat #lood .hen he pre!ented him!el" #e"ore the throne and
tri#'nal !eat o" >od% did more ve3 him% and #ro'ght 'pon him greater horror% than all the
torment! o" the "le!h. *nd .herea! Peter !aith% that Chri!t did .re!tle .ith !'ch !orro.!% and
doth al!o declare that he had the victor)% #) thi! it cometh to pa!! that the "aith"'l o'ght not no.
to #e a"raid o" death< "or death hath not the li$e @'alit) no. .hich .a! in *dam< #eca'!e #) the
victor) o" Chri!t the c'r!e i! !.allo.ed 'p% F
N061DD0O
1 Corinthian! 1D4D0.G Je "eel% indeed% )et the
pric$ing o" !orro.!% #'t !'ch a! do not .holl) .o'nd '!% .hil!t that .e hold 'p the #'c$ler o"
"aith again!t them. He added a rea!on% #eca'!e it .a! impo!!i#le that Chri!t !ho'ld #e oppre!!ed
#) death% .ho i! the a'thor o" li"e.
D1
ACTS 2:2!-1
2!. 9or (avid !aith o" him% + !a. the Lord #e"ore me al.a)!% #eca'!e he i! on m)
right hand< le!t + !ho'ld #e moved. 2#. 9or thi! m) heart re?oiced% and m) tong'e .a!
glad< moreover% m) "le!h !hall re!t in hope4 2%. -eca'!e tho' .ilt not leave m) !o'l
in hell% neither .ilt tho' !'""er th) Hol) 7ne to !ee corr'ption. 2$. Tho' ha!t made
$no.n 'nto me the .a)! o" li"e% tho' !halt "ill me .ith gladne!! .ith th) "ace. 2&.
Men and #rethren% !eeing that + %na) #oldl) !pea$ 'nto )o' o" the patriarch (avid%
#eca'!e he i! #oth dead and #'ried% and hi! !ep'lcher remaineth .ith '! 'ntil thi! da).
'. There"ore% !eeing he .a! a prophet% and did $no. that >od had !.orn 'nto him
.ith an oath that it !ho'ld come to pa!!% that Chri!t !ho'ld ri!e o" the "r'it! o" hi!
loin!% concerning the "le!h% .ho !ho'ld !it 'pon hi! throne< 1. He $no.ing thi!
#e"ore% !po$e o" the re!'rrection o" Chri!t% that hi! !o'l .a! not le"t in hell% neither did
hi! "le!h !ee corr'ption.
2!. The re!'rrection%
9110
.hich .a! #oth declared and .itne!!ed #) certain and evident
te!timonie!% and .hich might al!o have #een gathered o't o" the contin'al doctrine o" the
prophet!% .a! to #e proved to the Be.! a! !ome ne. and !trange thing. *nd no marvel. 9or .e
!ee that altho'gh Chri!t had o"tentime! #eat
9111
the !ame into hi! di!ciple!= head!% )et did the)
pro"it #'t a little. *nd )et did the) retain certain principle! o" tr'e doctrine% .hich might have
made a .a) "or them 'nto the $no.ledge o" Chri!t% a! .e !hall !ee #) and #). There"ore% #eca'!e
the gi"t o" the Spirit .a! a "r'it o" the re!'rrection o" Chri!t% he proveth #) the te!timon) o"
(avid that Chri!t m'!t need! have ri!en again% that the Be.! ma) there#) $no. that he .a! the
a'thor o" the gi"t. 9or he ta$eth it a! a thing .hich all men grant% that he .a! rai!ed 'p "rom
death% that he ma) live not "or him!el"% #'t "or hi!. :o. .e !ee Peter=! dri"t< that that o'ght to
!eem no !trange thing .hich .a! "oretold !o long #e"ore< and that Be!'! i! al!o Chri!t% #eca'!e
(avid did prophec) o" him% a! o" the tied o" the Ch'rch.
9ir!t o" all% .e m'!t !ee .hether thi! place o'ght altogether to #e 'nder!tood o" Chri!t% a! Peter
a""irmeth< that done% i" there #e an) thing in the .ord! .orth noting% .e .ill in order di!c'!! it.
Peter denieth that that agreeth .ith (avid .hich i! !aid in thi! place4
PTho' !halt not !'""er thine Hol) 7ne to !ee corr'ption%Q F
N111610O
P!alm 16410%G
#eca'!e (avid=! carca!! .a! corr'pt in the grave. +t !eemeth at the "ir!t #l'!h to #e #'t a light
arg'ment. 9or a man might ea!il) o#?ect% that the .ord i! not to #e 'rged% "ora!m'ch a! (avid
meant nothing el!e% !ave onl) to e3empt him!el" "rom de!tr'ction. There"ore% ho.!oever
corr'ption did to'ch him% )et doth that no .hit hinder #'t that he ma) ea!il) !a) that he .a! !a"e
"rom the danger thereo"% #eca'!e he $ne. that the Lord .o'ld deliver him. ;ea% it !eemeth to #e
a repetition o" the "ormer !entence% according to the common c'!tom o" the He#re. tong'e.
Jhich i" it #e !o% the !en!e !hall #e plain% that >od .ill not !'""er him to #e oppre!!ed .ith
death% or that death !ho'ld con!'me him. *nd thi! interpretation i! con"irmed #) that .here .e
read hell, it i! in He#re. ls, 1seol*4 .here .e read 'orru+tion, there it i! tj% 1sha'hat*4 #oth the!e
.ord! do !igni") the grave. -) thi! mean! (avid !ho'ld !a) t.ice% that he !hall #e delivered
"rom death #) the grace o" >od. 9inall)% he !aith the !ame thing in thi! place% .hich he !aith%
F
N11011DO
P!alm 0141D%G P>od !hall redeem m) !o'l "rom the hand o" hell.Q Li$e a!% on the other
!ide% .hen he !pea$eth o" the repro#ate!% he i! .ont to ta$e 5going do.n into the graveQ "or
de!tr'ction. + an!.er #rie"l)% that there i! !ome greater thing e3pre!!ed in thi! place than the
D/
common redemption or deliverance o" the godl). (avid% indeed% doth promi!e that >od .ill #e
hi! eternal deliverer% a! .ell in li"e a! in death. :either had he #een m'ch #etter "or thi!% to have
#een once delivered "rom one danger% 'nle!! he had hoped that he !ho'ld #e !a"e even 'nto the
end thro'gh >od=! protection< #'t he !pea$eth o" !'ch !a"et) a! i! not common.
911/
*nd !'rel)
the .ord! do !o'nd that he !pea$eth o" !ome ne. and !ing'lar privilege. *dmit + grant that it i! a
repetition% and that there i! all one thing 'ttered in the!e t.o mem#er!% PTho' !halt not leave m)
!o'l in hell<Q and% PTho' !halt not !'""er me to !ee corr'ption<Q )et do + den) that it i! !impl) to
#e 'nder!tood that >od .ill deliver hi! Hol) 7ne "rom eternal de!tr'ction< "or "reedom "rom
corr'ption i! promi!ed #) name. :either do + pa!! "or thi!% that tj 1sha'hat4 doth !igni") the
grave% a! ls% 1seol,4 .hich i! p't in the "ormer mem#er. 9or altho'gh + do not !tand nor contend
a#o't the .ord!% )et m'!t .e re!pect the et)molog). There"ore% "ora!m'ch a! the grave i! called
tj% 1sha'hat4 #eca'!e it doth corr'pt man=! #od) .ith rottenne!!% it i! not to #e do'#ted #'t that
(avid meant to note that @'alit). There"ore% the place i! not !o m'ch e3pre!!ed #) thi! .ord% a!
the condition o" rotting. So that the !en!e i!% that >od .ill not !'""er him o" .hom the P!alm
!pea$eth Pto rot or corr'pt in the grave.Q *nd "ora!m'ch a! (avid .a! not "ree "rom thi!
nece!!it)% it "ollo.eth that the prophec) .a! neither tr'l) nor per"ectl) "'l"illed in him.
*nd that the P!alm o'ght altogether to #e e3po'nded o" Chri!t% the thing it!el" doth prove. 9or
!eeing that (avid .a! one o" the !on! o" *dam% he co'ld not e!cape that 'niver!al condition and
e!tate o" man$ind%
P('!t tho' art% and 'nto d'!t tho' !halt ret'rn%Q
F
N010311O
>ene!i! 3411<G
the grave !tandeth open F+ !a)G "or all the children o" *dam% that it ma) !.allo. them 'p% and
con!'me them< !o that no man can e3empt him!el" "rom corr'ption. So that% #eholding o'r!elve!
apart "rom Chri!t% .e !ee the grave prepared "or '!% .hich threateneth to '! corr'ption.
Jhere"ore% i" (avid #e !eparated "rom Chri!t% that !hall not #elong to him .hich i! here !aid%
that he !hall #e pre!erved "rom the grave. There"ore% .hen he #oa!teth that he !hall #e "ree "rom
the grave% a! to'ching corr'ption% .itho't all do'#t he placeth him!el" in the #od) o" Chri!t%
.herein death .a! overcome% and the $ingdom thereo" a#oli!hed. -'t and i" (avid do promi!e
him!el" e3empting "rom the grave in another re!pect% !ave onl) !o "ar "orth a! he i! a mem#er o"
Chri!t% here#) it appeareth that thi! "reedom m'!t #egin at Chri!t a! at the head. Jhat man
!oever !hall #e o" !o'nd ?'dgment !hall ea!il) $no. that thi! i! a good arg'ment. >od did p't all
man$ind 'nder corr'ption< there"ore% (avid% ina!m'ch a! he .a! o" the n'm#er o" men% co'ld
not #e "ree "rom the !ame. :either i! it to #e do'#ted% #'t that the Be.!% #e"ore .hom thi!
!ermon .a! made% "ora!m'ch a! .itho't @'e!tion that ma3im .a! o" "orce among!t them% that
the) .ere to hope "or the re!toring o" thing! at the hand! o" Chri!t alone% did the more readil)
!ta) them!elve! 'pon
9113
the .ord! o" Peter< #eca'!e the) !a. that that co'ld no other.i!e #e
.hich the .ord! do import% 'nle!! the) !ho'ld appl) it to the Me!!ia!. 9or the) .ere not come to
that point o" imp'dence% at lea!t tho!e o" .hom mention i! made here% that the) d'r!t cavil in
matter! .hich .ere evident< "or >od had then o""ered 'nto hi! di!ciple! tho!e .hich .ere godl)
hearer!% and apt to #e ta'ght. The) !o'ght the Me!!ia! in the 7ld Te!tament. The) $ne. that
(avid .a! a "ig're o" him. There .a! among!t them !ome religion and reverence o" the
Script're! then< #'t no. the imp'denc) o" all the .hole nation almo!t i! de!perate. Ho.!oever
the) #e 'rged% the) .rench them!elve! o't one .a) or other.
9110
Jhere there i! no .a) to
e!cape% )et the) #rea$ thro'gh< altho'gh the) #e overcome% )et .ill the) not )ield< neither i! it to
D3
#e do'#ted #'t that thi! their !hamele!! "or.ardne!! i! a p'ni!hment "or their 'ngodline!!. -'t
let '! ret'rn 'nto Peter=! !ermon.
Seeing that (avid doth not onl) a""irm that >od al!o !hall #e hi! deliverer% #'t doth e3pre!! a
!ing'lar .a) and mean!< namel)% that he !hall not #e !'#?ect to the corr'ption o" the grave% Peter
doth "or good ca'!e! gather% that that doth not properl) appertain 'nto him% "or that hi! #od) .a!
corr'pt in the grave. *nd no.% #eca'!e thi! had #een !ome.hat hard to #e !po$en among the
Be.!% he molli"ieth the hardne!! .ith a circ'mloc'tion. 9or he doth not "latl) den) in one .ord
that that .a! "'l"illed indeed in (avid% #'t doth onl) #) the .a)
911D
!igni") !o m'ch 'nto them%
#eca'!e he lieth con!'med in the grave a"ter the common c'!tom o" other men. *nd (avid did !o
prophe!) o" Chri!t% that he did #oth appl) thi! con!olation 'nto him!el" privatel)% and= al!o
e3tend the !ame 'nto the .hole #od) o" the Ch'rch. 9or that .hich i! !o'nd and per"ect in the
head i! !pread a#road% #eing a"ter.ard po'red o't into all the mem#er!. :either i! it to #e denied
#'t that (avid !po$e o" him!el" in thi! place< )et onl) !o "ar "orth a! he #eheld him!el" in Chri!t%
a! in the mirror o" li"e. 9ir!t% he hath re!pect 'nto Chri!t< a"ter that he t'rneth hi! e)e! to.ard
him!el"% and other! the "aith"'l. So that .e have a general doctrine pre!cri#ed 'nto '! in thi!
plate% concerning the nat're o" "aith% the !pirit'al ?o) o" con!cience4 and the hope o" eternal
deliverance.
! sa$( Je m'!t hold thi! principle. +" .e .ill have >od pre!ent .ith '!% .e m'!t !et him #e"ore
o'r e)e!< and that #e"ore he do appear< "or the pro!pect o" "aith pierceth "ar "'rther than 'nto the
pre!ent e3perience. There"ore "aith hath thi! propert)% to !et >od al.a)! #e"ore it a! a g'ide in all
danger! and con"'!ed matter!. 9or there i! nothing that doth !o m'ch hold '! 'p% a! .hen .e
$no. that >od i! pre!ent .ith '!< a! the opinion o" hi! a#!ence doth o"ten ca!t '! do.n% and at
length @'ite di!co'rage '!. (avid addeth% That he too$ not heed in vain 'nto the direction o"
>od. PHe i! F!aith heG at m) right hand<Q .here#) he doth !igni") that .e need not to "ear le!t .e
#e deceived%
9116
.hen a! .e !et him #e"ore '! at pre!ent< "or .e !hall al.a)! "eel hi! help mo!t
read). 9aith% in hoping "or the help o" >od% o'ght to prevent and overgo
911M
all e3perience% and
.hat!oever i! perceived #) the !en!e< #'t !o !oon a! it !hall give thi! glor) to >od% that it doth
#ehold him in hi! Jord% altho'gh he #e a#!ent% and !o% con!e@'entl)% invi!i#le% it !hall #e
overcome .ith the e""ect o" the thing. 9or the mea!'re o" "aith i! not a#le to comprehend the
in"inite greatne!! o" the po.er and goodne!! o" >od. He dra.eth a !imilit'de "rom tho!e .hich%
.hen the) .ill 'nderprop the .ea$% or !trengthen the "ear"'l% do ?oin them!elve! 'nto their !ide.
:ot to #e moved% i! not to #e thro.n do.n "rom their degree% #'t to remain "irm in their e!tate<
li$e a! al!o
N11060DO
P!alm 064D% >od i! in the mid!t o" it% there"ore !hall it not #e moved. 9or
altho'gh it come to pa!! !ometime! that the godl) #e !ore !ha$en% )et #eca'!e the) come to
them!elve! again% the) are !aid to contin'e "irm. There"ore% there i! no ca'!e .h) the) !ho'ld #e
a"raid o" "alling% .ho are 'pholden #) the help o" >od. Li$e a!% on the other !ide% tho!e .hich
place their !trength an).here el!e !ave onl) in >od% the) !hall #e li$e to "all at ever) #la!t o"
.ind% #'t at an) mean .ind o" temptation the) !hall "all to the gro'nd.
2#. 8or this %y heart rejoi'ed( Bo) o" the !o'l% gladne!! o" the tong'e% and @'ietne!! o" all the
.hole #od)% do en!'e 'pon !'re hope and con"idence< "or 'nle!! men #e @'ite pa!t "eeling%
911E

the) m'!t need! #e care"'l and !orro."'l% and !o% con!e@'entl)% mi!era#l) tormented% !o long a!
the) "eel them!elve! de!tit'te o" the help o" >od. -'t that !'re tr'!t .hich .e repo!e in >od
doth not onl) deliver '! "rom care"'lne!!%
9111
#'t doth al!o repleni!h o'r heart! .ith .onder"'l
?o) Fand gladne!!.G That i! the ?o) .hich Chri!t promi!ed to hi! di!ciple! !ho'ld #e "'ll in them%
and .hich he te!ti"ied co'ld not #e ta$en "rom them% F
N0316//O
Bohn 164//< 1M413.G He e3pre!!eth
D0
the greatne!! o" the ?o) .hen he !aith% That it cannot #e $ept in% #'t that it .ill #rea$ "orth into
the gladne!! o" the tong'e.
91/0
dwbk% doth !igni")% indeed% glory, #'t it i! ta$en in that place% a! in
man) other!% "or the tongue( *nd !o the >recian! have tr'l) tran!lated the !ame. The re!t o" the
flesh doth !igni") the @'ietne!! o" the .hole man% .hich .e have thro'gh the protection o" >od.
:either i! thi! an) let% #eca'!e the "aith"'l are contin'all) o't o" @'iet and trem#le< "or a! in the
mid!t o" !orro.! the) do neverthele!! re?oice< !o there are no tro'#le! !o great that can #rea$
them o" their re!t. +" an) man o#?ect% that the peace o" the "aith"'l doth con!i!t in the !pirit% and
that it i! not in the "le!h4 + an!.er% that the "aith"'l do re!t in #od)< not that the) are "ree "rom
tro'#le!% #'t #eca'!e the) #elieve that >od careth "or them .holl)% and that not onl) their !o'l
!hall #e !a"e thro'gh hi! protection% #'t their #od) al!o.
2%. .e'ause thou shalt not lea&e( To leave the !o'l in hell i! to !'""er the !ame to #e oppre!!ed
.ith de!tr'ction. There #e t.o .ord! '!ed in thi! place% #oth .hich do !igni") the grave among!t
the He#rician!. -eca'!e lwa% doth !igni") to re9uire, + !'ppo!e it i! called lws% #eca'!e death i!
in!atia#le< .hence al!o cometh that tran!lation% Hell hath enlarged her !o'l. *gain% the) !et open
their mo'th li$e hell. *nd #eca'!e the latter tj% i! derived and !et "or 'orru+tion, or
'onsu%+tion, that @'alit) i! to #e con!idered% a! (avid meant to note the !ame. Tho!e thing!
.hich are di!p'ted in thi! place #) diver!% concerning the de!cending o" Chri!t into hell% are in
m) ?'dgment !'per"l'o'!< #eca'!e the) are "ar "rom the intent and p'rpo!e o" the prophet. 9or
the .ord ani%a, or soul, doth not !o m'ch !igni") the !pirit #eing o" an immortal e!!ence a! the
li"e it!el". 9or .hen a man i! dead% and lieth in the grave% the grave i! !aid to r'le over hi! li"e.
Jherea! the >recian! tran!late it holy, it i! in He#re. tsj% .hich doth properl) !igni") %ee#, or
gentle, #'t L'$e did not m'ch regard thi!% #eca'!e it doth not m'ch appertain 'nto the pre!ent
p'rpo!e. 9'rthermore% gentlene!! and mee$ne!! i! !o o"ten commended in the "aith"'l% #eca'!e it
#ehoveth them to imitate and re!em#le the nat're o" their 9ather.
2$. Thou hast %ade #no$n( He meaneth% that he .a! re!tored "rom death to li"e #) the grace o"
>od. 9or in that he .a!% a! it .ere% a man rai!ed "rom death to li"e% he ac$no.ledgeth that it .a!
a great good gi"t o" >od. Thi! .a! in !'ch !ort "'l"illed in Chri!t% that there .anted nothing 'nto
per"ection. *! "or the mem#er! the) have their mea!'re. There"ore Chri!t .a! "ar "rom
corr'ption% that he ma) #e the "ir!t"r'it! o" tho!e .hich ri!e "rom death% F
N061D/3O
1 Corinthian!
1D4/3.G Je !hall "ollo. him in o'r order at length% #'t #eing "ir!t t'rned into d'!t% F
N061D0/O
1
Corinthian! 1D40/.G That .hich "ollo.eth% that he $as filled $ith gladness, .ith the co'ntenance
o" >od% agreeth .ith that4 Sho. '! th) "ace% and .e !hall #e !a"e. *nd% again% The light o" th)
co'ntenance i! !ho.ed 'pon '!4 tho' ha!t p't gladne!! in m) heart. 9or it i! onl) the
plea!antne!! o" >od=! co'ntenance% .hich doth not onl) ma$e '! glad% #'t al!o @'ic$en! '!<
again% .hen the !ame i! t'rned a.a)% or tro'#led% .e m'!t need! "aint.
'. Therefore, seeing he $as a +ro+het( He !ho.eth% #) t.o rea!on!% that it i! no marvel i" (avid
do !pea$ o" thing! that !ho'ld come to pa!! long a"ter hi! time< the "ormer i!% #eca'!e he .a! a
prophet. *nd .e $no. that thing! to come% and !'ch a! are removed "ar "rom the $no.ledge o"
men% are revealed 'nto the prophet!. There"ore% it .ere .ic$edne!! to mea!'re their !peeche!
according to the common manner and order .hich .e '!e in mea!'ring the !peeche! o" other
men% "ora!m'ch a! the) go #e)ond the long co'r!e! o" )ear!% having the Spirit "or their director.
Jhere'pon the) are al!o called !eer!< #eca'!e #eing placed% a! it .ere% 'pon an high to.er%
"1/1

the) !ee tho!e thing! .hich% #) rea!on o" great di!tance% are hidden "rom other men. *nother
rea!on i!% #eca'!e Chri!t .a! promi!ed to him pec'liarl). Thi! ma3im .a! !o common among!t
the Be.!% that the) had ever no. and then the !on o" (avid in their mo'th% !o o"ten a! there .a!
DD
an) mention made o" Chri!t. The) #e no !'ch arg'ment!% + con"e!!% a! do nece!!aril) prove that
thi! prophec) i! to #e e3po'nded o" Chri!t< neither .a! that Peter=! intent and p'rpo!e< #'t "ir!t
he meant to prevent the contrar) o#?ection% .hence (avid had !'ch !$ill to "oretell a thing .hich
.a! 'n$no.n. There"ore he !aith% That he $ne. Chri!t% #oth #) prophetical revelation% and al!o
#) !ing'lar promi!e. 9'rthermore% thi! principle .a! o" great F
N0D1000O
8oman! 1040G "orce among!t
the #etterminded !ort .hich Pa'l !etteth do.n% that Chri!t i! the end o" the la..
91//
:o man%
there"ore% did do'#t o" thi!% #'t that thi! .a! the mar$ .hereat all the prophet! did aim% to lead
the godl) 'nto Chri!t a! it .ere #) the hand. There"ore% .hat nota#le or e3traordinar) thing
!oever the) did 'tter% the Be.! .ere commonl) per!'aded that it did agree .ith Chri!t.
9'rthermore% .e m'!t note% that Peter doth rea!on !o'ndl)% .hen he gathered that (avid .a! not
ignorant o" that .hich .a! the chie"e!t point o" all revelation!.
He had s$orn $ith an oath( >od !.ore not onl) to the end he might ma$e (avid #elieve hi!
promi!e% #'t al!o that the thing promi!ed might #e had in greater e!timation. *nd to thi! end% in
m) ?'dgment% it i! here repeated% that the Be.! ma) thin$ .ith them!elve! o" .hat great .eight
the promi!e .a!% .hich >od did ma$e !o nota#le Fand !o "amo'!.G The !ame admonition i!
pro"ita#le "or '! al!o. 9or .e need not to do'#t o" thi!% #'t that the Lord meant to !et "orth the
e3cellenc) o" the covenant #) p'tting in a !olemn oath. +n the mean !ea!on% thi! i! al!o a "it
remed) "or the in"irmit) o" o'r "aith% that the !acred name o" >od i! !et "orth 'nto '!%
91/3
that hi!
.ord! ma) carr) the greater credit. The!e .ord!% Paccording to the "le!h%Q do declare that there
.a! !ome more no#le thing in Chri!t than the "le!h. There"ore Chri!t did !o come o" the !eed o"
(avid a! he .a! man% that he doth neverthele!!% retain hi! divinit)< and !o the di!tinction
#et.een the t.o nat're! i! plainl) e3pre!!ed< .hen a! Chri!t i! called the Son o" >od% according
to hi! eternal e!!ence% in li$e !ort a! he i! called the !eed o" (avid according to the "le!h.
ACTS 2:2-#
2. Thi! Be!'! hath >od rai!ed 'p< .hereo" .e all are .itne!!e!. . He #eing
there"ore e3alted #) the right hand o" >od% and having received the promi!e o"
the Hol) >ho!t o" the 9ather% he hath no. !hed "orth that .hich )e no. !ee
and hear. ". 9or (avid i! not a!cended into heaven4 -'t he !aith% The Lord
!aid 'nto m) Lord% Sit at m) right hand% !. Cntil + ma$e thine enemie! th)
"oot!tool. #. There"ore% let all the ho'!e o" +!rael $no. "or a !'ret)% that >od
hath made thi! Be!'! Lord% and the !ame Chri!t% .hom )e have cr'ci"ied.
2. This /esus( *"ter that he had proved #) the te!timon) o" (avid% that it .a! mo!t re@'i!ite that
Chri!t !ho'ld ri!e again% he !aith% that he and the re!t o" hi! "ello.! .ere !'ch .itne!!e! a! !a.
him .ith their e)e! a"ter hi! re!'rrection. 9or thi! te3t
91/0
.ill not !'""er thi! .ord raised u+ to
#e dra.n into an) other !en!e. Jhere'pon it "ollo.eth that that .a! "'l"illed in Be!'! o"
:a5areth .hich (avid did "ore!ho. concerning Chri!t. *"ter that he intreateth o" the "r'it or
e""ect. 9or it .a! re@'i!ite "or him to declare that "ir!t% that Chri!t i! alive. 7ther.i!e it had #een
an a#!'rd and incredi#le thing that he !ho'ld #e the a'thor o" !o great a miracle.
:ot.ith!tanding he doth there.ithal teach '!% that he did not ri!e "or hi! o.n !a$e alone% #'t that
he might ma$e the .hole Ch'rch parta$er o" hi! li"e% having po'red o't the Spirit.
. He being therefore e:alted by the right hand of God( The right hand i! ta$en in thi! place "or
the hand or po.er% in li$e !ort a! it i! ta$en ever).here in the Script're. 9or thi! i! hi! dri"t% to
D6
declare that it .a! a .onder"'l .or$ o" >od% in that he had e3alted hi! Chri!t F.hom men
tho'ght to #e @'ite de!tro)ed #) deathG 'nto !o great glor).
The +ro%ise o" the Spirit "or the Spirit .hich .a! promi!ed. 9or he had o"tentime! #e"ore
promi!ed the Spirit to hi! apo!tle!. There"ore Peter doth !igni")% that Chri!t. had o#tained po.er
o" >od the 9ather to "'l"ill the !ame. *nd he ma$eth mention o" the promi!e in plain .ord!% to
the end the /e$s ma) $no. that thi! came not to pa!! !'ddenl)% #'t that the .ord! o" the prophet
.ere no. veri"ied% .hich .ent long time #e"ore the thing it!el".
9'rthermore% .herea! it i! !aid that he o#tained it o" the 8ather, it i! to #e applied to the per!on
o" the Mediator. 9or #oth the!e are tr'l) !aid% that Chri!t !ent the Spirit "rom him!el" and "rom
the 9ather. He !ent him "rom him!el"% #eca'!e he i! eternal >od< "rom the 9ather% #eca'!e in a!
m'ch a! he i! man% he receiveth that o" the 9ather .hich he giveth '!. *nd Peter !pea$eth .i!el)
according to the capacit) o" the ignorant% le!t an) man !ho'ld move a @'e!tion o't o" !ea!on
concerning the po.er o" Chri!t. *nd !'rel) "ora!m'ch a! it i! the o""ice o" Chri!t to direct '!
'nto hi! 9ather% thi! i! a mo!t apt "orm o" !pea$ing "or the '!e o" godline!!% that Chri!t #eing
placed% a! it .ere% in the mid!t #et.een >od and '!% doth deliver 'nto '! .ith hi! o.n hand tho!e
gi"t! .hich he hath received at the hand! o" hi! 9ather. 9'rthermore% .e m'!t note thi! order that
he !aith% that the Spirit .a! !ent #) Chri!t a"ter that he .a! e3alted. Thi! agreeth .ith tho!e
!entence!4
PThe Spirit .a! not )et given%
#eca'!e Chri!t .a! not )et glori"ied%Q F
N030M31O
Bohn M431.G
*nd again%
PCnle!! + go hence% the Spirit .ill not come%Q F
N03160MO
Bohn 164M.G
:ot #eca'!e the Spirit #egan then "ir!t to #e given% .here.ith the hol) "ather! .ere end'ed !ince
the #eginning o" the .orld< #'t #eca'!e >od did de"er thi! more plenti"'l a#'ndance o" grace%
'ntil !'ch time a! he had placed Chri!t in hi! princel) !eat< .hich i! !igni"ied #) thi! .ord
+oured out, a! .e !a. a little #e"ore. 9or #) thi! mean! the "orce and "r'it o" Chri!t hi! death and
re!'rrection i! !ealed< and .e do al!o there#) $no.% that .e have lo!t nothing #) Chri!t hi!
departing o't o" the .orld< #eca'!e% tho'gh he #e a#!ent in #od)% )et i! he pre!ent .ith '! a"ter a
#etter !ort% to .it% #) the grace o" hi! Hol) Spirit.
". 8or doubtless ;a&id( *ltho'gh the) might ea!il) gather #) the ver) e""ect .hich the) !a.
.ith their e)e!% that the principalit) .a! granted and given to Chri!t% )et to the end hi! glor) ma)
carr) the greater credit% he proveth% #) (avid hi! te!timon)% that it .a! !o appointed in time! pa!t
#) >od% that Chri!t !ho'ld #e li"ted 'p 'nto the highe!t degree o" honor. 9or the!e .ord!% to P!it
at the right hand o" >od%Q import a! m'ch a! to #ear the chie" r'le% a! .e !hall a"ter.ard more at
large declare. ;et #e"ore he reciteth the prophec)% he !aith that it agreeth onl) to Chri!t.
There"ore% to the end the !en!e ma) #e more mani"e!t% the !entence m'!t th'! r'n. (avid
prono'nceth that it .a! decreed #) >od that a $ing !ho'ld !it at hi! right hand. -'t thi! doth not
appertain 'nto (avid% .ho .a! never e3tolled 'nto !o great dignit). There"ore lie !pea$eth thi!
o" Chri!t. 9'rthermore% that o'ght to have !eemed no !trange thing 'nto the Be.! .hich .a!
"oretold #) the oracle o" the Hol) >ho!t. Here#) it appeareth in .hat !en!e Peter denieth that
(avid a!cended into heaven. He intreateth not in thi! place o" the !o'l o" (avid% .hether it .ere
received into #le!!ed re!t% and the heavenl) d.elling or no< #'t the a!cending into heaven
DM
comprehendeth 'nder it tho!e thing! .hich Pa'l teacheth in the ,pi!tle to the ,phe!ian!%
F
N010001O
,phe!ian! 041G% .here he placeth Chri!t a#ove all heaven!% that he ma) "'l"ill all thing!.
Jhere"ore the di!p'tation concerning the e!tate o" the dead i! altogether !'per"l'o'! in thi!
place. 9or Peter goeth a#o't to prove no other thing #'t thi!% that the prophec) concerning the
!itting at the right hand o" >od .a! not "'l"illed in (avid% and that% there"ore% the tr'th thereo"
m'!t #e !o'ght el!e.here. *nd "ora!m'ch a! it can #e "o'nd no.here el!e !ave onl) in Be!'!
Chri!t% it re!teth that the Be.!
91/D
do $no. that that i! !ho.ed to them in Chri!t .hich .a!
"oretold them !o long #e"ore. That i! tr'e% indeed% that (avid reigned% >od #eing the a'thor
hereo"% and% in !ome re!pect% he .a! >od=! vicegerent< )et not !o that he might #e a#ove all
creat're!. Jhere"ore% thi! !itting agreeth to none% 'nle!! he e3cel and #e a#ove all the .hole
.orld.
The Lord said unto %y Lord( Thi! i! the mo!t la."'l manner o" r'ling% .hen a! the $ing For #)
.hat other title !oever he #e calledG doth $no. that he i! ordained o" >od% there"ore (avid
prono'nceth that the commandment to reign .a! given 'nto Chri!t #) name% F
N11-001O
P!alm
11041.G *! i" he !ho'ld !a)% He too$ not the honor to him!el" ra!hl)% #'t did onl) o#e) >od .hen
he commanded him% F
NDE0D0DO
He#re.! D4D.G ]:o. m'!t .e !ee .hether Peter=! rea!on #e !o'nd
eno'gh or no. He gathereth that the .ord! concern Chri!t% #eca'!e the !itting at the right hand o"
>od doth not agree to (avid. +t !eemeth that thi! ma) #e re"'ted% #eca'!e (avid did reign #) the
pec'liar commandment% name% and help o" >od< .hich i! to !it at the right hand o" >od. -'t
Peter ta$eth that "or a thing .hich all men grant% .hich i! tr'e% and .hich + have alread)
to'ched% that a greater and more ro)al government i! here !po$en o" than that .hich (avid did
en?o). 9or ho.!oever he .a! >od=! vicegerent and did% a! it. .ere% repre!ent hi! per!on in
reigning% )et i! thi! po.er "ar in"erior to that% to !it even at the right !ide o" >od. 9or thi! i!
attri#'ted to Chri!t% #eca'!e he i! placed a#ove all principalit)% and a#ove ever) name that i!
named% #oth in thi! .orld% and in the .orld to come% F
N0101/1O
,phe!ian! 14/1.G Seeing that (avid i!
"ar in"erior to the angel!% he doth po!!e!! no !'ch place that he !ho'ld #e co'nted ne3t to >od.
9or he m'!t a!cend "ar a#ove all heaven!% that he ma) come to the right hand o" >od. Jhere"ore
no man i! !aid to !it at it% rightl) and properl)% !ave onl) he .hich doth !'rpa!! all creat're! in
the degree o" honor. *! "or him .hich i! re!ident among!t the creat're!% altho'gh he #e rec$oned
in the order o" angel!% )et i! he "ar "rom that highne!!. *gain% .e m'!t not !ee$ the right hand o"
>od among!t the creat're!< #'t it doth al!o !'rpa!! all heavenl) principalitie!.
9'rthermore% there i! great .eight even in the !entence it!el". The $ing i! commanded to #ear the
chie"e!t r'le% 'ntil >od have p't all hi! enemie! 'nder hi! "eet. S'rel)% altho'gh + grant that< he
name o" !'ch an honora#le !itting ma) #e applied 'nto earthl) lord!hip4 )et do + den) that (avid
did reign 'ntil !'ch time a! all hi! enemie! .ere !'#d'ed. 9or .e do here#) gather that the
$ingdom o" Chri!t i! eternal. -'t the $ingdom o" (avid .a! not onl) temporal% #'t al!o "rail% and
o" a !mall contin'ance.
Moreover% .hen (avid died% he le"t man) enemie! alive here and there. he got man) nota#le
victorie!% #'t he .a! "ar "rom !'#d'ing all hi! enemie!. He made man) o" tho!e people .hich
.ere ro'nd a#o't him tri#'tarie! to him< !ome did he p't to "light and de!tro)ed< #'t .hat i! all
thi! 'nto allI 9inall)% .e ma) prove #) the .hole te3t o" the P!alm% that there can nothing el!e #e
'nder!tood !ave onl) the $ingdom o" Chri!t. That + ma) pa!! over other thing!4 that .hich i!
here !po$en to'ching the eternal prie!thood i! too "ar di!agreeing "rom (avid=! per!on. + $no.
that the Be.! do prattle% that $ing!= !on! are called el!e.here 'oheni%( -'t he intreateth here o"
the prie!thood a! it i! a!cri#ed #) Mo!e! to the $ing Melchi5ede$. *nd there i! e!ta#li!hed #) a
DE
!olemn oath a certain ne. $ind o" prie!thood. *nd% there"ore% .e m'!t not here imagine an)
common or ordinar) thing. -'t it had #een .ic$edne!! "or (avid to thr'!t him!el" into an) part
o" the prie!t=! o""ice. Ho. !ho'ld he then #e called 'ohen, greater than *aron% and con!ecrated o"
>od "or everI -'t #eca'!e + do not intend at thi! pre!ent to e3po'nd the .hole P!alm% let thi!
rea!on !'""ice .hich Peter #ringeth4 That he i! made Lord o" heaven and earth% .hich !itteth at
the right hand o" >od. *! to'ching the !econd mem#er o" the ver!e% read tho!e thing! .hich +
have noted 'pon the "i"teenth chapter F
N061D/DO
1 Corinthian! 1D4/DG o" the "ormer ,pi!tle to the
Corinthian!% concerning the p'tting o" hi! enemie! 'nder hi! "eet.
#. Therefore, let all the house of !srael #no$( The ho'!e o" +!rael did con"e!! that that Chri!t
!ho'ld come .hich .a! promi!ed< )et did the) not $no. Jho it .a!. There"ore% Peter
concl'deth% that Be!'!4 .hom the) had !o !pite"'ll) handled% )ea% .ho!e name the) did !o
greatl) dete!t4 i! he .hom the) o'ght to ac$no.ledge to #e their Lord% and .hom the) o'ght to
reverence. 9or% F!aith he%G >od hath made him Lord and Chri!t< that i!% )o' m'!t loo$ "or none
other than him .hom >od hath made and given. 9'rthermore% he !aith% That he .a! made%
#eca'!e >od the 9ather gave him thi! honor. He ?oineth the title Lord .ith the .ord Chri!t%
#eca'!e it .a! a common thing among the Be.!% that the 8edeemer !ho'ld #e anointed 'pon thi!
condition% that he might #e the Head o" the Ch'rch% and that the chie"e!t po.er over all thing!
might #e given him. He !pea$eth 'nto the .hole ho'!e o" +!rael< a! i" he !ho'ld !a)% Jho!oever
.ill #e rec$oned among the !on! o" Baco#% and do al!o loo$ "or the promi!e% let them $no. "or a
!'ret)% that thi! i! he and none other. He '!eth the .ord house, #eca'!e >od had !eparated that
name and "amil) "rom all other people. *nd he !aith asfalwv% or "or a !'ret)% not onl) that the)
ma) repo!e their !'re con"idence and tr'!t in Chri!t% #'t that he ma) ta$e a.a) all occa!ion o"
do'#ting "rom tho!e .hich do o"tentime! .illingl) do'#t even o" matter! .hich are certain and
!'re. +n the end o" hi! oration he 'p#raideth 'nto them again% that the) did cr'ci") him% that
#eing to'ched .ith greater grie" o" con!cience% the) ma) de!ire remed).
*nd no.% "ora!m'ch a! the) $no. that Be!'! i! the *nointed o" the Lord% the governor o" the
Ch'rch% and the giver o" the Hol) >ho!t% the acc'!ation hath !o m'ch the more "orce. 9or the
p'tting o" him to death .a! not onl) "'ll o" cr'elt) and .ic$edne!!% #'t al!o a te!timon) o"
o'trageo'! di!lo)alt) again!t >od% o" !acrilege and 'nthan$"'lne!!% and% "inall)% o" apo!ta!). -'t
it .a! re@'i!ite that the) !ho'ld #e !o .o'nded% le!t the) !ho'ld have #een !lo. to !ee$ "or
medicine. *nd )et% not.ith!tanding% the) did not cr'ci") him .ith their o.n hand!< #'t thi! i!
more than !'""icient to ma$e them g'ilt)% in that the) de!ired to have him p't to death. *nd .e
al!o are acc'!ed #) thi! !ame voice% i" .e cr'ci") him in o'r!elve!% #eing alread) glori"ied in
heaven% ma$ing a moc$ o" him% a! !aith the *po!tle% F
NDE0606O
He#re.! 646.G
ACTS 2:%-&
%. *nd .hen the) heard the!e thing!% the) .ere pric$ed in heart% and !aid
'nto Peter and to the other apo!tle!% Men and #rethren% .hat !hall .e doI $.
Peter !aid 'nto them% 8epent% and #e #apti5ed ever) one o" )o' in the name o"
Be!'! Chri!t% "or the remi!!ion o" !in!% and )e !hall receive the gi"t o" the Hol)
Spirit. &. 9or the promi!e appertaineth 'nto )o'% and 'nto )o'r childten% and
'nto all .hich are "ar o""% .hom!oever the Lord o'r >od !hall call.
%. They $ere +ri'#ed in heart( L'$e doth no. declare the "r'it o" the !ermon% to the end .e ma)
$no. that the po.er o" the Hol) >ho!t .a! not onl) !ho.ed "orth in the diver!it) o" tong'e!% #'t
D1
al!o in their heart! .hich heard. *nd he noteth a do'#le "r'it< "ir!t% that the) .ere to'ched .ith
the "eeling o" !orro.< and% !econdl)% that the) .ere o#edient to Peter=! co'n!el. Thi! i! the
#eginning o" repentance% thi! i! the entrance 'nto godline!!% to #e !orr) "or o'r !in!% and to #e
.o'nded .ith the "eeling o" o'r mi!erie!. 9or !o long a! men are carele!!% the) cannot ta$e !'ch
heed 'nto doctrine a! the) o'ght. *nd "or thi! ca'!e the .ord o" >od i! compared to a !.ord%
F
NDE001/O
He#re.! 041/%G #eca'!e it doth morti") o'r "le!h% that .e ma) #e o""ered to >od "or a
!acri"ice. -'t there m'!t #e added 'nto thi! pric$ing in heart readine!! to o#e). Cain and B'da!
.ere pric$ed in heart% #'t de!pair did $eep them #ac$ "rom !'#mitting them!elve! 'nto >od%
F
N010013O
>ene!i! 0413<
N00/M03O
Matthe. /M43.G 9or the mind #eing oppre!!ed .ith horror% can do
nothing el!e #'t "lee "rom >od. *nd !'rel) .hen (avid a""irmeth that a contrite !pirit and an
h'm#le heart i! a !acri"ice accepta#le to >od% he !pea$eth o" vol'ntar) pric$ing< "ora!m'ch a!
there i! "retting and "'ming mi3ed .ith the pric$ing! o" the .ic$ed. There"ore% .e m'!t ta$e a
good heart to '!% and li"t 'p o'r mind .ith thi! hope o" !alvation% that .e ma) #e read) to addict
and give over o'r!elve! 'nto >od% and to "ollo. .hat!oever he !hall command. Je !ee man)
o"tentime! pric$ed% .ho% not.ith!tanding% do "ret and m'rm'r% or el!e "or.ardl) !trive and
!tr'ggle% and !o% con!e@'entl)% go "'rio'!l) mad. ;ea% thi! i! the ca'!e .h) the) go mad% #eca'!e
the) "eel !'ch pric$ing! again!t their .ill. Tho!e men% there"ore% are pro"ita#l) pric$ed alone
.ho are .illingl) !orro."'l% and do al!o !ee$ !ome remed) at >od=! hand!.
$. Peter said( Here#) .e !ee that tho!e do never go a.a) empt) .hich a!$ at the mo'th o" the
Lord% and do o""er them!elve! 'nto him to #e r'led and ta'ght< "or that promi!e m'!t need! #e
tr'e% Lnoc$% and it !hall #e opened 'nto )o'% F
N000M0MO
Matthe. M4M.G There"ore% .ho!oever !hall #e
rightl) prepared to learn% the Lord .ill not !'""er hi! godl) de!ire to #e in vain< "or he i! a mo!t
"aith"'l ma!ter% !o that he hath !cholar! .hich are apt to #e ta'ght and !t'dio'!. Jhere"ore% there
i! no ca'!e .h) he !ho'ld "ear% le!t he !'""er '! to #e de!tit'te o" !o'nd co'n!el% i" .e #e
attentive and read) to hear him% and do not re"'!e to em#race .hat!oever he !hall teach '!. *nd
let '! !'""er o'r!elve! to #e governed #) the co'n!el and a'thorit) o" tho!e men .hom he
o""ereth 'nto '! to teach '!. "or thi! read) o#edience cometh thence !o !'ddenl) in tho!e .hich
addict them!elve! 'nto the apo!tle!% #eca'!e the) are per!'aded that the) are !ent o" >od% to
!ho. them the .a) o" !alvation.
-e+ent( There i! greater "orce in the >ree$ .ord% "or it doth !igni") the conver!ion o" the mind%
that the .hole man ma) #e rene.ed and made another man% .hich thing m'!t #e diligentl)
noted% #eca'!e thi! doctrine .a! mi!era#l) corr'pted in the time o" Poper)< "or the) tran!lated
the name o" repentance almo!t 'nto certain e3ternal rite!. The) #a##le !ome.hat% indeed% a#o't
the reigned contrition o" the heart< #'t the) to'ch that part ver) !lightl)% and the) !tand
principall) 'pon the e3ternal e:er'ises o" the #od)% .hich .ere little .orth< )ea% tho'gh there
.ere in them no corr'ption< #'t the) 'rge nothing el!e in a manner #'t reigned tri"le!% .here.ith
men are .earied in vain. Jhere"ore% let '! $no. that thi! i! the tr'e repentance% .hen a man i!
rene.ed in the !pirit o" hi! mind% a! Pa'l teacheth% F
N0D1/0/O
8oman! 1/4/.G :either need .e to
do'#t o" thi!< #'t that Peter did preach plainl) o" the "orce and nat're o" repentance< #'t L'$e
doth onl) to'ch the chie" point!% and doth not rec$on 'p the .ord! o" the oration .hich he made.
Je m'!t% there"ore% $no. th'! m'ch% that Peter did at the "ir!t e3hort the Be.! 'nto repentance<
and that done% he li"ted them 'p .ith hope o" pardon< "or he promi!ed them "orgivene!! o" !in!%
.hich t.o thing! are the t.o part! o" the go!pel% a! .e $no. "'ll .ell< and% there"ore% .hen
Chri!t .ill #rie"l) teach .hat the doctrine o" the go!pel doth contain% he !aith% that repentance
and remi!!ion o" !in! F
N0//00MO
L'$e /040MG m'!t #e preached in hi! name. 9'rthermore% #eca'!e
60
.e are reconciled 'nto >od onl) #) the interce!!ion o" Chri!t=! death% neither are o'r !in!
other.i!e p'rged%
91/6
and done a.a)% !ave onl) #) hi! #lood% there"ore% Peter calleth '! #ac$
'nto him #) name. He p'tteth #apti!m in the "o'rth place% a! the !eal .here#) the promi!e o"
grace i! con"irmed.
Jhere"ore% .e have in the!e "e. .ord! almo!t the .hole !'m o" Chri!tianit)% namel)% ho. a
man reno'ncing him!el" and ta$ing hi! "are.ell o" the .orld% ma) addict him!el" .holl) to >od<
!econdl)% Ho. he ma) #e delivered #) "ree "orgivene!! o" !in!% and !o adopted into the n'm#er
o" the children o" >od. *nd "ora!m'ch a! .e can o#tain none o" all the!e thing! .itho't Chri!t%
the name o" Chri!t i! there.ithal !et "orth 'nto '!% a! the onl) "o'ndation o" "aith and repentance.
*nd .e m'!t al!o note thi!% that .e do !o #egin repentance .hen .e are t'rned 'nto >od% that
.e m'!t pro!ec'te the !ame d'ring o'r li"e< there"ore% thi! !ermon m'!t contin'all) !o'nd in the
Ch'rch% re+ent, F
N01011DO
Mar$ 141D<G not that tho!e men ma) #egin the !ame% .ho .ill #e co'nted
"aith"'l% and have a place alread) in the Ch'rch< #'t that the) ma) go "or.ard in the !ame<
altho'gh man) do '!'rp the name o" "aith"'l men% .hich had never an) #eginning o" repentance.
Jhere"ore% .e m'!t o#!erve thi! order in teaching% that tho!e .hich do )et live 'nto the .orld
and the "le!h ma) #egin to cr'ci") the old man% that the) ma) ri!e 'nto ne.ne!! o" li"e% and that
tho!e .ho are alread) entered the co'r!e o" repentance ma) contin'all) go "or.ard to.ard! the
mar$. 9'rthermore% #eca'!e the in.ard conver!ion o" the heart o'ght to #ring "orth "r'it! in the
li"e% repentance cannot #e rightl) ta'ght 'nle!! .or$! #e re@'ired% not tho!e "rivolo'! .or$!
.hich are onl) in e!timation among!t the Papi!t!% #'t !'ch a! are !o'nd te!timonie! o" innocence
and holine!!.
.e ba+ti7ed e&ery one of you( *ltho'gh in the te3t and order o" the .ord!% #apti!m doth here go
#e"ore remi!!ion o" !in!% )et doth it "ollo. it in order% #eca'!e it i! nothing el!e #'t a !ealing o"
tho!e good thing! .hich .e have #) Chri!t that the) ma) #e e!ta#li!hed in o'r con!cience!<
there"ore% a"ter that Peter had intreated o" repentance% he calleth the Be.! 'nto the hope o" grace
and !alvation< and% there"ore% L'$e .ell a"ter.ard!% in Pa'l=! !ermon% ?oineth "aith and
repentance together in the !ame !en!e% .herein he p'tteth "orgivene!! o" !in! in thi! place% and
that "or good con!ideration!< "or the hope o" !alvation con!i!teth in the "ree imp'tation o"
righteo'!ne!!< and .e are co'nted ?'!t% "reel) #e"ore >od% .hen he "orgiveth '! o'r !in!. *nd a!
+ !aid #e"ore% that the doctrine o" repentance hath a dail) '!e in the Ch'rch !o m'!t .e thin$ o"
the "orgivene!! o" !in!% that the !ame i! contin'all) o""ered 'nto '!< and !'rel) it i! no le!!
nece!!ar) "or '! d'ring the .hole co'r!e o" o'r li"e% than at o'r "ir!t entrance into the Ch'rch% !o
that it !ho'ld pro"it '! nothing to #e once received into "avor #) >od% 'nle!! thi! em#a!!age
!ho'ld have a contin'al co'r!e< #ereconciled 'nto >od% #eca'!e
Phe .hich $ne. no !in .a! made !in "or '!% that .e might #e the righteo'!ne!! o" >od in
him%Q F
N0M0D/0O
/ Corinthian! D4/0.G
Moreover% the Papi!t! do !o corr'pt thi! other part o" the go!pel% that the) @'ite e3cl'de the
remi!!ion o" !in!% .hich .a! to #e o#tained #) Chri!t. The) con"e!! their !in! are "reel) "orgiven
in #apti!m% #'t the) .ill have them redeemed .ith !ati!"action! a"ter #apti!m< and altho'gh the)
mi3 the grace o" Chri!t together there.ithal% )et #eca'!e the) in.rap the !ame in men=! merit!%
the) do #) thi! mean! overthro. the .hole doctrine o" the go!pel< "or% "ir!t% the) ta$e "rom men=!
con!cience! the certaint) o" "aith< that done% "ora!m'ch a! the) part the "orgivene!! o" !in!
#et.een the death o" Chri!t and o'r !ati!"action!% the) do altogether deprive '! o" Chri!t=!
#ene"it. 9or Chri!t doth not reconcile '! 'nto >od in part% #'t .holl)% neither can .e o#tain
61
remi!!ion o" !in! #) him% 'nle!! it #e .hole and per"ect. -'t the Papi!t! are m'ch deceived
therein% .ho re!train #apti!m 'nto the nativit) and "ormer li"e% a! i" the !igni"ication and "orce
thereo" did not reach even 'nto death.
Let '! $no.% there"ore% that "orgivene!! o" !in! i! gro'nded in Chri!t alone% and that .e m'!t not
thin$ 'pon an) other !ati!"action
91/M
!ave onl) that .hich he hath per"ormed #) the !acri"ice o"
hi! death. *nd "or thi! ca'!e% a! .e have alread) !aid% doth Peter e3pre!! hi! name% .here#) he
doth !igni") 'nto '!% that none o" all the!e thing! can #e rightl) ta'ght% 'nle!! Chri!t #e !et in the
mid!t% to the end the e""ect o" thi! doctrine ma) #e !o'ght in him. That needeth no long
e3po!ition .here he commandeth them to #e #apti5ed "or the remi!!ion o" !in!< "or altho'gh >od
hath once reconciled men 'nto him!el" in Chri!tQ #) not imp'ting 'nto them their !in!%Q F
N0M0D11O
/
Corinthian! D411%G and doth no. imprint in o'r heart! the "aith thereo" #) hi! Spirit< )et%
not.ith!tanding% #eca'!e #apti!m i! the !eal .here#) he doth con"irm 'nto '! thi! #ene"it% and
!o% con!e@'entl)% the earne!t and pledge o" o'r adoption% it i! .orthil) !aid to #e given '! "or the
remi!!ion o" !in!. 9or #eca'!e .e receive Chri!t=! gi"t! #) "aith% and #apti!m i! a help to con"irm
and increa!e o'r "aith% remi!!ion o" !in!% .hich i! an e""ect o" "aith% i! anne3ed 'nto it a! 'nto the
in"erior mean. 9'rthermore% .e m'!t not "etch the de"inition o" #apti!m "rom thi! place% #eca'!e
Peter doth onl) to'ch a part thereo". 7'r old man i! cr'ci"ied #) #apti!m% a! Pa'l teacheth% that
.e ma) ri!e 'nto ne.ne!! o" li"e% F
N0D0600O
8oman! 640% 6.G *nd% again% .e p't on Chri!t him!el"%
F1 Corinthian! 1/.G and the Script're teacheth ever) .here% that it i! al!o a !ign and to$en o"
repentance% F
N0E03/MO
>alatian! 34/M.G -'t #eca'!e Peter doth not intreat in thin place openl) o" the
.hole nat're o" #apti!m% #'t !pea$ing o" the "orgivene!! o" !in!% doth% #) the .a)% declare that
the con"irmation thereo" i! in #apti!m% there doth no inconvenience "ollo.% i" )e do omit the
other part.
91/E
!n the na%e of Christ( *ltho'gh #apti!m #e no vain "ig're% #'t a tr'e and e""ect'al te!timon)<
not.ith!tanding% le!t an) man attri#'te that 'nto the element o" .ater .hich i! there o""ered% the
name o" Chri!t i! plainl) e3pre!!ed% to the end .e ma) $no. that it !hall #e a pro"ita#le !ign "or
'! then% i" .e !ee$ the "orce and e""ect thereo" in Chri!t% and $no. that .e are% there"ore% .a!hed
in #apti!m% #eca'!e the #lood o" Chri!t i! o'r .a!hing< and .e do al!o here#) gather% that Chri!t
i!% the mar$ and end .here'nto #apti!m directeth '!< .here"ore% ever) one pro"iteth !o m'ch in
#apti!m a! he learneth to loo$ 'nto Chri!t. -'t here ari!eth a @'e!tion% Jhether it .ere la."'l "or
Peter to change the "orm pre!cri#ed #) Chri!tI The Papi!t! do thin$% at lea!t "eign !o% and thence
do the) ta$e a color o" li#ert) to change or a#rogate the in!tit'tion! o" Chri!t. The) con"e!! that
nothing o'ght to #e changed% a! to'ching the !'#!tance% #'t the) .ill have the Ch'rch to have
li#ert) to change .hat!oever it .ill in the "orm. -'t thi! arg'ment ma) ea!il) #e an!.ered. 9or
.e m'!t "ir!t $no. that Chri!t did not indite and rehear!e 'nto hi! apo!tle! magical .ord! "or
enchanting% a! the Papi!t! do dream% #'t he did% in "e. .ord!% comprehend the !'m o" the
m)!ter). *gain% + den) that Peter doth !pea$ in thi! place o" the "orm o" #apti!m< #'t he doth
!impl) declare that the .hole !trength
91/1
o" #apti!m i! contained in Chri!t< altho'gh Chri!t
cannot #e laid hold on #) "aith .itho't the 9ather #) .hom he .a! given '!% and the Spirit #)
the .hich he rene.eth and !ancti"ieth '!. The an!.er con!i!teth .holl) in thi!% that he intreateth
not in thi! place o" the certain "orm o" #apti5ing% #'t the "aith"'l are called #ac$ 'nto Chri!t% in
.hom alone .e have .hat!oever #apti!m doth pre"ig're 'nto '!< "or .e are #oth made clean #)
hi! #lood% and al!o .e enter into a ne. li"e #) the #ene"it o" hi! death and re!'rrection.
0e shall re'ei&e the gift of the 3+irit( -eca'!e the) .ere to'ched .ith .ondering .hen the) !a.
the apo!tle! !'ddenl) #egin to !pea$ .ith !trange tong'e!% Peter !aith that the) !hall #e parta$er!
6/
o" the !ame gi"t i" the) .ill pa!! over 'nto Chri!t. 8emi!!ion o" !in! and ne.ne!! o" li"e .ere the
principal thing!% and thi! .a!% a! it .ere% an addition% that Chri!t !ho'ld !ho. "orth 'nto them hi!
po.er #) !ome vi!i#le gi"t. :either o'ght thi! place to #e 'nder!tood o" the grace o"
!ancti"ication% .hich i! given generall) to all the godl). There"ore he promi!eth them the gi"t o"
the Spirit% .hereo" the) !a. a pattern in the diver!it) o" tong'e!. There"ore thi! doth not properl)
appertain 'nto '!. 9or #eca'!e Chri!t meant to !et "orth the #eginning o" hi! $ingdom .ith tho!e
miracle!% the) la!ted #'t "or a time< )et #eca'!e the vi!i#le grace! .hich the Lord did di!tri#'te
to hi! did !hoe% a! it .ere in a gla!!% that Chri!t .a! the giver o" the Spirit% there"ore% that .hich
Peter !aith doth in !ome re!pect appertain 'nto all the .hole Ch'rch4 )e !hall receive the gi"t o"
the Spirit. 9or altho'gh .e do not receive it% that .e ma) !pea$ .ith tong'e!% that .e ma) #e
prophet!% that .e ma) c're the !ic$% that .e ma) .or$ miracle!< )et i! it given '! "or a #etter
'!e% that .e ma) #elieve .ith the heart 'nto righteo'!ne!!% that o'r tong'e! ma) #e "ramed 'nto
tr'e con"e!!ion% F
N0D1010O
8oman! 10410%G that .e ma) pa!! "rom death to li"e% F
N030D/0O
Bohn D4/0G
that .e% .hich are poor and empt)% ma) #e made rich% that .e ma) .ith!tand Satan and the
.orld !to'tl). There"ore% the grace o" the Spirit !hall al.a)! #e anne3ed 'nto #apti!m% 'nle!! the
let #e in o'r!elve!.
&. 8or the +ro%ise a++ertaineth unto you( +t .a! re@'i!ite that thi! !ho'ld #e e3pre!!l) added%
that the Be.! might certainl) thin$ and per!'ade them!elve! that the grace o" Chri!t did #elong a!
.ell to them a! to the apo!tle!. *nd Peter proveth it th'!% #eca'!e the promi!e o" >od .a! made
'nto them. 9or .e m'!t al.a)! loo$ 'nto thi!% #eca'!e [that] .e cannot other.i!e $no. the .ill
o" >od !ave onl) #) hi! .ord. -'t it i! not !'""icient to have the general .ord% 'nle!! .e $no.
that the !ame i! appointed "or '!. There"ore Peter !aith% that tho!e #ene"it! .hich the) !ee in him
and hi! "ello.! in o""ice .ere in time! pa!t promi!ed to the Be.!< #eca'!e thi! i! re@'ired
nece!!aril) "or the certaint) o" "aith% that ever) one #e "'ll) per!'aded o" thi!% that he i!
comprehended in the n'm#er o" tho!e 'nto .hom >od !pea$eth. 9inall)% thi! i! the r'le o" a tr'e
"aith% .hen + am th'! per!'aded that !alvation i! mine% #eca'!e that promi!e appertaineth 'nto
me .hich o""ereth the !ame. *nd here#) .e have al!o a greater con"irmation% .hen a! the
promi!e i! e3tended 'nto tho!e .ho .ere #e"ore a"ar o"". 9or >od had made the covenant .ith
the Be.!% F
N0/00//O
,3od'! 04//.G +" the "orce and "r'it thereo" come al!o 'nto the >entile!% there i!
no ca'!e .h) the Be.! !ho'ld do'#t o" them!elve!% #'t that the) !hall "ind the promi!e o" >od
"irm and !ta#le.
*nd .e m'!t note the!e three degree!% that the promi!e .a! "ir!t made to the Be.!% and then to
their children% and la!t o" all% that it i! al!o to #e imparted to the >entile!. Je $no. the rea!on
.h) the Be.! are pre"erred #e"ore other people< "or the) are% a! it .ere% the "ir!t #egotten in
>od=! "amil)% )ea% the) .ere then !eparated "rom other people #) a !ing'lar privilege. There"ore
Peter o#!erveth a good order% .hen he giveth the Be.! the preeminence. Jherea! he ad?oineth
their children 'nto them% it dependeth 'pon the .ord! o" the promi!e4 + .ill #e th) >od% and the
>od o" th) !eed a"ter thee% F
N011M0MO
>ene!i! 1M4M%G .here >od doth rec$on the children .ith the
"ather! in the grace o" adoption.
Thi! place% there"ore% doth a#'ndantl) re"'te the mani"e!t error o" the *na#apti!t!% .hich .ill not
have in"ant!% .hich are the children o" the "aith"'l% to #e #apti5ed% a! i" the) .ere not mem#er!
o" the Ch'rch. The) e!p) a !tarting hole in the allegorical !en!e%
9130
and the) e3po'nd it th'!% that
#) children are meant tho!e .hich are !pirit'all) #egotten. -'t thi! gro!! imp'denc) doth
nothing help them. +t i! plain and evident that Peter !po$e th'! #eca'!e >od did adopt one nation
pec'liarl). *nd circ'mci!ion did declare that the right o" adoption .a! common even 'nto
63
in"ant!. There"ore% even a! >od made hi! covenant .ith +!aac% #eing a! )et 'n#orn% #eca'!e he
.a! the !eed o" *#raham% !o Peter teacheth% that all the children o" the Be.! are contained in the
!ame covenant% #eca'!e thi! promi!e i! al.a)! in "orce% + .ill #e the >od o" )o'r !eed.
And to those $hi'h are afar off( The >entile! are named in the la!t place% .hich .ere #e"ore
!tranger!. 9or tho!e .hich re"er it 'nto tho!e Be.! .hich .ere e3iled a"ar o""% Fand drivenG into
"ar co'ntrie!% the) are greatl) deceived. 9or he !pea$eth not in thi! place o" the di!tance o" place<
#'t he noteth a di""erence #et.een the /e$s and the >entile!% that the) .ere "ir!t ?oined to >od
#) rea!on o" the covenant% and !o% con!e@'entl)% #ecame o" hi! "amil) or ho'!ehold< #'t the
>entile! .ere #ani!hed "rom hi! $ingdom. Pa'l '!eth the !ame !peech in the !econd chapter to
,phe!ian!% F
N010/11O
,phe!ian! /411%G that the >entile!% .hich .ere !tranger! "rom the promi!e!% are
no. dra.n near% thro'gh Be!'! Chri!t% 'nto >od. -eca'!e that Chri!t Fthe .all o" !eparation
#eing ta$en a.a)Ghath reconciled #oth Fthe Be.! and >entile!G 'nto the 9ather% and coming% he
hath preached peace 'nto tho!e .hich .ere nigh at hand% and .hich .ere a"ar o"". :o. .e
'nder!tand Peter=! meaning. 9or to the end he ma) ampli") the grace o" Chri!t% he doth !o o""er
the !ame 'nto the Be.!% that he !aith the >entile! are al!o parta$er! thereo". *nd there"ore he
'!eth thi! .ord 'all, a! i" he !ho'ld !a)4 Li$e a! >od hath gathered )o' together into one
pec'liar people hereto"ore #) hi! voice% !o the !ame voice !hall !o'nd ever).here% that tho!e
.hich are a"ar o"" ma) come and ?oin them!elve! 'nto )o'% .hen a! the) !hall #e called #) a
ne. proclamation.
ACTS 2:"'-"2
"'. *nd .ith man) other .ord! did he te!ti") and e3hort% !a)ing% -e )e !aved "rom
thi! "ro.ard generation. "1. Tho!e% there"ore% .hich .illingl) em#raced hi! .ord!
.ere #apti5ed4 and there .ere added that da) a#o't three tho'!and !o'l!. "2. *nd
the) contin'ed in the apo!tle!= doctrine% and in "ello.!hip% and #rea$ing o" #read% and
pra)er!.
"'. And $ith %any( *ltho'gh in the!e thing! .hich .e have had hitherto% L'$e did not recite the
.ord! o" St Peter% #'t did onl) #rie"l) to'ch the chie" point!< not.ith!tanding he telleth '! again
in thi! place% that Peter did not '!e doctrine onl)% #'t did add the pric$! o" e3hortation!. *nd he
e3pre!!eth plainl) that tie !tood m'ch
9131
here'pon. Jherea! he !aith% that he did e3hort and
#e!eech% he noteth therein hi! earne!tne!!. 9or it .a! not !o ea!) a matter "or them #) and #)
913/

to ta$e their leave o" tho!e error! .here.ith the) .ere o" late in"ected% and to !ha$e o"" the
government o" the prie!t! .here'nto the) .ere acc'!tomed. There"ore it !tood him 'pon to p'll
them violentl) o't o" thi! mire. The !'m .a! thi!% that the) !ho'ld #e.are o" that "ro.ard
generation. 9or the) co'ld not #e Chri!t=! 'nle!! the) .o'ld depart "rom hi! pro"e!!ed enemie!.
The prie!t! and !cri#e! .ere then in great a'thorit)% and "ora!m'ch a! the) did cover them!elve!
'nder the vi!or [ma!$] o" the Ch'rch% the) did deceive the !imple% Thi! did hinder and $eep #ac$
a great man) "rom coming to Chri!t. *l!o !ome might .aver% and other !ome might "all a.a)
"rom the right "aith. There"ore Peter plainl) declareth that the) are a "ro.ard generation%
ho.!oever the) ma) #oa!t o" the title o" the Ch'rch. 9or .hich ca'!e he commandeth hi! hearer!
to !eparate them!elve! "rom them% le!t the) entangle them!elve! in their .ic$ed and pe!ti"ero'!
"ello.!hip. Jherea! he !aith% -e )e !aved% he !igni"ieth 'nto them that the) !hall !'rel) peri!h i"
the) co'ple them!elve! .ith !'ch a plag'e. *nd !'rel) e3perience doth teach '!% ho. mi!era#l)
tho!e men are to!!ed to and "ro .ho cannot di!cern the voice o" their pa!tor "rom the voice o"
60
other men<
9133
and again% .hat an hindrance !o"tne!! and !l'ggi!hne!! i! to a great man)% .hil!t
the) de!ire to !tand in a do'#t.
9130
There"ore he commandeth them to depart "rom the .ic$ed i"
the) .ill #e !aved. *nd thi! point o" doctrine i! not to #e neglected. 9or it .ere not !'""icient to
have Chri!t !et #e"ore '!% 'nle!! .e .ere al!o ta'ght to "lee tho!e thing! .hich do lead '! a.a)
"rom him. *nd it i! the d't) o" a good !hepherd to de"end hi! !heep "rom the .olve!. So at thi!
da)% to the end .e ma) $eep the people in the !incere doctrine o" the go!pel% .e are ever no.
and then en"orced to !ho. and te!ti") ho. m'ch Papi!tr) di""ereth "rom Chri!tianit)% and .hat a
h'rt"'l plag'e it i! to #e )o$ed .ith the 'n"aith"'l enemie! o" Chri!t. :either o'ght Peter to #e
acc'!ed o" railing% #eca'!e he calleth the reverend 6tther!% .ho had the government o" the
Ch'rch
913D
in their hand! at that da)% a fro$ard generation( 9or tho!e danger! .hich ma) dra.
the !o'l 'nto de!tr'ction are to #e !ho.ed #) their name!. 9or men .ill not #e.are o" poi!on%
'nle!! the) $no. that it i! poi!on.
"1. They, therefore, $hi'h $illingly( L'$e !ho.eth more plainl) ho. "r'it"'l thi! one !ermon
.hich Peter made .a!4 to .it% that it gained 'nto Chri!t a#o't three tho'!and men. *nd
there.ithal he declareth the nat're and "orce o" "aith .hen he !aith% that .ith a prompt and read)
9136
mind the) em#raced hi! .ord. There"ore% "aith m'!t #egin .ith thi! readine!! and .illing
de!ire to o#e). *nd #eca'!e man) do !ho. them!elve! at the "ir!t ver) .illing% .ho a"ter.ard
have in them!elve! no con!tanc) or contin'ance% le!t .e !ho'ld thin$ that it .a! !ome !'dden
pang
913M
.hich #) and #) "ell a.a)% L'$e doth al!o a"ter.ard commend their con!tanc)% .ho Fa!
he !aidG did .illingl) em#race thi! .ord o" the apo!tle!% !ho.ing that the) .ere ?oined 'nto the
di!ciple!% or that the) .ere engra"ted into the !ame #od)% and that the) contin'ed in their
doctrine. There"ore .e m'!t neither #e !lo. to o#e)% nor )et !.i"t to leap #ac$< #'t .e m'!t
!tic$ "a!t% and !tand !to'tl) to that doctrine .hich .e did "orth.ith F.itho't an) tarriance
[dela)]G em#race. 9'rthermore% thi! e3ample o'ght to ma$e '! not a little a!hamed. 9or .herea!
there .a! a great m'ltit'de converted 'nto Chri!t .ith one !ermon% an h'ndred !ermon! can
!carce move a "e. o" '!< and .herea! L'$e !aith that the) contin'ed% there i! !carce one among!t
ten that doth !ho. even a mean de!ire to pro"it and go "or.ard% )ea% rather% the more part doth
!oon loathe o'r doctrine. Joe #e% there"ore% to the !l'ggi!hne!! and lightne!! o" the .orldS
"2. !n their do'trine( L'$e doth not onl) commend in them the con!tanc) o" "aith or o" godline!!%
#'t he !aith% al!o% that the) did con!tantl) give them!elve! to tho!e e3erci!e! .hich !erve to the
con"irmation o" "aith< to .it% that the) !t'died contin'all) to pro"it #) hearing the apo!tle!< that
the) gave them!elve! m'ch to pra)er< that the) did '!e "ello.!hip and #rea$ing o" #read ver)
m'ch.
*! to'ching pra)er and doctrine the !en!e i! plain. Comm'nication or "ello.!hip% and #rea$ing
o" #read% ma) #e ta$en diver!el). Some thin$ that #rea$ing o" #read doth !igni") the Lord=!
S'pper< other !ome do thin$ that it !igni"ieth alm!< other !ome that the "aith"'l did #an@'et
together
913E
among them!elve!. Some do thin$ that koinwnia% doth !igni") the cele#rating o" the
Hol) S'pper< #'t + do rather agree to tho!e other! .ho thin$ that the !ame i! meant #) the
#rea$ing o" #read. 9or koinwnia% 'nle!! it have !ome.hat added 'nto it% i! never "o'nd in thi!
!en!e< there"ore% + do rather re"er it 'nto m't'al !ociet) and "ello.!hip% 'nto alm!% and 'nto other
d'tie! o" #rotherl) "ello.!hip. *nd m) rea!on .h) + .o'ld rather have #rea$ing o" #read to #e
'nder!tood o" the Lord=! S'pper in thi! place i! thi!% #eca'!e L'$e doth rec$on 'p tho!e thing!
.herein the p'#lic e!tate o" the Ch'rch i! contained. ;ea% he e3pre!!eth in thi! place "o'r mar$!
.here#) the tr'e and nat'ral "ace o" the Ch'rch ma) #e ?'dged. (o .e then !ee$ the tr'e Ch'rch
o" Chri!tI The image thereo" i! livel) depainted and !et "orth
9131
'nto '! in thi! place. *nd he
6D
#eginneth .ith doctrine .hich i!% a! it .ere% the !o'l o" the Ch'rch. :either doth he name all
manner o" doctrine% #'t the doctrine o" the apo!tle!% that i!% that .hich the Son o" >od had
delivered #) their hand!. There"ore% .here!oever the p're voice o" the go!pel doth !o'nd% .here
men contin'e in the pro"e!!ion thereo"% .here the) e3erci!e them!elve! in hearing the !ame
ordinaril) that the) ma) pro"it% .itho't all do'#t there i! the Ch'rch.
Here#) .e ma) ea!il) gather ho. "rivolo'! the #oa!ting o" the Papi!t! i!% .hil!t that the)
carele!!l)
9100
th'nder o't .ith "all mo'th the name o" the Ch'rch< .herea!% not.ith!tanding% the)
have mo!t "ilthil) corr'pted the doctrine o" the apo!tle!. 9or i" it #e d'l) e3amined% .e !hall "ind
no !o'nd part at all< and in mo!t point! the) do a! m'ch di!!ent "rom the !ame% and have a! little
agreement there.ith a! light .ith dar$ne!!. The r'le o" .or!hipping >od% .hich o'ght to #e
"etched o't o" the p're Jord o" >od alone% i! onl) made and patched together
9101
among!t the
Papi!t!% o" the !'per!titio'! invention! o" men. The) have tran!lated 'nto the merit! o" .or$! the
hope o" !alvation% .hich o'ght to have re!ted in Chri!t alone. The invocation o" >od i!
altogether poll'ted .ith inn'mera#le pro"ane doting! o" men. 9inall)% .hat!oever i! heard
among!t them% it i! either a de"orming o" the apo!tle!= doctrine% or el!e a clear overthro.ing Fand
de!tro)ingG o" the !ame. There"ore% .e ma) a! ea!il) re"'te the "ooli!h arroganc) o" the Papi!t!%
a! the) can cloa$ their dealing! .ith the title o" the Ch'rch. 9or thi! !hall #e the !tate%
910/

.hether the) have retained the p'rit) o" doctrine% "rom .hich the) are a! "ar a! hell i! "rom
heaven. -'t the) are .i!e eno'gh in that point% #eca'!e the) .ill have no controver!) moved
a#o't doctrine. -'t .e% a! + have !aid% ma) "reel) contemn that vain vi!or% [ma!$%] "ora!m'ch a!
the Spirit o" >od doth prono'nce that the Ch'rch i! principall) to #e Fe!teemed andG di!cerned
#) thi! mar$% i" the !implicit) or p'rit) o" the doctrine delivered #) the apo!tle! do "lo'ri!h Fand
#e o" "orceG in the !ame.
!n fello$shi+( Thi! mem#er and the la!t do "lo. "rom the "ir!t% a! "r'it! or e""ect!. 9or doctrine i!
the #ond o" #rotherl) "ello.!hip among!t '!% and doth al!o !et open 'nto '! the gate 'nto >od%
that .e ma) call 'pon him. *nd the S'pper i! added 'nto doctrine in!tead o" a con"irmation.
Jhere"ore% L'$e doth not in vain rec$on 'p the!e "o'r thing!% .hen a! he .ill de!cri#e 'nto '!
the .ellordered !tate o" the Ch'rch. *nd .e m'!t endeavor to $eep and o#!erve thi! order% i" .e
.ill #e tr'l) ?'dged to #e the Ch'rch #e"ore >od and the angel!% and not onl) to ma$e #oa!t o"
the name
9103
thereo" among!t men. +t i! certain that he !pea$eth o" p'#lic pra)er. *nd "or thi!
ca'!e it i! not !'""icient "or men to ma$e their pra)er! at home #) them!elve!% 'nle!! the) meet
altogether to pra)< .herein con!i!teth al!o the pro"e!!ion o" "aith.
ACTS 2:"-"!
". *nd there came "ear 'pon ever) !o'l% and man) .onder! and !ign! .ere
.ro'ght #) the apo!tle!. "". *nd all tho!e .hich #elieved .ere ?oined
together% and had all thing! common. "!. *nd the) !old their po!!e!!ion! and
!'#!tance% and did part them to all men% a! ever) man had need.
". And there 'a%e( He !igni"ieth 'nto '! that the !ho. and !ight o" the Ch'rch .a! !'ch% that it
made other! a"raid .hich did not con!ent 'nto [it!] doctrine< and that .a! done "or the pre!erving
and "'rthering o" the Ch'rch. Jhen there ari!eth an) !een all men !et them!elve! !to'tl) again!t
the !ame< and a! novelt) i! odio'!% the Be.! .o'ld never have !'""ered the Ch'rch o" Chri!t to
!tand one min'te o" an ho'r%
9100
'nle!! the Lord had re!trained them .ith "ear a! .ith a #ridle.
9'rthermore% L'$e noteth the manner o" "ear% that it .a! no !'ch "ear a! #ringeth men 'nto the
66
o#edience o" Chri!t% #'t !'ch a! ca'!eth men to !tand in a do'#t% and !o% con!e@'entl)% doth% a! it
.ere% !o #ind them hand and "oot%
910D
that the) dare not hinder the Lord=! .or$. Li$e a! there #e
!ome at thi! da) .ho .ill .illingl) #e ignorant o" the go!pel< or% at lea!t% are !o holden
9106
.ith
the care! o" thi! .orld% that the) cannot thoro'ghl) ?oin them!elve! 'nto Chri!t< and )et the) are
not !o hardhearted #'t that the) con"e!! that the tr'th i! on o'r !ide< and% there"ore% the) re!t% a!
it .ere% in the middle .a)% neither do the) "avor the cr'elt) o" the .ic$ed% #eca'!e the) are
a"raid to !trive again!t >od. *nd .herea! he !aith% &ery soul, he !pea$eth th'! #) syne'do'he(
9or it i! certain that man) did contemn the hand o" >od% and that other !ome .ere !tric$en .ith
no great "ear% #'t that the) did "'rio'!l) rage together again!t the Ch'rch.
910M
-'t L'$e=!
meaning .a! thi!% that there appeared !'ch po.er o" >od in the Ch'rch% that the people "or the
mo!t part had not one .ord to !a).
910E
And %any $onders( Thi! mem#er !erveth al!o to the !ho.ing o" the ca'!e. 9or the miracle!
!erved to ma$e them a"raid% together .ith other .or$! o" >od% altho'gh thi! .a! not the onl)
rea!on% #'t one o" man)% .h) the) .ere a"raid to !et them!elve! again!t >od% .ho .a! on that
!ide% a! the) did gather #) the miracle!< .hence .e gather that the) are not onl) pro"ita#le "or
thi! to #ring men to >od%
9101
#'t al!o to ma$e the .ic$ed !ome.hat more gentle% and that the)
ma) tame their "'rio'!ne!!. Pharaoh .a! a man o" de!perate !t'##ornne!!% F
N0/0E0EO
,3od'! E4E%
etc. 11%G and )et .e !ee ho. miracle! do !ometime! pierce hi! o#!tinate heart. He "orgetteth them
#) and #)< #'t .hen the hand o" >od i! heav) 'pon him% he i! compelled thro'gh "ear to )ield.
To #e #rie"% L'$e teacheth that the Be.! .ere #) thi! mean! $ept #ac$% that the Ch'rch% .hich
might ea!il) have #een de!tro)ed% might have got 'p her head.
91D0
Jhich thing .e have
o"tentime! tried
91D1
even in o'r time. *nd he doth not onl) declare that the) .ere #ridled .ith
"ear% le!t the) !ho'ld #e !o #old a! to attempt !o m'ch a! the) l'!ted to do h'rt to the Ch'rch% #'t
that the) .ere al!o h'm#led .ith reverence to the glor) o" the go!pel.
"". And all( Jherea! + have tran!lated it joined together, it i! .ord "or .ord in St L'$e% !nto the
sa%e, or into one, .hich ma) #e e3po'nded o" the place< a! i" he !ho'ld have !aid that the) .ere
.ont to d.ell together in one place. :ot.ith!tanding% + had rather 'nder!tand it o" their con!ent
Fand agreement<G a! he .ill !a) in the "o'rth chapter% PThat the) had one heart%Q F
N00003/O
*ct!
043/.G *nd !o he goeth "or.ard orderl)% .hen% a! he #eginneth .ith their mind% he addeth
a"ter.ard their #o'nti"'lne!!% a! a "r'it proceeding thence. There"ore% he giveth '! to 'nder!tand
that the) .ere rightl) ?oined together .ith #rotherl) love among!t them!elve!% and that the) did
indeed declare the !ame% #eca'!e the rich men did !ell their good! that the) might help the poor.
*nd thi! i! a !ing'lar e3ample o" love% and there"ore doth L'$e record the !ame% to the end .e
ma) $no. that .e m'!t relieve the povert) o" o'r #rethren .ith o'r plent).
-'t thi! place hath need o" a !o'nd e3po!ition% #eca'!e o" "anta!tical ["anatical] !pirit!% .hich do
"eign a commonalt) or participation together o" good!% .here#) all polic) or civil government i!
ta$en a.a)< a! in thi! age the *na#apti!t! have raged% #eca'!e the) tho'ght there .a! no Ch'rch
'nle!! all men=! good! .ere p't and gathered together% a! it .ere% in one heap% that the) might all
one .ith another ta$e thereo". Jhere"ore% .e m'!t in thi! point #e.are o" t.o e3treme!. 9or
man)% 'nder color o" polic)% do $eep clo!e and conceal .hat!oever the) have< the) de"ra'd the
poor% and the) thin$ that the) are t.ice righteo'!% !o the) ta$e a.a) no other men=! good!. 7ther
!ome are carried into the contrar) error% #eca'!e the) .o'ld have all thing! con"'!ed. -'t .hat
doth L'$eI S'rel) he noteth another order% .hen he !aith that there .a! choice made in the
di!tri#'tion. +" an) man o#?ect that no man had an) thing .hich .a! hi! o.n% !eeing all thing!
.ere common% .e ma) ea!il) an!.er. 9or thi! comm'nit) or participation together m'!t #e
6M
re!trained 'nto the circ'm!tance .hich en!'eth immediatel)< to .it% that the poor might #e
relieved a! ever) man had need. Je $no. the old prover#% P*ll thing! are common among!t
"riend!.Q Jhen a! the !cholar! o" P)thagora! !aid th'!% the) did not den) #'t that ever) man
might govern hi! o.n ho'!e privatel)% neither did the) intend to ma$e their o.n .ive! common<
!o thi! having o" thing! common% .hereo" L'$e !pea$eth% and .hich he commendeth% doth not
ta$e a.a) ho'!ehold government< .hich thing !hall #etter appear #) the "o'rth chapter% .herea!
he nameth t.o alone .hich !old their po!!e!!ion! o" !o man) tho'!and!. Jhence .e gather that
.hich + !aid even no.% that the) #ro'ght "orth and made common their good! in no other re!pect%
!ave onl) that the) might relieve the pre!ent nece!!it). *nd the imp'denc) o" the mon$! .a!
ridic'lo'!% .ho did pro"e!! that the) did o#!erve the apo!tle!= r'le% #eca'!e the) call nothing
their o.n< and )et% neverthele!!% the) neither !ell an) thing% neither )et do the) pa!! "or an)
man=! povert)<
91D/
#'t the) !t'"" their idle #ellie! .ith the #lood o" the poor% neither do the)
regard an) other thing in their having o" thing! common% !ave onl) that the) ma) #e .ell "illed
and daintil)% altho'gh all the .hole .orld #e h'ngr). Jherein% then% are the) li$e to the "ir!t
di!ciple!% .ith .hom the) .ill #e tho'ght to #e a#le to compareI
91D3
ACTS 2:"#-"%
"#. *nd contin'ing dail) .ith one accord in the temple% and #rea$ing #read
"rom ho'!e to ho'!e% the) did eat their meat .ith gladne!!% and !inglene!! o"
heart% "%. Prai!ing >od% and having "avor .ith all the people. *nd the Lord
added dail) 'nto the congregation tho!e .hich !ho'ld #e !aved.
"#. Continuing in the te%+le( Je m'!t note that the) did "re@'ent the temple "or thi! ca'!e%
#eca'!e there .a! more opport'nit) and occa!ion o""ered there to "'rther the go!pel. :either
.ere the) dra.n .ith the holine!! o" the place% !eeing the) $ne. that the !hado.! o" the la.
.ere cea!ed< neither meant the) to dra. other! #) their e3ample to have the temple in an) !'ch
reverence<
91D0
#'t #eca'!e there .a! there great conco'r!e o" people% .ho having laid a!ide their
private care!% .here.ith the) had #een dra.n a.a) el!e.here%
91DD
did !ee$ the Lord< the) .ere
contin'all) in the temple% that the) might gain !'ch 'nto Chri!t. There might #e another rea!on
.hich might ind'ce them here'nto% that the) might have a m't'al con"erence and imparting o"
doctrine among!t them!elve!% .hich the) co'ld not have done !o convenientl) in a private ho'!e%
e!peciall) !eeing the) .ere !o% man).
.rea#ing bread fro% house to house( L'$e !igni"ieth 'nto '!% that the) did not onl) !ho. !ome
to$en o" tr'e godline!! p'#licl)% #'t that the co'r!e and tenor o" their private li"e .a! alone in
that re!pect. 9or .herea! !ome do thin$ that in thi! place% #) #rea$ing o" #read i! meant the Hol)
S'pper% it !eemeth to me that L'$e meant no !'ch thing. He !igni"ieth% there"ore% 'nto '!% that
the) '!ed to eat together% and that thri"til).
91D6
9or tho!e .hich ma$e !'mpt'o'! #an@'et! do not
eat their meat together !o "amiliarl). *gain% L'$e addeth% in singleness of heart* .hich i! al!o a
to$en o" temperance. +n !'m% hi! meaning i! to declare% that their manner o" living .a! #rotherl)
and !o#er. Some do ?oin !implicit) and gladne!! .ith the prai!e o" >od< and #oth te3t! ma) .ell
#e allo.ed.
91DM
-'t #eca'!e there can #e no !inglene!! o" heart in prai!ing >od% 'nle!! the !tone
#e al!o in all part! o" the li"e% there"ore it i! certain% that there i! mention made thereo" in thi!
!en!e% that the "aith"'l did al.a)! '!e the !ame in all place!.
91DE
*nd .e m'!t al!o note the
circ'm!tance o" time% that% #eing environed and #e!et .ith man) danger!% the) .ere merr) and
?o)"'l. The $no.ledge o" >od=! love to.ard '!% and the hope o" hi! protection% do #ring '! thi!
6E
goodne!! .ith them% that .e prai!e >od .ith @'iet mind!% .hat!oever the .orld doth threaten.
*nd a! L'$e !po$e a little #e"ore o" the p'#lic e!tate o" the Ch'rch% !o he declareth no. .hat
"orm and manner o" li"e the "aith"'l did '!e< that .e ma) learn #) their e3ample a thri"t)
"ello.!hip in o'r manner o" living% and in all o'r .hole li"e to em#race !inglene!!% to en?o) the
!pirit'al ?o)% and to e3erci!e o'r!elve! in the prai!e! o" >od. 9'rthermore% the !inglene!! o" heart
reacheth "ar< #'t i" )o' ?oin it in thi! place .ith #rea$ing o" #read% it !hall !igni") a! m'ch a!
!incere love% .here one man dealeth plainl) .ith another% neither doth an) man cra"til) h'nt
a"ter hi! o.n pro"it. ;et had + rather !et the !ame again!t that care"'lne!!% .here.ith .orldl)
men
91D1
do too m'ch torment them!elve!. 9or .hen a! .e do not ca!t o'r care 'pon the Lord%
thi! re.ard hangeth over o'r head!% that .e trem#le and @'a$e even .hen .e ta$e o'r re!t.
"%. Ha&ing fa&or( Thi! i! the "r'it o" an innocent li"e% to "ind "avor even among!t !tranger!. *nd
)et .e need not to do'#t o" thi!% #'t that the) .ere hated o" man). -'t altho'gh he !pea$
generall) o" the people% )et he meaneth that part alone .hich .a! !o'nd% neither )et in"ected
.ith an) poi!on o" hatred< he !igni"ieth #rie"l)% that the "aith"'l did !o #ehave them!elve!% that
the people did "'ll .ell li$e o" them "or their innocenc) o" li"e.
9160
The Lord added daily( He !ho.eth in the!e .ord! that their diligence .a! not .itho't pro"it< the)
!t'died !o m'ch a! in them la) to gather into the Lord=! !heep"old tho!e .hich .andered and
.ent a!tra). He !aith that their la#or #e!to.ed herein .a! not lo!t< #eca'!e the Lord did increa!e
hi! Ch'rch dail). *nd !'rel)% .herea! the Ch'rch i! rather dimini!hed than increa!ed% that i! to
#e imp'ted to o'r !loth"'lne!!% or rather "or.ardne!!.
9161
*nd altho'gh the) did all o" them
!to'tl) la#or to increa!e the $ingdom o" Chri!t% )et L'$e a!cri#eth
916/
thi! honor to >od alone%
that he #ro'ght !tranger! into the Ch'rch. *nd !'rel) thi! i! hi! o.n proper .or$. 9or the
mini!ter! do no good #) planting or .atering% 'nle!! he ma$e their la#or e""ect'al #) the po.er
o" hi! Spirit% F1 Corinthian! 3.G 9'rthermore% .e m'!t note that he !aith% that tho!e .ere gathered
'nto the Ch'rch .hich !ho'ld #e !aved. 9or he teacheth that thi! i! the mean! to attain !alvation%
i" .e #e incorporate into the Ch'rch. 9or li$e a! there i! no remi!!ion o" !in!% !o neither i! there
an) hope o" !alvation.
9163
9'rthermore% thi! i! an e3cellent com"ort "or all the godl)% that the)
.ere received into the Ch'rch that the) might #e !aved< a! the >o!pel i! called the po.er o" >od
'nto !alvation to all that #elieve% F
N0D0116O
8oman! 1416.G :o.% "ora!m'ch a! >od doth gather onl)
a part% or a certain n'm#er% thi! grace i! re!trained 'nto election% that it ma) #e the "ir!t ca'!e o"
o'r !alvation.
61
CH*PT,8 3
ACTS :1-11
1. :o.% [or almo!t at that time%] Peter and Bohn .ent 'p together into the temple%
a#o't the ninth ho'r o" pra)er. 2. 9'rthermore% a certain man% .hich .a! lame "rom
hi! mother=! .om#% .a! carried< .hom the) laid dail) at the gate o" the temple
.hich i! called -ea'ti"'l% that he might a!$ alm! o" tho!e .hich entered into the
temple. . Jhen he !a. Peter and Bohn dra. near to the temple% he a!$ed an alm!. ".
*nd Peter% #eholding him earne!tl) .ith Bohn% !aid% Loo$ on '!. !. *nd he gave heed
'nto them% thin$ing that he !ho'ld receive !ome.hat o" them. #. *nd Peter !aid%
Silver and gold have + none< #'t !'ch a! + have% give + thee4 +n the name o" Be!'!
Chri!t o" :a5areth% ari!e and .al$. %. *nd .hen he had ta$en him #) the right hand%
he li"ted him 'p% and immediatel) hi! "eet and an$le#one! received !trength. $. *nd
leaping 'p he !tood% and .al$ed% and entered .ith them into the temple% .al$ing% and
leaping% and prai!ing >od. &. *nd all the people !a. him .al$ing% and prai!ing >od.
1'. *nd the) $ne. him% that it .a! he .hich .a! .ont to !it "or the alm! at the
-ea'ti"'l gate o" the temple. *nd the) .ere "illed .ith .ondering% and .ere a!tonied
at that thing .hich .a! come 'nto him. 11. Moreover% .hen the lame man .hich
.a! healed held Peter and Bohn% all the people ran ama5ed 'nto them% into the Porch
.hich i! called Solomon=!.
1. Je !a. #e"ore that man) !ign! .ere !ho.ed #) the hand! o" the apo!tle!< no. L'$e reciteth
one o" man) "or e3ample=! !a$e% a"ter hi! common c'!tom< namel)% that a lame man% .hich .a!
lame o" hi! "eet "rom hi! mother=! .om#% .a! per"ectl) re!tored to hi! lim#!. *nd he doth
diligentl) gather all the circ'm!tance! .hich !erve to !et "orth the miracle. +" it had #een that hi!
leg! had #een o't o" ?oint% or i" it had #een !ome di!ea!e coming #) !ome ca!'alt)% it might have
#een the more ea!il) c'red. -'t the de"a'lt o" nat're
9160
co'ld not have #een !o ea!il) redre!!ed.
Jhen a! he !aith that he .a! carried% .e gather there#) that it .a! no light halting% #'t that thi!
man did lie a! i" hi! leg! had #een dead. 9ora!m'ch a! he .a! .ont dail) to a!$ alm!% here#) all
the people might the #etter $no. him. +n that #eing healed% he .al$ed in the temple at the time
o" pra)er% thi! !erved to !pread a#road the "ame o" the miracle. 9'rthermore% thi! doth not a little
!et "orth the !ame% that #eing li"ted 'p and !et 'pon hi! "eet% he leapeth 'p there.ithal% and
.al$eth ?o)"'ll).
2ent u+ together( -eca'!e the!e .ord!% epi to auto% doth no more !igni") place than time% thi!
latter !en!e !eemeth #etter to agree .ith the te3t o" Peter% )et% #eca'!e it i! o" no great
importance% + leave it indi""erent. That it i! called the ninth ho'r o" pra)er% .hen a! the da) #egan
to dra. to.ard! night.
916D
9or !eeing the da) "rom the ri!ing o" the !'n 'nto the going do.n
thereo" had t.elve ho'r!% a! + have !aid el!e.here% all that time .a! divided into "o'r part!. So
that #) the ninth i! meant the la!t portion o" the da)< a! the "ir!t ho'r did contin'e 'nto the third%
the third 'nto the !i3th% the !i3th 'nto the ninth. Hence ma) .e gather% #) a pro#a#le con?ect're%
that that ho'r .a! appointed "or the evening !acri"ice. 9'rthermore% i" an) man a!$% .hether the
apo!tle! .ent 'p into the temple that the) might pra) according to the rite o" the la.% + do not
thin$ that that i! a thing !o li$el) to #e tr'e% a! that the) might have #etter opport'nit) to !pread
a#road the go!pel. *nd i" an) man .ill a#'!e thi! place% a! i" it .ere la."'l "or '! to '!e and ta$e
'p !'per!titio'! .or!hipping!% .hil!t that .e are conver!ant among!t the ignorant and .ea$% hi!
M0
rea!on !hall #e "rivolo'!. The Lord appointed that the Be.! !ho'ld o""er !acri"ice morning and
evening% F
N0//101O
,3od'! /1401.G -) thi! e3erci!e .ere the) ta'ght to #egin and end the da) .ith
calling 'pon the name o" >od% and .ith .or!hipping him%
9166
F
N00/E0/O
:'m#er! /E4/.G There"ore
Peter and Bohn might "reel) come into the temple% .hich .a! con!ecrated to >od< neither did
the) poll'te them!elve!% !eeing the) called 'pon the >od o" +!rael% that the) might there#)
declare their godline!!. 9ir!t% in that the Lord .o'ld have the older people to o#!erve the
appointed ho'r!%
916M
.e gather there#) that the Ch'rch cannot #e .itho't certain di!cipline. *nd
even at thi! da)% .ere it pro"ita#le "or '! to have !'ch meeting! dail)% 'nle!! o'r too [too] m'ch
!l'ggi!hne!! did let '!. *nd .herea! the apo!tle! go 'p at that ho'r% here#) .e gather that .e
m'!t "ore!lo. [neglect] no opport'nit) that i! o""ered '! "or the "'rtherance o" the go!pel.
. He as#eth an al%s( Je !ee ho. >od re!tored thi! lame man to hi! lim#! contrar) to hi!
e3pectation. -eca'!e he tho'ght that hi! di!ea!e .a! inc'ra#le% he .a! onl) care"'l "or
maintenance. That i! given him .hich he d'r!t never have a!$ed. +n li$e !ort >od doth
o"tentime! prevent '!% neither doth he !ta) 'ntil he #e provo$ed.
916E
*nd hence can .e not gather
an) occa!ion o" !loth"'lne!!% a! i" the Lord did there"ore meet '! o" hi! o.n accord% that #eing
idle and !loth"'l .e ma) !'""er the Lord to do good 'nto '!. 9or .e are commanded to pra)% and
there"ore let '! not "ore!lo. [neglect] o'r d't).
9161
-'t% "ir!t o" all% 'nder the per!on o" the lame
man% .e have !et #e"ore '! an e3ample o" a man that i! not )et ill'minated #) "aith% that he ma)
$no. ho. to pra) aright. S'ch doth >od prevent% a! it i! need"'l% even o" hi! o.n accord.
There"ore% .hen a! he re!toreth o'r !o'l! not onl) to health% #'t al!o to li"e% he him!el" i! to
him!el" the ca'!e hereo". 9or thi! i! the #eginning o" o'r calling% that he ma) ma$e tho!e thing!
to #e .hich are not< that he ma) !ho. him!el" 'nto tho!e .ho !ee$ not a"ter him% F
N0D001MO
8oman!
041M.G 9'rthermore% ho.!oever .e #e alread) ta'ght #) "aith to pra) 'nto >od% )et% #eca'!e .e
do not al.a)! "eel o'r mi!erie!% it cometh not into o'r mind to !ee$ "or remed)< there"ore the
Lord #ringeth the !ame "reel) and 'nloo$ed "or. 9inall)% ho.!oever .e #e #ent to pra)% )et doth
he e3ceed o'r hope and petition! .ith hi! goodne!!.
". Loo# u+on us( Peter doth not th'! !pea$ #e"ore he #e certain o" the p'rpo!e and intent o" >od.
*nd !'rel) in the!e .ord! he commandeth him to hope "or !ome !ing'lar and 'n.onted #ene"it<
)et here ma) a @'e!tion #e moved% .hether the) had po.er to .or$ miracle! !o o"ten a! the)
.o'ldI + an!.er% that the) .ere mini!ter! o" >od=! po.er in !'ch !ort% that the) did attempt
nothing o" their o.n .ill or proper motion% #'t the Lord .ro'ght #) them% .hen he $ne. that it
.a! e3pedient it !ho'ld #e !o. Here#) it came to pa!! that the) healed one and not all. There"ore%
a! in other thing!% the) had the Spirit o" >od to #e their g'ide and director% !o al!o in thi! point.
There"ore% #e"ore !'ch time a! Peter commandeth the lame man to ari!e% he did ea!t and "a!ten
hi! e)e! 'pon him< thi! !tead"a!t loo$ing 'pon him .a! not .itho't !ome pec'liar motion o" the
Spirit. Here#) it cometh to pa!! that he !pea$eth !o !'rel) Fand !a"el)% .itho't all "earG o" the
miracle. 9'rthermore% he meant #) thi! .ord to provo$e the lame man to receive the grace o"
>od< )et doth he loo$ "or nothing #'t "or an alm!.
#. 3il&er and gold( Peter doth tr'l) e3c'!e him!el"% that he doth .ant that help .hich the lame
man did re@'ire. *nd there"ore doth he declare% that i" he .ere a#le to relieve hi! povert) he
.o'ld .illingl) do it< li$e a! ever) man o'ght to con!ider .ith him!el" .hat the Lord hath given
him% that he ma) there.ith help hi! neigh#or!. 9or .hat !tore !oever >od giveth to ever) man%
he .ill have the !ame to #e an in!tr'ment and help to e3erci!e love. There"ore he !aith% that he
giveth that .hich he hath. Thi! .a! at the "ir!t a tric$ o" moc$age%
91M0
in that Peter #eginneth to
!pea$ o" hi! povert)% a"ter that he had #ro'ght the lame man into a rare hope% a! i" he meant to
M1
moc$ a gaping cro.< #'t he com"orteth him immediatel)% to the end the miracle might #e had in
greater e!timation #) the compari!on. That i! horri#le .ic$edne!!% in that the Pope% .hen a! he i!
created% doth mo!t 'n!hame"a!tl) [!hamele!!l)] a#'!e thi! place% ma$ing thereo" a comical% or
rather a !co""ing pla). There #e t.o cell!% or place! made o" !tone% in the one .hereo" .hen he
!itteth% and the people a!$ an alm!% '!ing the!e .ord! o" Peter% he ca!teth a#road cro!!e! in the
air .ith hi! "inger!. Jhen he i! #ro'ght into the ne3t tell% or place% he hath #ag! "'ll o" mone).
Then hi! angel! cr) 'nto him%
PHe hath di!per!ed% he hath given to the poor%Q
F
N11-/01O
P!alm 11/41.G
+ have made mention hereo"% to the end all men ma) !ee that Satan doth @'e!tionle!! reign there%
.here the) do !o mani"e!tl) moc$ the !acred Jord o" >od. *nd to the end + ma) ret'rn 'nto the
"ormer !entence% it i! evident eno'gh that Peter .a! in!tr'cted #) a certain and !'re revelation%
.hen a! he !aith that he hath the gi"t o" healing.
!n the na%e of /esus( He !aith that thi! i! the .or$ and #ene"it o" Chri!t% that he re!toreth to the
cripple the '!e o" hi! "eet% "or na%e i! ta$en "or po.er and empire% or government. :either m'!t
.e dream that there i! an) magical "orce in the !o'nding or prono'ncing o" the .ord% a! the Be.!
do dote a#o't the .ord Behovah. To #e !hort% Peter meant to declare that he .a! nothing #'t a
mini!ter% and that Chri!t .a! the a'thor o" the miracle. 9or thi! o'ght to have #een% and .a! hi!
care% that Chri!t might #e made $no.n 'nto the .orld% and that hi! name might #e !ancti"ied. -'t
.h) doth he give Chri!t thi! epithet% or title% of "a7areth< + leave to other men their o.n
?'dgment< #'t + thin$ th'!4 9ora!m'ch a! Chri!t .a! th'! called in contempt% Peter meant o" !et
p'rpo!e to e3pre!! that that Be!'! o" :a5areth .hom the) had cr'ci"ied% and .ho!e name .a!
de!pi!ed and .itho't glor) among!t the Be.!% and .a! to the mo!t o" them dete!ta#le% .a!
neverthele!! the Me!!ia! promi!ed o" >od% and that all po.er .a! given 'nto him o" the rather<
a! Pa'l !aith% that he preacheth Chri!t and him cr'ci"ied% F
N060/0/O
1 Corinthian! /4/.G
Arise and $al#( Thi! might !eem to #e a ver) ridic'lo'! thing. 9or the cripple might have readil)
o#?ected% Jh) ha!t tho' not "ir!t given me leg! and "eetI 9or thi! i! a plain moc$% .hen a! tho'
#idde!t a man .itho't "eet to go. -'t he #elieved Peter=! .ord!< and he% .hich .a! at the "ir!t !o
!lo.% doth no. .ith a read) and ?o)"'l mind em#race >od=! #ene"it. Jhere#) appeareth #oth the
"orce o" the .ord% and al!o the "r'it o" "aith. The "orce o" the .ord i! do'#le% #oth in that the
cripple i! !o to'ched that he doth "orth.ith o#e) .itho't dela)< and in that it giveth !trength to
hi! dead mem#er!% and doth% a"ter a !ort% rene. the man. *nd "aith al!o hath her re.ard% in that
the cripple o#e)eth him .hich commandeth him to ri!e not in vain. There"ore .e !ee ho. >od
.or$eth #) hi! Jord% to .it% .hen he giveth !'cce!! to the preaching thereo"% that it ma) pierce
into the mind! o" men< !econdl)% .hen he giveth tho!e thing! .ith hi! hand .hich are promi!ed
there. Moreover% he !'""ereth not "aith to #e void% #'t !he doth indeed tr'l) en?o) all tho!e good
thing! .hich !he loo$eth "or% and .hich are o""ered 'nto her in the !ame Jord. *nd .e m'!t
remem#er that .hich + have alread) !aid% that .e have in thi! hi!tor) a t)pe
91M1
or "ig're o" o'r
!pirit'al re!toring< namel)% that a! the Jord% laid hold on #) "aith% did re!tore the cripple to hi!
lim#!% !o the Lord pierceth into o'r !o'l! #) the Jord% that he ma) re!tore the !ame. *nd% "ir!t o"
all% he !pea$eth #) man=! mo'th% and pric$eth '! "or.ard #) the o#edience o" "aith< that done% he
moveth o'r heart! in.ardl) #) hi! Spirit% that the Jord ma) ta$e livel) root in '!< "inall)% he
reacheth o't hi! hand% and #) all mean! he "ini!heth hi! .or$ in '!. Je gather o't o" Matthe.
that miracle! m'!t #e th'! handled.
M/
&. And all the +eo+le sa$( He #eginneth no. to declare the "r'it o" the miracle% to .it% that the
cripple #egan to !ho. hi! than$"'lne!! #) prai!ing >od% and that all the people .ere #ro'ght into
great .ondering. *nd here i! a do'#le "r'it. 9or he .hich .a! healed doth ac$no.ledge and !et
"orth the #ene"it o" >od< on the other !ide% the people i! moved% and the "ame i! !pread a#road%
man) come to !ee it. *nd .herea! L'$e !aith that the) .ere "illed .ith .ondering% it doth onl)
declare a preparation% .hich a more "'ll proceeding
91M/
Fand going "or.ardG did at length "ollo..
9or it .a! nece!!ar) that the) !ho'ld go "or.ard% #eca'!e thi! their .ondering had !erved to no
end o" it!el"% #'t did rather ma$e them a!tonied and ama5ed% than #ring them F"rom their o.n
proceeding!G 'nto >od.
There"ore it .a!% a! it .ere% the "o'ndation o" the #'ilding .hich .a! to come% in that the people
.a! to'ched .ith ama5edne!!. 9or i" .e pa!! over the .or$! o" >od contempti#l) or carele!!l)%
.e !hall never #e a#le to pro"it #) them. 9'rthermore% thi! place cloth teach '! .hat miracle! do
.or$ o" them!elve! in men< to .it% that the) #reed a con"'!ed ama5edne!!. 9or altho'gh the Lord
doth call '! !traight.a) 'nto him!el"% #) !ho.ing plainl) hi! goodne!! and po.er there% )et !'ch
i! the .ea$ne!! o" o'r nat're% that .e !t'm#le or "aint in the mid.a)% 'ntil !'ch time a! .e #e
holpen #) doctrine.
Let '!% there"ore% learn reverentl) to con!ider the .or$! o" >od% that the .ondering at them ma)
ma$e an entrance "or doctrine. 9or .hen doctrine i! cold and 'npro"ita#le .ith '!% >od doth
?'!tl) p'ni!h o'r 'nthan$"'lne!! #) thi! mean!% #eca'!e .e have de!pi!ed the glor) o" hi! .or$!.
*gain% #eca'!e .e are not !o @'ic$ o" !ight% that .e can !ee !o m'ch in the .or$! o" >od alone%
a! i! !'""icient% let '! learn to ?oin there.ithal the help o" doctrine.
91M3
To #e #rie"% the one o'ght
not to #e !eparated "rom the other. Jhich thing e3perience doth !'""icientl) teach '!. 9or here#)
it came to pa!! that the .orld did !o .ic$edl) a#'!e miracle!.
The Papi!t! do o#?ect 'nto '! miracle! again and again. Let '! !'ppo!e that the) #e tr'e% .hereo"
the) ma$e !'ch #oa!t% )et do the) greatl) err in thi!% that the) .re!t them to a .rong end< to .it%
that the) ma) dar$en the name o" >od% and in"ect the p're tr'th o" the go!pel .ith their
invention!. 9or .hence come !o man) !'per!titio'! .or!hipping! o" !aint!% !ave onl) "rom the
a#'!e o" miracle!I 9or .hen an) miracle i! .ro'ght% men m'!t need! #e moved. *nd #eca'!e
the) are dea" .hen the) !ho'ld hear the Jord% and do not mar$ .hat >od cloth mean% Satan doth
cra"til) ta$e an occa!ion o" !'per!tition #) o'r ama5edne!!.
91M0
*!% "or e3ample% + .ill
ac$no.ledge the po.er o" >od in a miracle. +" it .ere .ro'ght #) Peter% Satan .ill #) and #)
p't thi! in m) head% and .ill !a) th'!4
91MD
(o!t tho' not !ee that thi! i! a man o" >odI
91M6

there"ore tho' do!t o.e 'nto him divine honor. The !ame thing had #e"allen the Be.! .hen the)
.ere ama5ed% 'nle!! Peter=! !ermon had called them #ac$ into the right .a). -'t in Poper)%
.here none did call them #ac$ or reprove them%
91MM
the prepo!tero'! .ondering o" men did
ea!il) get the 'pper hand. Jhere"ore% .e m'!t !o m'ch the more
91ME
!ee$ "or medicine o't o" the
Jord% that doctrine ma) direct '! 'nto the right end% #eing li"ted 'p
91M1
.ith the miracle!.
11. !n the +or'h( +t i! li$e that there .a! a porch #'ilt in that place .here Solomon=! porch .a!
!ometime!% and that it too$ the name there"rom. 9or the old temple .a! p'lled do.n% #'t
Ker'##a#el and ,5ra% ill the reedi")ing and ne. #'ilding o" the !ame temple% had imitated the
!ame% !o nigh a! the) co'ld po!!i#l) devi!e. *"ter.ard Herod rene.ed the !ame% and made it "ar
more gorgeo'!% #'t that vain co!t .hich he had #e!to.ed had not )et #lotted o't the
remem#rance o" Solomon in the heart! o" the people. *nd L'$e nameth the !ame a! a mo!t
M3
"amo'! place% .here'nto the people ran together F#) heap!% to cele#rate their "ea!t! 'nto >od at
the time! appointed.G
ACTS :12-1#
12. *nd .hen Peter !a. that% he made an!.er 'nto the people% Men o" +!rael% .h)
marvel )e at thi!% or .h) loo$ )e !o !tead"a!tl) on '!% a! i" #) o'r o.n po.er or
godline!! .e have made thi! man .al$I 1. The >od o" *#raham% +!aac% and Baco#%
the >od o" o'r "ather!% hath glori"ied hi! Son Be!'!% .hom )e have delivered% and
.hom )e have denied #e"ore the "ace o" Pilate% .hen he had ?'dged him to #e loo!ed.
1". -'t )e have denied the hol)% the ?'!t% and have de!ired to have a m'rderer given
)o'. 1!. -'t )e have m'rdered the Prince o" li"e4 .hom >od hath rai!ed 'p "rom the
dead< .hereo" .e are .itne!!e!4 and in the "aith o" hi! name% hi! name hath
!trengthened thi! man% .hom )e have !een and $no.n. 1#. *nd the "aith .hich i! #)
him hath given him thi! per"ect !o'ndne!! in pre!ence o" )o' all.
12. Men of !srael( He #eginneth hi! !ermon .ith a reproving o" the people. *nd )et doth he not
!impl) reprove them #eca'!e the) .onder< "or that .a! altogether pro"ita#le and .orth) prai!e<
#'t #eca'!e the) do .ic$edl) a!cri#e 'nto men that prai!e .hich i! d'e to the .or$ o" >od. *! i"
he !ho'ld !a)% ;e do ami!!% in that )o' !ta) in '!% and !tand ga5ing 'pon '!% .herea! )o' o'ght
rather to loo$ 'pon >od and Chri!t. There"ore% thi! i! to #e ama5ed evill)% .hen a! o'r mind! do
!ta) in men. *nd .e m'!t note that he condemneth the re!pect o" men< a! i"% !aith he% .e #) o'r
o.n po.er and virt'e had done thi!. There"ore there i! an error and corr'ption in thi!% i" .e
attri#'te that 'nto the godline!! and po.er o" men .hich i! proper to >od and Chri!t. *nd% a!
concerning po.er% no man .ill den) that it cometh o" >od< )et .hen the) have con"e!!ed thi! in
one .ord% the) do not cea!e to ta$e "rom >od hi! right% to the end the) ma) adorn the creat're!
.ith that .hich the) ta$e "rom him< a! .e !ee the Papi!t! place the po.er o" >od in the !aint!<
)ea% the) incl'de hi! po.er in a !tone or !toc$ o" .ood% !o !oon a! the image i! con!ecrated to
-ar#ara or Chr)!ogon'!. -'t% not.ith!tanding% let '! !'ppo!e that the) do not o""end in that
"ormer mem#er< )et do the) "ooli!hl) thin$ that the) have done their d't) to.ard >od% .hen a!
the) leave him the po.er% and a!!ign the miracle! 'nto the godline!! o" !aint!. 9or .h) do the)
r'n 'nto them% .hen the) .ill o#tain either rain or "air .eather% or #e delivered "rom di!ea!e!%
'nle!! the) do imagine that the) have #) their godline!! de!erved that >od !ho'ld grant them
thi! right and privilegeI Thi! i!% there"ore% #'t a childi!h !tartinghole%
91E0
.hen the) con"e!! that
>od i! the a'thor o" the po.er< #'t the) than$ the godline!! o" !aint! "or tho!e #ene"it! .hich
the) have received. Ho.!oever the) color the matter% .e m'!t al.a)! $no. thi!% that Peter doth
generall) condemn tho!e .hich do !o loo$ 'nto men in miracle!% that the) thin$ that their
holine!! i! the ca'!e thereo". Thi! i! the "ir!t part o" the !ermon% .herein he reproveth
!'per!tition. *nd .e m'!t note hi! manner and order o" teaching. 9or #eca'!e men are inclined
to nothing more than to "all "rom >od 'nto the creat're!% it i! ver) e3pedient to prevent thi! vice
in time. *nd i" the people .ere "or#idden to loo$ 'nto the apo!tle!% m'ch more doth the Spirit
dra. '! a.a) "rom calling 'pon ever) pett) !aint.
1, 1". The God of Abraha%( He addeth a remed) no. in calling them #ac$ 'nto Chri!t. *nd the
!'m i! thi!% That thi! i! >od=! p'rpo!e in tho!e miracle! .hich he .or$eth #) the apo!tle! to !et
"orth the glor) o" hi! Chri!t< .here'pon it "ollo.eth that all tho!e do deal di!orderl) .ho !et 'p
Peter% or an) other% .hat!oever he #e% "ora!m'ch a! all men m'!t decrea!e% and Chri!t alone m'!t
#e e3cellent% F
N030330O
Bohn 3430.G Here appeareth a mani"e!t di""erence #et.een Chri!t and the
M0
apo!tle!. 9ir!t o" all% he i! the a'thor% the) are onl) the mini!ter!< !econdl)% thi! i! the la."'l end%
that he alone ma) have the glor)< and a! "or them there i! no re!pect to #e had o" them a!
concerning glor)< "or certainl) the) .hich do glori") an) in miracle! #e!ide! Chri!t% the) !et
them!elve! "latl) again!t the co'n!el o" >od.
He ma$eth mention o" the >od o" *#raham% +!aac% and Baco#% to the end he ma) declare 'nto the
people that he meaneth nothing le!! than to lead them a.a) "rom the old and ancient .or!hip o"
the tr'e >od% .hich the) had received o" the "ather!. 9'rthermore% >od hath given him!el" thi!
title% that he might Fdi!!ever andG di!ting'i!h him!el" #) !ome mar$ "rom idol!< "or .e do not
comprehend >od in hi! e!!ence% .hich cannot #e !een% and .hich i! in"inite< there"ore% he '!eth
!'ch mean! a! agree #e!t .ith '!% to #ring '! to the $no.ledge o" him. The T'r$! do #oa!t that
the) do .or!hip >od% .hich i! the creator o" heaven and earth< #'t #e"ore the) come at heaven
the) vani!h a.a). There"ore% to the end >od might $eep hi! people "rom vain and erroneo'!
invention!% he $ept them in hi! covenant< there"ore% .hen he calleth him!el" the >od o" *#raham%
he did #rie"l) teach that .hich Mo!e! declareth more at large% F
N0D301/O
(e'teronom) 3041/%G
PSa) not% Jho !hall a!cend into heavenI Jho !hall go do.n into the depthI 7r .ho !hall
!ail over the !ea!I The .ord i! nigh%Q etc.
9'rthermore% a! among!t the Be.! the name o" the hol) "ather! .a! in high e!timation% !o Peter
doth clo!el)
91E1
tell them% that the) .ere no #etter than other men% .itho't the onl) #egotten Son
o" >od. *nd at thi! da) >od .ill #e $no.n #) a more evident mar$ )et% .hen a! he calleth
him!el" the 9ather o" o'r Lord Be!'! Chri!t.
Let '! no. ret'rn 'nto Peter< he !aith that he #ringeth in no ne. religion% that. he ma) dra.
a.a) the people "rom the la. and the prophet!< "or i" he !ho'ld attempt thi!% >od had "or#idden
them to hear him% F
N0D1303O
(e'teronom) 1343.G Li$e a! Pa'l teacheth% that .e m'!t retain one
"o'ndation in the !pirit'al #'ilding% F
N060311O
1 Corinthian! 3411%G #eca'!e% !o !oon a! .e depart
even #'t a little "rom Chri!t% there can nothing en!'e #'t r'in. *nd here#) al!o .e ma) ea!il)
di!cern in .hat !en!e he calleth >od the >od o" the "ather!< "or neither doth he ta$e thi! "or a
general ma3im% that .hat manner o" .or!hip !oever the "ather! had% .e m'!t contin'e the !ame%
a! the Papi!t! do "ooli!hl) va'nt that the) do "ollo. the manner o" .or!hipping .hich .a! '!ed
among!t the "ather!< "or Peter doth e3pre!!l) rec$on 'p *#raham% +!aac% and Baco#% "rom .hom
tr'e religion did proceed% and #) .hom it .a! divinel) delivered< .here#) he doth !igni") 'nto
'!% that .e m'!t not "ollo. all "ather!% .hereo" man) did gro. o't o" $ind% and #ecame
altogether 'nli$e to the "ir!t "ather!< that thi! honor i! d'e to the children o" >od alone% and that
other! are to #e re"'!ed< .hich thing the prophet! do al!o #eat in
91E/
ever).here4
PJal$ not in the .a)! o" )o'r "ather!%Q etc.%
F
N/6/01EO
,5e$iel /041E.G
2ho% ye ha&e deli&ered( He mingleth .ith doctrine a mo!t !harp chiding% according a! the
matter did re@'ire< "or it .a! impo!!i#le to #ring them tr'l) 'nto >od% 'nle!! the) .ere "ir!t
#ro'ght to the $no.ledge o" their !in!< neither doth he onl) lightl) to'ch them% #'t he doth ver)
gravel) !ho. them the horri#lene!! o" that o""en!e .hich the) had committed. To thi! end
tendeth that compari!on% that the) delivered him to #e p't to death% .hom Pilate .o'ld have
loo!ed< and again% that% pardoning a m'rderer% the) p't the Prince o" li"e to death< that the) did
re?ect the ?'!t and hol). Men m'!t #e !o !tric$en% that #eing #ro'ght to $no. their g'iltine!!%
the) ma) earne!tl) "l) 'nto the remed) o" pardon. S'ch vehemence and earne!tne!! did Peter
MD
al!o '!e in hi! "ir!t !ermon< he !aith a"ter.ard that God raised hi% u+, .here#) the) o'ght to
$no. that% in p'tting Chri!t to death% the) did !trive again!t >od< altho'gh Peter had re!pect 'nto
an higher thing% to .it% that their cr'elt) did no .hit impair the glor) o" Chri!t% #eca'!e >od had
neverthele!! re!tored him to li"e. Jhen a! he !aith% that he and hi! "ello.! in o""ice .ere
.itne!!e! o" the re!'rrection% hi! meaning i!% that the) !a. it .ith their e)e!% F
N0//00EO
L'$e /040E.G
There"ore% thi! i! re"erred not onl) 'nto the apo!tolical "'nction% #'t #eca'!e the) !a. Chri!t
.ith their e)e! a"ter that he .a! ri!en "rom the dead< altho'gh + do al!o grant that thi! !econd
thing i! comprehended 'nder the!e .ord!% #eca'!e it i! li$el) that Peter doth ma$e mention o"
that "'nction .hich .a! committed 'nto him% to the end he ma) p'rcha!e the greater a'thorit).
1#. And in the faith of his na%e( Jhen a! he !aith in the faith of his na%e, and his na%e* and
again% the faith $hi'h is by hi%* thi! repetition i! a to$en o" a "ervent a""ection% "or #eca'!e he
.a! .holl) given to !et "orth the glor) o" Chri!t% he #eateth in [inc'lcateth] the !ame thing
o"tentime!. Moreover% .e !ee that .hen Pa'l i! occ'pied a#o't the !ho.ing and !etting "orth o"
the grace o" Chri!t% he thin$eth that he hath never !po$en eno'gh to'ching the !ame< and !'rel)
!'ch i! the .ic$ed nat're o" men% that Chri!t cannot #e !o highl) e3tolled% and !o preached% that
hi! honor can remain !o'nd 'nto him. Let '!% there"ore% remem#er that Peter did '!e !'ch variet)
and plent) o" .ord!% to the end he might !ta) '! in Chri!t. *! to'ching the phra!e% .hen a! he
!aith% his na%e in the faith of his na%e hath strengthened, he !ho.eth #oth the ca'!e and the
manner< the po.er o" Chri!t had healed the cripple #'t #) "aith. Jhen a! he !aith% the faith
$hi'h is by hi%, by thi! .ord he !igni"ieth 'nto '! that o'r "aith cannot ari!e 'p 'nto >od 'nle!!
it #e gro'nded in Chri!t% and !e% con!e@'entl)% that thi! o'r "aith doth loo$ 'nto Chri!t and !ta)
it!el" 'pon him% and !o he !ho.eth that there cat #e no right "aith in >od .hen .e pa!! over thi!
mean.
9'rthermore% a! he !aid #e"ore% that he and the other apo!tle! .ere .itne!!e! o" Chri!t=! li"e% !o
he doth no. declare that thi! li"e .a! mani"e!tl) proved 'nto the Be.! #) a !ign or e""ect%
#eca'!e the) !ee the cripple healed% in .hom the) had an e3cellent and evident to$en o" the
(ivine po.er o" Chri!t. *nd .hen a! in thi! la!t mem#er he ma$eth "aith the ca'!e o" thi!
!o'ndne!!% he la)eth 'nthan$"'lne!! to their charge #) the .a)% 'nle!! the) give "aith her d'e
prai!e< and altho'gh "aith ma) #e re"erred a! .ell 'nto the man that .a! healed a! 'nto the
apo!tle!% )et .e need not to !tand m'ch a#o't thi! manner% #eca'!e the po.er o" the go!pel i! !et
"orth #) syne'do'he(
ACTS :1%-21
1%. *nd no.% #rethren% + $no. that thro'gh ignorance )o' did it% a! did al!o )o'r
r'ler!. 1$. *nd >od hath "'l"illed all thing! .hich he had !po$en #) the mo'th o"
hi! prophet!% that Chri!t !ho'ld !'""er. 1&. 8epent% there"ore% and #e converted% that
)o'r !in! ma) #e "orgiven% 2'. Jhen the time! o" re"re!hing !hall come "rom the
pre!ence o" the Lord< and he !hall !end him that .a! preached #e"ore% Be!'! Chri!t4
21. Jhom heaven m'!t contain 'ntil the time that all thing! #e re!tored% .hich he
hath !po$en #) the mo'th o" all hi! hol) prophet!% !ince the #eginning o" the .orld%
[or !et #e"ore )o'r e)e! and repre!ented.]
1%. -eca'!e it .a! to #e do'#ted% le!t% #eing ca!t do.n .ith de!pair% the) !ho'ld re"'!e hi!
doctrine% he doth a little li"t them 'p. Je m'!t !o temper o'r !ermon! that the) ma) pro"it the
hearer!% "or 'nle!! there #e !ome hope o" pardon le"t% the terror and "ear o" p'ni!hment doth
M6
harden men=! heart! .ith !t'##ornne!!< "or that o" (avid i! tr'e% That .e "ear the Lord .hen .e
perceive that he i! 'nto '! "avora#le% and ea!) to #e paci"ied% F
N11(000O
P!alm 13040.G Th'! doth
Peter le!!en the !in o" hi! nation% #eca'!e o" their ignorance< "or it had #een impo!!i#le "or them
to have !'""ered and end'red thi! con!cience% i" the) had denied the Son o" >od% and delivered
him to #e !lain% .ittingl) and .illingl)< and )et .ill he not "latter them% .hen a! he !aith that
the) did it thro'gh ignorance< #'t he doth onl) !ome.hat mitigate hi! !peech% le!t the) !ho'ld #e
over.helmed and !.allo.ed 'p o" de!pair. *gain% .e m'!t not !o ta$e the .ord! a! i" the people
did !in !impl) o" ignorance% "or 'nder thi! there did lie hid h)pocri!)< #'t a! .ic$edne!! or
ignorance doth a#o'nd% the action i! named o" the one or the other. Thi! i!% there"ore% Peter=!
meaning% that the) did it rather thro'gh error and a #lind 5eal% than thro'gh an) determined
.ic$edne!!< #'t a @'e!tion ma) #e moved here% i" all) man have o""ended .ittingl) and
.illingl)% .hether he !hall !'rel) "all into de!pair or notI + an!.er% that he doth not ma$e
mention in thi! place o" all manner o" !in< #'t onl) o" the den)ing o" Chri!t% and o" the
e3ting'i!hing o" the grace o" >od% !o m'ch a! in them did lie. +" an) man #e de!iro'! to $no.
more concerning thi!% he ma) read the "ir!t chapter o" the 9ir!t ,pi!tle to Timoth)% F
ND00113O
1
Timoth) 1413.G
As did also your rulers( 9ir!t% thi! !eemeth to #e an improper compari!on% "or the !cri#e! and the
prie!t! .ere carried headlong .ith a .onder"'l madne!!% and the) .ere "'ll o" .ic$ed
'n"aith"'lne!!<
"1E3
#'t the perver!e !t'd) and 5eal o" the la. did pric$ "or.ard the people. *gain%
the people .ere incen!ed again!t Chri!t% ina!m'ch a! their r'ler! did provo$e them there'nto. +
an!.er% that the) .ere not all o" one mind% "or .itho't do'#t man) o" them .ere li$e 'nto Pa'l%
'nto .hom that doth tr'l) appertain% .hich he .riteth el!e.here o" the prince! and r'ler! o" thi!
.orld% i" the) had $no.n the .i!dom o" >od the) .o'ld never have cr'ci"ied the Lord o" glor)<
there"ore% he !pea$eth not generall) o" all the r'ler!< #'t i" an) o" them #e c'ra#le% them doth he
invite to repentance.
1$. And God( Here#) it appeareth more plainl) to .hat end he made mention o" ignorance< "or
.hen he telleth them that >od hath accompli!hed tho!e thing! .hich he had "oretold% he doth !o
to'ch their o""en!e in the death o" Chri!t% that it t'rneth to their !alvation. +gnorance% !aith he%
hath made )o' g'ilt)% )et >od hath #ro'ght that to pa!! .hich he had determined% that Chri!t
!ho'ld redeem )o' #) hi! death. Thi! i! a mo!t nota#le con!ideration% .hen a! .e ponder and
con!ider .ith o'r!elve!% that thro'gh the .onder"'l co'n!el o" >od o'r evil! are t'rned to
another end to '!% )et thi! doth no .hir e3c'!e '!% "or !o m'ch a! in '! lieth .e ca!t a.a)
91E0

o'r!elve! #) !inning< #'t that conver!ion .hereo" + have !po$en i! a nota#le .or$ o" >od=!
merc)% .hereo" .e m'!t !pea$% and .hich .e m'!t e3tol .ith h'milit). The Be.! did .hat the)
co'ld to e3ting'i!h all hope o" li"e in the per!on o" Chri!t< and )et% neverthele!!% that death gave
li"e a! .ell to them a! to the .hole .orld. Je m'!t al!o remem#er that .hich .e !a. el!e.here%
le!t there !ho'ld an) "al!e and a#!'rd opinion creep in% that Chri!t .a! laid open to the l'!t o" the
.ic$ed% that >od i! made the chie" a'thor #) .ho!e .ill hi! onl) Son did !'""er.
1&. -e+ent( Je m'!t note% that .hen he e3horteth 'nto repentance% he doth al!o declare that there
i! remi!!ion o" !in! prepared "or them #e"ore the "ace o" >od. 9or% a! + !aid o" late% no man can
#e !tirred 'p to repentance% 'nle!! he have !alvation !et #e"ore him< #'t he .hich doth de!pair o"
pardon% #eing% a! it .ere% given over 'nto de!tr'ction alread)% doth not T"ear to r'n headlong
again!t >od o#!tinatel). Here#) it cometh to pa!! that the Papi!t! cannot deliver the doctrine o"
repentance. The) #a##le% indeed% ver) m'ch concerning the !ame< #'t #eca'!e the) overthro.
the hope o" grace% it cannot #e that the) !ho'ld per!'ade their di!ciple! 'nto the !t'd) o"
MM
repentance. Moreover% + con"e!! that the) #a##le a little to'ching "orgivene!! o" !in!< #'t #eca'!e
the) leave men=! !o'l! in do'#t and in "ear"'lne!!% and% "'rthermore% do ca!t them a! it .ere into
a la#)rinth% For place o't o" .hich the) $no. not ho. to come%G thi! part o" the doctrine #eing
corr'pt% the) con"o'nd the other al!o.
2'. That $hen( +" .e "ollo. ,ra!m'! and the old interpreter% thi! !entence !hall #e 'nper"ect%
91ED

.hich ma) #e made per"ect% th'!4 2hen the ti%e of refreshing shall 'o%e, you %ay also enjoy
this refreshing* .hen Chri!t !hall come to ?'dge the .orld% )o' ma) "ind him a redeemer and not
a B'dge. -'t #eca'!e -e5a doth "itl) tran!late it% After that they shall 'o%e, it i! #etter to retain
that .hich i! not !o rac$ed<
91E6
!o )o' re!olve it th'!4 That !in! are !o "orgiven again!t the da) o"
the la!t ?'dgment< #eca'!e% 'nle!! .e #e cited to appear #e"ore >od=! ?'dgment!eat .e are not
greatl) care"'l to paci") >od. 9ir!t o" all% .e m'!t note% that he !etteth #e"ore them the da) o"
?'dgment% to the end the "ormer e3hortation ma) ta$e the greater e""ect. 9or there i! nothing
.hich doth more pric$ '!% than .hen .e are ta'ght that .e m'!t once give an acco'nt. 9or !o
long a! o'r !en!e! are holden and $ept in thi! .orld% the) are dro.ned% a! it .ere% in a certain
dro.!ine!!%
91EM
that + ma) !o call it. Jhere"ore the me!!age o" the la!t ?'dgment m'!t !o'nd a! a
tr'mpet to 'ite '! to appear #e"ore the ?'dgment!eat o" >od. 9or then at la!t #eing tr'l) a.a$ed%
.e #egin to thin$ o" a ne. li"e. +n li$e !ort% .hen Pa'l preached at *then!% >od !aith% that he
doth no. .ill all men to repent< #eca'!e he hath appointed a da) .herein he .ill ?'dge the
.orld% F
N001M30O
*ct! 1M430% 31.G The !'m i! thi!% that Chri!t% .ho i! no. 'nto '! a Ma!ter% .hen a!
he teacheth '! #) the go!pel% i! appointed o" the 9ather to #e a B'dge% and !hall come in hi! d'e
time< and that% there"ore% .e m'!t o#e) hi! doctrine #etime!% that .e ma) gather the "r'it o" o'r
"aith then.
-'t !ome man ma) o#?ect% that Peter !pea$eth other.i!e o" the la!t da). 9or thi! doth not !erve to
ma$e them a"raid% .hen he !aith% the ti%e of refreshing( + an!.er% that there i! a do'#le pric$%
.here.ith the "aith"'l are pric$ed "or.ard .hen a! the) are told o" the la!t ?'dgment. 9or the
pro"it o" "aith doth not appear in thi! .orld% )ea rather it !eemeth to go .ell .ith the de!pi!er! o"
>od< #'t the li"e o" the godl) i! "'ll o" mi!erie!. There"ore o'r heart! !ho'ld o"tentime! "aint and
@'ail% 'nle!! .e !ho'ld remem#er that the da) o" re!t !hall come% .hich !hall @'ench all the heat
o" o'r tro'#le% and ma$e an end o" o'r mi!erie!. The other pric$ .hereo" + !po$e i! thi!% .hen a!
the "ear"'l ?'dgment o" >od ca'!eth '! to !ha$e o"" delicac) and dro.!ine!!. So Peter mi3eth in
thi! place threatening! .ith promi!e!% partl) to the end he ma) all're the Be.! 'nto Chri!t% and
partl) that he ma) pric$ them "or.ard .ith "ear. 9'rthermore% thi! i! a thing m'ch '!ed in the
Script're% a! it !pea$eth either 'nto the repro#ate% or 'nto the elect% !ometime! to ma$e the da)
o" the Lord dole"'l and "ear"'l% !ometime! to ma$e the !ame plea!ant and to #e .i!hed "or. Peter
there"ore doth ver) .ell% .ho% .hil!t that he p'tteth the Be.! in good hope o" pardon% doth ma$e
the da) o" Chri!t plea!ant to them% to the end the) ma) de!ire the !ame.
And shall send hi%( He !aith e3pre!!l) that Chri!t !hall #e B'dge% to the end the) ma) $no. that
the contempt o" the go!pel !hall not #e 'np'ni!hed. 9or ho. !ho'ld not Chri!t p'ni!h the !ameI
+n the mean.hile% thi! doth greatl) com"ort the "aith"'l% .hen a! the) $no. that it !hall #e in hi!
hand to give. !alvation% .ho doth no. promi!e and o""er the !ame. He addeth% moreover% that he
!hall come .ho i! no. preached 'nto them. Jhere#) he ta$eth a.a) all e3c'!e o" ignorance. *!
i" he !ho'ld !a)% Chri!t i! preached 'nto )o' no. #e"ore he come to ?'dge the .orld< to the end
that tho!e .ho .ill em#race him ma) receive the "r'it o" their "aith at that da)< and to the end
that other!% .ho !hall re"'!e him% ma) #e p'ni!hed "or their 'n#elie". *ltho'gh the >recian! do
read thi! t.o .a)!< "or !ome #oo$!
91EE
have prokekhrugmenon% that i!% +rea'hed before* and
ME
other !ome prokeceirismenon% that i!% sho$ed, or set before their eyes( -'t #oth have one !en!e%
to .it% that Chri!t i! not o""ered 'nto them in vain no. #) the doctrine o" the go!pel< #eca'!e he
!hall #e !ent the !econd time #) hi! 9ather to #e a B'dge% armed and prepared to render
vengeance% 'nle!! the) em#race him no. "or their 8edeemer.
21. 2ho% the hea&en %ust 'ontain( -eca'!e men=! !en!e! are al.a)! #ent and inclined to.ard!
the gro!! and earthl) #eholding o" >od and Chri!t% the Be.! might thin$ .ith them!elve! that
Chri!t .a! preached% indeed% to #e rai!ed 'p "rom the dead% )et co'ld the) not tell .here he .a!<
"or no man did !ho. them .here he .a!. There"ore Peter preventeth them% .hen he !aith that he
i! in heaven. Jhere'pon it "ollo.eth that the) m'!t li"t 'p their mind! on high% to the end the)
ma) !ee$ Chri!t .ith the e)e! o" "aith% altho'gh he #e "ar "rom them%
91E1
altho'gh he d.ell
.itho't the .orld in the heavenl) glor). -'t thi! i! a do'#t"'l
9110
!peech< #eca'!e .e ma) a!
.ell 'nder!tand it that Chri!t i! contained or comprehended in the heaven!% a! that he doth
comprehend the heaven!. Let '! not there"ore 'rge the .ord% #eing o" a do'#t"'l !igni"ication<
#'t let '! content o'r!elve! .ith that .hich i! certain% that .e m'!t !ee$ "or Chri!t no.here el!e
!ave onl) in heaven% .hil!t that .e hope "or the la!t re!toring o" all thing!< #eca'!e he !hall #e
"ar "rom '!% 'ntil o'r mind! a!cend high a#ove the .orld.
,ntil the ti%e of restoring( *! to'ching the "orce and ca'!e% Chri!t hath alread) re!tored all
thing! #) hi! death< #'t the e""ect doth not )et "'ll) appear< #eca'!e that re!toring i! )et in the
co'r!e% and !e% con!e@'entl)% o'r redemption% "ora!m'ch a! .e do )et groan 'nder the #'rden o"
!ervit'de. 9or a! the $ingdom o" Chri!t i! onl) #eg'n% and the per"ection thereo" i! de"erred 'ntil
the la!t da)% !o tho!e thing! .hich are anne3ed there'nto do no. appear onl) in part. There"ore%
i" at thi! da) .e !ee man) thing! con"'!ed in the .orld% let thi! hope !et '! 'pon "oot and re"re!h
'!% that Chri!t !hall once come that he ma) re!tore tall thing!. +n the mean !ea!on% i" .e !ee the
relic! o" !in hang on '!% i" .e #e environed on ever) !ide .ith diver! mi!erie!% i" the .orld #e
"'ll o" .a!ting and !cattering a#road% let '! #e.ail the!e mi!erie!% )et !o that .e 'phold .ith the
hope o" re!toring. *nd thi! i! the rea!on .h) Chri!t doth not appear #) and #)%
9111
#eca'!e the
.ar"are o" the Ch'rch i! not )et "'ll%
911/
.ho!e time% !eeing it i! appointed #) >od% it i! not "or
'! to prevent the !ame.
9113
2hi'h he s+o#e( + do not e3po'nd thi! o" the time! alone% #'t + re"er it 'nto the .hole period< !o
that the !en!e i! thi!4 That .hat!oever he had !po$en #e"ore o" the $ingdom o" Chri!t i!
.itne!!ed #) all the prophet!. Certe!% the go!pel doth .in no !mall credit here#)% that !o !oon a!
>od #egan to !ho. him!el" to the .orld% he did al.a)! !et Chri!t #e"ore them< a"ter that he
#egan to !pea$ 'nto the "ather!% he did al.a)! la) thi! "o'ndation o" doctrine. -) the !ame
arg'ment Pa'l commendeth the go!pel% #oth in the #eginning o" hi! ,pi!tle to the 8oman!%
F
N0D0101O
8oman! 141%G and al!o in the end% F
N0D16/DO
8oman! 164/D%G to .it% that it i! no ne. thing%
#'t promi!ed even "rom the #eginning.
9110
Thi! i! tr'e anti@'it)% .hich i! a#le to p'rcha!e credit
to doctrine4 .hen a! >od him!el" i! the a'thor% the hol) prophet! the .itne!!e!% and the contin'al
co'r!e o" time! con"irmeth the te!timon). Thi! con"irmation .a! e!peciall) nece!!ar) "or the
Be.!% .ho #eing #ro'ght 'p in the doctrine o" the la.% o'ght to admit nothing #'t that .hich
agreeth there.ith. There"ore Peter doth command them onl) to mind tho!e thing! .hich the
prophet! have te!ti"ied o" Chri!t.
ACTS :22-2"
22. Mo!e! tr'l) !aid 'nto the "ather!% The Lord )o'r >od !hall rai!e 'p a
Prophet 'nto )o' o" )o'r #rethren% [li$e 'nto me<] him !hall )e hear% according
M1
to all thing! .hich he !hall !pea$ 'nto )o'. 2. *nd it !hall come to pa!!% that
ever) !o'l .hich !hall not hear that Prophet !hall #e de!tro)ed o" the people.
2". *nd all the prophet! "rom Sam'el% and thence"orth% a! man) a! have
!po$en% have li$e.i!e "oretold the!e da)!.
22. -) thi! arg'ment he proveth that he goeth not a#o't to ca'!e them to revolt "rom Mo!e!%
#eca'!e it i! a part o" the la. to ta$e heed to and o#e) thi! chie" teacher. Here might a do'#t
ari!e% .h) Peter tho'ght it more convenient to cite thi! te!timon) o" Mo!e! than other!% !eeing
there .ere man) other! in readine!! "ar more plain< #'t he did thi! "or thi! ca'!e% #eca'!e he
intreateth in thi! place o" the a'thorit) o" doctrine< and thi! .a! the #e!t .a) to #ring the Be.! to
#e Chri!t=! di!ciple!. 9or he !ho'ld have preached in vain o" all other thing!% 'nle!! the) had
#een per!'aded that hi! doctrine .a! reverentl) to #e received. Thi! i! there"ore the thing .hich
Peter aimeth at% to #ring them to hear Chri!t .illingl)% a! the ma!ter .hom >od hath appointed
to teach them.
-'t here ari!eth a @'e!tion% .hich hath in it great di""ic'lt)< to .it% in that Peter applieth that
'nto the per!on o" Chri!t .hich Mo!e! !po$e generall) o" the prophet!. 9or altho'gh he ma$e
mention o" a prophet in the !ing'lar n'm#er% )et the te3t [conte3t] doth plainl) declare% that he
!pea$eth not o" one alone< #'t that thi! .ord i! p't inde"initel). 9or a"ter that Mo!e! had
"or#idden the people to give them!elve! 'nto the !'per!tition! o" the >entile!% #) t'rning a!ide
'nto enchanter! and !ooth!a)er!% he !ho.eth them there.ithal a remed)% .here#) the) ma)
avoid all vanit)< to .it% i" the) depend .holl) 'pon the Jord o" >od alone. -) thi! mean! he
promi!eth that >od .ill #e care"'l at all time! to !end them prophet!% that the) ma) teach them
aright. *! i" he !ho'ld !a)% >od .ill never !'""er )o' to #e de!tit'te o" prophet!% o" .hom )o'
ma) learn .hat!oever !hall #e pro"ita#le "or )o' to $no.. *nd Mo!e! !aith e3pre!!l)% of thy
brethren, to the end the Be.! ma) $no. that the oracle! o" >od are to #e !o'ght and !et no .here
el!e% !eeing that >od had appointed 'nto them teacher! o" the $indred o" *#raham. He addeth
"'rther% li#e unto %e that the) ma) $no. that the) .ere not to hear >od onl) at one time% or #)
the mo'th o" one man< #'t a! >od proceedeth to teach '! #) diver! mini!ter! thro'gho't the
contin'al co'r!e o" time% !o m'!t .e hold on in the o#edience o" the .ord. :o.% the Be.! .ere
.ont to reverence Mo!e!< there"ore% he .ill have them to give li$e honor to the prophet!. + $no.
that man) .o'ld "ain re!train it 'nto Chri!t. The) catch at thi! .ord% .herea! Mo!e! doth te!ti")
that the prophet !hall #e li$e 'nto him% F
N0D1E1DO
(e'teronom) 1E41D%G .herea!% not.ith!tanding% it
i! .ritten% that there aro!e none li$e 'nto Mo!e!. + con"e!! that there i! in #oth place! the !ame
note o" li$ene!!% )et in a diver!e !en!e. 9or% in the !econd place% the li$ene!! or e@'alit) i!
e3pre!!ed% a! it doth plainl) appear. The) catch al!o at another thing% that the prophet !hall "ar
e3cel Mo!e!% o" .hom he #eareth .itne!! a! a crier or herald. -'t thi! i! never a .hit !tronger%
#eca'!e Mo!e! goeth a#o't to #ring to pa!! that the .ord o" >od ma) #e #elieved #)
.hom!oever it #e #ro'ght.
There"ore% there i! no ca'!e .h) .e !ho'ld !et o'r!elve! to #e la'ghed to !corn #) the Be.!% #)
.re!ting the .ord! o" Mo!e! violentl)% a! i" he !po$e o" Chri!t alone in thi! place. ;et .e m'!t
!ee .hether Peter doth cite the te!timon) "itl)% .ho!e a'thorit) o'ght to !erve "or a !o'nd rea!on.
+ !a)< that in Peter=! !peech there i! nothing .hich i! not mo!t convenient. 9or he !a. that .hich
all men o'ght to grant% that thi! te!timon) doth !o appertain 'nto the other prophet!% that )et
not.ith!tanding it doth chie"l) commend Chri!t% not onl) #eca'!e that he i! the prince and chie"
o" all the prophet!% #'t #eca'!e all other "ormer prophecie! .ere directed to.ard him% and
E0
#eca'!e >od did at length !pea$ a#!ol'tel) #) hi! mo'th% 9or >od !po$e in diver! manner!% and
at !'ndr) time! in time! pa!t3 'nto o'r "ather! #) the prophet!% he addeth the concl'!ion at
length% in the la!t da)! in hi! onl) #egotten Son% F
NDE0101O
He#re.! 141% /.G There"ore% it came to
pa!!% that the) .anted prophet! "or a certain )ear!
911D
#e"ore hi! coming< .hich thing i! plainl)
gathered o't o" the .ord! o" Malachi% .ho% a"ter he hath commanded the people to #e mind"'l o"
the la.% he pa!!eth over #) and #) 'nto Bohn -apti!t and 'nto Chri!t% a! i" he !ho'ld !a)% that the
prophecie! are no. ended 'ntil the la!t revelation come% F
N310000O
Malachi 0406<G according to that%
PThe la. and the prophet! prophe!ied 'ntil Bohn< a"ter that the $ingdom o" >od i!
preached%Q F
N001113O
Matthe. 11413.G
*nd that .a! !o common among!t the people% that the .oman o" Samaria co'ld !a)% according to
the common "ame and opinion%
PJe $no. that the Me!!ia! !hall come%
.ho .ill teach '! all thing!%Q
F
N0300/DO
Bohn 04/D.G
There"ore% .e $no. that a"ter the ret'rn o" the people all the prophet! cea!ed% to the end the)
might #e made more attentive to hear Chri!t% #) that !ilence or intermi!!ion o" revelation!.
There"ore% Peter did not .re!t thi! place% or a#'!e the !ame thro'gh ignorance% #'t he too$ that
doctrine .hich all men had received "or a principle< that >od had promi!ed to teach hi! people at
the "ir!t #) hi! prophet! a! #) mean!%
9116
#'t at length principall) #) Chri!t% at .ho!e hand! the)
.ere to hope "or the per"ect mani"e!tation and la)ing open o" all thing!. *nd to thi! p'rpo!e
!erveth that e3cellent te!timon) or commendation .here.ith hi! 9ather !etteth him "orth% PHear
him%Q F
N001M0DO
Matthe. 1M4D.G
2. &ery soul( Here% #) a mo!t grievo'! p'ni!hment again!t the re#ellio'!% the a'thorit) o" all
the prophet!% #'t mo!t o" all o" Chri!t% i! e!ta#li!hed< and that "or good ca'!e!. 9or !eeing there i!
nothing that >od doth acco'nt more precio'! than hi! .ord% it cannot #e that he !ho'ld !'""er the
!ame to #e "reel) contemned. There"ore% i" an) man de!pi!ed the la. o" Mo!e!% he .a! ad?'dged
to die the death. *nd here'nto Mo!e! had re!pect .hen he !aid% PHe !hall #e p't a.a) "rom
among the people.Q 9or >od had adopted the !toc$ and $indred o" *#raham 'nto him!el"% 'pon
thi! condition% that thi! might #e !'""icient "or them 'nto the chie"e!t "elicit) to #e re'#oned in
that n'm#er% a! it i! !aid in the P!alm% P-le!!ed i! the people .ho!e >od i! the Lord.Q *nd in
another place% P-le!!ed i! the nation .hom the Lord hath cho!en to #e hi! inheritance.Q
Jhere"ore it i! not to #e do'#ted% #'t that he prono'nceth that he !hall #e #lotted o't o" the #oo$
o" li"e .ho!oever !hall re"'!e to hear Chri!t. 9or he i! not .orth) to #e acco'nted one o" the
Ch'rch% .ho!oever he #e that re"'!eth to have him to #e hi! Ma!ter% #) .hom alone >od doth
teach '!% and #) .hom he .ill have '! to hear him!el"< and he c'tteth him!el" a.a) "rom the
#od)% .ho!oever he #e that re"'!eth to #e 'nder the Head.
2". And all( Jhen a! he !aith that all the prophet! do .ith one con!ent !end their !cholar! 'nto
Chri!t% that appeareth more plainl) here#)% .hich + !aid% that the commendation o" the go!pel i!
contained 'nder that te!timon) o" Mo!e!% and !o% con!e@'entl)% that the concl'!ion o" prophecie!
i! principall) noted. *gain% thi! ma$eth m'ch "or the certaint) o" the go!pel% that all the prophet!%
"or a long time% [!erie! o" age!%] do )et% not.ith!tanding% !o temper their "orm o" teaching .ith
one con!ent% that the) do te!ti") altogether that men o'ght to hope "or a certain% #etter% and more
per"ect thing. There"ore% .ho!oever .ill #elieve Mo!e! and the prophet!% he m'!t need! !'#mit
E1
him!el" 'nto the doctrine o" Chri!t% .itho't .hich all that i! lame and imper"ect .hich the)
ta'ght% F
N030D0MO
Bohn D40M.G
ACTS :2!-2#
2!. ;o' are the children o" the prophet!% and o" the covenant .hich >od made
.ith )o'r "ather!% !a)ing 'nto *#raham% *nd in th) !eed !halt all "amilie! o"
the earth #e #le!!ed. 2#. >od rai!ed 'p 'nto )o' "ir!t hi! Son Be!'!% and he !ent
him% #le!!ing )o'% .hil!t that he doth t'rn a.a) ever) one "rom hi! !in!.
2!. 0ou are the 'hildren( He !igni"ieth that the grace o" the covenant .a! appointed principall)
"or them% .hich covenant >od made .ith their "ather!. *nd !o a! he pric$ed them "or.ard to
o#e) the go!pel% #) terri")ing them .ith the terror o" p'ni!hment% !o he all'reth them no. again
to receive the grace .hich i! o""ered them in Chri!t< !o that .e !ee ho. that >od omitteth
nothing .here#) he ma) #ring '! 'nto him!el". *nd it i! the d't) o" a .i!e mini!ter !o to pric$
"or.ard the !l'ggi!h and !lo. #ellie!% that he do lead tho!e gentl) .hich are apt to #e ta'ght< .e
m'!t al!o note diligentl) thi! co'r!e o" teaching% .here Peter !ho.eth that the go!pel i! a!!igned
and appointed 'nto the Be.!. 9or it i! not !'""icient to have the merc) o" >od preached 'nto '!
generall)% 'nle!! .e al!o $no. that the !ame i! o""ered 'nto '! #) the certain ordinance o" >od.
9or thi! ca'!e i! it that Pa'l !tandeth !o m'ch 'pon the avo'ching o" the calling o" the >entile!%
F
N0D1D1EO
8oman! 1D41E<
N010303O
,phe!ian! 343% 0<G #eca'!e% i" an) man !ho'ld thin$ that the go!pel
came 'nto him #) chance% .hen a! it .a! !cattered here and there% "aith !ho'ld @'ail<
911M
)ea%
there !ho'ld #e a do'#t"'l opinion in!tead o" "aith. There"ore% to the end .e ma) !tead"a!tl)
#elieve the promi!e o" !alvation% thi! application Fthat + ma) !o term itG i! nece!!ar)% that >od
doth not ca!t "orth 'ncertain voice!% that the) ma) hang in the air% #'t that he doth direct the
!ame 'nto '! #) hi! certain and determinate co'n!el. Peter telleth the Be.!% that Chri!t i!
promi!ed 'nto them a"ter thi! !ort% to the end the) ma) more .illingl) em#race him. *nd ho.
proveth he thi!I #eca'!e the) are the children o" the prophet! and o" the covenant. He calleth
them the children o" the prophet!% .hich .ere o" the !ame nation% and there"ore .ere heir! o" the
covenant% .hich did #elong 'nto the .hole #od) o" the people. 9or he arg'eth th'!4 >od made
hi! covenant .ith o'r "ather!< there"ore .e% .hich are their po!terit)% are comprehended in the
covenant.
Jhere#) the do'#ting [doting] !'#tlet) o" the *na#apti!t! i! re"'ted% .ho do e3po'nd the
children o" *#raham onl) allegoricall)< a! i" >od had had no re!pect to hi! !toc$% .hen he !aid%
P+ .ill #e the >od o" th) !eed%Q F
N011M0MO
>ene!i! 1M4M.G Certainl) Peter doth not !pea$ in thi! place
o" the !hado.! o" the la.< #'t he a""irmeth that thi! i! o" "orce 'nder the $ingdom o" Chri!t% that
>od doth adopt the children together .ith the "ather!< and !o% con!e@'entl)% the grace o"
!alvation ma) #e e3tended 'nto tho!e .hich are a! )et 'n#orn% F
N0D010MO
8oman! 14M.G + grant%
indeed% that man) .hich are the children o" the "aith"'l% according to the "le!h% are co'nted
#a!tard!% and not legitimate% #eca'!e the) thr'!t them!elve! o't o" the hol) progen) thro'gh their
'n#elie". -'t thi! doth no .hit hinder the Lord "rom calling and admitting the !eed o" the godl)
into "ello.!hip o" grace. *nd !o% altho'gh the common election #e not e""ect'al in all% )et ma) it
!et open a gate "or the !pecial elect. *! Pa'l intreateth in the 11th to the 8oman!% F
N0D11/3O
8oman!
114/3%G .hence .e m'!t !et [!ee$] an an!.er "or thi! @'e!tion.
And in thy seed( He proveth that the covenant .a! made .ith the "ather!% #eca'!e >od !aid 'nto
*#raham%
E/
P+n th) !eed !hall all nation! #e #le!!ed%Q F
N01//1EO
>ene!i! //41E.G
-'t i" .e admit Pa'l=! interpretation% thi! te!timon) !hall ma$e nothing "or the pre!ent ca'!e.
Pa'l teacheth that Chri!t i! thi! !eed% F
N0E0316O
>alatian! 3416.G +" the #le!!ing #e promi!ed to all
man$ind #) Chri!t% .hat i! thi! to the e!pecial or partic'lar privilege o" one nationI Secondl)%
Peter him!el" !eemeth !hortl) a"ter to !'#!cri#e to thi! e3po!ition o" Pa'l% .hen a! he !aith that
Chri!t .a! !ent% that in him the /e$s ma) #e #le!!ed. 9or thi! co'ld not be, 'nle!! Chri!t .ere
that #le!!ed !eed. + an!.er% Jhen Pa'l re"erreth it 'nto Chri!t% he !tandeth not 'pon the .ord
seed, #'t he hath re!pect to an higher tiling< to .it% that it cannot #e one !eed% 'nle!! it #e 'nited
and $nit together in Chri!t% a! in the Head. 9or +!mael and +!aac% altho'gh #oth o" them #e the
!on! o" *#raham% )et do the) not ma$e one !eed% #eca'!e the) #e divided into t.o people.
There"ore% tho'gh man) #e e!tranged "rom the "amil) o" *#raham% .hich came o" hint according
to the "le!h% )et Mo!e! noteth one certain #od)% .hen he promi!eth the #le!!ing 'nto the !eed o"
*#raham. *nd .hence cometh the 'nit)% !ave onl) "rom the Head% .hich i! Chri!tI +n thi! !en!e
doth Pa'l 'nder!tand thi! .ord seed o" Chri!t% altho'gh it #e a no'n collective< #eca'!e% i" )o'
depart "rom hint% the po!terit) o" *#raham !hall #e a! torn mem#er!% neither !hall there #e an)
thing el!e in them% !ave onl) mere .a!tele!! and !cattering a#road. Peter agreeth .ith that
doctrine% #eca'!e he doth !o e3tend the #le!!ing 'nto all the people% that he doth% neverthele!!%
!ee$ the "o'ntain in Chri!t.
Secondl)% "ora!m'ch a! the Be.! do .hat the) can to .ring [.re!t] "rom '! thi! te!timon)% the
godl) reader! m'!t arm them!elve! again!t their cavil!< and !o m'ch the rather% #eca'!e
Chri!tian .riter! have #een too !lac$ in thi! point% a! + have !aid in the ,pi!tle to the >alatian!.
9ir!t% a! to'ching the .ord seed, there i! no ca'!e .il) the) !ho'ld prattle that Pa'l doth not
rightl) re!train it 'nto Chri!t< "or he cloth not thi! !impl)% #'t in that re!pect .hereo" + have
!po$en. +n .hich point% + con"e!!% #oth o'r Latin and >ree$ interpreter! have erred. :o.% .e
m'!t !ee .hat thi! manner o" !peech doth import. The >entile! !hall #e #le!!ed in the !eed o"
*#raham. 7'r men thin$ that there i! !ome ca'!e noted< to .it% that thro'gh that !eed the
>entile! !hall #e #le!!ed. The Be.! to!! thi! to and "ro% #eca'!e thi! phra!e !igni"ieth ever)
.here in the Script're!% an e3ample or !imilit'de< a!% on the other !ide%
911E
to #e c'r!ed in
Sodom% in +!rael% or in another people% i! to ta$e them "or a nota#le e3ample o" a c'r!e. + an!.er%
that it i! a do'#t"'l !peech% and ta$en diver!el)% according to the circ'm!tance o" the place!%
.hich the Be.! do cra"til) di!!em#le. 9or the) gather man) place!% o't o" .hich the) prove that
there i! a compari!on made< a! i" it !ho'ld #e !aid% The >entile! !hall de!ire to #e #le!!ed% li$e to
the !eed o" *#raham. -'t .hen a! the Script're !aith el!e.here% PThe) !hall #le!! them!elve! in
the living >od%Q a!
N/0000/O
Beremiah 04/<
N/36D16O
+!aiah 6D416< and again% P(o #le!! in the name o"
the Lord%Q F
N0D100EO
(e'teronom) 104E%G and in other !'ch li$e place!< .ho doth not !ee that there
i! a ca'!e e3pre!!edI There"ore% + !a) that thi! "orm o" !peech o'ght to #e 'nder!tood according
to the circ'm!tance! o" the place!.
*nd no.% "ora!m'ch a! + have declared that the !eed o" *#raham can #e "o'nd no.here el!e !ave
onl) in Chri!t% it remaineth that .e con!ider o" .hat !ort the o""ice o" Chri!t i!. So !hall it appear%
'ndo'#tedl)% that he i! not made a #are e3ample or pattern% #'t that the #le!!ing i! tr'l) promi!ed
to him< #eca'!e .itho't him .e #e all acc'r!ed. ;et there remaineth one do'#t< "or certain #oth
the!e are !po$en in one !en!e% The) !hall #e #le!!ed in thee% and in th) !eed< #'t *#raham .a!
nothing el!e #'t a t)pe or mirror o" the #le!!ing. + an!.er% that in the per!on o" *#raham% that
#od) i! al!o noted o't% .hich dependeth 'pon one head% and i! $nit together in the !ame.
E3
All the fa%ilies( The Be.! do gro!!l) e3po'nd thi!% That all nation! !hall de!ire to #e #le!!ed% a!
the !eed o" *#raham. -'t .e !a) other.i!e% That the) !hall #e engra"ted into the !ociet). 9or the
name o" *#raham tendeth to thi! end% #eca'!e it !ho'ld come to pa!! that >od !ho'ld gather all
people
9111
'nto him. *l!o% .hen the prophet! .ill declare the "orce hereo"% the) "oretell
ever).here that the inheritance o" !alvation !hall #e common to the >entile!. *nd here#) it
appeareth that the covenant o" >od% .hich .a! then proper to the Be.! alone% i! not onl)
common to all men% #'t i! made .ith '! e3pre!!l)< other.i!e% .e co'ld not conceive that hope o"
!alvation .hich i! "irm eno'gh o't o" the go!pel. There"ore% let '! not !'""er thi! promi!e to #e
.r'ng "rom '!% .hich i!% a! it .ere% a !olemn declaration% .here#) the Lord ma$eth '! hi! heir!
together .ith the "ather!. Jhere'nto Peter al!o had re!pect% .hen a! he !aith !hortl) a"ter% that
Chri!t .a! "ir!t !ent 'nto the Be.!< "or he doth !igni") that the >entile! al!o have their order%
tho'gh it #e !econdar).
2#. He hath raised u+ his 3on( He gathereth o't o" the .ord! o" Mo!e! that Chri!t i! no.
revealed. -'t the .ord! do !eem to import no !'ch thing< )et doth he rea!on "itl) th'!% #eca'!e
the #le!!ing co'ld no other.i!e #e% 'nle!! the #eginning thereo" did "lo. "rom the Me!!ia!. 9or
.e m'!t al.a)! remem#er thi!% that all man$ind i! acc'r!ed% and% there"ore% there i! a !ing'lar
remed) promi!ed '!% .hich i! per"ormed #) Chri!t alone. Jhere"ore% he i! the onl) "o'ntain and
#eginning o" the #le!!ing. *nd i" !o #e that Chri!t came to thi! end% that he ma) #le!! the Be.!
"ir!t% and% !econdl)% '!% he hath 'ndo'#tedl) done that .hich .a! hi! d't) to do< and .e !hall
"eel the "orce and e""ect o" thi! d't) in o'r!elve!% 'nle!! o'r 'n#elie" do hinder '!.
Thi! .a! a part o" the prie!t=! o""ice 'nder the la.% to #le!! the people< and% le!t thi! !ho'ld #e
onl) a vain ceremon)% there .a! a promi!e added< a! it i!% F
N0006/MO
:'m#er! 64/M.G *nd that .hich
.a! !hado.ed in the old prie!thood .a! tr'l) per"ormed in Chri!t% F
NDE0M01O
He#re.! M41% 6.G
Concerning .hich matter .e have !po$en more at large in the !eventh chapter to the He#re.!. +
li$e not ,ra!m'!=! tran!lation< "or he !aith% $hen he had raised hi% u+, a! i" he !po$e o" a thing
.hich .a! done long ago. -'t Peter meaneth rather% that Chri!t .a! rai!ed 'p% .hen he .a!
declared to #e the a'thor o" the #le!!ing< .hich thing% !ince it .a! done o" late and !'ddenl)% it
o'ght to move their mind! the more. 9or the Script're '!eth to !pea$ th'!% a! in the la!t place% o"
Mo!e!% .here'nto Peter all'deth. To rai!e 'p a prophet% i! to "'rni!h him .ith nece!!ar) gi"t! to
"'l"ill hi! "'nction% and% a! it .ere% to pre"er him to the degree o" prophetical honor. *nd Chri!t
.a! rai!ed 'p then% .hen he "'l"illed the "'nction en?oined him #) hi! 9ather% #'t the !ame thing
i! done dail) .hen he i! o""ered #) the go!pel% that he ma) e3cel among!t '!. Je have !aid that
in the adver# o" order% "ir!t% i! noted the right o" the "ir!t#egotten% #eca'!e it .a! e3pedient that
Chri!t !ho'ld #egin .ith the Be.!% that he might a"ter.ard pa!! over 'nto the >entile!.
2hilst that he turneth( He doth again commend the doctrine o" repentance% to the end .e ma)
learn to concl'de 'nder the #le!!ing o" Chri!t ne.ne!! o" li"e% a! .hen ,!aia! promi!eth that a
P8edeemer !ho'ld come to Kion%Q he addeth a re!traint<
9/00
PTho!e .hich in Baco# !hall #e
t'rned "rom their ini@'itie!.Q 9or Chri!t doth not do a.a) the !in! o" the "aith"'l% to the end the)
ma) grant li#ert) to them!elve! to !in 'nder thi! color< #'t he ma$eth them there.ith all ne.
men. *ltho'gh .e m'!t diligentl) di!ting'i!h the!e t.o #ene"it! .hich are lin$ed together% that
thi! gro'nd.or$ ma) contin'e% that .e are reconciled to >od #) "ree pardon% + $no. that other
men t'rn it other.i!e< #'t thi! i! the tr'e meaning o" L'$e< "or he !pea$eth th'! .ord "or .ord%
P+n t'rning ever) one "rom hi! .ic$edne!!.Q
E0
CH*PT,8 0
+n thi! narration .e m'!t con!ider three thing! chie"l). That !o !oon a! the tr'th o" the go!pel
doth once appear% Satan !etteth him!el" again!t the !ame on the other !ide% !o m'ch a! he i! a#le%
and attempteth all thing! that he ma) !molder the !ame in the ver) "ir!t #eginning!. Secondl)%
That >od doth "'rni!h hi! children .ith invinci#le "orce and !trength%
9/10
that the) ma) !tand
!tead"a!t and 'nmova#le again!t all a!!a'lt! o" Satan% and not )ield 'nto the violence o" the
.ic$ed. *nd% la!t o" all% .e m'!t note the event and end% that ho.!oever the adver!arie! !eem to
#ear the chie"e!t !.ing% and the) them!elve! do omit nothing .hich ma) !erve to #lot o't the
name o" Chri!t< and% on the other !ide% ho.!oever the mini!ter! o" !o'nd doctrine #e a! !heep in
the mo'th! o" .olve!% )et doth >od !pread a#road the $ingdom o" hi! Son< he "o!tereth the light
o" the go!pel .hich i! lighted< and he i! the protector o" hi! children. There"ore% !o o"ten a! the
doctrine o" the go!pel ari!eth% and diver! motion! do ri!e on the other !ide% and the co'r!e thereo"
i! letted diver! .a)!% there i! no ca'!e .h) godl) mind! !ho'ld "aint or @'ail% a! at !ome
'n.onted thing< #'t the) o'ght rather to remem#er% that the!e are ordinar) endeavor! o" Satan%
!o that .e m'!t thin$ 'pon thi! .ell #e"ore it come to pa!!% that it cannot other.i!e #e #'t that
Satan .ill !pe. o't all hi! might and main% !o o"ten a! Chri!t doth come a#road .ith hi!
doctrine. *nd there.ithal let '! con!ider that the con!tanc) o" the apo!tle! i! !et "orth 'nto '! "or
an e3ample% le!t% #eing overcome either .ith an) peril!% or threatening!% or terror!% .e leap #ac$
"rom that pro"e!!ion o" "aith .hich the Lord re@'ireth at o'r hand!. *nd% moreover% let '!
com"ort o'r!elve! .ith thi!% that .e need not to do'#t #'t that the Lord .ill give pro!pero'!
!'cce!! .hen .e have done o'r d't) "aith"'ll).
ACTS ":1-"
1. *nd a! the) !po$e 'nto the people% the prie!t! and the governor o" the temple% and
the Sadd'cee!% came 'pon them% 2. Ta$ing it grievo'!l) that the) ta'ght the people%
and preached% in Be!'!= name% the re!'rrection "rom the dead. . *nd the) laid hand!
on them% and the) p't them in pri!on 'ntil the morro.. 9or it .a! no. even. tide. ".
*nd man) o" tho!e .hich heard the .ord #elieved< and the n'm#er o" men there
.a! a#o't "ive tho'!and.
1. And as they s+o#e( Here#) it appeareth ho. .atch"'l the .ic$ed #e% #eca'!e the) are al.a)!
read) at an inch to !top the mo'th o" the !ervant! o" Chri!t. *nd% 'ndo'#t edl)% the) came
together% a! it .ere% to @'ench !ome great "ire< .hich thing L'$e !igni"ieth% .hen a! he !aith that
the r'ler or captain o" the temple came al!o< and he addeth% moreover% that the) too$ it grievo'!l)
that the apo!tle! did teach. There"ore% the) came not 'pon them #) chance% #'t o" !et p'rpo!e%
that% according to their a'thorit)% the) might re!train the apo!tle!% and p't them to !ilence. *nd
)et the) have !ome !ho. o" la. and e@'it)< "or i" an) man did ra!hl) intr'de him!el"% it .a! the
o""ice o" the high prie!t to repre!! him< and al!o in li$e !ort% to $eep the people in the o#edience
o" the la. and the prophet!% and to prevent all ne. doctrine!. There"ore% .hen the) hear
'n$no.n men% and !'ch a! had no p'#lic a'thorit)% preaching 'nto the people in the temple% the)
!eem% according a! their o""ice did re@'ire% and the) .ere commanded #) >od% to addre!!
them!elve! to remed) thi!. *nd !'rel)% at the "ir!t #l'!h% it !eemeth that there .a! nothing in thi!
action .orth) o" reprehen!ion% #'t the end doth at length declare that their co'n!el .a! .ic$ed%
and their a""ection 'ngodl).
ED
*gain% it .a! a hard matter "or the apo!tle! to e!cape in"am) and reproach% #eca'!e the)% #eing
private and de!pi!ed per!on!% did ta$e 'pon them p'#lic a'thorit)< to .it% #eca'!e% .hen thing!
are o't o" order% man) thing! m'!t #e e!!a)ed to [again!t] the common c'!tom% and e!peciall)%
.hen .e are to avo'ch and de"end religion and the .or!hip o" >od% and the ringleader!
them!elve! do !top all .a)!% and do a#'!e that o""ice again!t >od% .hich .a! committed 'nto
them #) >od. The "aith"'l champion! o" Chri!t m'!t !.allo. 'p and pa!! thro'gh thi! ignomin)
in ['nder] Poper). 9or a tho'!and !'mmer! .ill go over their head! #e"ore an) re"ormation or
amendment .ill .a3 ripe among!t them "or the #etter. There"ore% L'$e !tandeth 'pon thi! point%
.hen a! he !aith that the) .ere grieved #eca'!e the re!'rrection .a! preached in the name o"
Chri!t. 9or here'pon it "ollo.eth that the) did hate the doctrine #e"ore the) $ne. the !ame. He
e3pre!!eth the Sadd'cee! #) name% a! tho!e .hich .ere more co'rageo'!
9/11
in thi! ca'!e. 9or
the) .ere almo!t ['!'all)] a part o" the prie!t!< #'t #eca'!e the @'e!tion i! a#o't the
re!'rrection% the) !et them!elve! again!t the apo!tle! more than the re!t. 9'rthermore% thi! .a!
mo!t mon!tro'! con"'!ion among!t the Be.!% in that thi! !ect% .hich .a! pro"ane% .a! o" !'ch
a'thorit). 9or .hat godline!! co'ld remain% .hen a! the immortalit) o" the !o'l .a! co'nted a! a
"a#le% and that "reel)I -'t men m'!t need! r'n headlong a"ter thi! !ort% .hen the) have once
!'""ered p're doctrine to "all to the gro'nd among!t them. Jhere"ore% .e m'!t !o m'ch the more
diligentl) #e.are o" ever) .ic$ed t'rning a!ide% le!t !'ch a !tep do "ollo. immediatel).
Some men thin$ that the r'ler o" the temple .a! cho!en "rom among the prie!t!% #'t + do rather
thin$ that he .a! !ome chie" captain o" the 8oman arm)< "or it .a! a place .hich .a! "orti"ied
#oth nat'rall) and arti"iciall). *gain% Herod had #'ilt a to.er there% .hich .a! called *ntonia< !o
that it i! to #e tho'ght that he had placed there a #and o" !oldier!% and that the 8oman captain had
the government o" the temple% le!t it !ho'ld #e a place o" re"'ge "or the Be.!% i" the) had !tirred
'p an) t'm'lt% .hich .e ma) li$e.i!e gather o't o" Bo!eph'!. *nd thi! agreeth ver) .ell% that
the enemie! o" Chri!t did crave the help o" the !ec'lar po.er% 'nder color o" appea!ing !ome
t'm'lt. +n the mean !ea!on% the) !ee$ "avor at the hand! o" the 8oman!% a! i" the) .ere care"'l to
maintain the right o" their empire.
". And %any of the% $hi'h heard( The apo!tle! are p't in pri!on% #'t the "orce o" their preaching
i! !pread "ar and .ide% and the co'r!e thereo" i! at li#ert). 7" .hich thing Pa'l #oa!teth ver)
m'ch% that the Jord o" >od i! not #o'nd .ith him% F
NDD0/01O
/ Timoth) /41.G *nd here .e !ee that
Satan and the .ic$ed have li#ert) granted them to rage again!t the children o" >od< )et can the)
not Fma'gre their head!
9/1/
G prevail% #'t that >od doth "'rther and promote the $ingdom o" hi!
Son< Chri!t doth gather together hi! !heep< and that a "e. men 'narmed% "'rni!hed .ith no
garri!on!% do !ho. "orth more po.er in their voice alone% than all the .orld% #) raging again!t
them. Thi! i!% indeed% no common .or$ o" >od% that one !ermon #ro'ght "orth !'ch plenti"'l
"r'it< #'t thi! i! the more to #e .ondered at% that the "aith"'l are not terri"ied .ith the pre!ent
danger% and di!co'raged "rom ta$ing 'p the cro!! o" Chri!t together .ith the "aith. 9or thi! .a! a
hard #eginning "or novice!. Chri!t did more evidentl) declare #) thi! e""icac) and "orce o"
doctrine that he .a! alive% than i" he !ho'ld have o""ered hi! #od) to #e handled .ith hand% and
to #e !een .ith the e)e!. *nd .herea! it i! !aid that the n'm#er o" tho!e .hich #elieved did gro.
to #e a#o't "ive tho'!and% + do not 'nder!tand it o" tho!e .hich .ere ne.l) added% #'t o" the
.hole ch'rch.
ACTS ": !-12
!. *nd it came to pa!!% that the ne3t da) their r'ler!% and elder!% and !cri#e!% .ere
E6
gathered together at Ber'!alem. #. *nd *nna! the high prie!t% and Caiapha!% and
Bohn% and *le3ander% and !o man) a! .ere o" the $indred o" the prie!t!% %. *nd
.hen the) had !et them #e"ore them% the) a!$ed them% +n .hat po.er% or in .hat
name% have )e done thatI $. Then Peter% #eing "illed .ith the Hol) >ho!t% !aid 'nto
them% ;e r'ler! o" the people% and elder! o" +!rael% &. +" .e #e ?'dged thi! da) "or
healing the man .hich .a! lame% #) .hat mean! he i! made .hole4 1'. -e it
$no.n 'nto )o' all% and to all the people o" +!rael% that in the name o" Be!'! Chri!t
o". :a5areth% .hom )e have cr'ci"ied% .hom >od hath rai!ed 'p "rom the dead% thi!
man !tandeth #e"ore )o' .hole. 11. Thi! i! the !tone .hich .a! re"'!ed o" )o' the
#'ilder!< it i! placed in the head o" the corner. 12. :either i! there !alvation in an)
other. :either i! there an) other name given 'nder heaven 'nto men% .herein .e
m'!t #e !aved.
!. +t i! a thing .orth) to #e noted in thi! place% that the .ic$ed do omit no !'#tilt) that the) ma)
#lot o't the go!pel and the name o" Chri!t% and )et do the) not o#tain that .hich the) hoped "or<
#eca'!e >od doth ma$e their co'n!el! "r'!trate. 9or the) ma$e an a!!em#l)% .herein the) do all
thing! !o t)ranno'!l)% that )et% not.ith!tanding% l'!t #eareth a !ho. o" right% and li#ert) i! driven
"ar a.a)% and at length the tr'th ma) !eem to #e condemned #) good right. -'t the Lord #ringeth
'pon them a !'dden "ear% !o that the) dare not do that .hich the) can% and .hich the) do mo!t o"
all de!ire. Jhat!oever the apo!tle! !hall #ring in de"en!e o" their ca'!e% that !hall remain #'ried
and !h't 'p .ith the .all!% .here there i! none .hich doth #ear them an) "avor. *nd there"ore
there i! no place le"t "or the tr'th. ;et .e !ee ho. the Lord #ringeth their co'n!el to no'ght%
.hil!t that #eing $ept #ac$ .ith "ear o" the people% the) !ta) them!elve! and #ridle their "'r)% to
the end the) ma) avoid env). -'t + marvel m'ch .h) L'$e doth ma$e *nna! the highe!t prie!t
in thi! place% !eeing that it appeareth #) Bo!eph'!% that thi! honor .a! not ta$en "rom Caiapha!
'ntil Aitelli'! had entered Ber'!alem to #ear r'le% a"ter that Pilate .a! commanded to depart 'nto
8ome. *ll men grant that the Lord .a! cr'ci"ied in the eighteenth )ear o" Ti#eri'!. *nd that
empire [the reign o" Ti#eri'!] did contin'e "o'r )ear! longer. *nd it m'!t need! #e% that there
.ere three )ear! complete% a"ter the death o" Chri!t% #e"ore Pilate .a! p't "rom the o""ice o" the
procon!'l. 9or .hen Ti#eri'! .a! dead he came to 8ome< !o that Caiapha! .a! high prie!t )et
three )ear! a"ter the death o" Chri!t. Jhere"ore it i! to #e tho'ght% that that .hereo" L'$e
!pea$eth in thi! place did not happen immediatel) a"ter the re!'rrection o" Chri!t< altho'gh the
do'#t cannot th'! #e an!.ered.
9/13
9or Bo!eph'! reporteth% that Bonatha! .a! cho!en into the
place o" Caiapha!< #'t #eca'!e thi! Bonatha! .a! the !on o" *nna!% it i! a thing not 'nli$e to #e
tr'e% that the !on .a! called #) the name o" the "ather< a! Caiapha! al!o had t.o name!< "or the)
did al!o call him Bo!eph.
%. !n $hat +o$er( The) do )et !eem to have !ome 5eal o" >od. 9or the) "eign that the) are
care"'l that the honor d'e 'nto >od ma) not #e given to an) other. "a%e i! ta$en in thi! place
"or a'thorit). +n !'m% the) deal a! i" the) .ere mo!t earne!t de"ender! and maintainer! o" >od=!
glor). +n the mean !ea!on% their import'natene!! i! .onder"'l% in that the) go a#o't to drive the
apo!tle! to ma$e denial% #) a!$ing man) @'e!tion! concerning a mani"e!t matter% and to .ring
o't #) "ear !ome other thing than the) had con"e!!ed. -'t >od doth #ring their cra"t) .iline!! to
no'ght% and ma$eth them hear that .hich the) .o'ld not.
$. Peter, being filled $ith the Holy Ghost( +t i! not .itho't great ca'!e that L'$e addeth thi!% to
the end .e ma) $no. that Peter !pa$e not .ith !'ch a ma?e!t) o" him!el". *nd !'rel)% !eeing he
EM
had denied hi! Ma!ter% Chri!t% #eing a"raid at the voice o" a !ill) .oman% F
N00/6M0O
Matthe. /64M0%G
he !ho'ld have 'tterl) "ainted in !'ch an a!!em#l)% .hen he did onl) #ehold their pomp% 'nle!!
he had #een 'pholden #) the po.er o" the Spirit. He had great need o" .i!dom and !trength.
9/10

He e3celleth in #oth the!e !o m'ch% that hi! an!.er i! indeed divine. He i! another manner o"
man here than he .a! #e"ore. 9'rthermore% thi! pro"iteth '! t.o manner o" .a)!. 9or thi! title% or
commendation% i! o" no !mall "orce to !et "orth the doctrine .hich !hall "ollo. immediatel)%
.hen it i! !aid that it came "rom the Hol) >od% [Spirit.] *nd .e are ta'ght to crave at the hand!
o" the Lord the Spirit o" .i!dom and !trength% .hen .e ma$e pro"e!!ion o" o'r "aith% to direct
o'r heart! and mind!. The "'llne!! o" the Spirit i! ta$en "or a large and no common mea!'re.
&. !f $e be judged( Cndo'#tedl) Peter la)eth t)rann) to the charge o" the prie!t! and the !cri#e!%
#eca'!e the) e3amine them 'n?'!tl) concerning a #ene"it .hich de!erveth prai!e% a! i" he and hi!
"ello. had committed !ome heino'! o""en!e. +"% !aith he% .e #e acc'!ed "or thi! ca'!e% #eca'!e
.e have made a !ic$ man .hole. Peter hath in thi! place more re!pect 'nto the .ic$ed a""ection
o" the mind than 'nto the ver) order o" the @'e!tion. 9or i"% 'nder color o" a miracle% the apo!tle!
.o'ld have dra.n a.a) the people "rom the tr'e and !incere .or!hip o" >od% the) !ho'ld have
#een .orthil) called to an!.er "or them!elve!< #eca'!e religion doth "ar e3cel all the good thing!
o" thi! pre!ent li"e. -'t !eeing the) Fhaving no ca'!e at allG did .ic$edl) ma$e an o""en!e o" that
.hich the) o'ght to have honored% Peter% #eing !'pported .ith thi! con"idence% doth at the "ir!t
gird them .ittil) .ith a ta'nting pre"ace% #eca'!e the) !it a! ?'dge! to condemn good deed!. ;et
he to'cheth thi! point #'t lightl)% that he ma) pa!! over 'nto the matter.
1'. .e it #no$n unto you( Peter might Fa! + have alread) !aidG have t'rned a!ide 'nto man)
!tartinghole!%
9/1D
i" he .o'ld not have entered the ca'!e<
9/16
#'t #eca'!e the miracle .a!
.ro'ght% to thi! end% that the name o" Chri!t might #e glori"ied% he de!cendeth #) and #) 'nto
thi!. 9or he $ne. that he .a! the mini!ter o" !'ch e3cellent po.er o" >od% that he might have a
!eal to con"irm hi! doctrine. +n the mean.hile% the .ic$ed% .ill the)% nil the)% are en"orced to
hear that .hich the) .o'ld have had #'ried "'ll deep. Jhen the) have done .hat the) can% thi!
i! all< the) ca'!e Peter to avo'ch and o#?ect to their "ace!% that .here.ith the) .ere !o grieved%
.hen it .a! !po$en to other!. *nd% "ir!t he ma$eth Chri!t the a'thor o" the miracle. Secondl)%
#eca'!e it !eemed to #e an a#!'rd and incredi#le thing% that a dead man !ho'ld #e end'ed .ith
divine po.er% he te!ti"ieth that Chri!t i! alive% #eca'!e >od hath rai!ed him 'p "rom the dead%
ho.!oever the) had cr'ci"ied him. So that the miracle giveth him occa!ion to preach the
re!'rrection o" Chri!t. *nd #) thi! te!timon) Peter meant to prove that he .a! the tr'e Me!!ia!.
He !aith that the) had cr'ci"ied him% not onl) to the end he ma) 'p#raid thi! 'nto them% that the)
ma) ac$no.ledge their "a'lt< #'t al!o that the) ma) 'nder!tand that the) have in vain !triven
again!t >od< and !o% con!e@'entl)% cea!e to rage !o 'nl'c$il) and .ith !'ch deadl) !'cce!!.
11. This is the stone( He con"irmeth #) te!timon) o" Script're that it i! no ne. thing that the
ringleader!
9/1M
o" the Ch'rch% .hich have glorio'! title! given them% and have the chie" room in
the temple o" >od% have% not.ith!tanding% .ic$edl) re?ected Chri!t. There"ore he citeth a place
o't o" the 11Eth P!alm% F
N11-E//O
P!alm 11E4//%G .here (avid complaineth that he i! re?ected o" the
captain! [leader!] o" the people% and )et% not.ith!tanding% he #oa!teth that he .a! cho!en o" >od
to have the chie" room. Moreover% he compareth the Ch'rch% or the !tate o" the $ingdom% #) an
'!'al metaphor to a #'ilding% he calleth tho!e .hich have the government the ma!ter! o" the
.or$%
9/1E
and he ma$eth him!el" the principal !tone% .hereon the .hole #'ilding i! !ta)ed and
gro'nded. 9or that i! meant #) the head o" the corner. There"ore% thi! i! (avid=! com"ort% that
ho.!oever the captain! have re?ected him% !o that the) .o'ld not grant him even the #a!e!t
EE
place% )et did not their .ic$ed and 'ngodl) endeavor! hinder him "rom #eing e3tolled #) >od
'nto the highe!t degree o" honor. -'t that .a! !hado.ed in (avid .hich >od .o'ld have
per"ectl) e3pre!!ed in the Me!!ia!. There"ore Peter dealeth ver) aptl) .hen a! he citeth thi!
te!timon)% a! #eing !po$en #e"ore o" Chri!t% a! the) $ne. "'ll .ell that it did agree properl) to
him. :o. .e $no. to .hat end Peter did cite the P!alm< to .it% le!t the elder! and prie!t! #eing
'nadvi!edl) p'""ed 'p .ith their honor% !ho'ld ta$e to them!elve! a'thorit) and li#ert) to allo.
or di!allo. .hat!oever the) .o'ld. 9or it i! evident that the !tone re"'!ed #) the chie" #'ilder! i!
placed #) >od=! o.n hand in the chie" place% that it ma) !'pport the .hole ho'!e.
9'rthermore% thi! happeneth not once onl)% #'t it m'!t #e "'l"illed dail)< at lea!t it m'!t !eem no
ne. thing i" the chie" #'ilder! do even no. re?ect Chri!t. Jhere#) the vain #oa!ting o" the Pope
i! plainl) re"'ted% .ho ma$eth hi! #oa!t o" the #are title% that he ma) '!'rp .hat!oever i!
Chri!t=!. *dmit .e grant to the Pope and hi! horned #ea!t! that .hich the) de!ire% to .it% that
the) are appointed to #e ordinar) pa!tor! o" the Ch'rch% the) can go no "arther at length than to
#e called chie" #'ilder! .ith *nna! and Caiapha!. *nd it i! evident .hat acco'nt o'ght to #e
made o" thi! title% .hich the) thin$ i! !'""icient to mi3 heaven and earth together. :o. let '!
gather o't o" thi! place !ome thing! .hich are .orth the noting. 9ora!m'ch a! the) are called
ma!ter#'ilder! .ho have government o" the Ch'rch% the name it!el" p'tteth them in mind o"
their d't). There"ore% let them give them!elve! .holl) to the #'ilding o" the temple o" >od. *nd
#eca'!e all men do not their d't) "aith"'ll) a! the) o'ght% let them !ee .hat i! the #e!t manner o"
#'ilding aright% to .it% let them retain Chri!t "or the "o'ndation< that done% let them not mi3 !tra.
and !t'##le in thi! #'ilding% #'t let them ma$e the .hole #'ilding o" p're doctrine< a! Pa'l
teacheth in
N06031/O
1 Corinthian! 341/. Jherea! >od i! !aid to have e3tolled Chri!t% .ho .a!
re?ected o" the #'ilder!% thi! o'ght to com"ort '!% .hen a! .e !ee even the pa!tor! o" the Ch'rch%
or% at lea!t% tho!e .hich are in great honor% .ic$edl) re#el again!t Chri!t% that the) ma) #ani!h
him. 9or .e ma) !a"el) !et light #) tho!e vi!or! .hich the) o#?ect again!t '!< !o that .e need not
"ear to give Chri!t that h'mor .hich >od doth give to him. -'t i" he .in$ "or a time% )et doth he
la'gh at the #oldne!! o" hi! enemie! "rom on high% .hil!t the) rage and "ret 'pon earth.
9'rthermore% tho'gh their con!piracie! #e !trong and .ell g'arded .ith all aid!% )et m'!t .e
al.a)! a!!'re o'r!elve! o" thi!% that Chri!t=! honor !hall remain !a"e and !o'nd. *nd let the "r'it
o" thi! con"idence en!'e al!o% that .e #e valiant and .itho't "ear in maintaining the $ingdom o"
Chri!t% .hereo" >od .ill #e an invinci#le de"ender% a! he him!el" a""irmeth.
Je have alread) !po$en o" Peter=! con!tanc)% in that one !imple man% having !'ch envio'!
?'dge!% and )et having #'t one partner in the pre!ent danger% !ho.eth no to$en at all o" "ear% #'t
doth "reel) con"e!! in that raging and "'rio'! compan)% that thing .hich he $ne. .o'ld #e
received .ith mo!t contrar) mind!. *nd .herea! he !harpl) 'p#raideth 'nto them that
.ic$edne!! .hich the) had committed% .e m'!t let [!ee$] "rom hence a r'le o" !peech .hen .e
have to deal .ith the open enemie! o" the tr'th. 9or .e m'!t #e.are o" t.o "a'lt! on thi! #ehal"%
that .e !eem not to "latter #) $eeping !ilence or .in$ing< "or that .ere treachero'! !ilence%
.here#) the tr'th !ho'ld #e #etra)ed. *gain% that .e #e not p'""ed 'p .ith .antonne!!% or
immoderate heat a! men=! mind! do o"tentime! #rea$ o't more than the) o'ght in contention.
There"ore% let '! '!e gravit) in thi! point% )et !'ch a! i! moderate< let '! chide "reel)% )et .itho't
all heat o" railing. Je !ee that Peter did o#!erve thi! order. 9or at the "ir!t he giveth an honora#le
title< .hen he i! once come to the matter he inveigheth !harpl) again!t them< neither co'ld !'ch
'ngodline!! a! their! .a! #e concealed. Tho!e .hich !hall "ollo. thi! e3ample !hall not onl)
have Peter to #e their g'ide% #'t al!o the Spirit o" >od.
E1
12. "either is there sal&ation in any other( He pa!!eth "rom the s+e'ies [!alvation] 'nto the
genus, [or more partic'lar%] and he goeth "rom the corporal #ene"it 'nto per"ect health% [or
general.] *nd a!!'redl) Chri!t had !ho.ed thi! one to$en o" hi! grace% to the end he might #e
$no.n to #e the onl) a'thor o" li"e. Je m'!t con!ider thi! in all the #ene"it! o" >od% to .it% that
he i! the "o'ntain o" !alvation. *nd he meant to pric$ and !ting the prie!t! .ith thi! !entence%
.hen a! he !aith that there i! !alvation in none other !ave onl) in Chri!t% .hom the) .ent a#o't
to p't @'ite o't o" remem#rance.
9/11
*! i" he !ho'ld !a)% that the) are t.ice damned .ho did not
onl) re"'!e the !alvation o""ered them #) >od% #'t endeavor to #ring the !ame to no'ght% and did
ta$e "rom all the people the "r'it and '!e thereo". *nd altho'gh he !eemeth to !pea$ 'nto dea"
men% )et doth he preach o" the grace o" Chri!t% i" peradvent're !ome can a#ide to hear< i" not% that
the) ma) at lea!t #e deprived o" all e3c'!e #) thi! te!timon).
"either is there any other na%e( He e3po'ndeth the !entence ne3t going #e"ore. Salvation F!aith
heG i! in Chri!t alone% #eca'!e >od hath decreed that it !ho'ld #e !o. 9or #) na%e he meaneth the
ca'!e or mean% a! i" he !ho'ld have !aid% "ora!m'ch a! !alvation i! in >od=! po.er onl)% he .ill
not have the !ame to #e common to '! #) an) other mean! than i" .e a!$ it o" Chri!t alone.
Jherea! he !aith under hea&en, the) do commonl) re"er it 'nto creat're!% a! i" he !ho'ld !a)%
that the "orce and po.er to !ave i! given to Chri!t alone. :ot.ith!tanding% + do rather thin$ that
thi! .a! added% #eca'!e men cannot a!cend into heaven% that the) ma) come 'nto >od.
There"ore% !eeing .e are !o "ar "rom the $ingdom o" >od% it i! need"'l that >od do not onl)
invite '! 'nto him!el"% #'t that reaching o't hi! hand he o""er !alvation 'nto '!% that .e ma)
en?o) the !ame. Peter teacheth in thi! place% that he hath done that in Chri!t% #eca'!e he came
do.n into the earth "or thi! ca'!e% that he might #ring !alvation .ith him% :either i! that contrar)
to thi! doctrine% that Chri!t i! a!cended a#ove all heaven!% F
N010010O
,phe!ian! 0410.G 9or he too$
'pon him o'r "le!h once "or thi! ca'!e% that he might #e a contin'al pledge o" o'r adoption. He
hath reconciled the 9ather to '! "or ever #) the !acri"ice o" hi! death4 #) hi! re!'rrection he hath
p'rcha!ed "or '! eternal li"e. *nd he i! pre!ent .ith '! no. al!o% that he ma) ma$e '! parta$er!
o" the "r'it o" eternal redemption< #'t the revealing o" !alvation i! handled in thi! place% and .e
$no. that the !ame .a! !o revealed in Chri!t% that .e need not an) longer to !a)% PJho !hall
a!cend into heavenIQ F
N0D1006O
8oman! 1046.G *nd i" !o #e thi! doctrine .ere deepl) imprinted in
the mind! o" all men% then !ho'ld !o man) controver!ie! concerning the ca'!e! o" !alvation #e
!oon at an end% .here.ith the Ch'rch i! !o m'ch tro'#led. The Papi!t! con"e!! .ith '!% that
!alvation i! in >od alone% #'t #) and #) the) "orge to them!elve! in"inite .a)! to attain 'nto the
!ame. -'t Peter calleth '! #ac$ 'nto Chri!t alone. The) dare not altogether den) that .e have
!alvation given '! #) Chri!t< #'t .hil!t the) "eign !o man) help!% the) leave him !carce the
h'ndredth part o" !alvation. -'t the) .ere to !ee$ "or !alvation at the hand! o" Chri!t .holl)< "or
.hen Peter e3cl'deth plainl) all other mean!% he placeth per"ect !alvation in Chri!t alone% and
not !ome part thereo" onl). So that the) are "ar "rom 'nder!tanding thi! doctrine.
ACTS ":1-1$
1. *nd .hen the) !a. the #oldne!! o" Peter and Bohn% and con!idered that the) .ere
men 'nlearned and ignorant% the) .ondered< and the) $ne. them% that the) had #een
.ith Be!'!. 1". *nd .hen the) !a. the man that had #een healed !tanding .ith them%
the) co'ld not !a) again!t it. 1!. -'t .hen the) had commanded them to depart o't
o" the co'ncil% the) con!'lted among them!elve!% 1#. Sa)ing% Jhat !hall .e do to
the!e menI 9or a mani"e!t !ign i! done #) them% and it i! openl) $no.n to all the
inha#itant! o" Ber'!alem< neither can .e den) it. 1%. -'t le!t it #e noi!ed an) "arther
10
among the people% in threatening let '! threaten them% that the) !pea$ not hence"orth
to an) man in thi! name. 1$. *nd then .hen the) had called them% the) charged them
that the) !ho'ld not !pea$ at all% or teach% in the name o" Be!'!.
1. Here ma) .e !ee an evil con!cience< "or #eing de!tit'te o" right and rea!on% the) #rea$ o't
into open t)rann)% the hatred .hereo" the) had e!!a)ed to e!cape. There"ore% he doth "ir!t declare
that the) .ere convict% that it ma) appear that the) did .ar again!t >od .ittingl) and .illingl)
li$e giant!. 9or the) !ee a mani"e!t .or$ o" hi! in the man .hich .a! healed% and )et do the)
.ic$edl) !et them!elve! again!t him. +n a! m'ch a! the) $no. that Peter and Bohn .ere men
'nlearned and ignorant% the) ac$no.ledge that there .a! !ome.hat more than #elongeth to man
in their #oldne!!< there"ore the) are en"orced to .onder .hether the) .ill or no. ;et the) #rea$
o't into !'ch imp'dence% that the) "ear not to !ee$ !ome t)ranno'! mean! to oppre!! the tr'th.
Jhen a! the) con"e!! that it i! a mani"e!t !ign% the) condemn them!elve! therein o" an evil
con!cience. Jhen the) !a) that it i! $no.n to all men% the) declare that pa!!ing over >od the)
have re!pect 'nto men onl). 9or the) #etra) their .ant o" !hame there#)% that the) .o'ld not
have do'#ted to t'rn their #ac$ i" there had #een an) color o" denial. *nd .hen the) a!$ .hat
the) !hall do% the) ma$e their o#!tinate .ic$edne!! $no.n 'nto all men. 9or the) .o'ld have
!'#mitted them!elve! 'nto >od% 'nle!! devili!h "'r) had carried them a.a) to !ome other
p'rpo!e. Thi! i! the !pirit o" giddine!! and madne!!% there.ith >od doth ma$e hi! enemie!
dr'n$. So .hen the) hope !hortl) a"ter that the) can #) threatening! #ring it a#o't% that the !ame
!hall go no "arther% .hat can #e more "ooli!hI 9or a"ter the) have p't t.o !imple men to !ilence%
!hall the arm o" >od #e #ro$enI
1%. !n threatening let us threaten( Here ma) .e !ee .hat a deadl) evil po.er void o" the "ear o"
>od i!. 9or .hen that religion and reverence .hich o'ght doth not reign% the more hol) the place
i! .hich a man doth po!!e!!% the more #oldl)
9//0
doth he rage. 9or .hich ca'!e .e [!ho'ld]
al.a)! ta$e good heed that the .ic$ed #e not pre"erred 'nto the government o" the Ch'rch. *nd
tho!e .hich are called to thi! "'nction m'!t #ehave them!elve! reverentl) and mode!tl)% le!t the)
!eem to #e armed to do h'rt. -'t and i" it !o happen the) a#'!e their honor% the Spirit declareth
there% a! in a gla!!% .hat !mall acco'nt .e o'ght to ma$e o" their decree! and commandment!.
9//1
The a'thorit) o" the pa!tor! hath certain #o'nd! appointed .hich the) ma) not pa!!. *nd i"
the) dare #e !o #old% .e ma) la."'ll) re"'!e to o#e) them< "or i" .e !ho'ld% it .ere in '! great
.ic$edne!!% a! it "ollo.eth no..
ACTS ":1&-2
1&. *nd Peter and Bohn an!.ered them% and !aid% Jhether it #e right in the
!ight o" >od to hear$en 'nto )o' rather than to >od% ?'dge )e. 2'. 9or .e
cannot #'t !pea$ tho!e thing! .hich .e have !een and heard. 21. *nd .hen
the) had threatened them% the) let them go% "inding nothing. "or .hich the)
might p'ni!h them% #eca'!e o" the people< "or all men did glori") >od #eca'!e
o" that .hich .a! done. 22. 9or the man .a! more than "ort) )ear! old on
.hom the !ign o" healing .a! !ho.ed. 2. 9'rthermore% .hen the) .ere let
go% the) came to their "ello.!% and told them .hat!oever thing! the prie!t! and
elder! had !aid.
11
1&. 2hether it be right( Let '! remem#er to .hom the) ma$e thi! an!.er. "or thi! co'ncil did
'ndo'#tedl) repre!ent the Ch'rch< #'t #eca'!e the) do a#'!e their a'thorit)% the apo!tle! !a)
"latl) that the) are not to #e o#e)ed. *nd Fa! men '!e to do in an evident matterG the) re"er over
the ?'dgment 'nto their adver!arie! "or a reproach 'nto them. 9'rthermore it i! .orth the noting%
that the) !et the a'thorit) o" >od again!t their decree!< .hich thing !ho'ld #e done o't o" !ea!on%
'nle!! the) .ere the enemie! o" >od% .ho not.ith!tanding% .ere other.i!e the ordinar) pa!tor!
o" the Ch'rch. Moreover% the apo!tle! e3pre!! a "arther thing al!o to .it% that the o#edience
.hich men '!e to.ard evil and 'n"aith"'l pa!tor!% ho.!oever the) hold the la."'l government o"
the Ch'rch% i! contrar) to >od. Thi! @'e!tion doth the Pope an!.er plea!antl)%
9///
#eca'!e he
!aith that all tho!e thing! are divine oracle! .hat!oever it hath plea!ed him to #l'nder o't 'n
advi!edl).
9//3
-) thi! mean! the danger o" contrariet) i! ta$en a.a). -'t the #i!hop! can
challenge no more at thi! da) than >od had given then to the order o" the prie!t!. There"ore% thi!
i! a to) too childi!h% [vi5.] that the) can command nothing #'t that .hich i! agreea#le to the
commandment o" >od.
9//0
;ea% rather the thing it!el" declareth evidentl) that there !hall #e no
con"lict then i" the) !'""er their vain and 'n#ridled l'!t to range "reel)% having van@'i!hed and
reno'nced the doctrine o" Chri!t.
There"ore% #) .hat title !oever men #e called% )et m'!t .e hear them onl) 'pon thi! condition% i"
the) lead '! not a.a) "rom o#e)ing >od. So that .e m'!t e3amine all their tradition! #) the r'le
o" the Jord o" >od. Je m'!t o#e) prince! and other! .hich are in a'thorit)% )et !o that the) ro#
not >od F.ho i! the chie" Ling% 9ather% and LordG o" hi! right and a'thorit). +" .e m'!t o#!erve
!'ch mode!t) in politic [civil] government% it o'ght to #e o" "ar more "orce in the !pirit'al
government o" the Ch'rch. *nd le!t% according to their .onted pride% the) thin$ that their
a'thorit) i! a#ated% .hen >od i! e3tolled a#ove them% Peter dra.eth them a.a) "rom !'ch
plea!ant "lattering o" them!elve!% telling them that thi! matter m'!t #e determined #e"ore the
?'dgment!eat o" >od< "or he !aith plainl) before [in the !ight o"] >od< #eca'!e% ho.!oever men
#e #linded% )et .ill >od never !'""er an) man to #e pre"erred #e"ore him. *nd !'rel) the Spirit
did p't thi! an!.er in the mo'th o" the apo!tle!% not onl) to the end he might repre!! the
"'rio'!ne!! o" the enemie!% #'t that he might al!o teach '! .hat .e o'ght to do% !o o"ten a! men
#ecome !o pro'd% that having !ha$en o"" the )o$e o" >od% the) .ill la) their o.n )o$e 'pon '!.
There"ore% let '! then remem#er thi! hol) a'thorit) o" >od% .hich i! a#le to drive a.a) the vain
!mo$e o" all man=! e3cellenc).
2'. 8or $e 'annot( Man) thing! .hich are "o'nd o't #) hearing and !eeing ma)% )ea% o'ght to #e
concealed% .hen a! the @'e!tion i! concerning the redeeming o" peace. 9or thi! i! a point o"
di!co'rte!) and o" .ic$ed !t'##ornne!! to move and rai!e a t'm'lt a#o't 'nnece!!ar) matter!<
#'t the apo!tle! do not !pea$ generall)% .hen a! the) !a) the) cannot #'t !pea$. 9or the go!pel o"
Chri!t i! no. in hand% .herein con!i!teth #oth the glor) o" >od and the !alvation o" men. +t i! an
'nmeet thing% and !acrilegio'! .ic$edne!!% that the !ame !ho'ld #e !'ppre!!ed #) prohi#ition!
and menacing!
9//D
o" men< "or >od commandeth that hi! go!pel #e preached% e!peciall) !ince
the) did $no. that the) .ere cho!en to #e .itne!!e! and preacher! o" Chri!t% and that >od had
opened their mo'th. There"ore% .ho!oever p'tteth them to !ilence% he endeavoreth !o m'ch a! he
i! a#le to a#oli!h the grace o" >od% and "ordo [de!tro)] the !alvation o" men. *nd i" !o #e that a
prohi#ition !o .ic$ed do !top o'r mo'th!% .oe #e to o'r !l'ggi!hne!!. :o.% let all men !ee .hat
con"e!!ion >od re@'ireth at their hand!% le!t% .hen the) $eep !ilence #eca'!e o" men% the) hear a
"ear"'l voice proceed o't o" the mo'th o" Chri!t% .here#) their 'n"aith"'lne!! !hall #e
condemned. *nd a! "or tho!e .hich are called 'nto the o""ice o" teaching% let them #e terri"ied
1/
.ith no threatening! o" men% .ith no color o" a'thorit)% #'t let them e3ec'te
9//6
that o""ice .hich
the) $no. i! en?oined them #) >od. Joe #e 'nto me% !aith Pa'l% i" + preach not the go!pel%
#eca'!e the "'nction i! committed 'nto me% F
N060110O
1 Corinthian! 1410.G :either o'ght .e onl) to
!et thi! commandment o" >od again!t the t)ranno'! commandment! o" men% #'t al!o again!t all
let! .hich Satan doth o"tentime! thr'!t in to #rea$ o"" and hinder the co'r!e o" the go!pel. 9or
.e have need o" a !trong #'c$ler to #ear o"" !'ch !ore a!!a'lt!% .hich all the mini!ter! o" Chri!t
do "eel< #'t ho.!oever .e !peed% thi! i! a #ra5en .all% that the preaching o" the go!pel doth
plea!e >od% and there"ore that it can "or no ca'!e #e !'ppre!!ed.
21. And $hen they had threatened the%( *nd here i! the end o" !edition% that the .ic$ed cea!e
not to #reathe o't their "'r)% )et are the) #ridled #) the !ecret po.er o" >od% !o that the) cannot
tell ho. to do an) h'rt.
9//M
Ho. i! it that #eing content .ith threatening!% the) do not al!o rage
again!t their #odie!% !ave onl) #eca'!e the po.er o" >od doth #ind them a! a chainI :ot that the
"ear o" >od doth prevail .ith them% "or it i! the regard o" the people alone .hich hindereth them<
#'t the Lord doth #ind them .ith hi! #ond!% tho'gh the) #e ignorant thereo". L'$e commendeth
'nto '! the providence o" >od in pre!erving hi! children< and tho'gh it #e hidden "rom the
.ic$ed% )et .e ma) #ehold the !ame .ith the e)e! o" "aith% 9'rthermore% the .onder"'l co'n!el
o" >od doth !ho. it!el" here% in that the glor) o" Chri!t i! "'rthered #) tho!e .hich are hi! mo!t
deadl) enemie!. 9or .herea! the prie!t! do a!!em#le them!elve! together% it i! not done .itho't
great r'mor. *ll men .ait "or !ome rare and !ing'lar event< the apo!tle! depart% #eing let loo!e
and ac@'itted. There"ore% the adver!arie! are not onl) van@'i!hed% #'t the) con"irm the go!pel
again!t their .ill. :ot.ith!tanding% it i! e3pedient "or '! to mar$ again% that the "aith"'l do !o get
the victor)% that the) are al.a)! h'm#led 'nder the cro!!. 9or the) are threatened again% and
!traitl) charged% that the) teach not hence"orth in the name o" Chri!t. There"ore% the) do not !o
get the 'pper hand that the) do not tri'mph% !ave onl) 'nder the reproach o" the cro!!. Jherea!
L'$e !aith that the) did all glorified God, he noteth the "r'it o" the miracle no. the !econd time%
altho'gh it ma) #e that the) .ere not all #ro'ght 'nto the per"ect end. 9or that man .hich i!
to'ched .ith the "eeling o" the po.er o" >od% and doth not come 'nto Chri!t% neither hath hi!
"aith con"irmed #) the miracle he !ta)eth% a! it .ere% in the mid.a). ;et thi! .a! !ome thing%
tho'gh not all% that the po.er o" >od .a! ac$no.ledged in the healing o" the man% !o that the
adver!arie! #eing a!hamed% did cea!e o"" "rom their "'r)% or at lea!t give #ac$ a little.
2. 8urther%ore $hen they $ere let go( +t !hall appear #) and #) to .hat end the) declared to the
other di!ciple! .hat thing! had #e"allen them% to .it% that the) might #e the more em#oldened
and enco'raged #) the grace o" >od herea"ter< !econdl)% that the) might arm them!elve! .ith
pra)er again!t the "'rio'! threatening! o" their enemie!< and th'! m'!t the children o" >od do%
one m'!t pric$ "or.ard another% and the) m'!t ?oin hand in hand% that the) ma) van@'i!h the
common adver!ar) "ighting 'nder Chri!t=! #anner. The) con!ider
9//E
.ith them!elve! .hat
danger! hang over their head!% to the end the) ma) #e the more read) to enter
9//1
the !ame%
altho'gh the) !ee their enemie! pre!! !ore 'pon them< )et le!t it !ho'ld grieve them
9/30
to have a
ne. com#at ever no. and then% the) a!!'re
9/31
them!elve! that the) !hall #e invinci#le
9/3/

thro'gh the !ame po.er o" >od .here#) the) got the victor) #e"ore. *nd it i! to #e tho'ght
Faltho'gh L'$e ma$e! no mention thereo"G that the apo!tle! #eing contented .ith their "ormer
an!.er% did not contend .ith tho!e "'rie!% ["'rio'! men<] and )et .e m'!t per!'ade o'r!elve!
that the) .ere not !o "orget"'l o" their "ormer con!tanc) that the) did !'#mit them!elve! 'nto
their 'ngodl) decree li$e !lave!.
9/33
13
ACTS ":2"-1
2". *nd .hen the) had heard it% the) li"ted 'p their voice 'nto >od .ith one accord%
and !aid% Lord%% tho' art >od% .hich ha!t made heaven and earth% the !ea% and all
thing! .hich are therein< 2!. Jhich #) the mo'th o" th) !ervant (avid ha!t !aid%
Jh) have the heathen raged together% and .h) have the people imagined vain
thing!I 2#. The $ing! o" the earth have !tood 'p% and the r'ler! have met together
again!t the Lord% and again!t hi! Chri!t. 2%. 9or o" a tr'th% Herod and Ponti'! Pilate%
.ith the >entile!% and the people o" +!rael% have come together in thi! cit) again!t th)
hol) Son% Be!'!% 2$. That the) might do .hat!oever thine hand and th) co'n!el had
decreed #e"ore to #e done. 2&. *nd no.% 7 Lord% loo$ 'pon the threatening! o" the!e
men< and grant 'nto th) !ervant! that the) ma) !pea$ th) .ord .ith #oldne!!< '.
8eaching o't thine hand to thi! end% that healing% and !ign!% and .onder!% ma) #e
done #) the name o" th) onl) Son% Be!'!. 1. *nd .hen the) had pra)ed% the place
moved .herein the) .ere a!!em#led4 and the) .ere all "illed .ith the Hol) >ho!t%
and did !pea$ the .ord o" >od .ith #oldne!!.
Je are ta'ght #) thi! e3ample .hat i! o'r d't) to do .hen o'r adver!arie! do imperio'!l)
threaten '!< "or .e m'!t not carele!!l) la'gh in time o" danger% #'t the "ear o" danger o'ght to
drive '! to crave help at the hand! o" >od% and thi! i! a remed) to com"ort and !et '! 'p on "oot%
le!t% #eing terri"ied .ith threatening!% .e cea!e o"" "rom doing o'r d't). Here i! a do'#le "r'it o"
thi! hi!tor)% that the di!ciple! o" Chri!t do not ?e!t .hen the) hear that their enemie! do threaten
them !o !ore and pre!! !o !ore 'pon them% a! carele!! and !l'ggi!h men '!e to do< #'t #eing
to'ched .ith "ear% the) "l) to !ee$ help at the hand! o" >od< and again% the) are not terri"ied%
neither )et do the) conceive an) immoderate "ear<
9/30
#'t crave o" >od
9/3D
invinci#le con!tanc)
.ith right godl) petition!.
2". Thou art God, $hi'h hast 'reated( *ltho'gh thi! title and commendation o" >od=! po.er #e
general% )et it o'ght to #e re"erred 'nto the pre!ent matter% "or the) do in !'ch !ort ac$no.ledge
the po.er o" >od in the creation o" the .hole .orld% that the) appl) the !ame there.ithal 'nto
the pre!ent '!e. +n li$e !ort% the prophet! do o"tentime! commend the !ame% to the end the) ma)
redre!! that "ear .hich tro'#leth '! .hen .e #ehold the po.er o" o'r enemie!< !econdl)% the)
add there'nto the promi!e% and the) ma$e the!e t.o "o'ndation! o" their #oldne!! .here#) the)
are em#oldened to pra). *nd !'rel) o'r pra)er! are !'ch a! the) o'ght to #e% and accepta#le to
>od onl) then% .hen a! !ta)ing o'r!elve! 'pon hi! promi!e! and po.er% .e pra) .ith certain
hope to o#tain that "or .hich .e pra)% "or .e cannot other.i!e have an) tr'e con"idence 'nle!!
>od do .ill '! to come 'nto him% and promi!e that he i! read) to help '!< and% !econdl)% 'nle!!
.e ac$no.ledge that he i! a#le eno'gh to help '!< .here"ore let the "aith"'l e3erci!e them!elve!
in thi! do'#le meditation !o o"ten a! the) addre!! them!elve! 'nto pra)er. 9'rthermore% .e
gather here#) a"ter .hat !ort .e o'ght to con!ider the creation o" the .orld< to .it% that .e ma)
$no. that all thing! are !'#?ect to >od% and r'led #) hi! .ill% and .hen that the .orld hath done
.hat it can% there !hall no other thing come to pa!! #'t that .hich >od hath decreed< )ea% that the
.antonne!! o" the .ic$ed i! mon!tro'!% a! i" the cla) !ho'ld re!i!t the potter< "or thi! i! the
meaning o" the "aith"'l generall)% that .hat!oever danger! hang over their head!% )et can >od
prevent the !ame in"inite .a)!% "ora!m'ch a! all thing! are in hi! hand% and that he i! a#le to
ma$e all the part! o" heaven and earth F.hich he hath createdG to o#e) him.
10
2!. 2ho by the %outh of ;a&id( The) de!cend no. into the !econd mem#er% that the) a!$
nothing #'t that .hich >od hath promi!ed to per"orm% !o that hi! .ill and po.er are ?oined
together% to the end the) ma) "'ll) a!!'re them!elve! that the) !hall o#tain their re@'e!t!< and
#eca'!e the $ingdom o" Chri!t i! no. in hand% the) ma$e rehear!al o" the promi!e o" >od%
.herein he promi!eth to de"end and maintain the !ame% !o that .hen the .hole .orld hath done
.hat it can to overthro. it% )et all !hall #e in vain< and herein their godline!! and !incere 5eal% in
that the) are not !o m'ch care"'l "or their o.n !a"et)% a! "or the increa!ing and advancement o"
the $ingdom o" Chri!t.
2hy ha&e the Gentiles raged< Je m'!t need con"e!! that (avid !pea$eth o" him!el"% .ho a"ter
he .a! cho!en $ing #) the Lord% and anointed #) Sam'el the prophet% did en?o) the $ingdom
ver) hardl)%
9/36
#eca'!e hi! enemie! .ith!tood him on ever) !ide. Je $no. ho. the r'ler! and
people con!pired together .ith Sa'l and hi! "amil)< a"ter that the Phili!tine!% and other !trange
enemie!% de!pi!ing him .hen he came ne.l) to the cro.n% made .ar again!t him% !triving .ho
!ho'ld #egin "ir!t% .here"ore it i! not .itho't ca'!e that he complaineth that the $ing! rage and
ta$e co'n!el together% and that the people do go a#o't diver! thing!< neverthele!!% #eca'!e he
$ne. that >od .a! the !'pporter o" hi! $ingdom% he derideth their "ooli!h enterpri!e!% and
a""irmeth that the) are vain< #'t #eca'!e hi! $ingdom .a! e!ta#li!hed% that it might #e a "ig're or
image o" the $ingdom o" Chri!t% (avid doth not !ta) !till in the !hado. it!el"< #'t he
apprehendeth the #od)% )ea% the Hol) >ho!t% a! the apo!tle! do tr'l) repeat the !ame% doth
!harpl) reprove the "ooli!h and ridic'lo'! madne!! o" the .orld% in that the) dare invade the
$ingdom o" Chri!t .hich >od had e!ta#li!hed% a! .ell in the per!on o" (avid a! o" Chri!t
him!el". *nd thi! i! a !ing'lar com"ort% in that .e hear that >od i! on o'r !ide% !o long a! .e go
on .ar"are 'nder the $ingdom o" Chri!t. Here#) .e ma) per!'ade o'r!elve!% that ho.!oever all
men% #oth high and lo. do .ic$edl) con!pire together again!t thi! $ingdom% )et !hall the) not
prevail% "or .hat i! all the .hole .orld compared .ith >odI -'t .e m'!t "ir!t o" all $no. and
a!!'re o'r!elve! o" thi!% that >od .ill contin'all) maintain the $ingdom o" hi! Son% .hereo" he
him!el" i! the a'thor% !o that .e ma) !et hi! decree F.hich !hall not #e #ro$enG again!t the
ra!hne!! o" men% that tr'!ting to the help o" hi! hand% .e ma) not do'#t to de!pi!e all the
preparation and "'rnit're o" men% tho'gh the) #e terri#le< and he doth diligentl) e3pre!! ho.
great the #and! o" the adver!arie! are< he !aith% that the) attempt all thing!% he doth al!o rec$on
'p their co'n!el!% le!t an) o" the!e do terri") '!. 9'rthermore% .hen a! the P!alm teacheth% that
the $ingdom o" Chri!t !hall end're% ma'gre the head! o" the adver!arie!% it doth al!o !ho. that
there !hall #e man) adver!arie!% .hich !hall endeavor to overthro. the !ame. 7n the one !ide% he
#ringeth in the $ing! raging% on the other% the people all o't o" @'iet%
9/3M
.here#) he !igni"ieth
that all e!tate! !hall #e o""ended at it<
9/3E
and no marvel% #eca'!e nothing i! more contrar) to the
"le!h than the !pirit'al !.ord o" the go!pel .here.ith Chri!t $illeth '!% that he ma) ma$e '!
o#e) him% F
N0D1D16O
8oman! 1D416.G There"ore% .e m'!t $no. thi! "or a !'ret)% that the $ingdom o"
Chri!t !hall never #e @'iet in the .orld% le!t .hen .e are to "ight% .e #e a"raid a! at !ome !trange
thing.
2#. Against the Lord, and his Christ( The Spirit teacheth #) thi! .ord% that all tho!e do ma$e .ar
again!t >od .hich re"'!e to !'#mit them!elve! to Chri!t< the) do "'ll little thin$ thi! o"tentime!%
not.ith!tanding it i! !o that #eca'!e >od .ill reign in the per!on o" hi! Son alone% .e re"'!e to
o#e) him !o o"ten a! .e re#el again!t Chri!t% a! the Lord him!el" !aith in Bohn% PHe .hich
honoreth not the Son% honoreth not the 9ather.Q Jhere"ore let the h)pocrite! pro"e!! a tho'!and
time! that the) mean nothing le!! than to ma$e .ar again!t >od% )et !hall the) "ind thi! tr'e% that
1D
>od i! their open enem)% 'nle!! the) em#race Chri!t .ith hi! go!pel. The '!e o" thi! doctrine i!
do'#le% "or it armeth '! again!t all the terror! o" the "le!h% #eca'!e .e m'!t not "ear% le!t the) get
the victor) o" >od .hich .ith!tand the go!pel. *gain% .e m'!t #e.are% le!t% thro'gh the
contempt o" godl) doctrine% .e advance o'r!elve! again!t >od to o'r o.n de!tr'ction.
2%. Ha&e %et together in this 'ity( The) declare that thi! prophec) .a! proved to #e tr'e #) the
event% to the end the) ma) #elieve the !ame more a!!'redl)% "or the !en!e i!% Lord% tho' ha!t
!po$en it and .e have in tr'th tried [e3perienced] the !ame to #e tr'e< and the) call to mind that
.hich .a! done "o'r )ear! #e"ore% or therea#o't. +n li$e !ort% it i! e3pedient "or '! to appl) the
event! o" thing! .hich are "oretold to the con"irmation o" o'r "aith< #'t #eca'!e it might !eem
that the matter "ell o't "ar other.i!e then than the P!alm prono'nceth% "ora!m'ch a! the) raged
not in vain% neither .ere the a!!a'lt! o" the enemie! "r'!trate .hen the) had p't Chri!t to death<
and their violence .ent "'rther a"ter.ard! a"ter a "ear"'l manner. The "aith"'l remove thi!
o""en!e% and !a) that the enemie! co'ld do no more than >od had appointed< there"ore%
ho.!oever the .ic$ed did !'ppo!e that Chri!t .a! @'ite ta$en a.a) #) death% and did no.
vainl) tri'mph% )et the "aith"'l con"e!! that their rage .a! all #'t vain. -'t here ma) a @'e!tion
#e moved% .h) he calleth them the >entile! and people o" +!rael% !eeing there .a! #'t one #od)I
+ thin$ that the diver!it) o" co'ntrie! i! noted in thi! place% o't o" .hich the Be.! came together
to the "ea!t% a! i" the) !ho'ld have !aid% that the Be.! .hich .ere #orn in diver! place!% having
made% a! it .ere% a conco'r!e% did a!!a'lt the $ingdom o" Chri!t% )et .a! their "'r) "r'!trate and
o" none e""ect.
Thy holy 3on /esus( The >recian! '!e the ver) !ame .ord .hich + tran!lated even no.% ser&ant,
.hen mention .a! made o" (avid% "or the) call [pa~ida] !ometime! a !ervant !ometime! a !on<
and (avid i! !o called% #eca'!e he .a! the mini!ter o" >od% a! .ell in r'ling the people a! in the
o""ice o" a prophet< #'t thi! .ord% son, agreeth #etter .ith the per!on o" Chri!t% 'nle!! !ome man
had lie"er ta$e it th'!% that L'$e meant to all'de 'nto that li$elihood [re!em#lance] .hich (avid
had .ith Chri!t .hen he !etteth do.n a .ord o" a do'#le !igni"ication. +t i! e3pre!!l) !aid% that
>od hath anointed hi! Son% that that ma) tr'l) agree to him .hich i! in the P!alm% "or in
anointing him >od made him a Ling% and )et .e m'!t note there.ithal .hat anointing thi! .a!%
"or .e $no. that he .a! not anointed .ith vi!i#le oil% #'t .ith the Hol) >ho!t.
2$. That they %ight do( + have alread) declared to .hat end thi! i! !po$en< that the $ingdom o"
Chri!t .a! !o "ar "rom #eing overr'n #) that con!pirac)% that in tr'th it did then "lo'ri!h.
:ot.ith!tanding herein i! contained a !ing'lar doctrine% that >od doth !o govern and g'ide all
thing! #) hi! !ecret co'n!el% that% he doth #ring to pa!! tho!e thing! .hich he hath determined%
even #) the .ic$ed. :ot that the) are read) .illingl) to do him !'ch !ervice% #'t #eca'!e he
t'rneth their co'n!el! and attempt! #ac$.ard< !o that on the one !ide appeareth great e@'it) and
mo!t great righteo'!ne!!< on the other appeareth no'ght #'t .ic$edne!! and ini@'it). Jhich
matter .e have handled more at large in the !econd chapter. Let '! learn here% #) the .a)% that
.e m'!t !o con!ider the providence o" >od% that .e $no. that it i! the chie" and onl) g'ider o"
all thing! .hich are done in the .orld% that the devil and all the .ic$ed are $ept #ac$ .ith >od=!
#ridle% le!t the) !ho'ld do '! an) harm< that .hen the) rage "a!te!t% )et are the) not at li#ert) to
do .hat the) li!t% #'t have the #ridle given them% )et !o "ar "orth a! i! e3pedient to e3erci!e '!.
Tho!e men .hich do ac$no.ledge the "ore$no.ledge o" >od alone% and )et con"e!! not that all
thing! are done a! it plea!eth him% are ea!il) convict #) the!e .ord!% That >od hath appointed
#e"ore that thing to #e done .hich .a! done. ;ea% L'$e #eing not contented .ith the .ord
'ounsel, addeth al!o hand, improperl)% )et to the end he might the more plainl) declare that the
16
event! o" thing! are not onl) governed #) the co'n!el o" >od% #'t that the) are al!o ordered #)
hi! po.er and hand.
2&. And no$ O Lord( The) do ver) .ell e3tend that 'nto them!elve! .hich the) cited concerning
Chri!t< #eca'!e he .ill not% #e !eparated "rom the go!pel< )ea% .hat tro'#le !o ever #e"alleth hi!
mem#er!% he applieth that to hi! o.n per!on. *nd the) crave at >od=! hand! that he .ill #eat
do.n the cr'elt) o" the adver!arie!< )et not !o m'ch "or their o.n !a$e that the) ma) live @'ietl)
and .itho't ve3ation% a! that the) ma) have li#ert) to preach the go!pel in all place!. :either
.a! it "or them to de!ire a li"e .hich the) might !pend idl)% having "or!a$en their calling. 9or
the) add% P>rant 'nto th) !ervant!% 7 Lord% that the) ma) !pea$ #oldl).Q *nd #) the .a) .e
m'!t note thi! !peech% that the Lord .o'ld #ehold their threatening!. 9or !eeing it #elongeth
properl) to him to re!i!t the pro'd% and to thro. do.n their lo"t) loo$!< the more pro'dl) the)
#rag and #oa!t% the more do the) 'ndo'#tedl) provo$e >od to #e di!plea!ed .ith them% and it i!
not to #e do'#ted #'t that >od% #eing o""ended .ith !'ch indignit) and cr'elt)% .ill redre!! the
!ame. So ,5echia!% to the end he ma) o#tain help in e3tremit)% declareth #e"ore the Lord the
arroganc) o" Sennacheri# and hi! cr'el threatening!% F
N/33M10O
+!aiah 3M410 and 1M.G Jhere"ore let
the cr'elt) and reproache! o" o'r enemie! rather !tir 'p in '! a de!ire to pra)% than an) .hit
di!co'rage '! "rom going "or.ard in the co'r!e o" o'r o""ice.
'. Grant unto thy ser&ants( Seeing that one miracle had !tinged the enem) !o !ore ho. i! it that
the!e hol) men do de!ire to have ne. miracle! done dail)I There"ore .e gather that hence .hich
+ have alread) to'ched% that the) ma$e !o great acco'nt o" the glor) o" >od% that in compari!on
o" thi!% the) !et light #) all other thing!. The) have re!pect 'nto thi! one thing onl)% that the
po.er o" >od ma) #e declared #) miracle!% .hich the godl) o'ght al.a)! to de!ire% altho'gh the
adver!arie! #'r!t% and all the .hole hell do rage. The !ame m'!t .e al!o thin$ o" #oldne!! to
!pea$. The) $ne. that the .ic$ed co'ld a#ide nothing .or!e than the "ree co'r!e o" the go!pel<
#'t #eca'!e the) $no. that that i! the doctrine o" li"e .hich >od .ill have p'#li!hed .hat!oever
#e"all< the) do 'ndo'#tedl) pre"er the preaching thereo" #e"ore all other thing!% #eca'!e it i!
accepta#le to >od. *nd .e are ta'ght that .e do then rightl) ac$no.ledge the #ene"it! o" >od a!
.e o'ght% i" #) thi! occa!ion .e #e pric$ed "or.ard to pra)% that he .ill con"irm that .hich he
hath #egan. The apo!tle! had !ho.ed a to$en o" heroic "ortit'de< no. again the) pra) that the)
ma) #e "'rni!hed .ith #oldne!!. So Pa'l de!ireth the "aith"'l to pra) 'nto the Lord that hi!
mo'th ma) #e opened% .herea!% not.ith!tanding% hi! voice did !o'nd ever).here
F
N010611O
,phe!ian! 6411.G There"ore% the more .e perceive o'r!elve! to #e holpen #) the Lord% let
'! learn to crave at the hand! o" >od that .e ma) go "or.ard herea"ter< and e!peciall) !eeing the
"ree con"e!!ion o" the go!pel i! a !ing'lar gi"t o" >od% .e m'!t contin'all) #e!eech him to $eep
'! in the !ame.
1. And $hen they had +rayed( L'$e declareth no. that >od did not onl) hear thi! pra)er% #'t
did al!o te!ti") the !ame #) a vi!i#le !ign "rom heaven. 9or the !ha$ing o" the place !ho'ld% o"
it!el"% have done them !mall good< #'t it tendeth to another end% that the "aith"'l ma) $no. that
>od i! pre!ent .ith them. 9inall)% it i! nothing el!e #'t a to$en o" the pre!ence o" >od. -'t the
"r'it "ollo.eth% "or the) are all "illed .ith the Hol) >ho!t% and endo.ed .ith greater #oldne!!.
Je o'ght rather to !tand 'pon thi! !econd mem#er. 9or .herea! >od did declare hi! po.er then
#) !ha$ing the place it .a! a rare and e3traordinar) thing< and .herea! it appeared #) the e""ect%
that the apo!tle! did o#tain that .hich the) de!ired% thi! i! a perpet'al pro"it o" pra)er% .hich i!
al!o !et #e"ore '! "or an e3ample.
1M
ACTS ":2-%
2. *nd the m'ltit'de .hich #elieved had one heart and one !o'l< and no man did
!a) that an) o" tho!e thing! .hich he po!!e!!ed .a! hi! o.n< #'t the) had all thing!
common. . *nd the apo!tle! did #ear .itne!! o" the re!'rrection o" Be!'! Chri!t
.ith great po.er< and great grace .a! 'pon them all. ". 9or there .a! one among
them that $ic$ed4 "or !o man) a! po!!e!!ed land! or ho'!e!% !etting them% the)
#ro'ght the price o" tho!e thing! .hich .ere !old% !. *nd the) laid it at the "eet o"
the apo!tle!4 and it .a! di!tri#'ted to ever) man according a! he had need. #. *nd
Bo!e!% .hich .a! !'remined o" the opo!tle! -arna#a!% F.hich i!% the !on o" com"ort%G
a Levite% o" the co'ntr) o" C)pr'!% %. Jherea! he had land% he !old it% and #ro'ght
the mone)% and laid it at the apo!tle!= "eet.
2. And the %ultitude( +n thi! place there are three thing! commended< that the "aith"'l .ere all
o" one mind< that there .a! a m't'al parta$ing o" good! among!t them< that the apo!tle! #ehaved
them!elve! !to'tl) in anno'ncing the re!'rrection o" Chri!t. He !aith that the m'ltit'de had one
heart* #eca'!e thi! i! "ar more e3cellent than i" a "e. men !ho'ld have a m't'al con!ent. *nd
hereto"ore he hath declared% that the Ch'rch did gro. to #e a#o't "ive tho'!and. *nd no. he
!aith that there .a! .onder"'l concord in !o great a m'ltit'de% .hich i! a ver) hard matter.
*nd !'rel) .here "aith #eareth the chie" !.a)% it doth !o $nit the heart! o" men together% that all
o" them do #oth .ill and nill one thing. 9or di!cord !pringeth hence #eca'!e .e are not all
governed .ith the !ame Spirit o" Chri!t. +t i! .ell $no.n that #) the!e t.o .ord!% heart and
soul, he meaneth the .ill. *nd #eca'!e the .ic$ed do o"tentime! con!pire together to do evil%
thi! concord .a! la'da#le and hol) there"ore #eca'!e it .a! among!t the "aith"'l.
And no %an did say( Thi! i! the !econd mem#er< that the) co'pled thi! love .ith e3ternal
#ene"it!. -'t .e !hall !ee anon% a"ter .hat !ort the) had their good! common. Thi! i! no. .orth
the noting in the te3t o" L'$e that the in.ard 'nit) o" mind! goeth #e"ore a! the root% and then
the "r'it "ollo.eth a"ter. *nd !'rel) even .e o'ght to o#!erve the !ame order% .e m'!t love one
another%
9/31
and then thi! love o" o'r! m'!t !ho. it!el" #) e3ternal e""ect!.
9/00
*nd in vain do .e
#oa!t o" a right a""ection% 'nle!! there appear !ome te!timon) thereo" in e3ternal o""ice!.
Moreover% L'$e declareth there.ithal% that the) .ere not o" one mind "or an) re!pect o" their
o.n commodit)% "ora!m'ch a! the rich men% .hen the) did li#erall) #e!to. their good!% !o'ght
nothing le!! than their o.n gain.
. And $ith great +o$er( Thi! third mem#er appertaineth to doctrine. 9or L'$e doth !igni") that
the 5eal .hich the apo!tle! had to preach the go!pel .a! !o "ar "rom #eing dimini!hed% that the)
.ere rather endo.ed .ith ne. po.er. Jherea! he doth onl) name the re!'rrection o" Chri!t% it i!
syne'do'he* "or thi! part i! p't "or the .hole go!pel. -'t L'$e ma$eth mention o" the
re!'rrection alone% #eca'!e it i!% a! it .ere% the "'rni!hing or "'l"illing o" the go!pel< and%
!econdl)% #eca'!e the) had end'red a !ore com#at "or the !ame% and the Sadd'cee! .ere !ore
grieved at it% .ho aid then #ear the chie" !.inge% [!.a).]
And great gra'e $as( He !igni"ieth that thi! !erved not a little to the !preading a#road o"
doctrine% in that% #) helping the poor !o #o'nti"'ll)% the) "o'nd "avor at the hand! o" !tranger!.
9or he !aith that the) .ere #eloved% #eca'!e the) .ere #ene"icial.
9/01
There"ore% there i! a
!ho.ing o" a rea!on in the!e .ord!% :o man among!t them did lac$. *ltho'gh .e need not do'#t
o" thi!% #'t that their hone!t)% and temperance% and mode!t)% and patience% and other virt'e!% did
1E
provo$e man) to #ear them good.ill. He declareth
9/0/
a"ter.ard% a"ter .hat !ort the) had their
good! common% .hich he had to'ched #e"ore% to .it% that the rich men !old their land! and
ho'!e!% that the) might relieve the povert) o" the poor%
". 8or so %any as $ere( *ltho'gh thi! #e an 'niver!al !peech% )et i! it all one a! i" it .ere
inde"inite. *nd a!!'redl) it i! to #e tho'ght that there .ere man) .hich did not dimini!h their
po!!e!!ion!% and that ma) #e gathered o't o" the te3t% [conte3t.] 9or .hen he !pea$eth o" Bo!e!
anon% 'ndo'#tedl) he meant to note a nota#le e3ample% pa!!ing all other!. There"ore he !aith%
that all did that .hich man) did ever) .here< neither doth thi! di!agree .ith the common '!e o"
the Script're. *gain% he meaneth not that the "aith"'l !old all that the) had% #'t onl) !o m'ch a!
need re@'ired. 9or thi! i! !po$en "or ampli"ication=! !a$e% that the rich men did not onl) relieve
the povert) o" their #rethren o" the )earl) reven'e o" their land!% #'t the) .ere !o li#eral% that
the) !pared not their land!. *nd thi! might #e% tho'gh the) did not ro# them!elve! o" all% #'t onl)
a little dimini!h their reven'e!< .hich .e ma) gather again o't o" the .ord! o" L'$e% "or he !aith
that thi! .a! the end% that no man might lac$. He !ho.eth "'rther% that the) '!ed great .i!dom%
9/03
#eca'!e it .a! di!tri#'ted a! ever) man had need. There"ore the good! .ere not e@'all)
divided% #'t there .a! a di!creet di!tri#'tion made% le!t an) !ho'ld #e o't o" mea!'re oppre!!ed
.ith povert). *nd% peradvent're% Bo!e! hath thi! commendation given him #) name% #eca'!e he
!old hi! onl) po!!e!!ion. 9or #) thi! mean! he pa!!ed all the re!t.
Here#) it appeareth .hat that meaneth% that no man co'nted an)thing hi! o.n% #'t the) had all
thing! common. 9or no man had hi! o.n privatel) to him!el"% that he alone might en?o) the
!ame% neglecting other!< #'t a! need re@'ired% the) .ere read) to #e!to. 'pon all men. *nd no.
.e m'!t need! have more than iron #o.el!% !eeing that .e are no more moved .ith the reading
o" thi! hi!tor). The "aith"'l did at that da) give a#'ndantl) even o" that .hich .a! their o.n% #'t
.e are not onl) content at thi! da) .ic$edl) to !'ppre!! that .hich .e have in o'r hand!% #'t do
al!o ro# other!. The) did and "aith"'ll) #ring "orth their o.n< .e invent a tho'!and !'#tile !hi"t!
to dra. all thing! 'nto '! #) hoo$ or #) croo$. The) laid it do.n at the apo!tle!= "eet% .e "ear not
.ith !acrilegio'! #oldne!! to convert that to o'r o.n '!e .hich .a! o""ered to >od. The) !old in
time! pa!t their po!!e!!ion!% there reigneth at thi! da) an in!atia#le de!ire to #'). Love made that
common to the poor and need) .hich .a! proper to ever) man< !'ch i! the 'nnat'ralne!! o"
!ome men no.% that the) cannot a#ide that the poor !ho'ld d.ell 'pon the earth% that the) !ho'ld
have the '!e o" .ater% air% and heaven.
9/00
Jhere"ore% the!e thing! are .ritten "or o'r !hame and reproach. *ltho'gh even the poor
them!elve! are to #lame "or !ome part o" thi! evil. 9or !eeing good! cannot #e common a"ter thi!
!ort% !ave onl) .here there i! a godl) agreement% and .here there reigneth one heart and one
!o'l< man) men are either !o pro'd or 'nthan$"'l% or !loth"'l% or greed)% or !'ch h)pocrite!% that
the) do not onl) !o m'ch a! in them lieth @'ite p't o't the de!ire to do .ell% #'t al!o hinder
a#ilit). *nd )et m'!t .e remem#er that admonition o" Pa'l% that .e #e not .ear) o" .elldoing%
F
N0E0601O
>alatian! 641.G *nd .herea!% 'nder color o" thi!% the *na#apti!t! and "anta!tical ["anatical]
men have made m'ch ado% a! i" there o'ght to #e no civil propert) o" good! among!t Chri!tian!%
+ have alread) re"'ted thi! "oll)
9/0D
o" their! in the !econd chapter. 9or neither doth L'$e in thi!
place pre!cri#e a la. to all men .hich the) m'!t o" nece!!it) "ollo.% .hile that he rec$oneth 'p
.hat the) did in .hom a certain !ing'lar e""icac) and po.er o" the Hol) Spirit o" >od did !ho.
it!el"< neither doth he !pea$ generall) o" all men% that it can #e gathered that the) .ere not
co'nted Chri!tian! .hich did not !ell all that the) had.
11
CH*PT,8 D
ACTS !:1-#
1. *nd a certain man called *nania!% .ith Sapphira hi! .i"e% !old a po!!e!!ion% 2.
*nd he $ept #ac$ part o" the price% hi! .i"e $no.ing thereo"% and #ringing part% he
laid it at the apo!tle!= "eet. . *nd Peter !aid% *nania!% .h) hath Satan "illed thine
heart that tho' !ho'lde!t lie to the Hol) >ho!t% and $eep #ac$ part o" the price o" the
gro'ndI ". (id it not% remaining% remain to theeI and% #eing !old% .a! it not in th)
po.erI Ho. i! it that tho' ha!t p't thi! thing in th) heartI Tho' ha!t not lied to men%
#'t to >od. !. *nd .hen *nania! heard the!e .ord!% "alling% he )ielded 'p the
gho!t< and there came great "ear 'pon all tho!e .hich had heard the!e thing!. #.
9'rthermore% the )o'ng men .hich .ere pre!ent gathered him 'p% and% carr)ing
him o't% the) #'ried him.
1. TH7S, thing! .hich L'$e hath reported hitherto did !ho. that that compan)% .hich .a!
gathered together 'nder the name o" Chri!t% .a! rather a compan) o" angel! than o" men%
Moreover% that .a! incredi#le virt'e% that the rich men did de!poil them!elve! o" their o.n
accord% not onl) o" their mone)% #'t al!o o" their land% that the) might relieve the poor. -'t no.
he !ho.eth that Satan had invented a !hi"t to get into that hol) compan)% and that 'nder color o"
!'ch e3cellent virt'e< "or he hath .onder"'l .ile! o" h)pocri!) to in!in'ate him!el". Thi! .a)
doth Satan a!!a'lt the Ch'rch% .hen a! he cannot prevail #) open .ar. -'t .e m'!t !peciall) in
thi! place have re!pect 'nto the dri"t o" the Hol) >ho!t. 9or in thi! hi!tor) he meant to declare%
"ir!t% ho. accepta#le !inglene!! o" heart i! to >od% and .hat an a#omination h)pocri!) i! in hi!
!ight< !econdl)% ho. greatl) he allo.eth [approve!] the hol) and p're polic) and govermnent o"
hi! Ch'rch. 9or thi! i! the principal point% the p'ni!hment .here.ith p'ni!hed *nania! and hi!
.i"e. *! the greatne!! thereo" did at that time terri") them all% !o it i! 'nto '! a te!timon) that
>od cannot a#ide thi! 'n"aith"'lne!!% .hen a! #earing a !ho. o" holine!! .here there i! none%
.e do moc$ him contempti#l). 9or i"% having .eighed all the circ'm!tance!% .e #e de!iro'! to
$no. the !'m% L'$e condemneth no other "a'lt in *nania! than thi!% that he meant to deceive
>od and the Ch'rch .ith a reigned o""ering. ;et there .ere more evil! pac$ed 'nder thi!
di!!im'lation4 the contempt o" >od% .hom he "eareth not% tho'gh he $ne. hi! .ic$edne!!<
!acrilegio'! de"ra'ding% #eca'!e he $eepeth #ac$ part o" that .hich he pro"e!!eth to #e hol) to
>od< perver!e vanit) and am#ition% #eca'!e he va'nteth him!el" in the pre!ence o" men% .itho't
having an) re!pect 'nto >od=! ?'dgment< .ant o" "aith% #eca'!e he .o'ld never have gone thi!
.a) to .or$% 'nle!! he had mi!tr'!ted >od< the corr'pting o" a godl) and hol) order<
"'rthermore% the h)pocri!) it!el" .a! a great o""en!e o" it!el".
9/06
The "act o" *nania! did #ear a
goodl) !ho.%
9/0M
altho'gh he had given onl) the hal" o" hi! land. :either i! thi! a !mall virt'e% "or
a rich man to #e!to. the hal" o" hi! good! 'pon the poor< #'t the !acri"ice! o" the 'ngodl) are an
a#omination to >od% F
N/01D0EO
Prover#! 1D4E<G neither can an) thing plea!e him .here the
!inglene!! o" heart i! .anting. 9or thi! ca'!e i! it that Chri!t ma$eth more acco'nt o" the t.o
mite! o""ered #) the .ido.% than o" the great !'m! o" other!% .ho o" their great heap! gave !ome
part% F
N0//10/O
L'$e /14/.G Thi! i! the ca'!e .h) >od doth !ho. an e3ample o" !'ch !harp
p'ni!hment in *nania!. :o.% let '! note ever) point #) it!el". He laid it at the feet of the
a+ostles( Lo% .hat am#ition dothS *nania! i! a!hamed not to #e acco'nted one o" the #e!t<
there"ore% altho'gh he #e greed) o" mone)% )et to the end he ma) p'rcha!e a name among!t men%
100
he depriveth him!el" o" !ome part o" hi! riche!. +n the mean.hile% he doth not con!ider that he
lieth and deceiveth in the !ight o" >od% and that >od .ill p'ni!h thi! lie. So it i!% that he honoreth
the apo!tle!= "eet more than >od=! e)e!. Jhere"ore% .e m'!t ta$e good heed% that .hen .e do
.ell% .e do not !ee$ to #e prai!ed o" the #)!tander!<
9/0E
and it i! not .itho't ca'!e that Chri!t
!aith% that it i! pro"ita#le "or '! .hen .e give o'r alm!% to have the le"t hand ignorant o" that
.hich the right hand doth.
. And Peter said( Ho. did Peter $no. *nania!= "ra'd Fand p'rloiningIG Cndo'#tedl) #) the
revelation o" the Spirit. There"ore% L'$e !igni"ieth 'nto '!% that the apo!tle! did a"ter a !ort
repre!ent >od=! per!on% and !'ppl) hi! room. +" the Spirit o" >od% #) the mo'th o" a mortal man%
do !o !ore 'rge an h)pocrite% #eing other.i!e painted .ith the #ea'ti"'l color o" virt'e!% ho.
!hall the repro#ate a#ide the voice o" >od him!el"% .ith the !o'nd o" the tr'mpet% .hen the)
!hall appear #e"ore hi! ?'dgment!eatI 9'rthermore% Peter pointeth o't the cr'elne!! and
horri#lene!! o" the o""en!e
9/01
#) hi! @'e!tion% .hen he !aith% that Satan had "illed the heart o"
*nania!. 9or there i! no man .ho!e heart i! not pric$ed .ith the pric$! o" Satan% and all men are
al!o man) .a)! tempted% )ea% the!e temptation! pierce into their mind!< #'t .here Satan
po!!e!!eth the heart% he reigneth in the .hole man% having% a! it .ere% e3pelled >od. Thi! i! a
!ign o" a repro#ate% to #e !o addicted and given over to Satan% that the Spirit o" >od hath no
place. That .hich "ollo.eth a"ter.ard concerning l)ing ma) have a do'#le !en!e< either that he
did "al!el) #ear a !ho. o" the Spirit% or that he lied again!t the Spirit. *nd% indeed% it i! .ord "or
.ord %entiri 3+iritu%* #'t "ora!m'ch a! the >ree$ .ord [yeudesqai] i! ?oined .ith a do'#le
acc'!ative ca!e and that doth #etter agree .ith the te3t [conte3t%] + am rather o" thi! mind% that
*nania! i! reprehended% #eca'!e he did lie "al!el) to the Hol) >ho!t. Jhich he con"irmeth
!hortl) a"ter% .hen he 'p#raideth thi! 'nto him% that he hath lied 'nto >od% and not 'nto men.
Jhere"ore .e m'!t ta$e great heed% that h)pocri!) reign not in '!% .hich hath thi! .ic$edne!!
proper to it% to go a#o't to deceive >od% and% a! it .ere 'orni'u% o'ulos 'onfigere( To go a#o't
to ma$e #lind tho!e .hich are mo!t .i!e<
9/D0
.hich cannot #e .itho't a di!lo)al and 'n!eeml)
moc$. Jhere"ore it i! not .itho't ca'!e that Peter !aith% that .here thi! cometh to pa!! the heart
i! po!!e!!ed o" Satan. 9or .ho d'r!t F'nle!! he .ere void o" rea!onG !o #la!pheme >odI
There"ore Peter a!$eth him a! o" !ome .onder% #eca'!e !'ch #lindne!! i! horri#le.
". ;id it not re%aining( Thi! ampli"ieth the o""en!e #eca'!e he !inned% #eing en"orced #) no
nece!!it). 9or !eeing it i! no ?'!t or la."'l e3c'!e to have #een provo$ed #) !ome other mean!%
ho. m'ch .or!e i! it to r'n headlong 'nto .ic$edne!! .illingl)% and% a! it .ere o" !et p'rpo!e to
p'll do.n >od=! vengeanceI Je gather o't o" thi!% that no man .a! en"orced to !ell hi! good! or
land!. 9or Peter !aith% that *nania! had "ree li#ert) to $eep #oth hi! land and hi! mone)< #eca'!e
in the !econd mem#er% the "ield .hich .a! !old i! ta$en "or the price it!el". There"ore he !ho'ld
neverthele!! have #een co'nted "aith"'l% tho'gh he had $ept that .hich .a! hi! o.n. Jhere#) it
appeareth that the) are men de!tit'te o" their right .it!% .ho !a) that it i! not la."'l "or the
"aith"'l to have an)thing o" their o.n.
Thou hast not lied to %en, but to God( *ltho'gh the .ord! #e diver!el) con!tr'ed% )et do + not
do'#t #'t that thi! con"irmeth the "ormer !entence. 9or h)pocrite! do !o en.rap them!elve! in !o
man) !hi"t!% that the) thin$ the) have nothing to do .ith >od. *nd Peter !pea$eth th'! e3pre!!l)%
#eca'!e *nania! had deceived the Ch'rch. -'t he o'ght to have con!idered% that
P.here t.o or three #e gathered together in the name o" Chri!t% he i! pre!ent there a! the
chie" governor%Q F
N001E/0O
Matthe. 1E4/0<G
101
)ea% he o'ght to have #ehaved him!el" no other.i!e in that a!!em#l)% than i" he !ho'ld have !een
>od .ith hi! e)e!. 9or !eeing that >od .ill reign in the Ch'rch% i" .e give him an) reverence%
.e m'!t reverence that r'le and government religio'!l) .hich he e3erci!eth #) hi! Jord. The
apo!tle! .ere indeed men% #'t not private men% #eca'!e >od had p't them in hi! !tead.
9'rthermore% .e m'!t note% that he !aith that he lieth to >od .ho doth lie to the Hol) >ho!t. 9or
the divinit) o" the Hol) >ho!t i! mani"e!tl) proved #) thi! "orm o" !peech. +n li$e !ort Pa'l !aith%
P;e are the temple! o" >od% #eca'!e hi! Spirit d.elleth in )o'%Q F
N060316O
1 Corinthian! 3416%1M<
and 6411.G
!. 2hen Ananias heard these things( The death o" *nania! doth% indeed% declare and prove the
"orce o" the .ord% .hich Pa'l cloth highl) e3tol< to .it% that it i! the !avor o" death 'nto death to
tho!e .hich peri!h% F
N0M0/16O
/ Corinthian! /416.G He !pea$eth% indeed% o" the !pirit'al death o" the
!o'l% #'t there .a! a vi!i#le !ign in the #od) o" *nania! o" that p'ni!hment .hich cannot #e !een
.ith the e)e! o" men. He .a! not !lain .ith !.ord% #) "orce% nor hand% #'t .a! !tric$en dead
.ith the onl) hearing o" the voice. Jhen .e hear thi!% let the threatening! o" the go!pel terri")
'!% and h'm#le '! in time% le!t .e al!o "eel the li$e e""ect. 9or that .hich i! !po$en o" Chri!t%
PHe !hall !la) the .ic$ed .ith the #reath o" hi! mo'th.Q F
N/31100O
+!aiah 1140%G
doth not onl) appertain to the head o" the .ic$ed% #'t al!o to ever) mem#er. 9or tho!e .hich
re"'!e the !alvation o""ered in hi! .ord% it m'!t need! #e deadl) to them% .hich .a! nat'rall)
.hole!ome. -'t and i" an) man do thin$ it an a#!'rd thing that the apo!tle did p'ni!h *nania!
#odil)% "ir!t% + an!.er% that thi! .a! an e3traordinar) thing< !econdl)% that thi! .a! one o" the gi"t!
o" the Spirit% a! it appeareth #) the 11th chapter o" the 9ir!t to the Corinthian!% Fver!e 10.G *"ter
.hich !ort .e !hall a"ter.ard !ee ,l)ma!% the !orcerer% !tric$en .ith #lindne!! #) Pa'l%
F
N00130EO
*ct! 134E.G There"ore% Peter did nothing .hich .a! impertinent to hi! "'nction% .hen he
did in time !hoot that dart .hich the Hol) >ho!t had given him. *nd .herea! !ome thin$ that
thi! .a! too cr'el a p'ni!hment% thi! cometh to pa!!% #eca'!e% .eighing *nania!= !in in their o.n
and not in >od=! #alance% the) co'nt that #'t a light o""en!e .hich .a! a mo!t great and grievo'!
crime% #eing "'ll o" !'ch heino'! o""en!e! a! + have alread) declared. 7ther !ome do thin$ that
thi! .a! nothing !o% #eca'!e the) !ee man) h)pocrite! e!cape !cot "ree dail)% .hich do no le!!
moc$ >od than did *nania!< )ea% #eca'!e the) them!elve! #eing mo!t gro!! contemner! o" >od%
are )et not.ith!tanding 'np'ni!hed "or their .ic$edne!!. -'t a! >od hath po'red o't vi!i#le
grace! 'pon hi! Ch'rch in the #eginning% to the end .e ma) $no. that he .ill #e pre!ent .ith '!
#) the !ecret po.er o" hi! Spirit% )ea% he !ho.ed that openl) #) e3ternal !ign!% .hich .e "eel
in.ardl) #) the e3periment o" "aith< !o he declared #) the vi!i#le p'ni!hment o" t.o% ho.
horri#le a ?'dgment remaineth "or all h)pocrite!% .hich !hall moc$ >od and hi! Ch'rch.
And there 'a%e great fear( Thi! .a! the Lord=! p'rpo!e% #) p'ni!hing one to ma$e the re!t
a"raid% that the) might reverentl) #e.are o" all h)pocri!). *nd that .hich L'$e !aith% that they
feared, doth appertain 'nto '! al!o. 9or >od meant to give all age! a le!!on at that time% that the)
ma) learn to deal !incerel) and 'prightl) .ith him. +n the mean !ea!on% the p'ni!hment o" thi!
.ic$ed per!on o'ght to have enco'raged the godl) herea"ter to con!ecrate their good! more
"reel) to >od and the poor< #eca'!e the) might gather ho. precio'! alm! .a! in the !ight o"
>od% !eeing the pro"aning thereo" .a! !o p'ni!hed.
9/D1
ACTS !:%-11
%. *nd there .a! pa!!ed a#o't the !pace o" three ho'r!% .hen hi! .i"e came in%
10/
ignorant o" that .hich .a! done. $. *nd Peter !aid 'nto her% Tell me% !old )e
the "ield "or !o m'chI She an!.ered% S'rel)% "or !o m'ch. &. *nd Peter !aid
'nto her% Jhat i! thi! that )e are agreed together to tempt the Spirit o" the
LordI -ehold% the "eet o" tho!e .hich have #'ried th) h'!#and are at the door%
.hich !hall carr) thee o't. 1'. *nd immediatel) !he "ell do.n at hi! "eet% and
gave 'p the gho!t. 9'rthermore% .hen the )o'ng men came in% the) "o'nd her
dead% and .hen the) had carried her o't% the) #'ried her #e!ide her h'!#and.
11. *nd there came great "ear 'pon all the ch'rch% and 'pon all .hich heard
the!e thing!.
%. That p'ni!hment .here.ith the Lord p'ni!hed Sapphira containeth no ne. thing% !ave onl)
that the e3ample .a! the more con"irmed there#). *nd it came to pa!! #) the certain providence
o" >od% that the Ch'rch !ho'ld !ee apart the o#!tinate .ic$edne!! and treachero'! mind o" them
#oth. Seeing their "a'lt! .ere ali$e% the) might have #een $no.n together< #'t thi! .a! more "it
and pro"ita#le "or the Ch'rch% that the) might !everall) #e.ra) their o.n .ic$edne!!. :either
.a! Sapphira provo$ed #) the !ight o" her h'!#and to di!!em#le% Fa! it "alleth o't o"tentime!%G
that the "a'lt co'ld #e a!cri#ed to !hame"acedne!!% #'t o" her o.n accord% and #eing pric$ed
"or.ard #) no other mean!% !he !eemeth to #e no #etter than her h'!#and. Moreover% their
.ic$edne!! in l)ing .a! li$e% "ora!m'ch a! !he ma) !ee #) Peter=! interrogation that their g'ile
.a! "o'nd o't.
$. Tell %e( Je !ee that >od doth not #) and #)
9/D/
p'ni!h her% #'t "ir!t he trieth the matter
thoro'ghl)% le!t he !ho'ld !end vengeance 'pon an) !ave the o#!tinate% and tho!e .hich .ill not
#e pardoned.
9/D3
9or altho'gh Sapphira did $no. that the matter .a! hidden% !he o'ght to have
#een !tric$en .ith thi! @'e!tion o" Peter% no other.i!e than i" !he had #een cited to appear #e"ore
the ?'dgment!eat o" >od. She hath a time granted her to repent< )ea% thi! i!% a! it .ere% a
plea!ant
9/D0
inviting 'nto repentance. -'t !he% in holding on !o carele!!l)%
9/DD
doth declare that
!he .a! inc'ra#le% #eca'!e !he i! to'ched .ith no "ear o" >od.
*nd here#) are .e ta'ght to la#or diligentl) to #ring !inner! into the .a). 9or the Spirit o" >od
$eepeth thi! moderation< #'t .hen a! !t'##ornne!! and the !t'##orn contempt o" >od i! added
'nto the o""en!e% it i! no. high time to p'ni!h. There"ore% tho!e men are too arrogant .ho are
di!plea!ed .ith the immoderate rigor o" >od. +t i! rather o'r d't) to con!ider ho. .e !hall in
time to come
9/D6
!tand #e"ore the ?'dgment!eat o" >od< altho'gh thi! i! too m'ch to de!pi!e hi!
hol) po.er and ma?e!t)% i" .e .ill have him moc$ed "reel) .itho't an) p'ni!hment. Moreover%
!o man) circ'm!tance!% .hich #e"ore + have gathered% do !'""icientl) prove that *nania! and
Sapphira .ere not .orth) o" one death onl). 9or% "ir!t o" all% h)pocri!) i! o" it!el" ver)
a#omina#le to >od. Secondl)% .herea! the) are determined to lie 'nto >od% thi! ari!eth o" great
contempt% in that the) do not reverence and "ear Chri!t% #eing the Chie" >overnor o" tho!e
among!t .hom the) .ere. +t i! 'ngodline!! ?oined .ith imp'denc)< #eca'!e% !o the) can e!cape
!hame and reproach among!t men% #e"ore .hom the) .ere determined to va'nt and #rag% the)
pa!! not to den) their mani"e!t .ic$edne!! 'nto >od. Jherea! the) do !t'##ornl) den) their
o""en!e% thi! doth% a! it .ere% ma$e 'p the heap and mea!'re. *nd .herea! inn'mera#le
h)pocrite! do no le!! moc$ >od and the Ch'rch dail)% .ho% not.ith!tanding% are not p'ni!hed
.ith death% + have alread) !ho.ed .h) thi! o'ght to !eem to #e no inconvenient thing.
9/DM

9ora!m'ch a! >od i! the onl) B'dge o" the .orld% it #elongeth to him to p'ni!h ever) man at hi!
plea!'re% .hen and ho. it !eemeth good to him. Jhere"ore .e m'!t not pre!cri#e 'nto him a
103
certain mean and manner o" p'ni!hment. -'t the greatne!! o" the !pirit'al ?'dgment% .hich i! a!
)et hid% hath #een !et #e"ore '! in the #odil) p'ni!hment o" t.o% a! in a mirror. 9or i" .e
con!ider .hat it i! to #e ca!t into eternal "ire% .e !hall not ?'dge that thi! i! the greate!t evil and
p'ni!hment o" all% to "all do.n dead #e"ore men. Loo$ the 10th chapter o" the 9ir!t to the
Corinthian!% ver!e D.
&. To te%+t the 3+irit( He 'ttereth the !ame thing in other .ord! .hich he had !aid #e"ore< to .it%
that the) did moc$ >od 'nreverentl) and contempti#l). -'t he !aid that the) te%+ted the Spirit%
#eca'!e the) had c'nningl) pac$ed their "ra'd% a! i" the Spirit o" >od .ere not the $no.er o" the
heart!. 9or it .a! a point o" too great carele!!ne!!% !eeing the one made the other priv) to their
.ic$edne!!% to ma$e their match #et.een them!elve!% having% a! it .ere% e3cl'ded >od. 9or the
Script're !aith% that >od i! tempted either .hen hi! po.er i! ta$en "rom him% or the $no.ledge
o" all thing! i! denied him. 9'rthermore% he meaneth that Spirit .hich governed the Ch'rch #)
the apo!tle!. 9or .hen Chri!t !aith% Jhen the Spirit cometh% he !hall ?'dge the .orld% he noteth
no other $ind o" a'thorit) than that .hich he e3erci!eth #) the mini!tr) o" the Ch'rch.
11. And there 'a%e fear( He !aith% again% that the p'ni!hment o" one .a! a le!!on to all. -'t he
plainl) e3pre!!eth in thi! place a do'#le "ear. He !aith that the Ch'rch "eared% #eca'!e the
"aith"'l do never !o per"ectl) "ear >od% #'t that the) pro"it )et more% #eing admoni!hed #) hi!
?'dgment!. There"ore% #) all tho!e p'ni!hment! .hich .e read have #een laid 'pon men in time!
pa!t% and do dail) !ee to #e laid 'pon them% doth >od call '! #ac$ "rom the enticement! and
li#ert) o" !inning. 9or o'r "le!h m'!t #e #ridled ever) no. and then a"ter thi! !ort% #eca'!e one
#ridle .ill !carce !erve the t'rn. There .a! another manner [o"] "ear in the !tranger!% )et no !'ch
"ear a! #ro'ght them 'nto the !incere .or!hip o" >od< )et% not.ith!tanding% it .a! !'ch a!
ca'!ed them to give the glor) to >od.
ACTS !:12-1#
12. *nd #) the hand! o" the apo!tle! .ere done man) !ign! and .onder! among!t the
people. *nd the) .ere all .ith one accord in the Porch o" Solomon. 1. *nd o" the
other d'r!t no man ?oin him!el" to them4 #'t the people magni"ied them. 1". *nd the
m'ltit'de o" tho!e that #elieved in the Lord% #oth o" men and .omen% gre. more and
more. 1!. So that the) #ro'ght "orth the !ic$ into the !treet!% and laid them in #ed!
and co'che!% that at the lea!t .a) the !hado. o" Peter% a! he came% might !hado.
!ome o" them. 1#. *nd a m'ltit'de o" the ne3t citie! came together to Ber'!alem%
#ringing their !ic$% and tho!e .hich .ere ve3ed .ith 'nclean !pirit!% .hich .ere all
healed.
12. He ret'rneth to miracle! o" another !ort% .hich are more proper to the go!pel< to .it% .here#)
Chri!t doth not onl) declare hi! po.er% #'t al!o hi! goodne!!< to the end he ma) all're men 'nto
him!el" .ith the !.eetne!! o" hi! grace. 9or he came to !ave the .orld% and not to condemn it.
There"ore% .herea! the !ic$ are healed% and other! are delivered "rom devil!% the!e #ene"it! done
to the #od) do repre!ent the !pirit'al grace o" Chri!t< and there"ore the) agree .ith hi! nat'ral
9/DE
o""ice that + ma) !o !pea$. That "ear"'l !ign .hich .a! !ho.ed in *nania! and Sapphira came to
pa!! e3traordinaril)
9/D1
L'$e !aith that the Ch'rch .a! increa!ed #) miracle!% #eca'!e the) !erve
"or "aith%
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Fa! .e have !aid%G to prepare !ome% to con"irm other!. Jhere#) that i! proved again%
.hich + have !aid el!e.here that miracle! m'!t never #e !eparated "rom the .ord. L'$e !ho.eth
the m'ltit'de o" miracle! #) thi!% in that the !ic$ .ere #ro'ght "orth ever).here% that the) might
100
#e healed. 9or >od meant th'! to !et "orth the go!pel o" hi! Son% e!peciall) at the #eginning< that
he% might "or a certaint) te!ti") to the Be.!% that that re!toring o" all thing! .a! pre!ent% .hich
.a! !o o"ten promi!ed% and in .hich all their hope .a! repo!ed% a! the) them!elve! did pretend%
Fand ma$e !em#lance.G +t i! .ell $no.n that co'che! .ere certain little #ed! in .hich the men o"
old .ere .ont to re!t at noon. -eca'!e the) might the more ea!il) carr) them o't% the) laid the
!ic$ in them.
And they $ere all $ith one a''ord( He !igni"ieth 'nto '! that the) .ere .ont to meet together at
certain ho'r!% not onl) "or doctrine and pra)er!= !a$e% #'t that the) might .in other! 'nto the
Lord% a! occa!ion .a! given. 9or ever) man lived at home at hi! o.n ho'!e% #'t the) had their
meeting! there% a! a!!'redl) no #od) o" the Ch'rch can other.i!e contin'e. 9or i" ever) man .ill
#e hi! o.n teacher% and pra) apart #) him!el"% and i" there #e no meeting! and a!!em#lie!% ho.
e3cellentl) !oever the Ch'rch #e ordered and appointed% )et m'!t it need! deca) and come to
no'ght. He !aith that the) .ere all o" one mind% to the end .e ma) $no. that the) did all $eep
that order .illingl)% that no man .a! !o di!ordered a! to $eep him!el" at home%
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neglecting the
p'#lic a!!em#l). Jherein the) !ho.ed a to$en% not onl) o" mode!t)% #'t al!o o" con!tanc). 9or
the) co'ld not do thi! .itho't danger% !eeing the place .a! !o "amo'!. 9or .hich ca'!e% the
agreement o" them all to p't them!elve! in ha5ard .a! !o m'ch the more .orth) o"
commendation.
1. And of other durst no %an( Thi! .a! the !econd "r'it o" the miracle!% in that the!e .hich
#elieved not% #eing convict .ith the e3cellent po.er o" >od% dare not de!pi!e the apo!tle!% #'t
are rather en"orced to reverence the Ch'rch. ;et that might !eem an a#!'rd thing% that #eing
terri"ied .ith miracle!% the) "lee "rom >od and hi! people. + an!.er% that the) .ere letted thro'gh
their o.n "a'lt "rom coming< and it i! not to #e do'#ted #'t that >od doth call '! 'nto him!el" #)
miracle!. There"ore% .ho!oever the) #e that go not !o "ar% a! .illingl) to em#race the grace o"
>od .hich !hineth in them% the) are letted and hindered #) their o.n perver!e and evil
con!cience. ;et thi! i! !ome "r'it% in that >od .ringeth !ome "ear o't o" them< altho'gh L'$e
doth a!cri#e thi! not onl) to the miracle% #'t rather comprehendeth all together .hich might
!erve to the increa!ing o" the dignit) o" the Ch'rch. 9or all thing! .ere !o ordered% that there
!hined there a certain divine ma?e!t)< "or the) did no le!! di""er "rom the other than angel! "rom
men.
9or there i! a certain !ecret ma?e!t) in hol) di!cipline and in !incere godline!!% .hich doth even
"a!t #ind the .ic$ed .hether the) .ill or no. -'t .e $no. not at thi! da) o" .hat !ort the !ame
i!< )ea% rather% .e ca'!e o'r!elve! to #e de!pi!ed together .ith the go!pel% thro'gh o'r pro"ane
li#ert) o" evil living. 9'rthermore% the p'ni!hment o" *nania! and hi! .i"e did not a little terri")
the .ic$ed% and $eep them "rom #rea$ing in 'nadvi!edl) into the compan) o" tho!e men% .here
>od had !ho.ed him!el" !o !harp a B'dge. ;et .e m'!t note that he !pea$eth o" men .hich .ere
indi""erent in thi! place% and o" tho!e .hich .ere not o" the .or!t !ort< "or there .ere at that time
man) at Ber'!alem% .hom neither the reverence o" !ign!% neither )et o" the angelic holine!! o" the
godl)% co'ld move. There"ore L'$e meaneth moderate men% in .hom there are !ome !eed o" the
"ear o" >od< li$e a! .e !ee at thi! da) certain% .hom the vanit) o" the .orld $eepeth #ac$ "rom
!'#mitting their nec$! 'nto the )o$e o" Chri!t< )et #eca'!e the) !mell o't !ome divine thing in
o'r doctrine%
9/6/
the) dare not de!pi!e the !ame< )et .e ma) !ee al!o in .hat deadl) grin! [gin!]
Satan in!nareth all tho!e .hich have not the Spirit o" Chri!t% that the) do not onl) "ear to provide
"or them!elve!% #'t p'rpo!el) avoid tho!e remedie! .hich are o""ered them 'nto !alvation. The)
#oth !ee and allo. tho!e thing! .hich are #oth hol) and pro"ita#le% and )et% not.ith!tanding%
10D
the) are either carried headlong 'nto thing! .hich are .or!e% or el!e the) .a3 dro.!) in their
"ilthine!!.
1!. The shado$ of Peter, as he 'a%e( The Papi!t! a#'!e thi! te3t% [a! a prete3t!] not onl) to the
end the) ma) commend reigned miracle!% .hich the) !a) are done at the grave! o" mart)r!% #'t
al!o that the) ma) #oa!t o" their relic!. Jh) F!a) the)G !hall not the grave% or garment% the
to'ching o" the #one! o" Peter% have po.er to heal% a! .ell a! hi! !hado. had thi! po.erI +
an!.er% .e m'!t not #) and #) thin$ that that i! right .hich L'$e !aith .a! done #) ignorant
men% and tho!e .hich $ne. not the p're "aith. ;et .e have a more certain an!.er in readine!!
than thi!. 9or the apo!tle! .ere end'ed .ith !'ch po.er "or thi! ca'!e% #eca'!e the) .ere
mini!ter! o" the go!pel. There"ore the) '!ed thi! gi"t% ina!m'ch a! it !erved to "'rther the credit
o" the go!pel< )ea% >od did no le!! !ho. "orth hi! po.er in their !hado. than in their mo'th.
Tho!e miracle! .hereo" the Papi!t! #a##le are !o 'nli$e to the!e% that the) are rather altogether
contrar). 9or thi! i! the end o" their miracle!% to lead a.a) the .orld "rom Chri!t 'nto !aint!.
ACTS !:1%-2#
1%. *nd the high prie!t ro!e% and all that .ere .ith him% that i! to !a)% the !ect o" the
Sadd'cee!% and .ere. "illed .ith 5eal% [or indignation.] 1$. *nd the) laid hand! on
the apo!tle!% and p't them in the common pri!on. 1&. *nd the angel o" the Lord
opened the door o" the pri!on in the night !ea!on% and #ringing them o't% !aid% 2'.
>o% and !tanding% !pea$ in the temple 'nto the people all the .ord% o" thi! li"e. 21.
Jhen the) heard thi! earl) in the morning% the) entered into the temple and ta'ght.
-'t .hen the high prie!t came% and tho!e .hich .ere .ith him% the) called a
co'ncil% and all the .hole !enate o" the children o" +!rael% and !ent into the common
pri!on to "etch them. 22. -'t .hen the mini!ter! came% the) "o'nd them not.
There"ore the) ret'rned and told% !a)ing% 2. The pri!on tr'l) "o'nd .e !h't .ith all
diligence% and the $eeper! !tanding at the door< #'t .hen the pri!on .a! opened% .e
"o'nd none .ithin. 2". Jhen the chie" prie!t% and the captain o" the temple% and the
prie!t!% heard the!e !a)ing!% the) do'#ted o" the!e thing!% .hat thi! .o'ld #e. 2!.
9'rthermore% a certain man coming told them% !a)ing% -ehold% the men .hom )e
had p't in pri!on !tand in the temple% teaching the people. 2#. Then the captain
going .ith the mini!ter!% #ro'ght them .itho't violence. 9or the) "eared the people%
le!t the) !ho'ld #e !toned.
1%. L'$e hath hitherto declared that the Ch'rch .a! .onder"'ll) increa!ed% that it .a! "'rni!hed
9/63
.ith diver! gi"t!% that it e3celled in miracle!< "inall)% that the $ingdom o" Chri!t did "lo'ri!h
there #) all mean!. :o. he #eginneth to !ho. that the "'r) o" the .ic$ed .a! $indled .ith the!e
thing!% !o that the) raged !orer a"re!h.
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Jhence .e ma) gather .ith .hat #lind "'r) and rage
Satan driveth them "or.ard% .hen a! the) are !o little terri"ied .ith !'ch evident po.er o" >od%
that the) r'n headlong more #oldl)% and .ith greater "orce% and #end all their "orce% a! it .ere% to
overthro. the ver) heaven. *! thi! !o great #lindne!! i! a horri#le p'ni!hment o" *lmight) >od%
!o o'ght it to teach all men to !'#mit them!elve! #etime! to >od% le!t that the) them!elve!% #eing
ta$en .ith the !pirit o" giddine!!% F.hil!t the) r'n again!t the hand o" >od%G #e #ro$en in piece!
.ith the !ame. :everthele!!% let '! $no. that >od .ill !o increa!e hi! Ch'rch .ith !pirit'al good
thing!% that )et% not.ith!tanding% he !'""ereth the !ame to #e ve3ed o" the .ic$ed. There"ore .e
m'!t al.a) #e read) "or the com#at< "or o'r e!tate at thi! da) i! not 'nli$e to their!. ,!peciall)
the $no.ledge o" the gi"t! o" >od% .here#) he te!ti"ieth that he i! pre!ent .ith '!% o'ght to
106
enco'rage '!% le!t the "'r) and #oldne!! o" the .ic$ed do terri") and di!ma) '!. 9or thi! i! no
!mall com"ort% .hen .e $no. that >od i! pre!ent .ith '!.
2hi'h $ere $ith hi%( He meaneth tho!e .hich .ere mo!t "amiliar% and the highe!t lin$ed in
"riend!hip .ith the chie" prie!t% .ho!e co'n!el he .a! .ont to '!e% and .hom he had% #eing% a! it
.ere% gathered and c'lled o't o" the .hole order% not "or ?'dgment% or di!cretion% #'t "or the love
o" hi! "action< a! the) did then contend among them!elve! !hamele!!l)% li$e mortal enemie!.
9'rthermore% L'$e !aith again% that the Sadd'cee! did #ear the greate!t !.ing at that da)< to the
end .e ma) $no. that the government .a! then con"'!ed .ith horri#le .a!tene!!<
9/6D
.hen a!
!'ch a !ect co'ld #ear r'le. -'t >od !'""ered the !)nagog'e to #e dro.ned in !'ch e3treme
reproach% a"ter that he had !eparated hi! Ch'rch "rom it% to the end the) might have the le!!
e3c'!e% .ho de!pi!ing the go!pel% did contin'e in !'ch a !in$ o" "ilthine!!. +n the mean !ea!on%
.hat did en"orce and drive "or.ard tho!e !.ine% .ho .ere to'ched .ith no care o" the li"e to
come% !ave onl) mere am#ition% and de!ire to $eep that lord!hip and preeminence .hich the)
had gottenI
They $ere filled $ith 7eal( + had lie"er $eep the >ree$ .ord !till Fe!peciall) !eeing it i! common
eno'gh other.i!eG than to tran!late it e%ulation For indignation*4 "or he !pea$eth generall) o" the
perver!e and violent "orce .here.ith h)pocrite! are carried and in"lamed to maintain their
!'per!tition!< .here#) it appeareth .hat acco'nt >od ma$eth o" 5eal% and .hat prai!e it
de!erveth% .hen a! it i! not governed #) rea!on and .i!dom% that i!% .hen it i! not led and g'ided
#) the Spirit o" >od. Je !ee at thi! da) tho!e men moved and !tirred .ith devili!h "'r)% .ho .ill
#e co'nted the mo!t devo't o" all men% .ho rage horri#l) to !hed innocent #lood. :everthele!!%
let '! note that he !pea$eth not in thi! place o" an 'nadvi!ed or #lind 5eal% .hich .a! in man) o"
the Be.!% a! Pa'l a""irmeth% #'t .e 'nder!tand rather a hot and 'n#ridled violence< "or altho'gh
the .ic$ed #e acc'!ed o" their o.n con!cience!% #eca'!e the) .ittingl) re!i!t godline!!% )et do
the) deceive them!elve! .ith a "al!e !ho. o" 5eal% #eca'!e it i! la."'l to prevent ne. thing!.
9/66

So at thi! da) almo!t in all Poper) the) #oa!t onl) o" 5eal% .herea! not.ith!tanding the) are
5ealo'! "or their #ell). -'t admit .e grant that that i! tr'e .hich the) pretend% ho. can thi!
e3c'!e the heat o" their cr'elt) .here'nto the) are en"orced #) their #lindne!!I a! i" thi! .ere a
chie" virt'e to grant li#ert) to their .rath%
9/6M
to #e avenged o" that .hich di!plea!eth them< #'t
thi! .a! "ormer in order% to ma$e a di""erence #et.een good and evil% le!t an) thing #e di!!olved
9/6E
'nadvi!edl).
1&. The angel of the Lord( The Lord #ro'ght the apo!tle! o't o" pri!on% not #eca'!e he .o'ld rid
them @'ite o't o" the hand! o" their enemie!% "or he !'""ered them a"ter.ard! to #e #ro'ght #ac$
again% and to #e #eaten .ith rod!< #'t he meant to declare% #) thi! miracle% that the) .ere in hi!
hand and t'ition% to the end he might maintain the credit o" the go!pel< partl) that the Ch'rch
might have another con"irmation there#)% partl) that the .ic$ed might #e le"t .itho't e3c'!e
.here"ore .e m'!t not hope al.a)!% na)% .e m'!t not al.a)! de!ire that >od .ill deliver '!
"rom death< #'t .e m'!t #e content .ith thi! one thing% that o'r li"e i! de"ended #) hi! hand% !o
"ar a! i! e3pedient. +n that he '!eth the mini!tr) o" an angel% in thi! he doth according to hi!
common c'!tom< "or he te!ti"ieth ever) .here in the Script're!% that the angel! are mini!ter! o"
hi! goodne!! to.ard! '!. :either i! that a vain !pec'lation% "or thi! i! a pro"ita#le help "or o'r
in"irmit)% that .e $no. that not onl) >od doth care "or '!% #'t al!o that the heavenl) !pirit! do
.atch "or o'r !a"et). *gain% thi! .a! no !mall pledge o" >od=! love to.ard! '!% that the creat're!
o" all other mo!t no#le are appointed to have regard o" o'r !a"et). The angel openeth the pri!on
10M
in the night% #eca'!e he .o'ld not .or$ the miracle .hen the .ic$ed might !ee him% altho'gh he
.o'ld have the !ame #eing .ro'ght $no.n #) the event it!el".
2'. 3+ea# in the te%+le( Thi! i! the end o" their deliverance% that the) emplo) them!elve! !to'tl)
in preaching the go!pel% and provo$e their enemie! co'rageo'!l)% 'ntil the) die valiantl). 9or
the) .ere p't to death at length .hen the hand o" >od cea!ed% a"ter that the) had "ini!hed their
co'r!e< #'t no. the Lord openeth the pri!on "or them% that the) ma) #e at li#ert) to "'l"ill their
"'nction. That i! .orth the mar$ing% #eca'!e .e !ee man) men% .ho% a"ter the) have e!caped o't
o" per!ec'tion% do a"ter.ard! $eep !ilence% a! i" the) had done their d't) to.ard! >od% Fand .ere
no more to #e tro'#led<G other !ome% al!o% do e!cape a.a) #) den)ing Chri!t< #'t the Lord doth
deliver hi! children% not to the end the) ma) cea!e o"" "rom the co'r!e .hich the) have #eg'n%
#'t rather that the) ma) #e the more 5ealo'! a"ter.ard. The apo!tle! might have o#?ected% +t i!
#etter to $eep !ilence "or a time% "ora!m'ch a! .e cannot !pea$ one .ord .itho't danger< .e are
no. apprehended "or one onl) !ermon% ho. m'ch more !hall the "'r) o" o'r enemie! #e
in"lamed herea"ter% i" the) !hall !ee '! ma$e no end o" !pea$ingI -'t #eca'!e the) $ne. that
the) .ere to live and to die to the Lord% the) do not re"'!e to do that .hich the Lord
commanded< !o .e m'!t al.a)! mar$ .hat "'nction the Lord en?oineth '!. There .ill man)
thing! meet '! o"tentime!% .hich ma) di!co'rage '!% 'nle!! #eing content .ith the
commandment o" >od alone% .e do o'r d't)% committing the !'cce!! to him.
The $ords of this life( * !ing'lar commendation o" the go!pel% that it i! a livel) doctrine%
#ringing !alvation 'nto men< "or the righteo'!ne!! o" >od i! revealed 'nto '! in it%
F
N0D011MO
8oman! 141M<G and in it Chri!t o""ereth him!el" 'nto '! .ith the !acri"ice o" hi! death% .ith
the Spirit o" regeneration% .ith the earne!t o" o'r adoption. *nd thi! i! !po$en e3pre!!l) to the
apo!tle!% to the end the) ma) the more co'rageo'!l) enter all manner o" com#at! "or the go!pel%
"ora!m'ch a! the) hear that the) are mini!ter! o" eternal !alvation. The demon!trative i! added
"or the more certaint)% a! i" the angel did point o't li"e .ith hi! "inger% a! a!!'redl) .e need not
to !ee$ the !ame "ar% .hen .e have the .ord in o'r mo'th and in o'r heart< 'nle!! peradvent're
!ome man had rather ta$e it #) hy+allage, the $ords of this life, "or the!e .ord!% .hich + do not
re?ect% )et that "ormer !en!e me thin$! i! #etter% "or it .a! a ne. revelation o" Chri!t .herein
the) had li"e pre!ent.
21. And $hen the 'hief +riest 'a%e( The chie" prie!t calleth all the co'ncil together no.% le!t% i"
giving the honor to hi! o.n !ect% he omit other!% and #e not a#le to #ear the #'rden< there"ore% he
i! en"orced #) "ear to call the m'ltit'de together% not.ith!tanding the) o#!erve diligentl) and
!traitl) the "orm o" la.. The elder! are called .ho did govern% that nothing ma) #e done #'t
according to the !entence and a'thorit) o" the co'ncil. Jho .o'ld not have hoped "or a
moderate end% !eeing the) #egan th'!I and !'rel) the) pretend .hat color the) can% le!t the)
!eem to oppre!! the tr'th violentl) and t)ranno'!l)< #'t .hen the) hear that the apo!tle! teach in
the temple% ho.!oever the) $no. that the) came not o't #) deceit o" man% #'t mirac'lo'!l)% )et
the) hold on !till in their p'rpo!e< .here appeareth% together .ith the 'ngodline!! o" #ehavior
and contempt o" >od% horri#le "'r) and .ant o" rea!on. There"ore% the #ea'ti"'l color! o" right
and e@'it)
9/61
do never !o cover h)pocrite!% #'t that the) do at length #etra) their .ic$edne!!.
The) m'!t need certainl) gather #) all circ'm!tance!% that it i! the .or$ o" >od that the pri!on
.a! opened% )et the) do not do'#t openl) to rage again!t >od.
The!e thing! are al!o meet "or o'r time. Je $no. ho. pro'dl) the Papi!t! #oa!t o" that ma3im
o" their!% that la."'l co'ncil! m'!t #e o#e)ed% #eca'!e the) repre!ent the Ch'rch. Moreover%
10E
the) call tho!e la."'l co'ncil!% and the) .ill have them !o acco'nted% .herein nothing i!
.anting to'ching the e3ternal "orm% and !'ch a co'ncil .a! thi! .hereo" L'$e !pea$eth in thi!
place< and )et% not.ith!tanding% .e $no. that it .a! gathered to p't o't
9/M0
the name o" Chri!t<
"or altho'gh the prie!t! did then creep in 'nto honor #) !'#tlet)% or #) inordinate !'it%
9/M1
to .in
the "avor o" men% or #) other .ic$ed policie!% or .hether the) #'r!t in 'nto the !ame #) #ri#er)%
or m'rder%
9/M/
)et the dignit) o" the prie!thood did contin'e a! )et 'ntil Chri!t .a! revealed.
There .a! in the a!!em#l) o" the elder! a repre!enting o" the Ch'rch< #'t .here the tr'th o" >od
i! not !o'ght% all o't.ard appearance i! nothing el!e #'t a mere vi!or. There"ore% it i! in vain "or
the Papi!t! to cover their a#omination! .ith the !hado. o" thi! #'c$ler% #eca'!e it i! not
!'""icient "or tho!e to #e gathered together .ho are r'ler! o" the Ch'rch% 'nle!! the) do thi! in
the name o" Chri!t% other.i!e "ora!m'ch a! it i! an '!'al polic) o" Satan to tran!"orm him!el"
into an angel o" light% F
N0M1110O
/ Corinthian! 11410%G .e .ill grant him a! "it a covert 'nder the title
o" the Ch'rch a! he can .i!h.
He brought the% $ithout &iolen'e( Je have !po$en !ome.hat #e"ore o" the captain o" the
temple. 9or + do not thin$
9/M3
that it .a! la."'l "or the Be.! to !et and appoint .hom the) .o'ld
to r'le the temple% #'t that the pre!ident o" the province did appoint one to have the government
o" the temple. *nd he !aith% that the) .ere #ro'ght .itho't violence% that i!% that the) .ere not
dra.n violentl)% le!t an) t'm'lt !ho'ld ari!e% !o that% .herea! the) neither "ear nor re&eren'e
>od% the) are a"raid o" men. The apo!tle! al!o do !ho. their mode!t) in that% that .herea! the)
are g'ided .ith a great n'm#er o" men% )et do the) !'""er them!elve! to #e led a.a) #) the
o""icer!% le!t the) !ho'ld #e a'thor! o" an) t'm'lt.
ACTS !:2%-2$
2%. *nd .hen the) had #ro'ght them% the) !et them #e"ore the co'ncil< and
the chie" prie!t a!$ed them% 2$. Sa)ing% (id not .e% in commanding%
command )o'% that )o' !ho'ld not teach in thi! nameI *nd #ehold )e have
"illed Ber'!alem .ith )o'r doctrine% and )o' .ill #ring the #lood o" thi! man
'pon '!.
2$. The chie" prie!t la)eth t.o crime! to the charge o" the apo!tle!% "or he acc'!eth them o"
cont'mac) or !t'##ornne!!%
9/M0
a #eca'!e the) o#e)ed not the decree o" the co'ncil. +n the
!econd mem#er he #etra)eth an evil con!cience% or% at lea!t% he !ho.eth that he handled rather a
private #'!ine!! than an) p'#lic ca'!e% "or he complaineth that the apo!tle! .ill ca'!e the prie!t!
and the !cri#e! to #e hated "or the death o" Chri!t. -ehold% there"ore% .hat that i! .hich nettleth
them% #eca'!e the) "ear the revenge and p'ni!hment o" .ic$ed m'rder. He pretendeth% at the
"ir!t% doctrine< #'t .e ma) gather o't o" the end that he .a! not !o care"'l "or doctrine. +n the
mean !ea!on% he acc'!eth the apo!tle! o" !edition< "or he ta$eth that "or a thing .hich all men% "or
the mo!t part% did grant%
9/MD
that Chri!t .a! p't to death ?'!tl). :ot.ith!tanding thi! i! the
principal point o" the acc'!ation% that the) did not o#e) the commandment o" the prie!t!. +t .a!
an heino'! o""en!e not to o#e) the chie" prie!t< ho. m'ch more heino'! .a! it% then% to de!pi!e
the .hole orderI -'t the chie" prie!t doth not con!ider .hat i! hi! d't) to.ard! >od and the
Ch'rch<
9/M6
he a#'!eth hi! a'thorit) t)ranno'!l)% a! i" the !ame .ere not 'nder an) la.!% a! the
Pope dealeth .ith '! at thi! da)< "or !eeing that he ta$eth to him!el" an 'n#ridled a'thorit) and
government% he "eareth not to condemn '! "or !chi!matic!% !o !oon a! he !eeth '! re"'!e hi!
decree!< "or he catcheth at the!e !entence!4 PHe .hich de!pi!eth )o' de!pi!eth me%Q F
N0/1016O
L'$e
101
10416<G and there'pon he concl'deth that .e .ill re#el
9/MM
again!t >od. -'t i" he .ill #e heard a!
the am#a!!ador o" Chri!t% he m'!t !pea$ o't o" the mo'th o" Chri!t.
:o.% "ora!m'ch a! he doth mani"e!tl) pla) the mini!ter o" Satan% he #orro.eth a'thorit)%
.itho't !hame and color% o" the name o" Chri!t< )ea% the ver) "orm o" !peech .hich the chie"
prie!t '!eth doth prove ho. carele!!l) !pirit'al t)rant! .ho '!'rp !'ch a'thorit) and lord!hip a!
i! not !'#?ect to the .ord o" >od% dare grant li#ert) to them!elve! to attempt .hat!oever plea!eth
them. Jith a commandment F!aith heG have .e commanded. Jhence cometh !'ch !trait rigor%
!ave onl) #eca'!e the) thin$ that all that m'!t #e received .itho't e3ception .hich the) !hall
commandI
ACTS !:2&-
2&. *nd Peter and the apo!tle! an!.ering% !aid% Je o'ght rather to o#e) >od than
men. '. The >od o" o'r "ather! hath rai!ed 'p Be!'!% .hom )e !le.% hanging him
'pon a tree. 1. Him >od hath li"ted 'p .ith hi! right hand% to #e a Prince and a
Savior% to give repentance to +!rael% and remi!!ion o" !in!. 2. *nd .e are hi!
.itne!!e! o" the!e .ord! [or thing!%] and the Hol) >ho!t al!o% .hom >od hath
given to them that o#e) him. . *nd .hen the) heard the!e thing!% the) .ere c't
in !'nder% and .o'ld !la) them.
2&. Thi! i! the !'m o" their an!.er% +t i! la."'l "or them% na)% the) o'ght to pre"er >od #e"ore
men. >od commandeth '! to #ear .itne!! o" Chri!t< there"ore it i! in vain "or )o' to command '!
to $eep !ilence. -'t + have declared #e"ore in the third chapter% .hen thi! !entence ta$eth place%
that .e o'ght rather to o#e) >od than men. >od doth !et men over '! in !'ch !ort .ith po.er%
that he $eepeth !till hi! o.n a'thorit) !a"e and !o'nd. There"ore% .e m'!t o#e) r'ler! !o "ar% that
the commandment o" >od #e not #ro$en. Jherea! po.er and a'thorit) i! la."'ll) '!ed% then it
i! o't o" !ea!on to ma$e compari!on #et.een >od and man. +" a "aith"'l pa!tor do command or
"or#id o't o" the Jord o" >od% it !hall #e in vain "or men .hich are !t'##orn to o#?ect that .e
o'ght to o#e) >od< "or >od .ill #e heard #) man. ;ea% man i! nothing el!e #'t an in!tr'ment o"
>od. +" a magi!trate do hi! d't) a! he o'ght% a man !hall in vain !a) that he i! contrar) to >od%
!eeing that he di!!enteth in nothing< )ea% rather the contrar) r'le i! then in "orce. Je m'!t o#e)
>od=! mini!ter! and o""icer! i" .e .ill o#e) him.
9/ME
-'t !o !oon a! r'ler! do lead '! a.a) "rom
the o#edience o" >od% #eca'!e the) !trive again!t >od .ith !acrilegio'! #oldne!!% their pride
m'!t #e a#ated% that >od ma) #e a#ove all in a'thorit). Then all !mo$e! o" honor vani!h a.a).
9or >od doth not vo'ch!a"e to #e!to. honora#le title! 'pon men% to the end the) ma) dar$en hi!
glor). There"ore% i" a "ather% #eing not content .ith hi! o.n e!tate% do e!!a) to ta$e "rom >od the
chie" honor o" a "ather% he i! nothing el!e #'t a man. +" a $ing% or r'ler% or magi!trate% do #ecome
!o lo"t) that he dimini!heth the honor and a'thorit) o" >od% he i! #'t a man. Je m'!t th'! thin$
al!o o" pa!tor!. 9or he .hich goeth #e)ond hi! #o'nd! in hi! o""ice% F#eca'!e he !etteth him!el"
again!t >od4G m'!t #e de!poiled o" hi! honor% le!t% 'nder a color or vi!or% he deceive. The o""ice
o" a pa!tor i! ver) e3cellent% the a'thorit) o" the Ch'rch i! great% )et !o that no part o" >od=!
po.er and Chri!t=! ma!ter!hip #e dimini!hed. Jhence .e ma) ea!il) gather that the pride o" the
Pope i! ridic'lo'!% .ho% .hen a! he treadeth 'nder "oot the .hole $ingdom o" Chri!t% and doth
!et him!el" openl) again!t >od% .ill )et% neverthele!!% lie hid 'nder the name o" Chri!t.
9/M1
'. The God of our fathers( The) de!cend 'nto the matter .hereo" the) are to !pea$% that the)
ma) declare that the) made !mall acco'nt o" the commandment o" the prie!t!% not .itho't ca'!e%
110
nor )et 'nadvi!edl). 9or Fa! + have alread) !aidG the compari!on #et.een >od and man ta$eth no
place !ave onl) .hen there i! !ome contrariet). There"ore the) prove #) thi!% that the) are
en"orced #) the "ear o" >od to re"'!e the commandment o" the prie!t!< #eca'!e >od commandeth
that .hich the) "or#id. There"ore% "ir!t o" all% the) !a) that >od had rai!ed 'p Chri!t% a"ter the
common c'!tom o" the Script're!. 9or thi! !peech i! common% that >od rai!ed 'p prophet! or
?'dge!% or rather mini!ter!% .hom he determined to '!e into !ome great .or$< .hich importeth a!
m'ch a! that all e3cellenc) o" nat're i! .ea$% 'nle!! >od do "'rni!h tho!e .ith !ing'lar gi"t!
.hom he pre"erreth 'nto an) e3cellent o""ice. Peradvent're% al!o the) all'de 'nto that "amo'!
place o" Mo!e!% .hich Peter cited in hi! "ir!t !ermon% F
N0D1E1DO
(e'teronom) 1E41D% a#ove 34//.G
The) cite the God of the fathers #) name% a! the a'thor% that the) ma) declare that the) #ring in
no ne. "orm o" religion% neither )et .ill the) en"orce 'pon the people an) ne. god. 9or the)
.ere to ma$e an!.er to that "al!e !lander% that the) .ent a#o't to lead a.a) the people "rom the
la. and the prophet!. :ot that the) allo. all that .or!hip .hich .a! '!ed #) the "ather!% a!
pro"ane men are content .ith thi! onl) arg'ment% that the "ather! ta'ght th'!% that the) do all
thing! according to the c'!tom and decree o" their ance!tor!< #'t the apo!tle! !pea$ in thi! place
o" tho!e "ather! .ith .hom >od hath made hi! covenant% .ho "ollo.eth right and p're doctrine%
.ho em#raceth the promi!e o" !alvation .ith tr'e "aith< "inall)% .ho had their #eginning o" the
heavenl) 9ather% and .ho% thro'gh the onl) #egotten Son o" >od% .ere the children o" >od
together .ith their po!terit).
2ho% ye( +n thi! mem#er the apo!tle! declare 'nto them plainl) that the) .ere the enemie! o"
>od .ho .o'ld have the chie" honor given them a! 'nto the governor! and prelate! o" the
Ch'rch. Jhere'pon it "ollo.eth that the) are 'n.orth) even o" the !malle!t a'thorit). *ltho'gh
there i! al!o a prevention% #eing a to$en o" #oldne!!% .hen a! he !pea$eth o" that thing #oldl)
and "reel) .hich the) did acco'nt a !hame"'l thing% to .it% le!t an) part o" Chri!t=! glor) !ho'ld
!eem to #e dimini!hed #eca'!e he !'""ered a !landero'!
9/E0
death 'pon the cro!!< a! i" it had
#een !aid% ;o' have !lain him. :either .a! )o'r cr'elt) !ati!"ied .ith a plain and common
death< "or he .a! hanged 'pon a tree. -'t neither co'ld death e3ting'i!h hi! po.er< neither co'ld
that !hame and reproach .hich he !'""ered among!t )o' ta$e a.a) hi! honor. There"ore the
calling o" >od contin'eth "irm and !ta#le. There"ore% a! the apo!tle! hit the prie!t! in the teeth
.ith that .ic$edne!! and heino'! o""en!e .hich the) had committed% !o the) prevent% #) a
granting% to e3pre!! the manner o" the reproach"'l death .hich Chri!t !'""ered% le!t the a'thor! o"
the .ic$edne!! tri'mph a! having gotten the victor).
1. Hi% has God lifted u+( There"ore the apo!tle! do !igni") that .hat!oever the .ic$ed do go
a#o't% it did not hinder and $eep #ac$ Chri!t "rom "'l"illing hi! "'nction .hich .a! en?oined him
#) hi! 9ather. The right hand of God i! ta$en "or hi! po.er. :either i! the !ame metaphor '!ed in
thi! place% .hich .e had #e"ore% chapter /% and .hich i! common el!e.here% .hen Chri!t i! !aid
to #e li"t 'p 'nto the right hand o" the 9ather< #'t the meaning o" thi! place i!% that Chri!t% .hich
.a! !lain #) the hand o" men% .a! li"ted 'p on high #) the po.er o" >od% that he might #ear r'le
over angel! and men. *nd thi! !eemeth !ecretl) to #e !et again!t all the enterpri!e! o" Satan and
the .orld< a! i" he !ho'ld !a) that the) !hall have no good !'cce!!% #eca'!e the) !hall never
clim# !o high a! to hinder the hand o" >od% .here#) he hath #oth .ro'ght mightil) alread) in
hi! onl) #egotten Son% neither .ill he ever cea!e to .or$. ;et the end i! added al!o% that he ma)
#e a captain and Savior. 9or !o o"ten a! >od did p't hi! people in hope o" !alvation% he .a! .ont
to promi!e a prince or a $ing% #) .ho!e hand he .o'ld re!tore all thing!. The apo!tle! do te!ti")
that thi! principalit) .a! granted to Chri!t. :ot.ith!tanding the) do more plainl) e3pre!! hi!
111
o""ice #) the other ad?'nct.
9/E1
The !'m i! thi!% that Chri!t i! placed in the highe!t degree o"
honor% that he ma) govern the people o" >od% and not that onl)% #'t that he ma) !ho. him!el" to
#e a !aving captain% or the a'thor o" !alvation.
To gi&e re+entan'e( The) !ho. in thi! place ho. Chri!t reigneth to !ave the people% to .it% .hen
he #ringeth hi! o.n to repentance% and doth reconcile them 'nto >od thro'gh the remi!!ion o"
!in!. 9'rthermore% .e $no. that the !'m o" the go!pel i! contained in the!e t.o thing!.
Jhere"ore the apo!tle! do not onl) !tand 'pon the de"en!e o" their ca'!e% #'t the) preach the
o""ice o" Chri!t plenti"'ll)%
9/E/
that the) ma) .in even !ome o" the mortal enemie! o" Chri!t%
9/E3

i" it ma) #e. 9'rthermore% .e have declared #e"ore .hat the .ord re+entan'e doth !igni")% to .it%
that it i! an in.ard t'rning o" man 'nto >od% .hich !ho.eth it!el" a"ter.ard! #) e3ternal .or$!.
9or Chri!t giveth '! the Spirit o" regeneration "or thi! ca'!e% that he ma) rene. '! in.ardl)< to
the end that a ne. li"e ma) a"ter.ard "ollo. the ne.ne!! o" the mind and heart. *nd i" it #elong
to Chri!t to give repentance% then it "ollo.eth that it i! not a thing .hich i! in man=! po.er. *nd
!'rel)% !eeing that it i! a certain .onder"'l re"ormation% For "a!hioning again%G .hich ma$eth '!
ne. creat're!% repaireth in '! the image o" >od% #ringeth '! o't o" the #ondage o" !in 'nto the
o#edience o" righteo'!ne!!< it i! a thing a! impo!!i#le "or men to convert them!elve! a! to create
them!elve!. 8epentance i!% + grant% a vol'ntar) conver!ion% #'t .hence have .e thi! .ill% !ave
onl) #eca'!e >od changeth o'r heart% that it ma) #e made "le!h) o" a !ton) heart< "le3i#le% o"
hard and !t'##orn< and% "inall)% righteo'! o" .ic$ed% F
N/61111O
,5e$iel 11411.G *nd thi! cometh to
pa!! .hen Chri!t regenerateth th'! #) hi! Spirit. :either i! thi! given in a moment% #'t it m'!t #e
increa!ed dail) d'ring o'r .hole li"e% 'ntil .e #e "'ll) ?oined to >od< .hich !hall #e then .hen
.e have p't o"" o'r "le!h.
Thi! i!% indeed% the #eginning o" repentance% .hen a man% .ho #e"ore .a! t'rned a.a) "rom
>od% reno'nceth the .orld and him!el"% and doth p'rpo!e to lead a ne. li"e. -'t #eca'!e .hen
.e have entered the .a)% .e are "ar "rom the mar$% .e m'!t need! go "or.ard contin'all). Je
have
9/E0
a #oth thro'gh the #ene"it o" Chri!t. 9or a! he #eginneth repentance in '!% !o doth he
al!o give '! per!everance. Thi! i! an ine!tima#le grace< #'t it !ho'ld do '! #'t a little good%
'nle!! it .ere co'pled .ith "orgivene!! o" !in!. 9or Chri!t doth #oth "ind '! the enemie! o" >od
at the "ir!t% and al!o there are al.a)! vice! remaining in '!% .hich ca'!e di!agreement #et.een
him and '!< !o that he ma) ?'!tl) #e o""ended .ith '!% rather than merci"'l 'nto '!. *nd therein
doth o'r righteo'!ne!! con!i!t% i" >od do not imp'te o'r !in! 'nto '!. There"ore% thi! latter grace
m'!t never #e !eparated "rom them. ;ea% rather the go!pel !hall #e lame
9/ED
and corr'pt% 'nle!! it
con!i!t 'pon [o"] the!e t.o mem#er!% that i!% 'nle!! men #e ta'ght that the) are reconciled to
>od #) Chri!t #) the "ree imp'tation o" righteo'!ne!!% and that the) are "a!hioned again 'nto
ne.ne!! o" li"e #) the Spirit o" regeneration. So that .e 'nder!tand #rie"l) ho. .e m'!t o#tain
!alvation in Chri!t.
2. And $e are his $itnesses( *"ter that the) have declared that their doctrine came "rom >od%
the) de!cend no. 'nto the other part that the) !pea$ a! the) .ere commanded #) >od% le!t the)
!eem to attempt an)thing 'nadvi!edl). 9or thi! al!o .a! a nece!!ar) de"en!e% a! it i! "or all the
mini!ter! o" the go!pel% to .it% that the) ma$e thi! openl) $no.n to all men that the) teach
nothing #'t that .hich the) have received o" >od. Secondl)% that the) are called here'nto% !o that
the) cannot avoid the nece!!it) o" teaching% 'nle!! the) .ill re!i!t >od. L'$e p'tteth $ords in
thi! place% in!tead o" things, according to the He#re. phra!e. *ltho'gh i" an) man had rather
'nder!tand it o" the !peech it!el"% + do not den) #'t that it ma) #e !o. The !'m i!% !eeing the) are
11/
#ro'ght "orth #) >od to #e .itne!!e!% the) ma) not give #ac$%
9/E6
#'t the) m'!t p'#li!h thing!
.hich he hath commanded.
And also the 3+irit( The) con"irm their calling #) the e""ect< "or thi! .a! a !eal to approve their
doctrine% !eeing that >od gave the Hol) Spirit to tho!e .hich #elieved. 9ora!m'ch% a! it
appeared mani"e!tl) #) thi!% that he allo.ed the "aith o" the go!pel% and it .a! accepta#le to him.
+n that the) !a) to those $hi'h obey hi%, + re"er it 'nto Chri!t% a! i" the) !ho'ld have !aid% tho!e
.hich #elieve in Chri!t are plenti"'ll) re.arded "or their o#edience. There"ore >od .ill have
Chri!t o#e)ed. Jhere"ore even o'r mini!tr) doth plea!e him in that thing. ;et here ma) a
@'e!tion #e moved% Seeing that .e have !aith #) the revelation o" the Spirit% ho. i! it !aid in thi!
place% that the !ame i! given a"ter "aithI + an!.er% that the gi"t o" tong'e!% o" prophec)% o"
interpretation% o" healing% and !'ch li$e% are !po$en o" in thi! place% .here.ith >od did #ea'ti"'l
hi! Ch'rch. *! Pa'l !aith% .here he a!$eth the >alatian!% .hether the) received the Spirit #) the
la.% or #) the hearing o" "aith% F
N0E030/O
>alatian! 34/.G There"ore the ill'mination o" the Spirit
goeth #e"ore "aith% #eca'!e it i! the ca'!e thereo"< #'t there "ollo. other grace! a"ter.ard% that
.e ma) go "or.ard% according to that% PTo him that hath !hall #e given%Q F
N00131/O
Matthe. 1341/.G
*nd i" .e .ill #e enriched e&ery no. and then .ith ne. gi"t! o" the Spirit% let '! hold o't 'nto
>od the lap o" "aith.
9/EM
-'t the re.ard .here.ith o'r .ant o" "aith i! re.arded at thi! da) i! "ar
'nli$e<
9/EE
"or the mo!t part #eing de!tit'te o" the Spirit o" >od doth neither !ee nor 'nder!tand
an)thing.
. They $ere 'ut in sunder( The prie!t! o'ght to have #een thoro'ghl) moved% tho'gh the) had
had heart! o" iron% #'t the) #'r!t.
9/E1
Jhence .e gather that no rea!on! can prevail .ith the
repro#ate% to #ring them 'nto the o#edience o" Chri!t< "or 'nle!! >od !pea$ .ithin% the o't.ard
doctrine !hall #e a#le to do nothing el!e #'t to #eat the car!. The apo!tle! .ere a#le !o to
overcome their enemie!% that the) !ho'ld not have had one .ord to !a)< #'t their "'r) .a! !o
'ntamed% and 'n#ridled that the) do rather go mad. ;et .e m'!t there.ithal note the "orce o" the
.ord% #eca'!e altho'gh the repro#ate are not there#) changed% that the) ma) #ecome #etter% )et
it pierceth into their heart!% !o that it 'rgeth their con!cience!< "or thence !pringeth their "'r)%
#eca'!e the) !a. them!elve!
9/10
'rged #) their ?'dge. The) .o'ld gladl) moc$ all the go!pel% a!
the) attempt .hat!oever the) can% that the) ma) co'nt it a! nothing< #'t there i! in the !ame a
certain hidden ma?e!t)% .hich driveth a.a) mightil) all their delicac).
9/11
*nd chie"l) .hen the)
are cited #) the !o'nd o" the tr'mpet to appear #e"ore the ?'dgment!eat o" >od% then appeareth
their madne!! and "'r).
ACTS !:"-&
". *nd a certain Phari!ee% named >amaliel% a doctor o" the la.% precio'! to all the
people% ri!ing in the co'ncil% commanded the apo!tle! to #e carried o't a little
!pace. !. Then he !aid 'nto them% Men o" +!rael% ta$e heed to )o'r!elve!% .hat )e
intend to do to'ching the!e men. #. 9or #e"ore the!e da)! there aro!e one
The'da!% !a)ing% that he .a! !ome great man% to .hom con!ented a n'm#er o"
men% a#o't "o'r h'ndred% .ho peri!hed< and the) .ere all !cattered a#road .hich
had o#e)ed him% and .ere #ro'ght to no'ght. %. *"ter him aro!e one B'da! o"
>alilee% in the da)! o" the tri#'te% and led a.a) m'ch people a"ter him% and he
li$e.i!e peri!hed< and all .hich had o#e)ed him .ere !cattered a#road. $. :o.%
there"ore% + !a) 'nto )o'% *#!tain "rom the!e men% and let them atone< "or i" thi!
co'n!el or thi! .or$ #e o" men% it !hall come to no'ght4 &. -'t i" it #e o" >od%
)o' cannot de!tro) it< le!t% at an) time% )e #e "o'nd to "ight .ith >od.
113
". L'$e !ho.eth no. a"ter .hat manner >od #ro'ght to no'ght the "'r) o" the .ic$ed. The)
.ere p'rpo!ed to p't the apo!tle! to death< >amaliel !tandeth 'p amid!t them% to #rea$ o"" that
mad con!'ltation. 9'rthermore% he noteth the circ'm!tance!% to the end .e ma) $no. ho. it
co'ld #e% that one man co'ld prevail !o m'ch again!t !o man). He !aith he .a! a Phari!ee .hich
!ect .a! in great e!timation% a! .e $no.. He !aith that he .a! in price% or honored among!t the
people< *nd the) "eared the people. Here#) it cometh to pa!! that the) are the more a"raid to do
an) thing contrar) to hi! mind. So >od doth o"tentime! !et !'dden terror! again!t hi! enemie!%
F.hen the) loo$ not "or them%Gto !ta) their violence. 9'rthermore% >amaliel commandeth the
apo!tle! to go a!ide% le!t the) !ho'ld #e the more em#oldened #) hi! .ord!. 9or .e m'!t not
thin$ that he !pa$e th'!% #eca'!e he did allo.
9/1/
the doctrine o" the go!pel% or that he meant to
de"end the !ame< #'t #eca'!e he !a. all the re!t in"lamed .ith "'r)% he #eing a man moderate
and co'rteo'!% doth .ith !o#er !peech temper that e3ce!!.
-'t i" .e con!ider all thing! .ell% thi! ?'dgment and opinion i! 'nmeet "or a .i!e man. + $no.
that man) co'nt it a! an oracle% #'t it appeareth !'""icientl) here#) that the) ?'dge ami!!%
#eca'!e #) thi! mean! men !ho'ld a#!tain "rom all p'ni!hment!% neither .ere an) .ic$ed "act
an) longer to #e corrected. ;ea% all help! o" li"e .ere to #e re"'!ed% .hich .e cannot prolong one
moment.
9/13
-oth thing! are tr'e% that no endeavor o" men can de!tro) that .hich i! o" >od< and
that that .hich i! o" men i! not !o !trong that it can !tand. -'t he gathereth ami!! hence% that men
m'!t !it !till and !a) nothing in the mean !ea!on. Je m'!t rather mar$ .hat >od commandeth '!
to do% and he .ill have '! to re!train .ic$edne!!. To thi! end hath he appointed magi!trate!% and
armed them .ith the !.ord< to thi! end hath he !et elder! over hi! Ch'rch% to #ring the "ro.ard in
order% and that the) ma) not !'""er !in licentio'!l) to rage .itho't p'ni!hment. There"ore it i!
gathered ami!! that .e m'!t re"rain "rom p'ni!hing% #eca'!e >od i! !'""icient o" him!el" to ta$e
a.a) evil!. *ltho'gh hi! .hole co'n!el i! !'ch% >amaliel .illeth the !cri#e! and elder! to ta$e
heed that the) ma$e not open .ar again!t >od. *nd he !pea$eth a! it .ere to'ching a do'#t"'l
matter< .here#) it appeareth that he hath no certaint) "rom the "o'ndation% .hen a! he do'#teth
in the @'alit) o" the ca'!e% neither dare !et do.n .hether it #e good or evil% #'t doth onl)
command to de"er it "or a time% 'ntil the ca'!e appear more plainl).
+n !'m% >amaliel !etteth an evil con!e@'ent "rom tr'e gro'nd!<
9/10
#eca'!e he applieth that
ami!! 'nto the e3ternal o""ice and manner o" doing .hich o'ght to !erve "or "aith onl). 7n the
other !ide% let thi! #e o'r logic% That .hich i! o" >od m'!t need! !tand% tho'gh all the .orld !a)
na)< there"ore "aith m'!t !tand .itho't all "ear% again!t all the a!!a'lt! o" Satan and men% !eeing
"aith i! 'nderpropped and !'pported .ith the eternal tr'th o" >od< altho'gh heaven "ail% o'r
!alvation i! !a"e% .hich hath >od to #e the a'thor and $eeper thereo"< #eca'!e >od doth de"end
the $ingdom o" Chri!t% it can never #e overthro.n .ith an) violence< #eca'!e the doctrine o" the
go!pel i! gro'nded in >od% ho.!oever men re!i!t or !ha$e the !ame% )et !hall it neverthele!!
contin'e "irm. *gain% altho'gh the .ic$ed attempt .hat!oever the) can% and !ee$ all mean!
9/1D

to de!tro) the Ch'rch% altho'gh the) "'rio'!l) !trive again!t Chri!t and hi! Ch'rch !o m'ch a!
the) are a#le% )et the) !hall not prevail% #eca'!e it i! the propert) o" >od to #ring the co'n!el! o"
men to no'ght< and #) thi! mean! doth he p'ni!h their ra!hne!!. Je !ee that #oth mem#er! are
.ell applied to "aith. -'t% in the mean !ea!on% there i! no ca'!e .h) the !ervant! o" Chri!t !ho'ld
#e le!! diligent in maintaining the tr'th< .h) the) !ho'ld !'""er the Ch'rch to deca) thro'gh
their "a'lt<
9/16
.h) the) !ho'ld carele!!l) .in$ at their .ic$edne!! .ho endeavor to t'rn all
thing! top!)t'rv).
110
#. There arose one Theudas( +" .e credit Bo!eph'!% >amaliel altereth in thi! place the tr'e
co'r!e o" the hi!tor). 9or he reporteth that B'da! >a'lanite!% .ho .a! #orn in >amala% at !'ch
time a! R'irini'!% or C)reni'!% .a! procon!'l% did rai!e a t'm'lt .ith hi! adherent!% #eca'!e the)
.o'ld not have their good! ta3ed<
9/1M
and that The'da!% at !'ch time a! C'!pi'! 9ad'! .a!
proc'rator% did #oa!t that he .a! a prophet o" >od. *nd 9ad'! .a! !ent into B'dea #) Cla'di'!
Cae!ar. The "ormer hi!tor) i! recorded in the ,ighteenth -oo$ o" *nti@'itie!< and the other in the
T.entieth. -'t + thin$ that .hen L'$e !aith% After hi% $as there one /udas, he meant not to note
the co'r!e o" time% a! i" he .ere the latter< #'t "ora!m'ch a! >amaliel #ro'ght in t.o li$e
e3ample!% he might p't the one in place o" the other%
9/1E
.itho't having re!pect o" time.
There"ore the .ord +ost i! a! m'ch a! %oreo&er, or besides(
9'rthermore% even the!e e3ample! .here.ith >amaliel con"irmeth hi! opinion do not
!'""icientl) agree .ith the pre!ent ca'!e. 9or% #eca'!e the) did not #) and #) re!i!t B'da!% that
!edition .hich he had rai!ed .a! the occa!ion o" man) m'rder!% and at length he .a! van@'i!hed
.ith hand and .eapon. The'da! al!o had done "ar more h'rt% 'nle!! he had #een p't to "light in
time #) C'!pi'! 9ad'!. -'t >amaliel hath re!pect 'nto thi! alone% that men have 'nl'c$)
!'cce!! .hen a! the) advance them!elve! 'nadvi!edl)< and that cometh to pa!! #) the ?'!t
?'dgment o" >od. -'t #eca'!e the prie!t! re"'!e to hear$en .hen >od giveth them good co'n!el%
the) are .orth) to #e made ama5ed #) man .ith "rivolo'! rea!on!% .avering hither and thither
thro'gh "ooli!h perple3it). 9'rthermore% i" .e ca!t the time% .e !hall "ind that it .a! t.elve
)ear! at lea!t a"ter the death o" Chri!t #e"ore the apo!tle! .ere #eaten. 9or 'nto the "ive )ear!
.hich remained o" the government o" Ti#eri'!% .e m'!t add three and a hal" .hich Calig'la
reigned. 9ad'! .a! not !ent #) Cla'di'! into B'dea #e"ore the !econd or third )ear o" hi! reign.
>amaliel rehear!ed not the act .ithin a da) or t.o a"ter. There"ore that !pace o" time i! complete
.hereo" + !pa$e. Jhere"ore the con!tanc) o" the apo!tle! .a! the more e3cellent% .ho% tho'gh
the) #e !o evil re.arded "or tho!e long pain! .hich the) had end'red% )et are the) not
di!co'raged% neither do the) cea!e to hold on a! the) had #eg'n.
That he $as so%e great %an( Some #oo$!
9/11
have% Sa)ing that he .a! !ome#od)< )et #oth carr)
one !en!e. 9or he #oa!ted that he .a! !'ch a prophet that he co'ld dr) 'p Bordan% that tho!e
.hich .ere .ith him might go over dr) "oot. :everthele!!% .e !ee ho. "ar >amaliel i! "rom tr'e
$no.ledge% .ho compareth the hol) mini!ter! o" Chri!t 'nto !ed'cer! and ro##er!< altho'gh he
mitigateth hi! .ord! a"ter.ard% and% inclining to.ard the #etter part% leaveth it indi""erent
.hether the) have ta$en thi! matter in hand% having >od "or their a'thor or no. ;et he !pea$eth
do'#t"'ll)% #eca'!e he provideth
9300
onl) "or @'ietne!!% all in@'ir) #eing !et apart. Thi! i! onl) to
#e allo.ed
9301
in hi! !peech% that he "eareth [deterreth] the .ic$ed "rom .ic$ed #oldne!!%
#eca'!e there i! nothing more to #e "eared than to !trive again!t >od.
ACTS !:"'-"2
"'. *nd the) o#e)ed him. *nd .hen the) had called the apo!tle!% having
#eaten them% the) commanded them that the) !ho'ld not !pea$ in the name o"
Be!'!< and the) let them go. "1. There"ore the) .ent re?oicing "rom the "ace o"
the co'ncil% #eca'!e the) .ere co'nted .orth) to !'""er reproach "or hi! name.
"2. *nd the) did not cea!e dail) in the temple% and in ever) ho'!e% to teach and
preach Chri!t Be!'!.
11D
"'. Ha&ing beaten the%, they 'o%%anded( He !aith that >amaliel=! co'n!el .a! allo.ed< )et the
apo!tle! are #eaten% and "or#idden to preach.
930/
Here#) .e gather ho. great the rage o" the
enemie! .a!% .ho #eing no. paci"ied% or at lea!t mitigated% do )et% not.ith!tanding% rage
immoderatel).
9303
*nd it appeareth al!o .hat evil !'cce!! tho!e do'#t"'l co'n!el! have% .herein
men alone are re!pected% and the tr'th o" >od !et a!ide. >amaliel o#taineth th'! m'ch% that the
live! o" the apo!tle! ma) #e !aved<
9300
#'t% in the mean !ea!on% the Son o" >od i! #la!phemed
and !landered in their per!on< the tr'th o" the go!pel i! #'ried in eternal !ilence% !o m'ch a! in
the enemie! lieth% >od !'rel) doth #) thi! mean! .onder"'ll) !pread a#road hi! .ord< )et that
co'n!el cea!eth not to #e evil. Jhich .e m'!t note "or thi! ca'!e% #eca'!e mo!t men at thi! da)
do thin$% that the) do not a little o#e) >od% i" the) !ave the live! o" tho!e men .hich come in
ha5ard "or the doctrine o" the go!pel% or !ome.hat appea!e
930D
the enemie! .ho are other.i!e
#lood). +n the mean !ea!on% the) are not a"raid to drive them 'nto the .ic$ed denial o" Chri!t%
the con"e!!ing o" .hom i! "ar more precio'! in the !ight o" >od than the li"e o" all men. -'t
.hat co'ld the) do .ho% ca!ting a.a) all care o" godline!!% go a#o't to redeem >od=! "avor .ith
the d't) o" co'rte!)I
9306
"1. Then they $ent rejoi'ing( Je m'!t not thin$ that the apo!tle! .ere !o !en!ele!! #'t that the)
"elt !ome !hame and did al!o lament% .hen the) "elt the p'ni!hment< "or the) had not @'ite p't
o"" nat're<
930M
#'t .hen the) con!idered the ca'!e% then ?o) got the 'pperhand. So the "aith"'l
m'!t #e t.o manner o" .a)! a""ectioned !o o"ten a! the) !'""er per!ec'tion "or the go!pel< the)
m'!t #e to'ched .ith the #itterne!! o" p'ni!hment!%
930E
)et !o that the) overcome thi! !orro.
.ith !pirit'al ?o). 9or the) !ho'ld have Fchanged their mind% andG !tric$en !ail #) and #)% 'nle!!
the) had #een !trengthened and enco'raged #) that ?o).
9301
*nd it i! not to #e do'#ted% #'t that
even death .a! !.eet% and plea!ant to Peter on thi! "a!hion% .hich% not.ith!tanding the Lord
doth te!ti") !hall #e #itter 'nto him. Let '!% there"ore% learn that .e m'!t .re!tle .ith !orro. and
care%
9310
that .e hold on co'rageo'!l) to !'""er the cro!!% and that .e #ear the !ame .hen it i!
laid 'pon '!.
That they $ere 'ounted $orthy( Thi! might !eem at the "ir!t #l'!h a#!'rd% in that L'$e placeth
honor in reproach<
9311
#'t the di!agreement .hich i! #et.een >od and the .orld ca'!eth thi!%
that that .hich i! co'nted among!t men mo!t reproach"'l% e3celleth in dignit) and glor) in the
!ight o" >od and hi! angel!. Je $no. that the $ind o" death .hich Chri!t !'""ered .a! o" all
other mo!t !hame"'l% and )et did he tri'mph mo!t no#l) 'pon the cro!!< !o% .hen .e are made
li$e 'nto him% .e ma) .orthil) #oa!t that it i! a point o" !ing'lar e3cellenc)% that .e !'""er
re#'$e in the !ight o" the .orld. Th'! doth Pa'l #oa!t o" the mar$! o" Chri!t% F
N0E061MO
>alatian!
641M.G 9or .e m'!t here re!pect the ca'!e .hich doth a!!ociate '! 'nto Chri!t%
931/
.ho doth not
onl) !.allo. 'p the !hame o" the .orld .ith hi! glor)% #'t doth al!o t'rn reproache!% !lander!%
and moc$! o" the .orld% into great honor. Jhere"ore% it i! no marvel that there #e !o "e. "o'nd
.hich are !trong and !to't to #ear the cro!!% #eca'!e .e are almo!t all dro.ned and
over.helmed .ith the !en!e o" the "le!h< and there i! !carce one among!t an h'ndred .hich
con!idereth that the reproach o" Chri!t doth "ar e3cel all the tri'mph! o" the .orld% .hich i! the
onl) matter o" com"ort. Jhere"ore% .e m'!t '!e the greater diligence in thin$ing 'pon thi!
!entence< that .e are at thi! da) made parta$er!
9313
o" the !'""ering! o" Chri!t% that .e ma) #e
parta$er! o" hi! glor).
"2. They 'eased not( Con!tanc) did al!o accompan) their Bo). 9or ho. i! it that .e are
di!co'raged .ith per!ec'tion% !ave onl) #eca'!e none li"teth 'p him!el" 'nto Chri!t% that he ma)
in mind la) hold 'pon the "r'it o" victor)% and !o #e pric$ed "or.ard 'nto patienceI -'t that man
116
.hich thin$eth .ith him!el" that he i! happ) .hen he !'""ereth "or Chri!t=! !a$e% !hall never
"aint% tho'gh he m'!t !'""er hard con"lict!. There"ore the apo!tle! are% a"ter a !ort% armed .ith
!tripe!% !o that the) valiantl) ma$e ha!te 'nto death. There"ore% .oe #e to o'r daintine!!% .ho%
having !'""ered a little per!ec'tion% do #) and #) re!ign 'p the light
9310
to another% a! i" .e .ere
no. old .orn !oldier!.
11M
CH*PT,8 6
ACTS #:1-#
1. *nd in tho!e da)!% .hen the n'm#er o" the di!ciple! gre.% there aro!e a
m'rm'ring o" the >ree$! again!t the He#re.!% #eca'!e their .ido.! .ere de!pi!ed
in the dail) mini!tr). 2. There"ore% .hen the t.elve had called 'nto them the
m'ltit'de o" the di!ciple!% the) !aid% +t doth not plea!e [or it i! not good] that .e
!ho'ld !erve ta#le!% having le"t the .ord o" >od. . There"ore% #rethren% loo$ o't
!even men o" )o'% o" $no.n hone!t)% "'ll o" the Hol) >ho!t% and o" .i!dom% .hom
.e .ill appoint over thi! #'!ine!!% ". *nd .e .ill give o'r!elve! 'nto pra)er% and to
the mini!tration o" the .ord. !. The !peech plea!ed the .hole m'ltit'de< and the)
cho!e Stephen% a man "'ll o" "aith and the Hol) >ho!t< and Philip% and Prochor'!%
[:icanor%] and Timon% and Parmena!% and :icola!% a pro!el)te o" *ntioch< #. The!e
did the) !et #e"ore the apo!tle!4 and .hen the) had pra)ed% the) laid their hand! 'pon
them.
1. L'$e declareth here 'pon .hat occa!ion% and to .hat end% and al!o .ith .hat rite% deacon!
.ere "ir!t made. He !aith% Jhen there aro!e a m'rm'ring among!t the di!ciple!% it .a! appea!ed
#) thi! remed)% a! it i! !aid in the common prover#% >ood la.! have ta$en their #eginning o" evil
manner!. *nd it ma) !eem to #e a !trange thing% !eeing that thi! i! a "'nction !o e3cellent and !o
nece!!ar) in the Ch'rch% .h) it came not into the apo!tle!= mind! at the "ir!t% F#e"ore there .a!
an) !'ch occa!ion mini!tered%G to appoint deacon!% and .h) the Spirit o" >od did not give them
!'ch co'n!el .hich the) ta$e no.% #eing% a! it .ere% en"orced there'nto. -'t that .hich
happened .a! #oth #etter then% and i! al!o more pro"ita#le "or '! at thi! da)% to #e 'nto '! an
e3ample. +" the apo!tle! had !po$en o" choo!ing deacon! #e"ore an) nece!!it) did re@'ire the
!ame% the) !ho'ld not have had the people !o read)< the) !ho'ld have !eemed to avoid la#or and
tro'#le< man) .o'ld not have o""ered !o li#erall) into the hand! o" other men. There"ore% it .a!
re@'i!ite that the "aith"'l !ho'ld #e convict [convinced] #) e3perience that the) might choo!e
deacon! .illingl)% .hom the) !a. the) co'ld not .ant< and that thro'gh their o.n "a'lt.
Je learn in thi! hi!tor) that the Ch'rch cannot #e !o "ramed #) and #)% #'t that there remain
!ome.hat to #e amended< neither can !o great a #'ilding #e !o "ini!hed in one da)% that there
ma) not !omething #e added to ma$e the !ame per"ect. 9'rthermore% .e learn that there i! no
ordinance o" >od !o hol) and la'da#le% .hich i! not either corr'pt or made 'npro"ita#le thro'gh
the "a'lt o" men. Je .onder that thing! are never !o .ell ordered in the .orld% #'t that there i!
al.a)! !ome evil mi3ed .ith the good< #'t it i! the .ic$edne!! and corr'ption o" o'r nat're
.hich ca'!eth thi!. That .a!% indeed% a godl) order% .hereo" L'$e made mention #e"ore% .hen
the good! o" all men #eing con!ecrated to >od% .ere di!tri#'ted to ever) man a! he had need<
931D
.hen a! the apo!tle!% #eing% a! it .ere% the !te.ard! o" >od and the poor% had the chie"
government o" the alm!. -'t !hortl) a"ter there ari!eth a m'rm'ring .hich tro'#leth thi! order.
Here appeareth that corr'ption o" men .hereo" + have !po$en% .hich doth not !'""er '! to '!e
o'r good thing!. Je m'!t al!o mar$ the !'#tilt)
9316
o" Satan% .ho% to the end he ma) ta$e "rom
'! the '!e o" the gi"t! o" >od% goeth a#o't thi! contin'all)% that it ma) not remain p're and
!o'nd< #'t that% #eing mi3ed .ith other di!commoditie!% it ma)% "ir!t% #e !'!pected% !econdl)%
loathed% and% la!tl)% @'ite ta$en a.a). -'t the apo!tle! have ta'ght '!% #) their e3ample% that .e
m'!t not )ield 'nto !'ch engine! Fand policie!G o" Satan. 9or the) do not thin$ it meet F#eing
11E
o""ended .ith the m'rm'ringG to ta$e a.a) that mini!tr) .hich the) $no. plea!eth >od< #'t
rather invent a remed) .here#) the o""en!e ma) #e ta$en a.a)% and that ma) #e retained .hich
i! >od=!. Th'! m'!t .e do. 9or .hat o""en!e! !oever Satan rai!e%
931M
.e m'!t ta$e good heed
that he ta$e not "rom '! tho!e ordinance! .hich are other.i!e .hole!ome.
The nu%ber in'reasing( Je o'ght to .i!h "or nothing more than that >od .o'ld increa!e hi!
Ch'rch% and gather together man)
931E
on ever) !ide 'nto hi! people< #'t the corr'ption o" o'r
nat're hindereth '! "rom having an) thing happ) in all point!. 9or there ari!e man)
di!commoditie! al!o% even o" the increa!ing! o" the Ch'rch. 9or it i! a hard matter to $eep man)
h)pocrite! "rom creeping into the m'ltit'de% .ho!e .ic$edne!! i! not #) and #) di!covered% 'ntil
!'ch time a! the) have in"ected !ome part o" the "loc$ .ith their in"ection. Moreover% man)
.ic$ed% "ro.ard% and di!!ol'te per!on! do in!in'ate them!elve! 'nder a "al!e color o" repentance.
*nd that + ma) pa!! over inn'mera#le thing!% there i! never !'ch agreement among!t man)% #'t
that% according to the diver!it) o" their manner!% their opinion! are al!o diver!e% !o that one thing
cannot plea!e all ali$e. Thi! o""en!e ca'!eth man) to #e de!iro'! to choo!e a "e. "or a Ch'rch< it
ca'!eth them to loathe or el!e to hate a m'ltit'de. -'t no tro'#le% no ir$!omene!!% o'ght !o m'ch
to prevail% #'t that .e m'!t al.a)! #e de!iro'! to have the Ch'rch increa!ed< #'t that .e m'!t
!t'd) to enlarge the !ame< #'t that .e m'!t cheri!h !o m'ch a! in '! lieth 'nit) .ith the .hole
#od).
A %ur%uring of the Gree#s( Here#) it appeareth that the) .ere not "'ll) regenerate #) the Spirit
o" >od% to .hom the diver!it) o" nation and co'ntr) mini!tereth occa!ion o" di!agreement. 9or in
Chri!t there i! neither Be. nor >recian% F
N0E03/EO
>alatian! 34/E.G There"ore% thi! indignation
!melleth
9311
o" the "le!h and the .orld. Jhere"ore .e m'!t ta$e good heed that the li$e "a'lt #e
not "o'nd in '!.
93/0
There i! another "a'lt in that the) declare their indignation #) m'rm'ring.
9'rthermore it i! 'ncertain .hether the complaint .ere tr'e or no. 9or .hen L'$e !aith that the
>ree$! m'rm'red% #eca'!e their .ido.! .ere not honored% he !ho.eth not .hat .a! done in
deed% #'t .hat the) tho'ght .a! done. *nd it ma) #e that "ora!m'ch a! the apo!tle! did pre"er
the Be.!%
93/1
#eca'!e the) .ere #etter $no.n% the >ree$! did thin$ Ftho'gh "al!el)G that their
.ido.! .ere de!pi!ed a! !tranger!. *nd thi! !eemeth to #e more li$e to #e tr'e. 9'rthermore the
.ord %inistering ma) #e e3po'nded t.o manner o" .a)!% activel) or pa!!ivel). 9or .e $no.
that at the "ir!t there .ere .ido.! cho!en 'nto the mini!tration.
93//
:ot.ith!tanding% + do rather
thin$ that the >ree$! did complain% #eca'!e their .ido.! .ere not !o li#erall) relieved a! the)
.i!hed. So that the mini!tration !hall #e that dail) di!tri#'tion .hich .a! .ont to #e made.
2. The t$el&e ha&ing the %ultitude 'alled unto the%( +t i! a point [proo"] o" patience and
mee$ne!! that the apo!tle! are no more moved.
93/3
+t i! a point o" pr'dence and godl)
care"'lne!!% in that the) prevent the evil .hich #egan to ari!e%
93/0
.itho't de"erring the remed).
9or a"ter that ever) di!!en!ion and divi!ion hath gathered !trength% it i! a .o'nd hard to #e
c'red. -) thi! a!!em#l) it appeareth that the Ch'rch .a! governed #) order and rea!on% !o that
the apo!tle! had the chie"e!t a'thorit)% and that the) did impart their co'n!el! and p'rpo!e! 'nto
the people.
93/D
*gain% .e m'!t note that the "aith"'l% or Chri!tian!% are in thi! place called
di!ciple!% in .hom that o" +!aiah m'!t #e "'l"illed% PThat the) .ere all ta'ght o" >od.Q *nd
again% that o" Beremiah% PThe) !hall all $no. >od% "rom the lea!t to the greate!t.Q
!t +leaseth not( +t i! in >ree$ [ouk areston]( -) .hich .ord% the >recian! do no. e3pre!! ever)
opinion or decree .hich i! #etter than another% or .hich i! to #e pre"erred a! #eing #etter.
93/6
+ do
rather thin$ that the apo!tle! declare .hat i! pro"ita#le% than !impl) .hat the) have decreed. -'t
111
i" it #e not e3pedient "or them to meddle .ith thi! #'!ine!!%
93/M
the) !eem [no.] to ac$no.ledge
!ome "a'lt in that the) mini!tered hitherto. *nd !'rel) that i! tr'e% that '!e i! the "ather o"
.i!dom.
93/E
Jhere"ore there !hall #e no a#!'rdit) i" .e !hall !a)% that the apo!tle! de!ire o" the
Ch'rch to #e 'n#'rdened o" that "'nction% a"ter that the) have tried [e3perienced] that it i! not
meet "or them. -'t i" there .ere an) "a'lt% it o'ght rather to #e a!cri#ed 'nto nece!!it) than 'nto
them< "or the) too$ not thi! #'rthen 'pon them greedil)% #'t !eeing there .a! no other .a) a!
)et% the) had #etter #'rthen them!elve! o't o" mea!'re than that the poor !ho'ld #e "or!lo.ed.
93/1
*nd .hen a! the) !a) that it i! not meet that the) !ho'ld #e occ'pied in providing "or the
poor% their meaning i!% that are 'na#le to end're #oth #'rthen!% !o that the) m'!t need! let the
one alone. 9or it i! a! i" the) !ho'ld !a)% +" tho' .ilt en?o) o'r mini!tr) in the preaching o" the
go!pel% deliver '! "rom the charge o" the poor% #eca'!e .e are not a#le to do #oth. -'t thi!
!eemeth to #e !po$en o't o" !ea!on #) them% #eca'!e the) had not le"t the charge o" teaching
#e"ore% altho'gh the) had the over!ight o" the alm!. + an!.er% "ora!m'ch a! the admini!tration
.a! con"'!ed% the) .ere !o en.rapped%
9330
that the) co'ld not .holl) attend 'pon doctrine a!
.a! meet. There"ore% the) re"'!e that "'nction .hich dra.eth them a.a) "rom the "ree and
per"ect
9331
charge o" teaching. :ot.ith!tanding% .e ma) not thin$ that the) had @'ite ca!t a.a)
all care o" the poor% #'t that the) did onl) !ee$ !ome.hat to #e lightened and ea!ed% that the)
might attend 'pon their o""ice. *nd% in the mean !ea!on% the) declare that the mini!tr) o" the
.ord i! !o pain"'l
933/
that it re@'ireth a .hole man% neither .ill it !'""er him to #e occ'pied
a#o't an) other #'!ine!!< .hich% i" it had #een .ell con!idered% there had #een a "ar other order
ta$en in the Ch'rch.
The Popi!h #i!hop! did !'c$
9333
'p great riche! 'nder color o" the mini!tration or deacon!hip<
neverthele!!% the) entangled them!elve! in diver! #'!ine!!e!% .hich the) .ere !carce a#le to
overcome%
9330
tho'gh ever) one o" them had had ten head!. :ot.ith!tanding% !'ch i! their
.ic$edne!!% that the) !a) that there can #e no ch'rch 'nle!! it #e dro.ned in thi! depth<
933D

neither do the) cea!e to #rag and #oa!t that the) are the !'cce!!or! o" the apo!tle!% .herea! there
i! nothing .hich appeareth to #e more contrar). The) .ere care"'l "or thi!% that the) might not #e
occ'pied a#o't !erving o" ta#le!% and !o #e compelled to leave their o.n #an@'et!. 9or
.ho!oever i! care"'l "or hi! o.n ta#le% he ta$eth leave to #e vacant
9336
"rom other men=! ta#le!.
-'t omitting the!e thing!% let '! mar$ thi! !entence. Je $no. .hat a hol) thing it i! to #e care"'l
"or the poor. There"ore% "ora!m'ch a! the apo!tle! pre"er the preaching o" the go!pel #e"ore i" .e
gather there#) that no o#edience i! more accepta#le to >od. :ot.ith!tanding% the hardne!! i!
al!o declared%
933M
.hen a! the) !a) that the) cannot di!charge #oth the!e d'tie!. S'rel) .e are
not #etter than the). There"ore% let ever) one o" '! that i! called 'nto the "'nction o" teaching
addict him!el" .holl) to order thi! hi! e!tate .ell.
933E
9or .e are inclined to nothing more than
to "all to !loth"'lne!!. *gain% the "le!h mini!tereth goodl) cloa$! and color!% !o that tho!e men
cannot !ee #) and #) that the) are led a.a) "rom their calling .hich en.rap them!elve! in
!trange #'!ine!!. Jhere"ore% to the end mini!ter! ma) pric$ "or.ard them!elve! to do their d't)%
let them remem#er thi! !a)ing o" the apo!tle! o"tentime!% .herein the) declare that% "ora!m'ch a!
the) are called 'nto the "'nction o" teaching% the) m'!t not an) longer ta$e charge o" the poor.
There"ore% .hat e3c'!e! have pro"ane a""air!
9331
Fta$en in hand even "or !ome private gainG
.here that i! !et a!ide% .hich i! other.i!e acco'nted no !mall part o" the .or!hip o" >od.
. Therefore, brethren, loo# out( :o. .e !ee to .hat end deacon! .ere made. The .ord it!el" i!
indeed general% )et i! it properl) ta$en "or tho!e .hich are !te.ard! "or the poor. Jhere#) it
appeareth ho. licentio'!l) the Papi!t! do moc$ >od and men% .ho a!!ign 'nto their deacon! no
1/0
other o""ice #'t thi!% to have the charge o"
9300
the paten and chalice. S'rel) .e need no
di!p'tation to prove that the) agree in no point .ith the apo!tle!. -'t i" the reader! #e de!iro'! to
!ee an) more concerning thi! point% the) ma) repair 'nto o'r +n!tit'tion% chapter E. *! to'ching
thi! pre!ent place% the Ch'rch i! permitted to choo!e. 9or it i! t)ranno'! i" an) one man appoint
or ma$e mini!ter! at hi! plea!'re.
9301
There"ore% thi! i! the Fmo!tG la."'l .a)% that tho!e #e
cho!en #) common voice!
930/
.ho are to ta$e 'pon them
9303
an) p'#lic "'nction in the Ch'rch.
*nd the apo!tle! pre!cri#e .hat manner [o"] per!on! o'ght to #e cho!en% to .it% men o" tried
hone!t) and credit%
9300
men end'ed .ith .i!dom
930D
and other gi"t! o" the Spirit. *nd thi! i! the
mean #et.een t)rann) and con"'!ed li#ert)%
9306
that nothing #e done .itho't
930M
the con!ent and
appro#ation o" the people% )et !o that the pa!tor! moderate and govern Fthi! action%
930E
G that their
a'thorit) ma) #e a! a #ridle to $eep 'nder the people%
9301
le!t the) pa!! their #o'nd! too m'ch.
+n the mean !ea!on% thi! i! .orth the noting% that the apo!tle! pre!cri#e an order 'nto the "aith"'l%
le!t the) appoint an) !ave tho!e .hich are "it. 9or .e do >od no !mall in?'r) i" .e ta$e all that
come to hand
93D0
to govern hi! ho'!e. There"ore% .e m'!t '!e great circ'm!pection that .e
choo!e none
93D1
'nto the hol) "'nction o" the Ch'rch 'nle!! .e have !ome trial o" him "ir!t. The
n'm#er o" !even i! applied
93D/
'nto the pre!ent nece!!it)% le!t an) man !ho'ld thin$
93D3
that there
i! !ome m)!ter) comprehended 'nder the !ame. Jherea! L'$e !aith% full of the 3+irit and
$isdo%, + do interpret it th'!% that it i! re@'i!ite that the) #e "'rni!hed #oth .ith other gi"t! o" the
Spirit% and al!o .ith .i!dom%
93D0
.itho't .hich that "'nction cannot #e e3erci!ed .ell% #oth that
the) ma) #e.are o" the legerdemain
93DD
o" tho!e men% .ho #eing too m'ch given 'nto #egging%
re@'ire
93D6
that .hich i! nece!!ar) "or the povert) o" the #rethren% and al!o o" their !lander!% .ho
cea!e not to #ac$#ite% tho'gh the) have none occa!ion given them. 9or that "'nction i! not onl)
pain"'l% #'t al!o !'#?ect to man) 'ngodl) m'rm'ring!.
93DM
". And $e $ill gi&e oursel&es unto +rayer( The) !ho. again that the) have too m'ch #'!ine!!
other.i!e% .herein the) ma) e3erci!e them!elve! d'ring their .hole li"e. 9or the old prover#
agreeth here'nto ver) "itl)% .hich .a! '!ed !ometime! in the !olemn rite!% do this( There"ore%
the) '!e the .ord [proskarterhsai] .hich !igni"ieth to #e% a! it .ere% "a!tened and tied to
an)thing. There"ore% pa!tor! m'!t not thin$ that the) have !o done their d't) that the) need to do
no more .hen the) have dail) !pent !ome time in teaching. There i! another manner o" !t'd)%
another manner o" 5eal% another manner o" contin'ance
93DE
re@'ired% that the) ma)
93D1
indeed
#oa!t that the) are .holl) given to that thing. The) ad?oin there'nto pra)er% not that the) alone
o'ght to pra)% F"or that i! an e3erci!e common to all the godl)%G #'t #eca'!e the) have pec'liar
ca'!e! to pra) a#ove all other!. There i! no man .hich o'ght not to #e care"'l "or the common
!alvation o" the Ch'rch. Ho. m'ch more% then% o'ght the pa!tor% .ho hath that "'nction en?oined
him #) name to la#or care"'ll) [an3io'!l)] "or itI So Mo!e! did indeed e3hort other! 'nto pra)er%
#'t he .ent #e"ore them a! the ringleader
9360
F
N0/1M11O
,3od'! 1M411.G *nd it i! not .itho't ca'!e
that Pa'l doth !o o"ten ma$e mention o" hi! pra)er!% F
N0D0110O
8oman! 1410.G *gain% .e m'!t
al.a)! remem#er that% that .e !hall lo!e all o'r la#or #e!to.ed 'pon plo.ing% !o.ing% and
.atering% 'nle!! the increa!e come "rom heaven% F
N06030MO
1 Corinthian! 34M.G There"ore% it !hall not
!'""ice to ta$e great pain! in teaching% 'nle!! .e re@'ire the #le!!ing at the hand! o" the Lord%
that o'r la#or ma) not #e in vain and 'n"r'it"'l. Here#) it appeareth that the e3erci!e o" pra)er
9361
i! not in vain commended 'nto the mini!ter! o" the .ord.
!. 3te+hen, full of faith( L'$e doth not% there"ore% !eparate "aith "rom the Spirit% a! i" it al!o .ere
not a gi"t o" the Spirit< #'t #) Spirit he meaneth other gi"t! .here.ith Stephen .a! end'ed% a!
5eal% .i!dom% 'prightne!!% #rotherl) love% diligence% integrit) o" a good con!cience< !econdl)% he
1/1
e3pre!!eth the principal $ind. There"ore% he !igni"ieth that Stephen did e3cel "ir!t in "aith% and%
!econdl)% in other virt'e!< !o that it .a! evident that he had a#'ndance o" the grace o" the Spirit.
He doth not !o greatl) commend the re!t% #eca'!e 'ndo'#tedl) the) .ere in"erior to him.
Moreover% the ancient .riter! do% .ith great con!ent% a""irm that thi! :ichola!% .hich .a! one o"
the !even% i! the !ame o" .hom Bohn ma$eth mention in the 8evelation% F
N660/1DO
8evelation /41D%G
to .it% that he .a! an a'thor o" a "ilth) and .ic$ed !ect< "ora!m'ch a! he .o'ld have .omen to
#e common. 9or .hich ca'!e .e m'!t not #e negligent in choo!ing mini!ter! o" the Ch'rch. 9or
i" the h)pocri!) o" men do deceive even tho!e .hich are mo!t vigilant and care"'l to "a$e heed%
.hat !hall #e"all the carele!! and negligentI :ot.ith!tanding% i" .hen .e have '!ed !'ch
circ'm!pection a! i! meet% it !o "all o't that .e #e deceived% let '! not #e tro'#led o't o"
mea!'re< "ora!m'ch a! L'$e !aith that even the apo!tle! .ere !'#?ect to thi! inconvenience.
Some .ill a!$ thi! @'e!tion% then% .hat good !hall e3hortation doI to .hat '!e !erveth pra)er%
!eeing that the !'cce!! it!el" !ho.eth that the election .a! not .holl) governed #) the Spirit o"
>odI + an!.er% that thi! i! a great matter that the Spirit directed their ?'dgment! in choo!ing !i3
men< in that he !'""ereth the Ch'rch to go a!tra) in the !eventh% it o'ght to !eem no a#!'rd thing.
9or it i! re@'i!ite that .e #e th'! h'm#led diver! .a)!% partl) that the .ic$ed and 'ngodl) ma)
e3erci!e '!< partl) that% #eing ta'ght #) their e3ample% .e ma) learn to e3amine o'r!elve!
thoro'ghl)% le!t there #e in '! an) hidden and priv) !tartingcorner! o" g'ile<
936/
partl) that .e
ma) #e more circ'm!pect to di!cern% and that .e ma)% a! it .ere% $eep .atch contin'all)% le!t .e
#e deceived #) cra"t) and 'n"aith"'l men. *l!o it ma) #e that the mini!tr) o" :ichola! .a! "or a
time pro"ita#le% and that he "ell a"ter.ard into that mon!tro'! error. *nd i" !o #e it he "ell in !'ch
!ort "rom !'ch an honora#le degree% the higher that ever) one o" '! !hall #e e3tolled% let him
!'#mit him!el" 'nto >od .ith mode!t) and "ear.
#. Ha&ing +rayed, they laid their hands u+on the%( La)ing on o" hand! .a! a !olemn !ign o"
con!ecration 'nder the la.. To thi! end do the apo!tle! no. la) their hand! 'pon the deacon!%
that the) ma) $no. that the) are o""ered to >od. :ot.ith!tanding% #eca'!e thi! ceremon) !ho'ld
o" it!el" #e vain% the) add there'nto pra)er% .herein the "aith"'l commend 'nto >od tho!e
mini!ter! .hom the) o""er 'nto him. Thi! i! re"erred 'nto the apo!tle!% "or all the people did not
la) their hand! 'pon the deacon!< #'t .hen the apo!tle! did ma$e pra)er in the name o" the
Ch'rch% other! al!o did add their petition!. Hence .e gather that the la)ing on o" hand! i! a rite
agreeing 'nto order and comeline!!% "ora!m'ch a! the apo!tle! did '!e the !ame% and )et that it
hath o" it!el" no "orce or po.er% #'t that the e""ect dependeth 'pon the Spirit o" >od alone< .hich
i! generall) to #e tho'ght o" all ceremonie!.
ACTS #:%-1'
%. 9'rthermore% the .ord o" >od gre.% and the n'm#er o" the di!ciple!
increa!ed greatl) at Ber'!alem% and a great compan) o" the prie!t! o#e)ed the
"aith. $. *nd Stephen% "'ll o" "aith and po.er% .ro'ght .onder! and great
!ign! among!t the people. &. -'t there aro!e certain o" the !)nagog'e% .hich
.a! called the !)nagog'e o" the Li#ertine! and C)renian!% and o" *le3andria%
and o" tho!e .hich .ere o" Cilicia and *!ia% di!p'ting .ith Stephen. 1'. *nd
the) co'ld not re!i!t the .i!dom and !pirit .here.ith he !pa$e.
L'$e !etteth "orth again the increa!ing o" the Ch'rch% to the end he ma) the #etter declare the
po.er o" >od and hi! grace in the contin'al going "or.ard thereo". Thi! .a! an e3cellent .or$
o" >od that the Ch'rch !ho'ld !'ddenl)% and% a! it .ere% in a moment% #e rai!ed 'p< #'t thi! i!
1//
.orth) no le!! admiration% in that he "'rthereth that .or$ .hich he had #eg'n amid!t !o man)
let!% in that the n'm#er o" the!e i! increa!ed% .hom to dimini!h% and !o% con!e@'entl)% to de!tro)
the .hole !toc$% the .orld doth !o greatl) la#or. +n that he !aith that the 2ord of God did gro$,
hi! meaning i!% that it .a! !pread "'rther a#road. The Jord o" >od i! !aid to gro. t.o manner o"
.a)!< either .hen ne. di!ciple! are #ro'ght to o#e) the !ame% or a! ever) one o" '! pro"iteth and
goeth "or.ard therein L'$e !pea$eth in thi! place o" the "ormer !ort o" increa!ing% "or he
e3po'ndeth him!el" #) and #)% .hen he !pea$eth o" the n'm#er o" the di!ciple!.
:ot.ith!tanding% he re!traineth thi! !o great an increa!ing o" "aith 'nto one cit). 9or altho'gh it
#e to #e tho'ght that the di!ciple! .ere !cattered a#road el!e.here% )et .a! there no certain #od)
!ave onl) at Ber'!alem.
And a great 'o%+any( Seeing that Fin !pea$ing properl)G o'r "aith doth o#e) the doctrine o" the
go!pel% it i! a "ig'rative !peech% 'ttered #) %etony%ia, .hen L'$e !aith. That the) o#e)ed the
"aith< "or the .ord faith i! ta$en #) him "or the Jord o" >od% and the ver) pro"e!!ion o"
Chri!tianit). *nd he rec$oneth 'p the prie!t! #) name% #eca'!e the) .ere "or the mo!t part
enemie!< "or .hich ca'!e it .a! a .onder"'l .or$ o" >od that !ome !ho'ld #e converted% and
m'ch more .onder"'l that man). 9or at the "ir!t the) raged again!t Chri!t .ith thi! #rag% PHath
an) o" the r'ler! #elieved in himI -'t thi! m'ltit'de% .hich $no.eth not the la.% are acc'r!ed.Q
$. And 3te+hen( L'$e reciteth in thi! place a ne. com#at o" the Ch'rch% .here#) it appeareth
that the glor) o" the go!pel .a! al.a)! ?oined .ith the cro!! and diver! tro'#le!. *nd thi! i! the
!'m% that the Ch'rch .a! a!!a'lted in the per!on o" one man. Jhere#) it came to pa!! that the
enemie! .ere the more #old% and #eing im#r'ed .ith innocent #lood% did rage !orer than the)
had .ont< "or the) had not gone a! )et #e)ond the pri!on and rod!. -'t to the end .e ma) $no.
that the name o" Chri!t .a! glori"ied a! .ell in the li"e a! in the death o" Stephen% L'$e !aith at
the "ir!t% that he .a! full of faith and +o$er( Jhere#) he !igni"ieth that hi! "aith .a! e3cellent%
and that he e3celled in po.er to do miracle!. :either o'ght .e to imagine per"ection o" "aith%
#eca'!e he i! !aid to #e "'ll o" "aith< #'t thi! manner o" !pea$ing i! m'ch '!ed in the Script're% to
call tho!e "'ll o" the gi"t! o" >od .ho are a#'ndantl) end'ed .ith the !ame. + ta$e +o$er
F.itho't @'e!tionG "or a#ilit) to do miracle!. 8aith comprehendeth not onl) the gi"t o"
'nder!tanding% #'t al!o the "erventne!! o" 5eal. 9ora!m'ch a! hi! name .a! "amo'! #) rea!on o"
hi! e3cellenc)% it came there#) to pa!! that the rage o" the .ic$ed .a! #ent again!t him% a! it
.ere% .ith one con!ent% to overthro. him.
9363
9or !o !oon a! the "orce and grace o" the Spirit
doth !ho. it!el"% the "'r) o" Satan i! #) and #) provo$ed.
*nd it !hall appear #) the te3t that Stephen .a! diligent and co'rageo'! in !preading a#road the
doctrine o" the go!pel< #'t L'$e pa!!eth over that% #eing content to have commended hi! "aith%
.hich co'ld not #e !loth"'l and !l'ggi!h.
&. And there arose 'ertain( Thi! .a! the #eginning o" per!ec'tion% #eca'!e the .ic$ed% a"ter that
the) have e!!a)ed in vain to !et them!elve! again!t Chri!t #) di!p'ting% .hen the) !a. that that
"ormer attempt did ta$e none e""ect% the) "l) 'nto !lander!% Fcaviling%G and t'm'lt!% and at length
the) #rea$ o't into violence and m'rder. There"ore% L'$e meaneth #) the .ord rise, that tho!e o"
.hom he !pea$eth did a!!a'lt the go!pel .ith their tong'e% and did not% #) and #)% #ring Stephen
#e"ore the ?'dgment!eat% #'t did "ir!t !et 'pon him% #) di!p'ting again!t him. 9'rthermore% he
!igni"ieth that the) .ere !tranger!% .hich lived in B'dea% either that the) might e3erci!e
merchandi!e% or el!e get learning. There"ore he !aith that !ome o" them .ere C)renian!% !ome o"
*le3andria% !ome o" Cilicia% !ome o" *!ia. He !aith that the) .ere all o" the !)nagog'e o" the
1/3
Li#ertine!. +t i! to #e tho'ght that the "ree men o" the citi5en! o" 8ome had ca'!ed a !)nagog'e
to #e #'ilded o" their o.n charge!% that it might #e proper to the Be.! .hich came together o't o"
the province!.
9360
There"ore% tho!e .hich .ere #ro'ght thither #) the grace o" >od% and o'ght to have em#raced
Chri!t !o m'ch the more .illingl)% a!!a'lt him "ir!t% and in"lame the "'r) o" other!% a! it .ere
.ith a tr'mpet. *l!o L'$e .ill in man) other place! a"ter.ard declare that the Be.!% .hich .ere
!cattered a#road in the province!% .ere mo!t deadl) enemie! to !o'nd doctrine4 and mo!t
venomo'!
936D
in moving t'm'lt!. He rec$oneth 'p man)% to the end the victor) o" the tr'th ma)
#e more "amo'!% .hil!t that in an)% gathered o" diver! co'ntrie!% depart% #eing van@'i!hed #) one
man< and it i! not to #e do'#ted #'t that the) .ere en"orced to hold their peace .ith !hame.
Stephen had alread) .on great "avor% and gotten great dignit) #) miracle!.
9366
He an!.ereth the
di!p'ter! no. in !'ch !ort that he getteth the 'pper hand m'ch. He p'tteth not that $isdo% and
s+irit .hich he !aith hi! adver!arie! co'ld not gain!tand% a! diver! thing!. There"ore re!olve the!e
.ord! th'!4 The) co'ld not re!i!t the .i!dom .hich the Spirit o" >od gave him. 9or L'$e meant
to e3pre!! that the) "o'ght not on #oth !ide! a! men< #'t that the enemie! o" the go!pel .ere
there"ore di!co'raged and overcome% #eca'!e the) did !trive again!t the Spirit o" >od% .hich
!pa$e #) the mo'th o" Stephen. *nd "ora!m'ch a! Chri!t hath promi!ed the !ame Spirit to all hi!
!ervant!% let '! onl) de"end the tr'th "aith"'ll)% and let '! crave a mo'th and .i!dom o" him% and
.e !hall #e !'""icientl) "'rni!hed to !pea$% !o that neither the .it% neither )et the #a##ling o" o'r
adver!arie!% !hall #e a#le to ma$e '! a!hamed. So the Spirit .a! a! e""ect'al in o'r time in the
mo'th o" the mart)r! .hich .ere #'rnt% and it 'ttereth the li$e "orce no. dail)% that tho'gh the)
.ere ignorant men% Fnever trained 'p in an) !chool!%G )et did the) ma$e the chie" divine! .hich
maintained Poper) no le!! a!toni!hed .ith their voice onl)% than i" it had th'ndered and lightned.
936M
ACTS #:11-1!
11. Then the) !'#orned men% .hich !aid% Je have heard thi! man !pea$ #la!phemo'!
.ord! again!t Mo!e! and >od. 12. *nd the) moved the people% and the elder!% and the
!cri#e!. *nd invading him% the) too$ him and #ro'ght him into the co'ncil. 1. *nd
the) #ro'ght "orth "al!e .itne!!e!G .hich !aid% Thi! man cea!eth not to !pea$
#la!phemo'! .ord! again!t thi! hol) place and the la.. 1". 9or .e have heard him
!a)% That thi! Be!'! o" :a5areth !hall de!tro) thi! place% and !hall change the
ordinance! .hich Mo!e! hath given '!. 1!. *nd .hen all .hich !at in the co'ncil had
#eholden him% the) !a. hi! "ace a! it had #een the "ace o" an angel.
12. -eing overcome .ith the po.er o" the Spirit% the) give over di!p'ting% #'t the) prepare "al!e
.itne!!e!% that .ith "al!e and !landero'! report!% the) ma) oppre!! him< .here#) it appeareth
that the) did !trive .ith an evil con!cience. 9or .hat can #e more 'nmeet than in their ca'!e to
lean 'nto lie!I
936E
*dmit he .ere a .ic$ed man% and g'ilt)% )et he m'!t not have "al!e .itne!!
#orne again!t him.
9361
-'t h)pocrite!% .hich !hro'd them!elve! 'nder 5eal% do carele!!l) grant
them!elve! leave to do that. Je !ee ho. the Papi!t! at thi! da) corr'pt mani"e!t place! o"
Script're% and that .ittingl)% .hil!t that the) .ill "al!el) .re!t te!timonie! again!t '!. + con"e!!%
indeed% that the) o""end "or the mo!t part thro'gh ignorance< )et can .e "ind none o" them .hich
doth not grant him!el" li#ert) to corr'pt #oth the !en!e and al!o the .ord! o" the Script're% that
the) ma) #ring o'r doctrine into contempt<
93M0
)ea% the) !lander '! mon!tro'!l) even in the
p'lpit. +" )o' a!$ the!e 8a##in!% .hether it #e la."'l to !lander a man or no% the) .ill den) that
1/0
it i! la."'l generall)< #'t .hen the) come 'nto '!% good 5eal doth e3c'!e them% #eca'!e the)
thin$ that nothing i! 'nla."'l .hich ma) #'rden '! or o'r ca'!e< there"ore the) "latter
them!elve! in l)ing% "al!ehood% and dogged imp'dence. S'ch h)pocri!) did al!o #lind them o"
.hom L'$e !pea$eth in thi! place% .hich '!ed "al!e .itne!! to p't Stephen to death< "or .hen
Satan reigneth% he doth not onl) pric$ "or.ard the repro#ate 'nto cr'elt)% #'t al!o #lind their
e)e!% !o that the) thin$ that the) ma) do .hat!oever the) .ill. Je are !peciall) ta'ght #) thi!
e3ample% ho. dangero'! the color o" good 5eal i!% 'nle!! it #e governed #) the Spirit o" >od< "or
it #rea$eth o't al.a)! into "'rio'! madne!!% and% in the mean !ea!on% it i! a marvelo'! vi!or to
cover all manner o" .ic$edne!!.
1". 2e ha&e heard( +t !hall "'ll .ell appear #) Stephen=! de"en!e% that he never !pa$e an)thing
to'ching Mo!e! or the temple .itho't reverence< and )et% not.ith!tanding% thi! .a! not laid to
hi! charge "or nothing% "or he had ta'ght the a#rogating o" the la.. -'t the) are "al!e .itne!!e! in
thi!% and !'#orned to lie% #eca'!e the) corr'pt p'rpo!el) tho!e thing! .hich .ere .ell and godl)
!po$en. So Chri!t .a! en"orced to clear him!el"% that he came% not to de!tro) the la.% #'t to
"'l"ill the la.< #eca'!e% .hen he had preached o" a#rogating the ceremonie!% the .ic$ed .re!ted
thi! 'nto another p'rpo!e% a! i" he meant to a#oli!h and ta$e a.a) the .hole la.. 9'rthermore%
the) .re!ted that .ic$edl) 'nto the temple o" Ber'!alem% .hich he !pa$e o" hi! #od). Jhat% .a!
it not o#?ected to Pa'l% that he ta'ght% PThat evil i! to #e done% that good ma) come thereo"IQ
There"ore% there i! no ca'!e .h) .e !ho'ld .onder at thi! da) that that i! !o "al!el)
mi!con!tr'ed .hich .e teach godl)% .ell% and pro"ita#l)< )ea% .e m'!t rather per!'ade o'r!elve!
th'!% that the doctrine o" the go!pel can never #e handled !o .aril) and moderatel)% #'t that it
!hall #e !'#?ect to "al!e acc'!ation!< "or Satan% .ho i! the "ather o" l)ing% doth al.a)! #e!tir
him!el" in hi! o""ice. *gain% #eca'!e there #e man) thing! .hich are contrar) to the rea!on o" the
"le!h% men are inclined to nothing more than to admit "al!e report!% .hich corr'pt the tr'e and
!incere !en!e o" doctrine. Thi! malice o" Satan% and the !leight!% o'ght to ma$e '! more .ar) and
more circ'm!pect that no prepo!tero'! thing% or an)thing that i! improperl) !po$en% e!cape '!%
.here.ith the) ma) #e armed to "ight again!t '!< "or .e m'!t care"'ll) c't o"" "rom the .ic$ed
that occa!ion .hereat the) !natch. *nd i" .e !ee that% doctrine% .hich i! #) '! .ell and godl)
delivered% corr'pted% de"ormed% and torn in piece! .ith "al!e report!% .e m'!t not repent that .e
have #eg'n% neither )et i! there an) ca'!e .h) .e !ho'ld #e more !lac$ herea"ter< "or it i! not
meet that .e !ho'ld #e "lee "rom the poi!oned and venomo'! #iting! o" Satan% .hich the Son o"
>od him!el" co'ld not e!cape. +n the mean !ea!on% it i! o'r part and d't) to da!h and p't a.a)
tho!e lie! .here.ith the tr'th o" >od i! #'rdened% li$e a! .e !ee Chri!t "ree the doctrine o" the
go!pel "rom 'n?'!t in"am). 7nl) let '! !o prepare o'r!elve! that !'ch indignit) and di!hone!t
dealing ma) not hinder '! in o'r co'r!e.
-eca'!e .e teach that men are !o corr'pt% that the) are altogether !lave! 'nto !in and .ic$ed
l'!t!% the enemie! do there'pon in"er thi! "al!e acc'!ation% that .e den) that men !in .illingl)%
#'t that the) are en"orced there'nto #) !ome other mean!% !o that the) are not in the "a'lt% neither
#ear an) #lame< )ea% the) !a) "arther% that .e @'ench altogether all de!ire to do .ell. -eca'!e .e
den) that the .or$! o" hol) men are "or their o.n .orthine!! meritorio'!% #eca'!e the) have
al.a)! !ome "a'lt or imper"ection in them% the) cavil that .e p't no di""erence #et.een the good
and the evil.
93M1
-eca'!e .e !a) that man=! righteo'!ne!! con!i!teth in the grace o" >od alone%
and that godl) !o'l! can "ind re!t no.here el!e% !ave onl) in the death o" Chri!t< the) o#?ect that
#) thi! mean! .e grant li#ert) to the "le!h% Fto do .hat!oever it .ill%G that the '!e o" the la. ma)
no longer remain. Jhen a! .e maintain the honor o" Chri!t% .hich the) #e!to. a! it plea!eth
1/D
them here and there% a"ter that the) have rent it in a tho'!and piece! li$e a pre)< the) "eign that
.e are enemie! to the !aint!% the) "al!el) report that .e !ee$ the licentio'!ne!! o" the "le!h
in!tead o" the li#ert) o" the Spirit. Jhil!t that .e endeavor to re!tore the S'pper o" the Lord 'nto
hi! p're and la."'l '!e< the) cr) o't imp'dentl) that .e overthro. and de!tro) the !ame. 7ther!
al!o .hich ta$e a.a) all thing!% a! did the *cademic!% #eca'!e that doth not plea!e them .hich
.e teach concerning the !ecret prede!tination o" >od% and that o't o" the Script're!% la) to o'r
charge de!pite"'ll)% that .e ma$e >od a t)rant .hich ta$eth plea!'re in p'tting innocent men to
death% !eeing that he hath alread) ad?'dged tho!e 'nto eternal death .hich are a! )et 'n#orn% and
other !'ch thing! a! can #e !aid on thi! #ehal"< .herea!% not.ith!tanding% the) are !'""icientl)
convicted that .e thin$ reverentl) o" >od% and that .e !pea$ no other.i!e than he teacheth .ith
hi! o.n mo'th. +t i! a hard matter to end're !'ch env)% )et m'!t .e not there"ore cea!e o"" to
de"end a good ca'!e. 9or the tr'th o" >od i! precio'! in hi! !ight% and it o'ght al!o to #e precio'!
'nto '!% altho'gh it #e 'nto the repro#ate the !avor o" death 'nto death% F
N0M0/16O
/ Corinthian!
/416.G
-'t no. + ret'rn 'nto Stephen=! acc'!ation% the principal point .hereo" i! thi!% that he
#la!phemed >od and Mo!e!. The) do% "or good con!ideration!% ma$e the in?'r) common to >od
and to Mo!e!% #eca'!e Mo!e! had nothing in hi! doctrine .hich .a! hi! o.n or !eparated "rom
>od. The) prove thi!% #eca'!e he !pa$e #la!phemo'!l) again!t the temple and the la.<
"'rthermore% the) ma$e thi! the #la!phem)% #eca'!e he !aid that the coming o" Chri!t had made
an end o" the temple and the ceremonie!. +t i! not credi#le that Stephen !pa$e th'! a! the) report<
#'t the) malicio'!l) .re!t tho!e thing! .hich .ere !po$en .ell and godl)% that the) ma) color
their "al!e acc'!ation< #'t altho'gh the) had changed nothing in the .ord!% )et Stephen .a! !o
"ar "rom doing an) in?'r) to the la. and the temple% that he co'ld no .a) #etter and more tr'l)
prai!e the !ame. The Be.! did !'ppo!e that the temple .a! @'ite di!honored% 'nle!! the !hado.)
e!tate thereo" !ho'ld end're "or ever% that the la. o" Mo!e! .a! "r'!trate and nothing .orth%
'nle!! the ceremonie! !ho'ld #e contin'all) in "orce. -'t the e3cellenc) o" the temple and the
pro"it o" the ceremonie! con!i!t rather in thi!% .hil!t that the) are re"erred 'nto Chri!t a! 'nto
their principal pattern. There"ore% ho.!oever the acc'!ation hath !ome color% )et i! it 'n?'!t and
.ic$ed. *nd altho'gh the "act come in @'e!tion% that i!% .hether the matter #e !o a! the
adver!arie! la) to hi! charge% not.ith!tanding the !tate [o" the @'e!tion] i! properl) [one] o"
@'alit)% "or the) acc'!e Stephen% #eca'!e he ta'ght that the "orm o" the .or!hip o" >od .hich
.a! then '!ed !ho'ld #e changed< and the) interpret thi! to #e #la!phem) again!t >od and
Mo!e!< there"ore the controver!) i! rather concerning right Fa! the) !a)G than the "act it!el"< "or
the @'e!tion i!% Jhether he #e in?'rio'! and .ic$ed again!t >od and Mo!e!% .ho !aith% that the
vi!i#le temple i! an image o" a more e3cellent !anct'ar)% .herein d.elleth the "'llne!! o" the
>odhead% and .ho teacheth that the !hado.! o" the la. are temporalI
This /esus of "a7areth( The) !pea$ th'! o" Chri!t di!dain"'ll)% a! i" the remem#rance o" him
.ere dete!ta#le. :everthele!!% it ma) #e gathered o't o" their acc'!ation!% that Stephen did% in
the a#rogating o" the la.% !et the #od) again!t the !hado.!% and the !'#!tance again!t the "ig're<
"or i" ceremonie! #e a#oli!hed #) Chri!t% their tr'th i! !pirit'al. The Be.!% .hich .o'ld have
them contin'e "or ever% did con!ider nothing in them #'t that .hich .a! gro!!% carnal% earthl)%
and .hich might #e !een .ith the e)e!. -rie"l)% i" the '!e o" ceremonie! .ere contin'al% the)
!ho'ld #e "rail and !ho'ld vani!h a.a)% #eca'!e the) !ho'ld have nothing #'t the onl) e3ternal
!ho.% !o that the) !ho'ld have no !o'ndne!!. There"ore% thi! i! their tr'e perpet'it)% .hen a! the)
1/6
are a#rogated #) the coming o" Chri!t< #eca'!e it "ollo.eth here'pon that the "orce and e""ect
thereo" doth con!i!t in Chri!t.
3hall 'hange the ordinan'es( +t i! o't o" all do'#t that Stephen meant thi! o" the ceremonial part
onl)< #'t #eca'!e men are .ont to #e more addicted to e3ternal pomp% the!e men 'nder!tand that
.hich .a! !po$en% a! i" Stephen .o'ld #ring the .hole la. to nothing. The principal +re'e+ts o"
the la. did indeed concern the !pirit'al .or!hip o" >od% "aith% ?'!tice% and ?'dgment< #'t #eca'!e
the!e men ma$e more acco'nt o" the e3ternal rites, the) call the rite! .hich are commanded
concerning the !acri"ice!% ordinan'es of Moses, #) e3cellenc). Thi! .a! #red #) the #one "rom
the #eginning o" the .orld% and it .ill never o't o" the "le!h !o long a! it la!teth.
93M/
*! at thi!
da) the Papi!t! ac$no.ledge no .or!hip o" >od !ave onl) in their vi!or!< altho'gh the) di""er
m'ch "rom the Be.!% #eca'!e the) "ollo. nothing #'t the "rivolo'! invention o" men "or the
ordinance! o" >od.
1!. And $hen they had beheld( Men do commonl) in place! o" ?'dgment t'rn their e)e! to.ard
the part) arraigned% .hen a! the) loo$ "or hi! de"en!e. He !aith that Stephen appeared li$e to an
angel< thi! i! not !po$en o" hi! nat'ral "ace% #'t rather o" hi! pre!ent co'ntenance. 9or .herea!
the co'ntenance o" tho!e .hich are arraigned '!eth commonl) to #e pale% .herea! the) !tammer
in their !peech% and !ho. other !ign! o" "ear% L'$e teacheth that there .a! no !'ch thing in
Stephen% #'t that there appeared rather in him a certain ma?e!t). 9or the Script're '!eth
!ometime! to #orro. a !imilit'de o" angel! in thi! !en!e< a!
N01/001O
1 Sam'el /041<
N10101MO
/ Sam'el
1041M<
N1011/MO
/ Sam'el 114/M.
1/M
CH*PT,8 M
ACTS %:1-"
1. *nd the chie" prie!t !aid% *re the!e thing! !oI 2. He an!.ered% Men% #rethren%
and "ather!% hear$en< The >od o" glor) appeared to o'r "ather *#raham% .hen he
.a! in Me!opotamia% #e"ore he d.elt in Charran% . *nd he !aid 'nto him% Come
o't o" th) co'ntr)% and "rom among!t th) $indred% and come into the land .hich +
.ill !ho. thee. ". Then he came o't o" the land o" the Chaldee!% and d.elt in
Charran. *"ter that hi! "ather .a! dead% >od #ro'ght him thence into thi! land%
.herein )e no. d.ell.
1. There appeareth a! )et !ome color o" e@'it) in the high prie!t and in the co'ncil< and )et%
not.ith!tanding% there i! a mo!t 'n?'!t pre?'dice in hi! .ord!< "or he a!$eth him not .hat ca'!e
he had to teach th'!% neither doth he admit him 'nto the de"en!e o" right% F.hich .a!%
not.ith!tanding% the chie"<G #'t he demanded preci!el) .hether Stephen 'ttered the!e .ord!%
.hat!oever the) .ere< a! the Papi!t! at thi! da) .ill not demand .hat doctrine it i!% and .hether
it can #e proved o't o" the Script're!< #'t the) in@'ire
93M3
.hether an) man d'r!t m'tter again!t
their !'per!tition!% that !o !oon a! he i! convict% the) ma) "orth.ith #'rn
93M0
him. 9'rthermore%
Stephen=! an!.er ma) !eem at the "ir!t #l'!h a#!'rd and "ooli!h. He #eginneth "ir!t at the ver)
"ir!t #eginning< a"ter.ard! he ma$eth a long narration% .herein there i! no mention made% in a
manner% o" the matter in hand< and there can #e no greater "a'lt than to 'tter man) .ord! .hich
are nothing appertinent 'nto the matter<
93MD
#'t .ho!oever !hall thoro'ghl) con!ider thi! long
!peech% he !hall "ind nothing therein .hich i! !'per"l'o'!< and !hall "'ll .ell perceive that
Stephen !pea$eth ver) appertinentl)%
93M6
a! the matter re@'ireth. He .a! acc'!ed a! an apo!tate
For revolt%G .hich did attempt the overthro. o" religion and the .or!hip o" >od< there"ore% he
#eateth in
93MM
thi! diligentl)% that he retaineth that >od .hich the "ather! have al.a)!
.or!hipped% !o that he t'rneth a.a) the crime o" .ic$ed #ac$!liding<
93ME
and declareth that hi!
enemie! .ere pric$ed "or.ard .ith nothing le!! than .ith the 5eal o" the la.% "or the) #ear a
!ho. that the) .ere .holl) determined
93M1
to increa!e the glor) o" >od< there"ore% he .ringeth
"rom them thi! "al!e #oa!ting% and #eca'!e the) had the "ather! al.a)! in their mo'th!% #eca'!e
the) .ere p'""ed 'p .ith the glor) o" their nation% Stephen declareth al!o that the) have no ca'!e
to #e pro'd o" thi!% #'t rather that the corr'ption! o" the "ather! .ere !o great and !o man)% that
the) o'ght to #e a!hamed and h'm#led.
*! concerning the principal !tate o" the ca'!e% #eca'!e the @'e!tion .a! concerning the temple
and the ceremonie!% he a""irmeth plainl) that their "ather! .ere elected o" >od to #e a pec'liar
people #e"ore there .a! an) temple% and #e"ore Mo!e! .a! #orn< and to thi! end tendeth that
e:ordiu% or #eginning .hich i! !o "ar "et% F"etched.G Secondl)% he telleth them that all e3ternal
rite! .hich >od gave #) the hand o" Mo!e! .ere "a!hioned according to the heavenl) pattern.
Jhere'pon it "ollo.eth% that the ceremonial la. i! re"erred 'nto another end% and that tho!e deal
"ooli!hl) and di!orderl) .ho omit the tr'th% and !ta) onl) in the !ign!. +" the reader! !hall re"er
the .hole oration o" Stephen 'nto the!e point!% the) !hall "ind nothing therein .hich agreeth not
ver) .ell .ith the ca'!e% a! + !hall declare again #rie"l) in the end< neverthele!!% that !cope o" the
.hole oration !hall not hinder #'t that .e ma) di!c'!! all thing! #rie"l) .hich are .orth the
noting.
1/E
2. Men, brethren, and fathers( *ltho'gh Stephen !a. that tho!e .hich !at in the co'ncil .ere% "or
the mo!t part% the !.orn enemie! o" Chri!t% )et #eca'!e the ordinar) government o" the people
did #elong to them% and the) had the over!ight o" the Ch'rch% .hich >od had not a! )et ca!t o""%
there"ore% he i! not a"raid% "or mode!t)=! !a$e% to call them "ather!. :either doth he "latteringl)
p'rcha!e "avor here#)< #'t he giveth thi! honor to the order and government appointed #) >od%
'ntil !'ch time a! the a'thorit) !ho'ld #e ta$en "rom them% the order #eing altered. :everthele!!%
the reverence o" the place .hich the) had doth not hinder him nor !top hi! mo'th< #'t that he
doth "reel) di!!ent "rom them% .here#) it appeareth ho. ridic'lo'! the Papi!t! are .ho .ill have
'! !o tied 'nto #are and vain invented title!% that the) ma) en"orce '! to !'#!cri#e 'nto their
decree!% tho'gh the) #e never !o .ic$ed.
The God of glory( -) thi! #eginning% he declareth that he doth not di!agree or di!!ent "rom the
"ather! in tr'e religion .hich the) "ollo.ed< "or all religion% the .or!hip o" >od% the doctrine o"
the la.% all prophecie!% did depend 'pon that covenant .hich >od made .ith *#raham<
there"ore% .hen Stephen con"e!!ed that >od appeared to *#raham% he em#raceth the la. and the
prophet!% .hich "lo. "rom that "ir!t revelation a! "rom a "o'ntain< moreover% he calleth him the
God of glory, that he ma) di!ting'i!h him "rom the "al!e and reigned god!% .ho alone i! .orth)
o" glor).
2hen he $as in Meso+ota%ia( +t i! .ell $no.n that that i! called #) thi! name .hich lieth
#et.een the river Tigri! and ,'phrate!< and he !aith #e"ore% he d.elt in Charran% #eca'!e
*#raham% #eing .arned #) an oracle% "led
93E0
"rom Chaldea to Charran% .hich i! a cit) o"
Me!opotamia% "amo'! #) rea!on o" the !la'ghter o" Cra!!'! and the 8oman arm)< altho'gh Plin)
!aith that it .a! a cit) o" *ra#ia< and it i! no marvel that Chaldea i! in thi! place comprehended
'nder the name o" Me!opotamia% #eca'!e% altho'gh that region% .hich i! enclo!ed .ith Tigri!
and ,'phrate!% [Me!opotamia%] #e properl) the co'ntr) #et.een t.o river!% )et tho!e .hich !et
do.n an) de!cription o" co'ntrie!
93E1
do call #oth *!!)ria and Chaldea #) thi! name.
The !'m i! thi!% that *#raham #eing commanded #) >od% did "or!a$e hi! co'ntr)% and !o he .a!
prevented .ith the mere goodne!! o" >od .hen a! he !o'ght that .hich .a! o""ered him at home
o" the [it!] o.n accord. 8ead the la!t chapter o" Bo!h'a< #'t it !eemeth that Mo!e!= narration doth
!ome.hat di!agree .ith thi!% "or a"ter that% a#o't the end o" the 11th chapter o" >ene!i!% he had
declared% that *#raham doth [did] go into another co'ntr) to d.ell% having le"t hi! ho'!e% he
addeth% in the #eginning o" the 1/th% that God s+a#e unto Abraha%( Thi! i! ea!il) an!.ered% "or
Mo!e! reciteth not in thi! latter place .hat happened a"ter the depart're o" *#raham< #'t le!t an)
man !ho'ld thin$ that *#raham .andered into other co'ntrie!% having 'nadvi!edl) "or!a$en hi!
o.n ho'!e% Fa! light and indi!creet men
93E/
'!ed to do !ometime!%G he !ho.eth the ca'!e o" hi!
depart're% to .it% #eca'!e he .a! commanded #) >od to "lit into another place. *nd th'! m'ch
do the .ord! o" the oracle import. 9or% i" he had #een a !tranger in another co'ntr)% >od co'ld
not have commanded him to depart o't o" hi! native !oil% "or!a$ing hi! $in!men and "ather=!
ho'!e. There"ore% .e !ee that thi! place agreeth .ondro'! .ell .ith the .ord! o" Mo!e!. 9or
a"ter that Mo!e! hath !aid that *#raham .ent to Charran% to the end he ma) !ho. that thi!
?o'rne) .a! ta$en in hand% not thro'gh an) lightne!! o" man% #'t at the commandment o" >od%
he addeth that a"ter.ard! .hich he had #e"ore omitted% .hich manner o" !pea$ing i! m'ch '!ed
o" the He#re.!.
. Co%e out of thy 'ountry( >od '!eth man) .ord!% to the end he ma) the more .o'nd the mind
o" *#raham% a! i" it .ere not a thing !harp eno'gh o" it!el" to #e #ani!hed o't o" hi! o.n co'ntr).
1/1
*nd that !erved to tr) hi! "aith< even a! that other thing al!o% that >od a!!igneth him no land
.herein he ma) d.ell% #'t ma$eth him !tand in do'#t% and .ait "or a time. Jhere"ore the
o#edience o" *#raham .a! !o m'ch the more to #e commended% #eca'!e the !.eetne!! o" hi!
native !oil $eepeth him not #ac$ "rom going .illingl)% a! it .ere% into e3ile< and in that he
do'#teth not to "ollo. >od% altho'gh there appear no certain re!tingplace% #'t i! commanded to
.ander to and "ro "or a time. Jherea!% the !ho.ing o" the land i! de"erred% it di""ereth not m'ch
"rom deceiving o" him.
93E3
9'rthermore% .e learn contin'all) #) o'r o.n e3perience ho. pro"ita#le it .a! "or *#raham
th'! to #e e3erci!ed% and% a! it .ere% trained #) little and little. Man) men are carried .ith a
godl) a""ection to attempt great thing!% #'t #) and #)% !o !oon a! their heat i! .a3en cold% it
repenteth them o" their p'rpo!e% and the) .o'ld gladl) !lip their nec$! o't o" the collar.
93E0

There"ore% le!t *#raham !ho'ld "aint .hen he .a! in the mid!t o" hi! co'r!e% thro'gh the
remem#rance o" tho!e thing! .hich he had le"t #ehind him% >od !i"teth and trieth hi! mind
thoro'ghl)% immediatel) a"ter he had #eg'n% le!t he ta$e an)thing in hand lightl) and
'nadvi!edl). To thi! p'rpo!e !erveth the para#le .hich Chri!t !etteth #e"ore '! concerning the
#'ilding o" the to.er% F
N0/10/EO
L'$e 104/E.G 9or he teacheth that .e m'!t "ir!t ca!t the charge!% le!t
.ith !hame .e #e en"orced to leave o"" #'ilding a"ter .e have #eg'n. *nd tho'gh thi! .ere a
partic'lar thing in *#raham in that he .a! commanded to go o't o" hi! o.n co'ntr)% and to go
into a "ar co'ntr)% in that >od carried him "rom place to place% )et% not.ith!tanding% there i! in
the!e .ord! !ome "ig're o" the calling o" '! all. Je are not all !impl) commanded to "or!a$e o'r
co'ntr)% #'t .e are commanded to den) o'r!elve!< .e are not commanded to come o't o" o'r
"ather=! ho'!e% #'t to #id adie' to o'r o.n .ill% and to the de!ire! o" o'r o.n "le!h. *gain% i"
"ather and mother% .i"e and children% hinder '! "rom "ollo.ing >od% .e m'!t "or!a$e them all.
The commandment i! given !impl) to *#raham to "lit< #'t .e are commanded to do the !tone
'pon condition. 9or i" in an) place .e cannot !erve >od% .e m'!t rather ma$e choice o" e3ile
than to !ta) in o'r ne!t% #eing !loth"'l and !l'ggi!h. There"ore% let '! have the e3ample o"
*#raham al.a)! #e"ore o'r e)e!. He i! the "ather o" the "aith"'l% he .a! tried all manner o"
.a)!. (oth he "orget hi! co'ntr)% hi! "riend!% and him!el"% that he ma) give over him!el" 'nto
>odI F
N0D0016O
8oman! 0416%1M.G +" .e .ill #e co'nted the children o" >od% .e m'!t not
degenerate "rom him.
2hi'h ! shall sho$ thee( Je m'!t note that .hich + to'ched a little #e"ore% that *#raham i! $ept
in do'#t% to the end hi! patience ma) #e tried. *nd thi! m'!t .e al!o appl) to o'r o.n '!e% that
.e ma) learn to depend .holl) 'pon >od. *nd !'rel) thi! i! a principal e3erci!e o" o'r "aith to
p't o'r tr'!t in >od% even .hen .e !ee nothing. >od% indeed% .ill o"tentime! !ho. '! a land
.herein he granteth '! an a#idingplace< )et% not.ith!tanding% #eca'!e .e are !tranger! in the
.orld% .e have no certain and contin'al place o" a#ode an).here. *gain% o'r li"e% a! Pa'l !aith%
i! hid% F
ND10303O
Colo!!ian! 343<G and #eing li$e 'nto dead men% .e hope "or !alvation% .hich i! hid
in heaven. There"ore% a! to'ching o'r perpet'al ha#itation% >od doth ca'!e '! to depend 'pon hi!
providence alone% .hen he commandeth '!% a! it .ere% to .ander in a !trange co'ntr). Le!t !'ch
de"erring di!co'rage '!% .e m'!t hold thi! general r'le o" "aith% that .e m'!t go .hither >od
calleth '!% ho.!oever he do not !ho. that .hich he promi!eth.
". Then going out( The readine!! and .illingne!! o" "aith i! commended in the!e .ord!. 9or
.hen he i! called he ma$eth no dela)% #'t ma$eth ha!te
93ED
and !'#d'eth all hi! a""ection!% that
the) ma) o#e) the hol) commandment o" >od. +t i! 'ncertain "or .hat ca'!e he !ta)ed at
Charran< )et it ma) #e that the .ea$ne!! o" hi! "ather ca'!ed him to tarr) there% .ho% a! .e read%
130
died there !hortl) a"ter< or el!e% #eca'!e he d'r!t go no "'rther% 'ntil !'ch time a! the Lord had
told him .hither he !ho'ld go. +t i! more li$e to #e tr'e in mine opinion% that he .a! !ta)ed there
a .hile .ith the .eari!omene!! and !ic$ne!! o" hi! "ather% #eca'!e Stephen !aith plainl) that he
.a! #ro'ght thence a"ter the death o" hi! "ather.
ACTS %: !-$
!. *nd he gave him none inheritance in it% no% not the #readth o" a "oot< and
promi!ed that he .o'ld give it to him to po!!e!!% and to hi! !eed a"ter him% .hen a!
he had no !on. #. *nd >od !pa$e a"ter thi! manner% Th) !eed !hall !o?o'rn in a
!trange land< and the) !hall #ring it into #ondage% and !hall evil entreat it "o'r
h'ndred )ear!. %. -'t the nation .hom the) !hall !erve .ill + ?'dge% !aid >od. *nd
a"ter.ard! the) !hall come o't% and !hall .or!hip me in thi! place. $. *nd he gave
him the covenant o" circ'mci!ion4 and !o he #egat +!aac% and circ'mci!ed him the
eighth da)< and +!aac #egat Baco#< and Baco# #egat the t.elve patriarch!.
!. Je m'!t note three "iring! in thi! place< that >od e3erci!ed the patience o" hi! !ervant%
#eca'!e% a"ter that he had #ro'ght him o't o" hi! o.n co'ntr)% he d.elt in the land o" Canaan a!
a !tranger.
[9ir!t%] 9or *#raham po!!e!!ed not one "oot=!#readth% !ave onl) that .hich he #o'ght to #'r) in.
*nd that i! co'nted no po!!e!!ion .hich !erveth not "or the '!e! o" thi! li"e. Secondl)%
"ora!m'ch a! that "ield .a! #o'ght% Stephen doth "or good ca'!e! !a)% that >od gave *#raham
nothing. 9or that co'ld not #e gotten either .ith mone)% or #) an) other mean! .hich man co'ld
invent% .hich *#raham did hope "or o" the promi!e.
Secondl)% .e m'!t note% that tho'gh >od did not !ho. *#raham the thing it!el" a! )et% )et did he
'phold him #) hi! .ord. *nd thi! i! o'r !ta)% .hen >od promi!eth that that i! laid 'p "or '!
.hich a! )et .e po!!e!! not. There"ore% .hen a! the thing% that i!% the po!!e!!ion o" the land% .a!
.anting% *#raham had "or hi! help and !ta) the promi!e o" >od< and #eing content .ith the !ame
alone% he de!ired nothing in the land o" Canaan !ave onl) an 'ncertain re!tingplace .herein he
might !o?o'rn.
9or a! m'ch a! [epaggellesqai] !igni"ieth !impl) to promi!e% + tho'ght there .a! no ca'!e .h)%
.ith ,ra!m'!% + !ho'ld tran!late it in thi! place% to +ro%ise again( 9or + re!olve it adver!ativel)%
although he had +ro%ised, that #) the .a) .e ma) note a! it .ere% a !ho. o" deceiving%
93E6

'nle!! peradvent're !ome man #e di!po!ed to appl) it 'nto the promi!e! .hich are o"tentime!
repeated.
93EM
Thirdl)% .e m'!t note that the promi!e .a! !'ch that it did not m'ch di""er "rom a mere moc$.
>od promi!ed the land to the !eed o" *#raham .hen he .a! "o'r!core )ear! old% and had to .i"e
one that .a! #arren% neither had he an) hope to have an) i!!'e. Thi! !eemeth to #e more than
"rivolo'!. 9or .h) doth he not rather promi!e that he .ill give him !eedI -'t thi! .a! a nota#le
trial o" "aith% in that *#raham% .itho't a!$ing an) @'e!tion% or an) c'rio'! di!p'tation% did
o#edientl) and mee$l) em#race that .hich he had heard proceed o't o" the mo'th o" the Lord.
There"ore% let '! remem#er that >od doth !o li"t 'p and com"ort hi! !ervant .ith hi! .ord% that
he doth not onl) de"er the giving o" the thing%
93EE
#'t al!o he ma) !eem a"ter a !ort to moc$ him<
a! he dealeth .ith '! al!o in !ome re!pect. 9or% altho'gh he call '! the heir! o" the .orld%
F
ND10/0DO
Bame! /4D%G he !'""ereth '! o"tentime! to .ant even a competent living and nece!!ar)
131
help!. *nd thi! doth he o" !et p'rpo!e% that he ma) #ring the .i!dom o" the "le!h to no'ght%
!eeing that .e do not other.i!e give d'e honor to hi! .ord.
#. Thy seed shall be a stranger( Stephen p'tteth the Be.! in mind in ho. mi!era#le and
reproach"'l an e!tate their "ather! .ere in ,g)pt< and !ho.eth that thi! their !ervit'de% .here.ith
the) .ere oppre!!ed% came not #) chance< #eca'!e it .a! "oretold long #e"ore #) the oracle o"
>od. Thi! hi!tor) o'ght to have #een o" great "orce% partl) to tame their lo"t) co'rage!%
93E1
and to
teach them mode!t)< partl) to !et "orth the grace o" >od% #eca'!e >od had al.a)! had a care o"
that nation. 9or thi! i! a !ing'lar #ene"it% in that the people are re!tored .onder"'ll)% a! it .ere%
"rom death to li"e. +n the mean !ea!on% the Be.! are ta'ght that the Ch'rch o" >od .a! el!e.here
than in the land .herein the) d.elt< that the "ather! .ere cho!en to #e a pec'liar people% and that
the) .ere $ept !a"e 'nder the t'ition o" >od% #e"ore ever the temple .a! #'ilt% or the e3ternal
ceremonie! o" the la. .ere in!tit'ted.
The!e thing! appertain 'nto the general !cope or dri"t o" the !ermon. -'t hence ma) .e gather a
pro"ita#le admonition. -ondage i! o" it!el" hard and #itter< #'t .hen cr'elt) o" ma!ter! i! added
there'nto% it !eemeth to #e intolera#le. Jhere"ore% it m'!t need! #e that the mind o" the godl)
man .a! !ore .o'nded% .hen he heard that hi! !eed !ho'ld !erve% and #e villano'!l) and cr'ell)
entreated% Moreover% thi! .a! no !mall trial< "ora!m'ch a! the!e thing! .ere% to loo$ to contrar)
Hthe inheritance o" the land o" Canaan .hich .a! no. promi!ed% and #ondage in a !trange
co'ntr). 9or .ho .o'ld not have tho'ght that >od had% a! it .ere% "orgotten hi! "ormer promi!e%
.hen a! he telleth *#raham that hi! !eed !hall end're mi!era#le #ondageI He !aith% at the "ir!t%
that he .ill give hi! !eed the land. -'t he had a! )et no !eed< )ea% all hope o" !eed .a! no. c't
o"". -'t .hen doth he promi!e that he .ill give itI *"ter hi! death. -) and #) he !aith% that that
!eed !ho'ld #e carried a.a) to another place% that it ma) !erve !tranger!. *nd ho. longI 9o'r
h'ndred )ear!. (oth he not !eem% #) thi! mean!% to p'll #ac$ hi! hand% that he ma) not per"orm
that .hich he had promi!edI
Let '! $no. that thi! .a! done% Fnot once onl)%G "or >od dealeth o"tentime! .ith '! th'!% !o that
he ma) !eem contrar) to him!el"< and he !pea$eth al!o in !'ch !ort a! that he ma) !eem to call
#ac$
9310
that .hich he had promi!ed. There"ore% it cannot #e #'t that "le!h .ill ?'dge that he i!
contrar) to him!el"< #'t "aith doth $no. that hi! .ord! do agree .ell together among!t
them!elve!% and .ith hi! .or$!. *nd thi! i! the p'rpo!e o" >od% to the end he ma) e3tend the
!ight o" o'r "aith the "arther% to !ho. hi! promi!e! a"ar o""% a! it .ere% a long place [!pace] #eing
p't #et.een. There"ore it i! o'r d't) to go "or.ard% and to !trive to attain 'nto that !alvation
.hich i! !et #e"ore '! thro'gh man) !trait!%
9311
thro'gh diver! let!% thro'gh long di!tance%
thro'gh the mid!t o" deep!% and% "inall)% thro'gh death it!el". 9'rthermore% !eeing that .e !ee that
the people .hich >od had cho!en did !erve the ,g)ptian!% and .a! 'nco'rteo'!l)
931/
a""licted%
.e m'!t not #e di!co'raged i" the li$e condition #e prepared "or '! at thi! da). 9or it i! no ne.
thing% neither an) 'n.onted thing% "or the Ch'rch o" >od to lie oppre!!ed 'nder t)rann)% and to
#e% a! it .ere% trodden 'nder "oot o" the .ic$ed.
%. The nation $ho% they shall ser&e( Thi! ?'dgment i! ?oined .ith the deliverance o" the people.
9or% .herea! >od doth p'ni!h the cr'elt) and t)rann) o" the .ic$ed ,g)ptian!% he doth that "or
hi! people=! !a$e% .hom he too$ into hi! t'ition% that it ma) #e !een that he i! the deliverer o" hi!
Ch'rch. There"ore% !o o"ten a! .e are 'n?'!tl) a""licted #) the .ic$ed% let '! remem#er that >od
i! the B'dge o" the .orld% .ho .ill let no in?'rie! #e 'np'ni!hed. Let ever) man th'! thin$ .ith
him!el"% Seeing that + am 'nder the t'ition o" >od% .ho i! the B'dge o" the .orld% and to .hom it
13/
#elongeth to p'ni!h all in?'rie!% tho!e !hall not e!cape hi! hand .ho tro'#le me no.. There i! the
li$e place in
N0D3/03O
(e'teronom) 3/403% .here >od !aith that vengeance i! hi!. Jhence Pa'l
gathereth that .e m'!t give place to .rath% F
N0D1/11O
8oman! 1/411<G a! i" he !ho'ld !a)% that thi!
o'ght to !erve to re"orm impatience% and to #ridle o'r evil a""ection!% in that >od promi!eth that
he .ill revenge< "or he .hich revengeth him!el" doth ta$e >od=! o""ice "rom him. *nd let '! !till
remem#er that .hich + have alread) !aid% that >od i! to'ched .ith an e!pecial care to revenge
in?'rie! done to hi! children% a! it i! in the P!alm% PH'rt not mine anointed% and #e not
tro'#le!ome to m) prophet!.Q
They shall 'o%e then'e and ser&e %e( There"ore their deliverance .ent #e"ore the temple and the
.or!hip o" the la.< .here'pon it "ollo.eth% that the grace o" >od .a! not tied to ceremonie!.
:everthele!!% Stephen noteth the end o" their deliverance% that >od cho!e #oth a pec'liar people
and a pec'liar place "or the tr'e .or!hip o" hi! name. Jhence .e gather again% that .e m'!t
regard .hat he commandeth and allo.eth. 7ther nation! al!o .ere determined to .or!hip >od<
#'t #eca'!e their rite! .ere corr'pt and #a!tardl)%
9313
>od doth !eparate the Be.! "rom the re!t%
and a!!igneth them a place .here he .ill have them to .or!hip him !incerel) and d'l) a! the)
o'ght. Thi! place teacheth '!% that >od=! #ene"it! m'!t #e re"erred to thi! end% that men might #e
#ro'ght to addict and give over them!elve! .holl) to him. :o.% !ince that >od hath di!per!ed
the trea!'re! o" hi! grace thro'gho't the .hole .orld% .e m'!t endeavor to !ancti") him% #)
.or!hipping him p'rel) and holil)% in .hat co'ntr) !oever .e d.ell.
$. He ga&e hi% the 'o&enant( Jhen a! he con"e!!eth that circ'mci!ion i! the covenant o" >od% he
cleareth him!el" !'""icientl) o" that crime .hich .a! laid to hi! charge< #'t% in the mean !ea!on%
he !ho.eth that the Be.! deal ami!!% i" the) place the #eginning o" their !alvation in the e3ternal
!ign. 9or i" *#raham .a! called% and the land and redemption promi!ed to hi! !eed #e"ore !'ch
time a! he .a! circ'mci!ed% it appeareth that the glor) o" the .hole !toc$ cloth not depend 'pon
circ'mci!ion. Pa'l '!eth the !ame arg'ment in the 0th chapter to the 8oman!% F
N0D0011O
8oman!
0411.G 9or% !eeing that *#raham o#tained righteo'!ne!!% and plea!ed >od #e"ore he .a!
circ'mci!ed% he gathereth thence that circ'mci!ion i! not the ca'!e o" righteo'!ne!!. There"ore
.e !ee that Stephen "rameth no vain and idle narration< #eca'!e thi! .a! ver) m'ch appertinent
'nto the ca'!e% that the Be.! might remem#er ho. >od had adopted them .ith their "ather!% and
it i! to #e tho'ght that Stephen did plainl) e3pre!! #oth thing!< that altho'gh circ'mci!ion .a!
given #) >od% that it might #e a !ign o" grace% )et .a! the adoption #e"ore it #oth in order and in
time. -'t .e have no need to di!p'te an) longer in thi! place concerning the nat're and "orce o"
circ'mci!ion. 7nl) let '! note thi!% that >od doth "ir!t promi!e tho!e thing! to *#raham .hich he
con"irmeth a"ter.ard #) circ'mci!ion% that .e ma) $no. that the !ign! are vain and nothing
.orth% 'nle!! the .ord go #e"ore. Let '! al!o note% that there i! a pro"ita#le doctrine contained in
the .ord 'o&enant, to .it% that >od ma$eth hi! covenant .ith '! in the !acrament!% that he ma)
declare hi! love to.ard '!< .hich thing% i" it #e tr'e% "ir!t% the) are not onl) .or$! o" e3ternal
pro"e!!ion among!t men% #'t the) gave great "orce in.ardl) #e"ore >od% to con"irm the "aith.
Secondl)% the) are no vain "ig're!< #eca'!e >od% .ho i! tr'e "ig'reth nothing there .hich he
doth not per"orm.
ACTS %:&-1#
&. *nd the patriarch!% moved .ith env)% !old Bo!eph into ,g)pt. :ot.ith!tanding%
>od .a! .ith him< 1'. *nd he delivered him o't o" all hi! a""liction!4 and he gave
him "avor and .i!dom in the !ight o" Pharaoh% $ing o" ,g)pt% .ho made him r'ler
133
over ,g)pt% and over all hi! ho'!e. 11. *nd there came a "amine 'pon all the land o"
,g)pt and Canaan% and great a""liction< neither did o'r "ather! "ind "ood. 12. *nd
.hen Baco# had heard that there .a! corn in ,g)pt% he !ent o'r "ather! thither "ir!t.
1. *nd at the !econd coming Bo!eph .a! $no.n o" hi! #rethren< and the $indred o"
Bo!eph .a! made $no.n to Pharaoh. 1". Then Bo!eph !ent% and called o't hi! "ather
Baco# and all hi! $indred% !event)"ive !o'l!. 1!. *nd Baco# .ent do.n into ,g)pt%
and he died% and o'r "ather!< 1#. *nd the) .ere carried into S)chem% and the) .ere
laid in the !ep'lcher .hich *#raham had #o'ght "or mone) o" the !on! o" Hemor%
the !on ["ather] o" S)chem.
&. :o. "ollo.eth the greate!t .ic$edne!! o" the nation o" +!rael% that the) con!pired
9310
together
to oppre!! their innocent #rother% .hich cr'elt) i! contrar)
931D
to nat're. :either co'ld the Be.!
o#?ect that it .a! a private "a'lt o" a "e.< "or the in"am) reacheth 'nto all the people. 9ora!m'ch
a! all the patriarch!% -en?amin e3cepted% had poll'ted them!elve! .ith that treacher)< there"ore
in that Stephen vo'ch!a"eth to give them an honora#le name that redo'ndeth to the greater
reproach o" the nation. The) #oa!ted pro'dl) o" their "ather!< he !ho.eth .hat manner [o"]
per!on! the chie" o" them .ere< to .it% m'rderer! o" their #rother%
9316
!o m'ch a! in them laid.
9or% #e!ide! that !laver) .a! a $ind o" death% .e $no. .hat the) .ent a#o't at the "ir!t and%
!econdl)% .hat cr'el p'ni!hment! Bo!eph !'""ered% o" all .hich hi! #rethren .ere g'ilt). Here#)
it appeareth that >od .a! #o'nti"'l and merci"'l to tho!e .hich .ere% a! it .ere 'n.illing% and
.hich did re!i!t him. 9or him F.ho .a! a#o't to #e the a'thor o" health and help
931M
G .o'ld the)
have de!tro)ed. Jhere"ore the) did .hat the) co'ld to reno'nce all the #ene"it! o" >od. So he
.ill declare a"ter.ard that Mo!e! .a! re?ected .hen he .a! o""ered o" >od to #e a redeemer.
There"ore% the Be.! have !mall ca'!e to #rag o" the e3cellenc) o" their $indred< #'t thi! alone
remaineth "or them% that% #eing a!hamed%
931E
the) con"e!! that .ho!oever the) are% the) have the
!ame thro'gh the mere merc) o" >od% and that the) con!ider that the la. .a! given to !et "orth
the !ame.
God $as $ith hi%( >od .a! not !o .ith him that he did al.a)! !ho. "orth hi! po.er in helping
him. 9or that i! no !mall thing .hich i! !aid in the P!alm% F10D41E%G PThat the iron .ent thro'gh
hi! !o'l.Q S'rel)% it m'!t need! #e that he .a! in great heavine!!%
9311
.hen% #eing de!tit'te o" all
help% he !'""ered reproach al!o together .ith #ond! and the p'ni!hment o" an 'ngodl) and
.ic$ed man< #'t >od '!eth o"tentime! to #e pre!ent .ith hi! in !'ch !ort% that he lieth hid "or a
time. *nd the end .a! an evident
9000
to$en o" hi! pre!ence% .hich Bo!eph !a. not at the "ir!t.
9'rthermore% .e o'ght to remem#er thi! ever) no. and then% that Bo!eph .a! not delivered
#eca'!e he had called 'pon >od in the [a] temple #'t a"ar o"" in ,g)pt.
1'. Stephen addeth the mean!% #eca'!e >od gave him "avor in the !ight o" Pharaoh. >od co'ld
have delivered him #) !ome other mean!% #'t hi! co'n!el had re!pect 'nto a "arther thing% that
Bo!eph% #eing r'ler o" the $ingdom% might entertain hi! "ather and all hi! "amil). +n the!e t.o
.ord!% fa&or and $isdo%, there i! the "ig're hy+alloge( 9or the .i!dom .here.ith Bo!eph .a!
end'ed .a! the ca'!e that he "o'nd "avor< altho'gh + con"e!! that the) .ere t.o di!tinct #ene"it!.
9or% tho'gh Bo!eph .ere a "aith"'l interpreter o" dream!% and did e3cel in divine .i!dom% )et the
pro'd t)rant .o'ld never have #ro'ght him to !o great honor% 'nle!! >od had #ent the mind o"
Pharaoh 'nto a certain 'n.onted love< )et% not.ith!tanding% .e m'!t con!ider that order
.here#) >od '!eth to #ring him into "avor.
9001
2isdo% doth not onl) !igni") the gi"t o" prophec)
in interpreting dream!% #'t pr'dence in giving co'n!el< "or Mo!e! p'tteth in #oth. That .hich
130
Stephen reporteth o" one man in thi! place i! e3tended 'nto all. 9or .hat aptne!! and readine!!
900/
!oever i! in men% it o'ght to #e rec$oned among!t the gi"t! o" >od% and that hi! !pecial gi"t!.
9003
*nd it i! he that giveth good !'cce!! a! it plea!eth him% that hi! gi"t! ma) #e pro"ita#le to that
end "or .hich it !eemed good to him to give them. There"ore% altho'gh Bo!eph #e made chie"
r'ler o" ,g)pt #) Pharaoh% )et i! he li"ted 'p to !o great honor properl) #) the hand o" >od.
9000
11. There 'a%e a fa%ine( Here#) it appeareth that the deliverance o" Bo!eph .a! !'ch a #ene"it
a! .a! common to all the "amil) o" Baco#. 9or% !eeing the "amine dre. on%
900D
Bo!eph .a! !ent
#e"ore in d'e time to provide !'!tenance to "eed the h'ngr)< a! he him!el" doth ac$no.ledge the
.onder"'l co'n!el o" >od in that point. :everthele!!% the "ree goodne!! o" >od appeareth plainl)
in the per!on o" Bo!eph% .hil!t that he i! appointed to no'ri!h and "eed hi! #rethren% .ho had !old
him% and #) that mean! !ent him "ar a.a)% and tho'ght that he .a! gone a.a) @'ite
9006
o't o" the
.orld. He p'tteth meat in their mo'th! .ho had thro.n him into a pit% and had deprived him o"
the air and the common #reath. 9inall)% he no'ri!heth and pre!erveth their li"e .ho .ere not
a"raid
900M
to ta$e "rom him hi! li"e. +n the mean !ea!on% Stephen p'tteth the Be.! in mind o" thi!%
that the patriarch! .ere en"orced to depart o't o" that land .hich .a! given them "or an heritage%
and that the) died in another place. There"ore% "ora!m'ch a! the) .ere !o?o'rner! in it% the) are
at length #ani!hed o't o" the !ame.
900E
1". Jherea! he !aith that Baco# came into ,g)pt .ith !event)"ive !o'l!% it agreeth not .ith the
.ord! o" Mo!e!< "or Mo!e! ma$eth mention o" !event) onl). Berome thin$eth that L'$e !etteth
not do.n% .ord "or .ord% tho!e thing! .hich Stephen had !po$en% or that he too$ thi! n'm#er
o't o" the >ree$ tran!lation o" Mo!e!% F
N0106/MO
>ene!i! 064/M%G either #eca'!e he him!el"% #eing a
pro!el)te% had not the $no.ledge o" the He#re. tong'e% or #eca'!e he .o'ld grant the >entile!
thi!% .ho '!ed to read it th'!.
9001
9'rthermore% it i! 'ncertain .hether the >ree$ interpreter! !et
do.n thi! n'm#er o" !et p'rpo!e% or .hether it crop [crept] in a"ter.ard thro'gh negligence%
[mi!ta$e<] .hich F+ mean the latterG might .ell #e% "ora!m'ch a! the >recian! '!ed to !et do.n
their n'm#er! in letter!. *'g'!tine% in hi! /6th #oo$ o" Cit) o" >od% =;e Ci&itate ;ei,> thin$eth
that Bo!eph=! nephe.! and $in!men
9010
are comprehended in thi! n'm#er< and !o he thin$eth that
the .ord! $ent do$n doth !igni") all that time .hich Baco# lived. -'t that con?ect're can #) no
mean! #e received. 9or% in the mean !pace% the other patriarch! al!o had man) children #orn to
them. Thi! !eemeth to me a thing li$e to #e tr'e% that the Sevent) +nterpreter! did tran!late that
tr'l) .hich .a! in Mo!e!. *nd .e cannot !a) that the) .ere deceived< "ora!m'ch a! [in]
(e'teronom) 10% .here thi! n'm#er i! repeated% the) agree .ith Mo!e!% at lea!t a! that place
.a! read .itho't all do'#t in the time o" Berome< "or tho!e copie! .hich are printed at thi! da)
have it other.i!e. There"ore% + thin$ that thi! di""erence came thro'gh the error o" the .riter!
.hich .rote o't the #oo$!.
9011
*nd it .a! a matter o" no !'ch .eight% "or .hich L'$e o'ght to
have tro'#led the >entile! .hich .ere acc'!tomed .ith the >ree$ reading. *nd it ma) #e that he
him!el" did p't do.n the tr'e n'm#er< and that !ome man did correct the !ame ami!! o't o" that
place o" Mo!e!. 9or .e $no. that tho!e .hich had the :e. Te!tament in hand .ere ignorant o"
the He#re. tong'e% )et !$ill"'l in
901/
the >ree$%
There"ore% to the end [that] the .ord! o" Stephen might agree .ith the place o" Mo!e!% it i! to #e
tho'ght that that "al!e n'm#er .hich .a! "o'nd in the >ree$ tran!lation o" >ene!i! .a! #) them
p't in al!o in thi! place< concerning .hich% i" an) man contend more !t'##ornl)% let '! !'""er him
to #e .i!e .itho't mea!'re. Let '! remem#er that it i! not .itho't ca'!e that Pa'l doth "or#id '!
to #e too c'rio'! a#o't genealogie!. Thi!% !o !mall a n'm#er% i! p'rpo!el) e3pre!!ed% to the end
the po.er o" >od ma) the more plainl) appear% in !o great an enlarging o" that $indred% .hich
13D
.a! o" no long contin'ance. 9or !'ch a !mall hand"'l o" men co'ld not% #) an) h'man manner o"
engendering% gro. to !'ch an in"inite m'ltit'de a! i! recorded in
N0/1/3MO
,3od'! 1/43M% .ithin t.o
h'ndred and "i"t) )ear!. Je o'ght rather to .eigh the miracle .hich the Spirit commendeth 'nto
'! in thi! place% than to !tand long a#o't one letter% .here#) the n'm#er i! altered. There ari!e
other @'e!tion! Fand tho!e .hich are more hard to #e an!.eredG o't o" the re!t o" the te3t%
[conte3t.]
1#. Stephen !aith% that the patriarch! .ere carried into the land o" Canaan a"ter the) .ere dead.
-'t Mo!e! ma$eth mention onl) o" the #one! o" Bo!eph% F
N010113O
>ene!i! 1413.G *nd
N06/03/O
Bo!h'a
/043/% it i! reported% that the #one! o" Bo!eph .ere #'ried .itho't ma$ing an) mention o" the
re!t. Some an!.er% that Mo!e! !pea$eth o" Bo!eph "or honor=! !a$e% #eca'!e he had given e3pre!!
commandment concerning hi! #one!% .hich .e cannot read to have #een done o" the re!t. *nd%
!'rel)% .hen Berome% in the pilgrimage o" Pa'la% !aith% that !he came #) Shechem% he !aith that
!he !a. there the !ep'lchre! o" the t.elve patriarch!< #'t in another place he ma$eth mention o"
Bo!eph=! grave onl). *nd it ma) #e that there .ere empt) tom#!
9013
erected to the re!t. + can
a""irm nothing concerning thi! matter "or a certaint)% !ave onl) that thi! i! either a !peech
.herein i! syne'do'he, or el!e that L'$e rehear!eth thi! not !o m'ch o't o" Mo!e!% a! according
to the old "ame< a! the Be.! had man) thing! in time! pa!t "rom the "ather!% .hich .ere
delivered% a! it .ere% "rom hand to hand. *nd .herea! he !aith a"ter.ard% the) .ere laid in the
!ep'lcher .hich *#raham had #o'ght o" the !on! o" Hemor% it i! mani"e!t that there i! a "a'lt
[mi!ta$e] in the .ord *#raham. 9or *#raham had #o'ght a do'#le cave o" ,phron the Hittite%
F
N01/301O
>ene!i! /341%G to #'r) hi! .i"e Sarah in< #'t Bo!eph .a! #'ried in another place% to .it% in
the "ield .hich hi! "ather Baco# had #o'ght o" the !on! o" Hemor "or an h'ndred lam#!.
Jhere"ore thi! place m'!t #e amended.
ACTS %:1%-1&
1%. *nd .hen the time o" the promi!e dre. near% .hich >od had !.orn to
*#raham% the people increa!ed% and .a! m'ltiplied in ,g)pt% 1$. Cntil another
$ing aro!e% .hich $ne. not Bo!eph4 1&. Thi! man dealt !'#tilel) .ith o'r
$indred< he evilentreated o'r "ather!% that the) might ca!t o't their in"ant!% le!t
the) !ho'ld #e increa!ed.
1%. Stephen pa!!eth over 'nto the deliverance o" the people% #e"ore .hich
9010
.ent that
inn'mera#le i!!'e .hich had increa!ed #e)ond the ordinar) manner in no long !pace o" time.
There"ore% he !etteth do.n thi! a! a !ing'lar gi"t o" >od% that the people .a! increa!ed% to the
end .e ma) $no. that that came not to pa!! according to the common or .onted c'!tom o"
nat're. -'t% on the other !ide% >od !eemeth to ta$e "rom the Be.! all hope% #eca'!e Pharaoh doth
t)ranno'!l) a""lict them% and their #ondage gro.eth greater dail). *nd .hen a! the) are
commanded to ca!t o't their male in"ant!% it !eemeth that the de!tr'ction o" the .hole nation .a!
pre!ent. There i! another to$en o" deliverance given% .hen Mo!e! cometh a#road< #'t #eca'!e he
i! #) and #) re"'!ed and en"orced to "l) into e3ile% there remaineth nothing #'t mere de!pair. The
!'m i! thi!< that >od% #eing mind"'l o" hi! promi!e% did increa!e the people in time% that he might
per"orm that .hich he had !.orn to *#raham< #'t the Be.! Fa! the) .ere 'nthan$"'l and
"ro.ardG did re"'!e the grace o" >od% !o that the) did .hat the) co'ld to !h't 'p the .a) #e"ore
them!elve!. 9'rthermore% .e m'!t note the providence o" >od in thi! place% .hil!t that he doth
!o order the co'r!e o" time!% that hi! .or$! have al.a)! their opport'nit). -'t men .ho ma$e
136
ha!te di!orderl) in their de!ire! cannot hope patientl)% and #e at re!t% 'ntil !'ch time a! >od
!ho.eth "orth hi! hand< "or thi! ca'!e% #eca'!e the) ta$e no heed to that moderation .hereo" +
have !po$en. *nd to the end >od ma) e3erci!e the "aith o" hi! children !o o"ten a! he appeareth
.ith ?o)"'l to$en! o" grace% he !etteth other thing! again!t tho!e on the other !ide% .hich c't o""
!'ddenl) the hope o" !alvation. 9or .ho .o'ld not have !aid o" the He#re.!% that the) .ere
'tterl) 'ndone% .hen a! the $ing=! commandment appointed all the men children to #e p't to
deathI 9or .hich ca'!e the meditating 'pon that doctrine i! the mo!t [more] nece!!ar) "or '!%
that >od doth $ill and re!tore to li"e< he leadeth 'nto hell% and #ringeth #ac$ again.
1&. ;ealt subtilely( The old interpreter did not tran!late thi! ami!!% to de'ei&e(
901D
9or Stephen
meaneth that the $ing o" ,g)pt did cra"til) invent ne. !hi"t! and .ic$ed preten!e!% that he might
ever) no. and then la) heavier #'rden! 'pon the people% li$e a! almo!t all t)rant! do< "or ho.
'n?'!tl) !oever the) ve3 their !'#?ect!% the) are [#'t] too .itt) to invent e3c'!e!. *nd it i! not to
#e do'#ted #'t that Pharaoh a#'!ed thi! hone!t color% that it .a! not meet that the Be.!% .ho
.ere !o?o'rner!% !ho'ld have a place o" a#ode in hi! realm "or no'ght% and that the) !ho'ld #e
"ree "rom all #'rthen!% !eeing the) did en?o) great commoditie!. There"ore% he deceit"'ll) made
them vile #ond!lave! o" "reemen. Jhen Stephen !aith that thi! t)rant $ne. not Bo!eph% here#) it
appeareth ho. !oon the remem#rance o" #ene"it! pa!!eth a.a) among men% 9or altho'gh .e do
all .ith one con!ent dete!t 'nthan$"'lne!!% )et i! there no vice more common among!t '!.
Lest they should be in'reased( ,ra!m'! tran!lateth thi! improperl)% in m) ?'dgment. 9or
[wogoneisqai] e3pre!!eth more than lest their 'hildren should li&e( 9or the .ord i! "et ["etched]
thence% #eca'!e the people doth all al.a)! remain alive in the o""!pring. *nd% "'rthermore
Stephen doth not rec$on 'p all the part! o" their evilentreating% #'t p'tteth do.n one e3ample o"
e3treme cr'elt). Jhence .e ma) ea!il) gather ho. near the .hole !eed o" *#raham .a! to
de!tr'ction. 9or Pharaoh !eemed to have m'rdered them all .ith that commandment a! .ith one
!tro$e o" a !.ord. -'t !'ch violent #ar#ari!m did the more !et "orth the 'nloo$ed"or and
incredi#le po.er o" >od< #eca'!e .hen Pharaoh hath% #) all mean! po!!i#le% !triven again!t
>od% )et all i! in vain.
ACTS %:2'-2&
2'. *t that time .a! Mo!e! #orn% .ho .a! accepta#le to >od *nd he .a! #ro'ght
'p three month! in hi! "ather=! ho'!e. 21. *nd the da'ghter o" Pharaoh too$ him 'p
.hen he .a! ca!t o't% and no'ri!hed him 'p "or her o.n !on. 22. *nd Mo!e! .a!
ta'ght in all .i!dom o" the ,g)ptian!% and .a! might) in .ord and deed. 2. *nd
.hen the time o" "ort) )ear! .a! "'l"illed% it came into hi! mind to go vi!it hi!
#rethren% the children o" +!rael. 2". *nd .hen he !a. one o" them !'""er .rong% he
de"ended him% and revenged him .hich had the .rong% having !mitten the
,g)ptian. 2!. *nd he tho'ght that hi! #rethren .o'ld have 'nder!tood that #) hi!
hand !ho'ld give them deliverance< #'t the) 'nder!tood not. 2#. The ne3t da) he
.a! !een a! the) !trove% and !et them at one again% !a)ing% Sir!% )e are #rethren4 .h)
h'rt )e one anotherI 2%. *nd he .hich did in?'r) to hi! neigh#or thr'!t him a.a)%
!a)ing% Jho made thee a prince and a ?'dge over '!I 2$. Jilt tho' $ill me% a! tho'
did!t the ,g)ptian )e!terda)I 2&. *nd Mo!e! "led at thi! !a)ing% and #ecame a
!tranger in the land o" Midian% .here he #egat t.o !on!.
2'. +t i! not .itho't ca'!e that Stephen noteth the circ'm!tance o" time. Mo!e! .a! #orn at the
ver) !ame time .hen the $ing had commanded that all the men children !ho'ld #e ca!t o't.
13M
There"ore% it !eemeth that the mini!ter o" deliverance i! dead #e"ore he i! #orn. -'t that time i!
mo!t "it "or >od to .or$ in% .hen there i! no hope or co'n!el to #e loo$ed "or at man=! hand!.
*nd it appeareth al!o mo!t plainl) ho. >od doth ma$e per"ect hi! po.er in man=! .ea$ne!!% F/
Corinthian! 0141.G Mo!e! i! $ept three month!% #'t at length hi! parent! Fthat the) ma) !ave their
o.n live!G are en"orced to ca!t him o't into the river. 7nl) the) p't him into a little co""er%
9016

that he ma) not #) and #) [immediatel)] peri!h. Jhen a! Pharaoh=! da'ghter ta$eth him 'p% he
e!caped death indeed% )et !o that he goeth into another nation% #eing c't o"" "rom the $indred o"
+!rael. ;ea% he .a! li$e to #e a mo!t tro'#le!ome adver!ar) to hi! nation% 'nle!! >od had
re!trained hi! mind. +t i! "ort) )ear! #e"ore he !ho.eth an) to$en o" #rotherl) good.ill.
22. Jherea! L'$e reporteth that he .a! ta'ght in all $isdo% o" the ,g)ptian!% he p'tteth that in
hi! commendation a! a point o" e3cellenc). :ot.ith!tanding% it might have !o "allen o't% a! it
doth o"tentime!% that #eing p'""ed 'p .ith pro"ane !cience!% he might have de!pi!ed the #a!e
common people< )et #eca'!e >od had determined to redeem hi! people% he doth% in the mean
!ea!on% "rame #oth the mind o" Mo!e! and all other thing! to "ini!h hi! .or$. The rea!on o"
man=! "le!h
901M
!ho'ld m'rm'r in thi! place% Jh) doth >od .in$ at !o long mi!erie! o" the
peopleI Jh) doth he !'""er Pharaoh to rage more cr'ell) dail)I Jh) doth he not !'""er Mo!e! to
gro. 'p among!t hi! o.n peopleI Jh) doth he a"ter a !ort c't him o"" "rom the $indred o"
+!rael% #eing adopted #) the $ing=! da'ghterI Jh) .ill he !'""er him to remain amid!t co'rtl)
plea!'re!%
901E
and doth not rather p'll him thenceI -'t the end it!el" i! !o .onder"'l% that .e are
en"orced to con"e!! that all the!e thing! .ere governed #) !ing'lar co'n!el and order to !et "orth
the glor) o" >od.
Jherea! + !aid that L'$e !pea$eth in thi! place o" the learning o" the ,g)ptian! "or honor=! !a$e%
+ .o'ld not have it !o ta$en a! i" there .ere in the !ame no corr'ption. 9ora!m'ch a! a!trolog)
9011
doth con!ider the .onder"'l .or$man!hip o" >od% not onl) in the placing o" the !tar!% and in
!'ch e3cellent variet)% #'t al!o in their moving% "orce% and !ecret o""ice!% it i! a !cience #oth
pro"ita#le and .orth) o" prai!e. The ,g)ptian! #e!to.ed great !t'd) in thi!% #'t #eing not
content .ith the !imple order o" nat're% the) .andered al!o into man) "ooli!h !pec'lation!% a!
did the Chaldean!. +t i! 'ncertain .hether Mo!e! .a! in"ected .ith the!e !'per!tition! or no. ;et%
ho.!oever it #e% .e !ee ho. !incerel) and plainl) he !etteth that #e"ore '! to #e con!idered in
the "rame o" the .orld% .hich i! appertinent 'nto godline!!. S'rel) thi! .a! e3cellent mode!t)% in
that he .hich co'ld rea!on .ith learned and .itt) men o" the !ecret! o" nat're% doth not onl)
omit higher !'#tletie!% #'t doth al!o de!cend 'nto the common capacit) o" ever) mo!t !imple
man% and doth% in a common !t)le% !et "orth 'nto men 'nlearned tho!e thing! .hich the) perceive
#) e3perience. Jhen B'!tinian [B'!tin] #a##leth concerning Mo!e!% he ma$eth him a magician%
.hich% .ith ?'ggling and enchantment!% made pa!!age "or the people thro'gh the 8ed Sea< !o
that Satan did not onl) go a#o't to #'r) the po.er o" >od% #'t al!o to #la!pheme the !ame. -'t
.e $no. that Mo!e! did not !trive .ith the enchanter! #) magic% #'t did that onl) .hich >od
had en?oined him.
9'rthermore% the ,g)ptian! had m)!tical divinit)% .here.ith the) colored their doting invention!
and mon!tro'! a#omination!% a! i" the) .o'ld prove that the) .ent mad not .itho't rea!on4 a!
the Papi!t!% .herea! the) del'de and moc$ men li$e !tagepla)er!% in their ma!! and other
"ooli!h rite!% )et the) invent m)!terie!% that the) ma) per!'ade men that there i! nothing there #'t
that .hich i! divine. The common !ort o" prie!t! cannot clim# !o high% #'t tho!e .hich among!t
them .ill #e acco'nted more c'nning
90/0
do omit no rite% ho. "ooli!h and childi!h !oever it #e%
a""irming that there i! !ome !pirit'al m)!ter) in ever) [one] o" them. There i! e3tant concerning
13E
thi! matter a mo!t "ooli!h minglemangle% .hich the) call the 8ationall [8ationale] o" (ivine
7""ice!. -'t "ora!m'ch a! !acri"icing prie!t! alone did '!e !'ch doting! among!t them!elve!% it i!
not to #e tho'ght that Mo!e! !pent an) time in the!e% .ho!e #ringing 'p .a! princel)% #'t that he
.a! ta'ght in li#eral art!.
He $as %ighty( Thi! phra!e doth e3pre!! among the He#re.! a do'#le e3cellenc)% .hen a! he
.hich doth e3cel in .it and learning% i! al!o apt to attempt and #ring to pa!! great and .eight)
matter!.
90/1
Stephen=! meaning i!% there"ore% that Mo!e! .a! "'rni!hed .ith rare gi"t!% !o that
the) did all con"e!! that he .a! a !ing'lar man. -'t !eeing he .a! in !'ch e!timation% the
+!raelite! had the le!! hope that he !ho'ld #e the mini!ter .hich !ho'ld .or$ their deliverance.
2. 2hen the ti%e $as fulfilled( Man) gather #) thi! that Mo!e! .a! never e!tranged in mind
"rom hi! nation< #'t the .ord! o" Stephen incline rather to.ard the contrar)% to .it% that the Spirit
o" >od did at length a.a$e hi! mind% a! it .ere o't o" !leep% that he might at length go vi!it hi!
#rethren% .hom he had long time neglected. +t i! to #e tho'ght that he .a! not ignorant o" .hat
!toc$ he came% !eeing he had !ome to$en thereo" in hi! "le!h% and !eeing the r'mor thereo" .a!
!pread a#road in the co'rt% #eca'!e the $ing=! da'ghter co'ld not adopt him to #e her !on .itho't
!ome !'!picion o" .ic$edne!!% 'nle!! hi! $indred had #een $no.n< )et .a! it long #e"ore he .a!
o" !'ch co'rage that he d'r!t ma$e $no.n the love .hich he #are to.ard hi! $indred. *nd thi!
!erveth not a little to !et "orth the glor) o" >od% that Mo!e!% #eing ignorant o" hi! calling% doth
remain a long time idle in the $ing=! co'rt% and i! a"ter.ard called o" the Lord contrar) to the
hope o" all men% and hi! o.n al!o. There"ore% thi! ne. care "or hi! #rethren .hich came into hi!
mind% proceeded "rom a ne. and 'n.onted motion o" >od=! Spirit.
2". 2hen he sa$ a 'ertain %an( Mo!e! came not to thi! !pectacle #) chance% #'t "ora!m'ch a!
>od had appointed him to #e the deliverer o" hi! people% he .o'ld have him !ho. "orth thi!
to$en% and% a! it .ere% ma$e thi! #eginning. 9or Stephen doth plainl) e3pre!! that he did attempt
nothing 'nadvi!edl)% #'t did that .hich #ecame him that .a! appointed to #e a deliverer o" the
people% $no.ing that he .a! there'nto called. 9or 'nle!! >od had armed him% Fand made him
p'i!!ant%G it had #een a thing altogether 'nla."'l "or him to $ill an) man% ho. .ic$ed !oever he
had #een. +t i! a godl) deed% and prai!e.orth)% "or a man to !et him!el" again!t the .ic$ed% to
de"end the good again!t the in?'rie! o" the .ic$ed% to #ridle their violence< #'t it i! not "or a
private per!on to p'ni!h% For ta$e vengeance.G There"ore% it .a! 'nla."'l "or Mo!e! to !la) the
,g)ptian% !ave onl) ina!m'ch a! the Lord had p't the !.ord in hi! hand according to the right o"
hi! calling. -'t thi! heroical co'rage and no#lene!! o" heart
90//
.a! a .or$ o" the Hol) >ho!t<
#eca'!e >od doth mightil) !ho. "orth hi! po.er in tho!e .hom he appointeth 'nto great
matter!% that the) ma) #e a#le to "'l"ill their "'nction. +n !'m% Stephen meaneth that Mo!e! .a!
even then o""ered to #e the mini!ter o" deliverance .hen the da) .a! at hand% according to the
covenant made .ith *#raham% )et did the people hope "or nothing le!!.
2#. The day follo$ing he a++eared( Stephen declareth no. that the "ather! did not onl) neglect%
#'t malicio'!l) re?ect the grace o" >od. 9or altho'gh the evil .hich he mentioneth did proceed
"rom one man onl)% )et doth he #) right a!!ign the "a'lt 'nto them all. 9or i" the) had #een
than$"'l to >od% the) .o'ld all .ith one con!ent have repre!!ed hi! "or.ardne!!.
90/3
-'t the)
are .hi!ht%
90/0
and !'""er that good t'rn .hich Mo!e! had done to #e 'p#raided 'nto him< and%
!o m'ch a! in them lieth% the) #ring them into e3treme danger .hom the) o'ght to have
de"ended #) endangering them!elve!.
90/D
There"ore% hi! dri"t i! thi!% that the people them!elve!
.ere in the "a'lt% that the) .ere no !ooner delivered and ea!ed.
90/6
So the .ic$edne!! o" men
131
doth o"tentime! hinder >od "rom doing that [.hich] he .o'ld do. He i! read) to help tho!e that
#e hi! in d'e time% #'t .e $eep #ac$ hi! hand "rom o'r!elve! .ith diver! let!% and a"ter.ard! .e
complain o" hi! !lo.ne!!% #'t 'n?'!tl). 9'rthermore% thi! 'nthan$"'lne!! .a! too .ic$ed again!t
>od% and too cr'el again!t Mo!e!. The) .ere to than$ >od "or giving !'ch a "aith"'l patron in
the $ing=! co'rt. The) .ere to love and reverence Mo!e!< #'t the) re.arded him "'ll evil
90/M

.ith threatening! and reproache!. 9'rthermore% ina!m'ch a! the "act .a! #ro'ght to the $ing=!
ear!% .e m'!t need! imp'te that to the treacher) o" the people. There"ore% a! .hen a"ter.ard the
people co'ld !ee the land o" Canaan% the) did thro'gh their o.n "oll) $eep them!elve! "rom
entering in< !o no.% re"'!ing the grace o" >od in the per!on o" one man% the) ca'!e the time o"
their deliverance to #e de"erred "ort) )ear!. 9or altho'gh >od had determined .hat he .o'ld do%
)et tho!e are ?'!tl) #lamed "or the dela) .hich hinder
90/E
Mo!e! in hi! o""ice.
Men ye are brethren( There i!% indeed% among!t men a general con?'nction% !o that the) o'ght to
'!e great co'rte!) one to.ard another% and to a#!tain "rom all in?'rie!< #'t thi! i! more 'nmeet
and intolera#le% .hen tho!e h'rt one another .ho are nearer lin$ed together. There"ore% Mo!e!
doth not onl) '!e a general rea!on% that it ma) revo$e
90/1
their mind! .hich .ere de!iro'! to do
harm% #'t he mentioneth their $indred and "ello.!hip o" #lood to molli") their cr'elt). ;et all in
vain< "or he .hich had done in?'r) to hi! neigh#or doth "or.ardl) thr'!t him "rom him% and
addeth there'nto threatening. *nd thi! i! a common thing among!t men< "or an evil con!cience
doth drive men into "'r)% and the .or!e ever) man=! ca'!e i!% the more #oldl) and cr'ell) doth
he e3tol him!el". -'t 'nder .hat color doth he .hich hath the .or!t ca'!e !et him!el" !o
!t'##ornl) again!t Mo!e!I He !aith he i! no ?'dge< #'t he did not reprove them according to
a'thorit)% #'t did onl) "riendl) admoni!h them. +! it the d't) o" a ?'dge alone to admoni!h '!
.hen .e do ami!!I -'t thi! i! a common vice% '!ed o" all !t'##orn and 'nr'l) per!on!% to give
place to no admonition!% !ave onl) .hen the) are en"orced #) violence and a'thorit)< )ea% the)
are li$e "rantic [phren5ied] men .ho rail 'pon
9030
their ph)!ician!. 9or .hich ca'!e .e m'!t #e
the more care"'l to #ridle o'r l'!t% le!t .e r'n headlong .ith !'ch #lind "'r) again!t tho!e .hich
are de!iro'! to c're o'r vice!. 9'rthermore% .e are ta'ght #) thi! e3ample% that the !ervant! o"
>od cannot !o do their d't) in reproving !'ch vice! o" men% #'t the) !hall !'""er man) in?'rie!%
o""end man)% and inc'r danger!< and chie"l) .hen the) do .ell% the) !hall !'rel) hear evil. -'t
the) m'!t !.allo. 'p the 'n.orthine!! o" the!e evil!%
9031
that the) ma) not there"ore cea!e to do
that .hich the Lord commanded them% and .hich he allo.eth.
903/
Mo!e! i! #'rdened here .ith a
cr'el "al!e acc'!ation that he '!'rpeth the a'thorit) o" a r'ler% and #) thi! mean! the) la) trea!on
to hi! charge. Secondl)% it i! o#?ected 'nto him reproach"'ll) that he !le. an ,g)ptian< #oth
the!e .ere ver) odio'!. Jhere#) .e ma) gather .ith ho. dangero'! a temptation the mind o"
the hol) man .a! !tric$en. *nd "ora!m'ch a! .e !ee that he .a! neither di!co'raged #) e3ile%
neither #) an) other evil!% !o that it did not repent him o" hi! .elldoing% let '! al!o learn #) hi!
e3ample to #ear a valiant and !trong mind and co'rage again!t all !'ch a!!a'lt! o" Satan%
ACTS %:'-"
'. *nd .hen "ort) )ear! .ere e3pired% there appeared 'nto him in the de!ert
o" Mo'nt Sinai the angel o" the Lord% in a "lame o" "ire in a #'!h. 1. *nd !o
!oon a! Mo!e! !a. it% he .ondered at the vi!ion. 9'rthermore% .hen he dre.
near to con!ider% the voice o" the Lord came 'nto him% 2. + am the >od o" th)
"ather!% the >od o" *#raham% the >od o" +!aac% the >od o" Baco#< and Mo!e!
.a! a"raid% and d'r!t not dra. near. . *nd the Lord !aid 'nto him% P't o""
th) !hoe! "rom th) "eet< "or the place .hereon tho' !tande!t i! hol) gro'nd.
100
". +n !eeing% + have heard [!een] the a""liction o" m) people in ,g)pt% and
have heard their mo'rning% and + am come do.n to deliver them. *nd no.
come% + .ill !end thee into ,g)pt.
'. And $hen forty years $ere e:+ired( *! Mo!e! .a! no #loc$i!h man%
9033
ever) one o" '! ma)
ea!il) gather ho. man) thing! might have come into hi! mind .hich might have ca'!ed him to
mi!tr'!t hi! calling. The !hi"t! and !leight! o" Satan are captio'!. Je are more than #ent nat'rall)
to di!tr'!t"'lne!!<
9030
.hat do'#t! !oever ari!e in o'r mind! concerning the .ord o" >od .e do
ea!il) admit the !ame. +t .a! a hard e3change to #e thr'!t "rom earthl) delight! and a !'mpt'o'!
li"e 'nto the pain"'l and #a!e o""ice o" "eeding !heep< and e!peciall) "ora!m'ch a! Mo!e! !a. !o
m'ch time !pent% and #eing in the mean !ea!on !ent into the .ilderne!!% .hat other thing co'ld
he imagine .ith him!el" #'t that that .a! vain and a plain moc$ .hich the Lord had promi!edI
9ora!m'ch a! #eing no. "o'r!core )ear! o" age% he .a! occ'pied a#o't the "eeding o" hi! "ather
inla.=! !heep% .hen co'ld he have hoped that there !ho'ld have #een an) '!e o" him in
delivering the peopleI +t i! good "or '! o"tentime! to call to mind the!e com#at! o" the godl)
'ntil the) #e thoro'ghl) imprinted in o'r memor)% le!t o'r mind! "aint% and o'r heart! "ail '!% i"
the Lord ma$e '! !ta) longer than .e co'ld .i!h. *gain% Mo!e! giveth a nota#le e3ample o"
mode!t)% !eeing that in all that time he attempteth nothing< he rai!eth no t'm'lt!% neither
intr'deth him!el" an) .a) to #ear r'le% a! tro'#le!ome men '!e to do< #'t emplo)eth him!el" in
hi! !hepherd=! "'nction a! diligentl) a! i" he !ho'ld never have #een called 'nto an) greater
charge. -'t .hil!t he tarrieth the Lord=! lei!'re !o patientl)% he [the Lord] appeareth 'nto him at
length.
The angel of the Lord a++eared unto hi%( +t i! "ir!t demanded .ho thi! angel .a!I and% !econdl)%
.h) he appeared in !'ch a "ormI 9or a"ter that L'$e had called him an angel% he #ringeth him in
immediatel) !pea$ing th'!4 ! a% the God of Abraha%, et'( Some an!.er% *! >od doth
!ometime! attri#'te and impart 'nto hi! mini!ter! tho!e thing! .hich are mo!t proper to him!el"%
!o it i! no a#!'rd or inconvenient thing% i" the) have hi! name given them< #'t !eeing thi! angel
a""irmeth mani"e!tl) that he i! the eternal >od% .ho alone i!% and in .hom all thing! have their
#eing% .e m'!t need! re!train thi! title 'nto the e!!ence o" >od< "or it can #) no mean! agree to
the angel!. +t might #e !aid more "itl)% that #eca'!e the angel !pea$eth in the name o" the Lord%
he ta$eth 'pon him hi! per!on% a! i" he declared hi! commandment! .ord "or .ord% a! o't o" the
mo'th o" >od% .hich manner o" !pea$ing i! '!'al in the prophet!< #'t .hen L'$e !hall !a)
a"ter.ard!% that thi! .a! the !ame angel thro'gh .ho!e a!!i!tance and g'iding Mo!e! delivered
the people4 and Pa'l% in the 10th chapter o" the 9ir!t to the Corinthian!% F
N061000O
1 Corinthian!
1040MG doth a""irm that Chri!t .a! that g'ide% there i! no ca'!e .h) .e !ho'ld no. .onder that
the angel ta$eth to him!el" that .hich i! proper to >od alone.
There"ore% let '!% "ir!t o" all% !et do.n thi! "or a !'ret)% that there .a! never !ince the #eginning
an) comm'nication #et.een >od and men% !ave onl) #) Chri!t< "or .e have nothing to do .ith
>od% 'nle!! the Mediator #e pre!ent to p'rcha!e hi! "avor "or '!. There"ore% thi! place doth
plenti"'ll) prove the divinit) o" Chri!t% and teacheth that he i! o" the !ame e!!ence .ith the
9ather. 9'rthermore% he i! called an angel% not onl) #eca'!e he had the angel! al.a)! to #ear him
compan)% and to #e% a! it .ere% hi! apparitor!4
903D
#'t #eca'!e that deliverance o" the people did
!hado. the redemption o" '! all% "or .ho!e !a$e Chri!t .a! to #e !ent o" hi! 9ather% that he might
ta$e 'pon him the !hape o" a !ervant together .ith o'r "le!h. +t i! certain% indeed% that >od did
never appear 'nto men a! he i!% #'t 'nder !ome !hape agreea#le to their capacit)<
101
not.ith!tanding% there i! another rea!on .h) Chri!t i! called #) thi! name% #eca'!e he #eing
appointed #) the eternal co'n!el o" >od to #e 'nto men the mini!ter o" !alvation% doth appear
'nto Mo!e! to thi! end. :either i! that contrar) to thi! doctrine% .hich i! .ritten in the /nd
chapter to the He#re.!% F
NDE0/16O
He#re.! /416G that Chri!t never too$ the angel!% #'t the !eed o"
*#raham< "or altho'gh he too$ 'pon him the !hape o" an angel "or a time% )et did he never ta$e
the nat're o" angel!% a! .e $no. that he .a! made ver) man.
+t re!teth that .e !pea$ !ome.hat o" the #'rning #'!h. That i! common% that >od doth appl) the
!ign! 'nto the thing! #) a certain li$elihood% and thi! i! almo!t the common order and .a) o" the
!acrament!. 9'rthermore% thi! .a! the "itte!t thing that co'ld have #een !ho.n to Mo!e!% to
con"irm hi! "aith in the pre!ent #'!ine!!. He $ne. in .hat !tate he had le"t hi! nation. *ltho'gh
there .ere a greater
9036
n'm#er o" men% )et .ere the) not 'nli$e to a #'!h. 9or the thic$er the
#'!h i!% and the more !tore o" !hr'#! it hath%
903M
the more !'#?ect i! it to ta$e "ire% that it ma)
#'rn on ever) !ide< !o the people o" +!rael .ere #'t a .ea$ #and% and !'ch a! .a! laid open to all
in?'rie!< and thi! 'n.arli$e m'ltit'de #eing pre!!ed do.n even .ith their o.n .eight% had
incen!ed the cr'elt) o" Pharaoh onl) .ith the pro!pero'! !'cce!! o" increa!ing. There"ore% the
people #eing oppre!!ed .ith cr'el t)rann)% i!% a! it .ere% a pile o" .ood !et on "ire at ever)
corner% neither i! there an) thing .hich $eepeth it "rom #eing con!'med to a!he!% !ave thi!%
#eca'!e the Lord !itteth in the mid!t thereo"< and altho'gh the [an] 'ndo'#ted
903E
"ire o"
per!ec'tion did then #'rn% )et #eca'!e the Ch'rch o" >od i! never "ree "rom a""liction! in the
.orld% the contin'al e!tate thereo" i! a"ter a !ort painted o't in thi! place. 9or .hat other thing
are .e #'t "'el "or "ireI *nd there "l) a#road inn'mera#le "ire#rand! o" Satan contin'all)%
.hich !et on "ire #oth o'r #odie! and al!o o'r mind!< #'t the Lord delivereth and de"endeth '!%
#) hi! .onder"'l and !ing'lar goodne!!% "rom #eing con!'med. There"ore% the "ire m'!t need!
#'rn% that it ma) #'rn '! in thi! li"e< #'t #eca'!e the Lord d.elleth in the mid!t o" '!% he !hall !o
pre!erve '! that a""liction! !hall do '! no harm% a! it i! al!o !aid in the 06th P!alm% F
N11060DO
P!alm
064D.G
1. He $ondered at the &ision( Let '! $no. that >od did '!e th'! to deal .ith o'r "ather!% that
the) might a!!'redl) $no. hi! ma?e!t)< "or he meant to ma$e a mani"e!t di!tinction #et.een the
vi!ion! .hich he !ho.ed% and the ?'ggling ca!t! o" Satan. *nd thi! certaint) i! more nece!!ar)%
"or .hat credit !ho'ld the oracle! o" >od other.i!e carr)% .herein the covenant o" eternal li"e i!
containedI There"ore% "ora!m'ch a! thi! alone i! the tr'e !ta) o" "aith% to have >od to #e the
a'thor thereo"% that he ma) [he m'!t need!] 'ndo'#tedl) declare that it i! he that !pea$eth.
*gain% "ora!m'ch a! Satan .al$eth a#o't contin'all)% and doth #) man) and !trange !hi"t!
in!in'ate him!el"% and hath !o man) .a)! to deceive% and e!peciall) !eeing he doth pretend the
name o" >od cra"til)% .e m'!t ta$e great heed o" hi! moc$!. Je !ee ho. in time! pa!t he
del'ded all nation!% and [ho. he del'de!] the Papi!t! al!o. 9or all the mon!ter! o" !'per!tition!%
all the doting! o" error! .hich .ere in time! pa!t% and do a! )et reign in Poper)% did proceed
"rom dream!% vi!ion!% and "al!e revelation!< )ea% "'rthermore% even the *na#apti!t! have their
ill'!ion! thence. There"ore% thi! i! the onl) remed) that >od do di!ting'i!h #) certain mar$!
tho!e vi!ion! .hich he !ho.eth< "or then are .e .itho't danger o" erring% .hen he hath revealed
hi! ma?e!t) 'nto '!. 9or thi! ca'!e .a! the mind o" Mo!e! !tric$en .ith admiration% and then
a"ter.ard! he dra.eth near to con!ider< a"ter that he i! come nearer% the Lord to'cheth him .ith a
more livel) "eeling o" [+ con"e!! indeed] hi! pre!ence% !o that he i! a"raid. 9or + con"e!! that there
are none o" all the!e thing! .hich Satan cannot imitate% )et "al!el) li$e an ape. *nd the Lord doth
not onl) !ho. him!el" #) !'ch !ign!% #'t helping o'r d'llne!!% he doth al!o open o'r e)e! that .e
10/
ma) not #e deceived. *gain% the Hol) >ho!t doth imprint in o'r mind! certain mar$! and to$en!
o" >od=! pre!ence% that there ma) no do'#t remain.
2. ! a% the God of thy fathers( :o.% .e !ee to .hat end the vi!ion .a! o""ered to Mo!e!< to .it%
that the .ord o" >od might have hi! [it!] a'thorit). 9or #are vi!ion! !ho'ld do #'t little good%
'nle!! doctrine .ere ?oined there.ithal< and it i! ?oined .ith them not a! an in"erior part% #'t a!
the ca'!e o" all vi!ion! and the end. *nd .herea! he calleth him!el" the >od o" *#raham% +!aac%
and Baco#% there i! a do'#le rea!on .h) he calleth him!el" !o. *! the ma?e!t) o" >od i! in"inite% i"
.e .ill comprehend it% it doth rather !.allo. 'p o'r !en!e!< i" .e endeavor to a!cend 'nto it .e
vani!h a.a)< there"ore% he adorneth him!el" .ith title! 'nder .hich .e ma) comprehend him.
-'t .e m'!t mar$ that >od ma$eth choice o" !'ch title!% a! that he ma) #) them call '! #ac$
'nto hi! .ord. 9or he i! called the >od o" *#raham% +!aac% and Baco#% "or thi! ca'!e% #eca'!e he
committed 'nto them the doctrine o" !alvation% that he might there#) #e $no.n to the .orld. -'t
>od had re!pect properl) 'nto the pre!ent circ'm!tance .hen he !pa$e to Mo!e! on thi! .i!e<
"or #oth thi! vi!ion% and the hope o" the deliver) o" the people% and the commandment .hich he
.a! a#o't to give to Mo!e!% did depend 'pon the covenant .hich he had made in time! pa!t .ith
the "ather!. So that the !'!picion o" novelt) i! ta$en a.a)% and the mind o" Mo!e! i! li"ted 'p to
hope "or redemption% .hich .a! gro'nded in the .hole
9031
promi!e.
There"ore% thi! title i! a! m'ch a! i" >od had !aid% +% .hich have promi!ed in time! pa!t to )o'r
"ather!% that + have a care o" )o'r !a"et)% .hich have ta$en the $indred o" *#raham to m) t'ition
#) a "ree covenant% )ea% .hich have appointed thi! time "or an end o" )o'r #ondage% + appear
no. 'nto thee% that + ma) per"orm that .hich + promi!ed% li$e a! at thi! da) all the promi!e! o"
>od m'!t lean and #e !ta)ed 'pon thi! "o'ndation% that the) ma) #e !'re and certain to '!% that
>od hath adopted '! in Chri!t% and hath promi!ed that he .ill #e o'r >od and o'r 9ather. *nd
Chri!t gathereth o't o" thi! place #) good rea!on that the godl) live a"ter the) #e dead%
F
N00//3/O
Matthe. //43/<G "or i" the .hole man peri!h in death% thi! .ere an 'n"itting !peech%
9000
!
a% the God of Abraha%( Let '! !'ppo!e that there i! no 8ome% !hall not he #e la'ghed at .hich
!hall call him!el" con!'l o" 8omeI 9or thi! i! re@'i!ite in relation% that the mem#er! #e
an!.era#le #et.een them!elve!.
9001
There i! al!o another rea!on to #e con!idered% that
"ora!m'ch a! >od hath in hi! hand #oth li"e and death% .itho't all do'#t he pre!erveth tho!e
alive .ho!e "ather he .ill #e% and .hom he co'nteth hi! children< there"ore% tho'gh *#raham%
+!aac% and Baco# died% concerning the "le!h% )et do the) live in !pirit .ith >od.
And Moses being afraid( Thi! might !eem to #e an a#!'rd thing% that a voice "'ll o" con!olation
doth rather terri") Mo!e! than ma$e him glad< #'t it .a! good "or Mo!e! to #e th'! terri"ied .ith
the pre!ence o" >od% that he might "rame him!el" 'nto the greater reverence< neither doth the
voice o" >od alone !tri$e hi! mind% #'t hi! ma?e!t)% .hereo" he !a. a !ign in the #'rning #'!h.
*nd .hat marvel i! it% i" man #e a"raid .hen he !eeth >odI and e!peciall) let '! remem#er that
men=! mind! are #) thi! mean! prepared 'nto "ear and reverence a! in
N0//0//O
,3od'! /04//%
PTho' ha!t !een !ign!% tho' ha!t heard the !o'nd o" the tr'mpet% that tho' ma)e!t learn to
"ear the Lord.Q
-'t !ome .ill !a)% Jh) dare not Mo!e! no. "or "ear con!ider% .ho .a! not a"raid to dra. near
#e"oreI + an!.er% that the nearer .e dra. 'nto >od% the more hi! glor) doth appear% !o are .e the
more a"raid% and that #) right. *nd >od ma$eth Mo!e! a"raid "or none other ca'!e% !ave onl) that
he ma) ma$e him o#edient 'nto him. Thi! "ear .a! a preparation not 'n"it "or greater #oldne!!<
and to thi! end tendeth that .hich "ollo.eth% Put off thy shoes fro% thy feet* "or he i! admoni!hed
103
#) thi! !ign .ith reverence to receive the commandment! o" >od% and to give him d'e glor) #)
all mean!.
. .e'ause the +la'e $herein( The Lord meant #) thi! commendation .hich he giveth to the
place% to li"t 'p the mind o" Mo!e! into heaven% that he might not thin$ 'pon an) earthl) thing.
*nd i" !o #e that Mo!e! .a! to #e pric$ed "or.ard .ith !o man) pric$!% that having "orgotten the
earth% he might hear$en to >od% m'!t not .e have o'r !ide! even% a! it .ere% digged thro'gh%
900/

!eeing .e are an h'ndred time! more !lo. than heI :ot.ith!tanding% here ma) a @'e!tion #e
a!$ed% ho. thi! place #ecame !o hol)I "or it .a! no more hol) than other place! #e"ore that da).
+ an!.er% that thi! honor i! given to the pre!ence o" >od% and not to the place% and that the
holine!! o" the place i! !po$en o" "or man=! !a$e. 9or i" the pre!ence o" >od do ma$e the earth
hol)% ho. m'ch more "orce thereo" o'ght men to haveI
9003
:ot.ith!tanding% .e m'!t al!o note%
that the place .a! th'! #ea'ti"ied onl) "or a time% !o that >od did not "i3 hi! glor) there% a! Baco#
erected an altar to >od in -ethel% a"ter that >od had !ho.ed !ome to$en o" hi! pre!ence there%
F
N013D0MO
>ene!i! 3D4M.G Jhen a! hi! po!terit) did imitate the !ame a"ter.ard% it .a! !'ch .or!hip
a! .a! reproved.
9000
9inall)% the place i! called hol) "or Mo!e!= !a$e onl)% that he ma) the #etter
addre!! him!el" to "ear >od and to o#e) him. 9ora!m'ch a! >od doth no. !ho. him!el" 'nto '!
ever).here in Chri!t% and that in no o#!c're "ig're!% #'t in the "'ll light and per"ect tr'th% .e
m'!t not onl) p't o"" o'r !hoe! "rom o'r "eet% #'t !trip o'r!elve! !tar$na$ed o" o'r!elve!.
900D
". !n seeing ! ha&e seen( >od promi!eth no. that he .ill deliver hi! people% that he ma) appoint
Mo!e! to #e hi! mini!ter a"re!h% #eca'!e the "ormer o#?ection .a! ta$en a.a) #) !o long !pace
o" time. 9or >od i! !aid to !ee o'r mi!erie! .hen he hath re!pect to '!% and i! care"'l "or o'r
!a"et)< a! he i! !aid again to !h't hi! e)e!% and t'rn hi! #ac$% .hen a! he !eemeth to !et light #)
o'r ca'!e. +n li$e !ort i! he !aid to come do.n. He needeth not to move o't o" hi! place to help
'!% "or hi! hand reacheth thro'gho't the heaven and earth< #'t thi! i! re"erred 'nto o'r
'nder!tanding. 9or% !eeing that he did not deliver hi! people "rom their a""liction% he might !eem
that he .a! a"ar o""% and .a! #'!ied a#o't !ome other thing in heaven. :o. he !aith that the
+!raelite! !hall perceive that he i! nigh 'nto them. The !'m tendeth to thi! end% that Mo!e!
$no.ing the .ill o" >od% ma) not do'#t to "ollo. him a! a g'ide% and the more #oldl) to emplo)
him!el" a#o't the deliver) o" the people% .hich he $ne. .a! the .or$ o" >od. 9or .e m'!t note
that he !aith that he heard the mo'rning o" the people. 9or altho'gh he hath re!pect 'nto tho!e
.hich are in mi!er) and 'n?'!tl) oppre!!ed% )et .hen .e la) o'r mo'rning! and complaint! in
hi! lap% he i! e!peciall) moved to have merc)< altho'gh thi! .ord ma) #e ta$en "or tho!e #lind
and con"'!ed complaint! .hich are not directed 'nto >od% a! it i! ta$en o"tentime! el!e.here.
ACTS %:!-%
!. Thi! Mo!e!% .hom the) had denied% !a)ing% Jho made thee a r'ler and
?'dgeI him% + !a)% hath >od !ent to #e a r'ler and a redeemer% in the hand o" the
angel .hich appeared 'nto him in the #'!h. #. He #ro'ght them o't% having
!ho.ed .onder! and !ign! in the land o" ,g)pt% and in the 8ed Sea% and in the
.ilderne!! "ort) )ear!. %. Thi! i! Mo!e!% .hich !aid 'nto the children o" +!rael%
The Lord )o'r >od !hall rai!e 'p 'nto )o' a Prophet% o't o" the mid!t o" )o'r
#rethren% li$e 'nto me< hear him.
!. Stephen pa!!eth over man) thing!% #eca'!e he ma$eth ha!te 'nto thi! !t'n% that the Be.! ma)
'nder!tand that the "ather! .ere not delivered there"ore% #eca'!e the) had de!erved that .ith
100
their godline!!% #'t that thi! #ene"it $as #e!to.ed 'pon them% #eing altogether 'n.orth)< and%
!econdl)% that there i! !ome more per"ect thing to #e hoped "or o" the!e #eginning!. Jhen Mo!e!%
#eing ordained o" >od to #e their revenger and deliverer% .a! no. in a readine!!% the) !topped
the .a) #e"ore him< there"ore >od doth deliver them no.% a! it .ere again!t their .ill. That
.hich i! added to'ching miracle! and .onder!% !erveth a! .ell to the !etting "orth o" the grace o"
>od% a! to ma$e $no.n the calling o" Mo!e!. +t i! !'rel) a !trange thing% that >od doth
vo'ch!a"e to declare hi! po.er #) diver! .onder!% "or !'ch an 'nthan$"'l people=! !a$e. -'t in
the mean !ea!on% he #ringeth hi! !ervant in credit. There"ore% .herea! the Be.! !et le!! #) him
a"ter.ard% .herea! the) e!!a) !ometime! to drive him a.a) #) railing% .herea! the) !cold
!ometime!% !ometime! m'rm'r% !ometime! !et 'pon him o'trageo'!l)% the) #e.ra) there#) #oth
their .ic$edne!!% and al!o their contempt o" the grace o" >od. Their 'nthan$"'lne!! and
'ngodline!! .a! !o increa!ed al.a)!% that >od m'!t need! have !triven .ith .onder"'l patience
.ith !'ch a "ro.ard and !t'##orn people.
A ruler and a deli&erer( Je m'!t 'nder!tand the contrarietie!
9006
.hich a'gment the "a'lt. The)
.o'ld have o#e)ed Mo!e! i" a t)rant had appointed him to #e a ?'dge% #'t the) contemn him
pro'dl)% and re"'!e him di!dain"'ll)% #eing appointed o" >od% and that to #e a deliverer.
There"ore% in de!pi!ing him% the) .ere .ic$ed< and in re?ecting grace% 'nthan$"'l. *nd .herea!
Mo!e! hath !'ch an honora#le title given him% >od doth not !o give and re!ign 'nto man that
honor .hich i! d'e to him!el"% that he lo!eth an) .hit o" hi! a'thorit) there#). 9or do'#tle!!
Mo!e! .a! not called a redeemer or deliverer in an) other re!pect !ave onl) #eca'!e he .a! the
mini!ter o" >od. *nd #) thi! mean! the glor) o" the .hole .or$ remaineth in the po.er o" >od
.holl). There"ore let '! learn that !o o"ten a! men have the title! .hich #elong to >od given
them% >od him!el" i! not de!poiled o" hi! honor< #'t #eca'!e the .or$ i! done #) their hand!%
the) are #) thi! mean! commended. To thi! end tendeth that .hich Stephen !aith% that thi! charge
.a! committed to Mo!e! in the hand o" the angel. 9or #) thi! mean! Mo!e! i! made !'#?ect to
Chri!t% that 'nder hi! cond'ct and direction he ma) o#e) >od. 9or hand i! ta$en in thi! place not
"or mini!tr)% #'t "or principalit). Jhere"ore% >od did !o '!e the !ervice o" Mo!e!% that the po.er
o" Chri!t did !'rpa!! him% a! he i! even at thi! da) the chie" governor% in accompli!hing the
!alvation o" the Ch'rch< )ea% he '!eth the mini!tr) o" men in that !ort% that the "orce and e""ect
dependeth 'pon him alone.
%. A Pro+het shall God raise u+( Stephen endeavoreth 'ndo'#tedl) to prove #) the!e .ord! that
Chri!t i! the end o" the la.< altho'gh he doth not e3pre!! the !ame in plain .ord!. *nd a!!'redl)%
Fa! .e have alread) !aid%G L'$e reciteth not .ord "or .ord all tho!e thing! .hich Stephen
'ttered< #'t it i! !'""icient "or him to note the principal point! o" matter!. 9'rthermore% .e have
!aid #e"ore in the third chapter% that thi! te!timon) i! !o applied to Chri!t% that not.ith!tanding it
agreeth to the other prophet! al!o. 9or a"ter that Mo!e! had "or#idden the people to #e carried to
and "ro .ith the .ic$ed !'per!tition! o" the >entile!% he !ho.eth .hat o'ght to "ollo.. There i!
no ca'!e F!aith heG .h) tho' !ho'ld!t de!ire magician! and enchanter!< "or >od .ill never !'""er
thee to .ant prophet! to teach thee "aith"'ll). *nd no. it i! certain that the mini!tr) o" the
prophet! .a! temporal% a! .a! al!o the mini!tr) o" the la.< 'ntil Chri!t !ho'ld #ring the "'ll
per"ection o" .i!dom into the .orld. There"ore Stephen=! !peech tendeth to thi! end% that Mo!e!
doth not $eep the people "a!t #o'nd to him!el" alone .hen a! he !etteth #e"ore them and
commendeth 'nto them another teacher. The prophet! .ere indeed% interpreter! o" the la. and all
their doctrine .a!% a! it .ere% an addition or app'rtenance
900M
o" tho!e thing! .hich .ere 'ttered
#) Mo!e!< #'t "ora!m'ch a! thi! .a! al!o certain% that Chri!t !ho'ld #ring a more per"ect $ind o"
10D
doctrine% #eca'!e he !ho'ld ma$e an end o" all the prophecie!% it "ollo.eth% that he i! made the
chie"< and that the principal ma!ter!hip Fthat + ma) !o call itG i! hi!% le!t the "aith o" the go!pel
!ho'ld #e do'#t"'l. :o. .e $no. to .hat end Stephen intermingled Mo!e!= te!timon)% to .it%
that he ma) prove that the Be.! did no le!! contemn him% Fo" .hom the) made #oa!t .ith open
mo'th to #e their onl) teacher!Geven no. .hen he i! dead% than the) did in time! pa!t% .hil!t he
lived% .ic$edl) and "ro.ardl) re?ect him. 9or .ho!oever #elieveth Mo!e!% he .ill not re"'!e to
#e the di!ciple o" Chri!t% .ho!e me!!enger and crier he .a!% F
N030D06O
Bohn D406.G 9or the re!t
900E

o't o" the third chapter.
ACTS %:$-"1
$. Thi! i! he .hich .a! in the congregation in the .ilderne!!% .ith the angel
.hich had !po$en 'nto him in mo'nt Sinai% [or did !pea$ to him in the mo'nt%] and
.ith o'r "ather!< .ho received livel) oracle!% that he might give them to '!4 &.
Jhom o'r "ather! .o'ld not o#e)% #'t the) re"'!ed him% and the) t'rned #ac$ in
their heart! into ,g)pt% "'. Sa)ing 'nto *aron% Ma$e '! god! to go #e"ore '!4 "or
.e $no. not .hat i! happened to thi! Mo!e! .hich #ro'ght '! o't o" the land o"
,g)pt. "1. *nd the) made a cal" in tho!e da)!% and the) o""ered !acri"ice to the
idol% and the) re?oiced over the .or$! o" their o.n hand!.
$. Stephen proceedeth to !et "orth the "ro.ardne!!
9001
o" the people% .ho tho'gh the) .ere
provo$ed [!tirred 'p] .ith !o man) #ene"it! o" >od% )et did the) never cea!e malicio'!l) to
re?ect him. +" the) had #een di!o#edient and 'nthan$"'l to >od #e"ore% )et thi! !o .onder"'l a
deliverance o'ght to have #ro'ght them into a #etter mind< #'t he declareth that the) .ere
al.a)! li$e them!elve!. +t .a! meet that !o man) miracle! !ho'ld not onl) have !t'c$ "a!t in
their mind!% #'t al!o have contin'ed !till #e"ore their e)e!. -'t having "orgotten all% the) "l) #ac$
!'ddenl) 'nto the !'per!tition! o" ,g)pt. The memorial o" their cr'el !ervit'de .a! )et "re!h%
.hich the) had e!caped #) pa!!ing over the 8ed Sea< and )et the) pre"er tho!e t)rant! #) .hom
the) .ere more than cr'ell) handled% #e"ore their deliverer% Thi! .a!% there"ore% a heap o"
'ngodline!! mo!t de!perate% that their !t'##ornne!! co'ld not #e #ro$en or overcome .ith !o
man) #ene"it! o" >od% #'t that the) did al.a)! ret'rn 'nto their nat're. Thi! doth greatl)
a'gment the greatne!! o" the o""en!e% .here Stephen !aith that Mo!e! .a! then .ith them in the
.ilderne!!. 9or #e!ide! that there appeareth here rare goodne!! and long!'""erance o" the Lord%
in #earing .ith them% the) ma$e them!elve! to #e .itho't all e3c'!e% .hil!t that #eing #e!et on
ever) !ide .ith !o man) !trait!% #eing #ro'ght into !o great di!tre!!< having Mo!e! to #e their
g'ide in their ?o'rne)% and the "aith"'l $eeper o" their li"e% the) "all a.a) neverthele!!
treachero'!l) "rom >od% 9inall)% it appeareth that the) .ere li$e 'ntamed #ea!t!% .hom >od
co'ld not $eep in o#edience .ith !o man) #and!. There"ore% ina!m'ch a! Mo!e! le"t not o"" to
govern them even thro'gh the .ilderne!!% 'nder the cond'ct and aid o" the angel% it i! an ea!)
matter to gather #) thi! circ'm!tance o" time% ho. inc'ra#le and o#!tinate their "ro.ardne!! .a!<
a! it .a! a point o" mon!tro'! re#ellion% not to #e h'm#led .ith mi!erie!%
90D0
and even .ith the
ver) !ight o" death.
Jherea! he !aith% that Mo!e! .a! .ith the angel and the "ather!% there i! a contrar) re!pect.
90D1

He .a! pre!ent .ith the "ather!% that he might #e their g'ide according to the commandment o"
the Lord< he .a! .ith the angel a! a mini!ter. Jhere'pon it "ollo.eth that he .a! no private
per!on to .hom thi! in?'r) .a! done% #'t it .a! done to the governance o" >od% .hen the people
co'ld #e $ept #ac$% .ith the reverence o" neither% "rom r'nning headlong into .ic$ed re#ellion.
106
Je have alread) !po$en o" the angel. -'t the participle [lalountov] or $hi'h s+a#e, hath a do'#le
meaning. 9or it ma) #e 'nder!tood either o" the "ir!t vi!ion% .here#) Mo!e! .a! called to
redeem the people% or o" that !peech .hich >od had .ith Mo!e!% a"ter the) .ere come over the
8ed Sea. *nd #eca'!e Chri!t declared #oth .a)!% that he .a! the a'thor o" their deliverance% it i!
no great matter .hether .e choo!e< )ea% there i! no let #'t that it ma) #e e3tended 'nto #oth. 9or
he .hich #egan to !pea$ to Mo!e! "rom the #eginning% that he might !end him into ,g)pt% did
contin'e the tenor o" hi! !peech a"ter.ard% 'ntil the .or$ .a! "ini!hed.
2hi'h re'ei&ed li&ely ora'les( ,ra!m'! tran!lated it li&ely s+ee'h* #'t tho!e .hich are e3pert in
the >ree$ tong'e% the) !hall $no. that + have more tr'l) tran!lated the .ord! o" Stephen. 9or
there i! greater ma?e!t) in 7racle! than in Speech% + !pea$ onl) o" the .ord< "or + $no. that
.hat!oever proceedeth o't o" the mo'th o" >od% the !ame i! an oracle. Moreover% he p'rcha!eth
a'thorit) "or the doctrine o" Mo!e! in the!e .ord!% #eca'!e he 'ttereth nothing #'t that .hich
proceeded "rom >od% Jhere'pon it "ollo.eth% that the) did not !o m'ch re#el again!t Mo!e! a!
again!t >od< .here#) their !t'##ornne!!
90D/
i! more di!covered% *nd thi! i! a general .a) to
e!ta#li!h doctrine% .hen men teach nothing #'t that .hich i! commanded them #) >od. 9or .hat
man dare ma$e Mo!e! in"erior to him% .ho Fa! the Spirit a""irmethG o'ght onl) to #e #elieved "or
thi! ca'!e% #eca'!e he "aith"'ll) 'n"olded and delivered the doctrine .hich he had received o"
>odI -'t !ome men ma) a!$ thi! @'e!tion% Jh) he called the la. a living !peechI 9or thi! title
!eemeth to di!agree m'ch .ith the .ord! o" Pa'l% .here he !aith that the la. i! the mini!tr) o"
death% and that it .or$eth death% and that it i! the !trength o" !in% F
N06030MO
1 Corinthian! 34M.G +" )o'
ta$e livel) !peech "or that .hich i! e""ect'al% and cannot #e made "r'!trate #) the contempt o"
men% there !hall #e no contrariet)< #'t + interpret it a! !po$en activel)% "or that .hich ma$eth to
live.
90D3
9or !eeing that the la. i! the per"ect r'le o" godl) and hol) li"e% and it !ho.eth the
righteo'!ne!! o" >od% it i! co'nted% "or good ca'!e!% the doctrine o" li"e and !alvation. *nd to
thi! p'rpo!e !erveth that !olemn prote!tation o" Mo!e!% .hen he calleth heaven and earth to
.itne!!% that he hath !et #e"ore them the .a) o" death and li"e. +n .hich !en!e the Lord him!el"
complaineth% that hi! good la. i! #ro$en% and hi! good commandment!% .hereo" he had !aid%
PHe .hich !hall do the!e thing! !hall live in them%Q F,5e$iel /0G There"ore the la. hath li"e in
it!el". ;et i" an) man had lie"er ta$e li&ing "or that .hich i! "'ll o" e""icac) and !trength% + .ill
not greatl) !tand in contention.
*nd .herea! it i! called the mini!tr) o" death% that i! accidental to it% #eca'!e o" the corr'pt
nat're o" man< "or it doth not engender !in% #'t it "indeth it in '!. +t o""ered li"e% #'t .e% .hich
are altogether corr'pt% can have nothing #'t death #) it. There"ore% it i! deadl) in re!pect o" men
alone. Tho'gh Stephen had re!pect 'nto a "arther thing in thi! place< "or he doth not onl) !pea$
o" the #are commandment!% #'t comprehendeth all Mo!e!= doctrine% .herein the "ree promi!e!
are incl'ded% and !o con!e@'entl)% Chri!t him!el"% .ho i! the onl) li"e and health o" men. Je
m'!t remem#er .ith .hat men Stephen had to do. The) .ere !'ch a! .ere prepo!tero'!l)
5ealo'! o" the la.% .ho !ta)ed onl) in the dead and deadl) letter o" the la.< and% in the mean
!ea!on% the) raged again!t Stephen% #eca'!e he !o'ght Chri!t in the la.% .ho i!% indeed% the !o'l
thereo". There"ore% #) to'ching their perver!e ignorance glancingl)% he giveth them to 'nder!tand
that there i! !ome greater and !ome more e3cellent thing hidden in the la. than the) have
hitherto $no.n. 9or a! the) .ere carnal% and content .ith an o't.ard !ho.% the) !o'ght no
!pirit'al thing in it% )ea% the) .o'ld not !o m'ch a! !'""er the !ame to #e !ho.ed them.
That he %ight gi&e the% to us( Thi! !erveth to re"'te the "al!e acc'!ation .here.ith he .a!
"al!el) #'rthened. 9or !eeing he !'#mitteth hi! nec$ to the )o$e o" the la.% and pro"e!!eth that he
10M
i! one o" Mo!e!= !cholar!% he i! "ar "rom di!crediting him among!t other!. ;ea% rather he t'rneth
#ac$ the "a'lt .hich .a! laid to hi! charge 'pon tho!e .hich .ere the a'thor! o" the !lander.
That .a!% a! it .ere% a common reproach "or all the people% #eca'!e the "ather! .o'ld not o#e)
the la.. *nd there.ithal he telleth them that Mo!e! .a! appointed to #e a prophet% not onl) "or
hi! time% #'t that hi! a'thorit) might #e in "orce .ith the po!terit)% even .hen he .a! dead. 9or it
i! not meet that the doctrine o" >od !ho'ld #e e3ting'i!hed together .ith mini!ter!% or that it
!ho'ld #e ta$en a.a). 9or .hat i! more 'nli$el)
90D0
than that that !ho'ld die .here#) .e have
immortalit)I So m'!t .e thin$ at thi! da). *! the prophet! and apo!tle! !pa$e 'nto the men o"
their time% !o did the) .rite 'nto '!% and FthatG the "orce o" their doctrine i! contin'al% #eca'!e it
hath rather >od to #e the a'thor thereo" than men. +n the mean !ea!on% he teacheth that i" an)
re?ect the .ord appointed "or them% the) re?ect the co'n!el o" >od.
&. They refused, and $ere turned a$ay( He !aith that the "ather! re?ected Mo!e!< and he !ho.eth
the ca'!e al!o% #eca'!e the) gave them!elve! rather 'nto the !'per!tition! o" ,g)pt< .hich .a!
horri#le% and more than #lind "'r)% to de!ire the c'!tom! and ordinance! o" ,g)pt% .here the)
had !'""ered !'ch grievo'! thing! o" late. He !aith that the) $ere turned a$ay into ,g)pt in their
heart!< not that the) de!ired to ret'rn thither% F#odil)%G #'t #eca'!e the) ret'rned in mind 'nto
tho!e corr'ption!% .hich the) o'ght not !o m'ch a! to have remem#ered .itho't great
dete!tation and hatred. +t i! tr'e% indeed% that the Be.! did once !pea$ o" ret'rning< #'t Stephen
to'cheth not that hi!tor) no.. 9'rthermore% he doth rather e3pre!! their !t'##ornne!!% .hen he
!aith that the) .ere t'rned a.a). 9or a"ter that the) had ta$en the right .a)% having >od "or their
g'ide and governor% the) !tart a!ide !'ddenl)% a! i" a !t'##orn 'n#ro$en hor!e% not o#e)ing hi!
rider% !ho'ld "ro.ardl) r'n #ac$.ard.
"'. Ma#e us( Tho'gh the Be.! #e t'rned #ac$ diver! .a)!% )et Stephen ma$eth 'hoi'e o" one
nota#le e3ample a#ove all the re!t% o" their "ilth) and dete!ta#le treacher)% to .it% .hen the)
made them!elve! a cal"% that the) might .or!hip it in!tead o" >od. 9or there can no more "ilth)
thing #e invented
90DD
than thi! their 'nthan$"'lne!!. The) con"e!! that the) .ere delivered o't o"
,g)pt< neither do the) den) that thi! .a! done #) the grace o" >od and the mini!tr) o" Mo!e!<
)et% not.ith!tanding% the) re?ect the a'thor o" !o great goodne!!% together .ith the mini!ter. *nd
'nder .hat colorI The) pretend the) cannot tell .hat i! #ecome o" Mo!e!. -'t the) $no. "'ll
.ell that he i! in the mo'nt. The) !a. him .ith their e)e! .hen he .ent 'p thither% 'ntil !'ch
time a! the Lord too$ him 'nto him!el"% #) compa!!ing him a#o't .ith a clo'd. *gain% the)
$no. that Mo!e! i! a#!ent "or their health=! !a$e, .ho had promi!ed that he .o'ld ret'rn% and
#ring 'nto them the la. .hich >od !ho'ld give. He #ade them onl) #e @'iet a .hile. The) rai!e
mad 'proar! !'ddenl) .ithin a !mall time% and .itho't an) ca'!e< )et to the end the) ma) cover
their madne!! .ith the color o" !ome rea!on% the) .ill have god! pre!ent .ith them% a! i" >od
had !ho.ed 'nto them no to$en o" hi! pre!ence hitherto< #'t hi! glor) did appear dail) in the
clo'd and pillar o" "ire. There"ore .e !ee .hat ha!te the) ma$e to commit idolatr) thro'gh
.ic$ed contempt o" >od% that + ma)% in the mean !ea!on% omit to declare ho. "ilth) and .ic$ed
their 'nthan$"'lne!! .a!% in that the) had !o !oon "orgotten tho!e miracle! .hich the) o'ght to
have remem#ered even 'ntil the end o" the .orld. There"ore% #) thi! one #ac$!liding% it
appeareth !'""icientl) .hat a !t'##orn and re#ellio'! people the) .ere.
Moreover% it .a! more e3pedient "or the ca'!e .hich Stephen had in hand% to recite thi! hi!tor)
o" their re#ellion than the other.
90D6
9or the people doth @'ite overthro. the .or!hip o" >od<
the) re"'!e the doctrine o" the la.< the) #ring in a !trange and pro"ane religion. *nd thi! i! a
nota#le place% #eca'!e it pointeth o't the "o'ntain "rom .hich all manner o" !'per!tition! did
10E
"lo. !ince the #eginning% and e!peciall) .hat .a! the "ir!t #eginning o" ma$ing idol!< to .it%
#eca'!e man% .hich i! carnal% .ill% not.ith!tanding% have >od pre!ent .ith him% according to the
capacit) o" hi! "le!h. Thi! i! the ca'!e .h) men .ere !o #old in all age! to ma$e idol!.
90DM
*nd
>od doth% indeed% appl)
90DE
him!el" to o'r r'dene!! th'! "ar% that he !ho.eth him!el" vi!i#le%
a"ter a !ort% 'nder "ig're!< "or there .ere man) !ign! 'nder the la. to te!ti") hi! pre!ence% *nd he
cometh do.n 'nto '!% even at thi! da)% #) #apti!m and the !'pper% and al!o #) the e3ternal
preaching o" the .ord. -'t men o""end t.o manner o" .a)! in thi!< "or% "ir!t% #eing not content
.ith the mean! .hich >od hath appointed% the) #oldl) get to them!elve! ne. mean!. Thi! i! no
!mall "a'lt% #eca'!e their "inger! itch al.a)! to have ne. invention! .itho't $eeping an) mean%
and !o the) are not a"raid to pa!! the #o'nd! .hich >od hath appointed them. -'t there can #e
no tr'e image o" >od% !ave that .hich he appointed. There"ore% .hat image! !oever are reigned
and invented #) man #e!ide! hi! .ord% the) are "al!e and corr'pt.
There i! al!o another vice no le!! intolera#le% that a! man=! mind conceiveth nothing o" >od #'t
that .hich i! gro!! and earthl)% !o it tran!lateth all to$en! o" >od=! pre!ence 'nto the !ame
gro!!ne!!. :either doth man delight in tho!e idol! onl) .hich he him!el" hath made% #'t al!o
doth corr'pt .hat!oever >od hath ordained% #) .re!ting it 'nto a contrar) end. >od cometh
do.n 'nto '!% indeed% a! + have alread) !aid% #'t to thi! end% that he ma) li"t '! 'p into heaven
.ith him. -'t .e% #eca'!e .e are .holl) !et 'pon the earth% .ill% in li$e !ort% have him in the
earth. -) thi! mean! i! hi! heavenl) glor) de"ormed% and that "'l"illed altogether .hich the
+!raelite! !a) here% Ma#e us gods( 9or .ho!oever he #e that doth not .or!hip >od !pirit'all)% he
ma$eth 'nto him!el" a ne. god< and )et i" )e thoro'ghl) .eigh all thing!% the +!raelite! .ill not
have a god made o" !et p'rpo!e #) them% #'t the) thin$ rather that the) have the tr'e and eternal
>od 'nder the !hape o" the golden cal". 9or the) are read) to o""er the appointed !acri"ice% and
the) approve that .ith their con!ent .hich *aron !aith% that tho!e are the god! #) .hom the)
.ere #ro'ght o't o" ,g)pt. -'t >od p'!!eth not "or tho!e "rivolo'! imagination!< #'t he
complaineth that men p't !trange god! in hi! place% !o !oon a! the) depart even a ver) little "rom
hi! .ord.
"1. And they %ade a 'alf( Je ma) ea!il) gather #) that .hich goeth #e"ore% .h) the) .ere more
delighted in that "ig're than in an) other. 9or altho'gh ,g)pt did !.arm .ith inn'mera#le idol!%
)et it i! .ell $no.n that the) made the greate!t acco'nt o" an o3. *nd .hence i! it that the) are
!o de!iro'! to have an idol% !ave onl) #eca'!e the) .ere t'rned #ac$ into ,g)pt% a! Stephen hath
alread) !aidI Je m'!t note the !peech .hen he !aith that the) o""ered !acri"ice to the idol. *aron
commandeth the people to a!!em#le them!elve! together to .or!hip >od< the) come all together.
There"ore the) te!ti") that the) mean nothing le!! [an) thing rather] than to de"ra'd >od o" hi!
.or!hip% ho.!oever the) tran!late the !ame 'nto the cal"< )ea% rather% the) are determined to
.or!hip >od in the image o" the cal". -'t #eca'!e the) "or!oo$ the tr'e >od% #) ma$ing an idol%
.hat!oever "ollo.eth a"ter.ard it i! ?'dged to #e given to the idol% #eca'!e >od re"'!eth all
.ic$ed .or!hipping. 9or it i! not meet to acco'nt that a! #e!to.ed 'pon him .hich he hath not
commanded< and #eca'!e he "or#id! them e3pre!!l) to erect an) vi!i#le image 'nto him% that i!
mere !acrilege .hat!oever i! done a"ter.ard in honor thereo".
They rejoi'ed o&er the $or#s( Thi! !peech i! ta$en o't o" +!aiah% )et% o't o" the prophet!% .ho% in
li$e !ort% 'p#raid 'nto the Be.! that the) .ere delighted in their o.n invention!. *nd !'rel) it i!
.onder"'l madne!!% .hen men arrogate 'nto them!elve! an)thing in >od=! matter!. + ta$e thi!
re?oicing to #e that !olemn dancing .hereo" Mo!e! !pea$eth% in the thirt)!econd chapter o"
,3od'!. ;et Stephen to'cheth a common vice% .here.ith idolater! are in"ected. 9or altho'gh it
101
#e altogether 'nla."'l "or men to attempt an)thing in religion .hich >od hath not appointed% )et
do the) invent ever)thing 'nadvi!edl)% and !etting light #) the Jord o" >od% the) ma$e choice o"
the .or$! o" their o.n hand!< #'t Stephen !ho.eth that .hile the) ta$e !'ch plea!'re in thi!
li#ert)% the) di!plea!e >od !o m'ch the more. -'t i" .e .ill have >od to allo. o'r .or!hip% .e
m'!t a#!tain "rom the .or$! o" o'r hand!% that i!% "rom o'r o.n invention!< "or all that .hich
men invent o" them!elve! i! nothing el!e #'t !acrilegio'! pro"anation. The idol i! properl) !o
called reproach"'ll)% a! it .ere a thing nothing .orth% #eca'!e no rea!on doth !'""er man to ma$e
>od.
90D1
ACTS %:"2-"
"2. *nd >od t'rned him!el"% and gave them 'p to .or!hip the ho!t o" heaven4
a! it i! .ritten in the #oo$ o" the prophet!% Have )e o""ered 'nto me !lain
#ea!t! and !acri"ice! #) the !pace o" "ort) )ear! in the .ilderne!!% 7 )e ho'!e
o" +!raelI ". *nd )e too$ to )o' the ta#ernacle o" Moloch% and the !tar o"
)o'r god 8emphan% and "ig're! .hich )e made to .or!hip them< there"ore +
.ill carr) )o' a.a) #e)ond -a#)lon.
Stephen .ill here declare that the Be.! did never ma$e an end o" !inning% #'t that the) .andered
"arther in their "ro.ard error!< !o that that "ir!t "all o" their! .a! 'nto them a! it .ere an entrance
into a la#)rinth. *nd thi! doth he a!!ign 'nto the ?'!t vengeance o" >od% that a"ter that time their
madne!! gre. !o% that the) gat "or one idol in"init). Thi! e3ample teacheth '! to #e care"'l to
"ollo. the r'le .hich >od hath !et do.n< #eca'!e% !o !oon a! .e are t'rned even #'t a little
a!ide "rom the !ame% .e m'!t need! #e carried to and "ro .ith diver! doting!% .e m'!t need! #e
entangled in man) !'per!tition!% and #e 'tterl) dro.ned in the h'ge !in$ o" error!< .hich
p'ni!hment >od in ?'!tice la)eth 'pon men .hich re"'!e to o#e) hi! .ord. There"ore Stephen
!aith that >od .a! t'rned a.a)< .hich .ord imported a! m'ch a! i" he !ho'ld !a)% that he t'rned
hi! #ac$. 9or he had "a!tened hi! e)e! a"ter a !ort 'pon the people% .hen he !ho.ed hi! !ing'lar
care .hich he too$ in governing them< #eing o""ended .ith their "alling a.a)% no. he t'rneth hi!
"ace another .a).
Je ma) al!o here#) gather that .e can no other.i!e "ollo. the right .a)% !ave onl) .hen the
Lord .atcheth over '! to govern '!< #'t !o !oon a! hi! "ace i! t'rned a.a)% .e r'n #) and #) into
error!. The +!raelite! .ere "or!a$en o" >od even then .hen the) made the cal"< #'t Stephen
meant to e3pre!! the greatne!! o" the p'ni!hment% a! i" he !ho'ld have !aid% that the) .ere
altogether ca!t o"" into a repro#ate !en!e then< a! Pa'l al!o teacheth% that tho!e .hich gave not
glor) to >od .hen he had !ho.ed him!el" 'nto them% .ere% #) the ?'!t ?'dgment o" >od% given
'p 'nto #lindne!! and #loc$i!hne!!% and 'nto !hame"'l l'!t!% F
N0D01/EO
8oman! 14/E.G Here#) it
came to pa!!% that a"ter that religion #egan to #e corr'pt% inn'mera#le a#omination! !'cceeded a
"e. !'per!tition!% and gro!! mon!ter! o" idolatr) came in place o" light corr'ption!. 9or #eca'!e
men neglected the light .hich .a! !et #e"ore them% the) #ecame altogether #loc$i!h #) the ?'!t
?'dgment o" >od% !o that the) had no more ?'dgment than #r'te #ea!t!. +dolatr) !'rel) i! ver)
"ertile% that o" one reigned god there !ho'ld #) and #) come an h'ndred% that a tho'!and
!'per!tition! !ho'ld "lo. "rom one. -'t thi! !o great madne!! o" men !pringeth hence% #eca'!e
>od revengeth him!el" #) delivering them to Satan< #eca'!e% a"ter he hath once in hand to
govern '!% there i! no change in hi! part% #'t he i! pl'c$ed a.a)
9060
"rom '! #) o'r ra!h
lightne!!.
1D0
Ha&e ye offered unto %e slain beasts and sa'rifi'es< Thi! place i! ta$en o't o" the "i"th chapter
o" *mo!% F
N300D/DO
*mo! D4/D.G The !peech .hich Stephen '!eth !ho.eth that all the prophecie!
.ere gathered into one #od)< and *mo! addeth% Fa"ter that he had inveighed again!t the idolatr)
and !'ndr) !in! o" the people%G that thi! i! no ne. evil% that the Be.! are re#ellio'! again!t >od%
#eca'!e their "ather! had "allen a.a) "rom tr'e godline!! even in the .ilderne!!. 9'rthermore% he
denieth that the) o""ered !lain #ea!t! to him% not #eca'!e there .ere there no !acri"ice! at all% #'t
#eca'!e >od re"'!ed their corr'pt .or!hip< li$e a! he reproveth and chideth the people in +!aiah%
#eca'!e the) honored him .ith no !acri"ice%
PTho'%Q F!aith he%G P7 Baco#% ha!t not called 'pon me% neither ha!t tho' honored me .ith
th) !acri"ice!% neither have + made thee !erve in o""ering or incen!e. Tho' ha!t not #o'ght
"or me calam'!% neither ha!t tho' "illed me .ith "atne!!. -'t tho' ha!t #een #'rdeno'!
[#'rden!ome] 'nto me in th) !in!% and ha!t ca'!ed me to !erve in thine ini@'itie!%Q
F
N/303//O
+!aiah 034//.G
*!!'redl) the Be.! did all the!e thing! dail)% #'t >od accepteth not the o#edience o" the .ic$ed%
neither doth he approve the !ame. *gain% he a#horreth all that .hich i! poll'ted .ith !'ch
minglemangle! a! are added.
9061
Th'! doth *mo! !pea$ o" the "ather! .hich .ere revolt!.
906/

That .hich i! added "orth.ith ma) #e re"erred either 'nto them or 'nto their po!terit).
". 0ou too# to you the taberna'le of Molo'h( Some ta$e the cop'lative "or the adver!ative
[particle%] a! i" he !ho'ld !a)% ;ea% rather% )e .or!hipped the idol. +t ma) #e re!olved al!o into the
con?'nction ca'!al% th'!% ;o' did not o""er !acri"ice! to me% #eca'!e )e erected a ta#ernacle to
Moloch. -'t + e3po'nd it !ome.hat other.i!e% to .it% that >od doth "ir!t acc'!e the "ather! "or
the more vehemenc)< and then a"ter.ard! he addeth% that their po!terit) did increa!e the
!'per!tition!% #eca'!e the) gat to them!elve! ne. and diver!e idol!< a! i" the prophet had !po$en
th'! in the per!on o" >od% +" + !hall rip 'p "rom the #eginning% F7 ho'!e o" Baco#%G ho. )o'r
$indred hath #ehaved it!el" to.ard me< )o'r "ather! #egan to overthro. and corr'pt% even in the
.ilderne!!% that .or!hip .hich + had commanded< #'t )o' have "ar pa!!ed their 'ngodline!!% "or
)o' have #ro'ght in an in"inite compan) o" god!. *nd thi! order i! "itter "or Stephen=! p'rpo!e<
"or he intendeth to prove% Fa! .e have alread) !aid%G that a"ter the +!raelite! "elt a.a) 'nto
!trange and #a!tardl) rite!% the) never made an end o" !inning% #'t #eing !tric$en .ith #lindne!!%
the) poll'ted them!elve! ever) no. and then .ith ne. idolatrie!% 'ntil the) .ere come even
'nto the la!t end
9063
o" impiet). There"ore% Stephen con"irmeth thi! !entence "itl) .ith the
te!timon) o" the prophet% that the Be.!% de!cending o" .ic$ed and re#ellio'! "ather!% had never
cea!ed to .a3 .or!e and .or!e. *nd altho'gh the prophet=! .ord! #e !ome.hat 'nli$e to the!e%
)et i! the !en!e all one. +t i! to #e tho'ght that Stephen% .ho had to deal .ith the Be.!% did repeat
.ord "or .ord in their tong'e that .hich i! in the prophet< L'$e% .ho .rote in >ree$% did "ollo.
the >ree$ interpreter. The prophet !aith% ;e honored S'ccoth )o'r $ing% and Chi'n )o'r image%
the !tar o" )o'r god!. The >ree$ interpreter made a no'n common o" a no'n proper% #eca'!e o"
the alliance
9060
o" the .ord 3u''oth, .hich !igni"ieth a taberna'le( 9'rthermore% + cannot tell
.hence he "etcheth that hi! 8emphan% 'nle!! it .ere #eca'!e that .ord .a! more '!ed in that
time.
And figures $hi'h ye %ade( The .ord image% .hich i! in the prophet% doth o" it!el" !igni") no
evil thing. Moreover% the .ord [tupov]< i! ta$en among!t the >recian! in good part.9or the
ceremonie! .hich >od appointed are called [tupoi]< not.ith!tanding the prophet condemneth
e3pre!!l) the "ig're! [t)pe!] .hich the Be.! had made. Jh) !oI -eca'!e >od .ill not #e
1D1
.or!hipped 'nder a vi!i#le and e3ternal "orm. +" an) man o#?ect that he !pea$eth in thi! place o"
!tar!< that i! tr'e% + con"e!!< #'t + !tand onl) 'pon thi!% that altho'gh the prophet doth give their
idol! !ome hone!t name% )et doth he !harpl) condemn their corr'pt .or!hip< .here#) the "ooli!h
and childi!h caviling o" the Papi!t! i! re"'ted. -eca'!e the) den) that tho!e image! .hich the)
.or!hip are idol!% the) !a)% that that mad .or!hip o" their! i!% [eikonodouleia]% or !erving o"
image!% and not [eidolodouleia]% or .or!hipping o" idol!. Seeing the) moc$ >od !ophi!ticall)%
there i! no man that i! end'ed even #'t .ith common 'nder!tanding% .hich doth not !ee that
the) are more than ridic'lo'! even in !'ch to)!. 9or altho'gh + move no @'e!tion a#o't the .ord%
it i! certain that the .ord [tupov]< i! more honora#le than [eikwn]. -'t tho!e !ame [tupoi]% or
"ig're!% are !impl) condemned in thi! place% .hich men ma$e to them!elve!% not onl) [prov thn
latreian]% or that the) ma) .or!hip them% #'t [prov thn proskunhsin]% that i!% that the) ma) give
them even an) reverence at all. There"ore that "ilth) di!tinction "alleth "lat to the gro'nd% .herein
the Papi!t! thin$ the) have a cra"t) !tartinghole.
906D
.eyond .abylon( The prophet nameth (ama!c'!< neither doth the >ree$ interpretation di!!ent
"rom the !ame. Jhere"ore it ma) #e that the .ord -a#)lon cropt [crept] in here thro'gh error<
tho'gh in the !'m o" the thing there #e no great di""erence. The +!raelite! .ere to #e carried a.a)
to -a#)lon< #'t #eca'!e the) tho'ght that the) had a !'re and !trong "ortre!! in the $ingdom o"
S)ria% .ho!e head (ama!c'! .a!% there"ore the prophet !aith that (ama!c'! !hall not help them%
#'t that >od !hall drive them "arther< a! i" he !ho'ld !a)% So long a! )o' have (ama!c'! !et
again!t )o'r enemie!% )o' thin$ that )o' are .ell "enced< #'t >od !hall carr) )o' a.a) #e)ond
it< even into *!!)ria and Chaldea.
ACTS %:""-!'
"". 7'r "ather! had the te!timon) o" .itne!! in the .ilderne!!% li$e a! he had
appointed% !pea$ing to Mo!e!% that he !ho'ld ma$e it according to the "orm .hich he
had !een4 "!. Jhich ta#ernacle o'r "ather! .hich !'cceeded #ro'ght .ith Be!'! into
the po!!e!!ion o" the >entile!% .hich >od drove o't #e"ore the "ace o" o'r "ather!%
'ntil the da)! o" (avid< "#. Jho "o'nd "avor #e"ore >od% and de!ired that he might
"ind a ta#ernacle "or the >od o" Baco#. "%. -'t Solomon #'ilt him an ho'!e. "$. -'t
the Mo!t High d.elleth not in temple! made .ith hand!< a! the prophet !aith% "&.
Heaven i! M) !eat% and the earth i! m) "oot!tool. Jhat ho'!e .ill )e #'ild "or meI
!aith the Lord< or .hat place i! it that )e !ho'ld re!t inI !'. Hath not m) hand made
all the!e thing!I
"". The taberna'le of $itness( Stephen !ho.eth here that the #lame cannot #e laid 'pon >od%
#eca'!e the Be.! poll'ted them!elve! .ith diver! !'per!tition!% a! i" >od had !'""ered them to
.ander "reel).
9066
9or he !aith that >od had commanded ho. he .o'ld #e .or!hipped #) them.
Jhere'pon it "ollo.eth that the) .ere entangled in !o man) error!% #eca'!e the) .o'ld not
"ollo. that "orm .hich >od had appointed. *ltho'gh he girdeth [reprehendeth] them "or t.o
ca'!e!4 -eca'!e% #eing not content .ith that r'le alone .hich >od had pre!cri#ed% the) invented
to them!elve! !trange .or!hip!< !econdl)% #eca'!e the) had no re!pect 'nto the right end o" the
temple% and o" the ceremonie! .hich >od had appointed. 9or .herea! the) o'ght to have #een
'nto them e3erci!e! o" the !pirit'al .or!hip% the) apprehended nothing #'t that .hich .a!
carnal% according to their carnal nat're<
906M
that i!% the) too$ the !hado. "or the #od).
1D/
There"ore .e !ee that the Be.! .ere "ir!t reprehended "or their #oldne!!% "or #eca'!e that #eing
not content .ith the plain .ord o" >od% the) .ere carried a.a) a"ter their o.n invention!.
Secondl)% the) are reproved "or the prepo!tero'! a#'!e o" the tr'e and !incere .or!hip< #eca'!e
the) "ollo.ed the "le!h in!tead o" the Spirit. The) had% !aith he% the taberna'le of $itness(
There"ore it .a! their o.n .antonne!! and ra!hne!! onl) .hich ca'!ed them to !in. 9or !eeing
the) .ere .ell ta'ght .hat .a! the right .a) and order o" .or!hipping >od% all cloa$ and color
o" ignorance .a! ta$en a.a).
Jhich thing i! .orth the noting. 9or !eeing >od doth a"ter a !ort #ridle '!% .hen he ma$eth hi!
.ill $no.n 'nto '!% i" a"ter .e have received hi! commandment .e t'rn a!ide% either 'nto the
right hand or to the le"t% .e #e t.ice g'ilt)< #eca'!e the !ervant .hich $no.eth hi! ma!ter=! .ill%
and doth it not% !hall !'""er more !tripe!4 Thi! i! the "ir!t mar$ .here#) the Hol) Spirit doth
di!ting'i!h all #a!tardl) and corr'pt .or!hipping! "rom the tr'e and !incere .or!hip. ;ea% Fto
!pea$ more #rie"l)%G the "ir!t di""erence #et.een tr'e .or!hip and idolatr) i! thi!4 .hen the godl)
ta$e in hand nothing #'t that .hich i! agreea#le to the Jord o" >od% #'t the other thin$ all that
la."'l .hich plea!eth them!elve!% and !o the) co'nt their o.n .ill a la.< .herea! >od allo.eth
nothing #'t that .hich he him!el" hath appointed. To thi! end !erveth the .ord $itness(
The He#re. .ord [dm] F%oedG !igni"ieth% indeed% an appointed place and time% or an a!!em#l)
o" men< #'t the rea!on e3pre!!ed in Mo!e! !ho.eth that there i! another ca'!e .h) it i! !o
named. 9or in Mo!e! thi! i! o"tentime! repeated% P+ .ill meet .ith )o' there.Q There"ore the
ta#ernacle .a! con!ecrated #) the covenant and the .ord o" the Lord% and hi! voice .a! heard
there contin'all)% that it might #e di!ting'i!hed "rom all pro"ane place!.
A''ording to the for% $hi'h he had seen( Thi! i! re"erred 'nto the !econd point .hich + have
to'ched< "or it ma) #e that he .hich !hall '!e the ceremonie! onl) .hich >od appointed% !hall
not.ith!tanding .or!hip >od ami!!. 9or >od careth not "or e3ternal rite!% !ave onl) ina!m'ch a!
the) are o" the heavenl) tr'th< there"ore >od .o'ld have the ta#ernacle to #e made li$e 'nto the
heavenl) "ig're%
906E
that the Be.! might $no. that the) .ere not to !ta) !till in the e3ternal
"ig're!. 9'rthermore% let him .hich i! di!po!ed read m) Commentarie! 'pon the ,pi!tle to the
He#re.!% and he !hall !ee .hat that "ig're% .hereo" mention i! made ,3od'! /D% F
N0//D00O
,3od'!
/D400<
NDE0E0DO
He#re.! E4D%G did !igni"). Stephen doth onl) #rie"l) tell them in thi! place that the
.or!hip .hich >od commanded the Be.! i! !pirit'al% and that the)% according to their carnal
#loc$i!hne!!% .ere evil and "al!e interpreter!< there"ore% a! .e have !aid% that >od allo.eth no
.or!hip #'t that .hich i! gro'nded in hi! commandment% !o .e are ta'ght here that it i! re@'i!ite
in the right '!e o" the commandment% that the !pirit'al tr'th #e pre!ent< .hich thing #eing
granted% it .a! the li$e @'e!tion .hich .e !aid did con!i!t principall) in thi! i!!'e% .hether the
!hado.! o'ght to )ield to the #od) or not. Jherea! Mo!e! i! !aid to have !een a "orm or "ig're%
the Spirit o" >od !igni"ieth there#) that it i! 'nla."'l "or '! to invent "orm! at o'r plea!'re< #'t
that all o'r !en!e! m'!t #e !et 'pon that "orm .hich >od !ho.eth% that all o'r religion ma) #e
"ormed according to it. The .ord figure !igni"ieth here% in thi! place% the principal pattern%
9061

.hich i! nothing el!e #'t the !pirit'al tr'th.
"!. 2hi'h they brought in( Thi! !erveth to increa!e the fro$ardness
90M0
o" the nation% that
.herea! the ta#ernacle did contin'e .ith them% and the) carried the !ame .hither!oever the)
.ent% )et co'ld the) not #e $ept .ithin the #o'nd! o" >od=! covenant% #'t the) .o'ld have
!trange and pro"ane rite!< to .it% declaring that >od d.elt amid!t them% "rom .hom the) .ere !o
"ar di!tant% and .hom they did drive o't o" that inheritance .hich he had given them. To thi!
1D3
p'rpo!e !erveth that al!o% that >od did #ea'ti") the ta#ernacle .ith diver! miracle!< "or the
.orthine!! thereo"
90M1
.a! e!ta#li!hed #) tho!e victorie! .hich the Be.! had gotten% a! it
appeareth #) diver! place! o" the hol) hi!tor)< there"ore% it m'!t need! #e that the) .ere ver)
di!o#edient% .hich did not cea!e o"tentime! to !tart a!ide "rom that .or!hip .hich .a! !o man)
.a)! approved.
,ntil the days of ;a&id( *ltho'gh the ar$ o" the Lord contin'ed long in Shiloh% )et it had no
certain place 'ntil the reign o" (avid% F
N010103O
1 Sam'el 143<G "or it .a! 'nla."'l "or men to erect a
place "or the !ame% #'t it .a! to #e placed in that place .hich the Lord had !ho.ed% a! Mo!e!
!aith o"tentime!. :either d'r!t (avid him!el"% a"ter he had ta$en it "rom the enemie!% #ring it into
the thra!hing"loor o" *ra'nah 'ntil the Lord had declared% #) an angel "rom heaven% that that
.a! the place .hich he had cho!en% F
N10/016O
/ Sam'el /0416.G *nd Stephen co'nteth thi! a
!ing'lar #ene"it o" >od% not .itho't great ca'!e% that the place .a! !ho.ed to (avid .herein the
+!raelite! !ho'ld herea"ter .or!hip >od< a! in the P!alm he re?oiceth a! over !ome nota#le thing4
P+ .a! glad .hen the) !aid 'nto me% Je .ill go into the ho'!e o" the Lord< o'r "eet !hall #e
!ta#le in th) co'rt!% 7 Ber'!alem%Q F
N11(/03O
P!alm 13/43G The prie!thood .a! co'pled .ith the
$ingdom< there"ore% the !ta#ilit) o" the $ingdom i! !ho.ed in the re!ting o" the ar$< there"ore it i!
!aid that he de!ired thi! !o earne!tl) that he #o'nd him!el" .ith a !olemn vo.% that he .o'ld not
come .ithin hi! ho'!e% that hi! e)e! !ho'ld en?o) no !leep% nor hi! temple! an) re!t% 'ntil he
!ho'ld $no. a place "or the Lord% and a ta#ernacle "or the >od o" Baco#. 9'rthermore% the place
.a! !ho.ed to (avid% #'t it .a! granted to Solomon to #'ild the temple% F
N110D0MO
1 Ling! D4M.G
"%. 3olo%on built( Stephen !eemeth to gird Solomon glancingl)
90M/
in thi! place% a! i" he did not
regard the nat're o" >od in #'ilding the temple< )et did he attempt that .or$ not .itho't the
commandment o" >od. There .a! al!o a promi!e added% .herein >od did te!ti") that he .o'ld
#e pre!ent .ith hi! people there. + an!.er% that .hen Stephen denieth that >od d.elleth in
temple! made .ith hand!% that i! not re"erred 'nto Solomon% .ho $ne. "'ll .ell that >od .a! to
#e !o'ght in heaven% and that men=! mind! m'!t #e li"ted 'p thither #) "aith< .hich thing he
'ttered al!o in that !olemn pra)er .hich he made4
PThe heaven o" heaven! do not contain thee%
and ho. m'ch le!! thi! ho'!eIQ F
N110E/3O
1 Ling! E4/3<G
#'t he reproveth the #loc$i!hne!! o" the people% .hich a#'!ed the temple% a! i" it had had >od
tied to it< .hich appeareth more plainl) #) the te!timon) o" +!aiah% F
N/30606O
+!aiah 646%G .hich he
citeth al!o< >od% !aith he% .o'ld have Solomon to #'ild him a temple< #'t the) .ere greatl)
deceived .ho tho'ght that he .a!% a! it .ere% incl'ded in !'ch a #'ilding< a! he complaineth #)
hi! prophet that the people do him in?'r)% .hen a! the) imagine that he i! tied to a place< #'t the
prophet doth not "or that ca'!e onl) inveigh again!t the Be.!% #eca'!e the) .or!hipped >od
!'per!titio'!l)% thin$ing that hi! po.er .a! tied to the temple% #'t #eca'!e the) did e!teem him
according to their o.n a""ection% and% there"ore% a"ter that the) had ended
90M3
their !acri"ice! and
e3ternal pomp% the) imagined that he .a! plea!ed% and that the) had #ro'ght him inde#ted to
them. Thi! .a! almo!t a common error in all age!< #eca'!e men tho'ght that cold ceremonie!
.ere !'""icient eno'gh "or the .or!hip o" >od. The rea!on i!% #eca'!e "ora!m'ch a! the) are
carnal% and .holl) !et 'pon the .orld% the) imagine that >od i! li$e to them< there"ore% to the
end >od ma) ta$e "rom them thi! #loc$i!hne!!% he !aith that he filleth all things(
"&. 9or .herea! he !aith% that hea&en is his seat, and the earth his footstool, it m'!t not #e !o
'nder!tood a! i" he had a #od)% or co'ld #e divided into part!% a"ter the manner o" men< #'t
1D0
#eca'!e he i! in"init)% there"ore he !aith that he cannot #e comprehended .ithin an) !pace! o"
place< there"ore% tho!e men are deceived .ho e!teem >od or hi! .or!hip according to their o.n
nat're< and #eca'!e the prophet had to deal .ith h)pocrite!% he doth not onl) di!p'te a#o't the
e!!ence o" >od% #'t al!o teacheth generall)% that he i! "ar 'nli$e to men% and that he i! not moved
.ith the vain pomp o" thi! .orld a! the) are. Here ari!eth that @'e!tion al!o% .h) the prophet
!aith that the Lord hath no place o" re!t in the .orld% .herea!% not.ith!tanding% the Spirit
a""irmeth the contrar) el!e.here% PThi! i! m) re!t "or ever%Q F
N11(/10O
P!alm 13/410.G Moreover%
+!aiah doth adorn the Ch'rch .ith thi! !el"!ame title% that it i! the glorio'! re!t o" >od% all'ding
'nto the temple% + an!.er% that .hen >od appointed !ign! o" hi! pre!ence ill the temple% and
!acri"ice! in time! pa!t% he did not thi! to the end he might !ettle and "a!ten him!el" and hi!
po.er there< there"ore% the +!raelite! did .ic$edl)% .ho% !etting their mind! .holl) 'pon the
!ign!% did "orge to them!elve! an earthl) >od. The) dealt al!o 'ngodl)% .ho 'nder thi! color too$
to them!elve! li#ert) to !in% a! i" the) co'ld readil) and ea!il) paci") >od .ith #are ceremonie!.
Th'! doth the .orld '!e to moc$ >od.
Jhen >od doth declare% #) the e3ternal rite!% that he .ill #e pre!ent .ith hi!% that he ma) d.ell
in the mid!t o" them% he commandeth them to li"t 'p their mind!% that the) ma) !ee$ him
!pirit'all). H)pocrite!% .hich are entangled in the .orld% .ill rather pl'c$ >od o't o" heaven<
and .herea! the) have nothing #'t vain and #are "ig're!% the) are p'""ed 'p .ith !'ch "ooli!h
con"idence% that the) pamper them!elve! in their !in! carele!!l)% !o% at thi! da)% the Papi!t!
incl'de Chri!t in the #read and .ine in their imagination< that done% !o !oon a! the) have
.or!hipped their idol .ith "ooli!h .or!hip% the) va'nt and crac$ a! i" the) .ere a! hol) a!
angel!. Je m'!t diligentl) note the!e t.o vice!% that men do !'per!titio'!l) "orge to them!elve!
a carnal and .orldl) >od .hich doth !o come do.n 'nto them% that the) remain !till having their
mind! !et 'pon the earth% and that the) ri!e not 'p in mind to heaven. *gain% the) dream that >od
i! paci"ied .ith "rivolo'! o#edience< here#) it cometh to pa!!% that the) are #e!otted in the
vi!i#le !ign!< and% !econdl)% that
90M0
the) go a#o't to #ring >od inde#ted to them a"ter a childi!h
manner% and .ith thing! .hich #e nothing .orth.
:o. .e 'nder!tand in .hat !en!e the prophet !aith that >od hath no place o" re!t in the .orld.
He .o'ld% indeed% that the temple !ho'ld have #een a !ign and pledge o" hi! pre!ence% )et onl) to
the godl)% .hich did a!cend into heaven in heart% .hich did .or!hip him !pirit'all) .ith p're
"aith< #'t he hath no place o" re!t .ith the !'per!titio'!% .ho% thro'gh their "ooli!h invention!% tie
him 'nto the element! o" the .orld% or do erect 'nto him an earthl) .or!hip< neither )et .ith
h)pocrite!% .ho are p'""ed 'p .ith dr'n$en con"idence% a! i" the) had done their d't) to.ard!
>od .ell% a"ter that the) have pla)ed in their to)!. +n !'m% the promi!e received #) "aith doth
ca'!e >od to hear '! in hi! temple% a! i" he .ere pre!ent to !ho. "orth hi! po.er in the
!acrament!< #'t 'nle!! .e ri!e 'p 'nto him #) "aith% .e !hall have no pre!ence o" hi!. Here#) .e
ma) ea!il) gather% that .hen he d.elleth amid!t tho!e that #e hi!% he i! neither tied to the earth%
neither comprehended in an) place% #eca'!e the) !ee$ him !pirit'all) in heaven.
!'. Hath not %ine hand< The prophet telleth the people in the!e .ord!% that >od hath no need
either o" gold% either o" precio'! "'rnit're o" the temple% either o" the !acri"ice!< .here'pon it
"ollo.eth that hi! tr'e .or!hip i! not contained in ceremonie!. 9or he de!ireth none o" all the!e
thing! .hich .e o""er 'nto him% "or hi! o.n !a$e% #'t onl) that he ma) e3erci!e '! in the !t'd)
o" godline!!< .hich arg'ment i! handled more at large% P!alm 1. 9or altho'gh thi! #e a !hame"'l
"ooli!hne!! to go a#o't to "eed >od .ith !acri"ice!% )et 'nle!! h)pocrite! .ere dro.ned in the
!ame% the) .o'ld ma$e no !'ch acco'nt o" to)!% #eca'!e all that i! 'n!avor) #e"ore >od .hich
1DD
di!!enteth "rom the !pirit'al .or!hip< there"ore% let '! $no. that >od !ee$eth '! and not o'r!%
.hich .e have onl) at plea!'re< and here#) it appeareth al!o .hat great di""erence there i!
#et.een tr'e religion and the carnal invention! o" men.
ACTS %: !1-!
!1. ;o' !ti""nec$ed% and o" an 'ncirc'mci!ed heart and ear!% )e have al.a)!
re!i!ted the Hol) >ho!t< a! )o'r "ather! did% !o do )e. !2. Jhich o" the
prophet! have not )o'r "ather! per!ec'tedI and the) have !lain tho!e .hich
"oretold o" the coming o" the B'!t< o" .hom )o' are no. made the #etra)er!
and m'rderer!4 !. Jho have received the la. in the di!po!ition! o" angel!%
and have not $ept it.
!1. 9ora!m'ch a! Stephen doth not e3pre!!l) an!.er the point! o" the acc'!ation% + am o" their
mind .ho thin$ that he .o'ld have !aid more% i" hi! oration had not #een #ro$en o"" .ith !ome
'proar. 9or .e $no. .hat a !e!!ion o" ?'dge! he had< there"ore% no marvel i" the) en"orced him
to hold hi! peace .ith noi!e and o'tcrie!. *nd .e !ee% al!o% that he did '!e long in!in'ation o" !et
p'rpo!e% that he might tame and appea!e them .ho .ere li$e #r'te #ea!t! mo!t cr'el< #'t it i!
li$el) that their madne!! .a! then incen!ed% .hen he proved that the) had mo!t .ic$edl)
corr'pted the la.% that the temple .a! poll'ted .ith their !'per!tition!% and that there i! nothing
!incere among!t them< #eca'!e% .hil!t the) did !tic$ in #are "ig're!% the) did not .or!hip >od
!pirit'all)% #eca'!e the) did not re"er the ceremonie! 'nto the heavenl) "ig're< #'t tho'gh
Stephen did not enter the ca'!e !traight.a)% #'t e!!a)ed to ma$e their "ierce mind! !ome.hat
more gentle #) little and little% )et did he rea!on ver) "itl)% to p'rge him!el" o" the crime laid to
hi! charge.
The!e t.o thing!% a! .e have !aid% .ere the principal point! o" the @'e!tion% that Stephen had
#la!phemed >od and hi! temple< that he .ent a#o't to di!ann'l the la.. That Stephen might
clear him!el" o" #oth the!e "al!e !lander!% he #egan at the calling o" *#raham% and declareth that
the Be.! e3celled the >entile!% not o" their o.n nat're% not #) an) right o" their o.n% not #) an)
merit! o" .or$!% #'t #) a "ree privilege% #eca'!e >od had adopted them in the per!on o"
*#raham. Thi! i! al!o ver) pertinent to the ca'!e% that the covenant o" !alvation .a! made .ith
*#raham #e"ore an) temple or ceremonie! .ere% )ea% #e"ore circ'mci!ion .a! appointed. 7"
.hich thing! the Be.! did !o #oa!t% that the) !aid there .a! no .or!hip o" >od .itho't them%
neither an) holine!!. *"ter that he !et do.n ho. .onder"'l and mani"old the goodne!! o" >od
.a! to.ard! *#raham=! !toc$% and again ho. .ic$edl) and "ro.ardl) the) had re"'!ed% !o m'ch
a! in them la)% the grace o" >od< .here#) it appeareth that it cannot #e a!cri#ed to their o.n
merit! that the) are co'nted >od=! people% #'t #eca'!e >od did choo!e them o" hi! o.n accord%
#eing 'n.orth)% and did not cea!e to do them good% tho'gh the) .ere mo!t 'nthan$"'l. Their
lo"t) and pro'd !pirit! might #) thi! mean! have #een !'#d'ed% tamed% and h'm#led% that #eing
emptied o" that .ind o" "ooli!h glor) the) might come 'nto the Mediator. Thirdl)% he declared
that the *ngel .a! the governor and chie"% in giving the la. and delivering the people% and that
Mo!e! did !o !erve in hi! "'nction% that he ta'ght that there !ho'ld come other prophet! herea"ter%
.ho !ho'ld% not.ith!tanding% have one .hich !ho'ld #e the chie" o" them% that he might ma$e an
end o" all prophecie!% and that he might #ring the per"ect accompli!hment o" them all. Jhere#)
it i! gathered that tho!e are nothing le!! than Mo!e!= di!ciple!% .ho re?ect that $ind o" doctrine
.hich .a! promi!ed and commended in the la.% together .ith the a'thor thereo".
1D6
La!t o" all% he !ho.eth that all the old .or!hip .hich .a! pre!cri#ed #) Mo!e! i! not to #e
e!teemed o" it!el"% #'t that it o'ght rather to #e re"erred to another end% #eca'!e it .a! made
according to the heavenl) pattern< and that the Be.! have al.a)! #een .ic$ed interpreter! o" the
la.% #eca'!e the) conceived nothing #'t that .hich .a! earthl). Here#) i! it proved that there i!
no in?'r) done to the temple and the la. .hen Chri!t i! made% a! it .ere% the end and tr'th o"
#oth% -'t #eca'!e the !tate o" the ca'!e did con!i!t chie"l) in thi!% that the .or!hip o" >od doth
not properl) con!i!t in !acri"ice! and other thing!% and that all ceremonie! did nothing el!e #'t
!hado. Chri!t% Stephen .a! p'rpo!ed to !tand 'pon thi! point i" the Be.! .o'ld have permitted
him< #'t #eca'!e% .hen he .a! come to the pith o" the matter% the) cannot a#ide to hear an)
more% Fthe) .ere !o incen!ed .ith "'r)%G the application o" tho!e thing! .hich he had !aid% 'nto
thi! ca'!e .hich he had in hand% i! .anting. *nd he i! en"orced to '!e a !harp reprehen!ion "or a
concl'!ion% 0e of an hard ne'#, !aith he% F
N0/3/01O
,3od'! 3/41< 3343%D.G Je !ee ho. !oon he i!
o""ended .ith them .ith an hol) 5eal% #'t #eca'!e he !a. that he !pa$e man) thing! to !mall
end% e!peciall) #e"ore dea" men% he #rea$eth o"" hi! doctrine. Thi! i! a metaphor ta$en "rom
hor!e! or o3en% .hich Mo!e! '!eth o"ten% .hen he .ill !a) that hi! people i! a re#ellio'! people%
and di!o#edient to >od% and al!o 'nr'l).
The 'p#raiding .hich "ollo.eth .a! o" greater "orce .ith them. Circ'mci!ion .a! 'nto them a
vail and covering to cover all vice!. There"ore% .hen he calleth them 'ncirc'mci!ed in heart% he
doth not onl) mean that the) are re#ellio'! again!t >od and !t'##orn% #'t that the) .ere "o'nd
treachero'! and covenant#rea$er!% even in that !ign .hereo" the) did !o greatl) #oa!t< and !o he
t'rneth that #ac$ mo!t "itl) to their !hame% .hereo" the) made #oa!t to their glor). 9or thi! i! all
one% a! i" he !ho'ld have !aid that the) had #ro$en the covenant o" the Lord% !o that their
circ'mci!ion .a! void and pro"ane. Thi! !peech i! ta$en o't o" the la. and the prophet!. 9or a!
>od hath appointed the !ign% !o he .o'ld have the Be.! $no. to .hat end the) .ere
circ'mci!ed< to .it% that the) might circ'mci!e their heart! and all their corr'pt a""ection! to the
Lord% a! .e read% P*nd no. circ'mci!e )o'r heart! to the Lord%Q Jhere"ore% the letter o"
circ'mci!ion% a! Pa'l calleth it% i! a vain vi!or .ith >od% F
N0D0//EO
8oman! /4/E.G So% "ora!m'ch a!
at thi! da) the !pirit'al .a!hing i! the tr'th o" o'r #apti!m% it i! to #e "eared% le!t that ma) .ell
#e o#?ected to '!% that .e are not parta$er! o" #apti!m% #eca'!e o'r !o'l! and "le!h are poll'ted
.ith "ilthine!!.
0e ha&e al$ays resisted( *t the "ir!t Stephen vo'ch!a"ed to call the!e men "ather! and #rethren%
again!t .hom he inveigheth th'! !harpl)% There"ore% !o long a! there remained an) hope that
the) might #e made more gentle% he dealt not onl) "riendl) .ith them% #'t he !pa$e honora#l)
'nto them. :o.% !o !oon a! he e!pieth their de!perate !t'##ornne!!% he doth not onl) ta$e "rom
them all honor% #'t le!t he !ho'ld have an) "ello.!hip .ith them% he !pea$eth 'nto them a! 'nto
men o" another $indred. ;o'% !aith he% are li$e to )o'r "ather!% .ho have al.a)! re#elled again!t
the Spirit o" >od. -'t he him!el" came o" the !ame "ather!< and )et that he ma) co'ple him!el" to
Chri!t% he "orgetteth hi! $indred% ina!m'ch a! it .a! .ic$ed. *nd )et "or all thi!% he #indeth them
not all in one #'ndle% a! the) !a)% #'t he !pea$eth 'nto the m'ltit'de.
*nd tho!e are !aid to re!i!t the Spirit .ho re?ect
90MD
him .hen he !pea$eth in the prophet!.
:either doth he !pea$ in thi! place o" !ecret revelation!% .here.ith >od in!pireth ever) one% #'t
o" the e3ternal mini!tr)< .hich .e m'!t note diligentl). He p'rpo!eth to ta$e "rom the Be.! all
color o" e3c'!e< and% there"ore% he 'p#raideth 'nto them% that the) had p'rpo!el)% and not o"
ignorance% re!i!ted >od. Jhere#) it appeareth .hat great acco'nt the Lord ma$eth o" hi! .ord%
1DM
and ho. reverentl) he .ill have '! to receive the !ame. There"ore% le!t% li$e giant!% .e ma$e .ar
again!t >od% let '! learn to hear$en to the mini!ter! #) .ho!e mo'th he teacheth '!.
!2. 2hi'h of the +ro+hets< 9ora!m'ch a! the) o'ght not to #ear their "ather!= "a'lt% Stephen
!eemeth to deal 'n?'!tl)% in that he rec$oneth thi! among!t their "a'lt! 'nto .hom he !pea$eth<
#'t he had ?'!t ca'!e! !o to do. 9ir!t% #eca'!e the) did va'nt that the) .ere *#raham=! hol)
progen)% it .a! .orth the la#or to !ho. 'nto them ho. great vanit) that .a!% a! i" Stephen
!ho'ld !a)% that there i! no ca'!e .h) the) !ho'ld va'nt o" their !toc$% "ora!m'ch a! the) come
o" tho!e .ho .ere .ic$ed m'rderer! o" the prophet!. So that he to'cheth that glancingl) .hich
i! more plainl) !et do.n #) the prophet!% that the) are not the children o" prophet!% #'t a
degenerate and #a!tardl) i!!'e% the !eed o" Canaan% etc. Jhich thing .e ma) at thi! da) o#?ect to
the Papi!t!% .hen a! the) !o highl) e3tol their "ather!. 9'rthermore% thi! !erveth to ampli")
.ithal% .herea! he !aith that it i! no ne. thing "or them to re!i!t the tr'th% #'t that the) have thi!
.ic$edne!!% a! it .ere% #) inheritance "rom their "ather!. 9'rthermore% it .a! re@'i!ite "or
Stephen #) thi! mean! to pl'c$ "rom their "ace! the vi!or o" the Ch'rch% .here.ith the)
#'rdened him.
90M6
Thi! .a! an 'nmeet pre?'dice again!t the doctrine o" the go!pel% in that the)
#oa!ted that the) are the Ch'rch o" >od% and did challenge thi! title
90MM
#) long !'cce!!ion.
There"ore% Stephen preventeth them on the contrar)% and proveth that their "ather! did% no le!!
than the)% rage again!t the prophet!% thro'gh .ic$ed contempt and hatred o" !o'nd doctrine.
La!tl)% thi! i! the contin'al c'!tom o" the Script're to gather the "ather! and children together
90ME
'nder the !ame g'iltine!!% !eeing the) poll'te them!elve! .ith the !ame o""en!e!% and that
"amo'! !entence o" Chri!t an!.ereth thereto% P9'l"ill the mea!'re o" )o'r "ather!% 'ntil the ?'!t
#lood come 'pon )o'% "rom *#el 'nto Kacharia!.Q
2ho ha&e foretold( Here#) .e gather that thi! .a! the dri"t o" all the prophet!% to direct their
nation 'nto Chri!t% a! he i! the end o" the la.% F
N0D1000O
8oman! 1040.G +t .ere too long to gather all
the prophecie! .herein the coming o" Chri!t .a! "oretold. Let it !'""ice to $no. thi! generall)%
that it .a! the common o""ice o" all the prophet! to promi!e !alvation #) the grace o" Chri!t.
Chri!t i! called in thi! place the /ust, not onl) to note hi! innocenc)% #'t o" the e""ect% #eca'!e it
i! proper to him to appoint ?'!tice in the .orld. *nd even in thi! place doth Stephen prove that
the Be.! .ere altogether 'n.orth) o" the #ene"it o" redemption% #eca'!e the "ather! did not onl)
re"'!e that in time! pa!t% .hich .a! .itne!!ed 'nto them #) the prophet!% #'t the) did al!o
cr'ell) m'rder the me!!enger! o" grace% and their children endeavored to e3ting'i!h the a'thor o"
righteo'!ne!! and !alvation .hich .a! o""ered 'nto them. -) .hich compari!on Chri!t teacheth
that the .ic$ed con!pirac) o" hi! enemie! .a! an heap o" all ini@'itie!.
!. 2ho ha&e re'ei&ed the la$( The) called that "'r) .here.ith the) raged again!t Stephen 5eal
o" the la.% a! i" he had #een a "or!a$er o" the la.% and a revolt
90M1
and had en"orced other! to "all
a.a) in li$e !ort. *ltho'gh he .a! determined to clear him!el" o" thi! "al!e acc'!ation% )et he did
not go thro'gh .ith hi! an!.er. 9or he co'ld not #e heard% and it .a! to no end to !pea$ to dea"
men. There"ore% he i! content% at a .ord% to ta$e "rom them their "al!e color and preten!e. +t i!
evident% !aith he% that )o' lie% .hen )o' pretend the 5eal o" the la.% .hich )o' tran!gre!! and
#rea$ .itho't cea!ing< and a! he o#?ected 'nto them in the .ord! ne3t going #e"ore% the
treachero'! m'rder o" the B'!t% !o no. he 'p#raideth 'nto them their revolting "rom the la..
Some man .ill !a) that Stephen=! ca'!e i! no .hit #ettered here#)% #eca'!e the Be.! #rea$ the
la.. -'t a! .e have alread) !aid% Stephen doth not !o chide them% a! i" hi! de"en!e did
principall) con!i!t in thi! i!!'e% #'t that the) ma) not "latter them!elve! in their "al!e #oa!ting.
9or h)pocrite! m'!t #e handled th'!% .ho .ill% not.ith!tanding% !eem to #e mo!t earne!t
1DE
de"ender! o" >od=! glor)% tho'gh indeed the) condemn him carele!!l). *nd here i! al!o a "it
anti!trophe% #eca'!e the) made !em#lance that the) received the la. .hich .a! committed to
them% .hich .a!% not.ith!tanding% reproach"'ll) de!pi!ed #) them.
!n the dis+ositions of angels( +t i! .ord "or .ord% into the dis+ositions, #'t it i! all one.
9'rthermore% .e need not !ee$ an) other interpreter o" thi! !a)ing than Pa'l% .ho !aith that the
la. .a! di!po!ed or ordained #) angel!% F
N0E0316O
>alatian! 3416<G "or he '!eth the participle there
.hereo" thi! no'n i! derived. *nd hi! meaning i!% that the angel! .ere the me!!enger! o" >od%
and hi! .itne!!e! in p'#li!hing the la.% that the a'thorit) thereo" might #e "irm and !ta#le.
There"ore% "ora!m'ch a! >od did call the angel! to #e% a! it .ere% !olemn .itne!!e! .hen he gave
the Be.! hi! la.% the !ame angel! !hall #e .itne!!e! o" their 'n"aith"'lne!!.
90E0
*nd to thi! end
doth Stephen ma$e mention o" the angel!% that he ma) acc'!e the Be.! in pre!ence o" them% and
prove them g'ilt)% #eca'!e the) have tran!gre!!ed the la.. Here#) .e ma) gather .hat !hall
#ecome o" the de!pi!er! o" the go!pel% .hich doth !o "ar e3cel the la.% that it doth% a"ter a !ort%
dar$en the glor) thereo"% a! Pa'l teacheth% F/ Corinthian! 3.G
ACTS %:!"-!$
!". 9'rthermore% .hen the) heard the!e thing!% the) .ere c't a!'nder in their
heart!% and the) gna!hed 'pon him .ith their teeth. !!. -'t "ora!m'ch a! he
.a! "'ll o" the Hol) >ho!t% he loo$ed 'p !tead"a!tl) into heaven% and !a. the
glor) o" >od% and Be!'! !tanding at the right hand o" >od< !#. *nd he !aid%
-ehold% + !ee the heaven! open% and the Son o" man !tanding at the right hand
o" >od. *nd the) cried .ith a lo'd voice% and !topped their ear!< !%. *nd .ith
one accord the) ran 'pon him4 !$. *nd having ca!t him o't o" the cit)% the)
!toned him.
!". 2hen they heard( The #eginning o" the action had in it !ome color o" ?'dgment< #'t at length
the ?'dge! cannot #ridle their "'r). 9ir!t% the) interr'pt him .ith m'rm'ring and noi!e% no. the)
#rea$ o't into envio'! and deadl) cr)ing!%
90E1
le!t the) !ho'ld hear an) one .ord. *"ter.ard
the) hale the hol) man Fo't o" the cit)%G that the) ma) p't him to death. *nd L'$e e3pre!!eth
properl) .hat "orce Satan hath to drive "or.ard the adver!arie! o" the .ord. Jhen he !aith that
they burst asunder in$ardly, he noteth that the) .ere not onl) angr)% #'t the) .ere al!o !tric$en
.ith madne!!. Jhich "'r) #rea$eth o't into the gna!hing o" the teeth% a! a violent "ire into "lame.
The repro#ate% .ho are at Satan=! commandment% m'!t need! #e th'! moved .ith the hearing o"
the .ord o" >od< and thi! i! the !tate o" the go!pel% it driveth h)pocrite! into madne!! .ho might
!eem #e"ore to #e mode!t% a! i" a dr'n$en man .ho i! de!iro'! o" !leep #e !'ddenl) a.a$ened.
There"ore% Simeon a!!igneth thi! to Chri!t% a! proper to him% to di!clo!e the tho'ght! o" man)
heart!% F
N0/0/3DO
L'$e /43D.G ;et% not.ith!tanding% thi! o'ght not to #e a!cri#ed to the doctrine o"
!alvation% .ho!e end i! rather thi!% to tame men=! mind! to o#e) >od a"ter that it hath !'#d'ed
them. -'t !o !oon a! Satan hath po!!e!!ed their mind!% i" the) #e 'rged% their 'ngodline!! .ill
#rea$ o't. There"ore% thi! i! an accidentar) [accidental] evil< )et .e are ta'ght #) the!e
e3ample!% that .e m'!t not loo$ that the .ord o" >od !ho'ld dra. all men 'nto a !o'nd mind.
Jhich doctrine i! ver) re@'i!ite "or '! 'nto con!tanc). Tho!e .hich are teacher! cannot do their
d't) a! the) o'ght% #'t the) m'!t !et them!elve! again!t the contemner! o" >od. *nd "ora!m'ch
a! there are al.a)! !ome .ic$ed men% .hich !et light #) the ma?e!t) o" >od% the) m'!t ever no.
1D1
and then have reco'r!e 'nto thi! vehemenc) o" Stephen. 9or the) ma) not .in$ .hen >od=!
honor i! ta$en "rom him. *nd .hat !hall #e the end thereo"I Their 'ngodline!! !hall #e the more
incen!ed% !o that .e !hall !eem to po'r oil into the "ire% Fa! the) !a).G -'t .hat!oever come o" it%
)et m'!t .e not !pare the .ic$ed% #'t .e m'!t $eep them do.n mightil)% altho'gh the) co'ld
po'r o't all the "'rie! o" hell. *nd it i! certain that tho!e .hich .ill "latter the .ic$ed do not
re!pect the "r'it%
90E/
#'t are "ainthearted thro'gh "ear o" danger. -'t a! "or '!% ho.!oever .e
have no !'ch !'cce!! a! .e co'ld .i!h% let '! $no. that co'rage in de"ending the doctrine o"
godline!! i! a !.eet!melling !acri"ice to >od.
!!. 8oras%u'h as he $as full( Je cannot almo!t e3pre!! into .hat !trait! the !ervant o" Chri!t
.a! #ro'ght% .hen he !a. him!el" #e!et ro'nd .ith raging enemie!< the goodne!! o" hi! ca'!e
.a! oppre!!ed% partl) .ith "al!e acc'!ation! and malice% partl) .ith violence and o'trageo'!
o'tcrie!< he .a! environed .ith !tern co'ntenance! on ever) !ide< he him!el" .a! haled 'nto a
cr'el and horri#le $ind o" death< he co'ld e!p) !'ccor and ea!e no .here. There"ore% #eing th'!
de!tit'te o" man=! help% he t'rneth him!el" to.ard >od. Je m'!t "ir!t note thi!% that Stephen did
loo$ 'nto >od% .ho i! the ?'dge o" li"e and death% Ft'rning hi! e)e! "rom #eholding the .orld%G
.hen he .a! #ro'ght into e3treme de!pair o" all thing!% .hil!t that there i! nothing #'t death
#e"ore hi! e)e!. Thi! done% .e m'!t al!o add thi!% that hi! e3pectation .a! not in vain% #eca'!e
Chri!t appeared to him #) and #). *ltho'gh L'$e doth !igni")% that he .a! no. armed .ith !'ch
po.er o" the Spirit a! co'ld not #e overcome% !o that nothing co'ld hinder him "rom #eholding
the heaven!< there"ore Stephen loo$eth 'p to.ard heaven% that he ma) gather co'rage #)
#eholding Chri!t< that d)ing he ma) tri'mph glorio'!l)% having overcome death. -'t a! "or '!% it
i! no marvel i" Chri!t do not !ho. him!el" to '!% #eca'!e .e are !o !et and tied 'pon the earth.
Here#) it cometh to pa!!% that o'r heart! "ail '! at ever) light r'mor o" danger% and even at the
"alling o" a lea". *nd that "or good ca'!e!< "or .here i! o'r !trength #'t in Chri!tI -'t .e pa!!
over the heaven!% a! i" .e had no help an) .here el!e% !ave onl) in the .orld% 9'rthermore% thi!
vice can #e redre!!ed #) no other mean! than i" >od li"t '! 'p #) hi! Spirit% #eing nat'rall) !et
'pon the earth. There"ore% L'$e a!!igneth thi! ca'!e% .h) Stephen loo$ed 'p !tead"a!tl) to.ard
heaven% #eca'!e he .a! "'ll o" the Spirit. Je m'!t al!o a!cend into heaven% having thi! Spirit to
#e o'r director and g'ide% !o o"ten a! .e are oppre!!ed .ith tro'#le!. *nd% !'rel)% 'ntil !'ch time
a! he ill'minate '!% o'r e)e! are not !o @'ic$ o" !ight% that the) can come 'nto heaven. ;ea% the
e)e! o" the "le!h are !o d'll% that the) cannot a!cend into heaven.
He sa$ the glory of God( L'$e !igni"ieth% a! + have !aid% that Chri!t appeared "orth.ith to
Stephen !o !oon a! he li"ted 'p hi! e)e! to.ard! heaven. -'t he telleth '! #e"ore% that he had
other e)e! given him than the "le!hl) e)e!% !eeing that .ith the !ame
90E3
he "lieth 'p 'nto the
glor) o" >od. Jhence .e m'!t gather a general com"ort% that >od .ill #e no le!! pre!ent .ith
'!% i"% "or!a$ing the .orld% all o'r !en!e! !trive to come to him< not that he appeareth 'nto '! #)
an) e3ternal vi!ion% a! he did to Stephen% #'t he .ill !o reveal him!el" 'nto '! .ithin% that .e
ma) indeed "eel hi! pre!ence. *nd thi! manner o" !eeing o'ght to #e !'""icient "or '!% .hen >od
doth not onl)% #) hi! po.er and grace% declare that he i! nigh at hand% #'t doth al!o prove that he
d.elleth in '!.
!#. .ehold, ! see the hea&ens( >od meant not onl) privatel) to provide "or hi! !ervant% #'t al!o to
.ring and torment hi! enemie!< a! Stephen doth co'rageo'!l) tri'mph over them% .hen he
a""irmeth plainl) that he !a. a miracle. *nd here ma) a @'e!tion #e moved% ho. the heaven!
.ere openedI 9or mine o.n part% + thin$ that there .a! nothing changed in the nat're o" the
heaven!< #'t that Stephen had ne. @'ic$ne!! o" !ight granted him% .hich pierced thro'gh all
160
let!% even 'nto the invi!i#le glor) o" the $ingdom o" heaven. 9or admit .e grant that there .a!
!ome divi!ion or parting
90E0
made in heaven% )et man=! e)e co'ld never reach !o "ar. *gain%
Stephen alone did !ee the glor) o" >od. 9or that !pectacle .a! not onl) hid "rom the .ic$ed%
.ho !tood in the !ame place% #'t the) .ere al!o !o #linded .ithin them!elve!% that the) did not
!ee the mani"e!t tr'th.
90ED
There"ore% he !aith that the heaven! are opened to him in thi! re!pect%
#eca'!e nothing $eepeth him "rom #eholding the glor) o" >od. Jhere'pon it "ollo.eth that the
miracle .a! not .ro'ght in heaven% #'t in hi! e)e!. Jhere"ore% there i! no ca'!e .h) .e !ho'ld
di!p'te long a#o't an) nat'ral vi!ion< #eca'!e it i! certain that Chri!t appeared 'nto him not a"ter
!ome nat'ral manner% #'t a"ter a ne. and !ing'lar !ort. *nd + pra) )o' o" .hat color .a! the
glor) o" >od% that it co'ld #e !een nat'rall) .ith the e)e! o" the "le!hI There"ore% .e m'!t
imagine nothing in thi! vi!ion #'t that .hich i! divine. Moreover% thi! i! .orth the noting% that
the glor) o" >od appeared not 'nto Stephen .holl) a! it .a!% #'t according to man=! capacit).
9or that in"initene!! cannot #e comprehended .ith the mea!'re o" an) creat're.
The 3on of %an standing( He !eeth Chri!t reigning in that "le!h .herein he .a! a#a!ed< !o that in
ver) deed the victor) did con!i!t in thi! one thing. There"ore% it i! not !'per"l'o'! in that Chri!t
appeareth 'nto him% and "or thi! ca'!e doth he al!o call him the Son o" man% a! i" he !ho'ld !a)% +
!ee that man .hom )e tho'ght )e had @'ite e3ting'i!hed #) death en?o)ing the government o"
heaven< there"ore% gna!h .ith )o'r teeth a! m'ch a! )o' li!t4 there i! no ca'!e .h) + !ho'ld "ear
to "ight "or him even 'nto #lood% .ho !hall not onl) de"end hi! o.n ca'!e% #'t m) !alvation al!o.
:ot.ith!tanding% here ma) a @'e!tion #e moved% .h) he !a. him !tanding% .ho i! !aid
el!e.here to !itI *'g'!tine% a! he i! !ometime! more !'#tle than need!% !aith% Pthat he !itteth a! a
?'dge% that he !tood then a! an advocate.Q 9or mine o.n part% + thin$ that tho'gh the!e !peeche!
#e diver!e% )et the) !igni") #oth one thing. 9or neither !itting% nor )et !tanding% noteth o't ho.
the #od) o" Chri!t .a! "ramed< #'t thi! i! re"erred 'nto hi! po.er and $ingdom. 9or .here !hall
.e erect him a throne% that he ma) !it at the right hand o" >od the 9ather% !eeing >od doth "ill all
thing! in !'ch !ort% that .e o'ght to imagine no place "or hi! right handI
There"ore% the .hole te3t i! a metaphor% .hen Chri!t i! !aid to !it or !tand at the right hand o"
>od the 9ather% and the plain meaning i! thi!% that Chri!t hath all po.er given him% that he ma)
reign in hi! 9ather=! !tead in that "le!h .herein he .a! h'm#led% and that he ma) #e ne3t him.
*nd altho'gh thi! po.er #e !pread a#road thro'gh heaven and earth% )et !ome men imagine
ami!! that Chri!t in ever) .here in hi! h'man nat're. 9or% tho'gh he #e contained in a certain
place% )et that hindereth no .hit #'t that he ma) and doth !ho. "orth hi! po.er thro'gho't all
the .orld. There"ore% i" .e #e de!iro'! to "eel him pre!ent #) the .or$ing o" hi! grace% .e m'!t
!ee$ him in heaven< a! he revealed him!el" 'nto Stephen there. *l!o% !ome men do a""irm
ridic'lo'!l) o't o" thi! place% that he dre. near 'nto Stephen that he might !ee him.
90E6
9or .e
have alread) !aid% that Stephen=! e)e! .ere !o li"ted 'p #) the po.er o" the Spirit%
90EM
that no
di!tance o" place co'ld hinder the !ame. + con"e!!% indeed% that !pea$ing properl)% that i!%
philo!ophicall)% there i! no place a#ove the heaven!. -'t thi! i! !'""icient "or me% that it i!
perver!e doting to place Chri!t an) .here el!e !ave onl) in heaven% and a#ove the element! o"
the .orld.
!%. Crying $ith a loud &oi'e( Thi! .a! either a vain !ho. o" 5eal% a! h)pocrite! are almo!t
al.a)! pric$ed "or.ard .ith am#ition to #rea$ o't into immoderate heat< a! Caiapha! .hen he
heard Chri!t !a) th'!% *"ter thi! )e !hall !ee the Son o" man% etc.% did rent hi! clothe! in to$en o"
indignation% a! i" it .ere intolera#le #la!phem)< or el!e certainl) the preaching o" the glor) o"
Chri!t .a! 'nto them !'ch a torment% that the) m'!t need! #'r!t thro'gh madne!!. *nd + am
161
rather o" thi! mind< "or L'$e !aith a"ter.ard% that the) .ere carried violentl)% a! tho!e men .hich
have no hold o" them!elve! '!e to leap o't immoderatel).
90EE
!$. They stoned( >od had appointed thi! $ind o" p'ni!hment in the la. "or "al!e prophet!% a! it i!
.ritten in the 13th chapter o" (e'teronom)< #'t >od doth al!o de"ine there .ho o'ght to #e
rec$oned in that n'm#er< to .it% he .hich doth attempt to #ring the people 'nto !trange god!<
there"ore the !toning o" Stephen .a! #oth 'n?'!t and al!o .ic$ed% #eca'!e he .a! 'n?'!tl)
condemned< !o that the mart)r! o" Chri!t m'!t !'""er li$e p'ni!hment .ith the .ic$ed. +t i! the
ca'!e alone .hich ma$eth the di""erence< #'t thi! di""erence i! !o highl) e!teemed #e"ore >od
and hi! angel!% that the re#'$e! o" the mart)r!
90E1
do "ar e3cel all glor) o" the .orld. ;et here
ma) a @'e!tion #e moved% Ho. it .a! la."'l "or the Be.! to !tone Stephen% .ho had not the
government in their hand!I 9or in Chri!t=! ca'!e the) an!.er% +t i! not la."'l "or '! to p't an)
man to death. + an!.er% that the) did thi! violentl) and in an 'proar. *nd .herea! the pre!ident
did not p'ni!h thi! .ic$edne!!% it ma) #e that he .in$ed at man) thing!%
9010
le!t the) !ho'ld
#ring that hatred 'pon hi! o.n head .hich the) #are again!t the name o" Chri!t. Je !ee that the
8oman pre!ident! did chie"l) .in$ at the civil di!cord! o" that nation% even o" !et p'rpo!e< that
.hen one o" them had m'rdered another%
9011
the) might the !ooner #e overcome a"ter.ard.
ACTS %:!$-#1
*nd the .itne!!e! laid do.n their clothe! at a )o'ng man=! "eet% named
Sa'l.!&. *nd the) !toned Stephen% calling on% and !a)ing% Lord Be!'!% receive
m) !pirit. #'. *nd he $neeled do.n% and cried .ith a lo'd voice% Lord% la) not
thi! !in to their charge. *nd .hen he had !aid th'!% he "ell on !leep. #1. *nd
Sa'l con!ented [.a! con!enting] to hi! death.
And the $itnesses( L'$e !igni"ieth% that even in that t'm'lt the) o#!erved !ome !ho. o"
?'dgment. Thi! .a! not commanded in vain that the .itne!!e! !ho'ld thro. the "ir!t !tone<
#eca'!e% !eeing the) m'!t commit the m'rder .ith their o.n hand!% man) are holden .ith a
certain dread% .ho other.i!e are le!! a"raid to c't the throat! o" the innocent .ith per?'r) o" the
tong'e. -'t in the mean !ea!on% .e gather ho. #lind and mad the 'ngodline!! o" the!e .itne!!e!
.a!% .ho are not a"raid to im#r'e their #lood) hand! .ith the #lood o" an innocent% .ho had
alread) committed m'rder .ith their tong'e!. Jherea! he !aith% that their clothe! .ere laid do.n
at the "eet o" Sa'l% he !ho.eth that there .a! no let in him% #'t that #eing ca!t into a repro#ate
!en!e he might have peri!hed .ith the re!t.
901/
9or .ho .o'ld not thin$ that he .a! a de!perate%
[de!perado%] .ho had in"ected hi! )o'th .ith !'ch cr'elt)I
9013
:either i! hi! age e3pre!!ed to
le!!en hi! "a'lt% a! !ome 'n!$ill"'l men go a#o't to prove< "or he .a! o" tho!e )ear!% that .ant o"
$no.ledge co'ld no .hit e3c'!e him. *nd L'$e .ill !hortl) a"ter declare% that he .a! !ent #)
the high prie!t to per!ec'te the "aith"'l. There"ore he .a! no child% he might .ell #e co'nted a
man. Jh)% then% i! hi! )o'th mentionedI That ever) man ma) con!ider .ith him!el" .hat great
h'rt he might have done in >od=! Ch'rch% 'nle!! Chri!t had #ridled him #etime!. *nd therein
appeareth a mo!t nota#le to$en #oth o" >od=! po.er and al!o o" hi! grace% in that he tamed a
"ierce and .ild #ea!t in hi! chie" "'r)% even in a moment% and in that he e3tolled a mi!era#le
m'rderer !o highl) .ho thro'gh hi! .ic$edne!! .a! dro.ned almo!t in the deep pit o" hell.
!&. Calling on( -eca'!e he had 'ttered .ord! eno'gh #e"ore men% tho'gh in vain% he t'rneth
him!el" no. 'nto >od "or good ca'!e!% and armeth him!el" .ith pra)er to !'""er all thing!. 9or
16/
altho'gh .e have need to r'n 'nto >od=! help ever) min'te o" an ho'r d'ring o'r .hole .ar"are%
)et .e have greate!t need to call 'pon >od in the la!t con"lict% .hich i! the harde!t.
*nd L'$e e3pre!!eth again ho. "'rio'! mad the) .ere% #eca'!e their cr'elt) .a! not a!!'aged
even .hen the) !a. the !ervant o" Chri!t pra)ing h'm#l). 9'rthermore% here i! !et do.n a pra)er
o" Stephen having t.o mem#er!. +n the "ormer mem#er% .here he commendeth hi! !pirit to
Chri!t% he !ho.eth the con!tanc) o" hi! "aith. +n the other% .here he pra)eth "or hi! enemie!% he
te!ti"ieth hi! love to.ard! men. 9ora!m'ch a! the .hole per"ection o" godline!! con!i!teth 'pon
[o"] the!e t.o part!% .e have in the death o" Stephen a rare e3ample o" a godl) and hol) death. +t
i! to #e tho'ght that he '!ed man) more .ord!% #'t the !'m tendeth to thi! end.
Lord /esus( + have alread) !aid% that thi! pra)er .a! a .itne!! o" con"idence< and !'rel) the
co'rageo'!ne!! and violentne!!
9010
o" Stephen .a! great% that .hen a! he !a. the !tone! "l)
a#o't hi! ear!% .here.ith he !ho'ld #e !toned #) and #)< .hen a! he heareth cr'el c'r!e! and
reproache! again!t hi! head% he )et !ta)eth him!el" mee$l)
901D
'pon the grace o" Chri!t. +n li$e
!ort% the Lord .ill have hi! !ervant! to #e #ro'ght to no'ght a! it .ere !ometime!% to the end
their !alvation ma) #e the more .onder"'l% *nd let '! de"ine thi! !alvation not #) the
'nder!tanding o" o'r "le!h%
9016
#'t #) "aith. Je !ee ho. Stephen leaneth not 'nto the ?'dgment
o" the "le!h% #'t rather a!!'ring him!el"% even in ver) de!tr'ction% that he !hall #e !aved% he
!'""ereth death .ith a @'iet mind. 9or 'ndo'#tedl) he .a! a!!'red o" thi!% that o'r li"e i! hid
.ith Chri!t in >od% F
ND10303O
Colo!!ian! 343.G
There"ore% ca!ting o"" all care o" the #od)% he i! content to commit hi! !o'l into the hand! o"
Chri!t. 9or he co'ld not pra) th'! "rom hi! heart% 'nle!!% having "orgotten thi! li"e% he had ca!t
o"" all care o" the !ame.
+t #ehoveth '! .ith (avid F
N113106O
P!alm 3146G to commit o'r !o'l! into the hand! o" >od dail) !o
long a! .e are in the .orld% #eca'!e .e are environed .ith a tho'!and death!% that >od ma)
deliver o'r li"e "rom all danger!< #'t .hen .e m'!t die indeed% and .e are called there'nto% .e
m'!t "l) 'nto thi! pra)er% that Chri!t .ill receive o'r !pirit. 9or he commended hi! o.n !pirit
into the hand! o" hi! 9ather% to thi! end% that he ma) $eep o'r! "or ever. Thi! i! an ine!tima#le
com"ort% in that .e $no. o'r !o'l! do not .ander 'p and do.n
901M
.hen the) "lit o't o" o'r
#odie!% #'t that Chri!t receiveth them% that he ma) $eep them "aith"'ll)% i" .e commend them
into hi! hand!. Thi! hope o'ght to enco'rage '! to !'""er death patientl). ;ea% .ho!oever
commendeth hi! !o'l to Chri!t .ith an earne!t a""ection o" "aith% he m'!t need! re!ign him!el"
.holl) to hi! plea!'re and .ill. *nd thi! place doth plainl) te!ti") that the !o'l o" man i! no vain
#la!t .hich vani!heth a.a)% a! !ome "rantic "ello.! imagine dotingl)%
901E
#'t that it i! an
e!!ential !pirit .hich liveth a"ter thi! li"e. 9'rthermore% .e are ta'ght here#) that .e call 'pon
Chri!t rightl) and la."'ll)% #eca'!e all po.er i! given him o" the 9ather% "or thi! ca'!e% that all
men ma) commit them!elve! to hi! t'ition.
9011
#'. Kneeling do$n, he 'ried( Thi! i! the other part o" hi! pra)er% .herein he ?oineth the love o"
men .ith "aith in Chri!t< and !'rel) i" .e de!ire to #e gathered to Chri!t "or o'r !alvation% .e
m'!t p't on thi! a""ection. Jherea! Stephen pra)eth "or hi! enemie!% and tho!e mo!t deadl)% and
even in the ver) in!tant .hen their cr'elt) might provo$e him 'nto de!ire o" revenge% he
declareth !'""icientl) .hat a""ection he #eareth to.ard all other men.
*nd .e $no. that .e are all commanded
9D00
to do the !ame .hich Stephen did<
9D01
#'t #eca'!e
there i! nothing more hard than !o to "orgive in?'rie!% that .e .ill .i!h .ell to tho!e .ho .o'ld
163
have '! 'ndone% F
N000D03O
Matthe. D403% 00<G there"ore .e m'!t al.a)! !et Stephen #e"ore o'r e)e!
"or an e3ample. He crieth indeed .ith a lo'd voice% #'t he ma$eth !ho. o" nothing #e"ore men
.hich .a! not !po$en !incerel) and "rom the heart% a! >od him!el" doth .itne!!. ;et he crieth
alo'd% that he ma) omit nothing .hich might !erve to a!!'age the cr'elt) o" the enemie!. The
"r'it appeared not "orth.ith% )et 'ndo'#tedl) he pra)ed not in vain< and Pa'l i! 'nto '! a
!'""icient te!timon)
9D0/
that thi! !in .a! not laid to all their charge!. + .ill not !a) a! *'g'!tine%
that 'nle!! Stephen had pra)ed the Ch'rch !ho'ld not have had Pa'l< "or thi! i! !ome.hat hard<
onl) + !a) thi!% that .herea! >od pardoned Pa'l% it appeareth there#) that Stephen=! pra)er .a!
not in vain. Here ari!eth a @'e!tion% ho. Stephen pra)eth "or tho!e .hich he !aid o" late did
re!i!t the Hol) >ho!t< #'t thi! !eemeth to #e the !in again!t the Spirit .hich !hall never #e
"orgivenI Je ma) ea!il) an!.er% that that i! prono'nced generall) o" all .hich #elongeth to
man) ever).here< there"ore% he called not the #od) o" the people re#ellio'! in !'ch !ort that he
e3empted none. *gain% + have declared #e"ore .hat manner o" re!i!ting he condemned in that
place< "or it "ollo.eth not #) and #)% that the) !in again!t the Hol) >ho!t .ho re!i!t him "or a
time. Jhen he pra)eth that >od .ill not la) the !in to their charge% hi! meaning i!% that the
g'iltine!! ma) not remain in them.
And $hen he had said thus, he fell on slee+( Thi! .a! added% that .e ma) $no. that the!e .ord!
.ere 'ttered even .hen he .a! read) to )ield 'p the gho!t% .hich i! a to$en o" .onder"'l
con!tanc)< al!o thi! .ord slee+ noteth a mee$ $ind o" death. :o.% #eca'!e he made thi! pra)er
.hen he .a! at the point o" death% he .a! not moved .ith an) hope o" o#taining pardon% to #e !o
care"'l to appea!e hi! enemie!% #'t onl) that the) might repent. Jhen thi! .ord !leep i! ta$en in
the Script're "or to die% it m'!t #e re"erred 'nto the #od)% le!t an) man imagine "ooli!hl) .ith
'nlearned men% that the !o'l! do al!o !leep.
160
CH*PT,8 E
+n thi! hi!tor) .e ma) "ir!t !ee the !tate o" the godl) in thi! .orld% to .it% that the) are li$e !heep
appointed to #e !lain% a! it i! in the P!alm% F
N1100//O
P!alm 004//<G and e!peciall) .hen the Lord
letteth loo!e the #ridle to hi! enemie!% that the) ma) p't that cr'elt) in e3ec'tion .hich the)
have in mind conceived. Secondl)% here i! !et do.n the end o" per!ec'tion!% to .it% that the) are
!o "ar "rom #rea$ing o"" the co'r!e o" the go!pel% that the) are rather made help! to "'rther the
!ame thro'gh the .onder"'l co'n!el o" >od. Li$e a! it .a! a mani"e!t miracle% that the !cattering
a#road% mentioned #) L'$e% gathered man) 'nto the 'nit) o" "aith .ho .ere e!tranged "rom >od
#e"ore. :o.% let '! con!ider ever) thing in order.
ACTS $:1-"
1. *nd at that da) there .a! great per!ec'tion rai!ed again!t the ch'rch .hich
.a! at Ber'!alem. There"ore the) .ere all !cattered a#road thro'gho't all
region! o" B'dea and Samaria% e3cept the apo!tle!. 2. *nd religio'! men
dre!!ed Stephen together% and the) mo'rned !ore "or him. . -'t Sa'l made
havoc$ o" the ch'rch% and% entering into ho'!e!% and dra.ing thence men and
.omen% he ca!t them into pri!on. ". *nd the) #eing di!per!ed% did go a#o't
preaching the .ord o" >od.
1. At that day. The per!ec'tion #egan at Stephen% a"ter that% .hen their madne!! .a! there#) !et
on "ire% it .a3ed hot again!t all% #oth one and other. 9or the .ic$ed are li$e #r'te #ea!t!% "or
.hen the) have once ta!ted #lood the) are more de!iro'! thereo"% and #ecome more cr'el
thro'gh committing m'rder. 9or Satan% .ho i! the "ather o" all cr'elt)% doth "ir!t ta$e "rom them
all "eeling o" h'manit) .hen the) are once im#r'ed .ith innocent #lood< that done% he !tirreth 'p
in them an 'n@'encha#le thir!ting a"ter #lood% .hence tho!e violent a!!a'lt! to commit m'rder
come< !o that .hen the) have once #eg'n% the) .ill never ma$e an end .ith their .ill.
Moreover% .hen the) have po.er once granted them to do h'rt% their #oldne!! increa!eth in tract
o" time% !o that the) are carried headlong more immoderatel)% .hich thing L'$e al!o noteth
.hen he !aith% The per!ec'tion .a! great. Cndo'#tedl) the Ch'rch had #'t !mall re!t #e"ore%
neither .a! it "ree "rom the ve3ation o" the .ic$ed< #'t the Lord !pared hi! "or a time% that the)
might have !ome li#ert)% and no. the) #egan to #e !orer !et on.
The!e thing! m'!t #e applied 'nto o'r time al!o. +" the "'rio'!ne!! o" o'r enemie! !eem at an)
time to #e a! it .ere "allen on !leep% !o that it ca!teth not o't "lame! "ar% let '! $no. that the Lord
provideth "or o'r .ea$ne!!< )et% let '! not in the mean !ea!on imagine that .e !hall have
contin'al tr'ce% #'t let '! #e in readine!! to !'""er !orer #r'nt!% a! o"ten a! the) !hall #rea$ o't
!'ddenl). Let '! al!o remem#er% that i" at an) time the con!tanc) o" one man have .hetted the
cr'elt) o" o'r enemie!% the #lame o" the evil i! 'n?'!tl) a!cri#ed to him. 9or L'$e doth not
de"ame Stephen%
9D03
.hen a! he !aith% that #) mean! o" him the Ch'rch .a! !orer ve3ed than
#e"ore< #'t he rather t'rneth thi! to hi! prai!e% #eca'!e he did valiantl)% a! the !tandard#earer%
enco'rage other! .ith hi! e3ample to "ight co'rageo'!l). Jhen he calleth it the Ch'rch .hich
.a! at Ber'!alem% hi! meaning i! not that there .ere Ch'rche! el!e.here% #'t he pa!!eth over
'nto the!e thing! .hich en!'ed there'pon. 9or .herea! there .a! #'t thi! one onl) #od) o" the
godl) in all the .orld% it .a! rent in piece! thro'gh "light< )et there !pr'ng 'p more Ch'rche! #)
16D
and #) o" tho!e lame mem#er! .hich .ere di!per!ed here and there% and !o the #od) o" Chri!t
.a! !pread a#road "ar and .ide% .herea! it .a! #e"ore !h't 'p .ithin the .all! o" Ber'!alem%
They $ere all s'attered abroad( +t i! certain that the) .ere not all !cattered a#road% #'t the
Script're '!eth an 'niver!al note% "or that .hich .e !a)% ,ver) .here or a#road.
9D00
The !'m i!
thi!% that not onl) a "e. .ere in danger< #eca'!e the cr'elt) o" the enemie! raged thro'gho't the
.hole Ch'rch. Man) do o"tentime! ta$e them!elve! to their "eet% thro'gh "aintne!! o" heart% even
.hen the) hear an) light r'mor% #'t the!e are in another ca!e. 9or the) "led not 'nadvi!edl)%
#eing di!co'raged%
9D0D
#'t #eca'!e the) !a. no other mean! to paci") the "'r) o" the adver!arie!.
*nd he !aith% that the) .ere !cattered not onl) thro'gh diver! place! o" B'dea% #'t that the) came
even 'nto Samaria< !o that the middle .all #egan to #e p'lled do.n% .hich made divi!ion
#et.een the Be.! and the >entile!% F
N010/10O
,phe!ian! /410.G 9or the conver!ion o" Samaria .a!%
a! it .ere% the "ir!t "r'it! o" the calling o" the >entile!. 9or altho'gh the) had circ'mci!ion% a!
had the people o" >od% )et .e $no. that there .a! great di!!en!ion% and that not .itho't great
ca'!e% "ora!m'ch a! the) had in Samaria onl) a "orged .or!hip o" >od% a! Chri!t a""irmeth%
#eca'!e it .a! onl) an 'n!avor) em'lation.
9D06
There"ore >od !et open the gate "or the go!pel
then% that the !cepter o" Chri!t% !ent o't o" Ber'!alem% might come 'nto the >entile!. He
e3empteth the apo!tle! o't o" thi! n'm#er% not that the) .ere "ree "rom the common danger% #'t
#eca'!e it i! the d't) o" a good pa!tor to !et him!el" again!t the inva!ion! o" .olve! "or the
!a"et) o" hi! "loc$.
-'t here ma) a @'e!tion #e a!$ed% "ora!m'ch a! the) .ere commanded to preach the go!pel
thro'gho't the .hole .orld % F
N011616O
Mar$ 16416%G .h) the) !ta)ed at Ber'!alem% even .hen the)
.ere e3pelled thence .ith "orce and handI + an!.er% that !eeing Chri!t had commanded them to
#egin at Ber'!alem% the) emplo)ed them!elve! there 'ntil !'ch time a! #eing #ro'ght into !ome
other place #) hi! hand% the) might $no.% "or a !'ret)% that he .a! their g'ide. *nd .e !ee ho.
"ear"'ll) the) proceeded to preach the go!pel< not that the) "ore!lo.ed [!h'nned] that "'nction
.hich .a! en?oined them% #'t #eca'!e the) .ere ama5ed at a ne. and 'n.onted thing.
There"ore% !eeing the) !ee the go!pel !o mightil) re!i!ted at Ber'!alem% the) dare go to no other
place 'ntil !'ch time a! the) have #ro$en that "ir!t h'ge heap o" !trait!. *!!'redl)% the) provide
neither "or their ea!e% nor )et "or their o.n commoditie! either "or #eing void o" care #) !ta)ing
at Ber'!alem< "or the) have a pain"'l charge% the) are contin'all) amid!t diver! danger! the)
enco'nter .ith great tro'#le!. Jhere"ore% 'ndo'#tedl)% the) are p'rpo!ed to do their d't)< and
e!peciall)% .herea! the) !tand to it .hen all the re!t "l)% that i! an evident te!timon) o" valiant
con!tanc). +" an) man o#?ect that the) might have divided the province! among!t them% that the)
might not all have #een occ'pied in one place% + an!.er% that Ber'!alem alone had #'!ine!!
eno'gh "or them all.
+n !'m% L'$e rec$oneth 'p thi! a! a thing .orth) o" prai!e% that the) "ollo.ed not the re!t into
vol'ntar) e3ile to avoid per!ec'tion< and )et he doth not reprehend the "light o" tho!e men .ho!e
!tate .a! more "ree. 9or the apo!tle! did con!ider .hat partic'lar thing their calling had< to .it%
that the) !ho'ld $eep their !tanding% !eeing the .olve! did invade the !heep"old. The rigor o"
Tert'llian% and !'ch li$e% .a! too great% .ho did den) indi""erentl) that it i! la."'l to "l) "or "ear
o" per!ec'tion. *'g'!tine !aith #etter% .ho giveth leave to "l) in !'ch !ort that the ch'rche!%
#eing de!tit'te o" their pa!tor!% #e not #etra)ed into the hand! o" the enemie!. Thi! i! !'rel) the
#e!t moderation% .hich #eareth neither too m'ch .ith the "le!h% neither driveth tho!e headlong to
death .ho ma) la."'ll) !ave their live!. Let him that i! di!po!ed read the 1E0th ,pi!tle to
Honorat'!.
166
That + ma) ret'rn to the apo!tle!% i" the) had #een !cattered here and there .ith "ear o"
per!ec'tion% even at the #eginning% all men might have rightl) called them hireling!. Ho. h'rt"'l
and "ilth) had the "or!a$ing o" the place #een at the pre!ent timeI Ho. greatl) .o'ld it have
di!co'raged the mind! o" all menI Jhat great h'rt !ho'ld the) have done .ith their e3ample
among the po!terit)I +t !hall !ometime! !o "all o't indeed% that the pa!tor ma) al!o "l)< that i!% i"
the) invade him alone% i" the la)ing .a!te o" the Ch'rch #e not "eared i" he #e a#!ent.
9D0M
-'t
and i" #oth hi! "loc$ and he have to enco'nter .ith the adver!ar)% he i! a treachero'! "or!a$er o"
hi! o""ice i" he !tand not !to'tl) to it even 'ntil the end. Private per!on! have greater li#ert).
2. They dressed 3te+hen( L'$e !ho.eth% that even in the heat o" per!ec'tion the godl) .ere not
di!co'raged% #'t #eing al.a)! 5ealo'!% the) did tho!e d'tie! .hich did #elong to godline!!.
-'rial !eemeth to #e a matter o" !mall importance< rather than the) .ill "ore!lo. [neglect] the
!ame% the) #ring them!elve! in no !mall ha5ard o" li"e. *nd a! the circ'm!tance o" time doth
declare% that the) contemned death valiantl)% !o again% .e gather there#) that the) .ere care"'l
to do thi! thing not .itho't great and 'rgent ca'!e. 9or thi! !erved greatl) to e3erci!e their "aith%
that the #od) o" the hol) mart)r !ho'ld not #e le"t to the .ild #ea!t!% in .hom Chri!t had
tri'mphed no#l) according to the glor) o" hi! go!pel. :either co'ld the) live to Chri!t% 'nle!!
the) .ere read) to #e gathered 'nto Stephen into the !ociet) o" death. There"ore the care the)
had to #'r) the mart)r .a! 'nto them a meditation 'nto invinci#le con!tanc) o" pro"e!!ing the
"aith. There"ore the) !o'ght not in a !'per"l'o'! matter% .ith an 'nadvi!ed 5eal% to provo$e their
adver!arie!. *ltho'gh that general rea!on% .hich o'ght al.a)! and ever) .here to #e o" "orce
among!t the godl)% .a! 'ndo'#tedl) o" great .eight .ith them. 9or the rite o" #'r)ing doth
appertain 'nto the hope o" the re!'rrection% a! it .a! ordained #) >od !ince the #eginning o" the
.orld to thi! end.
Jhere"ore% thi! .a! al.a)! co'nted cr'el #ar#ari!m to !'""er #odie! to lie 'n#'ried .illingl).
Pro"ane men did not $no. .h) the) !ho'ld acco'nt the rite o" #'rial !o hol)< #'t .e are not
ignorant o" the end thereo"% to .it% that tho!e .hich remain alive ma) $no. that the #odie! are
committed to the earth a! to a pri!on%
9D0E
'ntil the) #e rai!ed 'p thence. Jhere#) it appeareth
that thi! d't) i! pro"ita#le rather "or tho!e .hich are alive than tho!e .hich are dead. *ltho'gh it
i! al!o a point o" o'r h'manit) to give d'e honor to tho!e #odie! to .hich .e $no. #le!!ed
immortalit) to #e promi!ed.
They %ade great la%entation( L'$e doth al!o commend their pro"e!!ion o" godline!! and "aith in
their lamentation. 9or a dole"'l and 'npro!pero'! end ca'!eth men% "or the mo!t part% to "or!a$e
tho!e ca'!e! .herein the) .ere delighted #e"ore. -'t% on the other !ide% the!e men declare #)
their mo'rning% that the) are no .hit terri"ied .ith the death o" Stephen "rom !tanding !to'tl) in
the appro#ation o" their ca'!e< con!idering there.ithal .hat great lo!! >od=! Ch'rch !'""ered #)
the death o" one man. *nd .e m'!t re?ect that "ooli!h philo!oph) .hich .illeth all men to #e
altogether #loc$i!h that the) ma) #e .i!e. +t m'!t need! #e that the Stoic! .ere void o" common
!en!e .ho .o'ld have a man to #e .itho't all a""ection. Certain mad "ello.! .o'ld gladl) #ring
in the !ame doting! into the Ch'rch at thi! da)% and )et% not.ith!tanding% altho'gh the) re@'ire
an heart o" iron o" other men% there i! nothing !o"ter or more e""eminate than the). The) cannot
a#ide that other men !ho'ld !hed one tear< i" an)thing "all o't other.i!e than the) .o'ld .i!h%
the) ma$e no end o" mo'rning. >od doth th'! p'ni!h their arroganc) ?e!tingl)% Fthat + ma) !o
term it%G !eeing that he !etteth them to #e la'ghed at even #) #o)!. -'t let '! $no. that tho!e
a""ection! .hich >od hath given to man=! nat're are% o" them!elve!% no more corr'pt than the
a'thor him!el"< #'t that the) are "ir!t to #e e!teemed according to the ca'!e< !econdl)% i" the)
16M
$eep a mean and moderation. S'rel) that man .hich denieth that .e o'ght to re?oice over the
gi"t! o" >od i! more li$e a #loc$ than a man< there"ore% .e ma) no le!! la."'ll) !orro. .hen
the) #e ta$en a.a). *nd le!t + pa!! the compa!! o" thi! pre!ent place% Pa'l doth not altogether
"or#id men mo'rning% .hen an) o" their "riend! are ta$en a.a) #) death% #'t he .o'ld have a
di""erence #et.een them and the 'n#eliever!< #eca'!e hope o'ght to #e to them a com"ort and a
remed) again!t impatience. 9or the #eginning o" death ca'!ed '! to !orro. "or good ca'!e!< #'t
#eca'!e .e $no. that .e have li"e re!tored to '! in Chri!t% .e have that .hich i! !'""icient to
appea!e o'r !orro.. +n li$e !ort% .hen .e are !orr) that the Ch'rch i! deprived o" rare and
e3cellent men% there i! good ca'!e o" !orro.< onl) .e m'!t !ee$ !'ch com"ort a! ma) correct
e3ce!!.
. .ut 3aul Je m'!t note t.o thing! in thi! place% ho. great the cr'elt) o" the adver!arie! .a!%
and ho. .onder"'l the goodne!! o" >od .a!% .ho vo'ch!a"ed to ma$e Pa'l a pa!tor o" !o cr'el
a .ol". 9or that de!ire to la) .a!te the Ch'rch .here.ith he .a! incen!ed did !eem to c't a.a)
all hope. There"ore hi! conver!ion .a! !o m'ch the more e3cellent a"ter.ard. *nd it i! not to #e
do'#ted #'t that thi! p'ni!hment .a! laid 'pon him #) >od% a"ter that he had con!pired to p't
Stephen to death% together .ith the other .ic$ed men% that he !ho'ld #e the ringleader o" cr'elt).
9or >od doth o"tentime! p'ni!h !in! more !harpl) in the elect than in the repro#ate.
". And they $ere s'attered abroad. L'$e declareth in thi! place al!o% that it came to pa!! #) the
.onder"'l providence o" >od% that the !cattering a#road o" the "aith"'l !ho'ld #ring man) 'nto
the 'nit) o" "aith< th'! doth the Lord '!e to #ring light o't o" dar$ne!!% and li"e o't o" death. 9or
the voice o" the go!pel% .hich .a! heard hereto"ore in one place onl)% doth no. !o'nd
ever).here< in the mean !ea!on% .e are ta'ght #) thi! e3ample that .e m'!t not )ield 'nto
per!ec'tion!% #'t rather #e enco'raged 'nto valiantne!!< "or% .hen the "aith"'l "lee "rom
Ber'!alem% the) are not a"ter.ard di!co'raged either .ith e3ile or .ith their pre!ent mi!erie!% or
.ith an) "ear% that the) degenerate into !loth"'lne!!<
9D01
#'t the) are a! read) to preach Chri!t
even in the mid!t o" their calamit) a! i" the) had never !'""ered an) tro'#le. Moreover% L'$e
!eemeth to note that the) led a .andering li"e in that the) changed their lodging! o"ten.
There"ore% i" .e de!ire to #e co'nted their #rethren% let '! pric$ "or.ard o'r!elve! !o diligentl)%
that no "ear or #itterne!! o" cro!! di!co'rage '!% #'t that .e go "or.ard in !ho.ing "orth the
pro"e!!ion o" "aith< and that .e never #e .ear) o" "'rthering the doctrine o" Chri!t< "or it i! an
a#!'rd thing that e3ile and "light% .hich are the "ir!t e3erci!e! o" mart)rdom% !ho'ld ma$e '!
d'm# and "ainthearted.
ACTS $:!-1
!. *nd .hen Philip came into the cit) o" Samaria% he preached Chri!t to them. #.
*nd the m'ltit'de gave ear to tho!e thing! .hich Philip !pa$e% hearing .ith one
con!ent% and !eeing the !ign! .hich he !ho.ed. %. 9or .herea! man) .ere
po!!e!!ed .ith 'nclean !pirit!% the) came o't% cr)ing .ith a lo'd voice< and man)
that had the pal!)% and .hich .ere lame% .ere healed< $. So that there .a! great ?o)
in that cit). &. *nd a man% named Simon% had #een #e"ore in the cit)% e3erci!ing the
art magic% and #e.itching the people o" Samaria% !a)ing that he .a! !ome great
man4 1'. To .hom the) all gave heed% #oth !mall and great% !a)ing% Thi! man i! the
great po.er o" >od. 11. *nd the) had given heed 'nto him% #eca'!e the) had #een
#e.itched long time .ith hi! .itchcra"t. 12. -'t a! !oon a! the) #elieved Philip
preaching concerning the $ingdom o" >od% and in the name o" Be!'! Chri!t% the)
.ere #apti5ed% #oth men and .omen. 1. *nd Simon him!el" #elieved% and #eing
16E
#apti5ed% did cleave to Philip< and .hen he !a. the !ign! and great po.er! .hich
.ere done% he .ondered.
!. L'$e !aid that the) all preached the Jord o" >od% no. he ma$eth mention o" Philip alone%
#oth #eca'!e hi! preaching .a! more "r'it"'l and e""ect'al than the preaching o" the re!t% and
al!o #eca'!e there "ollo.ed nota#le hi!torie!% .hich he .ill add a"ter.ard. He p't the 'ity of
3a%aria "or the 'ity 3a%aria .hich .a! laid .a!te #) H)rcan'!% and #'ilt again #) Herod% and
called Se#a!te. 8ead Bo!eph'!% in hi! Thirteenth and 9i"teenth -oo$! o" *nti@'itie!. Jhen he
!aith that Philip +rea'hed Christ, he !igni"ieth that the .hole !'m o" the go!pel i! contained in
Chri!t. The other !peech .hich he '!eth !hortl) a"ter i! more per"ect< )et it all one in e""ect. He
?oineth the $ingdom o" >od and the name o" Chri!t together< #'t #eca'!e .e o#tain thi!
goodne!! thro'gh Chri!t% to have >od to reign in '!% and to lead an heavenl) li"e% #eing rene.ed
into !pirit'al righteo'!ne!!% and dead to the .orld% there"ore the preaching o" Chri!t containeth
thi! point al!o 'nder it. -'t the !'m i! thi!% that Chri!t doth repair .ith hi! grace the .orld% #eing
de!tro)ed< .hich cometh to pa!! .hen he reconcileth '! to the 9ather. Secondl)% .hen he
regenerateth '! #) hi! Spirit% that the $ingdom o" >od ma) #e erected in '! .hen Satan i! p't to
"light. Moreover% .herea! he declared #e"ore% that the apo!tle! did not !tir one "oot "rom
Ber'!alem% it i! to #e tho'ght that he !pea$eth o" one o" the !even deacon! in thi! place% .ho!e
da'ghter! did al!o prophe!).
#. And the %ultitude ga&e ear( L'$e declareth ho. the Samaritan! did em#race Philip=! doctrine.
9or he !aith that the) heard% .here#) the) too$ !ome ta!te< there .a! al!o another pric$ .here#)
the) .ere pric$ed "or.ard% and that .a! miracle!< at length there "ollo.ed attentivene!!. Thi! i!
the right going "or.ard 'nto "aith< "or tho!e .hich re"'!e that doctrine .hich the) have not
heard% ho. i! it po!!i#le that the) !ho'ld ever come 'nto "aith% .hich cometh #) hearingI
F
N0D1010O
8oman! 10410.G There"ore% .herea! the) .ere read) to hear% that .a! the "ir!t !tep 'nto
reverence and attentivene!!. *nd there"ore it i! no marvel i" "aith #e !o rare% and almo!t none in
the .orld< "or ho. man) #e there .hich vo'ch!a"e to hear$en .hen >od !pea$ethI .here#) it
cometh to pa!! that the more part re?ecteth the tr'th #e"ore the) $no. the !ame% and have not !o
m'ch a! lightl) ta!ted it. *nd a! hearing i! the #eginning o" "aith% !o it !ho'ld not #e !'""icient o"
it!el"% 'nle!! the ma?e!t) o" doctrine !ho'ld al!o move the heart!. *nd !'rel)% .ho!oever
con!idereth that he hath to do .ith >od% cannot hear him contempt'o'!l) .hen he !pea$eth< and
the ver) doctrine .hich i! contained in hi! .ord !hall p'rcha!e a'thorit) "or it!el"% !o that
attentivene!! !hall "lo. o" it!el" "rom hearing. *! to'ching miracle! .e $no. that there i! a
do'#le '!e thereo"< the) !erve to prepare '! to hear the go!pel% and to con"irm '! in the "aith
thereo". The adver#% $ith one a''ord% ma) #e ?oined a! .ell .ith hearing a! .ith attentivene!!.
Thi! latter doth li$e me #etter% that the) .ere attentive .ith one accord< and therein doth L'$e
commend the "orce and e""icac) o" Philip=! preaching% #eca'!e a great n'm#er o" men .a!
!'ddenl) .on to hear attentivel) .ith one con!ent.
%. ,n'lean s+irits( He to'cheth certain $ind! #rie"l)% that .e ma) $no. .ith .hat miracle! the)
9D10
.ere #ro'ght to attri#'te an) a'thorit) to Philip. That cr)ing .here.ith the 'nclean !pirit!
cried .a! a to$en o" re!i!tance. Jhere"ore thi! !erved not a little to !et "orth the po.er o" Chri!t%
that he did #ind the devil! .ith hi! commandment% tho'gh the) re!i!ted !t'##ornl).
161
$. The joy .hereo" he !pea$eth i! a "r'it o" "aith. 9or it cannot #e #'t that !o !oon a! .e $no.
that >od .ill #e "avora#le and merci"'l o'r mind! !hall #e .rapt .ith incompara#le ?o)% and
!'ch a! doth "ar pa!! all 'nder!tanding% F
ND0000MO
Philippian! 04M.G
&. A 'ertain %an na%ed 3i%on( Thi! .a! !'ch a let that it might !eem that the go!pel co'ld have
no pa!!age to come 'nto the Samaritan!< "or the mind! o" them all .ere #e.itched .ith Simon=!
?'ggling!. *nd thi! ama5edne!! .a! gro.n to !ome !trength #) rea!on o" long !pace o" time.
9'rthermore e3perience teacheth .hat a hard matter it i! to pl'c$ that error o't o" the mind! o"
men .hich hath ta$en root thro'gh long contin'ance and to call them #ac$ 'nto a !o'nd and
right mind .ho are alread) hardened. S'per!tition made them more o#!tinate in their error%
#eca'!e the) co'nted Simon not onl) a! a prophet o" >od% #'t even a! the Spirit o" >od.
1'. 9or the !'rname% great +o$er% tendeth to thi! end% that .hat!oever !ho'ld other.i!e #e divine
might .a3 vile thro'gh thi! greatne!!. There"ore the po.er o" Chri!t appeareth here#) more
plainl)% in that Philip #ra$e thro'gh the!e let!< .hich thing L'$e ampli"ieth%
11. Jhen he !aith that they $ere astonied% "rom the lea!t to the greate!t. 9or !eeing all men% o"
.hat e!tate !oever the) .ere% .ere del'ded% .hat entrance co'ld the go!pel have% e!peciall)
!ince it .a! no mean !ed'cingI "or all their !en!e! .ere #e!otted. *nd #e!ide! that .e !ee
there#) ho. might) the tr'th i!% there i! al!o !et #e"ore '! an e3ample o" con!tanc) in Philip%
.ho% tho'gh he !a. no .a)% )et doth he !et hand to the Lord=! .or$ .ith a valiant co'rage%
.aiting "or the !'cce!! .hich >od !ho'ld give. *nd th'! m'!t .e do% .e m'!t valiantl) attempt
.hat!oever the Lord commandeth% even .hen o'r endeavor! !eem to #e vain. 9'rthermore%
.herea! Satan did #e.itch the Samaritan!% let '! $no. that it i! the common p'ni!hment o"
in"idelit). *ll men are not #e.itched% indeed% .ith the ?'ggling! o" enchanter!% neither are there
Simon! ever).here% .hich can !o !ed'ce and deceive< #'t m) meaning i!% that it i! no .onder%
9D11
i" Satan do moc$ men diver!el) in the dar$< "or the) are !'#?ect to all error! .ho!oever are
not governed #) the Spirit o" >od. 9'rthermore% .hen L'$e !aith that the) .ere all !ed'ced one
.ith another% .e are ta'ght that neither .it% neither all that rea!on and .i!dom .hich .e have%
are !'""icient to avoid the cra"tine!! o" Satan .ithal. *nd !'rel) .e !ee in .hat "ooli!h and
doting error! the) .ere entangled% .ho .ere co'nted in the .orld .i!er than other!.
The great +o$er of God( There"ore Satan a#'!ed the name o" >od to deceive% .hich i! the mo!t
pe!tilent $ind o" deceiving% !o "ar i! it "rom #eing an) e3c'!e. +t hath #een !aid #e"ore% that
Simon did ta$e to him!el" the name o" the principal po.er o" >od% that he might !'ppre!! and
!'rpa!! .hat!oever .a! el!e.here divine% a! the !'n dar$eneth all the !tar! .ith hi! light. Thi!
.a! .ic$ed and 'ngodl) pro"aning o" the name o" >od. -'t .e read o" nothing .hich .a! done
here% .hich i! not done a! )et dail)< "or men are #ent to nothing more than to tran!late that to
Satan .hich i! proper to >od. The) pretend religion< #'t .hat did thi! preten!e help the
Samaritan!I There"ore it goeth .ell .ith '! .hen >od !etteth "orth to '! hi! po.er in Chri!t% and
declareth there.ith that .e m'!t not !ee$ the !ame an).here el!e% and doth di!cover the !leight!
and ?'ggling ca!t! o" Satan% .hich .e m'!t avoid% to the end he ma) $eep '! !till in him!el".
12. 2hen they had belie&ed( That i! the miracle .hereo" + !pa$e #eca'!e the) heard Philip% .ho
.ere altogether made a!tonied .ith the ill'!ion! o" Simon< in that the) .ere made parta$er! o"
the heavenl) .i!dom .ho .ere #loc$i!h and d'll. So that the) .ere% a"ter a !ort% #ro'ght "rom
hell to heaven. Jherea! #apti!m "ollo.ed "aith% it agreeth .ith Chri!t=! in!tit'tion% a! concerning
!tranger!% F
N011600O
Mar$ 1640M%G and tho!e .hich .ere .itho't. 9or it .a! meet that the) !ho'ld #e
engra"ted into the #od) o" the Ch'rch #e"ore the) !ho'ld receive the !ign< #'t the *na#apti!t! are
1M0
too "ooli!h% .hil!t the) endeavor to prove #) the!e place! that in"ant! are not to #e #apti5ed. Men
and .omen co'ld not #e #apti5ed .itho't ma$ing con"e!!ion o" their "aith< #'t the) .ere
admitted 'nto #apti!m 'pon thi! condition% that their "amilie! might
9D1/
#e con!ecrated to >od<
"or the covenant goeth th'!4
P+ .ill #e th) >od% and the >od o" th) !eed%Q
F
N011M0MO
>ene!i! 1M4M.G
1. 3i%on also hi%self( He .hich had #e!otted the .hole cit) .ith hi! .itcher) receiveth the
tr'th together .ith other!. He .hich had #oa!ted him!el" to #e the principal po.er o" >od
!'#mitteth him!el" to >od% [Chri!t< ] tho'gh he .ere #ro'ght to the $no.ledge o" the go!pel% not
!o m'ch "or hi! o.n !a$e alone% a! "or the .hole co'ntr)=! !a$e% that that o""en!e might #e ta$en
o't o" the .a) .hich might have hindered the 'n!$ill"'l. *nd to thi! end tendeth that .hich L'$e
!etteth do.n a"ter.ard% that he .ondered at the !ign!. 9or >od meant to tri'mph over thi! man%
.hom the Samaritan! co'nted a petit >od<
9D13
.hich cometh to pa!! .hil!t he i! en"orced to give
glor) to the tr'e miracle!% a"ter that hi! vain #oa!ting i! ta$en a.a). *nd )et he giveth not
him!el" over !incerel) to Chri!t< "or then hi! am#ition% and that .ic$ed and pro"ane acco'nt
.hich he made o" the gi"t! o" >od% !ho'ld not #rea$ o't. *nd )et + am not o" their mind .ho
thin$ that he made onl) a !em#lance o" "aith% !eeing he did not #elieve. L'$e !aith plainl) that he
#elieved% and the rea!on i! added% -eca'!e he .a! to'ched .ith .ondering. Ho.% then% doth he
!hortl) a"ter #etra) him!el" to #e #'t a h)pocriteI + an!.er% That there i! !ome mean #et.een
"aith and mere di!!im'lation. The ,pic're! [,pic'rean!] and L'ciani!t! do pro"e!! that the)
#elieve% .herea! not.ith!tanding the) la'gh in.ardl)% .herea! the hope o" eternal li"e i! 'nto
them a vain thing< "inall)% .herea! the) have no more godline!! than dog! or !.ine.
-'t there #e man) .ho ho.!oever the) #e not regenerate .ith the Spirit o" adoption% and do not
addict them!elve! 'nto >od .ith the tr'e a""ection o" the heart% #eing overcome .ith the po.er
o" the Jord% do not onl) con"e!! that that i! tr'e .hich i! ta'ght% #'t are al!o to'ched .ith !ome
"ear o" >od% !o that the) receive doctrine< "or the) conceive that >od m'!t #e heard< that he i!
#oth the a'thor and al!o the ?'dge o" the .orld. There"ore% the) ma$e no !em#lance o" "aith
#e"ore men% .hich i! none% #'t the) thin$ that the) #elieve. *nd thi! "aith contin'eth onl) "or a
time% .hereo" Chri!t !pea$eth in Mar$% FMar$ 0<
N0/0E13O
L'$e E413<G to .it% .hen the !eed o" the
Jord conceived in the mind i!% not.ith!tanding% cho$ed "orth.ith .ith diver! care! o" the .orld%
or .ith .ic$ed a""ection!% !o that it never cometh to an) ripene!!< )ea% rather% it gro.eth o't o"
$ind 'nto 'npro"ita#le corn nothing .orth. S'ch% there"ore% .a! Simon=! "aith< he perceiveth that
the doctrine o" the go!pel i! tr'e% and he i! en"orced to receive the !ame .ith the "eeling o" hi!
con!cience< #'t the gro'nd.or$ i! .anting< that i!% the denial o" him!el". Jhere'pon it "ollo.ed
that hi! mind .a! en.rapped in di!!im'lation% .hich he 'ttereth "orth.ith. -'t let '! $no. that
hi! h)pocri!) .a! !'ch a! he deceived him!el" in< and not that gro!! h)pocri!) .hereo" ,pic're!
and !'ch li$e ma$e #oa!t<
9D10
#eca'!e the) dare not con"e!! the contempt o" >od.
He $as ba+ti7ed. +t appeareth plainl)% #) thi! e3ample o" Simon that all men have not that grace
given them in #apti!m% .hich grace i! there "ig'red. The opinion o" the Papi!t! i! thi!% That
'nle!! mortal !in #e the ca'!e o" let%
9D1D
all men receive the tr'th and e""ect .ith the !ign!. So
that the) attri#'te 'nto the !acrament! magical "orce% a! i" the) did pro"it .itho't "aith% -'t let '!
$no. that the Lord o""ereth to '! #) the !acrament!% .hat!oever the anne3ed promi!e! do !o'nd<
9D16
and that the) are not o""ered in vain% !o that
9D1M
#eing directed 'nto Chri!t #) "aith% .e !et
[!ee$] "rom him .hat!oever the !acrament! do promi!e. *nd altho'gh the receiving o" #apti!m
1M1
did pro"it him nothing then% )et i" conver!ion "ollo.ed a"ter.ard% a! !ome men !'ppo!e% the
pro"it .a! not e3ting'i!hed nor a#oli!hed. 9or it cometh to pa!! o"tentime! that the Spirit o" >od
.or$eth a"ter.ard a"ter a long time% that the !acrament! ma) #egin to !ho. "orth their "orce.
9D1E
;id 'lea&e to Phili+. Jherea! Philip admitted him into hi! compan)% it appeareth there#) ho.
hard a matter it i! to $no. h)pocrite!. *nd thi! i! a trial o" o'r patience. So (ema! .a! a
companion o" Pa'l "or a time< a"ter.ard he #ecame an 'n"aith"'l revolt
9D11
F
NDD0010O
/ Timoth)
0410%G 9inall)% .e cannot e!cape thi! evil% #'t that .ic$ed men and deceit"'l .ill !ometime! ?oin
them!elve! 'nto '!< and i" at an) time the .ic$ed creep cra"til) into o'r compan)% pro'd cen!or!
#'rden '! 'n?'!tl)% a! i" .e .ere to an!.er "or their mi!deed!. Tho'gh .e m'!t ta$e heed o"
"acilit)% .hich ca'!eth the go!pel to #e !landered o"tentime!% and .e m'!t #e !o m'ch the more
vigilant% that .e admit none .itho't great choice% "ora!m'ch a! .e hear that great men have
#een deceived. He !aith that he .a! made a!tonied .ith the greatne!! o" the !ign!< that .e ma)
$no. that that great po.er% .hereo" he #oa!ted% .a! nothing el!e #'t ?'ggling and !mo$e!. *nd
L'$e !pea$eth not in thi! place o" an) plain .ondering% #'t o" a damp or trance .hich ca'!eth a
man to "orget .hat he doth.
9D/0
ACTS $:1"-1%
1". *nd .hen the apo!tle! .hich .ere at Ber'!alem had heard that Samaria had
received the Jord o" >od% the) !ent 'nto them Peter and Bohn4 1!. Jho% .hen
the) .ere come do.n% the) pra)ed "or them% that the) might receive the Hol)
>ho!t4 1#. 9or he .a! not a! )et come do.n 'pon an) o" them< #'t the) .ere
onl) #apti5ed in the name o" Chri!t Be!'!. 1%. Then the) laid their hand! 'pon
them% and the) received the Hol) >ho!t.
1". L'$e de!cri#eth% in thi! place% the proceeding! o" the grace o" >od in the Samaritan!% a! he
'!eth to enrich the "aith"'l contin'all) .ith greater gi"t! o" hi! Spirit% "or .e m'!t not thin$ that
the apo!tle! too$ that co'n!el .hereo" L'$e !pea$eth% .itho't the in!tinct o" the !ame >od .ho
had alread) #eg'n hi! .or$ in Samaria #) the hand o" Philip< and he '!eth hi! in!tr'ment!
diver!el) 'nto diver! part! o" hi! .or$% according to hi! good plea!'re. He '!ed Philip a! an
in!tr'ment to #ring them 'nto the "aith< no. he ordaineth Peter and Bohn to #e mini!ter! to give
the Spirit and th'! doth he "o!ter the 'nit) o" hi! Ch'rch .hen one helpeth another% and not onl)
$nit man and man together% #'t .hole ch'rche! al!o. He co'ld have "ini!hed that .hich he had
#eg'n #) Philip< #'t to the end the Samaritan! might learn to em#race #rotherl) "ello.!hip .ith
the "ir!t Ch'rch% he meant to #ind them here.ith a! .ith a #and< !econdl)% he meant to grant the
apo!tle! F.hom he had commanded to preach the go!pel thro'gho't the .hole .orld H
N01161DO
Mar$ 1641DG thi! privilege% that the) might the #etter all gro. together into one "aith o" the
go!pel< and .e $no. that it .a! other.i!e dangero'!% le!t% !eeing the Be.! and Samaritan! .ere
m'ch 'nli$e in mind and manner!% #eing !o divided% the) !ho'ld #) thi! mean! divide Chri!t% or
at lea!t "eign to them!elve! a ne. Ch'rch.
+n the mean !ea!on% .e !ee ho. care"'l the apo!tle! .ere to help their #rethren< "or the) !ta) not
'ntil the) #e re@'e!ted% #'t the) ta$e thi! charge 'pon them o" their o.n accord. The apo!tle! do
not thi! thro'gh an) di!tr'!t% a! i" the) did !'!pect that Philip did not hi! d't) !o 'prightl) a! he
o'ght<
9D/1
#'t the) !et to their hand to help him in hi! .or$% and Peter and Bohn came not onl) to
help him% and to #e parta$er! o" hi! la#or!% #'t al!o to approve the !ame. *gain% Philip i! not
grieved #eca'!e other men "ini!h that #'ilding .hich he had #eg'n% #'t the) one help another
1M/
"'ll gentl) and "aith"'ll)< and !'rel) it i! am#ition alone .hich .ill not !'""er hol) "ello.!hip
and m't'al imparting o" d'tie! to enter.
9D//
Jherea! L'$e !aith that Peter .a! !ent #) the re!t%
.e ma) here#) gather that he .a! not the chie" r'ler over hi! "ello.! in o""ice<
9D/3
#'t did !o
e3cel among!t them% that )et% not.ith!tanding% he .a! !'#?ect to% and did o#e) the #od).
2hi'h $ere at /erusale%. Thi! ma) carr) a do'#le meaning% either that all the apo!tle! .ere at
Ber'!alem then% or that there .ere certain re!ident there .hen the re!t .ent hither and thither<
and + do rather allo. thi! latter% "or it i! to #e tho'ght that the) did !o divide them!elve!% that
al.a)! !ome o" the n'm#er might ta$e 'pon them diver! em#a!!age!% a! occa!ion .a! o""ered%
that !ome might !ta) at Ber'!alem% a! in the principal !tanding.
9D/0
*gain% it ma) #e that a"ter
ever) man had !pent !ome time in hi! vo)age% the) .ere .ont to a!!em#le them!elve! there. +t i!
certain% indeed% that that time .hich the) !pent at Ber'!alem .a! not !pent in idlene!!< and%
!econdl) that the) .ere not tied to !ome one place% "ora!m'ch a! Chri!t had commanded them to
go over all the .orld F
N01161DO
Mar$ 1641D.G
1!. They +rayed. Cndo'#tedl) the) ta'ght "ir!t% "or .e $no. that the) .ere no d'm# per!on!<
#'t L'$e pa!!eth over that .hich .a! common to them and Philip% and declareth onl) .hat ne.
thing the Samaritan! had #) their coming% to .it% that the) had the Spirit given them then.
1#. -'t here ari!eth a @'e!tion% "or he !aith that the) .ere onl) #apti5ed into the name o" Chri!t%
and that there"ore the) had not a! )et received the Hol) >ho!t< #'t #apti!m m'!t either #e in vain
and .itho't grace% or el!e it m'!t have all the "orce .hich it hath "rom the Hol) >ho!t. +n
#apti!m .e are .a!hed "rom o'r !in!< #'t Pa'l teacheth that o'r .a!hing i! the .or$ o" the Hol)
>ho!t% F
ND6030DO
Tit'! 34D.G The .ater '!ed in #apti!m i! a !ign o" the #lood o" Chri!t< #'t Peter
!aith% that it i! the Spirit #) .hom .e are .a!hed .ith the #lood o" Chri!t F
N60010/O
1 Peter 14/.G
7'r old man i! cr'ci"ied in #apti!m% that .e ma) #e rai!ed 'p 'nto ne.ne!! o" li"e%
F
N0D0606O
8oman! 646<G and .hence cometh all thi! !ave onl) "rom the !ancti"ication o" the SpiritI
*nd% "inall)% .hat !hall remain in #apti!m i" it #e !eparate "rom the SpiritI F
N0E03/MO
>alatian!
34/M.G There"ore% .e m'!t not den) #'t that the Samaritan!% .ho had p't on Chri!t% indeed% in
#apti!m% had al!o hi! Spirit given them< and !'rel) L'$e !pea$eth not in thi! place o" the
common grace o" the Spirit% .here#) >od doth regenerate '!% that .e ma) #e hi! children% #'t o"
tho!e !ing'lar gi"t! .here.ith >od .o'ld have certain end'ed at the #eginning o" the go!pel to
#ea'ti") Chri!t=! $ingdom. Th'! m'!t the .ord! o" Bohn #e 'nder!tood% that the di!ciple! had not
the Spirit given them a! )et% "ora!m'ch a! Chri!t .a! )et conver!ant in the .orld< not that the)
.ere altogether de!tit'te o" the Spirit% !eeing that the) had "rom the !ame #oth "aith% and a godl)
de!ire to "ollo. Chri!t< #'t #eca'!e the) .ere not "'rni!hed .ith tho!e e3cellent gi"t!% .herein
appeared a"ter.ard! greater glor) o" Chri!t=! $ingdom. To concl'de% "ora!m'ch a! the
Samaritan! .ere alread) endtied .ith the Spirit o" adoptioni the e3cellent grace! o" the Spirit are
heaped 'pon them% in .hich >od !ho.ed to hi! Ch'rch% "or a time a! it .ere% the vi!i#le
pre!ence o" hi! Spirit% that he might e!ta#li!h "or ever the a'thorit) o" hi! go!pel% and al!o te!ti")
that hi! Spirit !hall #e al.a)! the governor and director o" the "aith"'l.
They $ere only ba+ti7ed. Je m'!t not 'nder!tand thi! a! !po$en contempt'o'!l) o" #apti!m< #'t
L'$e=! meaning i!% that the) .ere onl) end'ed then .ith the grace o" common adoption and
regeneration% .hich i! o""ered to all the godl) in #apti!m. *! "or thi!% it .a! an e3traordinar)
thing that certain !ho'ld have the gi"t! o" the Spirit given them% .hich might !erve to !et "orth
the $ingdom o" Chri!t and the glor) o" the go!pel< "or thi! .a! the '!e thereo"% that ever) one
might pro"it the Ch'rch according to the mea!'re o" hi! a#ilit). Je m'!t note thi!% there"ore%
1M3
#eca'!e% .hile the Papi!t! .ill !et 'p their "eigned con"irmation% the) are not a"raid to #rea$ o't
into thi! !acrilegio'! !peech% that the) are #'t hal" Chri!tian! 'pon .hom the hand! have not
#een a! )et laid. Thi! i! not tolera#le no. #eca'!e% .herea! thi! .a! a !ign .hich la!ted onl) "or
a time% the) made it a contin'al la. in the Ch'rch% a! i" the) had the Spirit in readine!! to give to
.hom!oever the) .o'ld. Je $no. that .hen the te!timon) and pledge o" >od=! grace i! !et
#e"ore '! in vain% and .itho't the thing it!el"% it i! too "ilth) moc$er)< #'t even the) them!elve!
are en"orced to grant that the Ch'rch .a! #ea'ti"ied "or a time onl) .ith the!e gi"t!< .here'pon
it "ollo.eth that the la)ing on o" hand! .hich the apo!tle! '!ed had an end .hen the e""ect
cea!ed. + omit that% that the) added oil 'nto the la)ing on o" hand!% F
N010613O
Mar$ 6413<G #'t thi!% a!
+ have alread) !aid% .a! a point o" too great #oldne!!% to pre!cri#e a perpet'al la. to the Ch'rch%
that that might #e a general !acrament% .hich .a! pec'liarl) '!ed among!t the apo!tle!%
F
N0E030MO
>alatian! 34M<
N0D0606O
8oman! 646<G that the !ign might contin'e !till a"ter that the thing
it!el" .a! cea!ed< and .ith thi! the) ?oined dete!ta#le #la!phem)% #eca'!e the) !aid that !in!
.ere onl) "orgiven #) #apti!m% and that the Spirit o" regeneration i! given #) that rotten oil
.hich the) pre!'med to #ring in .itho't the Jord o" >od. The Script're doth te!ti") that .e p't
on Chri!t in #apti!m% and that .e are engra"ted into hi! #od)% that o'r old man ma) #e cr'ci"ied%
and .e rene.ed into righteo'!ne!!. The!e !acrilegio'! ro##er! have tran!lated that to adorn the
"al!e vi!or o" their !acrament .hich the) have ta$en "rom #apti!m.
9D/D
:either .a! thi! the
invention o" one man onl)% #'t the decree o" one co'ncil% .hereo" the) #a##le dail) in all their
!chool!.
1%. 2hen they had laid their hands( The la)ing on o" hand! "ollo.eth pra)er!% .here#) the)
te!ti") that the grace o" the Spirit i! not incl'ded in the e3ternal ceremon)% .hich the) crave
h'm#l) at the hand! o" another. *nd )et .hen the) con"e!! that >od i! the a'thor% the) neglect
not the ceremon) .hich .a! delivered them #) >od to thi! '!e< and #eca'!e the) '!'rp it not
ra!hl)% the e""ect i! al!o anne3ed. Thi! i! the pro"it and e""icac) o" !ign!% #eca'!e >od .or$eth in
them% and )et he remaineth the onl) giver o" grace and di!tri#'teth the !ame according to hi!
good plea!'re< #'t let '! remem#er that the la)ing on o" hand! .a! the in!tr'ment o" >od% at
!'ch time a! he gave the vi!i#le grace! o" the Spirit to hi!% and that !ince the Ch'rch .a!
deprived o" !'ch riche!% it i! onl) a vain vi!or .itho't an) !'#!tance.
9D/6
ACTS $:1$-2!
1$. *nd .hen Simon !a. that the Hol) >ho!t .a! given #) the la)ing on o" the
apo!tle!U hand!% he o""ered them mone)% 1&. Sa)ing% >ive me al!o thi! po.er% that
on .hom + !hall la) m) hand!% he ma) receive the Hol) >ho!t. 2'. *nd Peter !aid
'nto him% Th) mone) peri!h .ith thee% #eca'!e tho' ha!t tho'ght that the gi"t o"
>od i! o#tained .ith mone). 21. Tho' ha!t no part nor inheritance in thi! #'!ine!!<
"or th) heart i! not right #e"ore >od. 22. There"ore repent o" thi! .ic$edne!!% and
pra) 'nto >od% i" peradvent're the cogitation o" th) heart ma) #e "orgiven thee. 2.
9or + !ee that tho' art in the gall o" #itterne!!% and in the #ond o" 'nrighteo'!ne!!.
2". *nd Simon an!.ering% !aid% Pra) )e "or me 'nto >od% that none o" the!e thing!
ma) happen to me .hich )e have !aid. 2!. Then .hen the) had te!ti"ied and !po$en
the .ord o" >od% the) ret'rned to Ber'!alem% and the) preached the go!pel in man)
!treet! o" the Samaritan!.
1$. And $hen 3i%on. Simon=! h)pocri!) i! no. di!covered% not #eca'!e that he had "eigned
#e"ore that he #elieved< "or .hen he .a! convicted he gave Chri!t hi! hand in earne!t% li$e a!
1M0
man) )ield 'nto the go!pel% le!t the) !trive again!t >od% #'t in the mean !ea!on the) contin'e
li$e to them!elve!< .herea! the denial o" o'r!elve! o'ght to "ollo. tr'e "aith. *nd thi! i! to mi3
Chri!t .ith Satan% .hen doctrine pierceth not 'nto the hidden a""ection! o" the heart% #'t the
in.ard 'ncleanne!! lieth hidden there.
9D/M
There"ore >od .ipeth a.a) that "al!e color no. in
Simon% le!t #) pro"e!!ing the name o" Chri!t he deceive #oth him!el" and other!. 9or that
am#ition .hich .a! hidden #e"ore #rea$eth o't no.% .hen a! he de!ireth to #e e@'al .ith the
apo!tle!. Thi! i! no. one vice< another i!% #eca'!e .hile he thin$eth that the grace o" >od i! to
#e !old% he .ill get !ome greed) gain there#).
9D/E
Jhere#) it appeareth that he i! a pro"ane man%
and !'ch a! had not ta!ted the "ir!t principle! o" godline!!< "or he i! to'ched .ith no de!ire o"
>od=! glor)< )ea% he doth not once thin$ .hat it i! to #e a mini!ter o" >od. *! he had hereto"ore
gotten gain #) hi! magic% !o he tho'ght that it .o'ld #e gain!ome i" he might give the grace! o"
the Spirit. 9or 'ndo'#tedl) he h'nted a"ter riche!% and !o'ght to p'rcha!e prai!e in the !ight o"
the .orld< and he did >od great in?'r) al!o% #eca'!e he tho'ght that thi! heavenl) po.er did
nothing di""er "rom hi! magical enchantment!. :o. .e 'nder!tand #rie"l) .hat and ho. man)
.a)! Simon o""ended. +n the gi"t! o" the Spirit he doth not adore% neither ac$no.ledge the po.er
o" Chri!t< he doth not con"e!! that the apo!tle! .ere end'ed .ith heavenl) po.er% to !et "orth
Chri!t=! glor) #) their mini!tr)< hi! o.n am#ition driveth and carrieth him headlong% !o that he
de!ireth to #ecome e3cellent< and to ma$e the .orld !'#?ect to him!el"% !etting >od apart% he .ill
#') the Hol) >ho!t% a! i" he co'ld #e #o'ght .ith mone).
2'. Peter ans$ered( Peter giveth him the rep'l!e here !to'tl)% and #eing not content to chide him%
he addeth a #itter c'r!e For .i!h%G that Simon and hi! mone) ma) peri!h together< tho'gh he doth
not !o m'ch .i!h 'nto him de!tr'ction% a! he telleth him that the ?'!t vengeance o" >od hangeth
over hi! head% that he might terri") him. +n !'m% he !ho.eth .hat he hath de!erved% .hen he hath
made the Spirit o" >od !'#?ect to "ilth) #')ing and !elling< a! i" he !ho'ld have !aid% Tho' art
.orth) to peri!h .ith th) mone)%
9D/1
.hen tho' do!t !o #la!pheme the Spirit o" >od. 9or .e
ma) ea!il) gather #) that .hich "ollo.eth% that Peter .o'ld rather have had Simon !aved than
de!tro)ed. -'t a! it .ere !'ppl)ing the place o" a ?'dge% he prono'nceth .hat p'ni!hment
Simon=! 'ngodline!! de!erveth< and it .a! re@'i!ite that he !ho'ld #e th'! acc'!ed .ith !'ch
vehemence% that he might perceive the greatne!! o" hi! o""en!e.
9D30
To the !ame end tendeth that
that he ?'dged hi! mone) to peri!h< "or he !igni"ieth that it .a! a! it .ere in"ected and poll'ted
.ith cogitation o" .ic$edne!!% #eca'!e it .a! o""ered to !'ch a .ic$ed '!e. *nd !'rel) .e o'ght
rather to .i!h that all the .hole .orld peri!h% than that tho!e thing! !ho'ld dar$en the glor) o"
>od% .hich% in compari!on thereo"% are nothing .orth. Jhen he .i!heth th'! to a !acrilegio'!
man% he doth not !o m'ch re!pect the per!on a! the "act< "or .e m'!t #e o""ended .ith the
o""en!e! o" men in !'ch !ort% that .e m'!t pit) the men them!elve!. S'ch are tho!e !entence! o"
>od .hich ad?'dge ad'lterer!% thieve!% dr'n$ard!% and .rong"'l dealer!% to de!tr'ction% F
N060601O
1
Corinthian! 641<
N010D0DO
,phe!ian! D4D<G "or the) do not c't o"" all hope o" !alvation "rom them% #'t
the) are onl) re"erred 'nto their pre!ent !tate and declare .hat end i! prepared "or them% i" the)
go "or.ard o#!tinatel).
21. Thou hast no +art( Some do "rame thi! !entence other.i!e% that Simon i! not parta$er o"
grace% #eca'!e he !etteth a price thereo". -'t the other reading .hich .e have "ollo.ed i! more
'!'al% to .it% that that rea!on #e ?oined to the "ormer mem#er. *nd !'rel) it i! #etter to $nit the
t.o !entence! together% th'!% Th) mone) peri!h .ith thee% #eca'!e tho' thin$e!t that the
ine!tima#le gi"t o" the Spirit can #e #o'ght .ith mone). Jherea! the old interpreter had p't% in
this $ord* ,ra!m'! tran!lated it more "itl)% in this business* "or Peter=! meaning i!% that that
1MD
!acrilegio'! per!on hath nothing to do in all that admini!tration% .ho doth .ic$edl) pro"ane the
!ame.
9'rthermore #oth the Papi!t!% and al!o the old divine!% have di!p'ted m'ch concerning !imon)<
#'t that .hich the Papi!t! call !imon) doth not agree .ith Simon=! "act. Simon .o'ld have
#o'ght the grace o" the Spirit .ith mone)< the Papi!t! appl) the crime o" !imon) 'nto their idle
reven'e!< and )et + !pea$ not thi! that + ma) e3ten'ate tho!e horri#le !in! .hich reign at thi! da)
in Poper)% in #')ing and !elling !pirit'al promotion!. :o.% thi! .ic$edne!! i! "ilth) eno'gh o"
it!el"% in that the) hold !'ch a mart in the Ch'rch o" >od. *nd in the mean !ea!on% .e m'!t note
the tr'e de"inition o" !imon)% to .it% that it i! a .ic$ed #')ing and !elling o" the gi"t! o" the
Spirit% or !ome other !'ch li$e thing% .hil!t that a man a#'!eth them 'nto am#ition or other
corr'ption!. Tho'gh + con"e!! that all tho!e imitate Simon .ho !trive to attain 'nto the
government o" the Ch'rch #) 'nla."'l mean!< .hich thing .e !ee committed at thi! da) .itho't
!hame% a! i" it .ere la."'l< and .e can !carce "ind one prie!t in all Poper) .hich i! not
mani"e!tl) a !imoniacal per!on in thi! re!pect< #eca'!e none can p't 'p hi! head among!t them%
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#'t he m'!t creep in #) indirect mean!. *ltho'gh .e m'!t con"e!!% F.hich thing even
children !ee% to o'r great !hame%G that thi! vice i! too common even among!t the "al!e pro"e!!or!
o" the go!pel.
-'t let '! remem#er% "ir!t% to the end .e ma) #e "ree "rom the in"ection o" Simon% that the gi"t!
o" the Spirit are not gotten .ith mone)% #'t that the) are given o" the "ree and mere goodne!! o"
>od% and that "or the edi")ing o" the Ch'rch< that i!% that ever) man ma) !t'd) to help hi!
#rethren according to the mea!'re o" hi! a#ilit)< that ever) man ma) #e!to.
9D3/
that a#o't the
common good o" the Ch'rch .hich he hath received< and that the e3cellenc) o" no man ma)
hinder% #'t that Chri!t ma) e3cel all. :ot.ith!tanding% it ma) !eem a marvelo'! matter% that Peter
e3cl'deth Simon "rom #eing a parta$er o" the Spirit% a! concerning !pecial gi"t!< #eca'!e hi!
heart i! not right #e"ore >od. 9or the .ic$edne!! o" B'da! did not let him "rom having the gi"t! o"
the Spirit in great mea!'re< neither had the gi"t! o" the Spirit #een !o corr'pted among!t the
Corinthian!% i" their heart had #een right in the !ight o" >od. There"ore that rea!on .hich Peter
allegeth !eemeth in!'""icient< #eca'!e man) men e3cel o"tentime! in the gi"t! o" the Spirit% .ho
have an 'nclean heart. -'t% "ir!t o" all% there "ollo.eth no a#!'rdit)% i" >od give !'ch grace! to
men .hich are 'n.orth) thereo". Secondl)% Peter pre!cri#eth no general r'le in thi! place% #'t
#eca'!e the Ch'rch alone i! "or the mo!t part made parta$er o" the gi"t! o" the Spirit% he
prono'nceth that Simon% .ho i! a !tranger to Chri!t% i! 'n.orth) to have the !ame grace! given
him% F.hich are #e!to.ed 'pon the "aith"'l%G a! i" he .ere one o" >od=! ho'!ehold. Moreover% he
had #la!phemed tho!e gi"t! .hereo" he i! deprived.
22. -e+ent, therefore( Jherea! he e3horteth him 'nto repentance and pra)er% he p'tteth him in
!ome hope o" pardon there#)< "or no man !hall ever #e to'ched .ith an) de!ire o" repentance%
!ave onl) he .hich !hall #elieve that >od .ill have merc) 'pon him< on the other !ide% de!pair
.ill al.a)! carr) men headlong 'nto #oldne!!. 9'rthermore% the Script're teacheth that >od i!
not called 'pon aright !ave onl) #) "aith. There"ore% .e !ee ho. Peter rai!eth 'p Simon no.
'nto hope o" !alvation% .hom he had thro.n do.n #e"ore .ith the cr'el lightning! and
th'nder#olt! o" .ord!< and )et Simon=! !in .a! no !mall !in. -'t% i" it co'ld #e% .e o'ght to
pl'c$ men even o't o" hell.
There"ore% 'ntil !'ch time a! even the mo!t .ic$ed men do #) mani"e!t !ign! #etra) them!elve!
to #e repro#ate!% no one o" them i! to #e handled !o !harpl) #'t that remi!!ion o" !in! i! to #e !et
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#e"ore him. ;ea% .e m'!t !o deal .ith tho!e "or .hom !harp chiding i! pro"ita#le% #) rea!on o"
their hardne!! and !t'##ornne!!% that .e thro. them do.n .ith one hand% and !et them on "oot
.ith the other< "or the Spirit o" >od doth not !'""er '! to acc'r!e them
9D33
-'t Peter !eemeth to
#ring him into !ome "ear and do'#t% .hen he !aith% i" +erad&enture. *nd the Papi!t! go a#o't to
prove #) thi! place and !'ch li$e% that .e m'!t pra) .ith do'#t"'l mind!< #eca'!e men ma)
'nadvi!edl) promi!e them!elve! certain !'cce!! in their petition!. -'t .e ma) readil) an!.er
them< "or the .ord ei ara !igni"ieth a! m'ch a! i" a man !ho'ld !a)% +" #) an) mean! tho' m'!t
o#tain pardon o" >od. Peter '!eth thi! .ord% not that he ma) leave Simon=! mind in a perple3it)%
#'t that he ma) the more pric$ him "or.ard to #e earne!t in pra)er. 9or the ver) di""ic'lt) doth
not a little !erve to !tir '! 'p< #eca'!e .hen .e !ee the thing at hand% .e are too carele!! and
!l'ggi!h. There"ore Peter doth not terri") Simon% that he ma) overthro. or tro'#le all hope o"
o#taining in hi! heart% #'t p'tting him in !'re hope i" he !hall crave pardon h'm#l) and "rom hi!
heart% he telleth him onl) that pardon i! hard to #e gotten% #) rea!on o" the greatne!! o" hi!
o""en!e% to the end he ma) provo$e him 'nto "erventne!!< "or it i! re@'i!ite that .e ma) #e
lightened #) "aith .hen .e go 'nto >od% )ea% that !he #e the mother o" pra)er.
2. !n the gall of bitterness( Peter doth !harpl) reprove Simon again% and !tri$eth him .ith >od=!
?'dgment. 9or 'nle!! he had #een compelled to de!cend into him!el"% he .o'ld never have #een
t'rned in good earne!t 'nto >od. 9or there i! nothing more deadl) "or men .hich are #loc$i!h
than .hen .e "latter them% or .hen .e do #'t a little !crape the !$in% .herea! the) o'ght rather
to #e thr'!t thro'gh. There"ore% 'ntil !'ch time a! a !inner !hall conceive !orro. and tr'e
heavine!! #) rea!on o" hi! !in% .e m'!t '!e !'ch !everit) a! ma) .o'nd hi! mind< other.i!e the
rotten !ore !hall #e no'ri!hed .ithin% .hich !hall #) little and little con!'me the man him!el".
;et let '! al.a)! o#!erve thi! mean% that .e provide "or men=! !alvation !o m'ch a! in '! lieth.
Moreover% there #e t.o e3cellent "ine metaphor! in Peter=! .ord!< the one .hereo" !eemeth to #e
ta$en o't o" Mo!e!% .here he "or#iddeth that there #e not in '! an) root% "rom .hich !pringeth
gall and .orm.ood% F(e'teronom) /1.G -) .hich !peech i! noted the in.ard .ic$edne!! o" the
heart< .hen a! it hath !o conceived the poi!on o" 'ngodline!!% that #eing there.ith in"ected% it
can #ring "orth nothing #'t #itterne!!. To the !ame end tendeth the #inding o" ini@'it)4 to .it%
.hen the .hole heart i! $ept #o'nd and tied #) Satan. 9or it "alleth o't !ometime! that men
.hich are other.i!e given ver) godlil)% do #rea$ o't into evil .or$!% .ho have not their heart
corr'pt in.ardl) .ith poi!on. Je $no. that h)pocri!) i! engendered in man=! nat're< #'t .hen
a! the Spirit o" >od doth !hine% .e are !o #linded in o'r vice!% that .e no'ri!h them .ithin a! i"
it .ere !ome hidden #'ndle. There"ore Peter=! meaning i!% that Simon "ell not onl) in one point%
#'t that hi! ver) heart root .a! corr'pt and #itter< that he "ell into Satan=! !nare! not onl) in one
$ind o" !in% #'t that all hi! !en!e! .ere en!nared% !o that he .a! .holl) given over to Satan% and
.a! #ecome the #ond!lave o" ini@'it). +n the mean !ea!on% .e are ta'ght that the greatne!! o"
o""en!e! i! e!teemed not !o m'ch according to the "act
9D30
.hich appeareth% a! according to the
a""ection o" the heart.
2". 3i%on ans$ered( Here#) .e gather that he did not !o ta$e that .hich Peter had threatened
'nto him% #'t that he did con!ider that hi! !alvation .a! !o'ght. *nd tho'gh Peter alone !pa$e%
)et he attri#'teth the !peech 'nto all #) rea!on o" the con!ent. :o. ari!eth a @'e!tion .hat .e
o'ght to thin$ o" Simon. The Script're carrieth '! no "arther% !ave onl) 'nto a con?ect're.
Jherea! he )ieldeth .hen he i! reproved% and #eing to'ched .ith the "eeling o" hi! !in% "eareth
the ?'dgment o" >od< and that done% "lieth 'nto the merc) o" >od% and commendeth him!el" to
the pra)er! o" the Ch'rch< the!e are a!!'redl) no !mall !ign! o" repentance< there"ore .e ma)
1MM
con?ect're that he repented. *nd )et the old .riter! a""irm .ith one con!ent% that he .a! a great
enem) to Peter a"ter.ard% and that he di!p'ted .ith him #) the !pace o" three da)! at 8ome. The
di!p'tation i! al!o e3tant in .riting 'nder the name o" Clement% #'t it hath in it !'ch "ilth)
doting!% that it i! a .onder that Chri!tian ear! can a#ide to hear them. *gain% *'g'!tine% .riting
to Ban'ari'!% !aith% that there .ere diver! and "al!e r'mor! !pread a#road in 8ome in hi! time
concerning that matter. Jhere"ore% nothing i! more !a"e than #idding adie' to 'ncertain opinion!%
!impl) to em#race that .hich i! !et do.n in the Script're!. That .hich .e read el!e.here o"
Simon ma) ?'!tl) #e !'!pected "or man) ca'!e!.
2!. And they testified( +n the!e .ord! L'$e teacheth that Peter and Bohn came not onl) that the)
might enrich the Samaritan! .ith the gi"t! o" the Spirit% #'t al!o that the) might e!ta#li!h them in
the "aith .hich the) had alread) received% #) approving Philip=! doctrine. 9or th'! m'ch doth the
.ord testify import< a! i" he !ho'ld !a)% that it came to pa!! #) their te!timon)% that the .ord o"
>od had "'ll and per"ect a'thorit)% and that the tr'th .a! o" "orce% a! #eing .ell te!ti"ied and
a'thentic. :ot.ith!tanding L'$e teaeheth there.ithal that the) .ere "aith"'l .itne!!e! o" >od%
.hen he addeth that the) 'ttered the .ord o" >od. Thi! .a!% there"ore% the !'m o" the apo!tle!=
doctrine% "aith"'ll) to 'tter tho!e thing! .hich the) had learned o" the Lord% and not their o.n
invention!% or the invention! o" an) man el!e. He !aith% that the) did thi! not onl) in the cit)% #'t
al!o in village!. There"ore .e !ee that the) .ere !o in"lamed to "'rther the glor) o" Chri!t% that
.hither!oever the) came the) had him in their mo'th. So that the !eed o" li"e #egan to #e !o.n
thro'gho't the .hole region% a"ter that it .a! preached in the cit).
9D3D
ACTS $:2#-1
2#. *nd an angel o" the Lord !pa$e to Philip% !a)ing% *ri!e% and go to.ard the !o'th%
to the .a) .hich goeth do.n "rom Ber'!alem to >a5a< it i! .a!te. 2%. *nd .hen he
aro!e% he .ent. *nd% #ehold% a man% an ,thiopian% an e'n'ch% a man o" great
a'thorit) .ith Candace% @'een o" ,thiopia% .hich had the r'le o" all her trea!'re%
.hich carne [had come] to Ber'!alem to .or!hip 2$. *nd a! he ret'rned% and !at in
hi! chariot% he read ,!aia! the prophet. 2&. *nd the Spirit !aid to Philip% (ra. near%
and #e tho' ?oined to thi! chariot. '. *nd a! Philip ran 'nto it% he heard him reading
the prophet ,!aia!% and he !aid% Cnder!tande!t tho' .hat tho' reade!tI 1. He !aid%
Ho. can +% 'nle!! !ome man direct meI *nd he re@'e!ted Philip that he .o'ld
come 'p and !it .ith him.
2#. And the angel. L'$e pa!!eth over 'nto a ne. hi!tor)% to .it% ho. the go!pel came even 'nto
the ,thiopian!. 9or tho'gh he reporteth there .a! #'t one man converted 'nto the "aith o" Chri!t%
)et #eca'!e hi! a'thorit) and po.er .a! great in all the realm% hi! "aith might !pread a#road a
!.eet !mell "ar and .ide. 9or .e $no. that the go!pel gre. o" !mall #eginning!< and therein
appeared the po.er o" the Spirit more plainl)% in that one grain o" !eed did "ill a .hole co'ntr) in
a !mall !pace. Philip i! "ir!t commanded #) the angel to go to.ard the !o'th< the angel telleth
him not to .hat end. *nd th'! doth >od o"tentime! '!e to deal .ith tho!e that #e hi!% to prove
their o#edience. He !ho.eth .hat he .ill have them to do< he commandeth them to do thi! or
that% #'t he $eepeth the !'cce!! hidden .ith him!el". There"ore let '! #e content .ith the
commandment
9D36
o" >od alone% altho'gh the rea!on o" that .hich he en?oineth% or the "r'it o"
o#edience% appear not #) and #).
9D3M
9or altho'gh thi! #e not plainl) e3pre!!ed% )et all the
commandment! o" >od contain a hidden promi!e% that !o o"ten a! .e o#e) him% all that .or$
.hich .e ta$e in hand m'!t need! "all o't .ell. Moreover% thi! o'ght to #e !'""icient "or '!% that
1ME
>od doth allo. o'r !t'die!% .hen a! .e ta$e nothing in hand ra!hl) or .itho't hi!
commandment. +" an) man o#?ect% that angel! come not do.n dail) "rom heaven to reveal 'nto
'! .hat .e o'ght to do% the an!.er i! read)% that .e are !'""icientl) ta'ght in the Jord o" >od
.hat .e o'ght to do% and that the) are never de!tit'te o" co'n!el .ho a!$ it o" him%
9D3E
and
!'#mit them!elve! to the government o" the Spirit. There"ore nothing doth hinder and $eep '!
#ac$ "rom #eing read) to "ollo. >od% !ave onl) o'r o.n !loth"'lne!! and coldne!!
9D31
in pra)er.
To the $ay $hi'h goeth do$n to Ga7a( *ll the learned grant that that i! called >a5a here .hich
the He#re.! call Ha5a. Jhere"ore% Pomponi'! Mela i! deceived% .ho !aith that Cam#)!e!% $ing
o" Per!ia% called that cit) #) thi! name% #eca'!e .hen he made .ar again!t the ,g)ptian!% he had
hi! riche! laid 'p there. +t i! tr'e% indeed% that the Per!ian! call trea!'re or plent)% Ga7a< and L'$e
'!eth thi! .ord !hortl) a"ter in thi! !en!e% .hen a! he !aith that the e'n'ch .a! the chie"
governor o" the trea!'re o" Candace< #'t #eca'!e that He#re. .ord .a! '!ed #e"ore !'ch time a!
Cam#)!e! .a! #orn% + do not thin$ #'t that it .a! corr'pt a"ter.ard!% the letter h 1heth4 #eing
changed into g% .hich thing .e !ee .a! done in all other! almo!t. The epitheton .a!te i! added
"or thi! ca'!e% #eca'!e *le3ander o" Macedonia laid .a!te that old >a5a. *l!o L'$e re"'teth
tho!e .ho ma$e Con!tantin'! the #'ilder o" the !econd and ne. >a5a% .ho a""irmeth that it .a!
an h'ndred and "i"t) )ear! #e"ore< #'t it ma) #e that he #ea'ti"ied and enlarged the cit) a"ter it
.a! #'ilt. *nd all men con"e!! that thi! ne. >a5a .a! !it'ate on the !eacoa!t% di!tant t.ent)
"'rlong! "rom the old cit).
2%. .ehold, a %an, an thio+ian( He calleth him a man% .ho he !aith !hortl) a"ter .a! an
e'n'ch< #'t #eca'!e $ing! and @'een! in the ,a!t .ere .ont to appoint e'n'ch! over their
.eight) a""air!% there#) it came to pa!! that lord! o" great po.er .ere called generall)
9D00

e'n'ch!% .herea!% not.ith!tanding% the) .ere men. 9'rthermore% Philip "indeth indeed% no. at
length% that he did not o#e) >od in vain. There"ore% .ho!oever committeth the !'cce!! to >od%
and goeth on "or.ard thither .hither he #iddeth him% he !hall at length tr)
9D01
that all that "alleth
o't .ell .hich i! ta$en in hand at hi! appointment.
9D0/
The name Canda'e .a! not the name o"
one @'een onl)< #'t a! all the emperor! o" 8ome .ere called Cae!ar!%% !o the ,thiopian!% a! Plin)
.ithe!!eth% called their @'een! Candace!. Thi! ma$eth al!o 'nto the matter that the .riter! o"
hi!torie! report that that .a! a no#le and .ealth) $ingdom% #eca'!e it ma) the #etter #e gathered
#) the ro)alt) and po.er thereo" ho. gorgeo'! the condition and dignit) o" the e'n'ch .a!. The
head and principal place
9D03
.a! Meroe. The pro"ane .riter! agree .ith L'$e% .ho report that
.omen '!ed to reign there.
Ca%e =had 'o%e> to $orshi+( Here#) .e gather that the name o" the tr'e >od .a! !pread "ar
a#road% !eeing he had !ome .or!hipper! in "ar co'ntrie!. Certe!% it m'!t need! #e that thi! man
did openl) pro"e!! another .or!hip than hi! nation< "or !o great a lord co'ld not come into B'dea
#) !tealth% and 'ndo'#tedl) he #ro'ght .ith him a great train. *nd no marvel i" there .ere !ome
ever).here in the ,a!t part! .hich .or!hipped the tr'e >od% #eca'!e that a"ter the people .ere
!cattered a#road% there .a! al!o !ome !mell
9D00
o" the $no.ledge o" the tr'e >od !pread a#road
.ith them thro'gho't "oreign co'ntrie!< )ea% the #ani!hment
9D0D
o" the people .a! a !preading
a#road o" tr'e godline!!. *l!o% .e !ee that tho'gh the 8oman! did condemn the Be.i!h religion
.ith man) cr'el edict!% )et co'ld the) not #ring to pa!! #'t that man)% even on [in] heap!% .o'ld
pro"e!! the !ame.
9D06
The!e .ere certain #eginning!
9D0M
o" the calling o" the >entile!% 'ntil !'ch
time a! Chri!t% having .ith the #rightne!! o" hi! coming p't a.a) the !hado.! o" the la.% might
ta$e a.a) the di""erence .hich .a! #et.een the Be.! and the >entile!< and having p'lled do.n
1M1
the .all o" !eparation% he might gather together "rom all part! the children o" >od%
F
N010/10O
,phe!ian! /410.G
Jherea! the e'n'ch came to Ber'!alem to .or!hip% it m'!t not #e acco'nted an) !'per!tition. He
might% indeed% have called
9D0E
'pon >od in hi! o.n co'ntr)% #'t thi! man .o'ld not omit the
e3erci!e! .hich .ere pre!cri#ed to the .or!hipper! o" >od< and% there"ore% thi! .a! hi! p'rpo!e%
not onl) to no'ri!h "aith privil)
9D01
in hi! heart% #'t al!o to ma$e pro"e!!ion o" the !ame among!t
men. *nd )et% not.ith!tanding% he co'ld not #e !o divorced
9DD0
"rom hi! nation% #'t that he might
.ell $no. that he !ho'ld #e hated o" man). -'t he made more acco'nt o" the e3ternal pro"e!!ion
o" religion% .hich he $ne. >od did re@'ire% than o" the "avor o" men. *nd i" !'ch a !mall !par$le
o" the $no.ledge o" the la. did !o !hine in him% .hat a !hame .ere it "or '! to cho$e the per"ect
light o" the go!pel .ith 'n"aith"'l !ilenceI +" an) do o#?ect that the !acri"ice! .ere even then
a#rogated% and that no. the time .a! come .herein >od .o'ld #e called 'pon ever).here
.itho't di""erence o" place% .e ma) ea!il) an!.er% that tho!e to .hom the tr'th o" the go!pel
.a! not )et revealed% .ere retained in the !hado.! o" the la. .itho't an) !'per!tition. 9or
.herea! it i! !aid that the la. .a! a#oli!hed #) Chri!t% a! concerning the ceremonie!% it i! th'! to
#e 'nder!tood% that .here Chri!t !ho.eth him!el" plainl)% tho!e rite! vani!h a.a) .hich
pre"ig'red him .hen he .a! a#!ent. Jherea! the Lord !'""ered the e'n'ch to come to Ber'!alem
#e"ore he !ent him a teacher% it i! to #e tho'ght that it .a! done "or thi! ca'!e% #eca'!e it .a!
pro"ita#le that he !ho'ld )et #e "ramed #) the r'diment! o" the la.% that he might #e made more
apt a"ter.ard to receive the doctrine o" the go!pel. *nd .herea! >od !ent none o" the apo!tle!
'nto him
9DD1
at Ber'!alem% the ca'!e lieth hid in hi! !ecret co'n!el% 'nle!!% peradvent're% it .ere
done that he might ma$e more acco'nt o" the go!pel% a! o" !ome trea!'re "o'nd !'ddenl)% and
o""ered 'nto him contrar) to hope< or #eca'!e it .a! #etter that Chri!t !ho'ld #e !et #e"ore him%
a"ter that #eing !eparated and .ithdra.n "rom the e3ternal pomp o" ceremonie! and the
#eholding o" the temple% he !o'ght the .a) o" !alvation @'ietl) at !'ch time a! he .a! at re!t.
9DD/
2$. He read saias( The reading o" the prophet !ho.eth that the e'n'ch did not .or!hip a >od
'nadvi!edl)% according to the 'nder!tanding o" hi! o.n head% .hom he had reigned to him!el"%
#'t .hom he $ne. #) the doctrine o" the la.. *nd !'rel) thi! i! the right .a) to .or!hip >od%
not to !natch at #are and vain rite!% #'t to ad?oin the .ord there'nto% other.i!e there !hall #e
nothing #'t that .hich cometh #) chance and i! con"'!ed. *nd certainl) the "orm o" .or!hipping
pre!cri#ed in the la. di""ereth nothing "rom the invention! o" men% !ave onl) #eca'!e >od giveth
light there #) hi! .ord. There"ore% tho!e .hich are >od=! !cholar! do .or!hip aright onl)% that i!%
tho!e .ho are ta'ght in hi! !chool. -'t he !eemeth to lo!e hi! la#or .hen he readeth .itho't
pro"it. 9or he con"e!!eth that he cannot 'nder!tand the prophet=! meaning% 'nle!! he #e helped #)
!ome other teacher. + an!.er% a! he read the prophet .ith a de!ire to learn% !o he hoped "or !ome
"r'it% and he "o'nd it indeed. There"ore% .h) doth he den) that he can 'nder!tand the place .hich
he had in handI 9or #eca'!e
9DD3
he mani"e!tl) con"e!!eth hi! ignorance in dar$er place!. There
#e man) thing! in +!aiah .hich need no long e3po!ition% a! .hen he preacheth o" the goodne!!
and po.er o" >od% partl) that he ma) invite men 'nto "aith% partl) that he ma) e3hort and teach
them to lead a godl) li"e. There"ore% no man !hall #e !o r'de an idiot
9DD0
.hich !hall not pro"it
!ome.hat #) reading that #oo$% and )et% not.ith!tanding% he !hall% peradvent're% !carce
'nder!tand ever) tenth ver!e. S'ch .a! the e'n'ch=! reading. 9or !eeing that% according to hi!
capacit)% he gathered tho!e thing! .hich !erved to edi"ication% he had !ome certain pro"it #) hi!
!t'die!. :everthele!!% tho'gh he .ere ignorant o" man) thing!%
9DDD
)et .a! he not .earied% !o
that he did ca!t a.a) the #oo$. Th'! m'!t .e al!o read the Script're!. Je m'!t greedil)% and
1E0
.ith a prompt mind% receive tho!e thing! .hich are plain% and .herein >od openeth hi! mind. *!
"or tho!e thing! .hich are hid "rom '!% .e m'!t pa!! them over 'ntil .e !ee greater light. *nd i"
.e #e not .earied .ith reading% it !hall at length come to pa!! that the Script're !hall #e made
more "amiliar #) contin'al '!e.
1. Ho$ should !< Mo!t e3cellent mode!t) o" the e'n'ch% .ho doth not onl) permit Philip .ho
.a! one o" the common !ort% to @'e!tion .ith him% #'t doth al!o .illingl)
9DD6
con"e!! hi!
ignorance. *nd !'rel) .e m'!t never hope that he .ill ever !ho. him!el" apt to #e ta'ght .ho i!
p'""ed 'p .ith the con"idence o" hi! o.n .it. Here#) it eometh to pa!! that the reading o" the
Script're! doth pro"it !o "e. at thi! da)% #eca'!e .e can !carce "ind one among!t a h'ndred .ho
!'#mitteth him!el" .illingl) to learn. 9or .hil!t all men almo!t are a!hamed to #e ignorant o"
that .hereo" the) are ignorant% ever) man had rather pro'dl) no'ri!h hi! ignorance than !eem to
#e !cholar to other men. ;ea% a great man) ta$e 'pon them ha'ghtil) to teach other men.
:everthele!!% let '! remem#er that the e'n'ch did !o con"e!! hi! ignorance% that )et%
not.ith!tanding% he .a! one o" >od=! !cholar! .hen he read the Script're. Thi! i! the tr'e
reverence o" the Script're% .hen a! .e ac$no.ledge that there i! that .i!dom laid 'p there
.hich !'rpa!!eth
9DDM
all o'r !en!e!< and )et not.ith!tanding% .e do not loathe it% #'t% reading
diligentl)% .e depend 'pon the revelation o" the Spirit% and de!ire to have an interpreter given '!.
He +rayed Phili+ that he $ould 'o%e u+( Thi! i! another to$en o" mode!t)% that he !ee$eth an
interpreter and teacher. He might have re?ected Philip according to the pride o" rich men< "or it
.a! a certain !ecret 'p#raiding o" ignorance .hen Philip !aid% ,nderstandest thou $hat thou
readest< -'t rich men thin$ that the) have great in?'r) done them i" an) man !pea$ homel) to
them. *nd% there"ore% the) #rea$ o't #) and #) into the!e !peeche!% Jhat i! that to theeI or% Jhat
ha!t tho' to do .ith meI -'t the e'n'ch !'#mitteth him!el" h'm#l) to Philip that #) him he ma)
#e ta'ght. Th'! m'!t .e #e minded i" .e de!ire to have >od to #e o'r teacher% .ho!e Spirit
re!teth 'pon the h'm#le and mee$% F
N/3660/O
+!aiah 664/.G *nd i" an) man% mi!tr'!ting him!el"%
!'#mit him!el" to #e ta'ght% the angel! !hall rather come do.n "rom heaven
9DDE
than the Lord
.ill !'""er '! to la#or in vain< tho'gh Fa! did the e'n'chG .e m'!t '!e all help!% .hich the Lord
o""ereth 'nto '!% "or the 'nder!tanding o" the Script're!. 9rantic men re@'ire in!piration! and
revelation!
9DD1
"rom heaven% and% in the mean !ea!on% the) contemn the mini!ter o" >od% #)
.ho!e hand the) o'ght to #e governed. 7ther !ome% .hich tr'!t too m'ch to their o.n .it% .ill
vo'ch!a"e to hear no man% and the) .ill read no commentarie!. -'t >od .ill not have '! to
de!pi!e tho!e help! .hich he o""ereth 'nto '!% and he !'""ereth not tho!e to e!cape !cot "ree
.hich de!pi!e the !ame. *nd here .e m'!t remem#er% that the Script're i! not onl) given '!% #'t
that interpreter! and teacher! are al!o added% to #e help! to '!. 9or thi! ca'!e the Lord !ent rather
Philip than an angel to the e'n'ch. 9or to .hat end !erved thi! circ'it% that >od calleth Philip #)
the voice o" the angel% and !endeth not the angel him!el" "orth.ith% !ave onl) #eca'!e he .o'ld
acc'!tom '! to hear menI Thi! i!% a!!'redl)% no !mall commendation o" e3ternal preaching% that
the voice o" >od !o'ndeth in the mo'th o" men to o'r !alvation% .hen angel! hold their peace.
Concerning .hich thing% + .ill !pea$ more 'pon the ninth and tenth chapter!.
ACTS $:2-!
2. 9'rthermore% the !entence o" Script're .hich he read .a! thi!% He .a! led a! a
!heep to #e !lain% and a! a lam# d'm# #e"ore the !hearer% !o opened he not hi!
mo'th. . +n hi! h'milit) hi! ?'dgment i! e3alted. Jho !hall declare hi!
generationI #eca'!e hi! li"e i! ta$en "rom the earth. ". *nd the e'n'ch an!.ering
1E1
Philip !aid% + pra) thee% o" .hom !pea$eth the prophet thi!I 7" him!el"% or o" !ome
otherI !. *nd Philip opening hi! mo'th% and #eginning at thi! Script're% preached
Be!'! to him.
2. The senten'e of 3'ri+ture( +t i! properl) a te3t or +eriod( Let '! $no. that he lighted not 'pon
thi! place #) chance #'t that it came to pa!! #) the .onder"'l providence o" >od% that Philip
!ho'ld have a propo!ition or principle "rom .hich the .hole !'m o" Chri!tianit) might #e !et.
9D60
There"ore% "ir!t% he hath matter o" "'ll in!tr'ction #ro'ght to hi! hand #) the !ecret direction
o" the Spirit< !econdl)% the "orm i! plainl) applied to the mini!tr) o" man. Thi! i! an e3cellent
prophec) o" Chri!t% and a#ove all other! to #e remem#ered< #eca'!e +!aiah !aith plainl) there
9D61

that !'ch !ho'ld #e the manner o" redeeming the Ch'rch% that the Son o" >od do #) hi! death
p'rcha!e li"e "or men% that he o""ereth him!el" in !acri"ice to p'rge
9D6/
men=! !in!% that he #e
p'ni!hed .ith the hand o" >od% and that he go do.n even 'nto the ver) hell% that he ma) e3alt '!
'nto heaven% having delivered '! "rom de!tr'ction. +n !'m% thi! place teacheth plainl) ho. men
are reconciled to >od% ho. the) o#tain righteo'!ne!!% ho. the) come to the $ingdom o" >od%
#eing delivered "rom the t)rann) o" Satan% and loo!ed "rom the )o$e o" !in< to #e #rie"% .hence
the) m'!t "etch all part! o" their !alvation.
:ot.ith!tanding% + .ill onl) e3po'nd tho!e thing! .hich L'$e here citeth% and there #e% indeed%
t.o mem#er!. +n the "ormer% he teacheth that Chri!t% to the end he ma) redeem the Ch'rch%
9D63

m'!t need! #e !o #ro$en% that he appear li$e to a man .hich i! ca!t do.n and pa!t hope.
Secondl)% he a""irmeth that hi! death !hall give li"e% and that there !hall a !ing'lar tri'mph i!!'e
o't o" great de!pair. Jherea! he compareth Chri!t to a lam#% .hich !'""ereth it!el" to #e led and
!lain% and to a !heep% .hich o""ereth her!el" mee$l) to #e !horn< hi! meaning i!% that the !acri"ice
o" Chri!t !hall #e vol'ntar). *nd !'rel) thi! .a! the .a) to appea!e >od=! .rath% in that he
!ho.ed him!el" o#edient. He !pa$e% indeed% #e"ore Pilate% F
N031E30O
Bohn 1E430% 36%G #'t not to !ave
hi! li"e% #'t rather that he might .illingl) o""er him!el" to die%
9D60
a! he .a! appointed #) the
9ather% and !o might #ring that p'ni!hment 'pon him!el" .hich .a! prepared "or '!. There"ore
the prophet teacheth #oth thing!% that Chri!t m'!t need! have !'""ered that he might p'rcha!e li"e
"or '!% and that he .a! to !'""er death .illingl)% that he might #lot o't the !t'##ornne!! o" men
#) hi! o#edience. *nd hence m'!t .e gather an e3hortation 'nto godline!!%
9D6D
a! Peter doth< #'t
that doctrine o" "aith .hich + have alread) to'ched i! "ormer
9D66
in order.
. !n his hu%ility his judg%ent( The e'n'ch had either the >ree$ vol'me% or el!e L'$e did !et
do.n the reading .hich .a! then '!ed% a! he '!eth to do. The prophet !aith that Chri!t .a!
e3alted o't o" !orro. and ?'dgment% #) .hich .ord! he !igni"ieth a .onder"'l victor)% .hich
immediatel) en!'ed hi! ca!ting do.n. 9or i" he had #een oppre!!ed .ith death% there co'ld
nothing have #een hoped "or at hi! hand!.
There"ore% to the end the prophet ma) e!ta#li!h o'r "aith in Chri!t% a"ter that he had de!cri#ed
him to #e !tric$en .ith the hand o" >od% and to #e !'#?ect to #e !lain%
9D6M
he p'tteth 'pon him a
ne. per!on no.< to .it% that he cometh 'p o't o" the depth o" death a! a con@'eror% and o't o"
the ver) hell% #eing the a'thor o" eternal Li"e. + $no.% indeed% that thi! place i! diver!el)
e3po'nded. Some there #e .hich 'nder!tand #) thi!% that he .a! carried "rom the pri!on to the
cro!!< other !ome there #e .ho thin$ that to #e ta$en a.a) doth !igni") a! m'ch a! to #e #ro'ght
to no'ght. *nd% indeed% the !igni"ication o" the He#re. .ord% hjl Fla'hahG i! do'#t"'l%
9D6E
a! i!
al!o the !igni"ication o" the >ree$ .ord airesqai. -'t he .hich !hall thoro'ghl) .eigh the te3t%
1E/
[conte3t%] !hall agree .ith me in that .hich + have !aid% that he pa!!eth no. "rom that dole"'l
and 'n!eeml) !ight .hich he had !et #e"ore o'r e)e!% 'nto the ne. #eginning o" 'nloo$ed"or
glor). There"ore the >ree$ interpretation di""ereth not m'ch "rom the .ord! o" the prophet in the
!'m o" the matter. 9or Chri!t=! ?'dgment .a! e3alted in hi! h'milit) or ca!ting do.n< #eca'!e at
!'ch time a! he might !eem to #e ca!t do.n and oppre!!ed% the 9ather maintained hi! ca'!e.
*"ter thi! !ort judg%ent !hall #e ta$en in thi! place Fa! in man) otherG "or right. -'t it !igni"ieth
'onde%nation in the He#re. te3t. 9or the prophet !aith% that a"ter that Chri!t !hall #e #ro'ght
into great !trait!% and !hall #e li$e 'nto a condemned and lo!t man% he !hall #e li"ted 'p #) the
hand o" the 9ather. There"ore the meaning o" the .ord! i!% that Chri!t m'!t "ir!t have !'""ered
death% #e"ore the 9ather !ho'ld e3alt him 'nto the glor) o" hi! $ingdom< .hich doctrine m'!t #e
tran!lated 'nto the .hole #od) o" the Ch'rch< #eca'!e all the godl) o'ght .onder"'ll) to #e
li"ted 'p .ith the hand o" >od% that the) #e not !.allo.ed 'p o" death. -'t .hen >od appeareth
to #e the revenger o" hi!% he doth not onl) re!tore them to li"e #'t al!o% getteth to them e3cellent
tri'mph! o" man) death!% a! Chri!t did tri'mph mo!t glorio'!l) 'pon the cro!!< .hereo" the
apo!tle ma$eth mention in the Colo!!ian! /.
His generation( *"ter that the prophet hath !et "orth the victorio'! death o" Chri!t% he addeth no.
that hi! victor) !hall not la!t onl) "or a !mall time% #'t !hall go #e)ond all n'm#er o" )ear!. 9or
the e3clamation o" the prophet importeth a! m'ch a! i" he !ho'ld den) that the perpet'it) o"
Chri!t=! $ingdom can #e e3pre!!ed #) the tong'e o" men. -'t interpreter! have .re!ted thi! place
mi!era#l). Jherea! the old .riter! have endeavored here#) to prove the ,ternal >eneration o"
the Jord o" >od again!t *ri'!% it i! too "ar di!!enting "rom the prophet=! mind. Chr)!o!tom=!
e3po!ition i! never a .hit tr'er% .ho re"erreth it 'nto the h'man generation. :either do the)
'nder!tand the prophet=! meaning% .hich !'ppo!e that he inveigheth again!t the men o" that age.
7ther !ome thin$ #etter% .ho ta$e it to #e !po$en o" the Ch'rch% !ave onl) that the) are deceived
in the .ord generation% .hich the) thin$ doth !igni") a po!terit) or i!!'e. -'t the .ord rd% Fdor%G
.hich the prophet '!eth% !igni"ieth% among!t the He#re.!% an age% or the contin'ance o" man=!
li"e. There"ore% 'ndo'#tedl) thi! i! the prophet=! meaning% that Chri!t=! li"e !hall end're "or ever%
.hen a! he !hall #e once delivered #) hi! 9ather=! grace "rom death< altho'gh thi! li"e% .hich i!
.itho't end% appertaineth 'nto the .hole #od) o" the Ch'rch< #eca'!e Chri!t ro!e% not that he
ma) live "or hlm!el"% #'t "or '!. There"ore% he e3tolleth no. in the mem#er!
9D61
the "r'it and
e""ect o" that victor) .hich he placed in the Head. Jhere"ore ever) one o" the "aith"'l ma)
conceive !'re hope o" eternal li"e o't o" thi! place< !econdl)% the perpet'it) o" the Ch'rch i!
rather avo'ched in the per!on o" Chri!t.
.e'ause his life is ta#en fro% the earth( Thi! i!% to loo$ to% Fto #eG a ver) a#!'rd rea!on% that
Chri!t doth reign .ith !'ch reno.n in heaven and earth% #eca'!e he .a! c't o"". 9or .ho can
#elieve that death i! the ca'!e o" li"eI -'t thi! .a! done #) the .onder"'l co'n!el o" >od% that
hell !ho'ld #e a ladder% .here#) Chri!t !ho'ld a!cend into heaven< that reproach !ho'ld #e 'nto
him a pa!!age into li"e< that the ?o)"'l #rightne!! o" !alvation !ho'ld appear o't o" the horror and
dar$ne!! o" the cro!!< that #le!!ed immortalit) !ho'ld "lo. "rom the deep pit o" death. -eca'!e
he h'm#led him!el"% there"ore the 9ather e3alted him% that ever) $nee ma) #o. #e"ore him%
F
ND0/110O
Philippian! /410%G etc. :o. m'!t .e #ethin$ o'r!elve! .hat "ello.!hip .e have .ith
Chri!t% that it ma) not #e tro'#le!ome to an) to go the !ame .a).
". The eunu'h said to Phili+( Here it appeareth .hat an earne!t de!ire the e'n'ch had to learn.
He .andereth in diver! prophecie! o" +!aiah a! thro'gh do'#t"'l #o'ght!%
9DM0
and )et he i! not
.ear) o" reading. *nd .hil!t that he arrogateth nothing to him!el"% he getteth "ar more% contrar)
1E3
to hi! hope% even at a !'dden% than he co'ld get d'ring hi! .hole li"e #) ta$ing great pain!% i" he
had #ro'ght all hi! @'ic$ne!! o" .it. So the Lord .ill #e 'nto '! a Ma!ter% tho'gh .e #e #'t
!mall% i"% ac$no.ledging o'r ignorance% .e #e not loth to !'#mit o'r!elve! to learn. *nd a! the
!eed% covered .ith earth% lieth hid "or a time% !o the Lord .ill ill'minate '! #) hi! Spirit% and .ill
ca'!e that reading .hich% #eing #arren and void o" "r'it% ca'!eth nothing #'t .eari!omene!!% to
have plain light o" 'nder!tanding. The Lord doth never $eep the e)e! o" hi! !o !h't% #'t that !o
!oon a! the) are once entered% the .a) o" !alvation appeareth 'nto them in the Script're< #'t that
the) pro"it ever no. and then a little #) reading. ;et doth he !'""er them to !tic$ "a!t o"tentime!%
and permitteth their co'r!e to #e hindered #) !ome #ar .hich i! laid in the .a)% #oth that he ma)
tr) patience o" "aith in them% and al!o that he ma) teach them h'milit)% #) p'tting them in mind
o" their ignorance% that he ma) ma$e them more attentive a"ter that the) have !ha$en o""
dro.!ine!!< that he ma) ma$e them more "ervent in pra)er< that he ma) pric$ them "or.ard to
love the tr'th more dearl)< that he ma) !et "orth the e3cellence o" hi! heavenl) .i!dom% .hich i!
other.i!e not !o e!teemed a! it o'ght. -'t ho.!oever the "aith"'l do not attain 'nto the mar$ o"
per"ect $no.ledge% )et the) !hall al.a)! perceive that their la#or i! not in vain% !o that the) !top
not the .a) #e"ore them!elve! .ith pro'd loath!omene!!.
9DM1
Let thi! going "or.ard !'""ice '!
'ntil the time o" "'ll revelation do come% that even a !mall ta!te o" $no.ledge doth drip
9DM/
into
'! the "ear o" >od and "aith.
!. Phili+, o+ening his %outh( To open the mo'th i! ta$en in Script're "or% to #egin a long !peech
concerning !ome grave and .eight) matter. There"ore L'$e=! meaning i!% that Philip #egan to
intreat [di!co'r!e] o" Chri!t% a! it .ere% .ith "'ll mo'th. He !aith that he #egan .ith thi!
prophec)% #eca'!e there i! no one .hich depainteth o't Chri!t more livel)<
9DM3
and it .a! then
#ro'ght
9DM0
to hi! hand. There"ore% a"ter that Philip had !ho.ed% #) the prophet=! .ord!% a"ter
.hat !ort Chri!t !ho'ld come% and .hat .a! to #e hoped "or at hi! hand!% he con"erred the thing
it!el" a"ter.ard% that the e'n'ch might $no. that that Chri!t .hich .a! promi!ed .a! alread)
revealed and given% and that he might 'nder!tand hi! po.er. Jhere .e tran!late it% that he
+rea'hed Christ, L'$e !aith that he preached the go!pel. The !en!e i!% that he ta'ght that o"
Chri!t .hich he 'ttered in hi! go!pel him!el"% and commanded to #e ta'ght< .here#) .e gather%
that .hen Chri!t i! $no.n% .e have the !'m o" the go!pel.
ACTS $:#-"'
#. *nd a! the) .ent on the .a)% the) came to a .ater. *nd the e'n'ch !aid%
Lo% here i! .ater% .hat letteth me to #e #apti5edI %. *nd Philip !aid% +" tho'
#elieve!t .ith all th) heart% tho' ma)e!t. He an!.ering% !aid% + #elieve that
Be!'! Chri!t i! the Son o" >od. $. Then he commanded the chariot to #e
!ta)ed% and the) .ent #oth do.n into the .ater< to .it% Philip and the e'n'ch%
and he #apti5ed him. &. *nd .hen the) .ere come o't o" the .ater% the Spirit
o" the Lord ca'ght a.a) Philip% and the e'n'ch !a. him no more. There"ore%
he .ent on in hi! .a) re?oicing. "'. -'t Philip .a! "o'nd at *5ot'!< and%
going on hi! ?o'rne)% he preached the go!pel to all citie!% 'ntil he came to
Ce!area.
#. 2hat letteth %e< The e'n'ch=! #apti!m en!'eth no.% .hence .e gather ho. greatl) he
pro"ited in a !mall time% !eeing he o""ereth him!el" .illingl) to give Chri!t hi! name. 9or it m'!t
need! #e that "aith .a! a"ter a !ort ripe in hi! heart% !eeing that he #ra$e o't into e3ternal
pro"e!!ion .ith !'ch de!ire. + li$e not that .hich Chr)!o!tom noteth% that he .a! $ept #ac$ .ith
1E0
mode!t) "rom re@'iring #apti!m plainl)< "or that interrogation hath greater vehemenc) than i" he
!ho'ld !impl) have !aid to Philip% + .ill have thee to #apti5e me. -'t .e !ee that Chri!t .a!
preached to him in !'ch !ort% that he $ne. that #apti!m .a! a !ign o" ne. li"e in him% and that
there"ore he .o'ld not neglect the !ame% #eca'!e it .a! added to the .ord% and !'ch an addition
a! .a! in!epara#le. There"ore% a! he em#raced that .illingl) .hich he heard concerning Chri!t%
!o no. he #rea$eth o't .ith a godl) 5eal into the e3ternal con"e!!ion o" "aith< neither doth he
thin$ it !'""icient "or him to #elieve in.ardl) #e"ore >od% 'nle!! he te!ti"ieth #e"ore men that he
i! a Chri!tian. There might man) thing! have come into hi! mind% .hich might have $ept him
#ac$ "rom #eing #apti5ed% le!t that he !ho'ld la) him!el" open to the hatred and re#'$e! #oth o"
the @'een% and al!o o" the .hole nation. -'t he denieth that an) o" the!e thing! doth hinder him
"rom de!iring to #e n'm#ered among!t the di!ciple! o" Chri!t. +" #eing in!tr'cted #'t a "e. ho'r!
he came to thi! point% ho. "ilth) i! the !l'ggi!hne!! o" tho!e men .ho !'ppre!! the "aith .hich
the) have conceived% having #een ta'ght "ive% ten% or t.ent) )ear!I
!f thou belie&est $ith all thy heart( Jherea! the e'n'ch i! not admitted to #apti!m% 'ntil he have
made con"e!!ion o" hi! "aith% .e m'!t "etch a general r'le hence% That tho!e o'ght [not] to #e
received into the Ch'rch% .ho .ere e!tranged "rom the !ame #e"ore% 'ntil the) have te!ti"ied that
the) #elieve in Chri!t. 9or #apti!m i!% a! it .ere% an app'rtenance o" "aith% and there"ore it i! later
in order. Secondl)% i" it #e given .itho't "aith .ho!e !eal it i!% it i! #oth a .ic$ed and al!o too
gro!! a pro"aning. -'t "rantic "ello.! do #oth 'n!$ill"'ll) and al!o .ic$edl) imp'gn #apti5ing o"
in"ant! 'nder color hereo". Jh) .a! it meet that "aith !ho'ld go #e"ore #apti!m in the e'n'chI
To .it% #eca'!e !eeing that Chri!t mar$eth tho!e alone .hich are o" the ho'!ehold o" the Ch'rch
.ith thi! note and mar$% the) m'!t #e ingra"ted 'nto the Ch'rch .ho are to #e #apti5ed. *nd a! it
i! certain that tho!e .ho are gro.n 'p are ingra"ted #) "aith% !o + !a) that the children o" the
godl) are #orn the children o" the Ch'rch% and that the) are acco'nted mem#er! o" Chri!t "rom
the .om#% #eca'!e >od adopteth '! 'pon thi! condition% that he ma) #e al!o the 9ather o" o'r
!eed. There"ore% tho'gh "aith #e re@'i!ite in tho!e .hich are gro.n 'p% )et thi! i! 'ntr'l)
tran!lated 'nto in"ant! .ho!e e!tate i! "ar 'nli$e. -'t certain great men have a#'!ed thi! place%
.hen a! the) .o'ld prove that "aith hath no con"irmation #) #apti!m. 9or the) rea!oned th'!%
The e'n'ch i! commanded to #ring per"ect "aith 'nto #apti!m% there"ore there co'ld nothing #e
added. -'t the Script're ta$eth the .hole heart o"tentime! "or a sin'ere and 'n"eigned heart%
.ho!e oppo!ite i! a do'#le heart. So that there i! no ca'!e .h) .e !ho'ld imagine that the)
#elieve per"ectl) .ho #elieve .ith the .hole heart% !eeing that there ma) #e a .ea$ and "aint
"aith in him .ho !hall% not.ith!tanding% have a !o'nd mind% and a mind "ree "rom all h)pocri!).
Th'! m'!t .e ta$e that .hich (avid !aith% That he loveth the Lord .ith all hi! heart. Philip had%
indeed% #apti5ed the Samaritan! #e"ore% and )et he $ne. that the) .ere )et "ar "rom the mar$.
There"ore% the "aith o" the .hole heart i! that .hich% having living root! in the heart% doth )et
not.ith!tanding de!ire to increa!e dail).
! belie&e that /esus Christ( *! #apti!m i! gro'nded in Chri!t% and a! the tr'th and "orce thereo" i!
contained there% !o the e'n'ch !etteth Chri!t alone #e"ore hi! e)e!. The e'n'ch $ne. #e"ore that
there .a! one >od% .ho had made the covenant .ith *#raham% .ho gave the la. #) the hand o"
Mo!e!% .hich !eparated one people "rom the other nation!% .ho promi!ed Chri!t% thro'gh .hom
he .o'ld #e merci"'l to the .orld. :o. he con"e!!eth that Be!'! Chri!t i! that 8edeemer o" the
.orld% and the 3on of God* 'nder .hich title he comprehendeth #rie"l) all tho!e thing! .hich the
Script're attri#'teth to Chri!t. Thi! i! the per"ect "aith .hereo" Philip !pa$e o" late% .hich
receiveth Chri!t% #oth a! he .a! promi!ed in time! pa!t% and al!o !ho.ed at length% and that .ith
1ED
the earne!t a""ection o" the heart% a! Pa'l .ill not have thi! "aith to #e "eigned. Jho!oever hath
not thi! .hen he i! gro.n 'p% in vain doth he #oa!t o" the #apti!m o" hi! in"anc). 9or to thi! end
doth Chri!t admit in"ant! #) #apti!m% that !o !oon a! the capacit) o" their age !hall !'""er% the)
ma) addict them!elve! to #e hi! di!ciple!% and that #eing #apti5ed .ith the Hol) >ho!t% the) ma)
comprehend% .ith the 'nder!tanding o" "aith% hi! po.er .hich #apti!m doth pre"ig're.
$. They $ent do$n into the $ater( Here .e !ee the rite '!ed among the men o" old time in
#apti!m< "or the) p't all the #od) into the .ater. :o. the '!e i! thi!% that the mini!ter doth onl)
!prin$le the #od) or the head. -'t .e o'ght not to !tand !o m'ch a#o't !'ch a !mall di""erence
o" a ceremon)% that .e !ho'ld there"ore divide the Ch'rch% or tro'#le the !ame .ith #ra.l!. Je
o'ght rather to "ight even an h'ndred time! to death "or the ceremon) it!el" o" #apti!m% ina!m'ch
a! it .a! delivered '! #) Chri!t that that .e !ho'ld !'""er the !ame to #e ta$en "rom '!. -'t
"ora!m'ch a! .e have a! .ell a te!timon) o" o'r .a!hing% a! o" ne.ne!! o" li"e% in the "ig're o"
.ater< "ora!m'ch a! Chri!t repre!enteth 'nto '! hi! #lood in the .ater a! in a gla!!% that .e ma)
"et
9DMD
o'r cleanne!! thence< "ora!m'ch a! he teacheth that .e are "a!hioned again #) hi! Spirit%
that #eing dead to !in% .e ma) live to righteo'!ne!!< it i! certain that .e .ant nothing .hich
ma$eth to the !'#!tance o" #apti!m. Jhere"ore the Ch'rch did grant li#ert) to her!el"% !ince the
#eginning% to change the rite! !ome.hat% e3cepting thi! !'#!tance. 9or !ome dipped them thrice%
!ome #'t once. Jhere"ore there i! no ca!e .h) .e !ho'ld #e !o !traitlaced in matter! .hich are
o" no !'ch .eight<
9DM6
!o that e3ternal pomp do no .hit poll'te the !imple in!tit'tion o" Chri!t.
&. 2hen they $ere 'o%e u+( To the end L'$e ma) at length concl'de hi! !peech concerning the
e'n'ch% he !aith that Philip .a! ca'ght a.a) o't o" hi! !ight. *nd that .a! o" no !mall .eight to
con"irm him% "ora!m'ch a! he !a. that that man .a! !ent 'nto him #) >od li$e to an angel% and
that he vani!hed a.a) #e"ore he co'ld o""er him an) re.ard "or all hi! pain!< .hence he might
gather that it .a! no gain"'l in!in'ation% !eeing that he .a! vani!hed a.a) #e"ore he had one
hal"penn) given him. Jherea! Philip had no re.ard at the e'n'ch=! hand% let the !ervant! o"
Chri!t learn here#) to !erve him "reel)% or rather let them !o !erve men "or nothing that the) hope
"or a re.ard "rom heaven. The Lord granteth leave% indeed% to the mini!ter! o" the go!pel to
receive a re.ard at their hand! .hom the) teach% F
N060101O
1 Corinthian! 141%G #'t he "or#iddeth
them there.ithal to #e hireling! .hich la#or "or l'cre=! !a$e% F
N03101/O
Bohn 1041/% 13.G 9or thi!
m'!t #e the mar$ .hereat the) m'!t !hoot% to gain the men them!elve! to >od.
-ejoi'ing( 9aith and the $no.ledge o" >od #ring "orth thi! "r'it al.a)! o" them!elve!. 9or .hat
tr'er matter o" ?o) can #e invented than .hen the Lord doth not onl) !et open 'nto '! the
trea!'re! o" hi! merc)% #'t po'reth o't hi! heart into '!% Fthat + ma) !o !pea$%G and giveth '!
him!el" in hi! Son% that .e ma) .ant nothing to per"ect "elicit)I The heaven! #egin to loo$ clear%
and the earth #eginneth to #e @'iet then< the con!cience #eing then delivered "rom the dole"'l
and horri#le "eeling! o" >od=! .rath% #eing loo!ed "rom the t)rann) o" Satan% e!caping o't o" the
dar$ne!! o" death% #eholdeth the light o" li"e. There"ore it i! a !olemn thing among!t the prophet!
to e3hort '! to #e ?o)"'l and to tri'mph% !o o"ten a! the) are a#o't to !pea$ o" the $ingdom o"
Chri!t. -'t #eca'!e tho!e men .ho!e mind! are po!!e!!ed .ith the vain ?o)! o" the .orld% cannot
li"t 'p them!elve! 'nto thi! !pirit'al ?o)% let '! learn to de!pi!e the .orld and all vain delight!
thereo"% that Chri!t ma) ma$e '! merr) indeed.
"'. He $as found at A7otus( +t i! .ell $no.n% o't o" the #oo$ o"
N0611//O
Bo!h'a 114//% that *5ot'!
.a! one o" the citie! o't o" .hich the !on! o" *na$ co'ld not #e e3pelled. +t i! di!tant "rom
*!calon almo!t t.o h'ndred "'rlong!< the He#re.! call it *!hdod. Thither .a! Philip carried<
1E6
there #egan he to ta$e hi! ?o'rne) on "oot a"ter the manner o" men% !o.ing the !eed o" the go!pel
.here!oever he #ecame% [pa!!ed.] Thi! i! !'rel) rare and .onder"'l !to'tne!!%
9DMM
that he
!preadeth the name o" godline!! in hi! ?o'rne). *nd .herea! L'$e !aith e3pre!!l) that he
preached in all citie! 'ntil he came to Ce!area% and doth not declare that he ret'rned to Samaria%
.e ma) there#) con?ect're that he !taid at Ce!area "or a time< and )et + leave thi! indi""erent.
1EM
CH*PT,8 1
ACTS &:1-!
1. *nd Sa'l% )et #reathing o't threatening! and !la'ghter again!t the di!ciple! o"
the Lord% .ent 'nto the highe!t prie!t% 2. 8e@'ired epi!tle! o" him to (ama!c'!
'nto the !)nagog'e!% that i" he !ho'ld "ind an) o" thi! !ect% .hether the) .ere men
or .omen% he might carr) them #o'nd to Ber'!alem. . *nd a! he .a! in the .a)% it
happened that he dre. near to (ama!c'!4 and !'ddenl) there !hined a light a#o't
him "rom heaven4 ". *nd "alling "lat to the gro'nd% he heard a voice !a)ing to him%
Sa'l% Sa'l% .h) per!ec'te!t tho' meI !. *nd he !aid% Jho art tho'% LordI *nd the
Lord !aid% + am Be!'! .hom tho' per!ec'te!t4 it i! hard "or thee to $ic$ again!t
pric$!.
1. And 3aul( L'$e !etteth do.n in thi! place a no#le hi!tor)% and a hi!tor) "'ll .ell .orth) to #e
remem#ered% concerning the conver!ion o" Pa'l< a"ter .hat !ort the Lord did not onl) #ring him
'nder% and ma$e him !'#?ect to hi! commandment% .hen he raged li$e an 'ntamed #ea!t #'t al!o
ho. he made him another and a ne. man. -'t #eca'!e L'$e !etteth do.n all thing! in order a!
in a "amo'! .or$ o" >od% it !hall #e more convenient to "ollo. hi! te3t% [conte3t%] that all ma)
come in order .hat!oever i! .orth the noting. Jhen a! he !aith% that he breathed out
threatenings and slaughter as yet, hi! meaning i!% that a"ter that hi! hand! .ere once im#'ed
.ith innocent #lood% he proceeded in li$e cr'elt)% and .a! al.a)! a "'rio'! and #lood) enem) to
the Ch'rch% a"ter that he had once made that entrance
9DME
.hereo" mention i! made in the death
o" Stephen. 9or .hich ca'!e it .a! the more incredi#le that he co'ld #e !o !'ddenl) tamed. *nd
.herea! !'ch a cr'el .ol" .a! not onl) t'rned into a !heep% #'t did al!o p't on the nat're o" a
!hepherd% the .onder"'l hand o" >od did !ho. it!el" therein mani"e!tl).
2. *nd L'$e de!cri#eth there.ithal that he .a! "'rni!hed .ith .eapon! and po.er to do h'rt%
.hen a! he !aith that he had obtained letter! o" the highe!t prie!t% that he might #ring all tho!e
#o'nd to Ber'!alem .hom he !ho'ld "ind pro"e!!ing the name o" Chri!t. There i! mention made
o" .omen% that it ma) the #etter appear ho. de!iro'! he .a! to !hed #lood .ho had no re!pect o"
!e3 .hom even armed enemie! are .ont to !pare in the heat o" .ar. There"ore he !etteth "orth
#e"ore '! a "ierce and cr'el #ea!t .ho had not onl) li#ert) given him to rage% #'t had al!o hi!
po.er increa!ed to devo'r and de!tro) godl) men% a! i" a madman had a !.ord p't into hi! hand.
Jherea! + have tran!lated it !ect% L'$e hath .a)% .hich metaphor i! common eno'gh in the
Script're!. There"ore Pa'l=! p'rpo!e .a! @'ite to p't o't the name o" Chri!t #) de!tro)ing all the
godl) cr'ell).
. As he $as in the $ay( +n craving epi!tle! o" the high prie!t% he ran headlong again!t Chri!t
.illingl)< and no. he i! en"orced to o#e) .hether he .ill or no. Thi! i! !'rel) the mo!t e3cellent
merc) o" >od% in that that man i! reclaimed 'nto !alvation contrar) to the p'rpo!e o" hi! mind%
.hom !o great a heat carried headlong into de!tr'ction. Jherea! the Lord !'""ereth him to
receive letter!% and to come near to the cit)< F.here#) .e !ee ho. .ell he $no.eth the ver)
in!tant! o" time! to do ever)thing in d'e time<
9DM1
G he co'ld have prevented him !ooner% i" it had
!eemed good to him !o to do% that he might deliver the godl) "rom "ear and carele!!ne!!.
9DE0
-'t
he !etteth o't hi! #ene"it! more there#)% in that he tieth the ?a.! o" the greed) .ol"% even .hen
he .a! read) to enter the !heep"old. *l!o .e $no. that men=! !t'##ornne!! increa!eth more and
1EE
more #) going "or.ard. Jhere"ore the conver!ion o" Pa'l .a! !o m'ch the harder% "ora!m'ch a!
he .a! alread) made more o#!tinate #) contin'ing hi! "'r).
3hined about hi%( -eca'!e it .a! no ea!) matter to p'll do.n
9DE1
!o great pride to #rea$ !'ch a
lo"t) co'rage% to paci") !'ch a #lind heat o" .ic$ed 5eal% and% "inall)% to #ridle a mo!t 'n#ridled
#ea!t% Chri!t m'!t need! have !ho.ed !ome !ign o" hi! ma?e!t)% .here#) Pa'l might perceive
that he had to do .ith >od him!el"% and not .ith an) mortal man<. altho'gh there .ere !ome
re!pect had o" h'm#ling him% F#eca'!e he .a! 'n.orth) to have Chri!t%G to acc'!tom him #) and
#) to o#e)% #) la)ing 'pon hi! nec$ the mee$ and !.eet )o$e o" hi! Spirit. *nd he .a! !carce
capa#le o" !o great gentlene!!% 'ntil hi! cr'elt) might #e #ro$en.
9DE/
Man=! !en!e cannot
comprehend the (ivine glor) o" Chri!t a! it i!< #'t a! >od did o"tentime! p't 'pon him "orm!
.herein he did !ho. him!el"% !o Chri!t did no. declare and ma$e mani"e!t hi! divinit) to Pa'l%
and !ho.ed !ome to$en o" hi! pre!ence% that he might there#) terri") Pa'l. 9or altho'gh the
godl) #e a"raid and trem#le at the !eeing o" >od% )et it m'!t need! #e that Pa'l .a! "ar more
a"raid .hen a! he perceived that the divine po.er o" Chri!t .a! !et "'ll again!t him.
". *nd there"ore L'$e !aith that he fell to the ground( 9or .hat other thing can #e"all man% #'t
that he m'!t lie pro!trate and #e% a! it .ere% #ro'ght to nothing% .hen he i! over.helmed .ith
the pre!ent "eeling o" >od=! glor)I *nd thi! .a! the "ir!t #eginning o" the #ringing do.n o" Pa'l%
that he might #ecome apt to hear the voice o" Chri!t% .hich he had de!pi!ed !o long a! he !at
ha'ghtil) 'pon hi! hor!e.
3aul, 3aul? L'$e compared the light .hich !hined ro'nd a#o't Pa'l to lightning% tho'gh + do not
do'#t #'t that lightning! did "l) in the air. *nd thi! voice% .hich Chri!t did !end o't to #eat do.n
hi! pride% ma) "'ll .ell #e called a lightning or thunderbolt, #eca'!e it did not onl) !tri$e him%
and ma$e him a!toni!hed% #'t did @'ite $ill him% !o that he .a! no. a! no#od) .ith him!el"%
.ho did !o m'ch plea!e him!el" #e"ore and did challenge to him!el" a'thorit) to p't the go!pel
to "light. L'$e p'tteth do.n hi! name in He#re. in thi! place% 3aul, 3aul? #eca'!e he repeateth
the .ord! o" Chri!t% .ho !pa$e 'nto him% 'ndo'#tedl)% according to the common c'!tom o" the
co'ntr).
!. 2ho art thou, Lord< Je have Pa'l no. !ome.hat tamed% #'t he i! not )et Chri!t=! di!ciple.
Pride i! corrected in him% and hi! "'r) i! #ro'ght do.n. -'t he i! not )et !o thoro'ghl) healed
that he o#e)eth Chri!t< he i! onl) read) to receive commandment!% .ho .a! #e"ore a
#la!phemer. There"ore% thi! i! the @'e!tion o" a man that i! a"raid% and thro.n do.n .ith
ama5edne!!. 9or .h) doth he not $no.% #) !o man) !ign! o" >od=! pre!ence% that it i! >od that
!pea$ethI There"ore that voice proceeded "rom a panting and do'#t"'l mind< there"ore% Chri!t
driveth him nigher 'nto repentance% Jhen he addeth% ! a% /esus, let '! remem#er that that voice
!o'nded "rom heaven. There"ore it o'ght to have pierced the mind o" Pa'l .hen he con!idered
that he had made .ar again!t >od hitherto. +t o'ght to have #ro'ght him #) and #) to tr'e
!'#mi!!ion% .hen he con!idered that he !ho'ld not e!cape !cot "ree% i" he !ho'ld contin'e
re#ellio'! again!t him .ho!e hand he co'ld not e!cape.
Thi! place containeth a mo!t pro"ita#le doctrine% and the pro"it thereo" i! made mani"old% "or
Chri!t !ho.eth .hat great acco'nt he ma$eth o" hi! go!pel% .hen he prono'nceth that it i! hi!
ca'!e% "rom .hich he .ill not #e !eparated. There"ore he can no more re"'!e to de"end the !ame
than he can den) him!el". Secondl)% the godl) ma) gather great com"ort #) thi!% in that the) hear
that the Son o" >od i! partner .ith them o" the cro!!% .hen a! the) !'""er and la#or "or the
te!timon) o" the go!pel% and that he doth% a! it .ere% p't 'nder hi! !ho'lder!% that he ma) #ear
1E1
!ome part o" the #'rden. 9or it i! not "or nothing that he !aith that he !'""ereth in o'r per!on< #'t
he .ill have '! to #e a!!'redl) per!'aded o" thi!% that he !'""ereth together .ith '!%
9DE3
a! i" the
enemie! o" the go!pel !ho'ld .o'nd '! thro'gh hi! !ide. Jhere"ore Pa'l !aith% that that i!
.anting in the !'""ering! o" Chri!t .hat per!ec'tion! !oever the "aith"'l !'""er at thi! da) "or the
de"en!e o" the go!pel% F
ND101/0O
Colo!!ian! 14/0.G 9'rthermore% thi! con!olation tendeth not onl) to
that end to com"ort '!% that it ma) not #e tro'#le!ome to '! to !'""er .ith o'r Head% #'t that .e
ma) hope that he .ill revenge o'r mi!erie!% .ho crieth o't o" heaven that all that .hich .e
!'""er i! common to him a! .ell a! to '!. La!tl)% .e gather here#) .hat horri#le ?'dgment i!
prepared "or the per!ec'tor! o" the Ch'rch% .ho li$e giant! #e!iege the ver) heaven% and !ha$e
their dart!% .hich !hall pierce
9DE0
their o.n head #) and #)< )ea% #) tro'#ling the heaven!% the)
provo$e the th'nder#olt o" >od=! .rath again!t them!elve!. *l!o% .e are all ta'ght generall)%
that no man r'n again!t Chri!t #) h'rting hi! #rother 'n?'!tl)% and !peciall)% that no man re!i!t
the tr'th ra!hl) and .ith a #lind madne!!% 'nder color o" 5eal.
!t is hard for thee( Thi! i! a prover#ial !entence% ta$en "rom o3en or hor!e!% .hich% .hen the) are
pric$ed .ith goad!% do them!elve! no good #) $ic$ing% !ave onl) that the) do'#le the evil #)
ca'!ing the pric$ to go "arther into their !$in!. Chri!t applieth thi! !imilit'de 'nto him!el" ver)
"itl)% #eca'!e men !hall #ring 'pon them!elve! a do'#le evil% #) !triving again!t him% .ho m'!t
o" nece!!it) #e !'#?ect to hi! .ill and plea!'re% .ill the) nill the). Tho!e .hich !'#mit
them!elve! .illingl) to Chri!t are !o "ar "rom "eeling an) pric$ing at hi! hand!% that the) have in
him a read) remed) "or all .o'nd!< #'t all the .ic$ed% .ho endeavor to ca!t o't their poi!oned
!ting! again!t him% !hall at length perceive that the) are a!!e! and o3en% !'#?ect to the pric$. So
that he i! 'nto the godl) a "o'ndation .hereon the) re!t% #'t 'nto the repro#ate .ho !t'm#le at
him% a !tone .hich .ith hi! [it!] hardne!! grindeth them to po.der. *nd altho'gh .e !pea$ here
o" the enemie! o" the go!pel% )et thi! admonition ma) reach "arther% to .it% that .e do not thin$
that .e !hall get an) thing #) #iting the #ridle !o o"ten a! .e have an) thing to do .ith >od% #'t
that #eing li$e to gentle hor!e!% .e !'""er o'r!elve! mee$l) to #e t'rned a#o't and g'ided #) hi!
hand. *nd i" he !p'r '! at an) time% let '! #e made more read) to o#e) #) hi! pric$!% le!t that
#e"all '! .hich i! !aid in the P!alm% That the ?a.! o" 'ntamed hor!e! and m'le! are tied and $ept
in .ith a hard #it% le!t the) leap 'pon '!% etc.
+n thi! hi!tor) .e have a 'niver!al "ig're o" that grace .hich the Lord !ho.eth "orth dail) in
calling '! all. *ll men do not !et them!elve! !o violentl) again!t the go!pel< )et% neverthele!!%
#oth pride and al!o re#ellion again!t >od are nat'rall) engendered in all men. Je are all .ic$ed
and cr'el nat'rall)< there"ore% in that .e are t'rned to >od% that cometh to pa!! #) the .onder"'l
and !ecret po.er o" >od% contrar) to nat're. The Papi!t! al!o a!cri#e the prai!e o" o'r t'rning
'nto >od to the grace o" >od< )et onl) in part% #eca'!e the) imagine that .e .or$ together. -'t
.hen a! the Lord doth morti") o'r "le!h% he !'#d'eth '! and #ringeth '! 'nder% a! he did Pa'l.
:either i! o'r .ill one hair readier to o#e) than .a! Pa'l=!% 'ntil !'ch time a! the pride o" o'r
heart #e #eaten do.n% and he have made '! not onl) "le3i#le #'t al!o .illing to o#e) and "ollo..
There"ore% !'ch i! the #eginning o" o'r conver!ion% that the Lord !ee$eth '! o" hi! o.n accord%
.hen .e .ander and go a!tra)% tho'gh he #e not called and !o'ght< that he changeth the
!t'##orn a""ection! o" o'r heart% to the end he ma) have '! to #e apt to #e ta'ght.
9'rthermore% thi! hi!tor) i! o" great importance to con"irm Pa'l=! doctrine. +" Pa'l had al.a)!
#een one o" Chri!t=! di!ciple!% .ic$ed and "ro.ard men might e3ten'ate the .eight o" the
te!timon) .hich he giveth o" hi! Ma!ter. +" he !ho'ld have !ho.ed him!el" to #e ea!) to #e
entreated% and gentle at the "ir!t% .e !ho'ld !ee nothing #'t that .hich i! proper to man. -'t
110
.hen a! a deadl) enem) to Chri!t% re#ellio'! again!t the go!pel% p'""ed 'p .ith the con"idence
.hich he repo!ed in hi! .i!dom% in"lamed .ith hatred o" the tr'e "aith% #linded .ith h)pocri!)%
.holl) !et 'pon the overthro.ing o" the tr'th% [he] i! !'ddenl) changed into a ne. man% a"ter an
'n.onted manner% and o" a .ol" i! not onl) t'rned into a !heep% #'t doth al!o ta$e to him!el" a
!hepherd=! nat're% it i! a! i" Chri!t !ho'ld #ring "orth .ith hi! hand !ome angel !ent "rom heaven.
9or .e do not no. !ee that Sa'l o" Tar!'!% #'t a ne. man "ramed #) the Spirit o" >od< !o that he
!pea$eth #) hi! mo'th no.% a! it .ere "rom heaven.
ACTS &:#-&
#. *nd he trem#ling and "earing !aid% Lord% .hat .ilt tho' have me to doI *nd the
Lord !aid 'nto him% *ri!e% and go into the cit)% .here it !hall #e told thee .hat tho'
m'!t do. %. *nd the men .hich accompanied him in hi! ?o'rne) !tood ama5ed%
hearing indeed a voice% and !eeing no man. $. *nd .hen Sa'l .a! ri!en "rom the
gro'nd% .hen hi! e)e! .ere opened he !a. no man< #'t the) led him #) the hand%
and #ro'ght him to (ama!c'!. &. *nd he .a! three da)! .itho't !ight% neither
eating nor drin$ing.
#. The "r'it o" that reprehen!ion "ollo.eth% .here.ith .e have !aid it .a! re@'i!ite that Pa'l
!ho'ld have #een !ore !ha$en% that hi! hardne!! might #e #ro$en. 9or no. he o""ereth him!el" a!
read) to do .hat!oever he !ho'ld command him% .hom o" late he de!pi!ed. 9or .hen he a!$eth
.hat Chri!t .o'ld have him do% he granteth him a'thorit) and po.er. ,ven the ver) repro#ate
are al!o terri"ied .ith the threatening o" >od% !o that the) are compelled to reverence him% and to
!'#mit them!elve! 'nto hi! .ill and plea!'re< )et% neverthele!!% the) cea!e not to "ret and to
"o!ter !t'##ornne!! .ithin. -'t a! >od h'm#led Pa'l% !o he .ro'ght e""ect'all) in hi! heart. 9or
it came not to pa!! #) an) goodne!! o" nat're% that Pa'l did more .illingl) !'#mit him!el" to
>od than Pharaoh% F
N0/0M13O
,3od'! M413<G #'t #eca'!e% #eing li$e to an anvil% [Pharaoh] did% .ith
hi! hardne!!% #eat #ac$ the .hip! o" >od .here.ith he .a! to #e #ro'ght 'nder% Feven a! it had
#een the !tro$e! o" a hammer<G #'t the heart o" Pa'l .a! !'ddenl) made a "le!h) heart o" a !ton)
heart% a"ter that it received !o"tne!! "rom the Spirit o" >od< .hich !o"tne!! it had not nat'rall).
The !ame thing do .e al!o tr) [e3perience] dail) in o'r!elve!. He reproveth '! #) hi! .ord< he
threateneth and terri"ieth '!< he addeth al!o light correction% and prepareth '! diver! .a)! 'nto
!'#?ection. -'t all the!e help! !hall never ca'!e an) man to #ring "orth good "r'it% 'nle!! the
Spirit o" >od do molli") hi! heart .ithin.
And the Lord said unto hi%( *"ter that Pa'l had p't hi! !ti"" nec$ 'nder the )o$e o" Chri!t% he i!
no. governed #) hi! hand. 9or do'#tle!! the Lord doth not !o #ring '! into the .a)% that he
leaveth '! either #e"ore .e #egin o'r co'r!e% or in the mid!t thereo"< #'t he #ringeth '! 'nto the
ver) mar$ #) little and little. L'$e depainteth o't 'nto '! in thi! place thi! contin'al co'r!e o"
>od=! governance. 9or He ta$eth him a"ter.ard 'nto him!el" to #e ta'ght .hom He hath made
apt to #e ta'ght. :either doth that an) .hit hinder that he '!eth man=! mini!tr) ill thi! point.
-eca'!e the a'thorit) and po.er remaineth neverthele!! in him% ho.!oever he accompli!h hi!
.or$ #) man< tho'gh it ma) !eem an a#!'rd thing that Chri!t% .ho i! the ,ternal Ji!dom o"
>od% doth !end a !cholar F.ho .a! read) to hear% and did gape a"ter in!tr'ctionG 'nto another
9DED

man% that he might learn. -'t + an!.er% that that .a! done not .itho't ca'!e. 9or the Lord meant
#) thi! mean! to prove Pa'l=! mode!t)% .hen he !endeth him to one o" hi! !cholar! to #e ta'ght<
a! i" he him!el" .o'ld not vo'ch!a"e a! )et to !pea$ 'nto him "amiliarl)% #'t !endeth him to hi!
!ervant! .hom he did o" late #oth !o pro'dl) contemn and !o cr'ell) per!ec'te.
111
*nd .e are al!o ta'ght h'milit) 'nder hi! per!on. 9or i" Chri!t made Pa'l !'#?ect to the teaching
o" a common di!ciple% .hich o" '! can gr'dge to hear an) teacher% !o that he #e appointed #)
Chri!t% that i!% he declare him!el" to #e hi! mini!ter in deedI There"ore% .herea! Pa'l i! !ent to
*nania!% let '! $no. that that i! done to adorn the mini!tr) o" the Ch'rch. Thi! i! a!!'redl) no
!mall honor .here'nto it plea!eth >od to e3alt man$ind% .hen a! he choo!eth o'r #rethren "rom
among!t '! to #e interpreter! o" hi! .ill< .hen a! he ca'!eth hi! hol) oracle! to !o'nd in the
mo'th o" man% .hich i! nat'rall) given to l)ing and vanit). -'t the 'nthan$"'lne!! o" the .orld
#etra)eth it!el" again herein% that no man can a#ide to hear .hen >od !pea$eth #) the mo'th o"
man. *ll men co'ld de!ire to have angel! come "l)ing 'nto them% or that heaven !ho'ld #e no.
and then c't a!'nder% and that the vi!i#le glor) o" >od !ho'ld come thence. 9ora!m'ch a! thi!
prepo!tero'! c'rio!it) !pringeth "rom pride and .ic$ed contempt o" the Jord% it !etteth open a
gate to man) doting!% and #rea$eth the #ond o" m't'al con!ent among the "aith"'l. There"ore the
Lord doth te!ti")% that it plea!eth him that .e !ho'ld #e ta'ght #) men% and con"irmeth the order
!et do.n #) him!el". *nd to thi! p'rpo!e !erve the!e title!% PHe .hich heareth )o' heareth me%Q
F
N0/1016O
L'$e 10416<G that he ma) ca'!e hi! .ord to #e reverenced a! it o'ght.
!t shall be told thee( Chri!t p'tteth *nania! in hi! place #) the!e .ord!% a! to'ching the o""ice o"
teaching< not #eca'!e he re!igneth hi! a'thorit) to him% #'t #eca'!e he !hall #e a "aith"'l
mini!ter% and a !incere preacher o" the go!pel. There"ore .e m'!t al.a)! '!e thi! moderation%
that .e hear >od alone in Chri!t% and Chri!t him!el" alone% )et a! he !pea$eth #) hi! mini!ter!.
*nd the!e t.o vice! m'!t #e avoided% that the mini!ter! #e not pro'd% 'nder color o" !'ch a
precio'! "'nction% or that their #a!e condition impair no .hit o" the dignit) o" heavenl) .i!dom.
%. And the %en( He !pea$eth no. #rie"l) o" the companion! o" Pa'l% that the) .ere .itne!!e! o"
the vi!ion. ;et it !eemeth that thi! narration doth not in all point! agree .ith that o" Pa'l% .hich
.e !hall !ee in the //nd chapter% F
N00//01O
*ct! //41.G 9or he .ill !a) there% that hi! companion!
.ere terri"ied .ith the light% #'t the) heard no voice. Some there #e .ho thin$ that it .a! a "a'lt%
9DE6
and that thro'gh ignorance o" the .riter
9DEM
the negation i! placed o't o" it! right place. +
thin$ that it i! no hard matter to an!.er it< #eca'!e it ma) #e that the) heard the !o'nd o" the
voice% )et did the) not di!cern either .ho it .a! that !pa$e% or .hat .a! !po$en. PThe) heard
not%Q !aith he% Pthe voice o" him that !pa$e .ith me.Q S'rel) thi! i! the meaning o" the!e .ord!%
that he alone $ne. the !peech o" Chri!t. +t "ollo.eth not there'pon% #'t that the re!t might have
heard a dar$ and do'#t"'l voice. Jherea! L'$e !aith in thi! place that there .a! a voice heard%
and no man !een% hi! meaning i!% that the voice proceeded "rom no man% #'t that it .a! 'ttered
#) >od. There"ore% to the end the miracle ma) carr) the greater credit% Pa'l=! companion! !ee a
light li$e to lightning< the) !ee Pa'l lie pro!trate< a voice the) hear Ftho'gh not di!tinctl)
9DEE
G
!o'nding "rom heaven< and )et% neverthele!!% Pa'l alone i! ta'ght .hat he m'!t do.
$. He $as raised u+ fro% the earth( L'$e addeth no.% that he .a! ta$en .ith !o great "ear that he
co'ld not ri!e o" him!el"< and not that onl)% #'t he .a! al!o #lind "or a time% that he might "orget
hi! "ormer .it and .iline!!.
9DE1
Jhen a! he !aith% that after that his eyes $ere o+ened, he sa$
not, it !eemeth that it doth not agree .ith the other .ord! .hich !hall "ollo. #) and #)% that hi!
e)e! .ere covered% a! it .ere% .ith !cale!< #'t the meaning o" thi! place i!% that he .a! #lind
indeed% and deprived o" hi! !ight "or that three da)!< #eca'!e .hen he opened hi! e)e! he !a.
nothing.
&. Jherea! he !aith% that he neither ate nor dran$ "or the !pace o" three da)!% that i! to #e co'nted
a part o" the miracle. 9or altho'gh the men o" the ea!t co'ntr) end're h'nger #etter than .e% )et
11/
.e do not read that an) did "a!t three da)!% !ave onl) tho!e .ho had .ant o" vict'al% or .ho .ere
con!trained #) !ome greater nece!!it). There"ore .e gather that Pa'l .a! .onder"'ll) a"raid%
9D10

!eeing that #eing% a! it .ere% dead% he ta!ted no meat "or three da)!.
ACTS &:1'-12
1'. *nd there .a! a certain di!ciple at (ama!c'!% called *nania!% 'nto .hom the
Lord !aid in a vi!ion% *nania!. *nd he !aid% Here am +% Lord. 11. *nd the Lord !aid
'nto him% *ri!e% and go into the .a) that i! called Straight% and !ee$ in the ho'!e o"
B'da! one called Sa'l o" Tar!'!4 "or% #ehold% he pra)eth. 12. *nd he hath !een in a
vi!ion a man% named *nania!% entering in% and la)ing hi! hand 'pon him that he
might !ee.
1'. Je have !aid #e"ore that thi! man .a! rather cho!en than an) o" the apo!tle!% that Pa'l%
having laid a.a) the !.elling o" hi! arroganc)% might learn to hear the lea!t% and that he [might]
come do.n "rom too great lo"tine!! even 'nto the lo.e!t degree. *nd thi! vi!ion .a! nece!!ar)
"or *nania!% le!t thro'gh "ear he !ho'ld .ithdra. him!el" "rom that "'nction .hich .a! en?oined
him% to .it% to teach Pa'l. 9or tho'gh he $no. that the Lord calleth him% )et he !lideth #ac$% or%
at lea!t% he e3c'!eth him!el". There"ore it .a! re@'i!ite that he !ho'ld have !ome certain
te!timon) o" hi! calling% that there !ho'ld happ) !'cce!! #e promi!ed to hi! la#or% that he might
ta$e that in hand .ith a ?o)"'l and valiant mind .hich the Lord commanded. 9'rthermore% a!
Chri!t animateth and con"irmeth *nania!% #) appearing to him in the vi!ion% !o he prepareth and
ma$eth Pa'l read) "or all thing!% that he ma) receive *nania! reverentl)% a! i" he .o'ld receive
an angel coming "rom heaven. The Lord co'ld have !ent Pa'l !traight.a) 'nto *nania!% and
have !ho.ed him hi! ho'!e% #'t thi! .a! more "it "or hi! con"irmation< #eca'!e he $ne. the
#etter that the Lord had a care o" him. *nd al!o the Lord !etteth o't hi! grace 'nto '!% that a! he
!topped Pa'l #e"ore% !o no. he reacheth him hi! hand o" hi! o.n accord% #) hi! mini!ter. *nd% in
the mean !ea!on% .e are al!o ta'ght% #) hi! e3ample% to #e more read) and care"'l to !ee$ o't the
lo!t !heep.
!n a &ision( Thi! .ord &ision !igni"ieth !ome light
9D11
.hich .a! !et #e"ore the e)e! to te!ti")
>od=! pre!ence. 9or thi! i! the '!e o" vi!ion!% that the ma?e!t) o" the Jord #eing .ell proved% it
ma) p'rcha!e credit% among!t men< .hich $ind o" con"irmation >od '!ed o"tentime! to.ard the
prophet!< a! he !aith% that he !pea$eth to hi! !ervant! #) a vi!ion or #) a dream. He hath% indeed%
!'""ered Satan to deceive the 'n#eliever! .ith "al!e imagination! and vi!'re!.
9D1/
-'t "ora!m'ch
a! Satan=! ?'ggling ca!t! are o" po.er onl) in dar$ne!!% >od doth lighten the mind! o" hi!
children !o% that the) a!!'re them!elve! that the) need not to "ear legerdemain.
9D13
There"ore
*nania! an!.ereth% Here a% !, Lord, $no.ing indeed that it .a! >od.
11. 8or, behold, he +rayeth( L'$e !ho.eth that Pa'l gave him!el"
9D10
to pra)er tho!e three da)!<
and peradvent're thi! .a! one ca'!e .h) he "a!ted% altho'gh it #e certain% a! + have alread) !aid%
that he !'""ered !'ch long h'nger% #eca'!e he .a! a"ter a !ort deprived o" !en!e% a! men .hich
are in a trance '!e to #e. Chri!t doth a!!'redl) !pea$ o" no !hort pra)er
9D1D
in thi! place% #'t he
doth rather !ho. that Pa'l contin'ed in thi! $ind o" e3erci!e 'ntil he !ho'ld #e more @'iet in
mind. 9or #e!ide! other ca'!e! o" terror% that voice might !o'nd in hi! ear!% PSa'l% Sa'l% .h)
per!ec'te!t tho' meIQ *nd it i! not to #e do'#ted #'t that the care"'l
9D16
loo$ing "or a per"ect
revelation did marvello'!l) tro'#le hi! mind< #'t thi! .a! the rea!on .h) the Lord ca'!ed him to
.ait three da)!% that he might the more $indle in him an earne!t de!ire to pra).
113
12. He sa$ a %an, na%ed Ananias( +t i! 'ncertain .hether L'$e do )et repeat the .ord! o"
Chri!t% or he add thi! o" hi! o.n. Tho!e .hich ta$e it in the per!on o" L'$e are moved .ith !ome
!ho. o" a#!'rdit)% #eca'!e it i! an 'nli$el) thing that Chri!t '!ed the!e .ord!. *ltho'gh thi! ma)
#e ea!il) an!.ered th'!% to .it% that Chri!t con"irmeth *nania! a"ter thi! !ort% There i! no ca'!e
.h) tho' !ho'ld!t "ear #'t that he .ill receive thee .illingl)% "ora!m'ch a! he alread) $no.eth
th) !hape #) a vi!ion. + have al!o told him th) name% and .hat!oever tho' !halt do .ith him. ;et
ma) the reader choo!e .hether he .ill.
ACTS &:1-1#
1. *nd *nania! an!.ered% Lord% + have heard o" man) o" thi! man% .hat h'rt
he hath done to th) !ervant! at Ber'!alem4 1". *nd here he hath po.er "rom
the prie!t! to #ind all .hich call 'pon th) name. 1!. *nd the Lord !aid 'nto
him% >o< #eca'!e he i! a cho!en in!tr'ment to me to #ear m) name #e"ore the
>entile!% and $ing!% and the children o" +!rael. 1#. 9or + .ill !ho. him ho.
great thing! he m'!t !'""er "or m) name.
1. Lord, ! ha&e heard( +n that *nania! o#?ecteth the danger to the Lord% he #etra)eth hi!
.ea$ne!! o" "aith therein. There"ore .e !ee that the !aint! and !ervant! o" >od are a"raid o"
death% .hich thing $eepeth them #ac$ "rom doing their d't)< )ea% it ca'!eth them !ometime! to
!tagger. *nania! .o'ld gladl) go to !ome other place< #'t thi! i! a point o" a good man% that he
)ieldeth not !o m'ch to "ear that he .ithdra.eth him!el" "rom Chri!t=! o#edience. *nd%
there"ore% thi! i! a !ign o" rare o#edience%
9D1M
that altho'gh thro'gh "ear o" death he .ere
!ome.hat !lac$ at the "ir!t% )et having "orgotten him!el" #) and #)% he ma$eth great ha!te to go
.hither Chri!t called him. *nd )et% not.ith!tanding% he re"'!eth not "latl) in the!e .ord! to do
that .hich he i! commanded to do% #'t '!eth an e3c'!e
9D1E
ver) mode!tl)% Lord% .hat meaneth
thi!% that tho' !ende!t me to the hangmanI There"ore .e ma) !ee a de!ire to o#e) mi3ed .ith
"ear.
1". He hath +o$er to bind( Je gather #) the!e .ord!% that the "ame o" the per!ec'tion .hich
Sa'l .ent a#o't
9D11
.a! !pread "ar and .ide< "or .hich ca'!e hi! conver!ion .a!
9600
more
"amo'!. :everthele!!% the Lord !'""ered the "aith"'l to #e evil entreated%
9601
that the #ene"it o"
!'ch !'dden deliverance might a"ter.ard! #e the more e3cellent. Je m'!t mar$ that !peech%
.hen he !aith that the godl) call 'pon the name o" Chri!t. 9or .hether )o' 'nder!tand it% that
ina!m'ch a! the) pro"e!!ed that the) .ere Chri!t=!% the) re?oiced there"ore in him% or that the)
'!ed to "l) to him "or !'ccor% invocation cannot #e .itho't !'re con"idence. -) #oth .hich the
divinit) o" Chri!t i! not onl) proved% #'t al!o i" the !econd #e received% .hich !eemeth to #e
more nat'ral%
960/
.e are ta'ght #) the e3ample o" the "aith"'l% to call 'pon the name o" Chri!t
.hen he i! preached to '!.
1!. Go* be'ause he is an ele't instru%ent( The commandment repeated the !econd time% and al!o
the promi!e o" !'cce!! added% ta$eth a.a) all do'#t"'lne!!. There"ore !loth !hall .ant an e3c'!e%
i" it #e never redre!!ed a"ter that man) pric$! #e '!ed< li$e a! .e !ee that ver) man)% .ho
ho.!oever the Lord cr) 'nto them contin'all)% do not onl) loiter d'ring their .hole li"e% #'t do
al!o cheri!h their !loth"'lne!! #) all mean! po!!i#le.
9603
+" an) man o#?ect that the Lord !pea$eth
not at thi! da) in a vi!ion% + an!.er% that "ora!m'ch a! the Script're i! a#'ndantl) con"irmed to
'!% .e m'!t hear >od thence.
9600
110
A &essel of ele'tion, or% a! ,ra!m'! tran!lateth it% an ele't instru%ent, i! ta$en "or an e3cellent
mini!ter. The .ord instru%ent doth !ho. that men can do nothing% !ave ina!m'ch a! >od '!eth
their ind'!tr) at hi! plea!'re. 9or i" .e #e in!tr'ment!% he alone i! the a'thor< the "orce and
po.er to do i! in hi! po.er alone. *nd that .hich Chri!t !pea$eth in thi! place o" Pa'l
appertaineth to all men% #oth one and other. There"ore ho. !to'tl) !oever ever) man la#or% and
ho. care"'ll) !oever he #ehave him!el" in hi! d't)% )et there i! no ca'!e .h) he !ho'ld
challenge to him!el" an) part o" prai!e. Tho!e .hich di!p'te !'#tilel) a#o't the .ord &essel, dote
thro'gh ignorance o" the He#re. tong'e. L'$e p'tteth the genitive ea!e "or the dative and that
according to the common c'!tom o" the He#re. tong'e. *nd he meant to e3pre!! a certain
e3cellenc)% a! i" he !ho'ld have !aid% that thi! man !hall #e no common mini!ter o" Chri!t% #'t
!hall #e ind'ed .ith !ing'lar e3cellenc) a#ove other!. :everthele!!% .e m'!t note that i" an)
thing #e e3cellent% it dependeth 'pon the "avor o" >od% a! Pa'l him!el" teacheth el!e.here. Jho
i! he that !eparateth theeI to .it% that tho' !ho'ld!t e3cel other!% F
N06000MO
1 Corinthian! 04M.G To
concl'de% Chri!t prono'nceth that Pa'l .a! cho!en 'nto great and e3cellent thing!.
To bear %y na%e a%ongst the Gentiles( To him .ho .ent a#o't #e"ore to !'ppre!! the name o"
Chri!t i! the !ame no. committed to #e #orne. +" .e plea!e to ta$e !n Fs'henosG "or a &essel%
thi! !ho'ld #e a contin'al metaphor% #eca'!e a mini!ter o" the go!pel !erveth in!tead o" a ve!!el
to p'#li!h the name o" Chri!t< #'t #eca'!e it !igni"ieth rather among!t the He#re.! an)
in!tr'ment generall)% + ta$e the!e .ord! to 'arry %y na%e% "or to e3tol the !ame 'nto d'e honor.
9or Chri!t i! placed a"ter a !ort in hi! princel) throne .hen a! the .orld i! #ro'ght 'nder hi!
po.er #) the preaching o" the go!pel.
1#. And be'ause( Pa'l co'ld not do thi!% and have Satan @'iet% and the .orld to )ield to him
.illingl)< there"ore L'$e addeth% that he !hall #e al!o ta'ght to #ear the cro!!. 9or the meaning
o" the .ord! i!% + .ill acc'!tom him to !'""er tro'#le!4 to end're reproache!% and to a#ide all
manner [o"] con"lict!% that nothing ma) terri") him% and $eep him #ac$ "rom doing hi! d't). *nd
.hen Chri!t ma$eth him!el" Pa'l=! teacher in thi! matter% he teacheth that the more ever) man
hath pro"ited in hi! !chool% the more a#le i! he to #ear the cro!!. 9or .e !trive again!t it% and
re"'!e it a! a thing mo!t contrar)% 'ntil he ma$e o'r mind! more gentle. *l!o thi! place teacheth%
that no man i! "it to preach the go!pel% !eeing the .orld i! !et again!t it% !ave onl) he .hich i!
armed to !'""er. There"ore i" .e .ill !ho. o'r!elve! "aith"'l mini!ter! o" Chri!t% .e m'!t not
onl) crave at hi! hand! the !pirit o" $no.ledge and .i!dom% #'t al!o o" con!tanc) and !trength%
that .e ma) never #e di!co'raged #) la#oring and toiling< .hich i! the e!tate o" the godl).
ACTS &:1%-1&
1%. *nd *nania! .ent and entered into the ho'!e% and .hen he had laid hi!
hand! 'pon him% he !aid% -rother Sa'l% the Lord hath !ent me% namel) Be!'!%
.ho appeared to thee in the .a) a! tho' came!t% that tho' ma)e!t recover th)
!ight% and that tho' ma)e!t #e "illed .ith the Hol) >ho!t. 1$. *nd "orth.ith
there "ell "rom hi! e)e! a! it had #een !cale!4 and he recovered hi! !ight #) and
#)< and ari!ing he .a! #apti5ed. 1&. *nd .hen he had ta$en meat he .a!
!trengthened.
1%. Ha&ing laid his hands u+on( Je have !aid el!e.here that thi! .a! a !olemn% and% a! it .ere%
an ordinar) thing among!t the Be.!% to la) their hand! 'pon tho!e .hom the) did commend to
>od. The apo!tle! tran!lated that c'!tom ta$en "rom !acri"ice! to their '!e% either .hen the) gave
11D
the vi!i#le grace! o" the Spirit or .hen the) made an) man mini!ter o" the Ch'rch. To thi! end
doth *nania! la) hi! hand! no. 'pon Pa'l% partl) that he ma) con!ecrate him 'nto >od% partl)
that he ma) o#tain "or him the gi"t! o" the Spirit. *nd tho'gh there #e no mention made o"
doctrine in thi! place )et it !hall appear a"ter.ard! #) Pa'l=! narration% that *nania! .a! al!o
commanded to teach him< and #) #apti!m% .hich .a! later in order% .e gather that he .a!
in!tr'cted in the "aith. Let the reader! note o't o" the chapter ne3t going #e"ore ho. thi!
ceremon) i! e""ect'al to give the Spirit% -'t !eeing Pa'l received the Spirit #) the hand o"
*nania!% the Papi!t! are more than ridic'lo'!% .ho .ill have the #i!hop! alone to la) on their
hand!.
1$. There fell fro% his eyes as it had been s'ales( The #lindne!! o" Pa'l% a! .e have !aid #e"ore
did not proceed "rom "ear alone or "rom ama5edne!!< #'t #) thi! mean! .a! he admoni!hed o"
hi! "ormer #lindne!!% that he might @'ite a#andon that #oldne!! and vain con"idence .here.ith
he .a! p'""ed 'p. He #oa!ted that he .a! ta'ght at the "eet o" >amaliel% F
N00//03O
*ct! //43<G and
'ndo'#tedl) he tho'ght ver) .ell o" hi! great .ittine!!%
960D
.hich .a! not.ith!tanding mere
#lindne!!. There"ore he i! deprived o" the !ight o" hi! #od)
9606
three da)!% that he ma) #egin to
!ee .ith hi! mind< "or tho!e m'!t #ecome "ool!% .ho!oever the) #e% .hich !eem to them!elve!
.i!e% that the) ma) attain to tr'e .i!dom. 9or !eeing that Chri!t i! the S'n o" righteo'!ne!!% in
!eeing .itho't him .e !ee not< it i! he al!o .hich openeth the e)e! o" the mind. -oth thing! .ere
!ho.ed to Pa'l% and to '! are the) !ho.ed in hi! per!on< "or he hath hi! e)e! covered .ith !cale!%
that% condemning all hi! $no.ledge o" ignorance%
960M
he ma) learn that he hath need o" ne.
light% .hich he hath hitherto .anted< and he i! ta'ght that he m'!t let [!ee$] the tr'e light "rom
none other !ave onl) "rom Chri!t% and that it i! given #) no other mean! !ave onl) thro'gh hi!
goodne!!. 9'rthermore% .herea! #eing pined .ith three da)! h'nger% he ma$eth no ha!te to
receive meat 'ntil he #e #apti5ed% there#) appeareth the earne!t
960E
de!ire he had to learn%
#eca'!e he re"re!hed not hi! #od) .ith meat 'ntil hi! !o'l had received !trength.
ACTS &:1&-2!
*nd Sa'l .a! .ith the di!ciple! .hich .ere at (ama!c'! certain da)!. 2'.
*nd #) and #) he preached Chri!t% that he .a! the Son o" >od. 21. *nd the)
.ere all ama5ed .hich heard% and !aid% +! not thi! he .hich at Ber'!alem made
havoc$ o" tho!e .ho called 'pon hi! name% and he [had come] came hither to
that end% that he might carr) them #o'nd 'nto the prie!t!I 22. *nd Sa'l .a3ed
more !trong% and con"o'nded the Be.! .hich d.elt at (ama!c'!% proving that
thi! .a! Chri!t. 2. *nd .hen man) da)! .ere pa!t% the Be.! too$ co'n!el
together to p't him to death4 2". *nd their la)ing in .ait .a! $no.n to Sa'l.
*nd the) $ept the gate! da) and night% that the) might !la) him4 2!. *nd the
di!ciple! having ta$en him #) night% p't him do.n thro'gh [#)] a .all% and let
him do.n in a #a!$et.
2'. L'$e declareth no. ho. "r'it"'l Pa'l=! conver!ion .a!% to .it% that he came a#road #) and
#)%
9601
and did not onl) pro"e!! that he .a! a di!ciple o" Chri!t% #'t did al!o !et him!el" again!t
9610
the "'r) and hatred o" the enemie!% #) de"ending the go!pel !to'tl). There"ore% he .ho o" late
ran headlong again!t Chri!t .ith "'rio'! "orce% doth no. not onl) !'#mit him!el" mee$l) 'nto
hi! .ill and plea!'re #'t li$e a !to't !tandard#earer "ighteth even 'nto the 'tmo!t danger to
maintain hi! glor). Certain it i! that he .a! not !o @'ic$l) "ramed #) *nania!= ind'!tr)%
9611
#'t
that !o !oon a! he had learned the "ir!t principle! #) man=! mo'th% he .a! e3tolled #) >od 'nto
116
higher thing! a"ter.ard. He comprehendeth the !'m o" hi! preaching #rie"l)% .hen he !aith that
Chri!t .a! the Son o" >od. +n the !ame !en!e% he !aith !hortl) a"ter that he !a. Chri!t. *nd
'nder!tand th'! m'ch% that .hen Pa'l intreated o't o" the la. and the prophet! o" the tr'e o""ice
o" the Me!!iah% he ta'ght al!o that all .hat!oever .a! promi!ed o"% and .a! to #e hoped "or% at
the hand! o" the Me!!iah% .a! revealed and given in Chri!t. 9or the .ord! !igni") th'! m'ch%
.hen he !aith that he preached that Chri!t i! the Son o" >od. That .a! 'ndo'#tedl) a principle
among!t the Be.!% that there !ho'ld a 8edeemer come "rom >od% .ho !ho'ld re!tore all thing! to
a happ) e!tate. Pa'l teacheth that Be!'! o" :a5areth i! he% .hich he cannot do% 'nle!! he !ha$e
o"" tho!e gro!! error! .hich he had conceived o" the earthl) $ingdom o" the Me!!iah. Certain it
i! that Pa'l declared ho. Chri!t .a! promi!ed in the la.% and to .hat end< #'t #eca'!e all tended
to thi! end% that he might prove that the !on o" Mar) .a! he o" .hom the la. and the prophet!
#are .itne!!% there"ore L'$e i! content .ith thi! one .ord onl).
21. They $ere all a%a7ed( Thi! i! added% that .e ma) $no. that the po.er o" >od .a!
ac$no.ledged. 9or !eeing that the 5eal o" Pa'l again!t the go!pel .a! openl) $no.n% the) !a.
no other ca'!e o" !'ch a !'dden change #'t the hand o" >od. *nd% there"ore% thi! i! al!o one "r'it
o" the miracle% that the) all .onder at him #eing made a ne. man !o !'ddenl)% !o that hi!
doctrine doth the more move their mind!. Jherea! the) !a) that he raged horri#l) .ith great
cr'elt)% and that he came o" late to (ama!c'! that he might proceed in hi! p'rpo!e% the!e
circ'm!tance! !erve to a'gment the miracle. Je m'!t al!o note the phra!e% tho!e .hich call on
hi! name% .hich .ithe!!eth that the godl) did !o pro"e!! the name o" Chri!t% that the) placed all
their hope o" !alvation in him. *ccording to that% the!e
Pmen p't their tr'!t in chariot!% and other! in hor!e!% #'t .e .ill call 'pon the name o"
the Lord%Q F
N11/00MO
P!alm /04M.G
9inall)% .hat!oever the Script're commandeth concerning calling 'pon the name o" >od% it
agreeth to the per!on o" Chri!t.
22. And 3aul $a:ed stronger( L'$e doth not onl) in thi! place commend the #old 5eal o" Pa'l in
con"e!!ing the "aith o" Chri!t% #'t al!o he telleth '! that he had !trong rea!on! to convince the
Be.!. He .a3ed !trong% !aith he% that i!% he got the victor) in di!p'tation< hi! con"e!!ion did
carr) .ith it great "orce and e""icac)%
961/
#eca'!e #eing "'rni!hed .ith te!timonie! o" Script're%
and !'ch other help! o" the Hol) >ho!t% he did% a! it .ere% tread all hi! adver!arie! 'nder hi! "eet.
9613
9or the .ord con"o'nded% .hich L'$e '!eth% doth !igni")% that% "ora!m'ch a! Pa'l did 'rge
them o't o" mea!'re% the) .ere !o !tric$en that the) co'ld not tell .here the) .ere.
9610
The
manner o" the con"o'nding i! e3pre!!ed% #eca'!e Pa'l proved that Be!'! .a! Chri!t. 9or the
!en!e i! thi!% that even .hen the Be.! .ere mo!t de!iro'! to re!i!t% the) .ere overcome and
'onfounded( So that Pa'l tried ["o'nd] #) e3perience% that that .a! mo!t tr'e .hich he him!el"
a""irmeth% that the Script're i! pro"ita#le to convince% F
NDD0316O
/ Timoth) 3416.G *l!o% he per"ormed
that .hich he re@'ired el!e.here o" a #i!hop and teacher% F
ND6010MO
Tit'! 14M<G "or he .a! armed
.ith the .ord o" >od to maintain the tr'th. *nd L'$e !etteth do.n t.o thing!% that Pa'l !o got
the victor) in di!p'ting that he overthre. the Be.!< and )et their !t'##ornne!! .a! not #ro$en
and tamed that the) )ielded to the tr'th% #eca'!e their con!cience! rage neverthele!! in.ardl)%
and #eing thro.n do.n "rom their "al!e opinion% the) do not !'#mit them!elve! to Chri!t.
Jhence had Pa'l thi! victor)% !ave onl) #eca'!e the Script're .a! hi! !.ordI There"ore% !o
o"ten a! heretic! !tand 'p to re!i!t the tr'e "aith% !o o"ten a! .ic$ed men endeavor to overthro.
all godline!!% !o o"ten a! the 'ngodl) do o#!tinatel) re!i!t% let '! remem#er that .e m'!t "et
11M
[!ee$] armor hence. -eca'!e the Papi!t! "ind no .eapon! in Script're% )ea% #eca'!e the) !ee that
it ma$eth @'ite again!t them% the) "l) into thi! mi!era#le "ortre!!
961D
that the) m'!t not di!p'te
.ith heretic!% and that there can no certain thing #e !et do.n o't o" Script're. -'t i" Satan
him!el" #e van@'i!hed .ith the !.ord o" the .ord% .h) !hall it not #e a#le to p't heretic! to
"lightI not that the) .ill !'#mit them!elve!% or ma$e an end o" m'rm'ring%
9616
#'t #eca'!e the)
!hall lie overcome in them!elve!.
961M
*nd i" !o #e it .e covet to e!cape thi! tro'#le% let '! rai!e
no t'm'lt! again!t >od% #'t let '!% .ith a @'iet and mee$ !pirit% receive that peace .hich the
Script're o""ereth '!.
2. 2hen %any days $ere fulfilled( He !aith that man) da)! .ere e3pired% that .e ma) $no. that
Pa'l had !ome !pace o" time granted him .herein he might do good. 9or altho'gh the Be.! did
re!i!t him even "rom the "ir!t da)% )et the Lord did not !'""er the co'r!e .hich he had #eg'n .ell
to #e #ro$en o"" !o !oon% !o he doth .ith hi! .onder"'l co'n!el hinder the p'rpo!e! o" the
enemie!% !ta) their endeavor!% re!train their malice and madne!!% .hil!t that he "'rthereth
961E
the
go!pel< and al!o .e !ee .hat the hatred o" the tr'th doth. 9or .hen the .ic$ed !ee that the) are
'na#le to re!i!t% the) are carried headlong into #lood) "'r). The) .o'ld gladl) contemn the .ord
o" >od i" the) co'ld< #'t #eca'!e the) are en"orced% .hether the) .ill or no% to "eel the "orce
thereo"% the) r'n headlong% li$e "'rio'! #ea!t!% .ith #lind violence.
9611
The 'nadvi!ed and ra!h
heat o" 5eal .ill al.a)! almo!t #rea$ o't into !'ch cr'elt)% 'nle!! men !'""er them!elve! to #e
r'led #) the .ord o" >od. Thi! i!% a!!'redl)% horri#le #lindne!!. 9or .h) are the) !o mad% !ave
onl) #eca'!e their .o'nded con!cience doth ve3 themI -'t >od doth #) thi! mean! p'ni!h their
h)pocri!)% .ho do% there"ore% hate !o'nd religion< #eca'!e% #eing "riend! o" dar$ne!!% the) "l) the
light.
9'rthermore% .e !ee ho. !.eetl) the!e prepo!tero'! 5ealo'! "ello.!
96/0
grant them!elve! li#ert)
to do .hat!oever them l'!teth% .hen Satan hath once pric$ed them "or.ard to per!ec'te the
tr'th. 9or the) "ear not to ta$e co'n!el% 'nder color o" 5eal% to p't a man to death% .hich the)
$no. i! mere .ic$edne!!%
96/1
a! at thi! da) the Papi!t! thin$ that the) ma) do .hat!oever the)
.ill% !o the) can @'ench the doctrine o" the go!pel. The) rage not onl) .ith !.ord% #'t the) go
a#o't #) l)ing in .ait% #) treacher)% and #) mo!t e3ecra#le mean!% to de!tro) '!. Je m'!t% "ir!t%
#e.are that that do not #e"all '!% that .e entangle not o'r!elve! in the de"en!e o" evil ca'!e!<
!econdl)% that .e handle tho!e ca'!e! .ell .hich .e $no. are good. -'t it i! to #e tho'ght that
the) laid .ait "or Pa'l privil)< that done% .hen the) co'ld do no good thi! .a)% it i! li$el) that
the) came to the governor o" the cit)% and that then the gate! .ere .atched% that the) might #)
one mean! or other catch him. 9or Pa'l !aith that *reta!% the $ing=! governor% commanded that
.hich L'$e attri#'teth in thi! place to the Be.!.
2!. The dis'i+les ha&ing ta#en hi% by night( There i! a @'e!tion moved here% .hether it .ere
la."'l "or the di!ciple! to !ave Pa'l th'! or noI and al!o% .hether it .ere la."'l "or Pa'l to
e!cape danger #) thi! mean! or noI 9or the la.! !a) that the .all! o" citie! are hol)% [!acred%]
and that the gate! are hol). There"ore% he o'ght rather to have !'""ered death% than to have
!'""ered a p'#lic order to #e #ro$en "or hi! !a$e. + an!.er% that .e m'!t con!ider .h) it i!
decreed #) the la.! that the .all! !ho'ld not #e violated< to .it% that the citie! ma) not #e laid
open to m'rder! and ro##erie!% and that the citie! ma) #e "ree
96//
"rom trea!on. That rea!on
cea!eth .hen the @'e!tion i! concerning the deliver) o" an innocent man. There"ore% it .a! no
le!! la."'l "or the "aith"'l to #e let do.n in a #a!$et% than it !hall #e la."'l "or an) private
per!on to leap over a .all% that he ma) avoid
96/3
the !'dden inva!ion o" the enem). Cicero doth
handle thi! latter mem#er% and he !etteth do.n ver) .ell% that altho'gh the la. "or#id a !tranger
11E
to come near the .all% )et doth not he o""end .ho !hall go 'p 'pon the .all to !ave the cit)%
#eca'!e the la.! m'!t al.a)! #e inclined
96/0
to e@'it). There"ore Pa'l i! not to #e #lamed%
#eca'!e he e!caped #) !tealth% !eeing that he doth that .itho't rai!ing an) t'm'lt among!t the
people. :everthele!!% .e !ee ho. the Lord '!eth to h'm#le tho!e that #e hi!% !eeing that Pa'l i!
en"orced to !teal hi! li"e "rom the .atchmen o" the cit) i" he .ill !ave him!el". There"ore% he
rec$oneth thi! e3ample among!t hi! in"irmitie!. He .a! ac@'ainted #etime .ith the cro!!
96/D

.ith thi! "ir!t e3erci!e.
ACTS &:2#-1
2#. *nd .hen Sa'l .a! at Ber'!alem% he e!!a)ed to ?oin him!el" to the di!ciple!% and
the) .ere all a"raid o" him% not #elieving that he .a! a di!ciple. 2%. -'t .hen
-arna#a! had ta$en him% he #ro'ght him to the apo!tle!% and he told them ho. that
he had !een the Lord in the .a)% and that he had !po$en to him% and ho. he had
#ehaved him!el" #oldl) at (ama!c'!% in the name o" Be!'!% 2$. *nd he .a!
conver!ant .ith them at Ber'!alem< and .hen he .a! em#oldened in the name o"
the Lord Be!'!% 2&. He !pa$e% and di!p'ted .ith the >recian!. *nd the) .ent a#o't
to $ill him. '. Jhich .hen the #rethren $ne.% the) #ro'ght him to Ce!area% and
!ent him to Tar!'!. 1. Then the ch'rche! thro'gho't all B'dea% and >alilee% and
Samaria% had peace< and the) .ere edi"ied% and .al$ed in the "ear o" the Lord% and
.ere "illed .ith the con!olation o" the Hol) Spirit.
2#. 2hen 3aul $as( The!e .ere )et hard entrance!
96/6
"or Pa'l% .ho .a! a! )et #'t a "re!h.ater
!oldier% in that% .hen he had hardl) e!caped the hand! o" the enemie!% the di!ciple! .o'ld not
receive him. 9or he might have !eemed to have #een !o to!!ed to and "ro% a! it .ere% in moc$er)%
that he co'ld have no re!ting place. *ll hi! o.n nation .a! !et again!t him "or Chri!t=! ca'!e.
The Chri!tian! re"'!e him. Might he not have #een @'ite di!co'raged and o't o" hope a! one
e3pelled o't o" men=! compan)I 9ir!t% .hat remaineth #'t that he "all a.a) "rom the Ch'rch%
!eeing he i! not receivedI -'t .hen he remem#ereth the li"e .hich he had led a"oretime he
marvelleth not that the) are a"raid
96/M
o" him. There"ore% he doth patientl) !'""er the #rethren to
re"'!e hi! compan)% !eeing the) had ?'!t ca'!e o" "ear. Thi! .a! tr'e conver!ion% that .herea! he
raged horri#l) #e"ore% he doth no. valiantl) !'""er the !torm! o" per!ec'tion!< and% in the mean
!ea!on% .hen a! he cannot #e admitted into the compan) o" the godl)% he .aiteth .ith a @'iet
mind 'ntil >od reconcile them 'nto him. Je m'!t diligentl) note .hat he de!ireth% to .it% that he
ma) #e n'm#ered among!t the di!ciple! o" Chri!t. Thi! can he not o#tain. Here i! no am#ition%
#'t he .a! to #e in!tr'cted #) thi! mean! to ma$e more acco'nt even o" the lo.e!t place
among!t the di!ciple! o" Chri!t than o" all ma!ter!hip! in corr'pt and revolted
96/E
!)nagog'e!%
*nd "rom thi! !'#mi!!ion .a! he e3alted 'nto the highe!t degree o" honor% that he might #e the
principal doctor o" the Ch'rch% even 'nto the end o" the .orld. -'t no man i! "it to #e a teacher
in the Ch'rch !ave onl) he .ho .illingl) !'#mitteth him!el"%
96/1
that he ma) #e a "ello. di!ciple
.ith other men.
2%. 2hen .arnabas had ta#en hi%( Jherea! the di!ciple! "led !o "a!t "rom Pa'l% that .a!%
peradvent're% a point o" too great "ear"'lne!!%
9630
and )et he !pea$eth o" none o" the common
!ort% #'t o" the apo!tle! them!elve!. -'t he doth either e3ten'ate or lighten their "a'lt% #eca'!e
the) !'!pected him "or ?'!t ca'!e!% .hom the) had "o'nd and tried
9631
to #e !'ch a deadl)
enem)< and% it .a! to #e "eared% le!t the) !ho'ld ra!hl) endanger them!elve! i" the) !ho'ld have
!ho.ed them!elve! to #e !o ea!) to entreat. There"ore% + thin$ that the) are not to #e #lamed "or
111
that "ear .hich the) conceived "or ?'!t ca'!e% or that the) de!erve to #e even acc'!ed "or the
!ame. 9or i" the) had #een called to give an acco'nt o" their "aith% the) .o'ld have provo$ed
963/

not Pa'l onl)% #'t al!o all the "'rie! o" hell% .itho't "ear. Jhence .e gather that ever) "ear i! not
to #e condemned #'t !'ch a! ca'!eth '! to t'rn a!ide "rom o'r d't). The narration .hich L'$e
addeth ma) #e re"erred a! .ell 'nto the per!on o" -arna#a! a! o" Pa'l. ;et + thin$ rather that
Pa'l declareth to the apo!tle! .hat had #e"allen him< and )et the !peech ma) #e .ell applied to
-arna#a!% e!peciall) .hen a! mention i! made o" Pa'l=! #oldne!!.
2$. L'$e !aith a"ter.ard! that Pa'l $ent in and out $ith the dis'i+les, .hich !peech !igni"ieth
among!t the He#re.! "amiliarit)% a! the inha#itant! o" citie! are !aid to go in and o't at the gate!
o" the cit). There"ore a"ter that Pa'l .a! commended #) the te!timon) o" -arna#a!% he #egan to
#e co'nted one o" the "loc$% that he might #e thoro'ghl) $no.n to the Ch'rch. L'$e !aith again
that he dealt #oldl) in the name o" the Lord% #) .hich .ord! he commendeth hi! F!to'tne!! andG
co'rage in pro"e!!ing the go!pel. 9or he d'r!t never have .hi!pered amid!t !o man) let!% 'nle!!
he had #een endo.ed .ith rare con!tanc). :everthele!!% all men are ta'ght .hat the) o'ght to
do< to .it% ever) man according to the mea!'re o" hi! "aith. 9or tho'gh all #e not Pa'l!% )et the
"aith o" Chri!t o'ght to engender in o'r mind! !o great #oldne!!% that .e #e not altogether d'm#
.hen .e have need to !pea$. + ta$e the na%e of the Lord in thi! place "or the pro"e!!ion o" the
go!pel< in thi! !en!e% that Pa'l de"ended Chri!t=! ca'!e man"'ll).
2&. He dis+uted $ith the Gre'ians( ,ra!m'! noteth .ell in thi! place that tho!e are here called
>recian!% not .hich came
9633
o" >recian!% #'t rather tho!e Be.! .ho .ere !cattered thro'gho't
diver! part! o" the .orld. Tho!e men .ere .ont to come together
9630
to Ber'!alem to .or!hip.
*nd it i! to #e tho'ght that Pa'l di!p'ted rather .ith !tranger! and alien!%
963D
than .ith tho!e
.ho d.elt at Ber'!alem%
9636
#eca'!e thi! latter !ort .o'ld never have a#idden him% neither had it
#een .i!el) done to come in their !ight. There"ore #eing e3cl'ded "rom tho!e .ho $ne. him
#e"ore he tried .hether there .ere an) hope to do good among!t men .hom he $ne. not% !o that
he did mo!t !to'tl) .hat!oever concerned the d't) o" a valiant !oldier.
They $ould ha&e slain hi%( -ehold% again% "'r) in!tead o" 5eal< and it cannot other.i!e #e% #'t
that h)pocri!) and !'per!tition .ill #e cr'el and "ierce. The godl) m'!t #e incen!ed .ith an hol)
.rath% .hen the) !ee the p're tr'th o" >od corr'pted .ith "al!e and .ic$ed opinion!< )et% !o that
the) moderate their 5eal% that the) !et do.n nothing 'ntil the) have thoro'ghl) .eighed the
ca'!e< and% !econdl)% that the) e!!a) to #ring tho!e into the .a) .ho .ander o't o" the !ame.
La!tl)% that i" the) !ee their !t'##ornne!! to #e pa!t hope% the) them!elve! ta$e not the !.ord in
hand% #eca'!e the) m'!t $no. that the) have no a'thorit) granted them o" the Lord to Fp'ni!h
orG revenge. -'t h)pocrite! are al.a)! read) to !hed #lood #e"ore the) $no. the matter< !o that
!'per!tition i! #lood)% thro'gh #lind and headlong "'r). -'t Pa'l% .ho o" late ran 'p and do.n to
ve3 the godl)% can a#ide no.here no..
963M
*nd )et thi! e!tate .a! "ar #etter "or him% than i" he
!ho'ld have reigned in peace and @'ietne!!% driving the godl) ever).here o't o" their place!.
'. +n that he .ent to Tar!'!% he did it 'ndo'#tedl) to thi! end% that he might carr) the doctrine o"
the go!pel thither% #eca'!e he hoped that he !ho'ld have !ome "avor and a'thorit) in hi! co'ntr)%
.here he .a! "amo'!< )et .a! he #ro'ght thither #) the #rethren% that the) might deliver him
"rom the l)ing in .ait.
1. Then the Chur'hes( L'$e=! meaning i!% that the enemie! o" the go!pel .ere greatl) provo$ed
#) Pa'l=! pre!ence. 9or .h) .a! there !'ch peace made !'ddenl) #) hi! depart're% !ave onl)
#eca'!e the ver) !ight o" him did provo$e the "'r) o" the enemie!I *nd )et thi! i! no reproach to
/00
him% a! i" he had #een% a! it .ere% !ome tr'mpet in .ar< #'t L'$e doth rather commend him "or
thi!% #eca'!e he made the .ic$ed r'n mad% onl) .ith the !mell o" him .hen he .a! near them.
9or Chri!t meant !o to tri'mph in him% that he might #e no le!! a tro'#le than an ornament to hi!
Ch'rch.
There"ore .e are ta'ght #) thi! e3ample that tho!e are not #) and #)
963E
to #e condemned% .ho
in"lame the madne!! o" the .ic$ed more than other!< .hich admonition i! not a little pro"ita#le.
9or a! .e are too daint) and too m'ch #e!otted .ith the love o" o'r o.n re!t% !o .e #e al!o
!ometime! angr) .ith the #e!t and mo!t e3cellent !ervant! o" Chri!t% i" .e thin$ that thro'gh
their vehemenc) the .ic$ed are pric$ed "or.ard to do h'rt< and #) thi! mean! .e do in?'r) to
the Spirit o" >od% .ho!e "orce and !peech $indleth all that "lame.
*nd .herea! L'$e !aith% that the Ch'rche! had peace% let '! $no. that it .a! not contin'al% #'t
#eca'!e the Lord granted hi! !ervant! !ome !hort #reathing. 9or th'! doth he #ear .ith
9631
o'r
in"irmit)% .hen he appea!eth or mitigateth the .ind! and !torm! o" per!ec'tion!% le!t i" the)
!ho'ld hold on !till% the) !ho'ld 'rge '! o't o" mea!'re. *nd thi! #le!!ing i! not to #e de!pi!ed%
neither i! it an) common #le!!ing% .hen a! the Ch'rche! have peace. -'t L'$e addeth other
thing!% .hich are o" "ar more val'e< to .it% that the Ch'rche! .ere edi"ied% the) .al$ed in the
"ear o" >od% and the) .ere "illed .ith the con!olation o" the Spirit. 9or a! .e are .ont to riot and
e3ceed in time o" peace% the Ch'rche! are more happ)% "or the mo!t part% amid!t the t'm'lt! o"
.ar% than i" the) !ho'ld en?o) .hat re!t the) .o'ld de!ire. -'t and i" hol) conver!ation% and the
con!olation o" the Spirit% .here#) their !tate doth "lo'ri!h% #e ta$en a.a)% the) lo!e not onl)
their "elicit)% #'t the) come to no'ght. There"ore% let '! learn not to a#'!e e3ternal peace in
#an@'eting and idlene!!< #'t the more re!t .e have given '! "rom o'r enemie!% to enco'rage
o'r!elve! to go "or.ard in godline!! .hil!t .e ma). *nd i" at an) time the Lord let loo!e the
#ridle to the .ic$ed to tro'#le '!% let the in.ard con!olation o" the Spirit #e !'""icient "or '!.
9inall)% a! .ell in peace a! in .ar% let '! al.a)! ?o)"'ll) go "or.ard to.ard him .ho hath a
re.ard "or '!.
9600
,di"ication ma) #e ta$en either "or increa!e< to .it% .hil!t the Ch'rche! are a'gmented .ith the
n'm#er o" the "aith"'l% or "or their going "or.ard .ho are alread) in the "loc$< to .it% .hil!t the)
have ne. gi"t! given them% and have greater con"irmation o" godline!!. +n the "ir!t !igni"ication it
!hall #e re"erred 'nto the per!on!< in the !econd 'nto the gi"t! o" the Spirit. + em#race #oth
.illingl)< that there .ere !ome ever) no. and then gathered 'nto the Ch'rch .ho .ere !tranger!
#e"ore% and tho!e .ho .ere o" the ho'!ehold o" the Ch'rch did increa!e in godline!! and other
virt'e!. 9'rthermore% the metaphor o" a #'ilding i! ver) convenient% #eca'!e the Ch'rch i! the
temple and ho'!e o" >od% and ever) one o" the "aith"'l i! al!o a temple% F
ND0031DO
1 Timoth) 341D<
N060316O
1 Corinthian! 3416.G The t.o thing! .hich "ollo.% that the) .al$ed in the "ear o" >od% and
that the) .ere "illed .ith the con!olation o" the Spirit% are part! o" that edi"ication. There"ore%
tho'gh the Ch'rche! had peace% )et the) .ere not dr'n$en .ith delight! and earthl) ?o)% #'t%
tr'!ting to >od=! help% the) .ere more em#oldened to glori") >od.
ACTS &:2-!
2. *nd it happened% that .hil!t Peter .al$ed thro'gh all% he came al!o 'nto
the !aint! .hich d.elt at L)dda. . *nd he "o'nd there a man named.
*,nea!% .ho had laid in hi! #ed eight )ear!% .ho had the pal!). ". *nd Peter
!aith 'nto him% *enea!% Be!'! Chri!t ma$e thee .hole4 ari!e% and ma$e th)
#ed. *nd "orth.ith he aro!e. !. *nd all tho!e .hich d.elt at L)dda and
/01
*!!aron !a. him% and .ere t'rned 'nto the Lord.
2. L'$e !etteth do.n ho. the Ch'rch .a! increa!ed #) miracle!. *nd he reciteth t.o miracle!4
That a man .ho had #een #edrid eight )ear!% having the pal!)% .a! !'ddenl) healed< and that a
certain .oman .a! rai!ed "rom death. 9ir!t% he !aith% that a! Peter .al$ed thro'gho't all% he
came to L)dda. *nd #) all 'nder!tand not Ch'rche!% #'t the "aith"'l% #eca'!e it i! in >ree$ o" the
ma!c'line gender% tho'gh that !$illeth not m'ch "or the !en!e. *nd it .a! meet that the apo!tle!%
.ho had no certain place o" a#ode% !ho'ld .ander hither and thither a! occa!ion .a! o""ered.
Jhere"ore% .hil!t the) are all occ'pied in diver! part!% Peter too$ 'pon him thi! charge% .here#)
the "ooli!hne!! o" the Papi!t! i! re"'ted% .ho gather Peter=! primac) #) the a'thorit) .hich he
had to vi!it< a! i" the re!t o" the apo!tle! did live idl) at Ber'!alem li$e private men% .hen Peter
did vi!it the Ch'rche!. *gain% admit .e grant that Peter .a! the chie" apo!tle% .hich thing the
Script're !ho.eth o"tentime!% doth it there'pon "ollo. that he .a! the head o" the .orldI -'t
.o'ld to >od the #i!hop o" 8ome% .ho .ill #e co'nted Peter=! !'cce!!or% .o'ld travel a! he did
to animate the #rethren% and .o'ld ever) .here prove indeed that he i! the apo!tle o" Chri!t.
:o.% he .hich o't o" hi! throne doth .ith more than t)ranno'! lord!hip oppre!! all the
Ch'rche!% pretendeth that Peter did vi!it the Ch'rche! .ith great pain!.
2hi'h d$elt at Lydda( L)dda% .hich .a! a"ter.ard called (io!poli!% .a! !it'ated not "ar "rom
the Mediterranean Sea% #eing a reno.ned cit) a! .ell "or anti@'it) a! al!o "or man) gi"t!. Boppa
.a! nigh to thi! cit)% .hich had a "amo'! haven% tho'gh ver) "'ll o" roc$!. The cit) it!el" !tood
'pon a high cli""% .hence the) might !ee to Ber'!alem. *t thi! da) there i! nothing to #e !een
there #'t the r'ino'! .all! o" the old cit)% !ave onl) that the haven remaineth% .hich the) call
mo!t commonl) Baphet. +t !ho'ld !eem that L'$e nameth *!!aron a! !ome to.n or cit). Berome
mentioneth Saron% and thin$eth that there#) i! meant the .hole plain l)ing #et.een Ce!area and
Boppa. -'t #eca'!e Berome !ho.eth no rea!on .h) he !ho'ld change the reading .hich i!
commonl) '!ed% + admit that .illingl) .hich L'$e=! te3t !ho.eth me% to .it% that it .a! a cit)
hard #). -'t + do not contend a#o't thi! matter< a! + do not am#itio'!l) gather tho!e thing! .hich
ma) !erve "or a vain #rag% #eca'!e it !hall #e !'""icient "or the godl) reader! to $no. tho!e
thing! .hich ma$e to L'$e=! meaning.
". /esus Christ %a#eth thee $hole( +t i! certain that the apo!tle! .o'ld never have attempted the
doing o" miracle!% 'nle!! the) had #een "ir!t certi"ied o" the .ill o" >od% .here'pon the e""ect
did depend. 9or the) had no !'ch po.er o" the Spirit given them that the) co'ld heal .hat!oever
!ic$ per!on! the) .o'ld< #'t a! Chri!t him!el" '!ed a mea!'re in hi! miracle!% !o he .o'ld have
hi! apo!tle! to .or$ no more than he $ne. .ere pro"ita#le. There"ore Peter did not ra!hl) #rea$
o't into the!e .ord!< #eca'!e he might have !et him!el" to #e la'ghed at% 'nle!! he had alread)
$no.n the .ill o" >od. +t ma) #e that he pra)ed apart. The Spirit .ho .a! the a'thor o" all
miracle!% and .hich .ro'ght #) the hand o" Peter% did even then direct hi! tong'e% and did move
hi! heart #) a !ecret in!piration. *nd in the!e .ord! Peter !ho.eth plainl) that he i! onl) the
mini!ter o" the miracle% and that it proceedeth "rom the po.er o" Chri!t< that he ma) #) thi!
mean! e3tol the name o" Chri!t alone.
Ma#e thy bed( The!e circ'm!tance! do ampli") the glor) o" the miracle% in that he doth not onl)
recover !trength to ri!e% #'t i! al!o a#le to ma$e hi! o.n #ed% .ho co'ld move no mem#er
#e"ore. To the !ame end tendeth the contin'ance o" the di!ea!e< "or a pal!) o" eight )ear!=
contin'ance i! not ea!il) c'red. +n li$e !ort i! he !aid to have laid in hi! #ed% that .e ma) $no.
/0/
that all hi! mem#er! .ere lame< "or it .a! a little #ed .herein the) .ere .ont to re!t at noon.
Jherea! *,nea! .a! !o read) to ma$e trial o" hi! mem#er!% he there#) declared the o#edience
o" hi! "aith. 9or altho'gh he perceived the !trength .hich .a! given him%
9601
)et he .a! mo!t o"
all moved .ith the e""icac) o" the .ord!% to rise(
!. And all those( Hi! meaning i!% that the miracle .a! p'#li!hed a#road% and .a! $no.n
thro'gho't the .hole cit). 9or .hen the Script're !aith all% it doth not comprehend ever) one
ho. man) !o ever it noteth< #'t it p'tteth all "or the more part% or "or man)% or "or the common
!ort o" men. There"ore% the !en!e i!% that .herea! there .a! #'t a !mall n'm#er o" godl) men
there% a great part o" the people #ecame mem#er! o" the Ch'rch. *nd in thi! cla'!e i! e3pre!!ed
the "r'it o" the miracle% #eca'!e the) em#raced Chri!t and hi! go!pel. Jhere"ore tho!e men
corr'pt miracle!% .ho!oever the) #e% .hich loo$ onl) 'pon men% and do not t'rn their e)e!
to.ard thi! end% that #eing in!tr'cted concerning the po.er and grace o" Chri!t% the) ma) !tic$
onl) to him. There"ore that to$en o" Chri!t=! divine po.er .hich he !ho.ed .a! the #eginning
o" t'rning to him.
960/
ACTS &:#-$
#. *nd there .a! a certain di!ciple at Boppa called Ta#itha% .hich% i" )o'
interpret it% i! called (orca!. Thi! .oman .a! "'ll o" good .or$! and alm!
.hich !he did. %. *nd it happened in tho!e da)! that !he .a! !ic$% and died.
*nd .hen the) had .a!hed her% the) laid her in an 'pper parlo'r. $. *nd
"ora!m'ch a! L)dda .a! near to Boppa% the di!ciple!% .ho had heard that Peter
.a! there% !ent t.o men to him% re@'e!ting him that he .o'ld come to them.
#. There "ollo.eth a more "amo'! to$en o" Chri!t=! po.er% #) ho. m'ch it i! more hard to
re!tore li"e to a dead #od)% than to re!tore health to a man that i! !ic$. -'t L'$e doth "ir!t
commend the per!on o" Ta#itha on .hom the miracle .a! !ho.ed% and that .ith a do'#le title< to
.it% that !he .a! Chri!t=! di!ciple% and that !he approved her "aith .ith good .or$! and alm!. He
hath o"tentime! alread) p't thi! .ord dis'i+le "or a Chri!tian man< and le!t .e !ho'ld thin$ that
that name .a! proper to men onl)% he attri#'teth the !ame to a .oman. *nd thi! title teacheth '!
that Chri!tianit) cannot #e .itho't doctrine< and that that "orm o" learning i! pre!cri#ed% that the
!ame Chri!t ma) #e Ma!ter to all. Thi! i! the chie"e!t prai!e% thi! i! the #eginning o" hol) li"e%
thi! i! the root o" all virt'e!% to have learned o" the Son o" >od the .a) to live% and the tr'e li"e.
The "r'it! o" good .or$! proceed a"ter.ard "rom "aith. -) good .or$! + mean the d'tie! o" love%
.here.ith o'r neigh#or! are helped< and L'$e placeth the chie" $ind in alm!. The commendation
o" li#eralit) i! great% #eca'!e% a! the Hol) >ho!t doth .itne!!% it containeth in it!el" the !'m o" a
godl) and per"ect li"e. :o. .e !ee .hat title! Ta#itha hath. 9or religion to.ard >od or "aith
goeth "ir!t< !econdl)% that !he e3erci!ed her!el" in helping the #rethren% and !peciall) in relieving
the povert) o" the poor. 9or #) '!e it i! come to pa!!% that all that help .here.ith the poor% and
tho!e .hich are in mi!er)% are helped% i! called elehmosunh. Ta#itha i! rather a S)rian .ord than
an He#re.% .hich L'$e did t'rn into >ree$% that .e might $no. that it .a! not li$e to the
virt'e! o" the hol) .omen% and that !he .a! de#a!ed in !'ch a !imple name<
9603
"or (orca!
!igni"ieth a goat< #'t the holine!! o" her li"e did ea!il) .ipe a.a) the #lot o" a name not ver)
!eeml).
%. !t ha++ened that she $as si'#( He !aith in plain .ord! that !he .a! !ic$% that he ma) the more
plainl) e3pre!! her death .hich "ollo.ed. To the !ame end he !aith that the corp!e .a! .a!hed
/03
and laid in an 'pper cham#er< there"ore% the!e circ'm!tance! !erve to ma$e the miracle to #e
#elieved. Jherea! the) carr) her not !traight.a) to the grave% #'t la) her in the 'pper part o" the
ho'!e% that the) ma) $eep her there% .e ma) there#) gather that the) had !ome hope o"
recovering her li"e. +t i! li$el) that the rite o" .a!hing% .hereo" L'$e ma$eth mention% .a! mo!t
ancient< and + do not do'#t #'t that it came "rom the hol) "ather! #) contin'al co'r!e o" time!% a!
i" it had #een delivered "rom hand to hand% that in death it!el" !ome vi!i#le and o" the
re!'rrection might com"ort the mind! o" the godl)% and li"t them 'p 'nto !ome good hope< to .it%
!eeing the mani"e!tation o" eternal li"e .a! not !o evident% )ea% !eeing that Chri!t% the pledge and
!'#!tance o" eternal li"e% .a! not a! )et revealed% it .a! re@'i!ite that #oth the o#!c'rit) o"
doctrine% and al!o the a#!ence o" Chri!t% !ho'ld #e !'pplied #) !'ch help!. There"ore the)
.a!hed the #odie! o" the dead% that the) might once
9600
!tand #e"ore the ?'dgment!eat o" >od%
#eing clean.
960D
9inall)% there .a! the !ame rea!on "or .a!hing the dead .hich .a! "or the
living< the dail) .a!hing p't them in mind o" thi!% that no man can plea!e >od !ave he .ho
!ho'ld #e p'rged "rom hi! "ilthine!!. So% in the rite o" #'r)ing% >od .o'ld have !ome !ign e3tant
.here#) men might #e admoni!hed that the) .ent poll'ted o't o" thi! li"e #) rea!on o" that
"ilthine!! .hich the) had gathered in the .orld. Ja!hing did no more help tho!e .hich .ere
dead than #'rial% #'t it .a! '!ed to teach the living<
9606
"or #eca'!e death hath !ome !ho. o"
de!tr'ction% le!t it !ho'ld e3ting'i!h the "aith o" the re!'rrection% it .a! re@'i!ite that contrar)
!ho.! !ho'ld #e !et again!t it% that the) might repre!ent li"e in death. The >entile! al!o too$ to
them!elve! thi! ceremon)% "or .hich ca'!e ,nni'! !aith, A good $o%an did $ash and anoint
Tar9uiniuss 'or+se( -'t FtheirG imitation .a! #'t api!h
960M
in thi! thing% a! in all other
ceremonie!. *nd Chri!tian! al!o have ta$en to them!elve! thi! e3ample 'nadvi!edl)% a! i" the
o#!ervation o" a "ig're '!ed 'nder the la. o'ght to contin'e al.a)!< "or at the #eginning o" the
go!pel% altho'gh the nece!!it) .ere a#oli!hed% )et the '!e .a! la."'l% 'ntil !'ch time a! it might
gro. o't o" '!e in tract o" time. -'t the mon$! do at thi! da) no le!! imitate B'dai!m than did the
>entile! in time! pa!t% .itho't choice and ?'dgment% "or the) .a!h corp!e!% that the) ma) #'r)
Chri!t in !hado.!% .hich% #eing #'ried .ith him in hi! grave% o'ght never to have #een '!ed an)
more.
$. The dis'i+les, $hi'h had heard, The .a!hing o" the corp!e !ho.eth that the di!ciple! $ne.
not .hat .o'ld come to pa!!% "or #) thi! mean! the) ma$e the corp!e read) to #e #'ried. ;et thi!
i! !ome to$en o" hope% that the) la) her in an 'pper cham#er% and !end to Peter. 9'rthermore%
the) m'rm'r not again!t >od% neither do the) cr) o't that it i! an 'nmeet thing< #'t the) h'm#l)
crave >od=! help% not that the) .ill ma$e Ta#itha immortal% #'t their onl) de!ire i! to have her
li"e prolonged "or a time% that !he ma) )et pro"it the Ch'rch.
ACTS &:&-"
&. *nd Peter aro!e and came .ith them% .hom% .hen he .a! come% the) #ro'ght
into the 'pper cham#er% and all the .ido.! !tood a#o't her .eeping% and !ho.ing
the coat! and garment! .hich (orca! made .hen !he .a! .ith them. "'. *nd .hen
the) .ere all p't o't% Peter $neeled do.n and pra)ed< and% t'rning him!el" to.ard
the corp!e% he !aid% Ta#itha% ari!e. *nd !he opened her e)e!< and .hen !he !a. Peter%
!he !at 'p. "1. *nd he reached o't hi! hand% and li"ted her 'p% and .hen he had
called the !aint! and .ido.!% he re!tored [e3hi#ited] her alive."2. That .a! noi!ed
thro'gh all Boppa% and man) #elieved in the Lord. ". *nd it happened that he
!ta)ed man) da)! at Boppa .ith a certain man% named Simon% a tanner.
/00
&. And Peter arose( +t i! do'#t"'l .hether the me!!enger! declared to Peter the Fmatter andG
ca'!e .h) the) "et [!ent "or] him< )et it i! more li$e to #e tr'e% that the) re@'e!ted him a#!ol'tel)
that he .o'ld come to .or$ a miracle. -'t there ari!eth another @'e!tion% .hether he $ne.
>od=! p'rpo!e or notI 9ir!t% i" he !ho'ld mi!tr'!t the !'cce!!% he !ho'ld go .ith them
'nadvi!edl)I + an!.er% altho'gh he did not )et $no. .hat the Lord .o'ld do% )et can he not #e
#lamed "or )ielding to the re@'e!t o" the #rethren. *l!o% there .ere other rea!on! .h) he !ho'ld
come< to .it% to mitigate their !orro.< to !trengthen them .ith godl) e3hortation!% le!t the)
!ho'ld "aint% #eing di!co'raged .ith the death o" one .oman< to e!ta#li!h the Ch'rch% .hich .a!
a! )et tender% and #'t a! it .ere an in"ant. La!tl)% thi! one thing o'ght to have #een !'""icient "or
him% #eca'!e in re"'!ing he !ho'ld have #een tho'ght pro'dl) to de!pi!e hi! #rethren%
not.ith!tanding .e m'!t $no. thi! al!o% that !o o"ten a! the Lord determined to .or$ !ome
miracle #) hi! apo!tle!% he did al.a)! direct them #) the !ecret motion o" the Spirit. + do not
do'#t #'t that altho'gh Peter .ere not )et certain o" the li"e o" Ta#itha% )et did he 'ndo'#tedl)
perceive that >od .a! hi! g'ide and cond'ctor in that ?o'rne)% !o that he addre!!ed him!el" to go
not 'nadvi!edl)% tho'gh #eing 'ncertain o" the event.
960E
All the $ido$s( L'$e e3pre!!eth in thi! place the ca'!e "or .hich Ta#itha .a! rai!ed "rom death<
to .it #eca'!e >od pitied the poor% and did at their de!ire re!tore the .oman to li"e. There .ere
al!o other end!. 9or !eeing !he liveth t.o live!% tho!e virt'e! .hich L'$e commended #e"ore are
adorned in her per!on% #'t the chie" end i!% that the glor) o" Chri!t ma) #e !et "orth. 9or >od
co'ld have $ept her alive longer< neither doth he change hi! p'rpo!e% a! #eing moved .ith
repentance .hen he doth re!tore her to li"e again% #'t #eca'!e man) o" the di!ciple! .ere .ea$
and novice!% .ho had need o" con"irmation% >od declareth #) the !econd li"e o" Ta#itha% that hi!
Son i! a'thor o" li"e. There"ore >od did re!pect the poor and .ido.! in !'ch !ort% that% #)
relieving their povert)% he e!ta#li!hed in their mind! the "aith o" hi! go!pel< "or in thi! miracle he
gave ample matter o" pro"iting.
"'. 2hen they $ere all +ut forth( Jhen a! he ta$eth a time to pra)% he !eemeth a! )et to do'#t
.hat .ill #e the end. Jhen he healed *,nea! he #ra$e o't into the!e .ord!% .itho't ma$ing an)
!top% Aneas, /esus Christ %a#e thee $hole( -'t a! the operation o" the Spirit i! not al.a)! ali$e
and the !ame% it ma) #e that tho'gh he $ne. the po.er o" >od% )et he .ent "or.ard 'nto the
miracle #) degree!. ;et it !eemeth to #e an a#!'rd thing% that he p'tteth all the !aint! o't o" the
cham#er% "or .hom it had #een #etter to have !een it .ith their e)e!. -'t #eca'!e the Lord had
not a! )et revealed the time .hen% and the manner ho.% he .o'ld !ho. "orth hi! po.er% he
de!ired to #e alone% that he might the more "itl) pra). *l!o it might #e% that he $ne. !ome other
rea!on .hich moved him to do thi!% .hich .e $no. not. +t i! recorded in the Sacred Hi!tor)%
F
N111M/3O
1 Ling! 1M4/3%G that ,lia! did the !ame. 9or he #eing alone% and not !o m'ch a! the mother
o" the child .ith him% doth !tretch him!el" thrice 'pon the dead corp!e. 9or the Spirit o" >od hath
hi! vehement motion!% .hich% i" an) man .ill !@'are o't according to the common '!e o" men%
or mea!'re #) the !en!e o" the "le!h% he !hall do .ic$edl) and 'n?'!tl). Je m'!t thi! thin$% .hen
a! Peter% a! it .ere do'#ting% !ee$eth a #) place% he preventeth !'per!tition% le!t an) man !ho'ld
a!cri#e to hi! po.er the .or$ o" >od% .hereo" he .a! onl) a mini!ter% 9or he .hich .ithdre.
him!el" "rom compan)% and did pra) !o in!tantl)% did plainl) con"e!! that the matter .a! not in
hi! o.n hand. There"ore% .hen Peter .i!heth to $no. .hat plea!eth the Lord% he con"e!!eth that
he alone .a! the a'thor o" the .or$. Lneeling in time o" pra)er i! a to$en o" h'milit)% .hich
hath a do'#le pro"it% that all o'r mem#er! ma) #e applied 'nto the .or!hip o" >od% and that the
e3ternal e3erci!e o" the #od) ma) help the .ea$ne!! o" the mind< #'t .e m'!t ta$e heed !o o"ten
/0D
a! .e $neel do.n% that the in.ard !'#mi!!ion o" the heart #e an!.era#le to the ceremon)% that it
#e not vain and "al!e.
9601
Turning to$ards the 'or+se( Thi! !eemeth al!o to #e contrar) to rea!on% that he !pea$eth 'nto a
corp!e .itho't "eeling< #'t thi! !pea$ing 'nto the dead corp!e .a! one point o" the vehemenc)
.here'nto the Spirit o" >od en"orced Peter. *nd i" an) man de!ire a rea!on% thi! "orm o" !peech
doth more livel) e3pre!! the po.er o" >od in rai!ing the dead% than i" it !ho'ld #e !aid in the
third per!on% let thi! #od) receive li"e again and live. There"ore% .hen a! ,5e$iel doth !hado.
the deliverance o" the people 'nder a "ig're o" the re!'rrection4
P7 dead #one!%Q F!aith he%G Phear the .ord o" the Lord%Q
F
N/63M00O
,5e$iel 3M40.G
*nd Chri!t !aith%
PThe time !hall come .hen the dead !hall hear
the voice o" the Son o" >od%Q F
N030D/DO
Bohn D4/D.G
9or thi! .a! indeed the voice o" Chri!t% .hich .a! 'ttered #) the mo'th o" Peter% and gave
[#ac$] #reath to the #od) o" Ta#itha. The circ'm!tance! "ollo.ing !erve to con"irm the certaint)
o" the miracle.
"1. L'$e repeateth% again% in the end that !he .a! !ho.ed openl) to the di!ciple!< .hence .e
gather that !he .a! rai!ed again% rather "or other men=! !a$e than "or her o.n. -rain!ic$ "ello.!%
96D0
.ho dream that the !o'l o" man i! onl) a #la!t .hich vani!heth a.a) 'ntil the da) o" the
re!'rrection% !natch at thi! place to prove their doting .ithal. To .hat end .a! it F!a) the)G to
call #ac$ the !o'l o" Ta#itha into the pri!on o" the #od)% .here it !ho'ld !'""er !'ch mi!er)% i" it
.ere received into #le!!ed re!tI *! i" it .ere not la."'l "or >od to have re!pect o" hi! glor) a!
.ell in death a! in li"e< and a! i" thi! .ere not the tr'e "elicit) o" the godl) to live and die to him%
)ea% a! i" Chri!t .ere not to '! a vantage% a! .ell #) living a! d)ing% F
ND001/1O
Philippian! 14/1%G
.hen .e dedicate o'r!elve! to him. There"ore% there !hall no inconvenience "ollo.% i" the Lord
had greater re!pect to hi! o.n glor) than to Ta#itha% altho'gh% a! the commodit)
96D1
o" the
"aith"'l i! al.a)! anne3ed to the glor) o" >od% thi! t'rned to her greater good that !he revived%
that !he might #e a more e3cellent in!tr'ment o" >od=! goodne!! and po.er.
"2. And %any belie&ed( :o. appear mani"old "r'it! o" the miracle% "or >od com"orted the poor% a
godl) matron .a! re!tored to the Ch'rch% in .ho!e death it !'""ered great lo!!% and man) are
called 'nto the "aith< "or altho'gh Peter .ere [had #een] a mini!ter o" !o great po.er% )et he
$eepeth not the men in [on] him!el"< #'t doth rather direct them 'nto Chri!t.
". Jhen a! he !aith that Peter d.elt .ith a tanner% .e ma) here#) gather o" .hat manner o"
men the ch'rch o" Boppa did con!i!t% "or i" the chie"tain! o" the cit) had #een converted to Chri!t%
!ome one o" them .o'ld have lodged Peter< "or it had #een too cr'el a thing to !'""er an apo!tle
o" Chri!t to #e !o de!pi!ed. There"ore% the Lord did gather together there% a! ever) .here% a
ch'rch o" the common !ort o" men% that he might thro. do.n the pride o" the "le!h< and al!o
there#) appeareth Peter=! co'rte!)% in that he vo'ch!a"eth to lodge .ith a man o" that calling<
altho'gh it !eemeth that he .a! rather a merchant o" !ome good e!timation% than one o" the
#a!e!t !ort o" .or$men. 9or L'$e .ill !a) a"ter.ard! that there .ere there !ome .hich
mini!tered 'nto Peter% .here#) it appeareth that he .a! .ell and hone!tl) '!ed.
/06
CH*PT,8 10
ACTS 1':1-#
1. *nd there .a! a certain man o" Ce!area named Corneli'!% a captain
[cent'rion] o" the #and .hich .a! called the +talian #and< 2. * devo't man% and
one that "eared >od .ith hi! ho'!ehold% and one .hich gave alm! to all the
people% and .hich pra)ed to >od contin'all). . He !a. plainl) in a vi!ion%
a#o't the ninth ho'r o" the da)% an angel o" >od coming in 'nto him% and !a)ing
to him% Corneli'!. ". *nd #eholding% and #eing a"raid% he !aid% Jhat i! it% LordI
Then he !aid to him% Th) pra)er! and th) alm! are come 'p into remem#rance
#e"ore >od. !. *nd no. !end men to Boppa% and "et [!end "or] Simon% .hich i!
called Peter4 #. He lodgeth .ith one Simon a tanner% .ho!e ho'!e lieth to the
!ea< he !hall tell thee .hat tho' m'!t do.
1. L'$e pa!!eth over no. 'nto a .orth)
96D/
hi!tor)% to .it% that >od vo'ch!a"eth to advance a
!tranger% and one 'ncirc'mci!ed% 'nto !ing'lar honor a#ove all the Be.!% #eca'!e he doth #oth
!end hi! angel 'nto him% and "or hi! !a$e #ringeth Peter to Ce!area% that he ma) in!tr'ct him in
the go!pel. -'t "ir!t o" all L'$e !ho.eth .hat manner o" per!on thi! Corneli'! .a!% "or .ho!e
ca'!e an angel de!cended "rom heaven% and >od !pa$e to Peter in a vi!ion. He .a! a captain
[cent'rion] o" the +talian #and< a #and [cohort] did con!i!t 'pon [o"] a tho'!and "ootmen% and he
.hich .a! chie" captain .a! called a tri#'ne% For mar!hal.G *gain% ever) h'ndred had a captain.
* legion had "or the mo!t part "ive #and!. That #and .a! called the +talian #and% #eca'!e the
8oman! did choo!e !oldier! o"tentime! "rom among!t tho!e .hich d.elt in the province!< #'t
the) had the !trength o" the arm)
96D3
o't o" +tal)< there"ore% Corneli'! .a! an +talian #orn< #'t he
.a! at Ce!area .ith hi! h'ndred% to g'ard the cit). 9or the 8oman! .ere .ont !o to di!tri#'te
their place! o" a#ode%
96D0
that ever) cit) o" reno.n might have a garri!on to !ta) !'dden 'proar!.
* rare e3ample that a !oldier .a! !o devo't to.ard! >od% !o 'pright and co'rteo'! to.ard! menS
9or at that time the +talian!% .hen a! the) .ere carried into the province! to live in .ar"are% ran
to and "ro li$e h'ngr) .olve! to get !ome pre)< the) had "or the mo!t part no more religion than
#ea!t!< the) had a! great care o" innocenc) a! c'tthroat!< "or .hich ca'!e the virt'e! o" Corneli'!
de!erve the greater commendation% in that leading a !oldier=! li"e% .hich .a! at that time mo!t
corr'pt% he !erved >od holil)% and lived among!t men .itho't doing an) h'rt or in?'r). *nd thi!
i! no !mall ampli"ication o" hi! prai!e% in that ca!ting a.a) !'per!tition .herein he .a! #orn and
#ro'ght 'p% he em#raced the p're .or!hip o" >od< "or .e $no. .hat acco'nt the +talian! made
o" them!elve!% and ho. pro'dl) the) de!pi!ed other!. *nd the Be.! .ere at that time in !'ch
contempt% that "or their !a$e! p're religion .a! co'nted in"amo'!% and almo!t e3ecra#le. Seeing
that none o" the!e thing! co'ld hinder Corneli'!% #'t that "or!a$ing hi! idol! he did em#race the
tr'e .or!hip o" the tr'e >od alone% it m'!t need! #e that he .a! end'ed .ith rare and !ing'lar
!incerit). Moreover% he co'ld "ind !carce an) thing among!t the Be.! .here.ith he co'ld #e
all'red 'nto the !t'd) o" godline!!% #eca'!e there .a! then !carce one among!t a tho'!and .hich
had even !ome !mall !mattering o" the la.< and% 'ndo'#tedl)% Corneli'! had lighted 'pon !ome
good .or!hipper o" >od% .ho #eing !o'nd "rom corr'pt opinion!% did e3po'nd 'nto him the la.
"aith"'ll)% .itho't mi3ing an) leaven there.ith< #'t #eca'!e L'$e giveth him man) title! o"
commendation% .e m'!t note them all [!ingl).]
/0M
2. He !aith that he .a! a godl) man% and one that "eared >od< !econdl)% that li$e a good
ho'!eholder he had a care to in!tr'ct hi! "amilie!< he prai!eth him a"ter.ard "or the o""ice! o"
love% #eca'!e he .a! #ene"icial [#ene"icent] to.ard all the people< and% la!tl)% that he pra)ed [to]
>od contin'all). The !'m i! thi!% that Corneli'! .a! a man o" !ing'lar virt'e!% .herein the
integrit) o" the godl) con!i!teth% !o that hi! li"e .a! "ramed% in all point!% according to the r'le
.hich >od pre!cri#eth 'nto '!. *nd #eca'!e the la. i! contained in t.o ta#le!% L'$e
commendeth% in the "ormer place% Corneli'!= godline!!< !econdl)% he de!cendeth 'nto the !econd
part% that he e3erci!ed the o""ice! o" love to.ard men. Thi! i! ver) pro"ita#le to #e mar$ed%
#eca'!e .e have a .a) to live .ell de!cri#ed in hi! per!on.
Jhere"ore% in ordering the li"e .ell% let "aith and religion #e the "o'ndation% .hich #eing ta$en
a.a)% all other virt'e! are nothing el!e #'t !mo$e!. L'$e rec$oneth 'p the "ear o" >od and
pra)er a! "r'it! and te!timonie! o" godline!! and o" the .or!hip o" >od% and that "or good ca'!e!.
9or religion cannot #e !eparated "rom the "ear o" >od and the reverence o" him% neither can an)
man #e co'nted godl)% !ave he .ho ac$no.ledging >od to #e hi! 9ather and Lord% doth addict
him!el" .holl) to him. *nd let '! $no. that vol'ntar) "ear i! commended in thi! place .hen
tho!e men !'#mit them!elve! to >od .illingl) and "rom their heart% .ho d'l) con!ider
them!elve! .hat i! d'e to him.
Moreover% #eca'!e a great part o" the .orld doth% .ith reigned tri"le!% corr'pt and deprave the
.or!hip o" >od% L'$e added% "or good ca'!e!% that Corneli'! pra)ed contin'all)< .here#) he
doth !igni")% that he proved not hi! godline!! onl) .ith e3ternal ceremonie!% #'t that he
.or!hipped >od !pirit'all)% .hen a! he e3erci!ed him!el" in pra)er. Je m'!t al!o note the
contin'ance o" hi! pra)er< .hence .e gather% that he did not pra) onl) coldl)% a"ter the common
c'!tom% #'t that he .a! earne!tl) #ent to pra)er% a! the contin'al #ene"it! o" >od do e3hort '!
and pric$ '! "or.ard there'nto% and the "orce o" "aith o'ght there to !ho. it!el". Jhere"ore let
ever) one o" '! e3hort him!el" to per!evere in pra)er #) the e3ample o" Corneli'!.
2ith all his house( Je m'!t not lightl) pa!! over thi! commendation that Corneli'! had a ch'rch
in hi! ho'!e. *nd% !'rel)% a tr'e .or!hipper o" >od .ill not !'""er !o m'ch a! in him lieth >od to
#e #ani!hed "rom hi! ho'!e. 9or ho. 'nmeet a thing i! it "or him to maintain hi! o.n right
!to'tl)% that hi! .i"e% children% !ervant!% and maid! ma) o#e) him% and not to regard that >od i!
di!o#e)ed. +t !hall !ometime! "all o't !o that a godl) man cannot have even hi! .i"e to #e o" hi!
mind< )et he% .hich r'leth other!% m'!t endeavor #) all mean! to have >od o#e)ed< and there i!
nothing more meet than that .e !ho'ld con!ecrate all o'r! to >od a! o'r!elve!. There"ore% i" a
godl) man have children .hich are 'nli$e him% or a .i"e o" evil condition!% or le.d and .ic$ed
!ervant!% let him not .in$% nor )et !'""er hi! ho'!e to #e poll'ted thro'gh hi! !loth"'lne!!. The
diligence o" Corneli'! i! not !o m'ch commended a! the #le!!ing o" >od% .here#) it came to
pa!! that he had hi! ho'!e o#edient 'nto him in godline!!. *nd .e m'!t not omit the
circ'm!tance% that he in!tr'cted hi! "amil) in the "ear o" >od% !etting light #) the "ear o" danger%
.hich did hang over hi! head there"ore. 9or the Be.i!h religion .a! in great contempt<
96DD
and
no citi5en o" 8ome might "reel)
96D6
receive an) !trange religion% a! the) called it. Jhere"ore%
altho'gh the !incere pro"e!!ion o" the go!pel #e evil !po$en o" in the .orld% )et i! it too corr'pt
"right"'lne!!
96DM
i" that 'n?'!t hatred hinder an) man "rom o""ering hi! "amil) to >od "or a
!acri"ice% #) godl) in!tr'ction.
Gi&ing al%s( There i! al!o the "ig're syne'do'he in thi! mem#er% [cla'!e.] 9or a! it .a! !aid%
even no.% that the .or!hip o" >od .a! proved #) pra)er!% !o no.% .hen L'$e !pea$eth o" love%
/0E
he ma$eth choice o" one $ind< .here#) he !ho.eth that Corneli'! .a! a li#eral and #o'nti"'l
man. 9or o'r godline!! o'ght !o to appear to men% that .e declare that .e "ear >od #) '!ing
#o'nti"'lne!! and ?'!tice. The .ord al%s i! tran!lated 'nto tho!e e3ternal good .or$! .here.ith
.e help the poor% F
N/3DE0MO
+!aiah DE4M%G "ora!m'ch a! %iseri'ordia, or merc)% i! the in.ard
a""ection o" the heart properl). 9or "rom thi! "o'ntain !pringeth tr'e and .ell ordered
#o'nti"'lne!!% i" the tro'#le! and !orro.! o" o'r #rethren do move '! to compa!!ion< i"%
con!idering the 'nit) .hich i! among!t '!% .e "o!ter and cheri!h them a! .e .o'ld cheri!h o'r
o.n "le!h% and !t'd) to help them a! .e .o'ld help o'r o.n mem#er!. H)pocrite! are% indeed%
!ometime! li#eral% or at lea!t #o'nti"'l< #'t ho.!oever the) .a!te all%
96DE
)et no relie" .hich the)
!hall #e!to. 'pon the poor !hall #e .orth) to #e called #) the name o" alm!. 9or .e m'!t hold
that o" Pa'l% He .hich hath no love i! nothing% tho'gh he give all hi! good! to the poor% F
N061303O
1
Corinthian! 1343.G Let '!% there"ore% learn #) thi! .ord% that >od doth then allo. o'r li#eralit)% i"
.e relieve the povert) o" the poor% #eing moved .ith compa!!ion% and i"% a! it .ere% .ith open
#o.el! .e #e!to. that .hich the li#eralit) o" >od doth give.
Jherea! L'$e !aith that he gave alm! to all the people% it !igni"ieth a! m'ch a! ever).here to
the poor< "or there .ere not a "e. rich men to .hom to have given had #een an a#!'rd thing. -'t
.herea! he #e!to.ed !o li#erall) 'pon the Be.!% he declared ho. he agreed .ith them in
religion< in .hich re!pect L'$e !aith% !hortl) a"ter% that he .a! allo.ed o"
96D1
all the Be.!. *nd i"
!o #e it he .a! !'ch an e3cellent mirror o" godline!! and holine!!% even .hen he had #'t a !mall
!mattering o" "aith% altho'gh he .ere letted !o man) .a)!%
9660
o'ght not .e to #e a!hamed .ho
.ill #e acco'nted mo!t Chri!tian doctor!% and are )et !o cold in the e3erci!e! o" godline!!I +" a
!mall !par$le o" "aith prevailed !o m'ch in him% .hat o'ght the "'ll #rightne!! o" $no.ledge to
.or$ in '!I -'t ho.!oever .e #oa!t o" Chri!t .ith "'ll mo'th% )et ho. "ar are .e% "or the mo!t
part% "rom the e3ample o" the hol) man% !o that there appeareth !carce a !mall !hado. o" tho!e
virt'e! .here.ith he .a! repleteI 9or ho. loo!e
9661
are .e in pra)erI Ho. !lo. and !l'ggi!h to
do the d'tie! o" merc)I ;ea% man) are not onl) letted .ith "ilthine!! and coveto'!ne!! "rom
giving li#erall) !o m'ch o" their o.n a! the) o'ght% #'t the) are !o in"lamed .ith a de!ire
966/
to
have% the) are #ecome !o #ea!tl) thro'gh cr'elt)%
9663
that the) are not a"raid to ro# the poor o"
their !'#!tance% and to eat their ver) "le!h.
. He sa$ in a &ision( L'$e p'tteth vi!ion "or a $ind o" oracle coming "rom >od% that .e ma)
$no. that Corneli'! .a! #ro'ght 'nto the "aith o" Chri!t a"ter an heavenl) manner. *nd #eca'!e
men are o"tentime! deceived .ith ?'ggling% L'$e !etteth do.n the time to avoid all !'!picion%
.hen he mentioneth the ninth hour( *nd at that time the) .ere .ont to divide the da) into t.elve
ho'r!< "rom the ri!ing o" the !'n 'ntil the going do.n thereo". Jhere'pon it "ollo.eth that it .a!
"air da)light .hen the angel appeared% that the vi!ion might #e more evident. *ltho'gh there
.ere al.a)! !eal! added 'nto vi!ion!% that the) might "ree the !ervant! o" >od "rom "ear o"
ill'!ion!% #eca'!e .hen he appeared in dream!% )et .ere there !'ch mar$! o" certaint) imparted
in their mind! a! .o'ld not !'""er them to do'#t.
". And he beheld, and $as afraid( L'$e e3pre!!eth hi! attentivene!! in plain .ord!% that .e ma)
$no. that it .a! no vain imagination .hich came 'pon the man a! he .a! !leeping or doing
!ome other thing. The "ear .here.ith he .a! ta$en
9660
proceeded "rom the perceiving o" the
ma?e!t) o" >od<
966D
"or !o !oon a! men conceive the pre!ence o" >od% the) m'!t need! #e a"raid
and ca!t do.n .ith "ear. *nd .herea! hi! .ord! do no .hit terri") '!% that m'!t #e imp'ted to
o'r !l'ggi!hne!!% #eca'!e .e do not $no. nor perceive that it i! >od .hich !pea$eth. -'t the
godl)% to .hom >od revealeth him!el" in hi! .ord% do trem#le .hen the) hear it% a! +!aiah !aith%
/01
F
N/3660/O
+!aiah 664/% D.G 9'rthermore% the !ight o" >od i! 'nto them terri#le% not that the) ma)
al.a)! lie con"o'nded% and #e !.allo.ed 'p o" "ear% #'t onl) that the) ma) h'm#l) addre!!
them!elve! to reverence him.
2hat is it, Lord< +t appeareth plainl) #) thi! an!.er% that Corneli'!= mind .a! to'ched .ith
religion< that he $ne. that he had to deal .ith >od. There"ore the common tran!lation hath it
evil%
9666
Jho art tho'% LordI *nd it i! li$el) that that .hich i! there read .a! p't in in!tead o"
thi!% "ora!m'ch a! in the >ree$ te3t there i! no do'#t"'lne!!% .here#) the interpreter might #e
deceived% and all the copie! agree together in thi! reading% ti esti. *nd a!!'redl)% .hen Corneli'!
perceived that it i! >od% he !'#mitteth him!el" to o#e)< a! the an!.er i! nothing #'t a
commandment.
Thy +rayers and al%s( -eca'!e >od !eemeth to #e a"ter a !ort dea"% 'nle!! he an!.er o'r
petition! #) and #)% hence cometh that !peech% that o'r pra)er! come 'nto him% and that he i!
mind"'l thereo". 9'rthermore% the angel a!!igneth thi! a! the ca'!e .h) >od vo'ch!a"eth to !ho.
to Corneli'! the light o" hi! go!pel< #eca'!e he hath heard hi! pra)er! and accepted hi! alm!.
Jhence .e gather that virt'e! and good .or$! do not onl) plea!e >od% #'t that the) are al!o
adorned .ith thi! e3cellent re.ard% that he heapeth 'pon '! and enricheth '! .ith greater gi"t!
"or their !a$e!< according to that% PTo him that hath !hall #e given%Q F
N00131/O
Matthe. 1341/.G *nd
again%
PJell done% good and "aith"'l !ervant< tho' ha!t #een "aith"'l in a "e. thing!% + .ill !et
thee over man) thing!%Q
F
N00/D/1O
Matthe. /D4/1.G
9or >od doth a"ter thi! !ort e3tol hi! #) a contin'al co'r!e o" hi! gi"t!% a! it .ere #) certain !tep!%
'ntil he #ring them to the top.
-'t the Papi!t! a#'!e thi! place t.o .a)!< "or #eca'!e >od re!pected the pra)er! and alm! o"
Corneli'!% !o that he end'ed him .ith the "aith o" the go!pel% the) .re!t that 'nto the
preparation! .hich the) have invented% a! i" a man did get "aith #) hi! o.n ind'!tr) and po.er%
and did prevent
966M
the grace o" >od #) the merit! o" .or$!. Secondl)% the) gather% generall)%
that good .or$! are meritorio'! in !'ch !ort% that the grace! o" >od are increa!ed in ever) man
a! he hath de!erved. +n the "ormer the) are too childi!hl) deceived% .hil!t that the) "eign that the
.or$! o" Corneli'! .ere accepta#le to >od #e"ore he .a! ill'minate #) "aith. *nd .e need not
to "et [!ee$] a proo" "ar to re"'te their ignorance< "or he co'ld o#tain nothing #) pra)er 'nle!!
"aith .ent #e"ore% .hich onl) openeth the gate "or '! to pra)< and *'g'!tine .eigheth that .ell
and .i!el)% .ho derideth Pelagi'!% #eca'!e he !aid that "aith .a! o#tained #) pra)er! #e"ore it
.a! in man in an) mea!'re4 Jho F!aith heG .ill !ee$ a ph)!ician !ave he .ho i! alread) healed
in !ome partI *nd it i! the health o" "aith .hich teacheth '! to $noc$. 9'rthermore% the "ear o"
>od and godline!! do plainl) prove that he .a! regenerate #) the Spirit. 9or ,5e$iel giveth
966E

thi! prai!e to >od alone% that he "rameth the heart! o" men to "ear him% F
N/63/00O
,5e$iel 3/400.G
*nd +!aiah !aith% that the Spirit o" the "ear o" >od re!teth in Chri!t% F
N/3110/O
+!aiah 114/%G that .e
ma) $no. that he can #e "o'nd no .here !ave onl) in hi! mem#er!. There"ore it i! too great "oll)
to "eign a man in the per!on o" Corneli'!% .ho% having nat're "or hi! g'ide% can attain 'nto
eternal li"e% or endeavor to come thither. There"ore the) rea!on #loc$i!hl)% that .e are a#le to
prevent the grace o" >od .ith the merit! o" .or$!.
/10
*! to'ching the !econd error% .hen a! the) imagine that ever) one o" '! i! increa!ed .ith greater
grace! a! he hath de!erved% it ma) ea!il) #e re"'ted. 9ir!t% .e den) that .e have an) good .or$!
.hich >od hath not "reel) given '!< !econdl)% .e !a) that the right '!e o" gi"t! cometh "rom him
al!o and that thi! i! hi! !econd grace% that .e '!e hi! "ormer gi"t! .ell. Thirdl)% .e den) that .e
de!erve an) thing #) o'r .or$!%
9661
.hich are al.a)! lame and corr'pt. >ood .or$! do indeed
p'rcha!e "or '! the increa!e o" grace% #'t not #) their o.n de!ert. 9or the) cannot #e accepta#le
to >od .itho't pardon% .hich the) o#tain #) the #ene"it o" "aith. Jhere"ore it i! "aith alone
.hich ma$eth them accepta#le.
96M0
Th'! did Corneli'! o#tain more per"ect $no.ledge o" Chri!t
#) hi! pra)er! and alm!% #'t in that he had >od to #e "avora#le and merci"'l to hi! pra)er! and
alm!% that did depend 'pon "aith.
9'rthermore% i" good .or$! #e e!teemed [e!timated] #) "aith% it i! o" merc)% and not o" merit% that
>od doth allo. [approve] them. 9or #eca'!e "aith "indeth no .orth) thing in '! .here#) .e can
plea!e >od% it #orro.eth that o" Chri!t .hich .e .ant. *nd thi! i! too perver!e% that tho'gh the
Papi!t! have thi! .ord merit ever) no. and then in their mo'th!% and cea!e not to p'"" 'p "ool!
.ith a vain con"idence% )et the) #ring nothing .here#) the !t'die! o" men ma) #e moved to do
.ell. 9or the) leave their con!cience! al.a)! in a do'#t% and command men to do'#t .hether
their .ord! plea!e >od or not. M'!t not men=! mind! need "aint .hen the) are po!!e!!ed .ith
!'ch "earI -'t a! "or '!% tho'gh .e ta$e merit "rom .or$!% )et .hen a! .e teach that there i! a
re.ard laid 'p "or them% .e pric$ men "or.ard .ith an e3cellent and !harp pric$% to de!ire to live
.ell. 9or .e addre!! o'r!elve! then ?o)"'ll) to !erve >od% .hen .e are per!'aded that .e lo!e
not o'r la#or. *nd .herea! there appeareth at thi! da) no more plenti"'l a#'ndance o" the gi"t! o"
the Spirit% #'t that the more part doth rather .ither a.a)% .e m'!t than$ o'r 'nthan$"'lhe!! "or
that. 9or a! >od did cro.n Corneli'!= pra)er! and alm!% and holine!!% .ith the mo!t precio'!
pearl o" hi! go!pel% !o there i! ?'!t ca'!e .h) he !ho'ld !'""er '! to !tarve% #eing #ro'ght 'nto
h'ngr) povert)% .hen a! he !eeth '! a#'!e the trea!'re o" hi! go!pel .ic$edl) and 'ngodlil).
;et here ma) a @'e!tion #e a!$ed% Jhether "aith re@'ire the $no.ledge o" Chri!t% or it #e content
.ith the !imple per!'a!ion o" the merc) o" >odI "or Corneli'! !eemeth to have $no.n nothing at
all concerning Chri!t. -'t it ma) #e proved #) !o'nd proo"! that "aith cannot #e !eparated "rom
Chri!t< "or i" .e la) hold 'pon the #are ma?e!t) o" >od% .e are rather con"o'nded .ith hi! glor)%
than that .e "eel an) ta!te o" hi! goodne!!. There"ore% Chri!t m'!t come #et.een% that the mind
o" man ma) conceive that >od i! merci"'l. *nd it i! not .itho't ca'!e that he i! called the image
o" the invi!i#le >od% F
ND1011DO
Colo!!ian! 141D<G #eca'!e the 9ather o""ereth him!el" to #e holden in
hi! "ace alone. Moreover% !eeing that he i! the .a)% the tr'th% and the li"e% F
N031006O
Bohn 1046<G
.hither!oever tho' goe!t .itho't him% tho' !halt #e en.rapped on ever) !ide in error!% and death
!hall meet )o' [thee] on ever) !ide. Je ma) ea!il) an!.er concerning Corneli'!. *ll !pirit'al
gi"t! are o""ered 'nto '! in Chri!t< and e!peciall) .hence cometh regeneration% !ave onl) #eca'!e
.e are ingra"ted into the death o" Chri!t% o'r old man i! cr'ci"iedI F8oman!% 64D% 6.G *nd i"
Corneli'! .ere made parta$er o" the Spirit o" Chri!t% there i! no ca'!e .h) .e !ho'ld thin$ that
he .a! altogether void o" hi! "aith< neither had he !o em#raced the .or!hip o" the tr'e >od%
F.hom the Be.! alone did .or!hip%G #'t that he had al!o heard
96M1
!ome.hat o" the promi!ed
Mediator< tho'gh the $no.ledge o" him .ere o#!c're and entangled% )et .a! it !ome.
Jho!oever came at that time into B'dea he .a! en"orced to hear !ome.hat o" the Me!!iah% )ea%
there .a! !ome "ame o" him !pread thro'gh co'ntrie! .hich .ere "ar o"".
96M/
Jhere"ore%
Corneli'! m'!t #e p't in the catalog'e o" the old "ather!% .ho hoped "or !alvation o" the
8edeemer #e"ore he .a! revealed. *nd it i! properl)
96M3
[improperl)] !aid o" *'g'!tine% that
/11
Peter gro'nded hi! "aith< .herea! it had no. #e"ore a "irm "o'ndation< altho'gh *'g'!tine
thin$eth a! .e do in the thing it!el"% .ho a""irmeth plainl)% that Corneli'! co'ld not pra) 'nle!!
he had "aith% in hi! -oo$ o" the Prede!tination o" Saint!% and other place!.
!. "o$ send to /o++a( >od dealt mo!t "avora#l) .ith Corneli'!% in that he doth not command
him to go him!el"% #'t to !end me!!enger! 'nto Peter% that he ma) !ta) @'ietl) at home% and that
Peter ma) end're the toil o" the ?o'rne) "or hi! !a$e. -'t let '! not .onder that Corneli'! .a! !o
co'rteo'!l) handled% !eeing that >od thr'!teth the mini!ter! o" hi! .ord dail) 'pon the
'n.illing< !o that he appeareth o" hi! accord to tho!e .hich do not !ee$ him% a! he !aith #)
+!aiah% F
N/36D01O
+!aiah 6D41.G -'t .h) doth not the angel rather teach himI
96M0
9or thi! !eemeth an
inconvenient
96MD
thing that he re!igneth hi! o""ice to a mortal man< "or the oracle !ho'ld have had
greater a'thorit) than .hen the go!pel i! preached to him #) a mortal man. *! .hen Chri!t
appeared to Pa'l #) a vi!ion% he !et% not.ith!tanding% *nania! to teach him% that he might #)
!'ch an e3ample e!ta#li!h the mini!tr) o" the preaching o" the go!pel% .hich he committed to hi!
Ch'rch< !o no. the angel giveth place to Peter% that he ma) e3ec'te the o""ice committed 'nto
him #) Chri!t. There"ore% .ho!oever .ill #e the di!ciple o" Chri!t% and #e ill'minated #) the
Fheavenl)G light o" the heavenl) .i!dom% let him not gr'dge to '!e attentivene!! and docilit)
to.ard the e3ternal voice o" men% .hich Chri!t '!eth a! an in!tr'ment% and .here'nto he .ill
have o'r "aith anne3ed. *nd .e !ee ho. !ore >od hath p'ni!hed their "'rio'! pride% .ho%
contemning preaching% have loo$ed "or
96M6
revelation! "rom heaven. 9or !ince >od .ill #e heard
in men% the mini!ter! to .hom he hath given hi! .ord
96MM
cannot #e contemned .itho't contempt
and reproach o" him. :everthele!!% + con"e!! that the !pirit! m'!t #e proved% F
N6/0001O
1 Bohn 041%G
that .e hear not .itho't choice .ho!oever do pretend that the) are mini!ter! o" Chri!t. -'t
#eca'!e "aith cometh #) hearing% F
N0D101MO
8oman! 1041M%G no man !hall attain there'nto .hich
!hall re"'!e and de!pi!e the .ord .hen it i! preached%
ACTS 1':%-1#
%. *nd a"ter that the angel .hich !pa$e to Corneli'! .a! departed% he called t.o o"
hi! !ervant!% and a godl) !oldier% o" tho!e .hich did .ait on him4 $. *nd .hen he
had told them all thing!% he !ent them to Boppa. &. 7n the morro.% a! the)
?o'rne)ed% and dre. nigh to the cit)% Peter .ent 'p into the highe!t part o" the ho'!e
to pra)% a#o't the !i3th ho'r< 1'. *nd he .a! "a!ting< there"ore he .o'ld eat. *nd in
the mean !ea!on% .hile the) made read)% there "ell 'pon him an e3ce!! o" mind.
96ME

11. He !a. heaven open% and a ve!!el coming do.n 'pon him li$e to a great !heet%
$nit at the "o'r corner!% and let do.n to the earth< 12. Jherein .ere all "o'r"ooted
#ea!t! o" the earth% and .ild #ea!t!% and creeping thing!% and #ird! o" heaven. 1.
*nd there came a voice to him% 8i!e% Peter< $ill and eat. 1". *nd Peter !aid% :ot !o%
Lord< #eca'!e + have never eaten an) common or 'nclean thing. 1!. *nd the voice
!aid to him again% Ma$e not tho' tho!e thing! common .hich >od hath made clean.
1#. *nd thi! .a! done thrice< and the ve!!el .a! ta$en 'p again into heaven.
%. And after that the angel( L'$e declareth here ho. read) Corneli'! .a! to o#e) .hen a! he
ma$eth no tarriance% #'t doth that .ith all diligence .hich he .a! commanded to do. *nd thi!
.a! the ca'!e that he .a! !o "or.ard% #eca'!e he #elieved the promi!e< a! .ant o" "aith i! the
ca'!e .h) .e are !o !lo. to "ollo. >od. *ngel! come not "l)ing to '! "rom heaven that the)
ma) appoint '! certain men% #'t that voice o" Chri!t !o'ndeth in all men=! car!.
/1/
PSee$% and )e !hall "ind< $noc$% and it !hall #e opened 'nto )o'%Q
F
N000M0MO
Matthe. M4M.G
Ho. i! it that o" an h'ndred !carce one or t.o .ill !tir one "oot% that !ome creep !o little that
the) pro"it #'t a little% #'t #eca'!e .e do not indeed #elieve the promi!eI There"ore% let '! learn
that .e m'!t not drive o"" "rom da) to da)% #'t ever) man m'!t ha!ten thither .hither he i!
called% !o !oon a! he heareth the voice o" >od.
T$o of his ser&ants( Corneli'! had thi! re.ard "or #eing !o diligent in teaching hi! "amil)% that he
had "aith"'l and hone!t !ervant! .ho .ere .illing to do him !ervice< and al!o !'ch a! that he
might commit an) thing to them. 7n the other !ide% the Lord doth o"tentime! p'ni!h ma!ter! .ith
?'!t p'ni!hment! .ho have no regard to in!tr'ct their "amilie!. 9or the) "ind tho!e ?'!tl)
!t'##orn and 'n"aith"'l .hom the) .o'ld not "rame 'nto godline!! and the "ear o" >od% and al!o
the) are a"raid o" their treacher).
A godly soldier( 9ora!m'ch a! thi! !oldier .a! m'ch conver!ant .ith Corneli'!% he had al!o
ta'ght him to "ear >od% a! .ell a! hi! ho'!ehold !ervant!. +t i! meet that .e call to mind here that
.hich + to'ched #e"ore% that there i! no $ind o" li"e .hich e3c'!eth '! #'t that .e m'!t .or!hip
>od p'rel). 9or a !oldier=! li"e .a! at that time mo!t corr'pt< "or the) .ere "allen 'nto "ilth)
licentio'!ne!!% "rom the ancient di!cipline% and )et the Spirit o" >od #eareth record in thi! place
o" the godline!! o" !oldier!. Jhere"ore% there i! no ca'!e .h) the) !ho'ld re@'ire a calling that i!
"ree "rom .or!hipping >od% 'nder color o" .ar"are% .ho .o'ld #) one mean! or other #e "ree
"rom all righteo'!ne!!. +" the) den) that the) can !erve >od #eca'!e the) #e !oldier!% the) !hall
have the!e t.o !oldier! meet ?'dge! and .itne!!e! again!t them at the la!t da)% .ho !hall
condemn them. *nd in the mean !ea!on% tho!e #rain!ic$ "ello.! are condemned .ho cr) that it
i! 'nla."'l "or Chri!tian! to carr) .eapon!. 9or the!e men .ere .arrior!% and )et godl)% and
.hen the) em#race Chri!t the) "or!a$e not their "ormer $ind o" li"e< the) ca!t not a.a) their
armor a! h'rt"'l% nor )et "or!a$e their calling.
$. Jherea! Corneli'! e3po'ndeth the .hole matter to the !oldier and hi! !ervant!% it tendeth to
thi! end% that he ma) the more enco'rage them to give ear to the commandment% .hich the) !ee
i! rather a commandment o" >od than o" man< and he i! not a"raid to ma$e $no.n 'nto them !o
great a matter .hom he had in!tr'cted .ell #e"ore.
&. On the %orro$, as they journeyed( *! L'$e declared that Corneli'! .a! admoni!hed #) an
oracle to !end "or Peter% !o no. he !etteth do.n another vi!ion% .here#) Peter i! commanded to
come to him. Jhere#) it appeareth that all thi! matter .a! governed #) the .onder"'l co'n!el o"
>od% .ho doth #oth ma$e Corneli'! apt to #e ta'ght% )ea% he $indleth in him a !t'd) and de!ire
to learn and% on the other !ide% ma$eth Peter .illing to ta$e in hand to teach him. -'t .e m'!t
note the circ'm!tance! .here#) he ma$eth the hi!tor) more evident.
Peter $ent u+ u+on the house, that he might pra) alone #) him!el"< "or a @'iet and lone place i! a
great help to pra)er% .hich thing Chri!t him!el" did not omit% that the mind% #eing "ree "rom all
thing! .hich might call it a.a)% might #e the more earne!t and #ent to.ard >od. *nd the Be.!
had another manner o" ho'!e! and #'ilding! than .e '!e< "or the) had .al$! 'pon the top! o"
their ho'!e!. The !i3th ho'r .a! then noon. *nd it i! not to #e do'#ted #'t that he got him!el" to
pra)er then according to hi! c'!tom. 9or #eca'!e .e are dra.n a.a) .ith diver! #'!ine!!e!%
96M1

and there i! no end o" t'rmoiling% 'nle!! .e #ridle o'r!elve!% it i! good to have certain ho'r!
appointed "or pra)er% not #eca'!e .e are tied to ho'r!% #'t le!t .e #e 'nmind"'l o" pra)er% .hich
/13
o'ght to #e pre"erred #e"ore all care! and #'!ine!!. 9inall)% .e m'!t thin$ the !ame thing o" time
.hich .e thin$ o" place< to .it% that the) are certain remedie! .here#) o'r in"irmitie! i! holpen<
.hich% i" the apo!tle! co'nted "it "or them% ho. m'ch m'!t more the !l'ggi!h and !lo. '!e the
!ameI
1'. :'ess of %ind( -eca'!e o'r mind! are .holl)% a! it .ere% !et 'pon the earth% to the end Peter
might the #etter comprehend the oracle% it .a! meet that hi! mind !ho'ld #e% a! it .ere% moved
"rom hi! place and carried 'p< and #) thi! mean! .a! he prepared to receive the oracle% .hen a!
he i! carried 'p a#ove the .orld a"ter an 'n.onted manner.
11. The opening o" heaven !igni"ieth% in m) ?'dgment% another thing in thi! place than in the
!eventh chapter. 9or it i! !aid there that heaven .a! opened to Stephen% that he did #ehold the
glor) o" Chri!t< in thi! place Peter !a. o'r heaven .hich .e !ee divided% !o that a !heet came
thence.
12. +" an) man a!$ ho. he co'ld !ee a great m'ltit'de o" living creat're! at once% the @'e!tion i!
ea!il) an!.ered. 9or L'$e !aith% All %anner, #eca'!e there .ere there diver! $ind! mi3ed one
.ith another. There"ore he #eginneth not at the "ir!t $ind% that he ma) pro!ec'te the n'm#er 'nto
the la!t. *gain% .e m'!t not mea!'re thi! !eeing according to the manner o" men% #eca'!e the
trance gave Peter other e)e!. -'t #e"ore .e go an) "arther .e m'!t $no. the end o" the vi!ion.
Some di!p'te more !'#tilel) a#o't the !ame than the place re@'ireth% in m) ?'dgment. There"ore%
+ thin$ that it i! generall) !ho.ed to Peter that the di""erence .hich >od had made in time! pa!t
i! no. ta$en a.a). *nd a! he had p't di""erence #et.een living creat're!% !o% having cho!en to
him!el" one people% he co'nted all nation! 'nclean and pro"ane.
:o. the di""erence #et.een living creat're! #eing ta$en a.a)% he teacheth #) the con!e@'ent
that there i! no !'ch di!agreement among men an) longer a! there .a! in time! pa!t% and that
there i! no di""erence #et.een the Be. and the >recian. Here#) Peter i! admoni!hed that he do
not a#hor the >entile! a! #eing 'nclean. Cndo'#tedl)% >od meant to enco'rage Peter to come to
Corneli'! .itho't "ear< #'t he had !eparated one people to him!el" "rom the re!t% a! !aith Mo!e!
in hi! !ong% .hen a! the Mo!t High did di!tri#'te the nation!% he p't hi! lot in Baco#% etc.%
F
N0D3/01O
(e'teronom) 3/41<G there"ore he called it hi! inheritance and pec'liar people.
*ccording to thi! order% it had not #een la."'l to Peter to #ring the covenant o" !alvation 'nto the
>entile!< "or that .a! to ta$e the children=! #read and to ca!t it to dog!% F
N001D/6O
Matthe. 1D4/6%G
'nle!!% peradvent're% the) .o'ld #e circ'mci!ed% and em#race the Be.i!h religion< "or it .a!
la."'l to receive !'ch a! did )ield them!elve!. Jhere"ore% .hen a! the apo!tle! .ere !ent #e"ore
to preach the go!pel% the) .ere "or#idden to t'rn in 'nto the >entile!% F
N00100DO
Matthe. 104D.G *nd
"ora!m'ch a! the preaching o" the go!pel i! a mo!t hol) and .eight) matter% Peter o'ght not to
have attempted an) thing therein .ith a do'#ting and .avering mind. There"ore% to the end he
ma) #e a!!'red o" hi! calling% >od !ho.eth mani"e!tl)% a! in a pict're% that the legal di""erence
#et.een the clean and 'nclean i! a#oli!hed< .hence he ma) gather that the .all .hich .a!
hereto"ore #et.een the Be.! and the >entile! i! no. p'lled do.n. *nd Pa'l !aith% that it i! a
m)!ter) hid "rom the #eginning o" the .orld% that the >entile! are made parta$er! o" the !ame
!alvation .ith the people o" >od% and ingra"ted into one #od)% F
N010/16O
,phe!ian! /416<
N010306O
,phe!ian! 346.G
There"ore Peter d'r!t never have opened the gate o" heaven 'nto the >entile!% 'nle!! >od
him!el" had made a plain .a) and entrance "or all men% #) ta$ing a.a) the .all o" !eparation. +
/10
!aid even no. that there .a! no time .herein it .a! not la."'l to admit the >entile! 'nto the
.or!hip o" >od% !o the) .ere circ'mci!ed< #'t !o long a! the) contin'ed in 'ncirc'mci!ion the)
.ere !tranger! .ith >od. -'t no. >od made the covenant o" li"e common to all the .hole
.orld% .hich he had !h't 'p in one nation% a! in a trea!'re. Jhence .e gather that thi! vi!ion i!
not a little pro"ita#le "or '!< "or% .hen a! it teacheth that the di""erence #et.een Be.! and
>entile! contin'ed onl) "or a !ea!on% it i! a! m'ch a! i" >od !ho'ld prono'nce "rom heaven that
he receiveth all people o" the .orld into "avor% that he ma) #e >od over all. 9inall)% .e have an
evident proclamation "rom heaven% .hich p'tteth '! in hope o" eternal li"e.
-'t !ome men .ill o#?ect that Peter .a! ta'ght #e"ore concerning thi! matter< "or he and the re!t
.ere commanded to preach the go!pel thro'gho't the .hole .orld% F
N01161DO
Mar$ 1641D.G
There"ore% he .a! either ignorant o" hi! calling% or el!e thi! vi!ion .a! !'per"l'o'!. + an!.er% that
there .a! !'ch and !o great di""ic'lt) in the novelt) it!el"% that the) co'ld not ac@'aint
them!elve! there.ith #) and #). The) $ne. #oth the prophecie! o" the prophet!% and the late
commandment o" Chri!t concerning the calling o" the >entile! #) the go!pel< #'t .hen the)
come to the p'!h% the) do'#ted neverthele!!% #eing !tric$en .ith the !trangene!! o" the thing.
Jhere"ore% it i! no marvel i" the Lord con"irm Peter .ith a ne. !ign% concerning .hich thing .e
m'!t al!o !a) !ome.hat a! )et in the ne3t chapter.
1. A &oi'e fro% hea&en( The voice came "rom heaven a! did the !heet% that Peter might $no.
that #oth came "rom >od< neither had the !ight done him an) good% 'nle!! >od had .ith thi!
voice made clean tho!e thing! .hich .ere #e"ore 'nclean. Jherea! !ome pic$ an allegor) o't o"
the .ord $ill% a! i" >od did !igni") that men are !acri"iced to him #) the !pirit'al !.ord o" the
go!pel< + do not pro!ec'te that% #'t plainne!! plea!eth me #etter% that >od doth ta$e a.a) #) thi!
voice the la. concerning the choice o" #ea!t!% that he ma) al!o teach that he re?ecteth no people%
F
N0D1D16O
8oman! 1D416.G 9or i" #) the "ormer .ord #e meant sa'rifi'ing, .hat !hall eat !igni")I
1". "ot so, Lord( Thi! i! the voice o" him .hich doth a! .ell re"'!e% a! al!o o#?ect to >od hi!
o.n commandment< "or he i! a"raid% "or good ca'!e!% to to'ch that .hich he $ne. .a! "or#idden
him in the la. o" >od% F
N0311/1O
Levitic'! 114/1% etc.G There"ore he o#?ecteth to >od the la. .hich
he him!el" made% le!t he !ho'ld #rea$ the !ame 'nadvi!edl). There .a! a certain !ho. o"
rep'gnanc) #et.een the la. and the vi!ion< there"ore Peter i! not ha!t)% #'t de!ireth "ir!t to have
hi! do'#t di!!olved #e"ore he depart "rom o#!erving the la.. ;et it i! a !trange matter .h) Peter
re!i!ted more in meat! than did *#raham in $illing hi! !on< "or *#raham [might have] had more
thing! to o#?ect% F
N01//01O
>ene!i! //41% 10.G + dare not here !a) that that #e"ell Peter .hich i! too
common among men% to !tand more a#o't o't.ard and !mall matter! than a#o't the chie" point!
o" the la.< + rather ma$e that an!.er .hich i! o't o" do'#t% that *#raham=! mind .a! !o
per!'aded% and that he .a! "'rni!hed .ith !'ch po.er o" the Spirit% that he overcame .ith 1o"t)
and heroical "ortit'de all tho!e thing! .hich might have hindered him. -'t the Spirit o" >od
.ro'ght !lenderl)%
96E0
in Peter< .here#) .e are ta'ght that ever) !mall or light thing doth ca'!e
'! to do'#t% 'nle!! the Lord do "'rni!h '! .ith co'n!el and con!tanc) to overcome all "ear. ;et
Peter dealeth ver) godl) and ver) religio'!l)% in that #eing in do'#t amid!t diver! cogitation!% he
dare do nothing 'ntil it #etter appear .hat he o'ght to "ollo.. Co%%on !igni"ieth in thi! place
pro"ane. 9or #eca'!e the Lord Fa! .e have !aidG had cho!en the Be.! to #e a pec'liar people% he
had pre!cri#ed 'nto them thi! rite and manner o" living% that it might di!ting'i!h them "rom the
pro"ane >entile!. There"ore% .hat!oever the >entile! did '!e contrar) to the r'le o" the la.% that
did the) call common% #eca'!e there .a! nothing p're or hol) #'t that .hich >od had appointed
"or the '!e o" hi! people.
/1D
1!. God hath %ade 'lean( He !pea$eth o" meat!< #'t thi! !entence m'!t #e e3tended 'nto all
part! o" the li"e. +t i! .ord "or .ord% That $hi'h God hath %ade 'lean, do not thou %a#e
+rofane* #'t the !en!e i!% +t i! not "or '! to allo. or condemn an) thing< #'t a! .e !tand and "all
#) the ?'dgment o" >od alone% !o i! he ?'dge o" all thing!% F
N0D1000O
8oman! 1040.G *! to'ching
meat!% a"ter the a#rogating o" the la.% >od prono'nceth that the) are all p're and clean. +"% on the
other !ide% there !tart 'p a mortal man% ma$ing a ne. di""erence% "or#idding certain% he ta$eth
'nto him!el" the a'thorit) and po.er o" >od #) !acrilegio'! #oldne!!. 7" thi! !tamp .ere the old
heretic!% Montan'!% Pri!cillian'!% the (onati!t!% the Tatian!% and all the ,ncratite!. *"ter.ard! the
Pope% to the end he might #ind all tho!e !ect! in a #'ndle% made a la. concerning meat!. *nd
there i! no ca'!e .h) the patron! o" thi! impiet) !ho'ld #a##le that the) do not imagine an)
'ncleanne!! in meat!% #'t that men are "or#idden to eat "le!h 'pon certain da)!% to tame the "le!h.
9or !eeing the) eat !'ch meat! a! are mo!t "it% #oth "or delicac) and al!o "or riot% .h) do the)
a#!tain "rom eating #acon% a! "rom !ome great o""en!e% !ave onl) #eca'!e the) imagine that that
i! 'nclean and poll'ted .hich i! "or#idden #) the la. o" their idolI Jith li$e pride doth the
t)rann) o" the Pope rage in all part! o" li"e< "or there i! nothing .herein he la)eth not !nare! to
entangle the mi!era#le con!cience! o" men. -'t let '! tr'!t to the heavenl) oracle% and "reel)
de!pi!e all hi! inhi#ition!. Je m'!t al.a)! a!$ the mo'th o" the Lord% that .e ma) there#) #e
a!!'red .hat .e ma) la."'ll) do< "ora!m'ch a! it .a! not la."'l even "or Peter to ma$e that
pro"ane .hich .a! la."'l #) the Jord o" >od.
9'rthermore% thi! i! a place o" great importance to #eat do.n the "ro.ardne!! o" men% .hich the)
'!e too m'ch in perver!e ?'dgment!. There i! no man almo!t .hich doth not grant li#ert) to
him!el" to ?'dge o" other men=! doing!. :o.% a! .e are ch'rli!h and malicio'!% .e lean more
to.ard the .or!e part% !o that .e ta$e "rom >od that .hich i! hi!. Thi! voice alone o'ght to
!'""ice to correct !'ch #oldne!!% That it i! not la."'l "or '! to ma$e thi! or that 'nclean% #'t that
thi! po.er #elongeth to >od alone. *nd al!o in the!e .ord! i! given '! to 'nder!tand% that the
Be.! .ere not there"ore the hol) people o" the Lord% #eca'!e the) e3celled thro'gh their o.n
.orthine!!% #'t onl) #) rea!on o" >od=! adoption. :o.% a"ter that >od had received the >entile!
into the !ociet) o" the covenant% the) have all e@'al right.
1#. This $as done thri'e( The repetition o" the vi!ion !erved "or the con"irmation o" Peter% le!t
an) do'#t
96E1
!ho'ld remain in hi! mind. Jhence .e gather ho. deepl) the o#!erving o" the la.
.a! rooted in hi! mind. *nd + $no. no rea!on .h) >od le"t him in a d'mp% [perple3ed%] 'ntil% #)
the event .hich "ollo.ed% he might learn the ca'!e o" the vi!ion% !ave onl) #eca'!e #eing
a!toni!hed he did not de!ire to $no. .hat thi! thing meant< altho'gh it .a! all in good time% that
the me!!enger! o" Corneli'! !ho'ld come !hortl) a"ter to interpret it. The &essel .a! at length
ta$en 'p again into heaven% that Peter might #e certi"ied that thi! me!!age came "rom heaven%
[>od.]
ACTS 1':1%-2
1%. *nd a! Peter do'#ted in him!el" .hat vi!ion thi! !ho'ld #e .hich he had !een%
#ehold% t.o men% !ent "rom Corneli'!% in@'iring "or SimonU! ho'!e% !tood at the
door. 1$. *nd .hen the) had called% the) a!$ed .hether Simon% !'rnamed Peter%
did lodge there. 1&. *nd a! Peter tho'ght 'pon the vi!ion% the Spirit !aid to him%
-ehold% three men !ee$ thee. 2'. *ri!e% go do.n% and go .ith them% do'#ting
nothing% #eca'!e + have !ent them. 21. *nd .hen Peter .a! come do.n 'nto the
men .hich .ere !ent "rom Corneli'! 'nto him% he !aid% -ehold% + am he .hom )e
!ee$. Jhat i! the ca'!e .here"ore )e come hitherI 22. The) !aid to him%
/16
Corneli'! the captain% [cent'rion%] a ?'!t man% and one that "eareth >od% having
te!timon) o" all the nation o" the Be.!% .a! .arned #) an oracle #) a hol) angel%
that he !ho'ld call thee into hi! ho'!e% and !ho'ld hear o" thee .ord!. 2.
9'rthermore% .hen he had called them in% he lodged them.
96E/
1%. Peter .a! ta'ght not onl) #) the vi!ion% #'t al!o #) the Jord o" >od< and )et in !eeing he
!a. not% 'ntil the Spirit i! 'nto him an interpreter< a mo!t e3cellent mirror o" o'r !lac$ne!!.
*ltho'gh .e #e )et "ar 'nli$e to Peter< "or .e are !o "ar "rom 'nder!tanding #) and #) .hat >od
.ill% or to .hat end he !pea$eth to '!% that man) interpretation! are !carce !'""icient "or '!. -'t
.e m'!t al!o note that .hich L'$e addeth% that Peter did thin$ earne!tl) 'pon the vi!ion% to .it%
a"ter that he .a! come to him!el" again a"ter hi! ama5edne!!< "or thi! .a! a to$en o" godl)
reverence% that he did not carele!!l) !'""er the vi!ion to e!cape him. There"ore the Lord opened
to him .hen he did $noc$% F
N000M0MO
Matthe. M4M.G *nd .e are ?'!tl) plag'ed "or o'r !l'ggi!hne!!%
in that .e pro"it no #etter in the Jord o" the Lord% !eeing .e are !o cold% and have !o !mall
de!ire to in@'ire.
2'. Go, doubting nothing( The Script're '!eth thi! .ord o"ten% .hen it .ill e3pre!! o" .hat !ort
the o#edience o" "aith o'ght to #e. So Pa'l% in the "o'rth chapter to the 8oman!% F
N0D0011O
8oman!
0411%G .hen a! he commendeth the "aith o" *#raham% !aith% That he do'#ted not .hen a! the
Lord promi!ed him !eed% #eing no. aged and pa!t hope o" children. *nd in the "o'rteenth%
F
N0D10/3O
8oman! 104/3%G in treating o" meat!% he condemneth do'#ting con!cience!. *nd it i!
properl) to rea!on on #oth !ide!% Fa! the) !a)%G .hen a! .e are carried hither and thither #)
co'r!e% #) gathering contrar) rea!on!. -'t .e m'!t not "ollo. >od .ith a do'#t"'l and
.avering% #'t .ith a @'iet and con!tant mind. +n !'m% the Lord .ill have '! to attri#'te !o m'ch
to him% that .hen .e hear him .e di!p'te no longer .hat .e have need to do% #'t that .e !et
do.n "or a certaint)% that that m'!t #e done .hich he commandeth. *nd !'rel) it i! meet that hi!
.ill !ho'ld !ho. '! the .a)% .hen all clo'd! are driven a.a)% and that it !ho'ld !'#d'e all o'r
!en!e! 'nto it% 'nto .illing o#edience% all rea!oning [di!p'tation] #eing #ro$en o""< .hich i! al!o
#etter gathered #) the ne3t te3t. 9or the rea!on i! added% .h) it i! not la."'l "or Peter to !'!pend
hi! ?'dgment in an 'ncertain matter% #eca'!e >od i! the a'thor o" the #'!ine!!< #eca'!e it i! a!
m'ch a! i" it !ho'ld #e !aid% that .e o'ght to #e content .ith the #ec$ o" >od alone% that .e ma)
o#e) hi! commandment. *nd here#) are .e al!o admoni!hed that men=! con!cience! !hall #) no
other mean! #e @'iet% that the) !a"el) do that .hich the) do% than .hen #eing ta'ght #) the Jord
o" >od% the) determine that the) do nothing .itho't hi! commandment and cond'ct.
21. .ehold, ! a% he $ho% ye see#( L'$e declareth no. ho. read) Peter .a! to o#e)< !econdl)%
that he 'nder!tood at length% #) the me!!enger!% to .hat end the vi!ion .a! !ho.ed 'nto him.
9or he heareth that he i! called #) Corneli'!% a man that i! a >entile% .hom he .o'ld have
co'nted pro"ane% and 'n.orth) o" hi! compan)% 'nle!! hi! ?'dgment had #een corrected .ith thi!
voice% PThat .hich >od calleth p're% ?'dge not tho' to #e common.Q Thi! i! to #e .i!e indeed%
.hen a! a#andoning all vain con"idence% and correcting o'r !t'##ornne!!% the a'thorit) o" >od
doth !o p'll '! 'nto it% and doth !o po!!e!! o'r mind!% that .e co'nt nothing right #'t that .hich
it pre!cri#eth.
22. Cornelius, a just %an( Corneli'!= !ervant! commend their ma!ter not am#itio'!l)% or to the
end the) ma) "latter him% #'t that Peter ma) the le!! a#hor hi! compan).
96E3
*nd "or thi! ca'!e
the) !a) that he .a! approved o" the Be.!% that Peter ma) $no. that he .a! not e!tranged "rom
/1M
tr'e and !incere godline!!. 9or even tho!e .hich .ere !'per!titio'!% tho'gh the) !erved idol!%
did #oa!t that the) .ere .or!hipper! o" >od. -'t Corneli'! co'ld not have the Be.!% .ho
retained the .or!hip o" the tr'e >od alone% to #e .itne!!e! o" hi! godline!!% 'nle!! he had
pro"e!!ed that he .or!hipped the >od o" *#raham .ith them. 9'rthermore% a! thi! .a! a rare
e3ample% !o it o'ght to have moved Peter not a little. *ltho'gh the) lean mo!t o" all to thi!
arg'ment% that the) ma) per!'ade him that .hich the) go a#o't% that all thi! matter i! governed
#) the commandment o" >od% a! i" the) !ho'ld !a)% That he i! not !o m'ch called #) a mortal
man a! #) >od% .ho had !o commanded #) hi! angel.
2. *nd Peter al!o% #eing overcome .ith the a'thorit) o" >od% deli#erateth no longer% #'t lodgeth
the men% that he ma) go .ith them "orth.ith. So .e m'!t mee$l) !'#mit o'r!elve! to >od< and
there remaineth nothing a"ter that .e $no. hi! .ill% #'t that .e r'n !peedil) thither .hither he
calleth '!. There i! no di""ic'lt) in the re!t.
ACTS 1':2-2&
The da) "ollo.ing Peter .ent "orth .ith them% and certain o" the #rethren that
.ere o" Boppa accompanied him. 2". *nd the ne3t da) the) entered into Ce!area.
*nd Corneli'! .aited "or them% having called hi! $in!"ol$! and "riend! together.
2#. *nd .hen Peter entered in% Corneli'! meeting him% and "alling do.n at hi!
"eet% .or!hipped him. 2#. -'t Peter li"ted him 'p% !a)ing% *ri!e% + am al!o a man.
2%. *nd .hen he had tal$ed .ith him% he entered in% and he "o'nd man)
a!!em#led together. 2$. *nd he !aid to them% ;o' $no. that it i! .ic$edne!! "or
a man that i! a Be. to ?oin him!el" to a man that i! a !tranger% or to enter in 'nto
him< #'t >od hath !ho.ed to me that no man m'!t #e called common or
'nclean. 2&. 9or thi! ca'!e + came .itho't gain!a)ing% .hen + .a! called<
there"ore% + demand "or .hat ca'!e )e have called me.
The day follo$ing he $ent forth. +t !ho'ld !eem that the) arrived a little #e"ore night
96E0
#eca'!e
the) .ere not a! )et entered the cit) at noon% and the vi!ion .hich .a! !ho.ed thrice a!$ed no
!mall time. There"ore% .hen the) had ta$en their re!t all night% the) addre!! them!elve! to ret'rn.
*gain% there .a! a point o" co'rte!) in that !ome o" the "aith"'l do accompan) Peter% .ho .ere
!ent% a! it i! to #e tho'ght% #) the .hole ch'rch% to #ring him even to Ce!area. The!e men ?o'rne)
.ith Peter "or good.ill and honor=! !a$e< #'t the Lord #ringeth them% that the) ma) #e .itne!!e!
o" hi! grace. So that the) are #o'nti"'ll) re.arded "or their than$"'lne!!% .hen a! "or
con"irmation o" their "aith the) !ee the $ingdom o" Chri!t !pread a#road even 'nto the >entile!.
2". Cornelius $aited for the%( L'$e doth not onl) commend the godl) a""ection o" Corneli'! in
thi! point% that he .aited earne!tl) "or Peter=! coming% #'t #eca'!e he .o'ld have hi! "riend! and
$in!"ol$! to #e companion! .ith him in the "aith. Thi! .a! a thing not .itho't great danger% to
call together a compan) o" men% that the) might em#race a ne. $ind o" religion. *nd there
.anted not rea!on!% 'nder color .hereo" he might have "lattered [e3c'!ed] him!el"< "or he .a!
not commanded to call other! to accompan) him% #'t rather the) .ere pa!!ed over% and he
him!el" .a! cho!en to #e made parta$er o" !o great goodne!!< #'t he con!idered .ith him!el"
ho. m'ch he .a! inde#ted
96ED
#oth to the glor) o" >od% and al!o to the !alvation o" hi! #rethren.
He $ne. that it .a! an 'n?'!t thing% and a point. o" di!co'rte!)% to provide "or him!el" alone% and
not to regard other!. He co'nted it a point o" "ilth) carele!!ne!!
96E6
to hide the trea!'re o" the
/1E
go!pel 'nder the gro'nd. There"ore% he did that .hich the Lord re@'ireth o" all hi! #) +!aiah and
Micah% that ever) one e3hort hi! #rother Fta$ing him a! it .ere #) the handG 'nto the "aith.
There"ore% Corneli'! hath ta'ght '! #) hi! e3ample% that .hen >od revealeth him!el" 'nto '! .e
m'!t not cho$e the light o" hi! $no.ledge .ith !loth or "ear% #'t .e m'!t rather endeavor that
o'r "aith ma) !hine #e"ore other! to give light% and to !ho. the .a) to them< "or the inheritance
o" the $ingdom o" heaven i! not !'ch% that even the lea!t portion can #e ta$en "rom '!% i" man) #e
made parta$er! thereo"< #'t i" other! #e made coheir! .ith '!% it !hall rather increa!e o'r glor)%
9'rthermore% .e m'!t mar$ ho. "ar he i! "rom vainglor)< "or he calleth them to #e hi! !chool
"ello.!% #eing him!el" read) to learn. Thi! i! the tr'e !t'd) o" godline!!% .hen a! together .ith
5eal there appeareth !'ch plainne!!%
96EM
that .e are not a!hamed to depend 'pon the mo'th o"
>od. 9or man) are pric$ed "or.ard .ith am#ition% to emplo) them!elve! in teaching the
ignorant< and "ooli!h #a##ling di!covereth their "oll)% .hen a! the) h'ddle o't .ord! more
earne!tl)% and the) .o'ld have none heard #'t them!elve!. -'t thi! alone o'ght to #e the dri"t o"
all men% to #ring them!elve! and all the .hole .orld 'nder >od% that .hen men are !'#d'ed 'nto
tr'e h'milit)% he alone ma) have the preeminence. Let not him .hich e3celleth in the "ac'lt) and
grace o" teaching re"'!e to teach hi! #rethren% !o that he #e "ree "rom #oa!ting% and pro'd de!ire
to e3cel. Let him to .hom it .a! not granted to #e a teacher $eep him!el" .ithin hi! #o'nd!. Let
neither o" them de!ire ma!ter!hip% a! Bame! teacheth them< #'t let one !o edi") another% that
neither the learned% neither the 'nlearned% #e a!hamed to #e #ro'ght into order.
:ot.ith!tanding% it i! demanded%
96EE
.hat $in!"ol$! he co'ld have in B'dea% !eeing that he .a!
an alien% and .a! come thither onl) #) rea!on o" .ar% .hich contin'ed #'t "or a !hort timeI *! +
a""irm nothing% !o + em#race thi! a! mo!t pro#a#le% that he had !ome in hi! garri!on .hich .ere
hi! $in!men< "or neigh#or!% and tho!e .hich .ere o" ac@'aintance .ere .ont to !erve 'nder one
captain. *nd .e need not do'#t o" thi!% #'t that Corneli'!= $in!men .ere de!iro'! to #e 'nder
him% "ora!m'ch a! he .a! a cent'rion. He calleth "amiliar "riend! anagkaiouv% a! tho!e are called
o" the Latin!% "e'essarii, .hich are nearer together.
96E1
2!. 8alling do$n at his feet, he $orshi++ed( Here i! the .ord prosekunhsen% .hich !igni"ieth to
te!ti") honor or .or!hip% either #) #o.ing the $nee or d'c$ing do.n the head% or #) an) other
ge!t're. :o.% the @'e!tion i!% .hether Peter re"'teth thi! .or!hip "or mode!t)=! !a$e onl)% or he
di!allo.eth it a! a thing altogether 'nla."'lI +t appeareth that Corneli'!= "act di!plea!ed Peter.%
#) the rea!on .hich i! #) and #) added% Arise, for e&en ! a% a %an( 9or .e ma) gather that there
.a! !ome divine thing in that .or!hip% #eca'!e he did a!cri#e 'nto mortal man the honor .hich
i! d'e to >od alone. -'t .e m'!t not thin$ that Corneli'! did co'nt Peter in!tead o" >od< "or i"
he tran!lated >od=! honor 'nto mortal man% .here i! that godline!! and religion% .ith the title
.hereo" he .a! o" late adornedI There"ore% + thin$ that he meant nothing le!! than to !poil >od
o" hi! la."'l .or!hip% that he might give it to man< #'t "ora!m'ch a! he meant to give !ing'lar
honor 'nto the prophet and apo!tle o" Chri!t% he "ell into an immoderate to$en o" reverence% and
!o he o""ended in e3ce!!.
9or it can !carce #e e3pre!!ed in .ord! ho. prone men are to "all to !'per!tition% .hen a! that
honor i! given to the mini!ter! o" Chri!t% .hich hath an) !mall !ho. o" divine .or!hip< "or .e
"all ea!il) 'na.are! into that .hereo" .e tho'ght "'ll little. There .ere le!! danger in a $ing or
in the chie" chie"tain! o" thi! .orld< "or he .hich "alleth do.n #e"ore a $ing $eepeth him!el"
.ithin the #o'nd! o" earthl) and civil honor. -'t the ca!e !tandeth other.i!e in the mini!ter! o"
Chri!t< "or a! their o""ice i! !pirit'al% !o i" an) man "all do.n at their "eet to .or!hip them% thi!
/11
honor hath in it !ome !pirit'al thing. 9or .e m'!t p't a di""erence #et.een civil .or!hip% .hich
men '!e among them!elve! in re!pect o" civil order% and that 'nder .hich i! contained religion%
or .hich re!pecteth directl) the honor o" >od< a! al!o #et.een la.! .hich are made "or temporal
regimen% or .hich #ind the con!cience. 9or certain "ooli!h men are deceived too "ar% .ho thin$
that $neeling i! in thi! place condemned !impl) and o" it!el". -'t thi! i! that .hich + !aid%
Corneli'! doth not here !al'te hi! procon!'l% or the emperor% a"ter an) civil !ort< #'t #eing
!tric$en .ith .ondering .hen he !a. Peter% he honoreth him a! he .o'ld have honored >od% i"
he had #een pre!ent< !o that he giveth man more than i! meet% having% a! it .ere% "orgotten
him!el". He tho'ght nothing le!! Fa! + have alread) !aidG than to ro# >od o" an) part o" hi! honor%
that he might give that to man .hich he too$ "rom him. -'t .hen a! the .or!hip .hich i! given
to man hath !ome.hat .hich i!% a! it .ere% lin$ed .ith the honor o" >od% men "all into a "a'lt
contrar) to their hope and opinion% !o that the) e3tol man a#ove hi! degree% and give him the
.or!hip .hich i! d'e to >od.
The Papi!t!% omitting that di!tinction% !natch onl) at one mem#er "or the) handle religio'!
.or!hip onl). To the end the) ma) a!cri#e !ome part thereo"% .ith !ome hone!t color% 'nto
creat're!% the) c't [!'#divide] it into latria, dulia, and hy+erdulia. The) give latria to >od alone<
a! i" the) !ho'ld !a)% that the adoration o" .or!hip i! d'e to him alone. The) ma$e d'lia common
to the dead and their #one!% to image! and pict're!. The) a!!ign their hy+erdulia to the Airgin
Mar)% and to the cro!! .hereon Chri!t hanged. That + ma) omit to !a) that the) #a##le thro'gh
childi!h ignorance% ho. man) o" them do 'nder!tand that rotten di!tinctionI :either do + !pea$
onl) o" the common !ort% #'t o" the chie"tain!. There"ore% all their .or!hipping! m'!t need! #e
in"ected and corr'pt .ith .ic$ed !'per!tition% !eeing the) 'nadvi!edl) match creat're! .ith
>od. -'t L'$e !aith not in thi! place that Corneli'! gave to Peter latria, For the honor d'e to
>od<G he '!eth onl) the general .ord $orshi++ed, and he addeth% not.ith!tanding% that he .a!
reproved% #eca'!e he did .ic$edl) e3tol man higher than #ecame him. S'rel)% i" that ne.
opinion concerning the adoration .hich i! called dulia had an) place% Peter o'ght to have
admoni!hed Corneli'! that he !ho'ld not go #e)ond dulia. -'t #eca'!e no .or!hip .here'nto
religion i! anne3ed% and the re!pect o" >od=! honor% doth leave to >od hi! honor 'nto'ched% .hat
man !oever it have< there"ore% Peter i! content .ith thi! one onl) rea!on that he i! a man.
Moreover% + .o'ld gladl) $no. o" the Papi!t!% .hether the) thin$ that Bohn .a! !o #loc$i!h% that
he .o'ld ta$e the honor d'e to >od% .hich the) call latria, and give it to the angelI S'rel)% there
.a! nothing el!e that ca'!ed him to .or!hip the angel% !ave onl) too m'ch and prepo!tero'!
reverence% and that in honor o" >od% .ho!e glor) !hone in the angel< not.ith!tanding hi! "act i!
condemned. There"ore% to the end .e ma) give >od that .hich i! hi! o.n% let the !pirit'al
.or!hip% 'nder .hich i! comprehended religion% remain .hole and !o'nd to him.
2$. 0e #no$ that it is not la$ful( Thi! !eemeth to #e no "riendl) pre"ace% and !'ch a! ma) rather
harden
9610
than .in their heart!% .hen a! the) hear that the) are acco'nted !o 'nclean% that .ith
their "amiliarit) and con"erence the) poll'te the !aint!< .hich m'!t need! #e a great reproach "or
them. -'t it .a! need"'l "or Peter th'! to !pea$% le!t the) !ho'ld !'!pect that he had an evil
con!cience% #eca'!e% contrar) to the c'!tom delivered #) the "ather!% he came.
9611
-'t .hen a!
he a""irmeth that he .a! !ent o" >od% all !'ch !'!picion i! ta$en a.a) and p'rged. Moreover% he
mitigateth ver) .ell #) the!e .ord! the o""en!e .hich did !tic$ in their mind!% #) rea!on o" an
old gr'dge .hich .a! #et.een the Be.! and the >entile!% !o that he co'ld #) no mean! have
entered hi! !peech #etter% 9or he prono'nceth that tho!e are no. clean .ho .ere #e"ore 'nclean%
!o that the) have m't'al "ello.!hip no. .ith the !aint!. 9'rthermore% .herea! he !aid that it .a!
//0
.ic$edne!! "or the Be.! to go in 'nto the >entile!% .e m'!t $no. that thi! came not !o m'ch
"rom the la.% a! "rom the o#!ervation o" the "ather!. >od had "or#idden% indeed% that the) !ho'ld
FnotG entangle them!elve! .ith marriage! or covenant!% F
N0D0M03O
(e'teronom) M43<G the) .ere
never "or#idden to eat .ith them% or to '!e the common #'!ine!!e! o" li"e. -'t le!t that
"amiliarit) might entice them into that .hich .a! "or#idden% the) o#!erved the c'!tom delivered
#) the "ather!% !o that the) did not compan) together. +t i! to no end to di!p'te here .hether that
tradition did #ind men=! con!cience!< "or Peter doth not teach
961/
.hat i! la."'l according to
>od% #'t .hat .a! commonl) '!ed.
"o %an( He ma$eth the !'m and end o" the vi!ion more plain% .hen he re"erreth that 'nto men
.hich .a! !po$en o" meat!. *nd .herea! he !aith% that no man i! 'nclean% it ma) not #e
'nder!tood o" FallG partic'lar per!on!< "or it i! certain that all 'n#eliever! are poll'ted .ith
'ncleanne!! o" con!cience% !o that the) poll'te tho!e thing! .hich are other.i!e p're% .hen a!
the) do #'t to'ch them. Pa'l al!o !aith that their children remain 'nclean 'ntil the) #e clean!ed
#) "aith. 9inall)% i" "aith alone do p'rge and p'ri") the heart! o" men% 'n#elie" doth ma$e the
!ame pro"ane. -'t Peter
9613
compareth the Be.! and the >entile! together in thi! place< and
#eca'!e the .all o" !eparation .a! p'lled do.n% and the covenant o" li"e
9610
i! no. common to
them #oth ali$e% he !aith that tho!e are not to #e co'nted alien! .ho are made parta$er! o" >od=!
adoption.
2&. Je m'!t al!o note that .hich he addeth% that he came .itho't gain!a)ing% 9or thi! i! the hol)
!ilence o" "aith% .hen a! .itho't m'rm'ring again!t >od .e receive that mee$l) .hich he
commandeth% a#andoning
961D
all contrar) rea!on! .hich intr'de them!elve!.
ACTS 1':'-
'. Then !aith Corneli'!% 9o'r da)! ago% 'ntil thi! ho'r% + .a! "a!ting< and
a#o't the ninth ho'r + pra)ed at m) ho'!e< and #ehold a man !tood #e"ore me
in a !hining garment% 1. Jho !aid% Corneli'!% th) pra)er i! heard% and th)
alm! i! come into remem#rance #e"ore >od. 2. There"ore !end men to Boppa%
and "etch Simon% .ho!e !'rname i! Peter< thi! man lodgeth in the ho'!e o"
Simon the tanner< .hen he !hall #e pre!ent he !hall !pea$ to thee..
There"ore% a"ter that ho'r + !ent 'nto thee% and tho' ha!t done .ell that tho' art
come% There"ore% all .e are no. pre!ent #e"ore >od% to hear all thing! .hich
are appointed "or thee o" >od.
-eca'!e thi! an!.er o" Corneli'! containeth onl) the #are repetition o" the hi!tor)% + !hall not
need to !tand long a#o't that. The !'m i!% that he called Peter at the commandment o" >od.
'. ! $as fasting( Man) >ree$ #oo$!
9616
have hmhn% + !at. The old interpreter omitteth the .ord
"a!ting% .hich + thin$ .a! done thro'gh error or negligence% #eca'!e it i! e3pre!!ed in all the
>ree$ #oo$!.
961M
9'rthermore% he ma$eth e3pre!! mention o" "a!ting% partl) that .e ma) $no.
that he pra)ed not coldl)% or over"ield!
961E
at that time< !econdl)% that the vi!ion ma) #e the le!!
!'!pected. 9or do'#tle!! the #rain o" a man that i! "a!ting F.here there i! moderate !o#riet)G doth
not ea!il) admit an) !trong imagination!% .herein appear image! and !trange "orm!% .here#)
men are deceived.
9611
There"ore Corneli'!= meaning i!% that he .a! earne!tl) #ent to pra)% at !'ch
time a! the angel appeared to him% and that hi! mind .a! "ree "rom all !'ch let! .hich '!e to
ma$e men !'#?ect to "anta!ie! and imagination!.
9M00
*nd to the !ame end tendeth the
//1
circ'm!tance o" time% that thi! .a! done .hen it .a! no. "air da)light% three ho'r! #e"ore the
going do.n o" the !'n.
A %an stood in shining gar%ent( He calleth him a man% .hom he $ne. .a! an angel o" >od< #'t
it i! a common thing "or the name o" the vi!i#le "orm .herein >od or hi! angel! appear to #e
tran!lated 'nto him or them< !o Mo!e! doth !ometime! call them angel!% and !ometime! men%
.hich appeared to *#raham in !hape o" men. The !hining garment .a! a to$en o" heavenl)
glor)% and% a! it .ere a !ign o" the divine Ma?e!t) .hich appeared
9M01
in the angel. The
evangeli!t! declare% that there .a! !'ch #rightne!! in Chri!t=! garment .hen he !ho.ed hi! glor)
to the three di!ciple! in the mo'nt. The !ame thing do the) .itne!! o" the angel! .hich .ere !ent
to te!ti") Chri!t=! re!'rrection. 9or% a! the Lord #eareth .ith o'r in"irmit) th'! "ar that he
commandeth hi! angel! to de!cend 'nder "orm o" o'r "le!h% !o he ca!teth o't 'pon them certain
#eam! o" hi! glor)% that the commandment! .hich he hath committed to them ma) #e the more
reverenced and #elieved. Here ari!eth a @'e!tion% .hether that .ere a tr'e and nat'ral #od)% and
.hether that .ere a garment in deed% or Corneli'! did onl) !ee !'ch a !hape and !ho.< and
tho'gh thi! #e not !o nece!!ar) to #e $no.n% and .e can !carce a""irm an) thing "or a tr'th%
9M0/

)et it !eemeth to me more pro#a#le a! to'ching con?ect're% that >od to .hom it #elongeth to
create all thing! gave to the angel a tr'e #od)% and did clothe the !ame .ith a mo!t gorgeo'!
garment< #'t !o !oon a! the angel had ended hi! em#a!!age% + thin$ he .a! re!tored to hi! o.n
nat're% the #od) and garment #eing #ro'ght to no'ght% and that he !'""ered no h'man thing
9M03

!o long a! he .a! in the !hape o" man.
. Therefore, $e are all no$ +resent( To the end Peter ma) #e more read) and .illing to teach%
Corneli'! a""irmeth that him!el" and the re!t .ill #e apt to #e ta'ght% and read) to o#e) >od< "or
thi! !erveth not a little to move the teacher to ta$e pain! .ith the hearer!% .hen a! he hopeth
a!!'redl) that the) !hall pro"it there#)% The!e .ord!% before God, ma) have a do'#le meaning<
the) ma) either #e an oath% or Corneli'! ma) there#) !impl) pro"e!! that that compan) .a!
gathered together at hi! ho'!e% a! in the !ight o" >od% that the) ma) hear man=! voice in li$e !ort
a! i" it proceeded o't o" >od=! o.n mo'th. Jhether!oever )o' choo!e% there !hall #e al.a)! one
end<
9M00
"or to the end Corneli'! ma) the more proc're the credit o" hi! !incerit)% he te!ti"ieth
that he hath >od #e"ore hi! e)e!% .hom no man ma) moc$ #) di!!im'lation< and a!!'redl)% !o
o"ten a! the Jord o" >od i! !et #e"ore '!% .e m'!t th'! thin$ .ith o'r!elve!% that .e have not to
deal .ith a mortal man% #'t that >od i! pre!ent% and doth call '!. 9or% "rom thi! re!pect o" >od
ari!eth the ma?e!t) o" >od=! .ord% and reverence in hearing the !ame. :ot.ith!tanding% he
!eemeth to promi!e 'nadvi!edl) "or other! in a matter !o .eight)% "or .ho can #e a "it #orro.
[ca'tioner] "or another man=! "aithI -'t #eca'!e ever) man had promi!ed o#edience "or him!el"%
he doth% "or good ca'!e!% hope that the) .ere !o a""ectioned< and% 'ndo'#tedl)% .e ma) thin$
that the) had promi!ed that the) .o'ld #e o#edient to hi! !a)ing! !o !oon a! the matter .a!
!ho.ed them% and that even then ever) one con"irmed #) him!el" that .hich one had !po$en in
the name o" all.
To hear all things( Thi! onl) i! tr'e "aith .hen .e em#race not the one hal" o" the Jord o" >od
alone% #'t addict [!'#?ect] o'r!elve! .holl) 'nto it< and )et% not.ith!tanding% there #e "e.
e3ample! in the .orld o" thi! "'ll and 'niver!al "aith% "or the more part doth not !'#mit
them!elve! to the doctrine o" >od% a! i" the) had made a covenant .ith >od% !ave onl) !o "ar
"orth a! it plea!eth them. +" an) thing di!plea!e them the) either carele!!l) contemn or mi!li$e
the !ame. -'t Corneli'! doth .i!el) di!ting'i!h #et.een >od and man% "or he ma$eth >od the
a'thor o" the doctrine% and leaveth nothing "or man #e!ide! the mini!tr) and em#a!!age. PTho'
///
!haltQ !aith he% Phave attentive !cholar!% and tho!e .hich .ill #e o#edient in all thing! .hich
>od hath commanded thee< that he alone ma) #e principal% and tho' onl) hi! mini!ter< that% he
alone ma) !pea$ #'t o't o" th) mo'th%Q .hich thing >od pre!cri#eth to all hi! !ervant! in the
per!on o" ,5e$iel.
PTa$eQ !aith he% Pthe .ord o't o" m) mo'th% and tho' !halt !ho. 'nto them "rom me%Q
F
N/6330MO
,5e$iel 334M.G
ACTS 1':"-$
". *nd Peter opening hi! mo'th !aid% 7" a tr'th + "ind that >od i! no accepter o"
per!on!4 !. -'t in ever) nation he that "eareth him% and doth righteo'!ne!!% i!
accepted o" him. #. Concerning the thing .hich >od !ent to the children o" +!rael%
preaching peace #) Be!'! Chri!t< Fhe i! Lord o" all4 G %. ;e $no. ho. the .ord .a!
!pread thro'gho't all B'dea% #eginning at >alilee% a"ter the #apti!m .hich Bohn
preached< $. Ho. that >od hath anointed Be!'! o" :a5areth .ith the Hol) >ho!t%
and .ith po.er< .ho .ent doing good% and healing all tho!e .hich .ere holden #)
the devil% #eca'!e >od .a! .ith him.
". O+ening his %outh( Je have alread) !aid% that the Script're '!eth thi! phra!e .hen it doth
!igni") that there .a! an) grave or .eight) oration or !peech made. +n the "i"th o" Matthe.%
F
N000D01O
Matthe. D41%G it i! !aid that Be!'! opened hi! mo'th .hen he .o'ld preach to hi!
di!ciple!% and intreat o" mo!t .eight) matter!% a! i" a man !ho'ld !a) in Latin% he #egan to !pea$%
having "ir!t .ell #etho'ght him!el" .hat he .o'ld !pea$.
!n truth ! find( "atalambanesqai i! to apprehend% or to gather #) rea!on!% !ign!% and con?ect're!.
Corneli'! .a! a >entile #orn% )et >od heareth hi! pra)er!< he vo'ch!a"eth to !ho. him the light
o" the go!pel< he appointed and !endeth an angel to him partic'larl)< there#) doth Peter $no.
that% .itho't re!pect o" per!on!% tho!e do plea!e >od .hich live godl) and innocentl). 9or
#e"ore% F#eing .holl) po!!e!!ed .ith thi! pre?'dice% that the Be.! alone .ere #eloved o" >od% a!
the) alone .ere cho!en o't o" all people%G [nation!%] he did not thin$ that the grace o" >od co'ld
come 'nto other!. He .a! not% indeed% !o gro!! that he tho'ght that godline!! and innocenc) o"
li"e .ere condemned #eca'!e the) .ere in a man that .a! a >entile< #'t% !eeing he did !impl)
!natch at that%
9M0D
that all tho!e .ere e!tranged "rom the $ingdom o" >od% and .ere pro"ane%
.hich .ere 'ncirc'mci!ed% he entangleth him!el" 'na.are! in that !o "ilth) an error% that >od
did de!pi!e hi! p're .or!hip and an hol) li"e% .here there .a! no circ'mci!ion< #eca'!e
'ncirc'mci!ion made all virt'e! 'n!avor) to the Be.!. -) .hich e3ample% .e are ta'ght ho.
greatl) .e o'ght to #e.are o" pre?'dice!% .hich ma$e '! o"tentime! ?'dge ami!!.
9'rthermore% .e m'!t note .hat the .ord +erson doth !igni")% #eca'!e man) are there#)
deceived% .hil!t that the) e3po'nd it generall)% that one man i! pre"erred #e"ore another. So
Pelagi'! denied in time! pa!t that !ome are cho!en and !ome are [re]proved
9M06
o" >od< #eca'!e
>od did not accept per!on!. -'t #) thi! .ord .e m'!t 'nder!tand the e3ternal !tate or
appearance% a! the) call it< and .hat!oever i! a#o't man him!el"% .hich doth either #ring him in
"avor% or ca'!e him to #e hated< riche!% no#ilit)% m'ltit'de o" !ervant!% honor% do ma$e a man to
#e in great "avor< povert)% #a!ene!! o" lineage% and !'ch li$e thing!% ma$e him to #e de!pi!ed. +n
thi! re!pect% the Lord doth o"tentime! "or#id the accepting o" per!on!% #eca'!e men cannot ?'dge
aright !o o"ten a! e3ternal re!pect! do lead them a.a) "rom the matter.
9M0M
+n thi! place% it i!
//3
re"erred 'nto the nation< and the meaning i!% that circ'mci!ion i! no let% #'t that >od ma) allo.
9M0E
righteo'!ne!! in a man that i! a >entile. -'t it !hall !eem #) thi! mean! that >od did re!pect
per!on! "or a time. 9or% .hen a! he did choo!e the Be.! to #e hi! people% pa!!ing over the
>entile!% did he not re!pect per!on!I + an!.er% that the ca'!e o" thi! di""erence o'ght not to #e
!o'ght in the per!on! o" men% #'t it doth .holl) depend 'pon the hidden co'n!el o" >od. 9or% in
that he rather adopted *#raham% that .ith him he might ma$e hi! covenant% than the ,g)ptian!%
he did not thi! #eing moved .ith an) e3ternal re!pect% #'t FallG the .hole ca'!e remained in hi!
.onder"'l co'n!el. There"ore% >od .a! never tied to per!on!.
:ot.ith!tanding% the do'#t i! not a! )et di!!olved%
9M01
#eca'!e it cannot #e denied #'t that
circ'mci!ion did plea!e >od% !o that he co'nted him one o" hi! people .ho had that to$en o"
!ancti"ication. -'t .e ma) ea!il) an!.er thi! al!o that circ'mci!ion "ollo.ed a"ter the grace o"
>od% "ora!m'ch a! it .a! a !eal thereo". Jhere'pon it "ollo.eth that it .a! no ca'!e thereo".
:everthele!!% it .a! 'nto the Be.! a pledge o" "ree adoption< in !'ch !ort% that 'ncirc'mci!ion
did not hinder >od% #'t that he might admit .hat >entile! he .o'ld 'nto the !ociet) o" the !ame
!alvation. -'t the coming o" Chri!t had thi! ne. and e!pecial thing% that a"ter that the .all o"
!eparation .a! p'lled do.n% F,phe!ian!. /410%G >od did em#race the .hole .orld generall). *nd
thi! do the .ord! in e&ery nation import. 9or !o long a! *#raham=! !eed .a! the hol) inheritance
o" >od% the >entile! might !eem to #e @'ite #ani!hed "rom hi! $ingdom< #'t .hen Chri!t .a!
given to #e a light o" the >entile!% the covenant o" eternal li"e #egan to #e common to all ali$e.
!. He $hi'h feareth God, and doth righteousness( +n the!e t.o mem#er! i! comprehended the
integrit) o" all the .hole li"e. 9or the "ear o" >od i! nothing el!e #'t godline!! and religion< and
righteousness i! that e@'it) .hich men '!e among them!elve!% ta$ing heed le!t the) h'rt an)
man% and !t'd)ing to do good to all men. *! the la. o" >od con!i!teth 'pon [o"] the!e t.o part!%
F.hich i! the r'le o" good li"eG !o no man !hall prove him!el" to >od #'t he .hich !hall re"er and
direct all hi! action! to thi! end% neither !hall there #e an) !o'nd thing in all o""ice!% [d'tie!%]
'nle!! the .hole li"e #e gro'nded in the "ear o" >od. -'t it !eemeth that thi! place doth attri#'te
the ca'!e o" !alvation 'nto the merit! o" .or$!. 9or i" .or$! p'rcha!e "avor "or '! .ith >od%
the) do al!o .in li"e "or '! .hich i! placed in the love o" >od to.ard! '!. Some do al!o catch at
the .ord righteousness, that the) ma) prove that .e are not ?'!ti"ied "reel) #) "aith% #'t #)
.or$!. -'t thi! latter thing i! too "rivolo'!. 9or + have alread) !ho.ed that it i! not ta$en "or the
per"ect and .hole o#!erving o" the la.% #'t i! re!trained 'nto the !econd ta#le and the o""ice! o"
love. There"ore it i! not the 'niver!al righteo'!ne!! .here#) a man i! ?'dged ?'!t #e"ore >od% #'t
that hone!t) and innocenc) .hich re!pecteth men% .hen a! that i! given to ever) man .hich i!
hi!.
There"ore the @'e!tion remaineth a! )et% .hether .or$! .in the "avor o" >od "or '!I .hich that
.e ma) an!.er% .e m'!t "ir!t note that there i! a do'#le re!pect o" >od in loving men. 9or
!eeing .e #e #orn the children o" .rath% F
N010/03O
,phe!ian! /43%G >od !hall #e !o "ar "rom "inding
an) thing in '! .hich i! .orth) o" hi! love% that all o'r .hole nat're ca'!eth him rather to hate
'!< in .hich re!pect% Pa'l !aith that all men are enemie! to him 'ntil the) #e reconciled #)
Chri!t% F
N0D0D10O
8oman! D410.G There"ore the "ir!t accepting o" >od% .here#) he receiveth '! into
"avor% i! altogether "ree< "or there can a! )et no re!pect o" .or$! #e had% !eeing all thing! are
corr'pt and .ic$ed% and ta!te o" [#e!pea$] their #eginning. :o.% .hom >od hath adopted to #e
hi! children% them doth he al!o regenerate #) hi! Spirit% and re"orm in them hi! image4 .hence
ri!eth that !econd re!pect. 9or >od doth not "ind man #are and na$ed then% and void o" all grace%
#'t he $no.eth hi! o.n .or$ in him% )ea% him!el". There"ore% >od accepteth the "aith"'l%
//0
#eca'!e the) live godl) and ?'!tl). *nd .e do not den) that >od accepteth the good .or$! o" the
!aint!< #'t thi! i! another @'e!tion% .hether man prevent the grace o" >od .ith hi! merit! or no%
and in!in'ate him!el" into hi! love% or .hether he #e #eloved at the #eginning% "reel) and .itho't
re!pect o" .or$!% "ora!m'ch a! he i! .orth) o" nothing el!e #'t o" hatred. 9'rthermore%
"ora!m'ch a! man% le"t to hi! o.n nat're% can #ring nothing #'t matter o" hatred% he m'!t need!
con"e!! that he i! tr'l) #eloved< .here'pon% it "ollo.eth that >od i! to him!el" the ca'!e that he
loveth '!% and that he i! provo$ed [act'ated] .ith hi! o.n merc)% and not .ith o'r merit!.
Secondl)% .e m'!t note% that altho'gh the "aith"'l plea!e >od a"ter regeneration .ith good
.or$!% and their re!pect! o" .or$!% )et that i! not done .ith the merit o" .or$!. 9or the
cleanline!! o" .or$! i! never !o e3act that the) can plea!e >od .itho't pardon< )ea% "ora!m'ch
a! the) have al.a)! !ome corr'ption mi3ed .ith them% the) are .orth) to #e re"'!ed. There"ore%
the .orthine!! o" the .or$! doth not ca'!e them to #e had in e!timation% #'t "aith% .hich
#orro.eth that o" Chri!t .hich i! .anting in .or$!.
#. Con'erning the %atter( -eca'!e the >ree$ te3t i! a#r'pt% !ome thin$ that the acc'!ative ca!e
i! p't in!tead o" the nominative< and that the !en!e i! thi!% Thi! i! the .ord .hich >od hath !ent
'nto the children o" +!rael. 7ther !ome re"er it 'nto the .ord ye #no$% .hich "ollo.eth
a"ter.ard< and the) thin$ that there .a! another .ord added to ma$e the !entence more plea!ant.
9or L'$e p'tteth logon in the "ormer place% and a"ter.ard rhma. -'t "ora!m'ch a! it i! common
and "amiliar among!t the >recian! to 'nder!tand
9M10
the prepo!ition!< thi! !en!e% .hich + have !et
do.n% !eemeth to me more agreea#le% tho'gh% i" the har!hne!! o" the !peech can #e an) #etter
mitigated% + .ill .illingl) )ield. There"ore + ta$e thi! mem#er to #e a pre"ace% .hich appertaineth
'nto thi! .orth) .or$ o" >od% .hich he !ho.ed among!t the children o" +!rael% preaching peace
#) Chri!t. That done% there i! added a narration. *t length% in the concl'!ion o" hi! !peech% Peter
!ho.eth to .hat end Chri!t .a! !ent into the .orld. 9'rthermore% he #eginneth .ith thi!
commemoration not .itho't ca'!e% That >od !ent hi! .ord 'nto the children o" +!rael. *nd
s+ee'h i! p't "or thing in the He#re. phra!e. The eternal covenant .hich >od had made .ith
that people .a! at that time "amo'!. There .a! nothing more commonl) $no.n among the Be.!
than that there .a! a 8edeemer promi!ed in time! pa!t to the "ather!% .ho !ho'ld re!tore thing!
.hich .ere deca)ed 'nto a "lo'ri!hing and #le!!ed e!tate. Thi! did tho!e al!o $no. .ho .ere
"amiliarl) conver!ant .ith the Be.!. There"ore% to the end Peter ma) p'rcha!e greater credit% he
!aith that he .ill !pea$ o" no ne. or 'n$no.n thing% #'t o" the re!toring o" the Ch'rch% .hich
did depend 'pon the eternal covenant o" >od% and .hich .a! no. mani"e!tl) !ho.ed% and
almo!t in ever) man=! mo'th.
Prea'hing +ea'e( Peter teacheth here .hat manner [o" ] r'mor and thing that .a! .hich .a!
!pread a#road< to .it% !'ch a! that it did ma$e peace. + ta$e peace in thi! place "or the reconciling
o" men and >od% .hich% not.ith!tanding% hath in it the per"ect
9M11
!alvation o" the Ch'rch. 9or%
a! horri#le con"'!ion% and% a! it .ere% a h'ge l'mp%
9M1/
do "ollo. a"ter that >od i! once e!tranged
"rom '!< !o% !o !oon a! hi! "atherl) "avor doth once appear% he gathereth hi! Ch'rch together% and
tr'e "elicit) ari!eth. There"ore% thi! i! Peter=! meaning% that >od !ho.ed him!el" merci"'l to hi!
people in Chri!t% and that he received into "avor *#raham=! children again% F.hom he !eemed to
have ca!t a.a) "or a time%G that he might e!ta#li!h among them a "lo'ri!hing e!tate. *nd a! he
ma$eth >od the a'thor o" thi! peace% !o he placeth Chri!t in the mid!t a! the pledge thereo"% that
it ma) #e certain and hol). He co'pleth peace and preaching e3pre!!l) together% #eca'!e thi! i!
one .a) .here#) the "r'it o" the reconciliation% p'rcha!ed #) Chri!t% cometh 'nto '!. +n li$e !ort%
//D
a"ter that Pa'l had ta'ght that Chri!t i! o'r peace% he addeth immediatel)% that he came to preach
peace 'nto tho!e .ho .ere nigh at hand and "ar o""% F
N010/1MO
,phe!ian! /41M.G
%. 0e #no$ ho$ the $ord( Thi! !ermon o" Peter con!i!teth 'pon [o" ] t.o mem#er! principall)<
"or in the "ormer he reciteth an hi!tor)< !econdl)% he de!cendeth 'nto the "r'it o" the hi!tor)G. 9or
!eeing that the coming o" Chri!t into the .orld% hi! death and re!'rrection% are the matter o" o'r
!alvation% Chri!t cannot other.i!e #e !et #e"ore '! to !alvation% than i" .e "ir!t $no. that he hath
p't on o'r "le!h< that he .a! in !'ch !ort conver!ant among!t men< that he proved him!el"% #)
certain te!timonie!% to #e the Son o" >od< that he .a! at length nailed 'pon the cro!!% and rai!ed
'p "rom the dead #) the po.er o" >od. *gain% le!t the $no.ledge o" the hi!tor) #e 'npro"ita#le
and cold% .e m'!t al!o !ho. the end .h) he came do.n "rom hi! heavenl) glor) into the .orld%
.h) he !'""ered !'ch a death !o reproach"'l among!t men% and acc'r!ed #) the mo'th o" >od.
The ca'!e o" hi! re!'rrection m'!t #e !ho.ed% .hence the e""ect and "r'it o" all the!e thing! i!
gathered< to .it% that Chri!t .a! h'm#led% that he might re!tore '! 'nto per"ect #le!!edne!! .ho
.ere @'ite lo!t< and al!o that he p't on #rotherl) love together .ith o'r "le!h< that #) ta$ing 'pon
him o'r in"irmitie!% he 'n#'rdened '! thereo"< that he made !ati!"action "or o'r !in!% #) the
!acri"ice o" hi! death% that he might p'rcha!e the 9ather=! "avor "or '!< that .hen a! he had gotten
the victor) o" death% he p'rcha!ed "or '! eternal li"e< that he !et heaven open "or '! #) hi!
entrance into the !ame< that all the po.er o" the Spirit .a! po'red o't 'pon him% that he might
enrich '! .ith hi! a#'ndance% F
N/36101O
+!aiah 6141.G
Thi! order o" teaching doth Peter o#!erve .hen he #eginneth .ith the hi!tor) o" the go!pel< and
a"ter.ard !ho.eth .hat .e have #) Chri!t=! de!cending into the earth% #) hi! death and
re!'rrection. 9ir!t% he !aith% that Be!'! o" :a5areth came a#road a"ter Bohn=! #apti!m. 9or #eca'!e
Bohn .a! appointed to thi! end% #) the co'n!el o" >od% that he might li"t 'p the mind! o" the
people to .ait "or Chri!t% it .a! not meet that thi! point !ho'ld #e omitted. He .a! co'nted an
e3cellent prophet o" >od< there"ore hi! a'thorit) .a! o" great importance to ma$e Chri!t to #e
#elieved% e!peciall) among!t the ignorant and tho!e .hich .ere #'t novice!. Je m'!t note the
phra!e% that Bohn preached #apti!m. 9or L'$e comprehendeth% indeed% 'nder the .ord ba+tis%,
all the .hole mini!tr) o" Bohn< neverthele!! he !ho.eth that it .a! no d'm# !ign% and void o"
doctrine. *nd a!!'redl) thi! i! the chie"e!t thing in all !acrament!% that the Jord o" >od ma)
appear engraven there% and that the clear voice ma) !o'nd. 9or .hich ca'!e% that .ic$ed
pro"anation .hich i! !een in Papi!tr) i! !o m'ch the more to #e dete!ted% #eca'!e% #'r)ing
preaching% the) do onl) charm the !acrament! .ith magical enchantment%
$. /esus of "a7areth( He calleth him a :a5arite here% not #eca'!e he .a! #orn there% #'t #eca'!e
he came thence to e3ec'te hi! o""ice< again% #eca'!e he .a! !'rnamed th'! commonl). He !aith
that he .a! anointed .ith the Spirit and po.er #) hy+allage( 9or the po.er .herein Chri!t
e3ceeded proceeded "rom the Spirit alone. There"ore% .hen a! the heavenl) 9ather anointed hi!
Son% he "'rni!hed him .ith the po.er o" hi! Spirit. Peter !aith immediatel) a"ter% that thi! po.er
appeared in miracle!< altho'gh he e3pre!!eth one $ind onl) in plain .ord!% that Chri!t te!ti"ied
that he .a! endo.ed .ith po.er o" the Hol) >ho!t that he might do good in the .orld. 9or it
.a! not meet that the "ear"'l po.er o" >od !ho'ld #e !ho.ed "orth in him% #'t !'ch a! might
all're the .orld .ith the !.eet ta!te o" goodne!! and grace to love him and to de!ire him. The
metaphor o" anointing i! '!'al !o o"ten a! mention i! made o" the gi"t! o" the Hol) >ho!t. +t i!
no. applied 'nto the per!on o" Chri!t% #eca'!e #) thi! mean! he .a! con!ecrated a $ing and
prie!t #) hi! 9ather. *nd .e $no. that in time o" the la.% oil .a! a !olemn to$en o" con!ecration.
The going o" Chri!t i! ta$en "or the co'r!e o" hi! calling% a! i" he !ho'ld !a)% that he "'l"illed hi!
//6
"'nction 'ntil the time appointed #e"ore. The !imilit'de i! ta$en "rom traveler! .hich go "or.ard
in their ?o'rne) 'ntil the) come 'nto the appointed place< altho'gh he !ho.eth there.ithal that
he .al$ed thro'gh B'dea in three )ear!% !o that no corner .a! .itho't hi! good deed!.
Those $hi'h $ere holden of de&ils( Thi! al!o .a! a more mani"e!t to$en o" >od=! po.er in
Chri!t% that he did not onl) heal men o" common di!ea!e!% #'t did al!o c're de!perate evil!. *ll
di!ea!e! are indeed light p'ni!hment!
9M13
.here.ith >od doth p'ni!h '!< #'t .hen a! he dealeth
more gentl) .ith '! according to hi! "atherl) $indne!!% he i! !aid to !tri$e '! .ith hi! hand then<
#'t in more grievo'! !co'rge! he '!eth Satan a! the mini!ter o" hi! .rath% and a! it .ere an
hangman. *nd .e m'!t diligentl) mar$ thi! di!tinction< "or it .ere an a#!'rd thing to !a) that he
i! tormented o" the devil .ho i! !ic$ o" an ag'e% or o" !ome other common $ind o" di!ea!e< #'t
the alienating o" the mind%
9M10
"'rio'! madne!!% and other% a! it .ere% mon!tro'! grie"!% [evil!%]
are "itl) and properl) attri#'ted to Satan. *nd% in thi! re!pect% the Script're '!eth to call men .ho
are !o ta$en and carried headlong .ith !'ch madne!! that the) have no hold o" them!elve!% !o
that the) !eem to #e t'rned almo!t into #ea!t!% men po!!e!!ed o" devil!.
.e'ause God $as $ith hi%( Peter noteth #rie"l) to .hat end tho!e po.er! did tend .hich .ere
!ho.ed
9M1D
#) the hand o" Chri!t% to .it% that tie might p'rcha!e credit among men% .ho did
#ehold >od a! it .ere pre!ent< and thi! .a! the tr'e '!e o" miracle!% a! .e have !aid alread)
el!e.here% and a! .e !hall !ee again herea"ter .hen .e come to it. 9or .e m'!t !ta) o'r!elve!
'pon thi! principle% that .e dimini!h the ma?e!t) o" >od 'nle!! .e em#race and reverence tho!e
.hom he mar$eth .ith the mar$ o" hi! !ervant!. There"ore% "ora!m'ch a! po.er! [miracle!] did
plainl) prove that Chri!t de!cended "rom heaven% hi! dignit) i! placed .itho't the lot o" man=!
?'dgment.
ACTS 1':&-"
&. *nd .e are .itne!!e! o" all thing! .hich he did in the co'ntr) o" the Be.!%
and at Ber'!alem% .hom the) !le.% hanging him on a tree. "'. Him >od rai!ed
the third da)% and !ho.ed him openl)% "1. :ot 'nto all the people% #'t to the
.itne!!e! appointed #e"ore o" >od "or thi! p'rpo!e< namel)% to '! .ho did eat
and drin$ .ith him a"ter that he .a! ri!en "rom the dead4 "2. *nd he
commanded '! that .e !ho'ld preach to the people% and !ho'ld te!ti") that he
i! appointed ?'dge o" the @'ic$ and dead. ". To thi! man do all the prophet!
#ear .itne!!% that .ho!oever #elieveth in him ma)% thro'gh hi! name% receive
remi!!ion o" !in!.
&. *nd .e #e .itne!!e!. That he ma) ma$e hi! .ord! to #e #elieved% he !aith% that he and hi!
"ello.! in o""ice !a. .ith their e)e! all tho!e thing! .hich the) !pa$e concerning Chri!t.
9M16

Shortl) a"ter% he ta$eth the .ord .itne!! in another !en!e% .hen he !aith that the) .ere appointed
.itne!!e!
9M1M
#) >od%
9M1E
and that the) are #ro'ght "orth% a! it .ere% #) >od% that the) might #)
their preaching #ring men 'nto the "aith o" Chri!t. So Pa'l% in the "i"teenth o" the 9ir!t to the
Corinthian!% F
N061D1DO
1 Corinthian! 1D41D%G !aith%
PJe F!aith heG !ho'ld #e "o'nd "al!e .itne!!e! [o" >od!] 'nle!! Chri!t .ere ri!en "rom
the dead.Q
*nd .e have alread) heard #) the mo'th o" Chri!t% P;e !hall #e m) .itne!!e! in B'dea% Samaria%
and at Ber'!alem.Q *nd no. Peter calleth him!el" onl) an hi!torical .itne!!% #eca'!e he #eheld
//M
the thing! .hich .ere done. *nd here he to'cheth hi! death #rie"l)% #eca'!e it .a! openl)
$no.n< he !tandeth longer 'pon hi! re!'rrection% .hich .a! more do'#t"'l% and the $no.ledge
.hereo" .a! more availa#le 'nto "aith.
"1. +" an) man demand here% Jh) >od did not !ho. hi! Son openl) to all men a"ter hi!
re!'rrectionI + an!.er% *ltho'gh there co'ld no rea!on #e !ho.ed% )et o'ght the co'n!el o" >od
alone to !'""ice !o#er and mode!t men% that the) ma) %a!!'re them!elve! .itho't all do'#t that
that i! #e!t .hich >od hath tho'ght meet. *nd )et% a!!'redl) >od '!ed thi! moderation to a good
end. 9or the certaint) o" the re!'rrection .a! proved #) man) and "irm te!timonie!% and thi! .a!
pro"ita#le to e3erci!e the "aith o" the godl)% to #elieve the go!pel rather than their e)e!. *!
to'ching the .ic$ed and pro"e!!ed enemie! o" Chri!t !eeing that #eing !o o"ten convict the)
.o'ld never )ield to >od% the) .ere 'n.orth) to have Chri!t to admit them to #ehold the glo.
o" hi! re!'rrection. Tho'gh even the) .ere !'""icientl) convict .ith the report o" the !oldier!%
.hom the) had hired to $eep the !ep'lcher< that + ma) omit other rea!on! .hich .e ma) "et o't
o" the Harmon).
9M11
There"ore% let '! a!!'re o'r!elve! o" thi!% that the hol) apo!tle! .ere cho!en
#) the hol) decree o" >od% that #) their te!timon) the tr'th o" Chri!t=! re!'rrection might !tand.
Jho!oever i! not content .ith thi! appro#ation% let him ta$e a.a) and overthro. i" he can that
inviola#le decree o" >od% .hich Peter commendeth to '! in thi! place. *nd a! "or '!% i" .e covet
to have >od the !'re a'thor o" o'r "aith let '! learn to #e content .ith the .itne!!e! .hom in d'e
time he hath #ro'ght "orth% a! it .ere% #) hi! hand% #eing ordained #) him #e"ore the .orld .a!
made.
2ho did eat( *nd here it appeareth .hat great regard Chri!t had o" o'r r'dene!! and ignorance%
.ho did a#a!e him!el" !o "ar "or o'r !a$e% that .hen he .a! no. end'ed .ith heavenl) glor)% he
did )et% not.ith!tanding% eat and drin$ a! a mortal man. Jhere"ore% there i! no ca'!e .h) .e
!ho'ld complain that the re!'rrection o" Chri!t i! o#!c're and do'#t"'l< "or he !'""ered hi!
di!ciple! to #e !lo. and hard o" #elie" "or thi! ca'!e% that #eing #etter con"irmed% the) might ta$e
"rom '! all occa!ion o" do'#ting. ;ea% rather% .e m'!t endeavor o'r!elve! that o'r 'n.orthine!!
and 'nthan$"'lne!! do not dar$en !o great $indne!! o" the Son o" >od to.ard '!. -'t .hen a!
the Script're !aith% that Chri!t did eat% c'rio'! men move a @'e!tion% .hat #ecame o" that meatI
-'t the an!.er i! ea!)< that li$e a! it .a! created o't o" nothing% !o .a! it ea!il) #ro'ght to
nothing #) the divine po.er o" Chri!t. That meat .hich i! ta$en "or the !'!tenance o" the #od) i!
concocted and a"ter.ard dige!ted< #'t .e $no. that Chri!t too$ thi! meat to "eed o'r "aith% and
in thi! '!e .a! it !pent. *nd tho!e men are deceived .ho thin$ that Chri!t did onl) !eem to eat%
9or .hat good co'ld !'ch a vi!or or vain !ho. have doneI
9M/0
9or .hen% a! .e !a) that Chri!t
.a! not en"orced .ith an) nece!!it) o" hi! o.n to eat% #'t that he meant onl) to provide "or tho!e
that .ere hi!% all occa!ion i! c't o""
9M/1
"rom the "rivolo'! invention! o" men.
"2. And he 'o%%anded us( He #eginneth in thi! place to intreat o" the $ingdom o" Chri!t% .hen
he !aith that Chri!t did ri!e again "or thi! ca'!e% that he ma) once ?'dge the .orld. 9or #) the
!ame right are the government o" heaven and earth% and the perpet'al government o" the Ch'rch%
d'e to him. He !aith that he !hall #e ?'dge of 9ui'# and dead* #eca'!e% .hen a! the dead !hall
ri!e again% other! al!o% .ho !hall then remain alive% !hall #e changed in a moment% a! Pa'l
teacheth in the "i"teenth chapter o" the 9ir!t ,pi!tle to the Corinthian!% F
N061DD1O
1 Corinthian!
1D4D1% D/%G and in the 9ir!t to the The!!alonian!% and the "o'rth chapter% F
ND/001MO
1 The!!alonian!
041M.G +n the .ord testify there i! great .eight< #eca'!e% a! men are nat'rall) inclined 'nto
'n#elie"% the !imple preaching o" the go!pel !ho'ld not #e !o e""ect'al% 'nle!! the Lord !ho'ld
e!ta#li!h it .ith !trong prote!tation!. *nd chie"l)% ever) one o" '! doth "eel in him!el" too m'ch
//E
.hat a hard matter it i! #oth to li"t 'p o'r mind! to hope "or the coming o" Chri!t% .hich are
entangled in earthl) !nare!% and al!o contin'all) to $eep them "i3ed in thi! meditation% !eeing
the) cea!e not .ith their lightne!! to #e carried hither and thither contin'all).
". To hi% bear all the +ro+hets( L'$e to'cheth and gathereth the !'m o" the !ermon #rie"l)% a!
.e have !aid< there"ore i! he !o !hort
9M//
in noting the "r'it o" the hi!tor). Let '! $no. that the
.ord! 'ttered #) Peter are not recited in thi! place< #'t that it% i! onl) declared o" .hat thing! he
intreated. *nd .e m'!t con!ider three thing!% That it i! the proper o""ice o" Chri!t to reconcile
men to >od .hen their !in! are done a.a)< that .e have remi!!ion o" !in! #) "aith< that thi!
doctrine i! not ne. or o" late invented% #'t that it had all the prophet! o" >od !ince the #eginning
o" the .orld to #ear .itne!! o" it.
*! to'ching the "ir!t% i" >od #e plea!ed and paci"ied #) not imp'ting o'r !in!% it appeareth
here#) that he hateth and i! di!plea!ed .ith all man$ind%
9M/3
'ntil !'ch time a! the) #egin to
plea!e him #) "ree pardon. There"ore .e are all condemned o" !in% .hich ma$eth '! !'#?ect to
the .rath o" >od% and #indeth '! .ith the g'iltine!! o" eternal death< and #eca'!e .e are
de!tit'te o" righteo'!ne!! in o'r!elve!% .e are ta'ght to "lee 'nto the merc) o" >od% a! 'nto o'r
onl) "ortre!!. Jhen a! he !aith that the "aith"'l receive remi!!ion o" !in!% there i! 'nder!tood a
hidden contrariet) #et.een them and >od< "or >od m'!t need! o""er it o" hi! o.n accord that the
"aith"'l ma) receive it. Jhen a! he !aith that it i! given #) the name o" Chri!t% hi! meaning i!%
that .e ret'rn into >od=! "avor #) the #ene"it o" Chri!t alone% #eca'!e he hath once reconciled
him to '! #) hi! death< or% a! the) !a) commonl)% that .e o#tain "orgivene!! o" !in! #) Chri!t=!
mediation% Fand coming #et.een%G and #) none other mean!.
Satan co'ld never #lot o't o" the mind! o" men the "eeling o" their g'iltine!!% #'t that the) .ere
al.a)! care"'l to crave pardon at >od=! hand!< #'t "ora!m'ch a! there .a! #'t one .a) and
mean! to o#tain pardon% mi!era#le men% #eing del'ded .ith the ?'ggling! [impo!t're!] o" Satan%
did invent to them!elve! .onder"'l la#)rinth!% in .ho!e croo$! and t'rn! the) .earied
them!elve! in vain. Thi! "ir!t error did "ir!t lead them a.a) "rom the right .a)% #eca'!e the)
e!!a)ed to de!erve pardon% .hich i! o""ered "reel)% and i! received #) "aith alone. *"ter.ard
there .ere inn'mera#le $ind! o" !ati!"action! [e3piation!] invented .here#) the) appea!ed >od.
The #eginning thereo" "lo.ed indeed "rom the Jord o" >od< #'t "ora!m'ch a! .hen >od gave
'nto the "ather! the !acri"ice! and rite! o" o#lation!% he !hado.ed Chri!t% #lind and pro"ane men%
!etting Chri!t a!ide% and "ollo.ing a vain !hado.% did corr'pt all that .hich .a! >od=! in
!acri"ice! and !ati!"action!.
9M/0
Jhere"ore% .hat !acri"ice! !oever the >entile! did '!e !ince the
#eginning o" the .orld% and tho!e .hich the T'r$! and Be.! '!e at thi! da)% ma) #e !et again!t
Chri!t a! thing! altogether contrar). The Papi!t! are never a .hit #etter% !ave onl) that the)
!prin$le their !ati!"action! .ith the #lood o" Chri!t< #'t the) deal too di!orderl) therein%
9M/D

#eca'!e% #eing not content .ith Chri!t alone% the) gather to them!elve!% on ever) !ide% a
tho'!and manner o" !acri"ice! or !ati!"action!. There"ore% .ho!oever de!ireth to have remi!!ion
o" !in!% let him not t'rn a!ide "rom Chri!t% even the lea!t nail=! #readth.
Jhen a! .e hear% that .e have remi!!ion o" !in! #) #elieving% .e m'!t 'nder!tand and $no. the
"orce and nat're o" "aith% a! 'ndo'#tedl) Peter intreated a#'ndantl) o" thi!% [vi5.] a"ter .hat !ort
.e m'!t #elieve in Chri!t. *nd thi! i! nothing el!e% #'t .ith the !incere a""ection o" the mind to
em#race him a! he i! !et #e"ore '! in the go!pel< !o that "aith dependeth 'pon the promi!e!. ;et
Peter !eemeth to deal ami!!% #eca'!e .herea! .e have t.o principal thing! #) o'r Savior Chri!t%
he doth onl) ma$e mention o" the one o" them< "or he !pea$eth nothing o" repentance and
//1
ne.ne!! o" 1i"e% .hich o'ght not to #e omitted in the !'m o" the go!pel.
9M/6
-'t .e ma) ea!il)
an!.er% That the regeneration o" the Spirit i! comprehended 'nder "aith% a! it i! an e""ect thereo".
9or .e #elieve in Chri!t "or thi! ca'!e% partl) that he ma) re!tore '! 'nto the 9ather=! "avor #)
the "ree imp'tation o" righteo'!ne!!< partl) that he ma) !ancti") '! #) hi! Spirit% *nd .e $no.
that .e are adopted #) >od to #e hi! children 'pon thi! condition% that he ma) govern '! #) hi!
Spirit. There"ore% it .a! !'""icient "or Peter to !ho. ho. men% .ho .ere #) nat're e!tranged
"rom >od% do ret'rn into "avor .ith him.
*! to'ching the third mem#er% .e need not rec$on 'p all place! o" the prophet!% .here the) !et
#e"ore '! Chri!t to #e the mediator% .ho #) o#taining pardon "or o'r !in!% doth reconcile >od to
'!< #'t thi! i! their common order o" teaching% and% a! it .ere% their r'le% to call #ac$ all the godl)
'nto that covenant .hich >od made .ith *#raham p'tting the mediator #et.een.
9M/M

9'rthermore% thi! point i! ver) need"'l to #e $no.n% that the grace .hich .a! o""ered at length
#) Chri!t i! the !ame .hich the la. and the prophet!% in time! pa!t% delivered 'nto the "ather! to
#e hoped "or. *nd !'rel) it .a! o" great "orce .ith Corneli'! and !'ch li$e% .ho did greatl)
reverence the la. and prophet!% that the) might $no. that that .a! per"ormed and accompli!hed
in ver) deed in Chri!t .hich .a! te!ti"ied in the oracle! o" the prophet!. There"ore% to the end the
mini!ter! o" the Ch'rch ma) agree .ith the prophet! in their "orm o" teaching% let them !t'd) #)
preaching to !et "orth Chri!t< let them contin'all) te!ti") that .e m'!t !ee$ righteo'!ne!! at hi!
hand! alone% .hich con!i!teth 'pon [o"] "ree remi!!ion o" !in!. Thi! i! another manner o"
anti@'it) than that .hich i! !ho.ed .ith great #oa!ting o" the Papi!t!% .hil!t that the) thr'!t in
the rotten invention!
9M/E
o" their !ati!"action! into the place o" Chri!t=! #lood.
ACTS 1':""-"$
"". *nd a! Peter )et !pa$e the!e .ord!% the Spirit came do.n 'pon all .hich
heard the .ord. "!. *nd the) o" the circ'mci!ion .hich #elieved .ere a!toni!hed%
a! man) a! came .ith Peter% #eca'!e that on the >entile! al!o .ere po'red o't the
gi"t! o" the Hol) >ho!t. "#. 9or the) heard them !pea$ .ith tong'e!% and glori")
>od. Then Peter an!.ered% "%. Can an) man "or#id .ater% that the!e !ho'ld not
#e #apti5ed% .ho have received the Spirit a! .ell a! .eI "$. *nd he commanded
them to #e #apti5ed in the name o" the Lord. Then pra)ed the) him to tarr) certain
da)!.
"". And as Peter yet s+a#e( >od declareth no. #) a ne. miracle% that the doctrine o" the go!pel
i! common a! .ell to the >entile! a! to the Be.!. *nd thi! i! an e3cellent !eal o" the calling o"
the >entile!< #eca'!e the Lord .o'ld never have vo'ch!a"ed to #e!to. 'pon the >entile! the
grace! o" hi! Spirit% 'nle!! it had #een to declare that even the) .ere adopted together into the
!ociet) o" the covenant. The!e gi"t!% mentioned #) L'$e% di""er indeed "rom the grace o"
regeneration< and )et% 'ndo'#tedl)% >od did #) thi! mean! !eal #oth Peter=! doctrine% and al!o
their "aith and godline!! .hich heard him. He !aith that the) .ere all endo.ed .ith the Spirit%
li$e a! .e !a. #e"ore% that the) came all enco'raged to learn and o#e).
Thi! vi!i#le !ign repre!enteth 'nto '!% a! it .ere in a ta#le% .hat an e""ect'al in!tr'ment o" >od=!
po.er the preaching o" the go!pel i!< "or he po'red o't hi! Spirit a! Peter !pa$e% to the end he
might !ho. that he !endeth not teacher! to that end% that the) ma) #eat the air .ith the vain
!o'nd o" their voice% #'t that he ma) .or$ mightil) #) their voice% and ma) @'ic$en the !ame #)
the po.er o" hi! Spirit% to the !alvation o" the godl). Th'! doth Pa'l p't the >alatian!
/30
F
N0E030/O
>alatian! 34/.G in mind% that the) received the Hol) >ho!t #) the hearing o" "aith< and in
another place he !aith that he i! the mini!ter o" the Spirit% and not o" the letter% F
N0M0306O
/
Corinthian! 346.G The gi"t o" the tong'e!% and other !'ch li$e thing!% are cea!ed long ago in the
Ch'rch< #'t the !pirit o" 'nder!tanding and o" regeneration i! o" "orce% and !hall al.a)! #e o"
"orce% .hich the Lord co'pleth .ith the e3ternal preaching o" the go!pel% that he ma) $eep '! in
reverence o" hi! .ord% and ma) prevent the deadl) doting!% .herein #rain!ic$ "ello.! en.rap
them!elve!% .hil!t that% "or!a$ing the .ord% the) invent an erroneo'! and .andering !pirit. -'t it
doth not% nor !hall not% al.a)! !o "all o't% that all tho!e .hich hear the .ord .ith their o't.ard
ear!% do or !hall al!o receive the Spirit< and the mini!ter! do !eldom light 'pon !'ch hearer! a!
Peter had% .ho are .illing% .ith one con!ent% to "ollo. >od. ;et he #ringeth to pa!! that all the
elect "eel in them!elve! the con!ent o" the e3ternal .ord% and o" the !ecret po.er o" the Spirit.
"!. The faithful $ere astonished( He calleth them "aith"'l .ho .ere a! )et po!!e!!ed .ith a
.ic$ed error. So the Lord doth not #) and #) .ipe a.a) all clo'd! o" ignorance "rom hi!% and )et
the) do not dar$en the prai!e o" "aith #e"ore >od% #eca'!e he pardoneth error! and doth
vo'ch!a"e to "avor it% a! i" it .ere p're and plain. *nd )et it i! a .onder% that !eeing the) $ne.
that Peter .a! !ent o" >od% the) .o'ld no. #e ama5ed% a! at !ome !trange and ne. thing%
#eca'!e >od giveth the grace o" hi! Spirit to tho!e to .hom he .o'ld have Chri!t no. preached<
#'t the !'dden change i! the ca'!e o" thi!% #eca'!e% .herea! >od 'ntil that da) had !eparated the
>entile! "rom hi! people a! !tranger! and alien!% he doth no. "avor them #oth ali$e% and li"teth
them 'p into the li$e degree o" honor. *ltho'gh .e #e al!o ta'ght #) thi! e3ample% ho. hard a
matter it i! "or '! to .ind o't o'r!elve! o't o" o'r error! once conceived% e!peciall) .hen the)
are o" an) contin'ance.
"#. 8or they heard the%( He e3pre!!eth .hat gi"t! o" the Spirit .ere po'red o't 'pon them% and
there.ithal he noteth the '!e< to .it% that the) had variet) o" tong'e! given them% !o that the) did
glori") >od .ith man) tong'e!. *l!o% it ma) #e gathered o't o" thi! place% that the tong'e! .ere
given them not onl) "or nece!!it)% !eeing the go!pel .a! to #e preached to !tranger! and to men
o" another lang'age% #'t al!o to #e an ornament and .or!hip to the go!pel. -'t am#ition did
a"ter.ard corr'pt thi! !econd '!e% "ora!m'ch a! man) did tran!late that 'nto pomp and vain
glor) .hich the) had received to !et "orth the dignit) o" the heavenl) .i!dom% a! Pa'l doth
!harpl) reprove thi! "a'lt in the Corinthian!. There"ore% no marvel i" >od too$ a.a) that !hortl)
a"ter .hich he had given% and did not !'""er the !ame to #e corr'pted .ith longer a#'!e.
"%. Peter ans$ered( Peter rea!oneth "rom the thing to the !ign< "or% !eeing that #apti!m i! an
addition or app'rtenance o" the !pirit'al grace% he .hich hath received the Spirit i! al!o apt ["it]
to receive #apti!m< and thi! i! the Fmo!tG la."'l order% that the mini!ter admit tho!e 'nto the
receiving o" the o't.ard !ign .hom >od hath te!ti"ied to #e hi! children #) the mar$ and pledge
o" hi! Spirit< !o that "aith and doctrine are "ir!t. *nd .herea! 'nlearned men in"er there'pon that
in"ant! are not to #e #apti5ed% it i! .itho't all rea!on. + grant that tho!e .ho are !tranger! "rom
the Ch'rch m'!t #e ta'ght #e"ore the !ign o" adoption #e given them< #'t + !a)% that the children
o" the "aith"'l .hich are #orn in the Ch'rch are "rom their mother=! .om# o" the ho'!ehold o"
the $ingdom o" >od. ;ea% the arg'ment .hich the) '!e prepo!tero'!l) again!t '! do + t'rn #ac$
[retort] 'pon them!elve!< "or% !eeing that >od hath adopted the children o" the "aith"'l #e"ore
the) #e #orn% + concl'de there'pon that the) are not to #e de"ra'ded o" the o't.ard !ign<
other.i!e men !hall pre!'me to ta$e that "rom them .hich >od hath granted them. *! to'ching
the mani"e!t grace o" the Spirit% there i! no a#!'rdit) therein% i"
9M/1
it "ollo. a"ter #apti!m in
them.
/31
*nd a! thi! te!timon) ma$eth nothing "or maintenance o" their error% !o it doth !trongl) re"'te
the error o" the Papi!t!% .ho tie the grace o" the Spirit to the !ign!% and thin$ that the !ame i! "et
["etched] "rom heaven .ith enchantment!%
9M30
a! tho!e .itche! did thin$ that the) did p'll do.n
the moon .ith their charm!. -'t "ora!m'ch a! L'$e !aith that the!e had the Hol) >ho!t given
them .ho .ere not a! )et #apti5ed% he !ho.eth that the Spirit i! not incl'ded in #apti!m. La!tl)%
.e m'!t note that the apo!tle! .ere content .ith .ater alone .hen a! the) did #apti5e%
9M31
and
.o'ld to >od thi! plainne!! had #een retained among!t their po!terit)% and that the) had not
gathered here and there diver! tri"le!% .hereo" #apti!m i! "ilth in Poper). The) thin$ that the
.orthine!! o" #apti!m i! adorned .ith oil% !alt% !pittle% .a3candle!% .herea! the) are rather
"ilth) poll'tion! .hich corr'pt the p're and nat'ral [gen'ine] in!tit'tion o" Chri!t.
"$. And he 'o%%anded the% to be ba+ti7ed( +t .a! not o" nece!!it) that #apti!m !ho'ld #e
mini!tered #) Peter=! hand% a! Pa'l doth li$e.i!e te!ti") that he #apti5ed "e. at Corinth% "or other
mini!ter! might ta$e thi! charge 'pon them. Jherea! he !aith% in the name o" the Lord% it m'!t
not #e re!trained 'nto the "orm% a! .e have !aid in the third chapter< #'t #eca'!e Chri!t i! the
proper !cope o" #apti!m% there"ore are .e !aid to #e #apti5ed in hi! name. Jhen a! L'$e !aith%
la!t o" all% that Peter .a! re@'e!ted #) Corneli'! and hi! $in!men that he .o'ld tarr) a "e. da)!%
he commendeth in them their de!ire to pro"it. The) .ere% indeed% end'ed .ith the Hol) >ho!t<
#'t the) .ere not !o come to the top% #'t that con"irmation .a! a! )et pro"ita#le "or them. *nd%
according to their e3ample% !o o"ten a! opport'nit) to pro"it o""ereth it!el"% .e m'!t '!e it
diligentl)< and let '! not !.ell .ith pride% .hich !toppeth the .a) #e"ore doctrine.
9M3/
/3/
CH*PT,8 11
ACTS 11:1-1$
1. *nd the apo!tle! and #rethren .hich .ere in B'dea heard that the >entile! al!o had
em#raced the .ord o" >od. 2. *nd .hen Peter .a! gone 'p to Ber'!alem% tho!e
.hich .ere o" the circ'mci!ion rea!oned .ith him% . Sa)ing% Tho' .ente!t in 'nto
men 'ncirc'mci!ed% and ha!t eaten .ith them. ". *nd Peter #egan% and e3po'nded to
them in order% !a)ing% !. + .a! in the cit) Boppa pra)ing< and #eing in a trance% + !a. a
vi!ion% to .it% * certain ve!!el coming do.n "rom heaven li$e a great !heet% tied #)
the "o'r corner!% .hich came even 'nto me4 #. Jhich% .hen + con!idered earne!tl)% +
!a. then "o'r"ooted #ea!t! o" the earth% and .ild #ea!t!% and creeping thing!% and
#ird! o" the heaven. %. *nd + heard a voice !a)ing to me% *ri!e% Peter< !la) and eat. $.
Then + !aid% :ot !o% Lord4 -eca'!e there never entered into m) mo'th an) common
or 'nclean thing. &. *nd the voice an!.ered me the !econd time "rom heaven%
Pro"ane not tho' tho!e thing! .hich >od hath made clean. 1'. *nd thi! .a! done
thrice4 and the) .ere all received into heaven again. 11. *nd% #ehold% the !ame ho'r
three men !tood nigh the ho'!e .herein + !at% #eing !ent 'nto me "rom Ce!area. 12.
*nd the Spirit commanded me to go .ith them% do'#ting nothing. *nd the) came
.ith me% and the!e !i3 #rethren% and .e entered the man=! ho'!e. 1. *nd he told '!
ho. he had !een an angel !tanding at hi! ho'!e% and !a)ing to him% Send men to
Boppa% and "etch Simon% .ho!e !'rname i! Peter< 1". Jho !hall !pea$ to thee .ord!%
.here#) tho' and all th) ho'!e !hall #e !aved. 1!. 9'rthermore% .hen + #egan to
!pea$% the Hol) >ho!t "ell do.n 'pon them% even a! 'pon '! at the #eginning. 1#.
*nd + remem#ered the .ord o" the Lord% ho. he had !aid% Bohn tr'l) hath #apti5ed
.ith .ater% #'t )o' !hall #e #apti5ed .ith the Hol) >ho!t. 1%. There"ore% !eeing that
>od had given them the li$e gi"t a! 'nto '!% .hich .a! #elieved in the Lord Be!'!
Chri!t% .ho .a! + that co'ld let [hinder] >odI 1$. Jhen the) had heard the!e thing!%
the) held their peace% and glori"ied >od% !a)ing% Then hath >od al!o given 'nto the
>entile! repentance 'nto li"e.
1. And the a+ostles( Jherea! L'$e declareth that the "ame o" one ho'!e .hich .a! converted
.a! !pread a#road ever).here among!t the #rethren% that did ari!e #) rea!on o" admiration< "or
the Be.! acco'nted it a! a mon!ter that the >entile! !ho'ld #e gathered 'nto them a! i" the)
!ho'ld have heard that there had #een men made o" !tone!. *gain% the immoderate love o" their
nation did hinder them "rom ac$no.ledging the .or$ o" >od. 9or .e !ee that thro'gh thi!
am#ition and pride the Ch'rch .a! tro'#led< #eca'!e the e@'alit) .hich did dimini!h their
dignit) .a! not tolera#le. 9or .hich ca'!e the) did contend !to'tl) to #ring the nec$! o" the
>entile! 'nder the )o$e. -'t "ora!m'ch a! it .a! "oretold #) !o man) prophecie! o" the prophet!%
that the Ch'rch !ho'ld #e gathered o" all people a"ter the coming o" the Me!!iah% and "ora!m'ch
a! Chri!t had given commandment to hi! apo!tle! to'ching the preaching o" the go!pel
thro'gho't the .hole .orld% ho. can it #e that the conver!ion o" a "e. men !ho'ld move !ome%
a! !ome !trange thing% and !ho'ld terri") other !ome% a! i" it .ere !ome mon!terI + an!.er% that
.hat!oever .a! "oretold to'ching the calling o" the >entile!% it .a! !o ta$en a! i" the >entile!
!ho'ld #e made !'#?ect to the la. o" Mo!e!% that the) might have a place in the Ch'rch. -'t the
manner o" the calling% the #eginning .hereo" the) !a. then% .a! not onl) 'n$no.n% #'t it
!eemed to #e @'ite contrar) to rea!on. 9or the) did dream that it .a! impo!!i#le that the >entile!
/33
co'ld #e mi3ed .ith the !on! o" *#raham% and #e made one #od) .ith them% Fthe ceremonie!
#eing ta$en a.a)%G #'t that there !ho'ld #e great in?'r) done to the covenant o" >od< "or to .hat
end !erved the la. !ave onl) to #e the mid .all to note o't the di!agreementI Secondl)% #eca'!e
the) .ere ac@'ainted .ith that di""erence d'ring their .hole li"e% the 'nloo$ed"or ne.ne!! o"
the thing doth !o pierce them% that the) did "orget all that .hich o'ght to have @'ieted their
mind!. 9inall)% the) do not !traight.a) comprehend the m)!ter)% .hich% a! Pa'l teacheth% .a!
'n$no.n to the angel! "rom the creation o" the .orld.
2. They reasoned $ith hi%( 7#!tinac) doth "or the mo!t part accompan) error. Thi! .a! no. a
"a'lt having in it too gro!! ignorance% in that the) did not @'ietl) receive the >entile! into their
#o!om% 'nited to them #) the !ame Spirit o" "aith. -'t the) do not onl) leap #ac$% #'t al!o
contend .ith Peter contentio'!l)% and #lame him "or hi! "act% .hich de!erved great prai!e. The)
hear that the >entile! have em#raced the Jord o" >od< .hat letteth them then "rom em#racing
them% that the) ma) #e co'pled together
9M33
'nder the government o" one >odI 9or .hat more
hol) #ond can there #e% than .hen all men% .ith one con!ent% are co'pled and ?oined to >odI
*nd .h) !ho'ld not tho!e gro. together into one #od) .ho ma$e the Me!!iah o" >od their
headI -'t #eca'!e the) !a. the e3ternal "orm o" the la. #ro$en% the) tho'ght that heaven and
earth did go together.
9M30
*nd note% that altho'gh L'$e !aid #e"ore that the apo!tle! and #rethren had heard thi! "ame% )et
he !pa$e nothing o" o""en!e< #'t he #ringeth in no.% a! it .ere% a ne. !ect o" men% .hich did
contend .ith Peter. The #rethren% !aith he% heard, and there an end< it "ollo.eth% 2hen Peter $as
'o%e to /erusale%, those $hi'h $ere of the 'ir'u%'ision did 'ontend $ith hi%, .ho .ere
'ndo'#tedl) 'nli$e to the "ir!t< again% the!e .ord! peritomhv% do not !impl) !igni") the Be.!% #'t
tho!e .ho .ere too m'ch addicted to $eeping the ceremonie! o" the la.. 9or there .ere none o"
Ber'!alem in Chri!t=! "loc$ at that time% !ave onl) tho!e .hich .ere circ'mci!ed. 9rom .hom%
then% co'ld he di!ting'i!h tho!e menI La!tl)% it !eemeth to #e a thing 'nli$e to #e tr'e that the
apo!tle!% and tho!e .hich .ere moderate #eing o" the n'm#er o" the "aith"'l% did attempt thi!
com#at. 9or tho'gh the) had #een o""ended% )et the) might have con"erred .ith Peter privatel)%
and have demanded !ome rea!on o" hi! "act. -) the!e rea!on! am + moved to thin$ that tho!e are
!aid to #e o" the circ'mci!ion .ho did ma$e !o great acco'nt o" circ'mci!ion% that the) granted
no man a place in the $ingdom o" >od% 'nle!! he too$ 'pon him the pro"e!!ion o" the la.% and%
#eing admitted into the Ch'rch #) thi! hol) rite% did p't o"" 'ncleanne!!.
. ,nto %en being un'ir'u%'ised( Thi! .a! not "or#idden #) the la. o" >od% #'t it .a! a
tradition .hich came "rom the "ather!. *nd )et% not.ith!tanding% Peter doth not o#?ect that the)
dealt too hardl)
9M3D
.ith him in thi! point% and that he .a! not #o'nd #) the nece!!it) o" man=!
la.. He omitteth all thi! de"en!e% and doth onl) an!.er% that the) came "ir!t 'nto him% and that
the) .ere o""ered 'nto him% a! it .ere% #) the hand o" >od. *nd here .e !ee the rare mode!t) o"
Peter% #eca'!e .herea!% tr'!ting to the goodne!! o" the ca'!e% he might have ?'!tl) de!pi!ed
'n!$ill"'l men% .ho did tro'#le him 'n?'!tl)% )et doth he mildl) e3c'!e him!el" a! it #ecometh
#rethren. Thi! .a! no !mall trial in that he .a! 'n.orthil) acc'!ed% #eca'!e he had o#e)ed >od
"aith"'ll). -'t #eca'!e he $ne. that thi! la. .a! en?oined the .hole Ch'rch% that ever) man #e
read) to give an acco'nt o" hi! doctrine and li"e !o o"ten a! the matter re@'ireth% and he
remem#ered that he .a! one o" the "loc$% he doth not onl) !'""er him!el" to #e r'led% #'t
!'#mitteth him!el" .illingl) to the ?'dgment o" the Ch'rch. (octrine% indeed% i" it #e o" >od% i!
placed a#ove the chance and die o" man=! ?'dgment< #'t #eca'!e the Lord .ill have prophec)
?'dged% hi! !ervant! m'!t not re"'!e thi! condition% that the) prove them!elve! to #e !'ch a! the)
/30
.ill #e acco'nted. -'t .e !hall !ee anon ho. "ar the de"en!e #oth o" doctrine% a! al!o o" "act!%
o'ght to e3tend.
9or thi! pre!ent .e m'!t $no. thi!% that Peter doth .illingl) an!.er "or him!el" .hen hi! "act i!
reproved.
9M36
*nd i" the Pope o" 8ome #e Peter=! !'cce!!or% .h) i! not he #o'nd #) the !ame
la.I *dmit .e grant that thi! !'#mi!!ion .a! vol'ntar)% )et .h) doth not the !'cce!!or imitate
!'ch an e3ample o" mode!t) !ho.ed 'nto himI *ltho'gh .e need no long circ'm!tance
9M3M
here<
"or i" that #e tr'e .hich the Pope! !pe. o't in their !acrilegio'! decree!% Peter did treachero'!l)
#etra) and "or!a$e the privilege! o" their !eat% [See%] and !o he #etra)ed the See o" 8ome. 9or%
a"ter that the) have made the Pope the ?'dge o" all the .hole .orld% a""irming that he i! not
!'#?ect to man=! ?'dgment< a"ter that the) have li"ted him 'p a#ove the clo'd!% that% #eing "ree
"rom giving an acco'nt% hi! .ill and plea!'re ma) !tand "or a rea!on% [la.%] the) ma$e him
"orth.ith patron o" the apo!tolic !eat% [See%] !to'tl) to de"end the privilege! thereo". 7" .hat
great !l'ggi!hne!! !hall Peter then #e condemned% i" he did lo!e hi! right given him o" >od% #)
)ielding !o co.ardl)I [ea!il).] Jh) did not he at lea!t o#?ect that he .a! "ree "rom the la.!% and
e3empt "rom the common !ortI -'t he '!eth no !'ch pre"ace% #'t entereth [on] the ca'!e .itho't
ma$ing an) dela). *nd let '! remem#er% that there i! nothing .hich hindereth '! "rom
contemning that idol !a"el)% !eeing that '!'rping !'ch 'n#ridled t)rann)% he hath #lotted him!el"
o't o" the n'm#er o" the #i!hop!.
And Peter beginning( -eca'!e thi! narration i! all one .ith [that] .hich .e had in the chapter
ne3t Fgoing #e"ore%G and #eca'!e it i! repeated almo!t in the ver) !ame .ord!% i" an) thing need
to #e e3po'nded let the reader! repair thither. The p'rpo!e o" Peter% and all the .hole !'m o" hi!
!peech% !hall appear #) the concl'!ion. ;et% #e"ore + come thither% .e m'!t #rie"l) mar$ that he
ma$eth the preaching o" the go!pel the ca'!e o" !alvation. Thou shalt hear 1saith he4 $ords
$herein thou %ayest ha&e sal&ation, not #eca'!e !alvation i! incl'ded in man=! voice% #'t
#eca'!e >od% o""ering hi! Son there 'nto eternal li"e% doth al!o ca'!e '! to en?o) him #) "aith.
Thi! i! a!!'redl) .onder"'l goodne!! o" >od% .ho ma$eth men mini!ter! o" li"e% .ho have
nothing #'t matter o" death in them!elve!% and .hich are not onl) !'#?ect to death in them!elve!%
#'t are al!o deadl) to other!. :everthele!!% the "ilth) 'nthan$"'lne!! o" the .orld #etra)eth it!el"
in thi! point% .hich% loathing tr'e and certain !alvation o""ered 'nto it% and "or!a$ing it .hen it
lieth at the "eet% doth imagine diver! and vain !alvation!% in !ee$ing .hich% it had rather gape
#eing h'ngr)%
9M3E
than to #e "illed .ith the grace o" >od .hich meeteth it and i! pre!ent.
1#. ! re%e%bered the $ord of the Lord( Je have !'""icientl) declared in the "ir!t chapter% that
.hen Chri!t 'ttered that !entence% he did not ma$e a compari!on #et.een t.o #apti!m!< #'t that
he intended to declare .hat di""erence there .a! #et.een him and Bohn% F
N00010DO
*ct! 14D.G 9or% a!
.e di!ting'i!h the !ign "rom hi! [it!] tr'th% !o it i! good to di!ting'i!h the mini!ter "rom the
a'thor% le!t mortal man challenge
9M31
that .hich i! proper to >od. Man hath the !ign in hi! hand<
it i! Chri!t alone .hich .atereth and regenerateth. 9or it !$illeth m'ch .hither men=! mind! #e
directed in !ee$ing the grace! o" >od% #eca'!e the) !hall not receive one drop .itho't Chri!t.
There"ore% there i! thi! general di""erence #et.een Chri!t and all the mini!ter! o" the Ch'rch%
#eca'!e the) give the e3ternal !ign o" .ater% #'t he "'l"illeth and per"ormeth the e""ect o" the
!ign #) the po.er o" hi! Spirit. The reader! .ere to #e admoni!hed o" thi! thing again in thi!
place% #eca'!e man) do "al!el) in"er that Bohn=! #apti!m and o'r! are not all one% .hil!t that
Chri!t% challenging to him!el" the Spirit% doth leave nothing "or Bohn !ave .ater alone.
/3D
-'t i" an) man tr'!ting to thi! te!timon) do ma$e #apti!m a cold !pectacle% and void o" all grace
o" the Spirit% he !hall #e al!o greatl) deceived. 9or the Hol) Script're '!eth to !pea$ t.o manner
o" .a)! o" the !acrament!. 9or #eca'!e Chri!t i! not 'n"aith"'l in hi! promi!e!% he doth not !'""er
that to #e vain .hich he doth in!tit'te< #'t .hen a! the Script're doth attri#'te to #apti!m
!trength to .a!h and regenerate% it a!cri#eth all thi! to Chri!t% and doth onl) teach .hat he
.or$eth #) hi! Spirit #) the hand o" man and the vi!i#le !ign. Jhere Chri!t i! th'! ?oined .ith
the mini!ter% and the e""icac) o" the Spirit .ith the !ign% there i! !o m'ch attri#'ted to the
!acrament! a! i! need"'l% F
ND6030DO
Tit'! 34D<G #'t that con?'nction m'!t not #e !o con"'!ed% #'t that
men=! mind!% #eing dra.n "rom mortal and "rail thing!% and thing! li$e to them!elve!% and "rom
the element! o" the .orld% the) m'!t learn to !ee$ "or !alvation at Chri!t=! hand% and to loo$ 'nto
the po.er o" hi! Spirit alone< #eca'!e he mi!!eth the mar$ o" "aith% .ho!oever t'rneth a!ide even
#'t a little "rom the Spirit 'nto the !ign!< and he i! a !acrilegio'! per!on .ho ta$eth even #'t an
inch o" Chri!t=! prai!e% that #e ma) dec$ man there.ith. *nd .e m'!t al!o remem#er that Chri!t
did comprehend 'nder the .ord Spirit% not onl) the gi"t o" tong'e!% and !'ch li$e thing!% #'t all
the .hole grace o" o'r rene.ing< #'t #eca'!e the!e gi"t! .ere an e3cellent arg'ment o" Chri!t=!
po.er% thi! !entence ma) .ell #e applied 'nto them. + .ill ma$e thi! more plain< !eeing that
Chri!t did #e!to. 'pon the apo!tle! the vi!i#le grace! o" the Spirit% he did plainl) declare that the
Spirit .a! in hi! hand< !o that #) thi! mean! he did te!ti")% that he i! the alone a'thor o"
cleanne!!% righteo'!ne!!% and o" the .hole regeneration. *nd Peter applieth it 'nto hi! p'rpo!e
th'!% that "ora!m'ch a! Chri!t did go #e"ore% carr)ing .ith him the "orce o" #apti!m% it #ecame
him to "ollo. .ith the addition%
9M00
that i!% the o't.ard !ign o" .ater.
1%. 2ho $as !< :o. do .e !ee to .hat end Peter made that narration< to .it% that he might
declare that >od .a! the a'thor and governor o" all the .hole matter< there"ore% the !tate o" the
@'e!tion con!i!teth in [t'rneth 'pon] the a'thorit) o" >od% .hether meat #e not o" more .eight
than men=! co'n!el!.
9M01
Peter a""irmeth that he did nothing #'t that .hich .a! rightl) and
orderl) done% #eca'!e he o#e)ed >od< he !ho.eth that he preached the doctrine o" the go!pel%
neither ami!!% neither ra!hl)% .here Chri!t #e!to.ed the grace! o" hi! Spirit. The appro#ation o"
o'r doctrine% and al!o o'r deed!% m'!t #e #ro'ght to thi! r'le !o o"ten a! men call '! to an
acco'nt< "or .ho!oever !ta)eth him!el" 'pon the commandment o" >od% he hath de"en!e eno'gh.
+" men #e not content% there i! no ca'!e .h) he !ho'ld pa!! "or their ?'dgment! an) more.
9M0/

*nd here#) .e gather that the "aith"'l mini!ter! o" >od=! .ord ma) in !'ch !ort give an acco'nt
o" their doctrine% that the) ma) no .hit impair the credit and certaint) thereo"< to .it% i" the)
!ho. that it .a! given them #) >od4 #'t i" the) !hall deal .ith 'n?'!t men% .ho .ill not #e
en"orced .ith the reverence o" >od to )ield% let '! let them alone .ith their o#!tinac)% appealing
'nto the da) o" the Lord.
*nd .e m'!t al!o note% that .e do not onl) re!i!t >od #) !triving again!t him% #'t al!o #)
lingering% i" .e do not that .hich o'r calling re@'ireth% and .hich i! proper to it. 9or Peter !aith
that he cannot den) #apti!m and #rotherl) "ello.!hip to the >entile!% #'t that he !ho'ld #e
[.itho't #eing] an enem) to >od. -'t he !ho'ld have e!!a)ed nothing .hich .a! mani"e!tl)
contrar) to the grace o" >od. That i! tr'e indeed< #'t he .hich doth not receive tho!e .hom >od
o""ereth% and !h'tteth the gate .hich >od openeth% he hindereth the .or$ o" >od !o m'ch a! in
him lieth< a! .e !a) at thi! da)% that tho!e men ma$e .ar again!t >od .ho are !et again!t the
#apti5ing o" in"ant!< #eca'!e the) mo!t cr'ell) e3cl'de tho!e o't o" the Ch'rch .hom >od hath
adopted into the Ch'rch% and the) deprive tho!e o" the o't.ard !ign .hom >od vo'ch!a"eth to
call hi! children. Li$e 'nto thi! i! that $ind o" re!i!ting% in that man) di!!em#ler!% .ho% .hil!t
/36
the) #e magi!trate!% o'ght to a!!i!t% according to their o""ice% the mart)r! o" Chri!t% go a#o't to
!top their mo'th!% and to ta$e "rom them their li#ert). 9or #eca'!e the) hate the tr'th% the) .o'ld
have it !'ppre!!ed.
1$. 2hen they heard these things they $ere 9uieted( The end doth !ho. that tho!e .ere not
moved .ith malice .hich did contend .ith Peter< "or thi! i! an evident !ign o" godline!!% in that
#eing thoro'ghl) in!tr'cted to'ching the .ill o" >od% the) cea!e "orth.ith to contend. -) .hich
e3ample .e are ta'ght% that tho!e are not to #e de!pi!ed .ho% #eing o""ended thro'gh 'nadvi!ed
5eal% reprove an) thing .rong"'ll)< #'t that their con!cience! m'!t #e appea!ed #) the Jord o"
>od% .hich are tro'#led #) error% and that their docilit) i! tried at lea!t th'! "ar "orth. *!
to'ching '!% .e do here#)% in li$e !ort% learn .here'pon o'r ?'dgment m'!t depend% namel)%
'pon the !ole and !imple #ec$ o" >od. 9or thi! honor i! d'e to him% that hi! .ill #e to '! the
certain and principal r'le o" tr'th and ?'!tice. So o"ten a! it i! re@'i!ite "or '! to $no. the ca'!e
o" an) thing% the Lord doth not conceal the !ame "rom '!< #'t to the end he ma) acc'!tom o'r
"aith 'nto ?'!t o#edience% he telleth '! !ometime! !impl) and plainl) that thi! or that thing
plea!eth him. He .hich granteth li#ert) to him!el" to in@'ire "arther% and ta$eth a delight in hi!
c'rio!it)% doth nothing el!e #'t thro. him!el" headlong .ith devili!h #oldne!!. *nd L'$e doth
not onl) declare that the!e men held their peace% #'t that the) gave glor) al!o to >od. Some are
en"orced #) !hame to hold their peace% .ho% not.ith!tanding% $eep in that in their mind! .hich
the) dare not 'tter. That i! rather a di!!em#lance o" mode!t) than docilit). -'t the!e men do !o
thoro'ghl) !'#mit them!elve! to >od% that the) are not a"raid nor a!hamed to recant #) and #)%
["orth.ith.]
Then hath God( L'$e doth #rie"l) declare in the!e .ord! .hat the go!pel containeth% and to .hat
end it tendeth% to .it% that >od ma) reconcile men to him!el"% #eing rene.ed #) hi! Spirit. The
.ord re+entan'e alone i! e3pre!!ed in thi! place% #'t .hen he addeth unto life, it appeareth
plainl) that it i! not !eparated "rom "aith. There"ore% .ho!oever .ill rightl) pro"it in the go!pel%
let him p't o"" the old man% and thin$ 'pon ne.ne!! o" li"e% F
N0100//O
,phe!ian! 04//<G that done% let
him $no. "or a certaint) that he i! not called in vain 'nto repentance% #'t that there i! !alvation
prepared "or him in Chri!t. So !hall it come to pa!!% that the hope and a!!'rance o" !alvation !hall
re!t 'pon the "ree merc) o" >od alone% and that the "orgivene!! o" !in! !hall% not.ith!tanding% #e
no ca'!e o" !l'ggi!h !ec'rit). Thi! mem#er% to gi&e re+entan'e, ma) #e e3po'nded t.o manner
o" .a)!< either that >od granted to the >entile! place "or repentance% .hen a! he .o'ld have hi!
go!pel preached to them< or that he circ'mci!ed their heart! #) hi! Spirit% a! Mo!e! !aith%
F
N0D3006O
(e'teronom) 3046%G and made them "le!h) heart! o" !ton) heart!% a! !aith ,5e$iel%
F
N/61111O
,5e$iel 11411.G 9or it i! a .or$ proper to >od alone to "a!hion and to #eget men again%
that the) ma) #egin to #e ne. creat're!< and it agreeth #etter .ith thi! !econd !en!e< it i! not !o
m'ch rac$ed% and it agreeth #etter .ith the phra!e [phra!eolog)] o" Script're.
ACTS 11:1&-2"
1&. Tho!e% there"ore% .hich .ere di!per!ed #) rea!on o" the tri#'lation .hich
happened a#o't Stephen% .ent into Phenice% and C)pr'!% and *ntioch% !pea$ing the
.ord to none !ave onl) to the Be.!. 2'. *nd there .ere certain o" them% men o"
C)pr'! and C)rene% .ho% entering into *ntioch% !pa$e .ith the >recian!% preaching
the Lord Be!'!. 21. *nd the hand o" the Lord .a! .ith them4 There"ore a great
n'm#er% .hen the) #elieved% .ere t'rned 'nto the Lord. 22. *nd the tiding! o" them
came 'nto the ear! o" the Ch'rch .hich .a! at Ber'!alem4 and the) !ent -arna#a!%
that he might go to *ntioch. 2. Jho% .hen he .a! come% and [had] !een the grace
/3M
o" >od% he re?oiced% and did e3hort all% that .ith p'rpo!e o" heart the) .o'ld
contin'e cleaving to the Lord. 2". -eca'!e he .a! a good man% and "'ll o" the Hol)
>ho!t and "aith. *nd there .a! a great m'ltit'de added 'nto the Lord.
1&. Those $hi'h $ere s'attered abroad( L'$e ret'rneth no. 'nto the "ormer hi!tor)% Fand 'nto
that .hich "ollo.ed in the !ame.G 9or he had !aid #e"ore that a"ter that Stephen .a! !lain the
cr'elt) o" the .ic$ed increa!ed< and man) "led hither and thither "or "ear% !o that the apo!tle!
.ere almo!t le"t alone at Ber'!alem. Jherea! the Ch'rch .a! th'! torn in piece!% and "ear did
ca'!e tho!e .hich .ere "led to $eep !ilence or el!e contempt o" !tranger!%
9M03
he declareth that
that event did "ollo. .hich no man .o'ld have hoped "or< "or a! the !eed i! !o.n that it ma)
#ring "orth "r'it% !o it came to pa!! thro'gh their "light and !cattering a#road% that the go!pel .a!
!pread a#road in nation! .hich .ere "ar o""% .hich .a! incl'ded #e"ore .ithin the .all! o" one
cit)% a! in a #arn.
9M00
+n li$e !ort it came to pa!!% that the name o" Chri!t% pa!!ing over mo'ntain!
and !ea!% did "lo. even 'nto the "arthe!t part! o" the .orld< and #) thi! mean!% according to the
prophec) o" +!aiah% the con!'mption did a#o'nd
9M0D
in righteo'!ne!!. +" !o man) godl) men had
not #een e3pelled o't o" Ber'!alem% C)pr'! had heard nothing% Phenice had heard nothing o"
Chri!t< )ea% +tal) and Spain% .hich .ere "arther o""% had heard nothing. -'t the Lord #ro'ght to
pa!!% that o" man) torn mem#er! did ari!e more #odie!. 9or ho. came it to pa!! that there .ere
Ch'rche! gathered at 8ome and at P'teoli% !ave onl) #eca'!e a "e. e3iled men% and !'ch a! "led
a.a)%
9M06
had #ro'ght the go!pel thither .ith themI *nd a! >od did at that time ma$e the
endeavor! o" Satan "r'!trate a"ter a .onder"'l !ort% !o .e need not do'#t #'t that even at thi! da)
he .ill ma$e to him!el" tri'mph! o" the cro!! and per!ec'tion% that the Ch'rch ma) #etter gro.
together% tho'gh it #e !cattered a#road. Phenice ?oineth to S)ria% and i! nigh to >alilee. *ntioch
i! a mo!t "amo'! cit) o" S)ria% at .hich part it i! ?oined to Cilicia.
3+ea#ing to none( Peradvent're the) .ere letted not onl) .ith "ear o" per!ec'tion% that the) d'r!t
not !pea$ to the >entile!% #'t al!o .ith that "ooli!h religion% in that the) tho'ght that the
children=! #read .a! thro.n to the dog!% F
N01161DO
Mar$ 1641D<G .herea!% not.ith!tanding% Chri!t
had commanded that the go!pel !ho'ld #e preached to all the .orld a"ter hi! re!'rrection.
2'. L'$e doth at length declare that certain o" them #ro'ght thi! trea!'re even 'nto the >entile!.
*nd L'$e calleth the!e >recian! not #llhnev% #'t #llhnistai. There"ore% !ome !a) that tho!e came
o" the Be.!% )et did the) inha#it >reece< .hich + do not allo.. 9or !eeing the Be.!% .hom he
mentioned a little #e"ore% .ere partl) o" C)pr'!% the) m'!t need! #e rec$oned in that n'm#er%
#eca'!e the Be.! co'nt C)pr'! a part o" >reece. -'t L'$e di!ting'i!heth them "rom tho!e%
.hom he calleth a"ter.ard #llhnistav. 9'rthermore% "ora!m'ch a! he had !aid that the .ord .a!
preached at the #eginning onl) to the Be.!% and he meant tho!e .ho% #eing #ani!hed o't o" their
o.n co'ntr)% did live in C)pr'! and Phenice% correcting a! it .ere thi! e3ception% he !aith that
!ome o" them did teach the >recian!. Thi! contrariet) doth ca'!e me to e3po'nd it o" the
>entile!. 9or L'$e=! meaning i!% that a "e. did more "reel) preach the go!pel%
9M0M
#eca'!e the
calling o" the >entile! .a! not 'n$no.n to them. -'t the con!tanc) o" them all de!erveth no
!mall prai!e< #eca'!e% #eing delivered% a! it .ere% o't o" the mid!t o" death% the) are not a"raid to
do their d't) to.ard >od even .ith danger. Jhence .e gather to .hat end% and ho. "ar "orth
Chri!tian! ma) "l) per!ec'tion< to .it% that the) ma) !pend
9M0E
the re!id'e o" their li"e in
!preading a#road the glor) o" >od. +" an) man demand ho. it came to pa!! that !tranger! latel)
coming% and !'ch a! might have #een !'!pected among all the Be.!% and hated o" them% #eca'!e
the) .ere #ani!hed o't o" Ber'!alem% .ere !o #old% + an!.er% that thi! came to pa!! thro'gh the
/3E
!ing'lar motion o" >od% and that the) con!'lted !'ddenl) according to the occa!ion o""ered
them. 9or thi! deli#eration i! not o" "le!h and #lood.
21. The hand of the Lord $as( L'$e proveth #) the !'cce!! that the go!pel .a! o""ered 'nto the
>entile! al!o #) the #rethren o" C)pr'! and C)rene not ra!hl) nor 'nadvi!edl)% #eca'!e their
la#or .a! "r'it"'l and pro"ita#le. -'t !'ch increa!e !ho'ld never have "ollo.ed% 'nle!! >od had
commanded and "avored. There"ore% it "ollo.eth that it plea!ed >od that the >entile! !ho'ld #e
called. The hand% a! it i! .ell $no.n% doth !igni") po.er and !trength. There"ore% thi! i! L'$e=!
meaning% that >od did te!ti") #) hi! pre!ent aid that the >entile! .ere called together .ith the
Be.!% thro'gh hi! direction% to #e made parta$er! o" the grace o" Chri!t. *nd thi! #le!!ing o" >od
!erved not a little to con"irm the mind! o" all men. Thi! place did al!o teach '!% that .hat pain!
!oever the mini!ter! o" >od ta$e in teaching% it !hall #e all vain and void% 'nle!! >od #le!! their
la#or! "rom heaven. 9or .e ma) plant and .ater% a! Pa'l teacheth% #'t the increa!e cometh "rom
>od alone% F1 Corinthian! 3%G in .ho!e hand the heart! o" men are% that he ma) #end and "rame
the !ame at hi! plea!'re. There"ore% a! o"ten a! .e are to intreat o" "aith% let '! al.a)! remem#er
thi! !peech% that >od .ro'ght #) hi! mini!ter!% and that he made their doctrine e""ect'al #) hi!
hand% that i!% #) the !ecret in!piration o" the Spirit. There"ore% let the mini!ter attempt nothing
tr'!ting to hi! o.n .it and ind'!tr)% #'t let him commit hi! la#or to the Lord% 'pon .ho!e grace
the .hole !'cce!! dependeth< and .here doctrine !hall .or$ e""ect'all)% let tho!e .hich !hall
#elieve than$ >od "or their "aith. 9'rthermore% .e m'!t note that .hich L'$e !aith% that man)
.ere t'rned 'nto >od #) "aith% #eca'!e he doth ver) .ell e3pre!! the "orce and nat're o" "aith<
that it i! not idle and cold%
9M01
#'t !'ch a! re!toreth men F.ho .ere #e"ore t'rned a.a) "rom
>odG 'nto hi! government% and #indeth them 'nto hi! righteo'!ne!!.
22. And the tidings( +" thi! report had #een #ro'ght #e"ore Peter did e3c'!e him!el"% tho!e good
men !ho'ld have #een reproved o" man) .ho!e mini!tr) not.ith!tanding >od had !ealed .ith
the grace o" hi! Spirit< #'t that !'per!tition .a! no. .iped a.a) o't o" their mind!% "ora!m'ch
a! >od had #) evident !ign! declared that no nation o'ght to #e co'nted pro"ane. There"ore% the)
contend no longer% neither do the) co'nt it a point o" ra!hne!!% that !ome d'r!t preach Chri!t 'nto
the >entile!< #'t #) !ending help% the) te!ti") that the) allo. that .hich the) had done.
9'rthermore% thi! .a! the ca'!e .h) the) !ent -arna#a!. The apo!tle! did at that time #ear all the
#'rden o" the $ingdom o" Chri!t< there"ore% it .a! their d't) to "rame and !et in order Ch'rche!
ever) .here< to $eep all the "aith"'l% .here!oever di!per!ed% in the p're con!ent o" "aith< to
appoint mini!ter! and pa!tor! .here!oever there .a! an) n'm#er o" the "aith"'l. The cra"t)
.iline!! o" Satan i! .ell $no.n. So !oon a! he !eeth a gate !et open "or the go!pel% he
endeavoreth #) all mean! to corr'pt that .hich i! !incere% [p're<] .here#) it came to pa!! that
diver! here!ie! #ra$e o't together .ith Chri!t=! doctrine. There"ore% the greater gi"t! ever)
Ch'rch hath% the more care"'l o'ght it to #e% le!t Satan mi3 or tro'#le an) thing among!t the
ignorant% and tho!e .ho are not a! )et e!ta#li!hed in the right "aith< #eca'!e it i! the ea!ie!t
matter in the .orld to corr'pt corn in the #lade. To concl'de% -arna#a! .a! !ent to #ring them
"arther "or.ard in the principle! o" "aith< to !et thing! in !ome certain order< to give the #'ilding
.hich .a! #eg'n !ome "orm% that there might #e a la."'l !tate o" the Ch'rch.
2. 2hen he had seen the gra'e of God( -) the!e .ord! L'$e teacheth% "ir!t% that the go!pel
.hich the) had received .a! tr'e< !econdl)% that -arna#a! !o'ght nothing el!e #'t the glor) o"
Chri!t. 9or% .hen he !aith that he !a. the grace o" >od% and that he e3horted them to go "or.ard%
here#) .e gather that the) .ere .ell ta'ght. *nd the ?o) i! a te!timon) o" !incere godline!!.
*m#ition i! evermore envio'! and malicio'!< !o that .e !ee man) !ee$ "or prai!e #) reproving
/31
other men% #eca'!e the) are more de!iro'! o" their o.n glor) than o" the glor) o" Chri!t. -'t the
"aith"'l !ervant! o" Chri!t m'!t re?oice Fa! did -arna#a!G .hen the) !ee the go!pel increa!e% #)
.hom!oever >od !hall ma$e hi! name $no.n. *nd a!!'redl) tho!e .hich help one another% !o
that the) ac$no.ledge that all the e""ect .hich !pringeth thence i! the .or$ o" >od% .ill never
env) one another% neither .ill the) !ee$ to carp [at] one another% #'t .ill% .ith one mo'th and
mind% prai!e the po.er o" >od.
*gain% thi! i! .orth the noting% that L'$e doth attri#'te the "aith o" the men o" *ntioch% and
.hat!oever .a! .orth) [o" ] prai!e there% to the grace o" >od. He might have rec$oned 'p all
tho!e virt'e! .hich might ma$e "or the commendation o" men< #'t he comprehendeth .hat
e3cellence !oever .a! in that Ch'rch 'nder thi! .ord gra'e( La!tl)% .e m'!t note -arna#a!=
e3hortation. Je have alread) !aid that -arna#a! did !'#!cri#e to the "ormer doctrine .hich the)
had em#raced< #'t le!t doctrine "all a.a)% it i! mo!t re@'i!ite that it #e thoro'ghl) imprinted in
the mind! o" the "aith"'l #) contin'al e3hortation!. 9or !eeing that .e have to enco'nter
contin'all) .ith !o man) and !'ch !trong adver!arie!% and o'r mind! are !o !lipper)% 'nle!!
ever) man arm him!el" diligentl)% it .ill #) and #) "all a.a)% .hich thing in"inite n'm#er! do
!ho. to #e tr'e #) their "alling a.a). Jherea! he !etteth do.n thi! manner o" per!everance% that
the) contin'e .ith p'rpo!e o" heart .e are here#) ta'ght that "aith hath ta$en deep root then
.hen it hath a place in the heart. Jhere"ore it i! no marvel% i" !carce one o" ten o" tho!e .ho
pro"e!! "aith do !tand 'nto the end% !eeing that ver) "e. $no. .hat the a""ection and p'rpo!e o"
heart meaneth.
2". 8or he $as a good %an( -arna#a! i! commended .ith the commendation o" the Hol) >ho!t<
)et .e m'!t $no. that there .a! re!pect had not !o m'ch o" him a! o" '!. 9or all tho!e are
condemned o" 'ngodline!! and malice .ho env) other men=! la#or!% and are grieved .hen the)
!ee the !ame have good !'cce!!.
*l!o .e m'!t note the epithet '!ed in the de!cription o" a good %an, full of the Holy Ghost, full
of faith( 9or a"ter that he had !aid that he .a! an 'pright and good man% he !ho.ed "rom .hat
"o'ntain thi! goodne!! did "lo.< that% a#andoning the a""ection! o" the "le!h% he did% .ith all hi!
heart% em#race godline!!% having the Spirit to #e hi! g'ide. -'t .h) doth he !eparate "aith "rom
the Spirit% .ho!e gi"t it i!I + an!.er% that it i! not named !everall)% a! i" it .ere a diver!e thing%
#'t it i! rather !et "orth a! a principal to$en% .here#) it might appear that -arna#a! .a! "'ll o"
the Hol) >ho!t.
There $as a great %ultitude added( Tho'gh the n'm#er o" the godl) .a! alread) great% )et L'$e
!aith that it .a! increa!ed #) -arna#a!= coming. Th'! doth the #'ilding o" the Ch'rch go "or.ard
.hen one doth help another .ith m't'al con!ent% and one doth gentl) allo.
9MD0
that .hich
another hath #eg'n.
ACTS 11:2!-2#
2!. *nd -arna#a! .ent to Tar!'! to !ee$ Sa'l4 2#. *nd .hen he had "o'nd
him% he #ro'ght him to *ntioch. *nd it happened that the) lived a .hole )ear
in the ch'rch% and did teach a great m'ltit'de< !o that at *ntioch the di!ciple!
.ere "ir!t called Chri!tian!.
2!. -arna#a!= !implicit) i! commended to '! no. the !econd time% that .herea! he might have
#orne the chie"e!t !.ing at *ntioch% )et .ent he into Cilicia that he might "et ["etch] Pa'l thence%
/00
.ho he $ne. !ho'ld #e pre"erred #e"ore him. There"ore .e !ee ho.% "orgetting him!el"% he
re!pecteth nothing #'t that Chri!t ma) #e chie"< ho. he !etteth #e"ore hi! e)e! the edi")ing o" the
Ch'rch alone< ho. he i! content .ith the pro!pero'! !'cce!! o" the go!pel. There"ore% -arna#a!
i! no .hit a"raid le!t Pa'l do an) .hit de#a!e him #) hi! coming% !o he glori") Chri!t.
2#. He addeth a"ter.ard% that !'ch a hol) concord .a! #le!!ed "rom heaven< "or thi! .a! no
!mall honor that the hol) name o" Chri!tian! #egan there "or all the .hole .orld. Tho'gh the
apo!tle! had #een long time at Ber'!alem% )et >od had not vo'ch!a"ed to #e!to. 'pon hi!
Ch'rch% .hich .a! there% thi! e3cellent title o" hi! Son. Jhether it .ere #eca'!e at *ntioch
m'ch people .a! gro.n together into one #od)% a! .ell o" Be.! a! o" >entile!% or .hether it
.ere #eca'!e the Ch'rch might #e #etter ordered in time o" peace< or #eca'!e the) .ere more
#old to con"e!! their "aith% there .ere in ver) deed Chri!tian! #oth at Ber'!alem and al!o in
Samaria #e"ore that time< and .e $no. that Ber'!alem .a! the "ir!t "o'ntain "rom .hich
Chri!tianit) did "lo..
9MD1
*nd .hat i! it el!e to #e a di!ciple o" Chri!t #'t to #e a Chri!tianI -'t
.hen the) #egan plainl) to #e called that .hich the) .ere the '!e o" the name !erved greatl) to
!et "orth the glor) o" Chri!t% #eca'!e #) thi! mean! the) re"erred all their religion 'nto Chri!t
alone. Thi! .a!% there"ore% a mo!t e3cellent .or!hip "or the cit) o" *ntioch. that Chri!t #ro'ght
"orth hi! name thence li$e a !tandard% .here#) it might #e made $no.n to all the .orld that there
.a! !ome people .ho!e captain .a! Chri!t% and .hich did glor) in hi! name.
-'t and i" 8ome had !'ch a color o" [prete3t "or] pride% .ho .ere a#le to !'""er the pro'd
#oa!ting! o" the Pope and hi! adherent!I The) .o'ld then% not .itho't ca'!e% th'nder o't that
8ome i! the mother and head o" all Ch'rche!< #'t it i! .ell% that !eeing the) challenge to
them!elve! .hat!oever% .hen the) come to the matter% the) are "o'nd altogether vain< )ea%
*ntioch it!el" doth plainl) prove that the e!tate o" one place i! not contin'al. *dmit .e grant the
8oman! the!e pla'!i#le title!% $e ha&e been so%eti%es, =$e on'e $ere,> !hall the) )et #e !o #old
a! to ta$e onehal" o" that .hich #elongeth to *ntiochI *nd i! the dignit) o" *ntioch the greater
no.% #eca'!e the Chri!tian! had their name thenceI ;ea% it i! rather a mani"e!t mirror o" the
horri#le vengeance o" >od. 9or% !eeing there i! nothing to #e !een there #'t evil "avored
.a!tine!!%
9MD/
it remaineth that .e learn to h'm#le o'r!elve! 'nder the might) hand o" >od% and
that .e $no. that 'nthan$"'l men have not !o m'ch li#ert) granted them that the) ma) "reel)
moc$ >od.
ACTS 11:2%-'
2%. +n tho!e da)! came prophet! "rom Ber'!alem to *ntioch. 2$. *nd one o"
them% named *ga#'!% aro!e% and !igni"ied #) the Spirit% that there !ho'ld #e a
great "amine thro'gho't the .hole .orld% .hich happened 'nder Cla'di'!
Cae!ar. 2&. *nd a! ever) one o" the di!ciple! .a! a#le% the) decreed ever)
man to !end !'ccor to the #rethren .hich d.elt in B'dea. '. Jhich thing the)
did% !ending it 'nto the elder! #) the hand! o" -arna#a! and Sa'l.
2%. L'$e commendeth in thi! place the "aith o" the men o" *ntioch #) the "r'it% #eca'!e the)
endeavored to relieve the povert) o" that ch'rch% "rom .hence the) received the go!pel% .ith
their a#'ndance< and that did the) 'nre@'e!ted. S'ch earne!t care "or the #rethren doth
!'""icientl) declare ho. !erio'!l) the) .or!hipped Chri!t% the head o" all. L'$e doth !igni") that
the "ame o" that ch'rch .a! !pread a#road% .hen he !aith that there came e3cellent men thither
"rom Ber'!alem. -'t "ora!m'ch a! the .ord +ro+het i! ta$en diver! .a)! in the :e. Te!tament
/01
a! .e ma) learn #) the "ormer ,pi!tle to the Corinthian!% tho!e are called prophet! in thi! place
.ho .ere end'ed .ith the gi"t o" prophe!)ing% a! the "o'r da'ghter! o" Philip !hall have the
!ame title given them herea"ter. *nd "ora!m'ch a! the "oretelling o" the "amine i! attri#'ted to
*ga#'! alone% .e ma) here#) gather that thi! .a! granted to ever) one #) a certain mea!'re to
$no. thing! to come.
2$. He signified by the 3+irit( L'$e doth plainl) e3pre!! that the Spirit o" >od .a! the a'thor o"
thi! prophec)% that .e ma) $no. that it .a! not a con?ect're ta$en #) the !tar!% or !ome other
nat'ral ca'!e!< again% that *ga#'! did not pla) the philo!opher a"ter the manner o" men% #'t he
'ttered that .hich >od had appointed #) the !ecret in!piration o" the Spirit. -arrenne!! ma)
indeed #e !ometime! "oretold #) the di!po!ition o" the !tar!% #'t there i! no certaint) in !'ch
"oretelling!% #oth #eca'!e o" the oppo!ite conco'r!e!% and al!o% e!peciall)% #eca'!e >od doth
govern earthl) thing! at hi! plea!'re% "ar other.i!e than can #e gathered #) the !tar!% that he ma)
lead men a.a) "rom the perver!e #eholding o" !tar!. *nd altho'gh the!e "oretelling! have their
degree% )et the prophecie! o" the Spirit do "ar e3ceed them. -'t it !eemeth that the "oretelling o"
the "amine .a! 'nl'c$)% [o" evil omen%] and not to #e .i!hed "or< "or to .hat end .a! it "or men
to #e made mi!era#le #e"ore their time% #) having the 'nhapp) event "oretoldI + an!.er% that
there #e man) ca'!e! "or .hich it i! e3pedient that men !ho'ld #e .arned #e"ore in time .hen
the ?'dgment! o" >od hang over their head!% and p'ni!hment! [are] d'e to their !in!. + omit
other! .hich are '!'al
9MD3
in the prophet!% #eca'!e [vi5. that] the) have a !pace granted .herein
to repent% that the) ma) prevent >od=! ?'dgment% .ho have provo$ed hi! .rath again!t
them!elve!< #eca'!e [that] the "aith"'l are in!tr'cted in time to arm them!elve! .ith patience<
#eca'!e [that] the o#!tinate .ic$edne!! o" .ic$ed men i! convict< #eca'!e [that] #oth good and
evil learn that mi!erie! do not come #) chance% #'t that the) are p'ni!hment! .here.ith >od
doth p'ni!h the !in! o" the .orld< #eca'!e [that] tho!e are a.a$ened o't o" their !leep and
!l'ggi!hne!! #) thi! mean!% .ho too$ great delight in their vice!. The pro"it o" thi! pre!ent
prophec) appeareth #) the te3t% #eca'!e the men o" *ntioch .ere there#) pric$ed "or.ard to
relieve their #rethren .hich .ere in mi!er).
2hi'h ha++ened under Claudius. S'etoni'! al!o ma$eth mention o" thi! "amine% .ho !aith that
there .ere cr'!t! or !hard! thro.n at Cla'di'!= head in the mid!t o" the mar$et and that he .a!
!o !ore a"raid o" !toning% that he had a !ing'lar care a"ter.ard% d'ring hi! .hole li"e% to ma$e
provi!ion "or vict'al. *nd Bo!eph'!% in hi! 9i"teenth -oo$ o" *nti@'it)% !aith% that B'dea .a! !ore
oppre!!ed .ith !carcit)% #) rea!on o" contin'al dro'ght.
2&. -'t here ari!eth a @'e!tion% !eeing that the mi!er) .a! common to all% .h) o'ght the) rather
to have !'ccored one people than all the re!tI + an!.er% that "ora!m'ch a! B'dea .a!
impoveri!hed .ith great de!tr'ction! o" .ar! and other mi!erie!% the men o" *ntioch .ere not
.itho't ca'!e more moved .ith the mi!erie! o" the #rethren .hich .ere there< !econdl)% the
greater the rage o" the enemie! .a!% the more .retched .a! the e!tate o" the #rethren. 9inall)%
Pa'l doth !'""icientl) declare% in the ,pi!tle to the >alatian!% that B'dea had certain e!pecial
nece!!itie!% .hereo" all other had regard% not .itho't ca'!e% F>alatian! 3G *nd thi! than$"'lne!!
de!erved no !mall commendation!% in that the men o" *ntioch tho'ght that the) o'ght to help the
need) #rethren% "rom .hom the) had received the go!pel. 9or there i! nothing more ?'!t than that
tho!e !ho'ld reap earthl) thing! .ho have !o.n !pirit'al thing!. *! ever) man i! too m'ch #ent
to provide "or him!el"% ever) man might readil) have e3cepted and o#?ected4 Jh) !hall not +
rather provide "or m)!el"I -'t .hen the) call to mind ho. greatl) the) are inde#ted to the
#rethren% omitting that care"'lne!!%
9MD0
the) t'rn them!elve! to help them. +n !'m% thi! alm! had a
/0/
do'#le end< "or the men o" *ntioch did the d't) o" charit) to.ard their need) #rethren and the)
did al!o te!ti") #) thi! !ign% .hat great acco'nt the) made o" the go!pel% .hil!t that the) honored
the place .hence it came.
As e&ery %an $as able( Je !ee the men o" *ntioch o#!erve in thi! place that mean .hich Pa'l
pre!cri#eth to the Corinthian!% F
N0M0E06O
/ Corinthian! E46%G .hether the) did thi! o" them!elve!% or
#eing in!tr'cted #) him< and it i! not to #e do'#ted% #'t that he contin'ed li$e to him!el"
9MDD
in
#oth place!. There"ore .e m'!t "ollo. thi! r'le% that ever) one% con!idering ho. m'ch i! granted
him% impart the !ame co'rteo'!l) .ith hi! #rethren% a! one that m'!t give an acco'nt< !o !hall it
come to pa!!% that he .hich i! #'t poor !hall have a li#eral mind% and that a !mall re.ard
9MD6

!hall #e co'nted a "at and gorgeo'! !acri"ice. -) thi! .ord deter%ined, L'$e giveth '! to
'nder!tand that their o#lation .a! vol'ntar). Jhich thing o'ght !o to #e% a! Pa'l teacheth% that
.e reach o't o'r hand 'nto the need) not a! con!trained% #'t cheer"'ll)% F
N0M010MO
/ Corinthian!
14M.G Jhen a! he nameth ever) one% it i! all one a! i" he !ho'ld !a)% that one did not pre!cri#e
another a la.% neither did the) #'rthen one another .ith their pre?'dice% #'t that ever) man did
#e!to. hi! li#eralit) a! !eemed good to him!el"< and .e m'!t note the .ord diakoniav% .here#)
.e are ta'ght that rich men have greater a#'ndance given them 'pon that condition% that the)
ma) #e the mini!ter! o" the poor in the di!pen!ation committed to them #) >od. La!tl)% L'$e
teacheth that the #le!!ing .a! !ent not to all the .hole nation% #'t onl) to tho!e that .ere o" the
ho'!ehold o" "aith% not #eca'!e .e o'ght never to '!e an) #o'nti"'lne!!% or co'rte!) to.ard! the
'n#eliever!% !eeing love o'ght to e3tend it!el" 'nto all man$ind% #'t #eca'!e tho!e o'ght to #e
pre"erred .hom >od hath ?oined and lin$ed to '! move near% and .ith a more hol) #and.
'. 3ending it unto the elders, [pre!#)ter!.] Je m'!t note t.o thing! in thi! place% that the men
o" *ntioch did choo!e "aith"'l men% and o" $no.n hone!t)% to carr) their #le!!ing< !econdl)% that
the) !ent it 'nto the elder!% that the) might .i!el) #e!to. the !ame. 9or i" alm! #e thro.n into
the mid!t o" the common people% or #e !et in the mid!t .here ever) one ma) ta$e .hat he .ill%
ever) man .ill #) and #) ta$e it to him!el" a! i" it .ere !ome common pre)< and !o he that i!
mo!t #old .ill de"ra'd the need)< )ea% thro'gh hi! greedine!! he .ill c't the throat! o" the
h'ngr). There"ore% let '! mar$ the!e place!% .hich teach that .e m'!t not onl) deal 'prightl) and
"aith"'ll)% #'t that there i! al!o an order and .i!dom re@'ired a! .ell in ma$ing choice a! in all
o'r admini!tration. Tho!e are called elder! in .ho!e hand! the government o" the Ch'rch .a!%
among .hom the apo!tle! .ere chie"< the men o" *ntioch re"er the hol) mone) F.hich the) had
appointed "or the poorG to their di!cretion. +" an) man o#?ect that thi! .a! the o""ice o" the
deacon!% "ora!m'ch a! the apo!tle! did den) that the) co'ld #oth !erve ta#le! and attend 'pon
doctrine% an!.er i! ea!)% that the deacon! .ere appointed over ta#le!% in !'ch !ort% that )et%
not.ith!tanding% the) .ere 'nder the elder!% [pre!#)ter!%] neither did the) an) thing #'t at their
appointment.
/03
CH*PT,8 1/
ACTS 12:1-!
1. *#o't that time Herod the $ing !tretched o't hi! hand to a""lict certain o" the
Ch'rch. 2. *nd he $illed Bame! the #rother o" Bohn .ith the !.ord. . *nd
.hen he !a. that thi! plea!ed the Be.!% he proceeded to ta$e Peter al!o. FThen
.ere the da)! o" !.eet ['nleavened] #read.G ". Jhen he had ta$en him al!o% he
p't him in pri!on% delivering him to "o'r @'aternion! o" !oldier! to #e $ept<
intending a"ter ,a!ter to #ring him "orth to the people. !. There"ore% Peter .a!
$ept in pri!on< #'t contin'al pra)er .a! made "or him o" the Ch'rch o" [to]
>od.
1. Here "ollo.eth ne. per!ec'tion rai!ed #) Herod. Je !ee that the Ch'rch had !ome !hort tr'ce%
that it might% a! it .ere% #) a !hort #reathing% recover !ome co'rage again!t the time to come% and
that it might then "ight a"re!h. So at thi! da) there i! no ca'!e .h) the "aith"'l% having #orne the
#r'nt! o" one or t.o con"lict!% !ho'ld promi!e them!elve! re!t%
9MDM
or !ho'ld de!ire !'ch a calling
9MDE
a! old over.orn !oldier! '!e to have. Let thi! !'""ice them i" the Lord grant them !ome time
.herein the) ma) recover their !trength. Thi! Herod .a! *grippa the greater% [elder%] the !on o"
*ri!to#'l'!% .hom hi! "ather !le.. Bo!eph'! doth no .here call him Herod% it ma) #e% #eca'!e
he had a #rother .ho .a! $ing o" Chalci!% .ho!e name .a! Herod. Thi! man .a! incen!ed to
a""lict the Ch'rch not !o m'ch "or an) love he had to religion% a! that #) thi! mean! he might
"latter the common people .hich did other.i!e not greatl) "avor him< or rather% he .a! moved
here'nto .ith t)rannical cr'elt)% #eca'!e he .a! a"raid o" innovation% .hich t)rant! do al.a)!
"ear% le!t it tro'#le the @'iet e!tate o" their dominion. ;et it i! li$el) that he did !hed innocent
#lood% that% according to the common cra"t o" $ing!% he might grati") a "'rio'! people< #eca'!e
St. L'$e .ill !hortl) a"ter declare that Peter the apo!tle .a! p't into pri!on that he might #e a
plea!ant !pectacle.
He #illed /a%es( Cndo'#tedl) the cr'elt) o" thi! mad man .a! re!trained and #ridled #) the
!ecret po.er o" >od. 9or a!!'redl) he .o'ld never have #een content .ith one or t.o m'rder!%
and !o have a#!tained "rom per!ec'ting the re!t% #'t he .o'ld rather have piled 'p mart)r! 'pon
heap!% 'nle!! >od had !et hi! hand again!t him% and de"ended hi! "loc$. So .hen .e !ee that the
enemie! o" godline!!% #eing "'ll o" "'r)% do not commit horri#le !la'ghter!% that the) ma) mi3
and im#r'e all thing! .ith #lood% let '! $no. that .e need not than$ their moderation and
clemenc) "or thi!< #'t #eca'!e% .hen the Lord doth !pare hi! !heep% he doth not !'""er them to do
!o m'ch h'rt a! the) .o'ld. Thi! Herod .a! not !o co'rteo'!% that he .o'ld !tic$ to .in peace
or the people=! "avor .ith the p'ni!hment o" an h'ndred men or more.
Jhere"ore% .e m'!t thin$ .ith o'r!elve! that he .a! tied #) one that had the r'le over him% that
he might not more vehementl) oppre!! the Ch'rch. He !le. Bame!% a!% .hen an) !edition i!
rai!ed% the head! and captain! go "ir!t to the pot%
9MD1
that the common ri""ra"t ma) #) their
p'ni!hment #e terri"ied. :everthele!!% the Lord !'""ered him .hom he had "'rni!hed .ith
con!tanc) to #e p't to death% that #) death he might get the victor) a! a !trong and invinci#le
champion. So that the attempt! o" t)rant! not.ith!tanding% >od ma$eth choice o" !.eet!melling
!acri"ice! to e!ta#li!h the "aith o" hi! go!pel. L'$e calleth thi! game! .hich .a! !lain the #rother
o" Bohn% that he ma) di!ting'i!h him "rom the !on o" *lphe'!. 9or .herea! !ome ma$e him a
/00
third co'!in o" Chri!t=!% .ho .a! onl) !ome one o" the di!ciple!% + do not li$e o" that% #eca'!e +
am #) !trong rea!on! per!'aded to thin$ that there .ere no more. Let him that .ill% repair to the
!econd to the >alatian!. There"ore% + thin$ that the apo!tle and the !on o" *lphe'! .ere all one%
.hom the Be.! thre. do.n headlong "rom the top o" the temple% .ho!e death .a! !o highl)
Commended "or hi! !ing'lar prai!e o" holine!!.
. 3eeing that it +leased the /e$s( +t appeareth more plainl) #) thi! that Herod .a! not moved
either .ith an) 5eal that he had to Mo!e!= la. or .ith an) hatred o" the go!pel% th'! to per!ec'te
the Ch'rch< #'t that he might provide "or hi! o.n private a""air!% "or he proceedeth in hi! cr'elt)
that he ma) .in the people=! "avor< there"ore .e m'!t $no. that there #e diver!e ca'!e! "or
.hich the Ch'rch i! a!!a'lted on ever) !ide. 7"tentime! perver!e 5eal driveth the .ic$ed
headlong to "ight "or their !'per!tition!% and that the) ma) !acri"ice an o""ering to their idol! #)
!hedding innocent #lood< #'t the more part i! moved .ith private commoditie! onl)% !o in time!
pa!t% at !'ch time a! :ero $ne.% a"ter the #'rning o" the cit)% that he .a! loathed and hated o" the
people% he !o'ght #) thi! !'#tle mean! to get into "avor again% or% at lea!t% he .ent a#o't to !ta)
their !lander! and complaint!% #) p'tting certain tho'!and! o" the godl) to death.
+n li$e !ort% that Herod ma) .in the people=! "avor% .ho did love him #'t a little% he p'tteth the
Chri!tian! to death. a! a price .here.ith he might redeem their "avor< and !'ch i! o'r e!tate at
thi! da)% "or tho'gh all men r'n #) troop! 'pon the mem#er! o" Chri!t%
9M60
)et "e. are poo$ed
9M61
"or.ard .ith !'per!tition< #'t !ome !ell them!elve! to antichri!t% li$e pro"ita#le #ond!lave!<
other !ome #ear .ith% and commend the o'trageo'! o'tcrie! o" mon$! and the common people.
-'t .e% in the mean !ea!on% #eing a#?ect!% m'!t #e glad to #ear their moc$!< )et there i! one
com"ort .hich doth e3cellentl) $eep '! on "oot% in that .e $no. that o'r #lood i! precio'! in the
!ight o" *lmight) >od% .hich the .orld cloth !hame"'ll) a#'!e< )ea% the more !hame"'ll) and
reproach"'ll) the .ic$ed do handle '!% !o m'ch the le!! !hall >od=! goodne!! "or!a$e '!.
". Adding four 9uaternions of soldiers( L'$e doth% in thi! place% declare #) circ'm!tance! that
Peter .a!% a! it .ere% !h't 'p in hi! grave% !o that it might !eem that he .a! @'ite pa!t hope< "or
a! the) divided the da) and night into "o'r part! #) three ho'r!% !o Herod divided the .atche!%
that "o'r !oldier! might al.a)! $eep .atch% and that one @'aternion might !'cceed another ever)
third ho'r. He !ho.eth the ca'!e .h) he .a! not "orth.ith p't to death% #eca'!e it had #een an
heino'! o""en!e to p't him to death in the ,a!ter holida)!< there"ore% Herod doth not dela) the
time a! do'#t"'l .hat to do% #'t doth onl) .ait "or opport'nit)< )ea% he ma$eth choice o" a time%
.hen a! hi! gi"t ma) #e more pla'!i#le% #eca'!e there came a great m'ltit'de together "rom all
part! 'nto the hol) da).
9M6/
!( .ut +rayers $ere %ade( L'$e teacheth here that the "aith"'l did not% in the mean !ea!on%
"ore!lo. [neglect] their d't)% Peter !tood in the "or.ard
9M63
alone< #'t all the re!t "o'ght .ith
their pra)er! together .ith him% and the) aided him !o m'ch a! the) .ere a#le. Here#) .e do
al!o gather% that the) .ere not di!co'raged% "or #) pra)er the) te!ti") that the) per!i!t !o m'ch a!
the) are a#le in de"en!e o" the ca'!e% "or .hich Peter i! in danger o" li"e. Thi! place teacheth%
"ir!t% ho. .e o'ght to #e a""ected .hen .e !ee o'r #rethren per!ec'ted #) the .ic$ed "or the
te!timon) o" the go!pel% "or i" .e #e !loth"'l% and i" .e #e not in.ardl) to'ched .ith their
danger!% .e do not onl) de") and them o" the d'e d't) o" love% #'t al!o treachero'!l) "or!a$e the
con"e!!ion o" o'r "aith< and% a!!'redl)% i" the ca'!e #e common% )ea% i" the) "ight "or o'r !a"et)
and !alvation% .e do not onl) "or!a$e them% #'t even Chri!t and o'r!elve!< and the pre!ent
nece!!it) re@'ireth% that the) #e "ar more "ervent in pra)er than commonl) the) are% .ho!oever
/0D
.ill #e co'nted Chri!tian!. Je !ee !ome o" o'r #rethren F#eing #ro'ght to e3treme povert)G live
in e3ile% other! .e !ee impri!oned% man) ca!t into !tin$ing d'ngeon!% man) con!'med .ith "ire%
)ea% .e !ee ne. torment! o"tentime! invented% .here#) #eing long tormented the) ma) "eel
death. Cnle!! the!e provocation! !harpen o'r de!ire to pra)% .e #e more than #loc$i!h< there"ore%
!o !oon a! an) per!ec'tion ari!eth% let '! #) and #) get o'r!elve! to pra)er.
*l!o% it i! a li$el) thing that the Ch'rch too$ greater tho'ght "or Peter=! li"e% #eca'!e the) !ho'ld
have !'""ered great lo!! i" he had gone.
9M60
:either doth L'$e !a) #arel) that +rayer $as %ade*
#'t he addeth al!o% that it .a! earnest and contin'al% .here#) he giveth '! to 'nder!tand that the
"aith"'l pra)ed not coldl) or over "ield!<
9M6D
#'t !o long a! Peter .a! in the con"lict% the "aith"'l
did .hat the) co'ld to help him% and that .itho't .eari!omene!!. Je m'!t al.a)! 'nder!tand
the name o" >od% .hich i! here e3pre!!ed% .hen!oever mention i! made o" pra)er in the
Script're% "or thi! i! one o" the chie"e!t and "ir!t principle! o" "aith% that .e o'ght to direct o'r
pra)er! 'nto >od alone% a! he challengeth to him!el" thi! pec'liar .or!hip% PCall 'pon me in the
da) o" tri#'lation%Q F
N11D01DO
P!alm D041D.G
ACTS 12:#-11
#. *nd .hen Herod .a! a#o't to #ring him "orth% the !ame night !lept Peter
#et.een t.o !oldier!% #o'nd .ith t.o chain!< and the $eeper! $ept the pri!on
#e"ore the door. %. *nd% #ehold% the angel o" the Lord !tood% and a light !hined in
the ha#itation4 and he !mote Peter=! !ide% !a)ing% *ri!e !traight.a)< and hi! chain!
"elt "rom hi! hand!% $. *nd the angel !aid to him% >ird th)!el"% and #ind on th)
!andal!. *nd he did !o. Then he !aith to him% P't th) garment a#o't thee% and
"ollo. me. &. *nd going o't% he "ollo.ed him% neither 'nder!tood he that that .a!
tr'e .hich .a! done #) the angel< #'t he tho'ght that he !a. a vi!ion. 1'. *nd
.hen the) .ere pa!t the "ir!t .atch% and the !econd% the) came to the iron gate%
.hich leadeth into the cit)% .hich opened to them o" it! o.n accord< and .hen the)
.ere come o't% the) pa!!ed thro'gh one !treet% and #) and #) the angel departed
"rom him. 11. Then Peter ret'rning to him!el"% !aid% :o. o" a tr'th + $no. that the
Lord hath !ent hi! angel% and hath delivered me o't o" the hand o" Herod% and "rom
all the .aiting o" the people o" the Be.!.
#. 2hen he $as about to bring hi% forth( +t !eemeth at the "ir!t #l'!h that the Ch'rch pra)eth to
!mall p'rpo!e% "or the da) .a! no. appointed .herein Peter !ho'ld #e p't to death% and he i!
.ithin one night o" death% and )et the "aith"'l cea!e not to pra)% #eca'!e the) $no. that .hen the
Lord doth p'rpo!e to deliver hi!% he ta$eth hi! time o"tentime! in the la!t and "arthe!t point o"
nece!!it)% and that he hath in hi! hand diver!e .a)! to deliver. Secondl)% .e ma) thin$ that the)
did not !o m'ch pra) "or Peter=! li"e% a! that the Lord .o'ld arm him .ith invinci#le "ortit'de%
"or the glor) o" the go!pel% and that >od .o'ld [not] !et the go!pel o" hi! Son open to the
reproache! and !lander! o" the .ic$ed.
That night he sle+t( *ll the!e circ'm!tance! do more !et "orth the .onder"'l po.er o" >od% "or
.ho .o'ld not have tho'ght that Peter .a! alread) !.allo.ed 'p o" deathI "or tho'gh he dre.
#reath a! )et% )et he had no chinch [chin$] to creep o't at% "or a! m'ch a! he .a! #e!et .ith
man) death!. There"ore% .herea! he e!capeth "rom amid!t death!% .herea! he goeth !a"el)
among the hand! o" hi! hangmen% .herea! the chain! are molten and are loo!ed% .herea! the iron
gate openeth it!el" to him< here#) it appeareth that it .a! a mere divine $ind o" deliverance% and
it .a! pro"ita#le "or Peter to #e th'! ta'ght #) the!e !ign!% that he might .ith more a!!'rance
/06
"orth.ith declare 'nto men the grace o" >od th'! $no.n. *gain% it appeareth #) thi! !trait
$eeping that Herod meant nothing le!!
9M66
than to let Peter go a.a) alive.
%. A light shined, +t i! to #e tho'ght that Peter alone !a. thi! light% and that the !oldier! did either
!leep !o !o'ndl)% or el!e .ere !o ama5ed% that the) neither "elt nor perceived an) thing% *nd
there might #e t.o ca'!e! .h) >od .o'ld have the light to !hine< either that Peter might have
the '!e thereo"% and that the dar$ne!! might #e no hindrance to him% or that it might #e to him a
!ign and to$en o" the heavenl) glor). 9or .e read o"tentime! that the angel! appeared .ith
gli!tering #rightne!!% even .hen the !'n did !hine% *!!'redl)% Peter might have gathered #) the
!trange light that >od .a! pre!ent% and al!o he o'ght to have made hi! pro"it thereo". Jhen a!
the angel !miteth Peter=! !ide% it appeareth here#) .hat a care >od hath "or hi!% .ho .atcheth
over them .hen the) !leep% and rai!eth them .hen the) are dro.!). *nd !'rel) there .ere
nothing more mi!era#le than .e% i" the contin'ance o" o'r pra)er! alone did $eep >od in hi!
.atching over '!< "or !'ch i! the in"irmit) o" o'r "le!h that .e "aint and @'ail% and .e !tand mo!t
o" all in need o" hi! help .hen o'r mind!% #eing dra.n a.a)% do not !ee$ him. Sleep i! a certain
image o" death% and doth cho$e and dro.n all the !en!e!% .hat !ho'ld #ecome o" '! i" >od
!ho'ld then cea!e to have re!pect to '!I -'t "ora!m'ch a! .hen the "aith"'l go to !leep% the)
commit their !a"et) to >od% it cometh to pa!! #) thi! mean!% that even their !leep doth call 'pon
>od.
Jherea! he !aith% that immediatel) a"ter the angel had !aid the .ord the chain! .ere loo!ed% .e
gather #) thi!% that there i! po.er eno'gh in the commandment o" >od alone to remove all
manner [o"] let!% .hen all .a)! !eem to #e !topt on all !ide!% !o that i" he intend to appea!e the
motion! and t'm'lt! o" .ar% altho'gh the .hole .orld .ere appointed in armor% their !pear! and
!.ord! !hall "orth.ith "all o't o" their hand!< on the other !ide% i" he #e determined to p'ni!h '!
and o'r !in! .ith .ar% in a moment% Fin the t.in$ling o" an e)e%G their mind!% .hich .ere #e"ore
given to peace% !hall .a3 hot% and the) !hall la) hand on their !.ord!. Jherea! L'$e !etteth
do.n !everall) #oth the .ord! o" the angel% and al!o the co'r!e o" the matter% it !erveth "or the
more certaint) o" the hi!tor)% that it ma) in ever) re!pect appear that Peter .a! delivered #) >od.
&. He #ne$ not that it $as true( He did not thin$ that it .a! a vain or "al!e vi!or% a! Satan doth
o"tentime! del'de men .ith ?'ggling!< #'t true i! ta$en in thi! place "or that .hich i! done
nat'rall) and a"ter the manner o" men. 9or .e m'!t note the contrariet) [antithe!i!] that i!
#et.een the thing it!el" and the vi!ion. 9'rthermore% tho'gh he thin$ that it i! a vi!ion% )et doth
he .illingl) o#e)< .here#) hi! o#edience i! proved% .hil!t that #eing content .ith the
commandment o" the angel alone% he doth not in@'ire nor rea!on .hat he m'!t de% #'t doth that
.hich he i! commanded to do.
1'. 2hen they $ere +ast( >od .a! a#le to have carried Peter a.a) in the t'rning o" an hand<
9M6M

#'t he overcometh diver!e !trait! one a"ter another% that the glor) o" the miracle might #e the
greater. So he created the .orld in !i3 da)!% F>ene!i! 1.G not #eca'!e he had an) need o" !pace o"
thee% #'t that he might the #etter !ta) '! in the meditating 'pon hi! .or$!% F
N0//011O
,3od'! /0411%G
"or he applieth the manner o" doing 'nto o'r capacit)% and 'nto the increa!e o" "aith. +" Peter had
at a !'dden #een carried 'nto the ho'!e .here the #rethren .ere a!!em#led% then !ho'ld one onl)
deliverance have #een ac$no.ledged% #'t no. .e !ee% a! it .ere .ith o'r e)e!% that he .a!
delivered more than ten time!.
11. Then Peter returning to hi%self( +t i! .ord "or .ord% #eing made in him!el"% #eca'!e% #eing
#e"ore a!tonied .ith a !trange and incredi#le thing% he .a!% a! it .ere% .itho't him!el". -'t no.
/0M
at length% a! it .ere a"ter a trance% he $no.eth that he i! delivered "rom death. Hi! .ord! !et
do.n #) L'$e contain a than$!giving< "or he e3tolleth .ith him!el" the #ene"it o" >od .hich he
had tried% [e3perienced%] and .hereo" he had ta!ted% and he doth highl) commend it .ith him!el"%
'ntil he "ind !ome other .itne!!e!. He !aith that the angel .a! !ent o" >od% according to the
common meaning o" the godl)% .ho hold that the angel! are appointed to #e mini!ter!% to #e
care"'l "or% and to ta$e charge o" their !a"et)< "or 'nle!! he had #een th'! per!'aded% he .o'ld
not have !po$en o" the angel. *nd )et he doth not commend the angel a! the a'thor o" the grace%
#'t he a!cri#eth all the .hole prai!e o" the .or$ to >od alone% neither do the angel! help '! to
thi! end% that the) ma) derive 'nto them!elve! even the lea!t ?ot o" >od=! glor). Jherea! he !aith
that he .a! delivered o't o" the hand o" Herod% he ampli"ieth the goodne!! and #ene"it o" >od%
#) the po.er o" hi! enem). To the !ame end tendeth that .hich he addeth o" the Be.!< "or the
greater the n'm#er o" the enemie! .a!% the more e3cellent .a! the grace o" >od to.ard hi!
!ervant< "or it i! a great matter that >od alone #eing "avora#le% the deadl) hatred o" all the .hole
.orld !ho'ld come to no'ght.
ACTS 12:12-1&
12. *nd% con!idering% he came into the ho'!e o" Mar) the mother o" Bohn% .ho!e
!'rname .a! Mar$< .here man) .ere gathered and pra)ing. 1. *nd .hen Peter
had $noc$ed at the entr)door% a maid came o't to hear$en% named 8hoda. 1". *nd
.hen !he $ne. Peter=! voice% !he opened not the door "or ?o)% #'t r'nning in% !he
told that Peter !tood .itho't. 1!. -'t the) !aid to her% Tho' art mad. -'t !he
a""irmed more vehementl) that it .a! !o. -'t the) !aid% +t i! hi! angel. 1#. -'t. Peter
contin'ed $noc$ing4 .hen the) had opened% the) !a. him% and the) .ere
a!toni!hed. 1%. -'t a"ter that he had #ec$oned to them .ith the hand% that the)
!ho'ld hold their peace% he told them ho. >od had #ro'ght him o't o" pri!on. *nd
he !aid% Tell Bame! and the #rethren the!e thing!. *nd he departed thence% and .ent
into another place. 1$. *"ter that it .a! da)% there .a! no !mall ado among!t the
!oldier!% .hat .a! #ecome o" Peter. 1&. *nd .hen Herod had !o'ght him% and co'ld
not "ind him% !o !oon a! he $ne. the matter% he commanded the $eeper! to #e
carried a.a)% [e3ec'ted.]
12. !nto the house of Mary( +t appeareth that !he .a! a matron o" rare godline!!% .ho!e ho'!e
.a!% a! it .ere% a certain temple o" >od% .here the #rethren did '!e to meet together. *nd L'$e
!aith that there .ere man) a!!em#led there% #eca'!e% !eeing the) co'ld not all meet together in
one place .itho't "ear o" !ome t'm'lt% the) came together in diver!e place! o" the cit) in
companie!% a! the) co'ld convenientl). 9or% do'#tle!!% there .ere other companie! gathered
together el!e.here% #eca'!e it i! not to #e tho'ght that Fat !'ch time! a! man) o" the "aith"'l did
give them!elve! to pra)erG the apo!tle! .ere not in li$e !ort occ'pied% and one ho'!e co'ld not
hold !o man). *nd .e m'!t al.a)! mar$ the circ'm!tance o" time% #eca'!e% even in the heat o"
the enem)=! cr'elt)% the godl) .ere% not.ith!tanding% a!!em#led together. 9or i"% at an) time% thi!
e3erci!e #e pro"ita#le% then i! it mo!t nece!!ar) .hen hard con"lict! approach.
1!. 2hen he did #no'# at the gate( Jherea! the) thin$ that the maid i! mad% .hich telleth them
that Peter .a! come< .e gather #) thi!% that the) did not hope or loo$ "or Peter=! deliverance% and
)et .e .ill not !a) that the) pra)ed .itho't "aith< #eca'!e the) loo$ed "or !ome other !'cce!!% to
.ith that Peter #eing armed .ith po.er "rom heaven% !ho'ld #e read)% .hether it .ere #) li"e or
death% to glori") >od%
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that the "loc$ #eing terri"ied .ith the violent inva!ion o" .olve! might
/0E
not #e !cattered a#road% that tho!e that .ere .ea$ might not "aint% that the Lord .o'ld p't a.a)
that .hirl.ind o" per!ec'tion. -'t in that the Lord granteth them more than the) hoped "or% he
!'rpa!!eth their de!ire! .ith hi! in"inite goodne!!. *nd no. that .hich .a! done !eemeth to
them incredi#le% that the) ma) #e the more provo$ed to prai!e hi! po.er.
!t is his angel( The) call him hi! angel% .ho .a! #) >od appointed to #e hi! $eeper and the
mini!ter o" hi! !a"et). +n .hich !en!e Chri!t !aith that the angel! o" little one! do al.a)! !ee the
"ace o" hi! 9ather% F
N001E10O
Matthe. 1E410.G *nd .hat do the) gather hence commonl)I that ever)
partic'lar man hath a partic'lar angel% .hich ta$eth charge o" him< #'t it i! too .ea$. 9or the
Script're doth !ometime! te!ti") F
N0/1010O
,3od'! 10410G that there i! one angel given to a great
people% and to one man onl) a great ho!t. 9or ,li5e'! [,li!ha] hi! !ervant had hi! e)e! opened% !o
that he !a. in the air chariot! o" "ire% .hich .ere appointed to de"end the prophet% F
N1/061MO
/ Ling!
641M.G *nd in (aniel there i! #'t one angel o" the Per!ian!% and one o" the >recian! named%
F
N/M100DO
(aniel 104D% 1/.G :either doth the Script're promi!e to ever) man a certain and pec'liar
angel% #'t rather that the Lord hath charged hi! angel! to $eep all the "aith"'l% F
N111111O
P!alm
11411<G al!o that the) pitch their tent! a#o't the godl)% F
N11300EO
P!alm 304E.G There"ore% that vain
!'rmi!e .hich i! common to'ching the t.o angel! o" ever) man i! pro"ane. Let thi! #e !'""icient
"or '!% that the .hole ho!t o" heaven doth .atch "or the !a"et) o" the Ch'rch< and that a!
nece!!it) o" time re@'ireth !ometime! one angel% !ometime! more do de"end '! .ith their aid.
*!!'redl)% thi! i! ine!tima#le goodne!! o" >od% in that he !aith that the angel!% .ho are the
#eam! o" hi! #rightne!!% are o'r mini!ter!.
1%. Tell /a%es and the brethren@ -) #rethren + 'nder!tand not ever) one that .a! o" the Ch'rch
#'t the apo!tle! and elder!. 9or tho'gh it .ere re@'i!ite that the miracle !ho'ld #e made $no.n
to all% )et .ill Peter .orthil) "or honor=! !a$e% have hi! "ello.! in o""ice to #e certi"ied thereo".
,ccle!ia!tical .riter! a"ter ,'!e#i'! report that thi! /a%es .a! one o" the di!ciple!< #'t
"ora!m'ch a! Pa'l rec$oneth him in the n'm#er o" the three pillar! o" the Ch'rch%
F
N0E0/01O
>alatian! /41%G + do not thin$ that a di!ciple .a! advanced to that dignit)% and the apo!tle!
!et a!ide. Jhere"ore% + do rather con?ect're% that thi! .a! Bame! the !on o" *lphe'!% .ho!e
holine!! .a! !'ch% that it ca'!ed the Be.! to .onder at it. *nd there #e t.o rea!on! "or .hich
Peter .o'ld have thi! ?o)"'l me!!age #ro'ght 'nto the #rethren< to .it% that he might rid them o"
that care .hich did ve3 them< !econdl)% that the) might #e enco'raged .ith !'ch an e3ample o"
>od=! goodne!! to #e the more #old. Jherea! he pa!!eth into another place% + thin$ it .a! done
"or thi! ca'!e% #eca'!e% "ora!m'ch a! the ho'!e .a! .ell $no.n and "amo'!% #eca'!e man) o"
the #rethren re!orted thither% he might lie hid el!e.here .ith le!! danger. There"ore% he !o'ght a
place .hich .a! not !o m'ch !'!pected o" the enem)% and that he might not onl) !ave him!el"%
#'t al!o hi! ho!te!! and other!.
1$. 2hen it $as day( L'$e ret'rneth no. 'nto Herod and the !oldier!< and he !aith that there .a!
no !mall ado among!t them. 9or the) co'ld not !'!pect that Peter .a! ta$en "rom them #)
violence% or that he .a! e!caped #) !ome !'#tle !hi"t. Herod e3amineth the matter a"ter.ard a! a
?'dge< #'t .hen a! he perceived that the !oldier! .ere in no "a'lt% he him!el" i! al!o en"orced to
#e a .itne!! o" the deliverance .ro'ght #) >od. Jherea! he commandeth them to #e carried o't
o" hi! !ight% or to #e carried to pri!on% .e ma) there#) gather% that their "aith"'lne!! and
diligence .ere approved and !een< "or i" there had #een an) !'!picion o" negligence% there .a!
p'ni!hment prepared "or them< #'t the ca'!e .h) he doth not let them go "ree .a! partl) rage%
mi3ed .ith t)ranno'! cr'elt)% and partl) !hame"acedne!!. Tho'gh !ome e3po'nd it other.i!e%
that he commanded that the) !ho'ld #e p'ni!hed "orth.ith.
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*nd .hether% #eing angr)% he
/01
delivered them to the hangman% or he .a! content to p'ni!h them .ith perpet'al impri!onment% it
i! a!!'redl) an e3cellent e3ample o" #lindne!!% that .herea! he o'ght to perceive the po.er o"
>od% )ea% tho'gh hi! e)e! .ere !h't% )et doth he not #end% neither doth he .a3 more mee$% #'t
proceedeth to re!i!t >od o" o#!tinate malice. Th'! doth Satan deprive the .ic$ed o"
'nder!tanding% that in !eeing the) !ee not< and the Lord% #) !miting them .ith thi! horri#le
ama5edne!!% doth ?'!tl) revenge him!el" and hi! Ch'rch.
ACTS 12:1&-2!
*nd de!cending "rom B'dea to Ce!area% he !ta)ed there. 2'. *nd Herod .a!
o""ended .ith tho!e o" T)re and Sidon4 #'t the) came 'nto him .ith one
con!ent% and per!'ading -la!t'!% the cham#erlain to the $ing% the) re@'ired
peace% #eca'!e their co'ntr) .a! no'ri!hed #) the $ing=! co'ntr). 21. *nd
'pon a da) appointed Herod arra)ed him!el" in ro)al apparel% and !itting 'pon
hi! throne% he made an oration 'nto them. 22. *nd the people cried% +t i! the
voice o" >od% and not o" man. 2. *nd !traight.a) the angel o" the Lord
!mote him% #eca'!e he gave not the glor) to >od4 and #eing eaten o" .orm!%
he died. 2". 9'rthermore% the .ord o" >od did increa!e and m'ltipl). 2!. *nd
-arna#a! and Pa'l ret'rned "rom Ber'!alem to *ntioch% having "ini!hed their
o""ice% ta$ing Bohn .ith them% .hich .a! called Mar$.
2'. * .orth)
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hi!tor)% .hich doth not onl) !ho.% a! it .ere in a gla!!% .hat end i! prepared "or
the enemie! o" the Ch'rch% #'t al!o ho. greatl) >od hateth pride. The Script're !aith that P>od
re!i!teth the pro'd%Q F
N600D0DO
1 Peter D4D.G >od him!el" did !ho. a livel) image thereo" in the
per!on o" Herod. *nd a!!'redl) men cannot e3tol them!elve! higher than #ecometh them% #'t
the) !hall ma$e .ar .ith >od% .ho% to the end he ma) !'rpa!! all%
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commandeth all "le!h to
$eep !ilence. *nd i" >od did !o !harpl) p'ni!h pride in a $ing .hom pro!perit) did p'"" 'p% .hat
!hall #ecome o" tho!e o" the common !ort .ho are ridic'lo'!l) p'""ed 'p .itho't ca'!eI
9'rthermore% .e m'!t note the co'r!e o" the hi!tor)% that all thing! go .ell .ith Herod a"ter that
he had mi!era#l) ve3ed the Ch'rch< he en"orced the nation! ro'nd a#o't him% #eing tamed .ith
h'nger% to come to crave pardon 'pon their $nee!% a! i" >od had re.arded him .ell "or hi!
.ic$ed "'r). Thi! .a! no !mall trial "or the godl)% .ho might have tho'ght th'! .ith them!elve!
9MM/
that >od cared not "or them% and the) .ere a"raid le!t .ith Herod=! po.er hi! t)rann) and
cr'elt) !ho'ld increa!e. -'t the Lord had another p'rpo!e%
9MM3
"or he !et the oppre!!or o" hi!
Ch'rch on high that he might have the greater "all. There"ore% that !hado.i!h "elicit)% .herein he
delighted too m'ch% .a! 'nto him a certain "alling again!t the da) o" !la'ghter. +n li$e !ort% .hen
at thi! da) .e !ee the #lood) enemie! o" the Ch'rch carried 'p 'pon the .ing! o" "ort'ne into
heaven% there i! no ca'!e .h) .e !ho'ld #e di!co'raged< #'t let '! rather call to mind that !a)ing
o" Solomon%
PPride goeth #e"ore calamit)<
and the heart i! li"ted 'p #e"ore a "all%Q F
N/0161EO
Prover#! 1641E.G
Herod $as dis+leased( L'$e '!eth the compo'nd participle% qumomacon .hich !igni"ieth +ri&y
grudging or hatred( There"ore Herod did not ma$e open .ar again!t tho!e citie!< #'t !'ch .a!
hi! di!plea!'re% that he e!!a)ed to !'#d'e them #) polic)% a! it .ere #) 'ndermining them #)
little and little. +t i! a rare matter% !aith (emo!thene!% "or "ree citie! to agree .ith monarch!.
Moreover% Herod .a! nat'rall) cr'el% #old% o" in!atia#le coveto'!ne!!< and it i! not to #e do'#ted
/D0
#'t that T)re and Sidon .ere% a! it .ere% certain #ar! or rail! to !ta) hi! "'r)% a! the) .ere
.ealth) citie!% and 'nacc'!tomed to #ear the )o$e. *l!o% the remem#rance o" their old glor)
might have enco'raged them< "ora!m'ch a! pride cometh commonl) o" .ealth% it i! no marvel i"
the!e t.o citie! .ere pro'd% the one .hereo" +!aiah calleth @'een o" the !ea!% .ho!e merchant!%
he !aid% .ere $ing!% and her chapmen d'$e!% F
N/3/30EO
+!aiah /34E.G *l!o% he !aith el!e.here that
Sidon .a! #ecome pro'd #) rea!on o" her .ealth. *nd altho'gh the) had !'ndr) time! #een
#ro'ght almo!t to 'tter r'in% )et the commodio'!ne!! o" their !it'ation did !hortl) re!tore them to
their .onted !tate. Here#) it came to pa!! that the) co'ld more hardl) dige!t *grippa% o" late a
#a!e "ello.% a man o" no e!timation%
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and one .ho had #een let o't o" pri!on< e!peciall)
!eeing that he had #ehaved him!el" !o cr'ell) to.ard hi! o.n !'#?ect!% and .a! tro'#le!ome and
in?'rio'! to hi! neigh#or!.
8oras%u'h as their 'ountry $as nourished( +t had not #een good "or him to have a!!ailed the
men o" T)re and Sidon .ith open .ar% there"ore he giveth commandment that there !ho'ld no
corn nor vict'al #e carried
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o't o" hi! realm. -) thi! mean! did he% .itho't an) arm)% #e!iege
them #) little and little. 9or the #order! o" #oth citie! .ere !trait% and their gro'nd #arren%
.herea! there .a! a great people to #e "ed. There"ore% a"ter that the) .ere tamed .ith h'nger%
the) h'm#l) crave peace% and that not "ree% "or a!!'redl) the) had !ome la.! given them< and it
i! to #e tho'ght that thi! -la!t'! mentioned #) L'$e .a! not .ith #are .ord! per!'aded% #'t .ith
re.ard! [gi"t!] .on to entreat the peace.
9MM6
+ $no. not .h) ,ra!m'! did thin$ it good to
tran!late thi! place other.i!e than the .ord! import.
21. ,+on an a++ointed day( L'$e !aith that the men o" T)r'! and Sidon had peace granted them%
#eca'!e thi! .a! the occa!ion o" the $ing=! oration% .itho't do'#t% that he might ma$e them hi!
'nderling! herea"ter. The !ame hi!tor) i! e3tant in Bo!eph'!% in hi! :ineteenth -oo$ o"
*nti@'itie!% !ave onl) that he calleth him ever).here *grippa% .hom L'$e calleth Herod. +t i! to
#e tho'ght that *grippa .a! hi! proper name% and that he .a! called #) none other name !o long
a! he .a! a private man< #'t a"ter that he .a! advanced to #e a $ing% he too$ to him!el" princel)
dignit)% according to the name o" hi! grand"ather. Bo!eph'! and L'$e agree together .onder"'ll)
in the thing it!el"% and in all circ'm!tance!. 9ir!t% the) agree concerning the place. Bo!eph'! !aith%
That hi! garment .a! em#roidered .ith gold% on .hich% .hen the !'n#eam! light% it did gli!ter
again< and that thi! .a! the ca'!e .hich moved the co'rtier! to call him
9MMM
a god. That he .a!
!'ddenl) .o'nded< al!o% that there .a! !een an o.l !itting 'pon a cord over hi! head% .hich cord
did progno!ticate hi! r'in. *nd he i! !o "ar "rom do'#ting that hi! !acrilegio'! pride .a!
p'ni!hed .ith thi! $ind o" p'ni!hment% that he !aith% that he con"e!!ed the !ame openl) amid!t
hi! cr'el torment!% P-ehold me% .hom )o' call a god< + am en"orced to "ini!h m) li"e mo!t
mi!era#le.Q There i! no mention made there o" the peace made .ith tho!e o" T)r'! and Sidon<
#'t that he made and !et "orth pla)!
9MME
in honor o" Cae!ar. -'t it ma) #e that the !olemnit) o"
the pla)! .a! appointed in re!pect o" the peace concl'ded% .hich .e $no. .a! a !olemn thing.
2. 8orth$ith he s%ote hi%( *!% #e"ore% the angel .a! a mini!ter o" >od=! grace in the deliver)
o" Peter% !o no. he ta$eth vengeance 'pon Herod. *nd >od doth !ometime! '!e the mini!tr) o"
angel! in heaven in p'ni!hing< #'t !ometime! he ma$eth the devil! a! hangmen% #) .ho!e hand
he e3ec'teth hi! ?'dgment!. *nd thi! doth he a! .ell to.ard hi! "aith"'l !ervant! a! to.ard the
repro#ate. Sa'l .a! tro'#led and ve3ed #) Satan% F
N011610O
1 Sam'el 16410MG #'t the !ame did al!o
#e"all hol) Bo#% F
N1E011/O
Bo# 141/< /4M.G +n the P!alm!% the p'ni!hment! .here.ith >od doth
cha!ten the .ic$ed are attri#'ted to the evil angel!< )et .e !ee ho. the angel .hich had the
government o" the !a"et) o" the Ch'rch !miteth the ,g)ptian! in the "ir!t#egotten% F
N0/1//1O
,3od'!
/D1
1/4/1<G altho'gh the Script're calleth the .ic$ed !pirit! >od=! !pirit!% #eca'!e the) are o#edient
to hi! commandment% tho'gh "'ll !ore again!t their .ill. -'t .here the epithet e&il i! not added%
a! in thi! place% .e m'!t 'nder!tand the angel .hich doth .illingl) o#e) >od% and )et the !hape
o" the o.l% .hereo" Bo!eph'! ma$eth mention% did rather !erve to "ig're the devil than an
heavenl) angel.
9'rthermore% + dare not a""irm "or a !'ret) .hat manner o" di!ea!e that .a!. The .ord .hich
L'$e '!eth doth !igni") that he .a! eaten 'p o" .orm!. Man) con?ect're that it .a! a lo'!)
di!ea!e. Thi! i! certain% that even .hen he .a! )et alive he .a! corr'pt .ith !tin$ and rottenne!!%
!o that he .a!% a! it .ere% a living carca!!. So that he .a! not onl) ve3ed .ith cr'el torment!% #'t
al!o made a la'ghing!toc$ to all men% and o" all men reviled. 9or >od intended to ma$e choice
o" a $ind o" p'ni!hment .here.ith he might repre!! the cr'elt) o" a pro'd man .ith e3treme
ignomin). +" he had #een overcome o" !ome great and valiant arm)% and had #een #ro'ght to
povert)% the ?'dgment o" >od had not #een !o mar$ed< and thi! had #een an hone!t and princel)
cha!ti!ement<
9MM1
#'t "ora!m'ch a! he a#horreth lice and .orm!% and thi! "ilthine!! cometh o't o"
hi! #od)% .hich doth $ill him #) eating him 'p% he i! handled according to hi! de!ert!.
+n li$e !ort Pharaoh% "ora!m'ch a! he did !o o"t e3alt him!el" again!t >od .ith 'ntamed pride% he
.a! not orderl) a!!ailed #) !ome prince that did #order 'pon him% #'t loc'!t! and caterpillar!
.ere >od=! .arrior! [!oldier!] to ma$e .ar again!t him% F
N0/0E1MO
,3od'! E41M% /0<G "or the more
pro'dl) a man e3alteth him!el"% the more doth he de!erve to #e ca!t doom o" >od into the lo.e!t
hell .ith !hame and reproach. Thi! i! the rea!on .h) he !et thi! reigned god Herod to #e eaten
'p o" .orm!% .hich he .a! at length en"orced to grant% .hen he !aid% P-ehold me% .hom )e
!al'ted a! a god< + die mi!era#le.Q S'ch a mani"e!t e3ample o" horri#le vengeance in a $ing=!
per!on o'ght to terri") '! not a little "rom pre!'ming to ta$e to o'r!elve! more than .e o'ght<
and that .e do not !'""er o'r!elve! to #e made dr'n$ .ith the "al!e commendation and "latter) o"
men a! .ith deadl) poi!on.
.e'ause he ga&e not the glory to God( He i! condemned o" !acrilege% not onl) #eca'!e he
!'""ered him!el" to #e called >od% #'t #eca'!e% "orgetting him!el"% he too$ to him!el" the honor
d'e to >od. Je do not read that the $ing o" -a#)lon .a! th'! e3tolled< and )et the prophet
'p#raideth to him that he .ent a#o't to ma$e him!el" e@'al .ith >od% F
N/31013O
+!aiah 10413% 10.G
There"ore thi! !acrilege i! a common "a'lt in all pro'd men% #eca'!e% #) ta$ing to them!elve!
more than the) o'ght% the) dar$en the glor) o" >od< and !o% li$e giant!% !o m'ch a! ever the) are
a#le% the) endeavor to pl'c$ >od o't o" hi! !eat. Ho.!oever% the) do not '!'rp the title o" >od%
neither openl) #oa!t .ith their mo'th that the) are god!< )et #eca'!e the) ta$e to them!elve! that
.hich i! proper to >od% the) de!ire to #e% and to #e acco'nted god!% having #ro'ght him 'nder%
"'rthermore% the prophet pointeth o't the #eginning o" thi! evil in one .ord% .hen he #ringeth in
:e#'chadne55ar !pea$ing on thi! .i!e% P+ .ill go 'p%Q F
N/31013O
+!aiah 10413.G
Jhere"ore there i! #'t one remed)% i" ever) one $eep him!el" in that degree .herein he i! placed.
Let tho!e .ho are #a!e and ca!ta.a)! [in a h'm#le !tation] not de!ire to clim# higher< let $ing!%
and tho!e .ho are a#ove other!% remem#er that the) are mortal% and let them mode!tl) !'#mit
their highne!! to >od. *nd .e m'!t note% that it i! not eno'gh i" men give to >od onl) hal" the
honor .hich i! d'e to him% .ho challengeth all that .holl) .hich i! hi! o.n< i" the) !'#mit
them!elve! #'t in part% .hom he .ill have to #e thoro'ghl) h'm#led. :o.% "ora!m'ch a! the
Script're de!poileth '! @'ite o" all prai!e o" .i!dom% virt'e% and righteo'!ne!!% there i! no one o"
'! that can ta$e to him!el" the lea!t ?ot o" glor) .itho't !acrilegio'! ro##ing o" >od. *nd it i! a
/D/
.onder that% !eeing the Script're prono'nceth that all tho!e ma$e% a! it .ere% open .ar again!t
>od .hich e3alt them!elve!< and .e do all grant that that cannot #e done .itho't o'r overthro.%
[de!tr'ction<] the greate!t part o" men r'nneth% not.ith!tanding% headlong .ith "'rio'! #oldne!!
'nto their o.n de!tr'ction< "or there i! !carce one o" an h'ndred .ho% #eing mind"'l o" hi!
condition% doth leave to >od hi! glor) 'ndimini!hed.
2". And the $ord of God( Jhen the t)rant .a! once ta$en o't o" the .a) the Ch'rch .a!
!'ddenl) delivered% a! it .ere% o't o" the ?a.! o" the .ol". There"ore% tho'gh the "aith"'l #e
acco'nted a! !heep appointed to #e !lain% F
N1100/3O
P!alm 004/3%G )et the Ch'rch doth al.a)!
overlive her enemie!< and tho'gh the .ord o" >od !eem o"tentime! to #e oppre!!ed .ith the
.ic$ed t)rann) o" men% )et it getteth 'p the head again #) and #)% F
N0D0E3MO
8oman! E43M.G 9or
L'$e determined
9ME0
not onl) .hat had happened a"ter that Herod .a! dead% #'t al!o #) thi!
e3ample to enco'rage '!% that .e ma) #e a!!'red that >od .ill do that% in all age!% .hich he then
did% to the end the go!pel ma) at length #rea$ thro'gh all impediment! o" the enemie!% and that
the more the Ch'rch i! dimini!hed% it ma) the more increa!e thro'gh the heavenl) #le!!ing.
2!. And .arnabas and Paul( The mini!tr) .hich L'$e !aith -arna#a! and Pa'l did "ini!h% m'!t
#e re"erred 'nto the alm!% .hereo" mention .a! made #e"ore. 9or a"ter that *ga#'! the prophet
had "oretold the "amine and #arrenne!!% the #rethren gathered mone) at *ntioch% .here#) the)
might relieve the nece!!it) o" the ch'rch .hich .a! at Ber'!alem< the carr)ing o" thi! mone) .a!
committed to -arna#a! and Pa'l. :o. L'$e !aith that the) ret'rned to *ntioch% that he ma) pa!!
over 'nto a ne. hi!tor). He addeth% that they too# $ith the% /ohn, $hose surna%e $as Mar#,
.ho!e mother .a! honora#l) commended #e"ore% that he might $eep them compan)% .ho .a!
a"ter.ard% a! .e !hall !ee% a ca'!e o" grievo'! and dangero'! [h'rt"'l] di!cord #et.een them.
/D3
CH*PT,8 13
ACTS 1:1-
1. *nd there .ere in the ch'rch .hich .a! at *ntioch certain prophet! and
teacher!4 -arna#a!% and Simeon% called :iger% L'ci'! o" C)rene% and Manaen%
.ho had #een #ro'ght 'p .ith Herod and Sa'l. 2. *nd a! the) mini!tered 'nto
the Lord% and "a!ted% the Hol) >ho!t !aid% Separate to me -arna#a! and Sa'l
'nto the .or$ .hereto + have called them. . Then a"ter the) had "a!ted and
pra)ed% and laid the hand! 'pon them% the) let them go.
Here "ollo.eth an hi!tor)% not onl) .orth) to #e remem#ered% #'t al!o ver) pro"ita#le to #e
$no.n% ho. Pa'l .a! appointed the teacher o" the >entile!< "or hi! calling .a!% a! it .ere% a $e)
.here#) >od opened to '! the $ingdom o" heaven. Je $no. that the covenant o" eternal li"e .a!
properl) concl'ded .ith the Be.!% !o that .e had nothing to do .ith >od=! inheritance%
"ora!m'ch a! .e .ere !tranger!% F
N010/1/O
,phe!ian! /41/<G and the .all o" !eparation .a! #et.een%
.hich did di!ting'i!h tho!e o" the ho'!ehold "rom !tranger!. There"ore it had pro"ited '! nothing%
that Chri!t #ro'ght !alvation 'nto the .orld% 'nle!!% the di!agreement #eing ta$en a.a)% there
had #een !ome entrance made "or '! into the Ch'rch. The apo!tle! had alread) received
commandment to'ching the preaching o" the go!pel thro'gho't the .hole .orld% F
N011616O
Mar$
16416%G #'t the) had $ept them!elve! 'ntil thi! time .ithin the #order! o" B'dea. Jhen Peter .a!
!ent to Corneli'!% it .a! a thing !o ne. and !trange% that it .a! almo!t co'nted a mon!ter%
[prodig).] Secondl)% that might !eem to #e a privilege granted to a "e. men e3traordinaril)< #'t
no.% "ora!m'ch a! >od doth plainl) and openl) appoint Pa'l and -arna#a! to #e apo!tle! o" the
>entile!% #) thi! mean! he ma$eth them e@'al .ith the Be.!< that the go!pel ma) #egin to #e
common a! .ell to the one a! to the other. *nd no. the .all o" !eparation i! ta$en a.a)% that
#oth tho!e .ho .ere "ar o"" and tho!e .hich .ere nigh hand ma) #e reconciled to >od< and that
#eing gathered 'nder one head% the) ma) gro. together to #e one #od). There"ore Pa'l=! calling
o'ght to #e o" no le!! .eight among!t '!% than i" >od !ho'ld cr) "rom heaven in the hearing o"
all men% that the !alvation% promi!ed in time! pa!t to *#raham% and to the !eed o" *#raham%
F
N01//1MO
>ene!i! //41MG doth no le!! appertain 'nto '! at thi! da)% than i" .e had come o't o" the
loin! o" *#raham. 9or thi! ca'!e i! it that Pa'l la#oreth !o m'ch
9ME1
in de"en!e and avo'ching o"
hi! calling% F
N0E011MO
>alatian! 141M% 1//0<G that the >entile! ma) a!!'redl) per!'ade them!elve!
that the doctrine o" the go!pel .a! not #ro'ght to them #) chance% neither #) man=! ra!hne!!% #'t%
"ir!t% #) the .onder"'l co'n!el o" >od< !econdl)% #) e3pre!! commandment% .hil!t that he made
that $no.n to men .hich he had decreed .ith him!el".
1. There $ere in the 'hur'h( + have declared in the "o'rth to the ,phe!ian!% F
N010011O
,phe!ian!
0411G and in the t.el"th o" the 9ir!t to the Corinthian!% F
N061//EO
1 Corinthian! 1/4/E%G .hat
di""erence there i! Fat lea!t in m) ?'dgmentG #et.een doctor! and prophet!. +t ma) #e that the)
are in thi! place !)non)ma% [!)non)mo'!%] For that the) !igni") #oth one thing%G !o that thi! i!
L'$e=! meaning% that there .ere man) men in that ch'rch endo.ed .ith !ing'lar grace o" the
Spirit to teach. S'rel) + cannot !ee ho. it can hang together% to 'nder!tand #) prophet! tho!e
.hich .ere endo.ed .ith the gi"t o" "oretelling thing!< #'t + thin$ rather that it !igni"ieth
e3cellent interpreter! o" Script're. *nd !'ch had the o""ice to teach and e3hort% a! Pa'l doth
te!ti") in the "o'rteenth o" the 9ir!t to the Corinthian!% F1 Corinthian! 0D43M.G Je m'!t mar$
/D0
L'$e=! dri"t4 Pa'l and -arna#a! .ere mini!ter! o" the ch'rch o" *ntioch< >od calleth them
thence no. 'nto another place. Le!t an) man !ho'ld thin$ that that ch'rch .a! de!tit'te o" good
and "it mini!ter!% !o that >od did provide "or other ch'rche! .ith the lo!! o" it% L'$e preventeth
thi!% and !aith% that there .a! !'ch !tore there% that tho'gh it did help other!% )et did there remain
!'""icient "or the '!e thereo"< .here#) appeareth ho. plenti"'ll) >od had po'red o't hi! grace
'pon the Ch'rch% .hence river!% a! it .ere% might #e ded'cted and carried into diver!e place!.
So even in o'r time >od doth !o enrich certain ch'rche! more than other!% that the) #e
!eminarie! to !pread a#road the doctrine o" the go!pel. +t m'!t need! #e that Manaen% .ho .a!
#ro'ght 'p .ith Herod% came o" !ome no#le "amil). *nd thi! doth L'$e recite o" p'rpo!e that he
ma) !et "orth to '! hi! godline!! .ho% de!pi!ing .orldl) pomp% had co'pled him!el" to the
!imple and de!pi!ed "loc$ o" Chri!t. He might% indeed% have #een a principal co'rtier i" he had
#een r'led #) am#ition< #'t that he ma) .holl) addict him!el" to Chri!t% he re"'!eth not to
change tho!e !mo$e! o" honor .ith ["or] reproach and ignomin). 9or i" .e con!ider in .hat !tate
the Ch'rch !tood then% he co'ld not give hi! name to the go!pel% 'nle!! he !ho'ld ma$e him!el"
!'#?ect
9ME/
to common in"am). There"ore the Lord meant to teach '!% #) hi! e3ample% to de!pi!e
the .orld% that tho!e ma) learn .ith a valiant and lo"t) mind to de!pi!e the .orld% .ho cannot
other.i!e #e tr'e Chri!tian!% 'nle!! the) ca!t a.a) tho!e thing! .hich are precio'! to the "le!h%
a! h'rt"'l let! and hindrance!.
2. And they %inistered to the Lord( The .ord .hich L'$e '!eth doth not onl) !igni") to #e
occ'pied a#o't hol) thing!% #'t al!o !ometime! to #ear p'#lic o""ice!. *nd #eca'!e the hol) rite!
o" the >entile! did "or the mo!t part con!i!t 'pon [o"] #'rnto""ering! and !acri"ice!% it i!
o"tentime! ta$en "or to offer sa'rifi'e* .hich !en!e did .ell li$e the Papi!t!% that the) might
prove that the apo!tle! did '!e !ome !acri"ice. -'t admit it .ere !o< )et do the) "ooli!hl) pretend
"or de"en!e o" their ma!!% that the teacher! o" *ntioch did !acri"ice. 9ir!t% "ora!m'ch a! the .ord
i! o" the pl'ral n'm#er% it "ollo.eth that ever) one o" them did !a) ma!!. -'t letting to)! pa!!% +
!a) .e m'!t con!ider .hat manner o" !acri"ice Chri!t commended to hi! Ch'rch. The Papi!t!
"eign that the o""ice o" prie!thood i! en?oined them% to !acri"ice Chri!t and #) !acri"icing him to
redeem peace .ith >od. There i! !o little mention made hereo" in Script're% that the Son o" >od
doth rather challenge thi! honor to him!el" alone. Jhere"ore Chri!t=! Ch'rch hath another
prie!thood% to .it that ever) man ma) o""er him!el" and hi! to >od< and that the p'#lic mini!ter!
ma) !acri"ice to >od% !o'l!% .ith the !pirit'al !.ord o" the go!pel% a! Pa'l teacheth%
F
N0D1D16O
8oman! 1D416.G Moreover% the pra)er! o" all the godl) are the !pirit'al calve! o" the lip!%
F
N/E100/O
Ho!ea 104/%G .here.ith >od i! .ell plea!ed% .hen the) are o""ered 'p 'pon the hol) altar<
that i!% in Chri!t=! name% [a!] in the thirteenth to the He#re.!, F
NDE131DO
He#re.! 1341D.G There"ore%
.hen L'$e !aith that the prophet! and teacher! mini!tered to >od .hen the Spirit !pa$e to them%
+ 'nder!tand nothing el!e #'t that the) .ere in the p'#lic action. He addeth fasting, that .e ma)
$no. that their mind! .ere then "ree "rom all impediment!% that nothing might hinder them "rom
giving attendance to prophe!)ing. -'t the @'e!tion i!%
9ME3
.hether the) $ept a common "a!t% or
L'$e doth onl) !igni") that the) .ere "a!ting then 'ntil that time. Thi! i!% .itho't @'e!tion% that
the!e circ'm!tance! .ere e3pre!!ed% that Pa'l=! calling ma) carr) the more credit among!t '!.
3e+arate to %e( >od commandeth that Pa'l and -arna#a! #e !ent #) the con!ent o" the Ch'rch%
thither .hither he had appointed them to #e !ent< .here#) .e gather that there i! no la."'l
election o" pa!tor!% !ave onl) .herein >od i! chie". 9or .herea! he hath commanded that the
Ch'rch !ho'ld elect pa!tor! and #i!hop!% he hath not there"ore granted men !o m'ch li#ert)% #'t
that he .ill #ear the chie" !.a) a! the chie" governor. The ordinar) election o" pa!tor! di""ereth
/DD
"rom thi! appointing o" Pa'l and -arna#a!% #eca'!e it .a! re@'i!ite that the) !ho'ld #e appointed
#) the heavenl) oracle to #e the apo!tle! o" the >entile!< .hich i! not nece!!ar) to #e done dail)
in ordaining pa!tor!. -'t the) agree in thi!% that a! >od did te!ti") that Pa'l and -arna#a! .ere
alread) appointed #) hi! decree to preach the go!pel% !o none ma) #e called 'nto the o""ice o"
teaching !ave onl) tho!e .hom >od hath alread) cho!en to him!el" a"ter a !ort.
9'rthermore% there i! no need that the Spirit !ho'ld cr) to '! o't o" heaven% that he i! called o"
>od a#o't .hom .e are%
9ME0
#eca'!e .e receive tho!e% a! it .ere% "rom hand to hand% Fa! the)
!a)%G .hom >od hath "'rni!hed .ith nece!!ar) gi"t!% "ora!m'ch a! the) are "ramed and made "it
#) hi! hand. -'t .herea! L'$e !aith in thi! place% that Pa'l .a! appointed #) the voice! and
con!ent!
9MED
o" the Ch'rch< it doth !eem not to agree .ith Pa'l=! o.n .ord!% .here he doth den)
that he .a! called o" men% or #) men% F
N0E0101O
>alatian! 141.G + an!.er% that he .a! made an
apo!tle long #e"ore% Fand that #) no voice! [!'""rage!] o" men%G #e"ore !'ch time a! he .a! !ent
'nto the >entile!< and he had no. alread) e3ec'ted the o""ice o" an apo!tle man) )ear!% .hen he
.a! called to go 'nto the >entile! #) a ne. oracle. Jhere"ore% that he ma) have >od "or the
a'thor o" hi! apo!tle!hip% it i! not .itho't ca'!e that he e3cl'deth men. *nd he doth not no.
command that he #e ordained #) the Ch'rch there"ore% [vi5.] that hi! calling ma) depend 'pon
men< #'t >od p'#li!heth that hi! decree% .hich .a! a! )et $no.n to a "e.% and that .ith a p'#lic
commandment% and he commandeth that it #e !ealed .ith the !olemn !'#!cription o" the Ch'rch.
There"ore% thi! i! the meaning o" the .ord!% That thi! i! the time .herein Pa'l m'!t preach the
go!pel among the >entile!% and the .all #eing p'lled do.n% he m'!t gather a Ch'rch o" the
>entile!% .ho .ere #e"ore !tranger! "rom the $ingdom o" >od% F
N010/10O
,phe!ian! /410.G 9or
altho'gh >od had '!ed him hitherto at *ntioch and el!e.here% thi! .a! no. added a! a pec'liar
thing% that >od did intend to adopt the >entile! into the !ame inheritance o" li"e .ith the Be.!.
-'t and i" he .ere th'! created a teacher o" the Ch'rch "rom the #eginning% he !ho'ld not then
have #een called at that time #) men. 9or% !eeing the Lord doth prono'nce that he had called
him% .hat doth he leave "or the Ch'rch% !ave onl) that the) !'#!cri#e o#edientl)I 9or men=!
?'dgment i! not here p't a! in a do'#t"'l matter% neither have their voice! and con!ent! an)
"reedom. -'t .e m'!t mar$ .hat + have alread) !aid% that Pa'l and -arna#a! are not no. onl)
appointed teacher!% #'t the) have an e3traordinar) o""ice en?oined them% that the) ma) #egin to
#ring the grace o" >od commonl) 'nto the >entile!. *nd that do the .ord! import% .hen it i!
!aid% 3e+arate to the $or#( 9or 'ndo'#tedl) he !pea$eth o" a ne. .or$% and .hich had
hereto"ore not #een '!ed.
-'t ho. i! -arna#a! in thi! place appointed to #e Pa'l=! companion and "ello. in o""ice% .ho% a!
"ar a! .e can read% did never e3ec'te the o""ice o" teachingI )ea% .ho did al.a)! give Pa'l leave
to teach% .itho't !a)ing an)thing him!el"I + an!.er% that he had occa!ion! eno'gh o""ered him to
!pea$ in Pa'l=! a#!ence% !o that the) had #oth o" them eno'gh to do. 9or one co'ld not al.a)! #e
pre!ent in all place!. +t i! not to #e do'#ted #'t that he did "aith"'ll) di!charge that d't) .hich
>od had en?oined him% and that he .a! no d'm# loo$er on. *nd .h) !ho'ld .e .onder that
L'$e doth not !et do.n hi! !ermon! in plain .ord!% !eeing that he !carce repeateth one o" a
tho'!and o" Pa'l=!I
The 3+irit said( Jhat!oever Macedoni'! and hi! !ect o#?ect that the) ma) t'rn their #ac$!%
9ME6

)et .e have a more plain and !o'nd te!timon) o" the divine e!!ence o" the Spirit in thi! place%
than that the) can e!cape it and ma$e it "r'!trate. There i! nothing more proper to >od than .ith
hi! po.er and commandment to govern the Ch'rch alone< #'t the Spirit challengeth thi! right
.hen he commandeth that Pa'l and -arna#a! #e !eparated to him% and te!ti"ieth that the) .ere
/D6
called #) hi! #ec$. *!!'redl) .e m'!t need! con"e!! that the #od) o" the Ch'rch i! lame and
.itho't a head% 'nle!! .e con"e!! that it i! >od .ho ordereth the !ame at hi! plea!'re% .ho
!etteth teacher! over it% .ho governeth the proceeding! and order thereo". Je !hall have
a"ter.ard! chapter /0% in Pa'l=! !ermon% F
N00/0/EO
*ct! /04/E%G that all #i!hop! are placed #) the
Hol) >ho!t% .hich govern the Ch'rch< #'t no man i! to #e co'nted a la."'l pa!tor o" the
Ch'rch% a! the !ame Pa'l .itne!!eth% !ave he .hich i! called o" >od< neither doth >od point o't
"al!e prophet! #) an) other mar$% !ave onl) #) thi!% that he hath not !ent them< there"ore% .e
gather that the Hol) >ho!t i! >od indeed% .ho!e a'thorit) i! !'""icient to choo!e pa!tor!% and
.ho hath the chie" r'le in choo!ing them% .hich i! li$e.i!e con"irmed o't o" the .ord! o" +!aiah%
P*nd no.% #ehold% the Lord hath !ent me% and hi! Spirit%Q
F
N/30E16O
+!aiah 0E416.G
9'rthermore% .e m'!t note o't o" the!e .ord!% that he i! a per!on tr'l) !'#!i!ting in >od< "or i"
.e admit Sa#elli'!=! invention% that the .ord Spirit importeth no per!on%
9MEM
#'t that it i! a #are
ad?'nct% [epithet] that !hall #e a "ooli!h and a#!'rd !peech% that the Hol) >ho!t hath !aid%
9MEE

+!aia! al!o !ho'ld "ooli!hl) a!cri#e to him the !ending o" a prophet.
. 2hen they had fasted and +rayed( That the) ma) o#e) the oracle% the) do not onl) !end Pa'l
and -arna#a! a.a)< #'t al!o .ith a !olemn rite the) appoint them to #e the apo!tle! o" the
>entile!< it i! .itho't @'e!tion that thi! .a! a p'#lic "a!t. L'$e !aid #e"ore% that the) .ere
"a!ting% "ora!m'ch a! the) .ere #'!ied in their mini!tr)4 it might #e that that .a! according to
the c'!tom< #'t no. there i! another rea!on% "or in appointing a p'#lic "a!t% .hich '!ed to #e
done in hard matter! and o" great importance% the) provo$e #oth them!elve! and other! 'nto an
earne!t "erventne!! in pra)er% "or thi! i! o"tentime! added in Script're a! a help to pra)er< #'t Fit
.a! a matter o" !'ch .eight to erect the $ingdom o" Chri!t among!t the >entile!G the teacher! o"
*ntioch do not .itho't ca'!e earne!tl) pra) the Lord% that he .ill ena#le hi! !ervant!<
9ME1
and
that .a! not the end o" their pra)er% that >od .o'ld% #) hi! Spirit o" .i!dom and di!cretion%
govern their ?'dgment! in choo!ing% #eca'!e all di!p'tation or do'#ting concerning thi! matter
.a! ta$en a.a)< #'t that >od .o'ld "'rni!h tho!e .ith the Spirit o" .i!dom and !trength .hom
he had alread) cho!en to him!el"% that he .o'ld !trengthen them .ith hi! po.er again!t all the
inva!ion! o" Satan and the .orld% that he .o'ld #le!! their la#or!% that the) might not #e
'n"r'it"'l% that he .o'ld open a gate "or the ne. preaching o" the go!pel.
The la)ing on o" hand! .hich L'$e rec$oneth 'p% in the third place% .a! a $ind o" con!ecration%
a! .e have !aid% F
N000606O
*ct! 646.G 9or the apo!tle! retained the ceremon) .hich .a! '!ed
among!t the Be.!% according to the old c'!tom o" the la.< a! al!o $neeling% and !'ch rite!% .hich
.ere pro"ita#le to e3erci!e godline!!. +n !'m% thi! i! the end .h) the) laid their hand! 'pon
-arna#a! and Pa'l% that the Ch'rch might o""er them to >od% and that the) might .ith their
con!ent declare that thi! o""ice .a! en?oined them #) >od< "or the calling .a! properl) >od=!
alone% #'t the e3ternal ordaining did #elong to the Ch'rch% and that according to the heavenl)
oracle.
ACTS 1:"-12
". There"ore% .hen the) .ere !ent "orth #) the Hol) >ho!t% the) .ent to Sele'cia%
and thence the) !ailed into C)pr'!. !. *nd .hen the) .ere at Salami!% the)
preached the .ord o" >od in the !)nagog'e! o" the Be.!< and the) had Bohn% al!o
"or their mini!ter. #. *nd .hen the) had pa!!ed over the i!land 'nto Papho!% the)
/DM
"o'nd a certain "al!e prophet% a Be.% named -ar?e!'!% %. Jho .a! .ith Sergi'!
Pa'l'!% the procon!'l% a .i!e .an< .ho% .hen he had called -arna#a! and Pa'l%
!o'ght to hear the .ord o" >od. $. *nd ,l)ma!% the !orcerer% F"or !o i! hi! name
e3po'nded%G re!i!ted them% !ee$ing to t'rn a.a) the procon!'l "rom the "aith. &.
*nd Sa'l% .hich .a! al!o called Pa'l% #eing "'ll o" the [Hol)] >ho!t% and loo$ing
!tead"a!tl) on him% 1'. Said% 7 tho' that art "'ll o" all deceit and .ic$edne!!% tho'
!on o" the devil% tho' enem) o" all righteo'!ne!!% do!t tho' not cea!e to pervert the
!traight .a)! o" the LordI 11. *nd no.% #ehold% the hand o" the Lord i! 'pon thee%
and tho' !halt #e #lind% not !eeing the !'n "or a time. *nd "orth.ith there "ell 'pon
him mi!t and dar$ne!!% and% going a#o't% he !o'ght !ome to lead him #) the hand.
12. Then the procon!'l% !eeing .hat had happened% he #elieved% .ondering at the
doctrine o" the Lord%
". .eing sent out by the Holy Ghost( There i! no mention made here o" the election made #) the
Ch'rch% #eca'!e it .a! altogether a divine calling< the Ch'rch did onl) receive tho!e .ho .ere
o""ered them #) the hand o" >od. He !aith% that the) came "ir!t to Sele'cia% .hich .a! a cit) o"
S)ria. There .a!% indeed% a co'ntr) o" the !ame name< #'t it i! more li$el) that L'$e !pea$eth o"
the cit)% .hich .a! not "ar "rom C)pr'! #) !ea.
!. He !aith that the) #egan to preach the go!pel "ir!t in Salami!% a "amo'! cit) o" C)pr'!.
:ot.ith!tanding% the) !eem to #egin ami!!< "or .herea! the) .ere !ent !peciall) to the >entile!%
the) preach the .ord o" >od% neverthele!!% to the Be.!% + an!.er% that the) .ere not !o addicted
to the >entile!% that% !etting a!ide the Be.!% it !tood them 'pon to go !traight to the >entile!% "or
.hen >od did ma$e them teacher! o" the >entile!% he did not depo!e them "rom the o""ice .hich
the) had hereto"ore e3erci!ed< !o that there .a! no rea!on to let them% #'t that the) might ta$e
pain!% #oth .ith Be.! and >entile!<
9M10
)ea% "arther% it .a! meet that the) !ho'ld #egin .ith the
Be.!% a! .e !hall !ee in the end o" the chapter. Moreover% L'$e addeth #) the .a)% that the) .ere
helped #) Bohn< "or hi! meaning i! not that he .a! their mini!ter "or an) private '!e% or "or the
'!e! o" #od)< #'t rather in that he .a! their helper to preach the go!pel% he commandeth hi!
godl) !t'd) [5eal] and ind'!tr)< not that the degree o" honor .a! e@'al% #'t #eca'!e the la#or
.a! common to all< "or .hich ca'!e he had the le!! e3c'!e a"ter.ard% !eeing that he "or!oo$ the
hol) calling.
#( 2hen they had +assed o&er( +t i! to #e tho'ght that thi! their pa!!age .a! not altogether
.itho't "r'it< and% a!!'redl)% L'$e .o'ld never have pa!!ed over .ith !ilence a general rep'l!e<
#'t it .a! !'""icient "or him to !a) that the) .ere not idle in the o""ice o" teaching in their
?o'rne)% !eeing that he ma$eth ha!te 'nto a "amo'! hi!tor)% .hich he .ill !et do.n immediatel).
*nd "ora!m'ch a! Salami!% !it'ated 'pon the ea!t coa!t% did loo$ to.ard S)ria% it .a! re@'i!ite
that Pa'l and -arna#a! !ho'ld pa!! thro'gh the mid!t o" the i!land 'nto the other !ide% that the)
might come to Papho!< "or Papho! .a! a cit) !it'ated 'pon the !eacoa!t to.ard the !o'th.
9'rthermore tho'gh all the i!land .a! dedicated to Aen'!% )et Papho! .a! the principal !eat o"
the idol. 9or .hich ca'!e the goodne!! o" >od i! more .onder"'l% in that he .o'ld have the light
o" hi! go!pel to pierce into !'ch a "ilth) and cr'el [dire] den. 9or .e ma) there#) gather .hat
manner o" integrit) and cha!tit)% and hone!t) and temperance% .a! in that cit)% in that religion did
grant li#ert) to the inha#itant! to commit all manner o" !hame"'l and heino'! o""en!e!.
They found a 'ertain fa#e +ro+het( Seeing that religion .a! @'ite corr'pt among the Be.!% it i! no
marvel i" the) "ell a.a) 'nto man) .ic$ed !'per!tition!. *nd "ora!m'ch a! the) had hitherto
/DE
pro"e!!ed that the) .or!hipped a certain pec'liar god% thi! .a! a "air color to deceive .ithal%
!eeing that the) might pretend the name o" the 'n$no.n >od at their plea!'re< #'t thi! i! a
.onder ho. it .a! po!!i#le "or ,l)ma!% .ith hi! ?'ggling% to co5en a grave and .i!e man. 9or
.e $no. that the Be.! .ere at that time hated o" all the .orld% and e!peciall) o" the 8oman!%
and .ith hatred .a! co'pled e3treme contempt o" them.
:o. L'$e doth not .itho't ca'!e e3pre!!l) commend Sergi'!=! .i!dom% le!t an) man !ho'ld
thin$ that hi! "ooli!hne!! and lightne!! .a! !'#?ect to the !ed'cing! o" the !orcerer. Hi! meaning
.a!% indeed% to !ho. in a clear mirror ho. "rivolo'! and vain man=! .i!dom i!% .hich cannot
#e.are o" !'ch gro!! !'#tlet) o" Satan.
*nd a!!'redl) .here the tr'th o" >od doth not appear% the more men !eem to #e .i!e% the more
"ilthil) "ooli!h are the). Je !ee .hat "ilth) mon!ter! o" !'per!tition did reign among!t the mo!t
.itt) >entile!% and !'ch a! .ere "'rni!hed .ith all manner o" learning. There"ore% there i! neither
?'dgment nor .i!dom% !ave onl) "rom the Spirit o" >od. *nd thi! i! the ?'!t vengeance o" >od
'pon all idolater!% that #eing delivered 'p to a repro#ate !en!e the) can di!cern nothing%
F
N0D01/EO
8oman! 14/E.G Tho'gh it ma) #e that Sergi'! Pa'l'!% #eing .ear) o" !'per!tition!% did
then #egin to de!ire a more p're .or!hip o" >od% at !'ch time a! he [did] light 'pon that !orcerer.
Jhich i" .e receive% it .a! !'rel) a .onder"'l ?'dgment o" >od% that he !'""ered a man godl)
a""ected to thro. him!el" headlong into the [deadl)] !nare! o" Satan. -'t >od doth !ometime! !o
e3erci!e hi! elect% that he ca'!eth them to .ander man) .a)!% #e"ore the) #e directed into the
right .a).
%. *nd .herea! Sergi'! Pa'l'!% de!iring !ome #etter thing than that .hich he had learned "rom
hi! childhood% .a! 'naptl) dra.n a!ide 'nto diver!e !'per!tition!% + gather here#) that he
!endeth "or Pa'l and -arna#a! o" hi! o.n accord% to teach him. There"ore% he had conceived a
certain reverence and "ear o" >od% tho'gh he $ne. him not a! )et< and "ora!m'ch a! he .a!
per!'aded that that .a! the tr'e >od .hich .a! .or!hipped in B'dea% he de!ired to $no. o't o"
hi! .ord a p're and certain r'le o" godline!!. So !oon a! he hath ta!ted o" the doting! o" the "al!e
prophet he !tandeth in do'#t. *nd it i! not to #e do'#ted% #'t that >od doth !olicit hi! mind% that
he ma) not #e altogether !ta)ed in vanit)% tho'gh he !'""ered him!el" to #e deceived "or a time
#) a .ic$ed man.
$( To turn a$ay the de+uty fro% the faith( :o marvel i" the !ed'cer !ee$ to p't a.a) the light%
.here#) he !a. hi! o.n dar$ne!! driven a.a).
9M11
The !ame !to'r [conte!t] have .e at thi! da)
.ith a n'm#er o" #a##ler!% .ho '!e to !ell their !mo$e!% and to !h't% #) all !hi"t! po!!i#le% the
e)e! o" the !imple% that the) ma) not #ehold the S'n o" righteo'!ne!!% #eing no. ri!en. Je m'!t
.re!tle .ith !'ch let!< "or a! there #e [not] al.a)! and ever).here magician! pre!ent% .hich
proc're '! !ome #'!ine!!%
9M1/
Satan thr'!teth in let!
9M13
eno'gh% .hich po!!e!! o'r mind! to
drive a.a) Chri!t% .hich the "le!h i! too read) to receive. 9inall)% #oth the enticement! o" the
.orld and the .ic$ed a""ection! o" o'r "le!h are a! man) charm!% .here#) Satan cea!eth not to
overthro. the "aith.
&. And 3aul, $ho $as also 'alled Paul( L'$e !ho.eth no. ho. >od #ra$e the #ond .herein the
dep't) .a! #o'nd. 9or !eeing that he .a! too m'ch addicted to the magician% he co'ld not
em#race tr'e doctrine a! one that .a! "ree and at li#ert)< "or the devil $eepeth tho!e mind!
F.hich he hath entangledG in hi! !laver) a"ter a .onder"'l and incredi#le manner% that the)
cannot !ee even the mo!t plain tr'th< #'t !o !oon a! he .a! once van@'i!hed% Pa'l co'ld ea!il)
enter in 'nto the dep't). *nd mar$ .hat L'$e !aith% that the faith i! overthro.n .hen the .ord
/D1
o" >od i! re!i!ted. Jhence .e ma) gather that "aith i! !o gro'nded in the .ord% that .itho't thi!
!hore
9M10
it "ainteth at ever) a!!a'lt< )ea% that it i! nothing el!e #'t the !pirit'al #'ilding o" the
.ord o" >od.
1'. O thou full of de'eit( +t .a! not .itho't a ca'!e that Pa'l .a! th'! hot and angr)< "or he had
no hope to do an) good i" he !ho'ld deal a"ter !ome moderate and mild !ort. Je m'!t al.a)!
#egin .ith doctrine% and tho!e are al!o to #e admoni!hed% e3horted% and pric$ed "or.ard% .ho do
not a! )et appear to #e altogether o#!tinate. :either doth Pa'l !o vehementl) inveigh again!t the
!orcerer at the "ir!t da!h< #'t .hen he !eeth him malicio'!l) and mani"e!tl) "ight again!t the
doctrine o" godline!!% he handleth him li$e a #ond!lave o" Satan. Th'! m'!t .e deal .ith the
de!perate enemie! o" the go!pel% in .hom appeareth open cont'mac) and .ic$ed contempt o"
>od% e!peciall) .hen the) !top the .a) #e"ore other!% *nd le!t an) man !ho'ld thin$ that Pa'l
.a! o't o" mea!'re angr)% L'$e !aith plainl) that the in!piration o" the Spirit .a! hi! g'ide.
Jhere"ore thi! heat o" 5eal i! not onl) not to #e reprehended% #'t it o'ght to ma$e the pro"ane
condemner! o" >od !ore a"raid% .ho "ear not to re#el again!t hi! .ord< "ora!m'ch a! thi!
?'dgment i! given 'pon them all not #) mortal man% #'t #) the Hol) >ho!t% #) the mo'th o"
Pa'l.
*! to'ching the .ord!% thi! place re"'teth their error .ho thin$ that Pa'l too$ hi! name o" the
dep't)% a! i" he had !et 'p !ome to$en o" victor). There ma) man) rea!on! #e #ro'ght% and tho!e
!trong eno'gh% on the contrar)< #'t thi! one place i! !'""icient% .here L'$e !ho.eth that at !'ch
time a! the dep't) .a! not #ro'ght to the "aith he had t.o name!. *nd it i! not to #e do'#ted #'t
that he retained hi! o.n name
9M1D
among!t the Be.!< and .e $no. that thi! .a! a '!'al thing%
that tho!e .ho .ere citi5en! o" 8ome !ho'ld #orro. !ome +talian name. L'$e ?oineth subtlety
.ith de'eit, .hich i! contrar) to !incerit)< to .it% .hil!t cra"t) men tran!"orm their .it hither and
thither% !o that the) have in them no !implicit)< tho'gh the >ree$ .ord .hich L'$e '!eth
!igni"ieth read) #oldne!! to do h'rt< #'t the "ormer !igni"ication agreeth #etter. -) the son of the
de&il i! meant a repro#ate and de!perate man. S'ch are all tho!e .hich re!i!t malicio'!l)% and a!
it .ere o" !et p'rpo!e% that .hich i! ?'!t and right< there"ore Pa'l addeth% that he i! a great ene%y
of all righteousness(
;ost thou not 'ease to +er&ert< He calleth all that mean! .here#) the Lord #ringeth '! 'nto
him!el" the .a)! o" the Lord. He te!ti"ieth that thi! i! plain and !traight< and he acc'!eth the
!orcerer "or ma$ing the !ame croo$ed% "'ll o" t'rning!% and do'#t"'l% .ith hi! #o'ght! and t'rn!.
Jhence ma) #e gathered a pro"ita#le doctrine% that it cometh to pa!! thro'gh the !'#tlet) o"
Satan that .e do not readil)% .ith !traight co'r!e% go 'nto the Lord. 9or he !ho.eth '! in hi!
.ord a plain .a)% and !'ch a! i! not thorn). Jhere"ore .e m'!t ta$e good heed o" !ed'cer!%
.hich tro'#le the .a) .ith their ditche! or thorn!% or el!e ma$e the !ame hard and 'nplea!ant.
*nd it !hall #e convenient to repeat here that .hich + to'ched #e"ore% that the !ervant! o" Chri!t
m'!t not #e #lamed i" the) do !ore inveigh again!t the pro"e!!ed enemie! o" !o'nd doctrine%
'nle!! .e .ill acc'!e the Hol) >ho!t o" intemperance. :either am + ignorant ho. ea!il) men
ma) "all in thi! point< "or .hich ca'!e godl) teacher! m'!t ta$e !o m'ch the more heed% "ir!t% that
the) "avor not the a""ection! o" the "le!h too m'ch 'nder the color o" 5eal< !econdl)% that the)
#rea$ not o't .ith headlong and 'n!ea!ona#le heat .here there i! )et place "or moderation<
thirdl)% that the) give not them!elve! over to "ooli!h and 'ncomel) railing% #'t onl) that the)
e3pre!! the 'n!eemline!! o" the thing #) gravit) and .eight o" .ord!. S'ch .a! the vehemenc)
/60
o" hol) 5eal and o" the Spirit in the prophet!% .hich i" daint) and !o"t men ?'dge tro'#le!ome and
raging% the) con!ider not ho. dear and precio'! >od=! tr'th i! to him.
:o. there ri!eth not one ,l)ma! to !'#vert the "aith #'t man)% and tho!e .hich are "ar more
.ic$ed. 9or .e !ee .ith .hat !acrilegio'! #oldne!! the) de!poil >od o" all honor< .ith .hat
"ilth) corr'ption! the) pro"ane all religion< ho. cr'ell) the) thro. mi!era#le !o'l! headlong into
eternal de!tr'ction< ho. 'n!eeml) the) moc$ Chri!t< ho. "ilthil) the) di!"ig're all the .hole
.or!hip o" >od< .ith .hat cr'el reproache! the) rend the hol) tr'th o" >od< .ith .hat #ar#aro'!
t)rann) the) la) .a!te the Ch'rch o" >od< !o that )o' .o'ld !a) that the) tread >od 'nder "oot.
*nd )et there #e man) cra##ed philo!opher! .ho .o'ld have the!e "'rio'! giant! "lattered and
cla.ed #) the #ac$.
9M16
-'t "ora!m'ch a! it doth evidentl) appear that !'ch did never ta!te .hat
that meaneth% PThe 5eal o" thine ho'!e hath eaten me 'p%Q F
N116101O
P!alm 6141%G let '!% #idding
adie' to their coldne!!% or rather !l'ggi!hne!!% #e mo!t hot%
9M1M
a! #ecometh '!% in maintaining
the glor) o" >od.
11. .ehold the hand( The hand i! p't here to p'ni!h<
9M1E
a .here#) he doth !igni") that >od i!
the a'thor o" thi! p'ni!hment% and that he i! onl) the mini!ter. 9'rthermore% + thin$ that thi!
ha#ilit) i! that .hich Pa'l calleth dunamiv% or +o$er, F
N061//EO
1 Corinthian! 1/4/E.G 9or a! the)
did e3cel in po.er o" the Spirit to help the "aith"'l .ith miracle!% !o had the) the .hip in their
hand to tame the re#ellio'! and o#!tinate .ithal. S'ch vengeance o" >od did Peter !ho. 'pon
*nania! and Sapphira% F
N000D0DO
*ct! D4D.G -'t #eca'!e miracle! o'ght% "or the mo!t part% to
re!em#le the nat're o" Chri!t% .ho i! all gentle% !.eet% #o'nti"'l% and merci"'l< there"ore he
.o'ld !eldom have the apo!tle! to !ho. e3ample! o" the contrar) po.er. :either m'!t .e thin$
that the) .ere end'ed .ith thi! po.er to p'ni!h an) man !o o"ten a! it !eemeth good in their
o.n e)e!% #'t the !ame Spirit o" >od% .hich did th'! arm them% did direct them 'nto the la."'l
and right '!e. There"ore .e m'!t remem#er that .hich .e had #e"ore% that Pa'l !pa$e #)
in!piration o" the Spirit. 9'rthermore% it .a! a ver) "it $ind o" p'ni!hment. 9or !eeing that the
!orcerer e!!a)ed to dar$en the !'n% and to ta$e "rom other! the #ene"it o" the light% he .a!% #)
good right% ca!t into horri#le dar$ne!!.
-'t no.% "ora!m'ch a! man) o" the Papi!t! do "ar e3ceed thi! !orcerer at thi! da) in 'ngodline!!%
it i! a .onder .h) the) #e !'""ered to #e !o #old .itho't #eing p'ni!hed. +! the hand o" >od
.ea$enedI +! he le!! care"'l "or hi! glor)I Hath he no care to revenge the go!pelI + an!.er% that
thi! vi!i#le p'ni!hment .hich .a! once laid
9M11
'pon the !orcerer% and !'ch a! thi!% are perpet'al
e3ample! o" >od=! .rath again!t all tho!e .ho are not a"raid either to corr'pt and deprave% or
openl) .ith !lander! to re!i!t the p're doctrine o" the go!pel. 9or .e do $no. that miracle! .ere
.ro'ght "or a time to thi! end% that the) ma) contin'all) #e in "orce% and #e "re!h #e"ore o'r
e)e!% and that the) ma) give '! light to #ehold the ?'dgment! o" >od% .hich .e cannot !ee !o
plainl)< #'t it i! not "or '! to pre!cri#e >od thi! or that .a) to p'ni!h hi! enemie!. Sergi'!
Pa'l'!% .ho% #e"ore he came to man=! e!tate% had no ta!te o" tr'e religion% .ho% "rom hi!
childhood% .a! in"ected .ith diver!e !'per!tition!% and had ver) hard let!% .hich $ept him #ac$
"rom em#racing the "aith< la!tl)% .ho .a! #e.itched .ith the doting! o" the !orcerer% that he
co'ld !carce come to the "aith% had need o" no !mall help!. Here#) it came to pa!! that >od did%
a! it .ere% reach hi! hand o't o" heaven mani"e!tl)% tho'gh he helped '! all in hi! per!on< "or the
!ame go!pel% the a'thorit) .hereo" .a! then e!ta#li!hed% i! at thi! da) preached to '!% and )et%
not.ith!tanding% >od doth not !o linger% #'t that he !ho.eth hi! "ear"'l po.er diver!e .a)!
again!t the enemie! o" the go!pel% 'nle!! o'r e)e! .ere !o d'll .hen he !ho.eth hi! ?'dgment!
that .e cannot !ee.
/61
12. Then $hen the de+uty sa$( Thi! i! that .hich + !aid% that the !nare! .ere #ro$en .herein
,l)ma! $ept him entangled% "or he .a! #ro'ght #) the miracle 'nto "aith% #eca'!e the reverence
o" doctrine i! the #eginning o" "aith% and the preparation. There"ore% "ora!m'ch a! he !a. an
evident to$en o" the po.er o" >od% he $ne. that Pa'l .a! !ent o" >od% and !o he #egan to
reverence hi! doctrine% .hereo" he did do'#t #e"ore. +" >od do no. mirac'lo'!l) !trengthen in
the mind! o" man) the "aith o" the go!pel% .hich i! !ha$en .ith !o man) and !'ch !trong
engine!< i" he #ring to pa!!% a"ter an incredi#le manner% that the co'r!e o" "aith doth pa!! thro'gh
a tho'!and let!% #eing content .ith thi! hi! grace% let '! not m'rm'r again!t him% or rea!on the
matter .ith him% a! i" o'r condition .ere .or!e% i" he do not dail) !ho. !'ch miracle! a! .e
.o'ld de!ire.
ACTS 1:1-1!
1. *nd .hen Pa'l=! companion! had loo!ed "rom Papho!% the) came to Perga
o" Pamph)lia< and Bohn departing "rom them ret'rned to Ber'!alem. 1".
9'rthermore% .hen the) had pa!!ed over the co'ntr) o" Perga% the) came to
*ntioch% a cit) o" Pi!idia% and entered into the !)nagog'e 'pon the da) o" the
Sa##ath!% and !at 1!. *nd a"ter the lect're o" the la. and prophet!% the ma!ter
o" the !)nagog'e !ent to them% !a)ing% Men and #rethren% i" there #e in )o'
an) .ord o" e3hortation 'nto the people% !a) on.
1. Here i! !et do.n another o" Pa'l=! !tation!< "or% #eing departed "rom Papho!% .hen he came
to *ntioch o" Pi!idia% he made there a .orth)
9E00
!ermon% .hich L'$e .ill recite% together .ith
the !'cce!!< #'t #e"ore he come to that% he doth #) the .a) !pea$ o" the depart're o" Bohn%
#eca'!e it .a! a"ter.ard! a ca'!e o" dole"'l di!agreement. Jhen he !aith% Pauls 'o%+anions
loosed fro% Pa+hos, he doth% in the "ir!t place% mean Pa'l him!el"< !econdl)% the other% one
e3cepted. So that #) noting hi! !o"tne!!% he prai!eth other! .hich "ollo.ed Pa'l .ith great
9E01

con!tanc).
1". ntering, u+on the day of the 3abbaths( He p'tteth the pl'ral n'm#er in!tead o" the !ing'lar%
a! it "alleth o't o"tentime! in other place! o" Script're< "or the) .ere .ont to a!!em#le
them!elve! together 'pon the Sa##ath!% le!t their re!t !ho'ld #e 'npro"ita#le and !l'ggi!h. The
in!tit'tion o" the Sa##ath had another end al!o% that it might #e a "ig're o" the !pirit'al re!t .hen
a! the "aith"'l% #eing dead to the .orld and the "le!h% a#andon their o.n .ill% and cea!e "rom
their .or$!. -eca'!e .e have the tr'th hereo" in Chri!t% .hil!t that #eing #'ried together .ith
him .e p't o"" the old man< there"ore the old "ig're i! pa!t. -'t >od had re!pect al!o 'nto the
politic '!e% that the Be.!% #eing "ree "rom all other care! and #'!ine!!e!% might $eep their hol)
a!!em#lie!< !o that the cea!ing o"" "rom earthl) .or$! did give a place to their heavenl)
e3erci!e!. So% even at thi! da) .e m'!t '!e hol) da)!< "or .e m'!t there"ore omit all other thing!
that .e ma) the more "reel) !erve >od.
1!. After the le'ture [reading] of the la$( There i! no mention made o" pra)er!% and )et%
'ndo'#tedl)% the) .ere not omitted or "ore!lo.ed% [neglected<] #'t #eca'!e L'$e did intend to
!et do.n the !ermon made there #) Pa'l% no marvel i" he rec$on 'p tho!e thing! onl) .hich did
#elong 'nto the order o" teaching. *nd thi! i! a nota#le place% o't o" .hich .e learn a"ter .hat
!ort the) handled doctrine at that time among the Be.!. The la. and the prophet! had the "ir!t
place< #eca'!e there m'!t nothing #e !et #e"ore the Ch'rch .hich .a! not dra.n o't o" that
"o'ntain. *l!o .e gather #) thi! that the Script're .a! not !'ppre!!ed among a "e.% #'t that #oth
/6/
one and other
9E0/
.ere admitted to the reading thereo"% a"ter.ard tho!e .ho .ere a#le% and had
the grace to teach and e3hort% had the !econd place% a! interpreter! o" the Script're .hich .a!
read. :ot.ith!tanding L'$e !ho.eth% la!t o" all% that ever) one .a! not !'""ered to !pea$% le!t
con"'!ion !ho'ld ari!e #) li#ert)< #'t the o""ice o" e3horting .a! committed to certain men%
.hom he calleth r'ler! o" the !)nagog'e% or ma!ter!. There"ore Pa'l and -arna#a! #egin not
"orth.ith to !pea$% le!t the) di!t'r# the acc'!tomed order .ith too m'ch ha!te< #'t the) do
mode!tl) !ta) till the) have li#ert) granted them to !pea$% and that .ith their leave .ho had
a'thorit) #) p'#lic con!ent. Je $no. ho. corr'pt the !tate o" that people .a! then< and L'$e
.ill at length declare% in the end o" the chapter% that the!e men o" *ntioch .ere too !to't and
!t'##orn in receiving
9E03
the grace o" Chri!t< and )et there remained thi! goodne!! among them%
that their a!!em#lie! .ere hone!tl) and decentl) governed<
9E00
"or .hich ca'!e !'ch evil "avored
con"'!ion i! !o m'ch the more !hame "ill .hich i! !een at thi! da) among tho!e .ho .ill #e
co'nted Chri!tian!. The Papi!t! do indeed !ing
9E0D
the Script're! in their ch'rche! .ith !hrill and
!o'nding voice% #'t in an 'n$no.n tong'e% !o that the people reap no "r'it there#). There i!
!eldom an) doctrine '!ed< and it .ere #etter "or the .ic$ed #a##ler! even then to hold their
peace% .ho thr'!t in their o.n 'nclean invention! in!tead o" the Jord o" >od% and poll'te .ith
the !tin$ o" their impiet) .hat!oever i! hol).
!f there be in you< Thi! !peech doth !igni") that .hat grace !oever i! in men to edi") the Ch'rch%
it i!% a! it .ere% committed
9E06
to them< altho'gh the .ord in, according to the He#re. phra!e%
ma) #e !'per"l'o'!. There"ore% + !tand not greatl) 'pon that% #eca'!e the !en!e ma) #e plain% +"
)o' have an) e3hortation .hich i! apt and pro"ita#le "or the people. *n e3hortation doth not
e3cl'de doctrine. -'t it !eemeth that thi! .ord .a! commonl) '!ed among them< #eca'!e it i!
properl) the o""ice o" the teacher to 'tter no ne. thing o" hi! o.n #rain% #'t to appl) the
Script're% .herein i! comprehended the .hole .i!dom o" the godl)% 'nto the pre!ent '!e o" the
people. Th'!% the) do not onl) teach% #'t al!o appl) the doctrine .hich the) have el!e.here% 'nto
the edi")ing o" the Ch'rch% .hich + thin$ i! meant #) the .ord e:hortation(
ACTS 1:1#-2
1#. *nd Pa'l ro!e% and .hen he had given a to$en o" !ilence .ith the hand% he
!aid% Men and #rethren% .hich "ear >od% hear. 1%. The >od o" thi! people did
choo!e o'r "ather!% and e3alted the people% .hen the) .ere !tranger! in the land o"
,g)pt< and he #ro'ght them thence .ith an high arm. 1$. *nd a#o't "ort) )ear!
he !'""ered their manner! in the .ilderne!!. 1&. *nd having de!tro)ed !even
nation! in the land o" Canaan% he gave them their land "or an inheritance. 2'. *"ter
the!e thing!% a#o't "o'r h'ndred and "i"t) )ear!% he gave them ?'dge!% 'ntil
Sam'el the prophet. 21. *"ter.ard the) re@'ired a $ing% and >od gave them Sa'l%
the !on o" Ci!% a man o" the tri#e o" -en?amin% "ort) )ear=!. 22. *nd .hen he had
ta$en him a.a)% he rai!ed 'p to them (avid to #e $ing% o" .hom #earing .itne!!%
he !aid% + have "o'nd (avid% the !on o" Be!!e% a man according to m) heart% .ho
!hall do all m) .ill. 2. 7" .ho!e !eed >od% according to promi!e% rai!ed to +!rael
the Savior% Be!'!.
1#. Je m'!t note the !tate o" thi! !ermon% le!t .e thin$ that he 'ttered .ord! in vain. Pa'l
!eemeth% indeed% to #egin even at the ver) "ir!t #eginning% #'t he !pea$eth nothing #'t that .hich
i! mo!t convenient "or the pre!ent p'rpo!e. Hi! p'rpo!e i! to #ring the Be.! 'nto the "aith o"
Chri!t< and that he ma) the #etter do thi!% it i! need"'l to declare that the) e3cel other nation! in
/63
thi! one thing% #eca'!e the Savior .a! promi!ed them% .ho!e $ingdom i! their principal and onl)
"elicit). Thi! i!% there"ore% Pa'l=! #eginning% that .herea! the) .ere cho!en in time! pa!t to #e the
pec'liar people o" >od< .herea! the) had !o man) #ene"it! #e!to.ed 'pon them "rom time to
time% tho'gh the) !ho.ed them!elve! mo!t 'n.orth)% thi! did depend 'pon the promi!e o" the
Me!!iah% and did tend to that end% that >od might govern them #) the hand o" the Me!!iah< and
that there"ore the) have nothing .hereo" the) ma) #oa!t% 'nle!! the) #e gathered 'nder their
Head< )ea% that 'nle!! the) receive him .hen he i! o""ered% the covenant o" li"e .hich >od had
made .ith their "ather! !hall #e void% and the adoption !hall #e "r'!trate. Thi! i! the dri"t o" the
"ir!t part o" the !ermon4 that thi! i! the principal point o" the la. and the "o'ndation o" >od=!
covenant% that the) have Chri!t "or their Captain and >overnor% that he ma) re!tore all thing!
among them< that .itho't him religion cannot !tand% and that the) !hall #e mo!t mi!era#le
.itho't him. Thence Pa'l pa!!eth 'nto another mem#er% that Be!'!% .hom he preacheth% i! Chri!t
indeed% thro'gh .hom !alvation i! o""ered to the people< al!o he declareth the mean! o" the
redemption p'rcha!ed #) him. 9'rthermore% he intreateth o" hi! po.er and o""ice% that the) ma)
$no. .hat good thing! the) o'ght to hope "or at hi! hand!. The concl'!ion containeth a chiding<
"or he threateneth to them horri#le ?'dgment% i" the) re"'!e the a'thor o" !alvation% .ho o""ereth
him!el"% even o" hi! o.n accord% .hom earne!tl) to de!ire the la. and prophet! provo$e. Thi! i!%
in a manner% the !'m< no. let '! di!c'!! ever) point #) it!el".
Men and brethren( -eca'!e Pa'l $ne. that there .ere man) #a!tardl) !on! o" *#raham% or !'ch
a! .ere gro.n o't o" $ind%
9E0M
he calleth the Be.! to .hom he !pea$eth #) a do'#le name. 9ir!t%
he calleth them #rethren% having re!pect 'nto common $indred% not.ith!tanding he !ho.eth
there.ithal that the) !hall #e tr'e +!raelite! i" the) "ear >od% and that even then the) are li$e.i!e
tr'e hearer!% #eca'!e Pthe "ear o" the Lord i! the #eginning o" .i!dom.Q +n li$e !ort he ma$eth
the "aith"'l attentive% and p'rcha!eth a'dience among them% a! i" he !ho'ld !a)% Seeing man)
#oa!t that the) are !on! o" *#raham% .ho .ere 'n.orth) o" !'ch honor% !ho. )o'r!elve! to #e
no #a!tardl) !eed. Let '! learn #) thi! that it i! not a "a'lt common to one age onl)% that good and
!incere .or!hipper! #eing mi3ed .ith h)pocrite!% have the name o" the Ch'rch common among
them. -'t .e m'!t have a great care hereo"% that .e #e indeed that .hich .e are called< .hich
thing the tr'e "ear o" *lmight) >od .ill #ring to pa!!% and not the e3ternal pro"e!!ion alone.
1%. The God of this +eo+le( Thi! pre"ace did .itne!! that Pa'l did go a#o't no ne. thing% .hich
might lead a.a) the people "rom the la. o" Mo!e!. There i! #'t one >od% .ho i! >od o" all
nation!< #'t he calleth him >od o" that people% to .hom he had #o'nd him!el"% and .ho .a!
.or!hipped among!t the po!terit) o" *#raham% among!t .hom alone tr'e and p're religion .a!
to #e "o'nd. To the !ame end tendeth that .hich i! added immediatel)% He 'hose our fathers( 9or
he te!ti"ieth #) the!e .ord! that he !ee$eth nothing le!!
9E0E
than that the) ma) "all a.a) "rom the
tr'e and living >od% .ho hath !eparated them "rom the re!id'e o" the .orld. :either do + do'#t
#'t that he did more mani"e!tl) e3pre!! that he did not preach to them an 'n$no.n or !trange
>od% #'t the !ame .ho revealed him!el" long ago to their "ather!< !o that he doth #rie"l)
comprehend the !o'nd $no.ledge o" >od% gro'nded in the la.% that their "aith% conceived o't o"
the la. and prophet!% ma) contin'e "irm.
:ot.ith!tanding% he doth% in the mean !ea!on% commend and !et "orth the "ree love o" >od
to.ard that people. 9or ho. came it to pa!! that onl) the children o" *#raham .ere the Ch'rch
and inheritance o" >od% !ave onl) #eca'!e it plea!ed >od to di!!ever them "rom other nation!I
9or there .a! no .orthine!! to di!ting'i!h them< #'t the di""erence #egan at the love o" >od%
.here.ith he did "reel) love *#raham.
/60
7" thi! "ree love o" >od% Mo!e! doth o"tentime! p't the Be.! to mind% a!
N0D000MO
(e'teronom) 04M%
E% 10% 10% 3/% 30% and in other place!< .herein >od did !et #e"ore '! a mirror o" hi! .onder"'l
co'n!el% in that "inding no e3cellence in *#raham% an o#!c're per!on and mi!era#le idolater% he
doth% not.ith!tanding% pre"er him #e"ore all the .orld. 9'rthermore% thi! election .a! common to
all the people% a! .a! al!o circ'mci!ion% .here#) >od did adopt to him!el" the !eed o" *#raham<
#'t there .a! al!o a more hidden election% .here#) !evering to him!el" a "e. o" man) children
o" *#raham% he did declare% that not all .ho came o" the !eed o" *#raham according to the "le!h
are rec$oned in the !pirit'al !toc$.
He did dri&e out a +eo+le( Pa'l teacheth that all tho!e #ene"it! .hich >od #e!to.ed a"ter.ard!
'pon the Be.!% did proceed and "lo. "rom that "ree "avor .hich he did #ear to.ard their "ather!.
9or thi! .a! the ca'!e that the) .ere delivered #) the .onder"'l po.er o" >od% and #ro'ght #)
hi! hand into the po!!e!!ion o" the land o" Canaan% a"ter that he had driven o't !o man) nation!
"or their !a$e. 9or it i! no !mall matter "or the land to #e deprived o" her inha#itant!% that !he
might receive !tranger!. Thi! i! the "o'ntain and root o" all good thing! .here'nto Pa'l calleth
'!% that >od cho!e the "ather!. Thi! .a! the rea!on and ca'!e .hich moved >od to !o great
patience% that he .o'ld not ca!t o"" that re#ellio'! people% .ho !ho'ld other.i!e have de!tro)ed
them!elve! a tho'!and time! .ith their o.n .ic$edne!!. There"ore% .here the Script're ma$eth
mention that their !in! .ere pardoned% it !aith that >od remem#ered hi! covenant. He !aith that
the) .ere e:alted, tho'gh the) .ere strangers, that the) ma) remem#er ho. .orth) and
gorgeo'! their deliverance .a!.
1$. He suffered their %anners( The compo'nd ver# hath greater "orce and grace in the >ree$%
.here#) the merci"'lne!! o" >od i! e3pre!!ed in !'""ering the people% .hom he $ne. to #e
!t'##orn and di!o#edient. *nd Pa'l giveth '! to 'nder!tand again% that the election o" >od .a!
the ca'!e that hi! goodne!! did !trive .ith the .ic$edne!! o" the people.
9E01
:ot.ith!tanding% .e
m'!t note that >od did !o ta$e pit) 'pon hi! elect people% .hil!t that he .ill contin'e "irm in hi!
p'rpo!e% that he did% not.ith!tanding% !harpl) p'ni!h the re#ellio'! and .ic$ed. He !pared the
people indeed% !o that he did not @'ite de!tro) them% a! he might #) good right< #'t he "o'nd al!o
mean! that their .ic$edne!! might not remain 'np'ni!hed. *nd !o that o" +!aiah .a! "'l"illed%
P+" the m'ltit'de !hall #e a! the !and o" the !ea%
a remnant !hall #e !aved%Q F
N/310//O
+!aiah 104//.G
2'. He ga&e the% judges( Cnder thi! name the Script're comprehendeth r'ler! and governor!<
and here i! another te!timon) o" the in"inite goodne!! o" >od to.ard the Be.!% in that he
pardoned !o man) #ac$!liding! in them. 9or it i! li$el) that Pa'l handled tho!e thing! more at
large% .hich L'$e gathereth #rie"l). *nd .e $no. .hat .a! the e!tate o" the people d'ring all
that time% !eeing that thro'gh 'ntamed .antonne!! the) did ever no. and then !ha$e o"" the
)o$e. The) .ere o"ten p'ni!hed .ith mo!t grievo'! plag'e!% )et !o !oon a! the) .ere once
h'm#led% >od delivered them "rom the t)rann) o" their enemie!. So that he !aved the #od)
thereo" alive% amid!t man) death!% "o'r .hole age! and onehal". *nd here#) it appeareth ho.
'n.orth) the) .ere o" the "avor o" >od% .hich the) did de!pi!e and re?ect !o o"ten% 'nle!! the
con!tanc) o" the election had gotten the victor). 9or ho. i! it that >od i! never .earied% #'t that
he $eepeth promi!e .ith tho!e .ho are tr'ce#rea$er! an h'ndred time!% !ave onl) #eca'!e
t'rning hi! e)e! to.ard hi! Chri!t% he hath not !'""ered hi! covenant% gro'nded in him% to deca)
or peri!hI
/6D
21. After$ard they desire( *nd thi! change .a! all one a! i" the) .o'ld @'ite and mani"e!tl)
overthro. the government .hich he had appointed% .hereo" >od him!el" complaineth in
Sam'el% F
N010E0DO
1 Sam'el E4D% M.G -'t the !ta#ilit) o" the election !aved them "rom #eing p'ni!hed
a! !'ch madne!! did de!erve< )ea% the .ic$ed and 'nla."'l de!ire o" the people .a! to >od a
ne. and incredi#le occa!ion to erect the $ingdom .hence Chri!t !ho'ld a"ter.ard come. 9or
ho. i! it that the !cepter came to the tri#e o" B'dah% !ave onl) #eca'!e the people .ere de!iro'!
to have a $ingI *nd a!!'redl) the people dealt .ic$edl)< #'t >od% .ho $no.eth ho. to '!e evil
thing! .ell% t'rned that o""en!e into !a"et). Jherea! Sa'l .a! thro.n do.n "rom the $ingdom% it
!erved to reprove the "a'lt o" the people% F
N011D/EO
1 Sam'el 1D4/E%G #'t immediatel) .hen the
$ingdom i! e!ta#li!hed in (avid=! "amil) the prophec) o" Baco# .a! veri"ied% F
N010110O
>ene!i!
01410.G
22( ! ha&e found ;a&id, %y ser&ant( Thi! title .a! not !o m'ch cited in prai!e o" the per!on% a!
that Pa'l might ma$e the Be.! more attentive to receive Chri!t. 9or the Lord doth te!ti") that hi!
mind .a! thoro'ghl) !et 'pon (avid "or no light ca'!e% #'t he commandeth in him !ome
!ing'lar thing< and #) e3tolling him !o highl)% hi! intent i! to li"t 'p the mind! o" the "aith"'l 'nto
Chri!t in hi! per!on. The place i! ta$en o't o" the "o'r!core and ninth P!alm% F
N11E1/0O
P!alm
E14/0.G 7nl) Pa'l p'tteth in that .hich i! not there to #e "o'nd% that (avid .a! the !on o" +!ai%
[Be!!e%] .hich ampli"ieth the grace o" >od. 9or !eeing that +!ai [Be!!e] .a! a #reeder o" cattle% it
.a! a .onder"'l .or$ o" >od to ta$e the lea!t o" hi! !on! "rom the !heep"old!% and to place him
in the throne o" the $ingdom. -) the .ord found, >od meaneth that he had gotten !'ch a man a!
he .o'ld. :ot that (avid had #ro'ght to pa!! #) hi! o.n travel and ind'!tr) that he !ho'ld meet
>od% #eing !'ch a one% #'t the phra!e i! ta$en "rom the common c'!tom o" men.
-'t the @'e!tion i!% Seeing that (avid "ell !o grievo'!l)% ho. >od giveth te!timon) o" hi!
contin'al o#edienceI Je ma) an!.er t.o .a)!< "or >od had re!pect rather 'nto the contin'al
co'r!e o" hi! li"e% than 'nto ever) o" hi! partic'lar action!. Secondl)% he did th'! !et him "orth%
not !o m'ch "or hi! o.n merit a! "or hi! Chri!t=! !a$e. *!!'redl) he had de!erved% #) one .ic$ed
"act% eternal de!tr'ction "or him and hi!% and% !o m'ch a! in him la)% the .a) o" the #le!!ing o"
>od .a! !h't 'p% that there might nothing #'t viper!= !eed come o" -ath!he#a. -'t that !o "ilth)
a "act% in the death o" Criah% F
N1011/MO
/ Sam'el 114/MG t'rneth to a contrar) end #) the .onder"'l
co'n!el o" >od% #eca'!e Solomon i! #orn and cometh o" that 'nloo$ed"or .edloc$% .hich .a!
"'ll o" treacher)% and% "inall)% poll'ted .ith man) !pot!. *nd tho'gh (avid !inned grievo'!l)% )et
#eca'!e he "ollo.ed >od all the co'r!e o" hi! li"e% he i! prai!ed .itho't e3ception% that he
!ho.ed him!el" o#edient to >od in all thing!< tho'gh Fa! + have !aid #e"oreGthe Spirit carrieth '!
into a "arther thing< )ea% the common calling o" all the "aith"'l in Chri!t% the head% i! here
depicted o't to '!.
2. A''ording to +ro%ise( Thi! cla'!e doth al!o prove that .hich + have alread) !aid el!e.here%
that in !ending Chri!t% the Lord had re!pect onl) 'nto hi! o.n "aith"'lne!! and goodne!!< "or he
!ent him #eca'!e he had promi!ed !o to do. *nd a! the promi!e doth te!ti") that !alvation .a!
"ree% !o it doth al!o p'rcha!e no !mall credit to the go!pel< #eca'!e it appeareth #) thi! that
Chri!t came not at a !'dden% o" .hom there .a! never an)thing !po$en< #'t that he .ho .a!
promi!ed "rom the #eginning .a! no. given in hi! time. -'t the promi!e! .hich L'$e here
to'cheth #) the .a) are "amo'! and .ell $no.n. *nd the) .ere !o common among the Be.!%
that the) called Chri!t commonl) #) no other name #'t the Son o" (avid% F
N00//0/O
Matthe. //40/<
N001D//O
Matthe. 1D4//.G He !aith that Be!'! .a! rai!ed 'p to +!rael< #eca'!e% tho'gh !alvation
#elong to the .hole .orld% )et .a! he "ir!t a mini!ter o" circ'mci!ion to "'l"ill the promi!e!
/66
made to the "ather!% F
N0D1D0EO
8oman! 1D4E.G He tran!lated the He#re. name /esus into swthr in
>ree$. So that he 'ttered one thing t.ice% and )et here i! no !'per"l'o'! repetition< #eca'!e he
meant to declare that Chri!t i! indeed and doth per"orm that .hich the name given him #) >od%
#) the voice o" the angel% doth import.
ACTS 1:2"-2#
2". *"ter that Bohn had preached% #e"ore the "ace o" hi! entrance% the #apti!m o"
repentance to all the people o" +!rael. 2!. *nd .hen Bohn "'l"illed hi! co'r!e% he
!aid% Jhom do )e thin$ me to #eI + am not. -'t% #ehold% he cometh a"ter me
.ho!e !hoe latchet! + am not .orth) to loo!e. 2#. Men and #rethren% children o"
the generation o" *#raham% and tho!e .ho among )o' "ear >od% to )o' i! the .ord
o" thi! !alvation !ent.
2". Je $no. .hat o""ice Bohn had% to .it% to prepare the .a) o" the Lord. There"ore Pa'l
#ringeth in hi! te!timon)% that he ma) prove to the Be.! that he preached no "al!e Chri!t% #'t the
tr'e Chri!t o" >od% .hom that mo!t "amo'! "orer'nner had #e"ore commended< not that man=!
te!timon) i! !'""icient to prove !o .eight) a matter< #'t there .a! another re!pect to #e had to
Bohn .hom all men almo!t did thin$ to #e a prophet o" >od. There"ore hence cometh the
a'thorit) o" the te!timon)% that a crier !ent "rom heaven% and no private man% !pea$eth o" Chri!t.
*nd Pa'l reciteth t.o thing! !'mmaril) concerning Bohn% that he ta'ght the #apti!m o"
repentance #e"ore Chri!t=! coming. Secondl)% that ca!ting "rom him o" hi! o.n accord the title
and honor o" the Me!!iah% he !'#mitted him!el" to Chri!t.
The ba+tis% of re+entan'e( -apti!m #ro'ght in contrar) to the rite and c'!tom o" the la. .a! a
to$en o" great alteration. 9or it .a! 'nla."'l to rene. an)thing #e"ore Chri!t=! coming. The Be.!
had indeed in the la. their #apti!m! or .a!hing!% .hich .ere al!o e3erci!e! o" repentance% #'t
Bohn .a! the a'thor o" ne. and !trange #apti!m% or rather the mini!ter% .ho p't them in hope o"
the re!toring long loo$ed"or and de!ired. Jhen he calleth it the ba+tis% of re+entan'e he doth
not e3cl'de remi!!ion o" !in!% #'t he !pea$eth according to the circ'm!tance o" the place%
#eca'!e thi! #apti!m .a! a preparation 'nto the "aith o" Chri!t. *nd .e m'!t note the phra!e%
that he preached #apti!m. Jhere#) .e are ta'ght that the !acrament! are then rightl)
admini!tered% .hen doctrine i! ?oined .ith the vi!i#le "ig're< "or the mo'th o" the #apti5er m'!t
not #e d'm#% #eca'!e the !ign i! vain .itho't doctrine.
2!. 2hen /ohn fulfilled his 'ourse( The !econd mem#er o" the te!timon)% that .hen Bohn dre.
near to the end o" hi! co'r!e he !ent hi! di!ciple! to Chri!t< "or he had "a!hioned them #e"ore
.ith the r'diment o" #apti!m% and then he !ent them to Chri!t Fa! the) !a)G "rom hand to hand.
*nd thi! interrogation% 2ho% do ye thin# %e to be< i! not a @'e!tion o" one that do'#teth. 9or
Bohn reproveth and chideth the Be.!% #eca'!e the) did "al!el) give to him the honor o" the
Me!!iah. Tho'gh it ma) #e read in one te3t% + am not he .hom )o' ta$e me to #e< )et the other
reading i! more '!'al% a! it hath al!o greater "orce to re"'te the error. 9'rthermore% hi! te!timon)
doth de!erve greater credit% in that he doth .illingl) re"'!e the honor o""ered him% F.hich he
might have ta$en to him!el"% not .itho't commendation!G and doth !'#mit him!el" to another.
There cannot% a!!'redl)% #e an) !'!picion o" am#ition% or o" !ee$ing a"ter honor here% .hich ma)
di!credit hi! .ord!.
/6M
.ehold, he 'o%eth* that i!% he i! a#o't to come% the He#re. phra!e% .hich i! common eno'gh in
the :e. Te!tament. Jherea! he con"e!!eth that he i! 'n.orth) to loo!e the latchet! o" Chri!t=!
!hoe!% it i! a prover#ial "ig're% .here#) he a#a!eth him!el" !o m'ch a! he can% le!t hi! greatne!!
dar$en Chri!t=! glor)< "or he meant to do that "aith"'ll) .hich .a! given him in charge% that
Chri!t alone might have the preeminence. There"ore he !aith% that ho. great !oever he #e% )et he
i! nothing in re!pect o" Chri!t. 9or tho'gh >od=! !ervant! have their dignit)% )et #eing compared
to Chri!t% the) m'!t all #e a! nothing% that he alone ma) e3cel< a! .e !ee all !tar! vani!h a.a)%
that the) ma) give place to the #rightne!! o" the !'n.
2#. Men and brethren( Pa'l doth again pric$ "or.ard the Be.! to em#race Chri!t< "or thi! o'ght
to have rai!ed no !mall !t'd) and attentivene!! in their mind!% .hen a! the) !a. [heard] their
!alvation handled% and that the me!!age o" !alvation .a! appointed properl) "or them. He calleth
them 'hildren of Abraha% not onl) "or honor=! !a$e% #'t that the) ma) $no. that the) #e heir! o"
eternal li"e< and he !pea$eth them !o "air that it might not grieve them to depart "rom the !cri#e!
and prie!t! .hom the) .or!hipped% #eca'!e the) m'!t need! receive Chri!t. 9'rthermore% .e
m'!t remem#er that .hich + !aid #e"ore% tho'gh the gate o" the $ingdom o" heaven .ere !et open
to the >entile!% )et .ere not the Be.! thro.n do.n "rom their e!tate< #'t .ere co'nted the "ir!t
#egotten in >od=! "amil)< there"ore i! it that he !aith% that !alvation .a! !ent to them% #eca'!e
the) .ere "ir!t in order< )et #eca'!e the carnal $indred .a! o" it!el" o" no great importance% and
the 'ngodline!! o" man) #ra$e o't% Pa'l !pea$eth !peciall) 'nto the tr'e .or!hipper! o" >od%
!igni")ing that .ord! .ere #'t vain% 'nle!! the "ear o" >od reign in their heart!% .hich ma)
receive them% and% receiving them% ma) "o!ter them. Je m'!t note thi! title o" the go!pel% that it
i! called the $ord of sal&ation( Jhere"ore% their hardne!! m'!t need! #e great
9E10
.hom it doth
not all're .ith the !.eetne!! that i! in it< #'t tho'gh it #e !'ch nat'rall)% )et i! it made
accidentall) Pthe !avor o" death 'nto deathQ to the repro#ate% F
N0M0/01O
/ Corinthian! /41.6.G
ACTS 1:2%-1
2%. 9or tho!e .hich d.elt in Ber'!alem% and their r'ler!% !eeing that the) $ne.
him not% neither the voice! o" the prophet! .hich are read ever) Sa##ath da)<
.hen the) had condemned him% the) "'l"illed them. 2$. *nd .hen the) "o'nd
no ca'!e o" death in him% the) de!ired Pilate that he .o'ld cr'ci") him. 2&.
*nd a"ter that the) had "'l"illed all thing! .hich .ere .ritten o" him% .hen
the) had ta$en him do.n "rom the tree% the) p't him in a tom#. '. -'t >od
rai!ed him 'p "rom the dead. 1. Jho appeared man) da)! to tho!e .hich
.ent 'p .ith him "rom >alilee to Ber'!alem% .ho are hi! .itne!!e! to the
people.
2%. He doth .i!el)% and in d'e time% prevent an o""en!e .hich might have #een a great hindrance
to their "aith% [men=! "aith.] 9or Ber'!alem .a! >od=! !anct'ar)% the $ing=! !eat% the "o'ntain o"
tr'th% and the light o" the .hole .orld< #'t Chri!t .a! p't to death there. 9'rthermore% nothing
co'ld !eem more a#!'rd to loo$ to than to receive him .ho .a! ca!t o't o" the temple o" >od<
and to !ee$ the doctrine o" !alvation an) .here el!e than there .hence >od him!el" had te!ti"ied
it !ho'ld come. Moreover% #) #elieving in Chri!t% the) !eemed to ma$e a depart're "rom the
Ch'rch< and% there"ore% thi! one o#?ection .a! !trong eno'gh to re"'te all Pa'l=! !ermon% Jh)
do!t tho' "orce 'pon '!% 'nder color o" >od=! covenant% a man .hom the principal part o" the
hol) people condemnedI Thi! o#?ection doth Pa'l an!.er% le!t it hinder the co'r!e o" the go!pel<
and not that onl)% #'t he t'rneth it al!o to the contrar) part< "or !eeing that the a'thor o" li"e .a!
/6E
de!pi!ed and re?ected at Ber'!alem% Pa'l e3horteth the men o" *ntioch% at lea!t tho!e .ho among
them "eared >od% that the) receive him !o m'ch the more ?o)"'ll)< "or thi! doth the ca'!al .ord
declare% a! i" he !ho'ld have !aid% Seeing that Ber'!alem $ne. not her good% it #ehoveth )o' to
#e the more a.a$ened and in"lamed% le!t the !ame 'nthan$"'lne!! and "or.ardne!! #e "o'nd in
)o'.
-'t he '!eth another rea!on to remove the o""en!e% to .it% that their 'ngodline!! .a! !o "ar "rom
dimini!hing an) .hit o" Chri!t=! divine e3cellenc)% that it o'ght rather to !erve to prove and
e!ta#li!h the !ame% "or .here#) doth Chri!t #etter appear than #eca'!e all that .a! "'l"illed in
him .hich had #een "oretold in the la. and prophet!I F
N0//0/DO
L'$e /04/D% /6.G 9'rthermore% .hat
got the enemie! o" Chri!t% !ave onl) that in him !hined the plain tr'th o" the Script'reI +t m'!t
need! #e that Chri!t !ho'ld #e re?ected o" the chie"% "or it .a! !o "oretold%
PThe !tone .hich the #'ilder! re"'!ed hath
>od made the head o" the corner%Q F
N11-E//O
P!alm 11E4//.G
Chri!t m'!t need! have #een condemned among the .ic$ed% that he might ac@'it '! #e"ore >od<
it .a! e3pedient that !in! !ho'ld #e laid 'pon him% that he might ma$e !ati!"action "or the !ame<
that he !ho'ld #e o""ered 'pon the cro!!% that the !hado.i!h !acri"ice! o" the la. might cea!e< "or
even the Script're contained the!e thing!% F
N/3D300O
+!aiah D340% D<
N/M01/6O
(aniel 14/6.G
There"ore% the more violentl) the captain! o" the people !o'ght to e3ting'i!h Chri!t% the) did in
ver) deed prove him to #e Chri!t% and the Lord did .onder"'ll) deceive ["r'!trate] them% !o that
their o#!tinate impiet) doth more edi") the "aith o" the godl) than de!tro) it. 7" the !ame !ort are
almo!t all o""en!e! .hich lead a.a) .ea$ and incon!tant !o'l! "rom Chri!t< "or i" the) .o'ld
thoro'ghl) ponder the .hole proce!! o" the .or$ o" >od% there !ho'ld #e matter o" con"irmation
.here the) "aint. There"ore it cometh to pa!!% "or the mo!t part% that
9E11
.e #e tro'#led .ith
o""en!e! and !t'm#ling#loc$!% #eca'!e% .hil!t .e #ehold tho!e thing! .hich #elong to Chri!t
.ith p'r#lind e)e!%
9E1/
.e imagine that to #e #lac$ .hich i! .hite< and .e !ee ho. "ar Pa'l i!
"rom di!!im'lation% and ho. "reel)
9E13
he pro"e!!eth the tr'th o" the matter% that Chri!t .a! hated
not onl) o" the common !ort% #'t al!o o" the chie" chie"tain!< and that he .a! not hi!!ed at #) a
"e.% #'t oppre!!ed #) the .ic$ed con!pirac) o" all the people. That .a! hard and hate"'l at the
"ir!t con"lict< #'t Pa'l oppo!eth a more !trong engine% that >od '!ed them again!t their .ill! a! a
to'ch!tone% .here#) he might tr) hi! Son. Seeing that the go!pel !tandeth in the !ame !tate at
thi! da)% let '! not #e a!hamed% .ith Pa'l% to con"e!! that the pro'd prince! o" the .orld% and
tho!e .ho #ear the greate!t !.a) in the Ch'rch% are the deadl) enemie! o" Chri!t% !eeing that
doth rather t'rn to Chri!t=! prai!e than reproach< "or #) thi! mean! i! the Script're "'l"illed.
3eeing they #ne$ hi% not( Tho'gh deli#erate malice did en"orce the r'ler! to oppre!! Chri!t% )et
doth Pa'l tr'l) imp'te it to ignorance%
9E10
#eca'!e other.i!e the) .o'ld never have cr'ci"ied the
Lord o" glor)% F
N060/0EO
1 Corinthian! /4E.G 9or the malice o" the .ic$ed i! li$e to raging madne!!%
and in !eeing it doth not !ee. Cndo'#tedl)% .e need not do'#t o" thi!% that the) .ere deprived o"
a !o'nd mind and the light o" the Spirit% .ho .ere not a"raid to "ight again!t >od to their o.n
de!tr'ction. *gain% he hitteth them in the teeth .ith ignorance o" the Script're< and le!t an)
!ho'ld o#?ect that he !pea$eth o" !ome dar$ and 'n$no.n manner< he addeth al!o% that he doth
!pea$ o" no other prophecie! than o" tho!e .hich are read ever) Sa##ath da)< a! i" he !ho'ld !a)%
that the oracle! o" Script're are mo!t plain and $no.n to the mo!t ignorant% and )et the) $ne.
them not. Th'! doth Pa'l teach ho. mon!tro'! their 'n#elie" .a!% that he ma) ma$e the hearer!
loathe it< and #) thi! e3ample are .e ta'ght% that altho'gh the Lord appear! to '! #) the
/61
Script're% )et all men have not e)e!. *"ter that al!o the #loc$i!hne!! o" the nation .a3ed more
gro!!% a! Pa'l !aith el!e.here% that there i! a veil p't #e"ore their "ace% that the) cannot !ee
Mo!e! .hen he i! pre!ent% F
N0M031DO
/ Corinthian! 341D.G +n the mean !ea!on% .e m'!t note that .e
are recalled to the Script're% le!t the a'thorit) o" great men deceive '!% neither i! there an) ca'!e
.h) an) man% inventing to him!el" a pre?'dice according to the .ic$ed meaning o" other men%
!ho'ld thin$ that he i! ac@'itted< "or Pa'l e3horteth the men o" *ntioch to ?'dge o't o" the
Script're again!t the vi!ored governor! o" the Ch'rch<
9E1D
"or thi! ca'!e i! it given% that it ma) #e
read< and reading i! not appointed in vain #) the Lord< #'t that all godl) men ma) there#) pro"it
and ?'dge .hat i! right.
This they fulfilled( So that .e !ee that not onl) creat're! void o" 'nder!tanding% #'t even the ver)
devil% and al!o the .ic$ed% are !'#?ect to the po.er
9E16
o" >od% that he ma) e3ec'te #) them that
.hich .ith him!el" he hath decreed. The !ame had .e in the third and "o'rth chapter!%
F
N0003/3O
*ct! 34/3<
N0000/EO
*ct! 04/E%G that .hen the enemie! o" Chri!t did mo!t o" all rage to
de!tro) him% )et co'ld the) not o#tain their p'rpo!e< #'t rather the) #ro'ght that to pa!! .ith
their o.n hand! .hich >od had in hi! co'n!el determined< .hich thing ma$eth not a little "or
commendation o" >od=! tr'th% #eca'!e he i! not onl) o" !'""icient po.er to per"orm tho!e thing!
.hich he hath promi!ed< #'t al!o tho!e .ho go a#o't to #ring hi! co'n!el! to no'ght do their
endeavor to e!ta#li!h them% tho'gh it #e again!t their .ill. 9or ho. !ho'ld not the tr'th o" >od
!tand .hich the chie"e!t enemie! are en"orced to "'l"illI ;et .i!dom i! nece!!ar) here% le!t .e
?oin >od and Satan together.
9or the Be.! are not there"ore e3c'!a#le% #eca'!e the) "'l"illed the Script're!< #eca'!e .e m'!t
con!ider their .ic$ed .ill% and not the event% .hich the) did not loo$ "or% )ea% .hich o'ght to #e
co'nted a miracle. +" .e loo$ into their .or$ #) it!el"% it i! @'ite contrar) to >od< #'t a! >od
doth% in the !'n and other planet!% #) .onder"'l c'nning% temper contrar) motion!% and !'ch a!
!trive among them!elve!% !o he directeth the perver!e endeavor! o" the .ic$ed% #) hi! !ecret
po.er% 'nto another end than the) tho'ght 'pon and did de!ire% le!t the) !ho'ld do an) thing #'t
that .hich he .o'ld. The)% indeed% a! to'ching them!elve!% do contrar) to hi! .ill< #'t it "alleth
o't according to the .ill o" >od a"ter an incomprehen!i#le manner. 9ora!m'ch a! thi! co'r!e i!
contrar) to nat're% no marvel i" the .i!dom o" the "le!h !ee it not. There"ore% it m'!t #e di!cerned
.ith the e)e o" "aith% or rather it m'!t #e reverenced< and tho!e dog! .ho #ar$ again!t it m'!t #e
de!pi!ed .ith their .antonne!!.
9E1M
2$. 2hen as they found no 'ause of death( +t .a! ver) pertinent to the matter that the) !ho'ld
$no. that Chri!t .a! p't to death g'iltle!!% "or .e co'ld not have #een ?'!ti"ied #) hi! death% i"
he had !'""ered death "or hi! o.n evil deed!< there"ore it .a! re@'i!ite that he !ho'ld #e g'iltle!!%
that hi! death might #e a !ati!"action "or the !in! o" the .orld. *nd% 'ndo'#tedl)% + thin$ that Pa'l
did plainl) declare that Pilate condemned Chri!t% not according to the o""ice o" a ?'dge% #'t that
he con!ented that he !ho'ld #e p't to death a"ter that he .a! overcome .ith the 'ngodl) re@'e!t!
o" the people< and al!o that the Be.! .ere driven #) l'!t% and not en"orced #) rea!on% to de!ire
Chri!t=! death.4 9or it !tood him 'pon to terri") the hearer!% that the) might not co'ple
them!elve!
9E1E
to !o .ic$ed a "act. -'t L'$e doth no. in "e. .ord! !et do.n% a"ter hi! common
c'!tom% tho!e thing! .hich Pa'l did then more at large declare.
2&. 2hen they had fulfilled all things* to .it% .hich it plea!ed >od !ho'ld #e done #) them. 9or
the) did !o handle Chri!t that there .a! nothing o" the prophecie! o" the Script're le"t
'n"'l"illed. -) thi! mean! i! the !t'm#ling#loc$ F.hich the 'nder!tanding o" the "le!h
/M0
conceiveth #) rea!on o" the ignomin) o" the cro!!G ta$en a.a)% that the Son o" >od .a! not laid
open to the "'rio'! "'r) o" the .ic$ed< #'t he o#e)ed hi! "ather! decree. 9'rthermore% it doth al!o
in Script're appear .hat condition .a! appointed "or him in time! pa!t. Jherea! he !aith that
Chri!t .a! #'ried #) the !ame .hich had !lain him% it !eemeth contrar) to the hi!tor) o" the
go!pel< #'t it ma) #e that L'$e did ta$e the .ord buried inde"initel). *nd i" it plea!e )o' to re"er
it 'nto the !ame% it !hall #e syne'do'he( 9or he .a! #'ried .ith Pilate=! leave< and at the
appointment and plea!'re o" the prie!t! there .ere .atchmen !et to .atch the grave. There"ore%
tho'gh Bo!eph and :icodem'! did #'r) Chri!t% F
N00/MDMO
Matthe. /M4DM%G that i! a!cri#ed
improperl)% and )et not a#!'rdl)% to the Be.!< #eca'!e it i! not Pa'l=! dri"t in thi! place to
commend the good deed% #'t to prove Chri!t=! re!'rrection< #eca'!e >od too$ him o't o" the
grave .hom hi! enemie! had !h't 'p there. There"ore he giveth '! to 'nder!tand that the #od) o"
Chri!t .a! not ta$en thence privil) or #) !tealth% #'t that it .a! laid in a place #oth "amo'! and
$no.n to the adver!arie!< and !o% con!e@'entl)% that even the) .ere !et to .atch it< and )et "or
all thi! it .a! not "o'nd4 .hence .e ma) gather the certaint) o" the re!'rrection.
'. God hath raised hi% u+( The death o" Chri!t .a! the !alvation o" the godl)% )et ?oined .ith
the re!'rrection< there"ore doth Pa'l !tand longer 'pon thi! !econd point. 9or he !ho'ld never
have per!'aded hi! hearer! that the) .ere to !ee$ !alvation in Chri!t=! death% 'nle!! the po.er o"
*lmight) >od had appeared in rai!ing Chri!t "rom death.
1. *"ter that he hath !aid that Chri!t came o't o" the grave% .hich .a! #e!et .ith the hired
mini!ter! o" the adver!arie!% he addeth no. that he appeared to man) o" the di!ciple!% .hich #are
"aith"'l .itne!! to the people. *nd he calleth them $itnesses, either in re!pect o" their o""ice<
#eca'!e the) .ere cho!en "or thi! p'rpo!e% a! .e have alread) !aid in the "ir!t chapter%
F
N00010EO
*ct! 14E<G or el!e declaring !impl) that the) pro"e!!ed openl) and "reel) that .hich the)
$ne. concerning Chri!t. Jhere'pon it "ollo.eth that the matter .a! made $no.n openl)
9E11
at
Ber'!alem. *nd the proo" .a! not !o light< #eca'!e% in the "ear"'l po.er o" the enemie!% .ho
.ere read) and #ent to re!i!t% and did omit nothing% there .ere% not.ith!tanding% !'ch a! did
openl) a""irm that Chri!t ro!e again% and .ere al!o !'ch a! !a. that thing .ith their e)e!< "or i"
there had #een an) re"'tation in readine!!% the !cri#e! .o'ld not have neglected it.
ACTS 1:2-%
2. *nd .e preach to )o' glad tiding!% that the promi!e made to the "ather!%
. Hath >od "'l"illed to their children4 having rai!ed 'p Be!'!% a! it i! .ritten
in the !econd P!alm% Tho' art m) Son% thi! da) have + #egotten thee. ". *nd
in that he hath rai!ed him 'p "rom the dead% not to ret'rn herea"ter to
corr'ption% he hath !aid th'!% + .ill give )o' the hol) thing! o" (avid. !.
There"ore he !aith al!o in another place% Tho' !halt not !'""er thine Hol) 7ne
to !ee corr'ption. #. (avid% indeed% .hen he had !erved hi! time% #) the
co'n!el o" >od he "ell on !leep% and .a! laid 'nto hi! "ather!% and !a.
corr'ption. %. -'t he .hom >od rai!ed !a. no corr'ption.
2. 2e +rea'h to you glad tidings( He doth no. challenge to him!el" the o""ice and honor o" an
apo!tle% that he ma) #e heard a! a la."'l mini!ter o" >od. *nd he !aith the !'m o" the em#a!!age
en?oined him i!% that that i! revealed and given in their time .hich .a! promi!ed in time! pa!t.
*nd in "e. .ord! doth he comprehend man) and great matter!. 9ir!t% he giveth them to
'nder!tand that he #ringeth in nothing .hich i! ne.% or contrar) to the la. and prophet!% #'t that
/M1
he did reveal the "'l"illing o" that doctrine .hich the) them!elve! did con"e!!% and .ere
per!'aded to have #een delivered #) >od. Jhere'pon it "ollo.eth that the) cannot re"'!e that
.hich he o""ereth them% #'t the) !hall #rea$ the covenant made .ith the "ather! #) >od% !o m'ch
a! in them !hall lie< !econdl)% he commandeth the "aith"'lne!! o" >od% #eca'!e it doth no. in
ver) deed appear that there .a! nothing promi!ed in time! pa!t 'nadvi!edl) or in vain< #'t he
doth chie"l) e3tol the greatne!! o" the grace given at length in Chri!t. 9or .e m'!t note the
compari!on #et.een them and the "ather!% .hen he !aith% that the) had gotten that .hich .a!
promi!ed to the "ather!. 9or the more li#erall) the grace o" >od i! po'red o't 'pon them% the
more "ilth) !hall their 'nthan$"'lne!! #e% i" the) !hall de!pi!e or loathe that ine!tima#le good
thing. 9or .hat el!e .ere thi!% #'t to ca!t do.n at their "eet a trea!'re even reached o't to them%
that the) might ta$e hold thereo"% and !o con!e@'entl) laid in their lap% the hope .hereo" .a!
reverentl) em#raced #) the "ather!% .hen it .a! !ho.ed them a"ar o""% and .hich the) did "o!ter
9E/0
d'ring their .hole li"e.
-'t !ome man ma) a!$ thi! @'e!tion concerning tho!e .ho lived 'nder the la.% .hether even
the) .ere not made parta$er! o" the promi!e!I + an!.er% that there i! !'ch a !ociet) o" the !ame
grace among '! .hich doth not hinder the long di!tance. -'t thi! .a! Pa'l=! meaning% that their
"aith !tood% a! it .ere% in do'#t 'ntil Chri!t appeared% in .hom all the promi!e! o" >od are )ea
and amen< a! he teacheth% F
N0M0111O
/ Corinthian! 1411% /0.G There"ore .e #e the heir! o" the !ame
$ingdom o" heaven% and parta$er! o" the !ame !pirit'al good thing!% .hich >od #e!to.eth 'pon
hi! children< al!o% >od gave to them !ome ta!te o" hi! love in thi! li"e% a! .e ta!te him no.. -'t
Chri!t% .ho i! the !'#!tance o" all good thing! and o" eternal li"e% .a! onl) promi!ed to them% #'t
he i! given to '!< and the) de!ired him% a! #eing "ar o""< .e en?o) him% #eing pre!ent.
. To their 'hildren, na%ely, to us( +t i! certain that Pa'l !pea$eth o" nat'ral children% .ho had
their #eginning o" the hol) "ather!% .hich .e m'!t there"ore note% #eca'!e certain #rain!ic$
men% dra.ing all thing! 'nto allegorie!% dream that there i! no re!pect to #e had in thi! place o"
$indred% #'t onl) o" "aith. *nd .ith !'ch an invention the) ma$e the hol) covenant o" >od o"
none e""ect% .here it i! !aid%
P+ .ill #e th) >od% and the >od o" th) !eed%Q
F
N011M0MO
>ene!i! 1M4M.G
+t i! "aith F!a) the)Galone .hich ma$eth '! the children o" *#raham. -'t + !a)% on the other !ide%
that even tho!e .ho are #orn the children o" *#raham according to the "le!h% are al!o co'nted the
!pirit'al children o" >od% 'nle!! the) gro. o't o" $ind thro'gh 'n#elie"
9E/1
9or the #o'gh! #e
nat'rall) hol)% #eca'!e the) !pring "rom a hol) root% 'ntil the) #ecome pro"ane thro'gh their
o.n "a'lt% F
N0D1116O
8oman! 11416.G *nd a!!'redl) it i! Pa'l=! dri"t to all're the Be.! 'nto Chri!t<
and that he ma) do thi!% the) m'!t #e di!ting'i!hed "rom the common !ort #) !ome privilege.
*nd )et it "ollo.eth not there'pon F.hich the!e $nave! do odio'!l) o#?ectG that the grace o" >od
i! tied to the carnal !eed< #eca'!e% tho'gh the promi!e o" li"e came #) inheritance to the po!terit)
o" *#raham% )et man) .ere deprived #) their 'n#elie". There"ore "aith i! the ca'!e% that o" a
great m'ltit'de onl) a "e. are co'nted children. *nd that i! the do'#le election .hereo" + !pa$e
#e"ore. The one common to the .hole nation ali$e< #eca'!e the "ir!t adoption o" >od containeth
the .hole "amil) o" *#raham. The other% .hich i! re!trained 'nto the !ecret co'n!el o" >od% and
i! at length e!ta#li!hed #) "aith% that it ma) #e con"irmed to men.
There"ore Pa'l doth .ell and tr'l) a""irm that that .a! per"ormed to the Be.! .hich >od had
promi!ed to the "ather!. 9or it .a! promi!ed to them al!o% a! Kacharia! !aith in hi! !ong% PThe
/M/
oath .hich he !.are to o'r "ather *#raham% that he .o'ld give him!el" "or '!%Q etc. *nd )et the
.orthine!! o" that nation doth not hinder #'t that the grace o" Chri!t ma) al!o !pread it!el"
thro'gho't the .hole .orld< #eca'!e the "ir!t#egotten hath the "ir!t degree o" honor% !o that he
doth% not.ith!tanding% leave the !econd place to hi! #rethren. 9or in that a"ter the old people
.ere ca!t o""% the po!!e!!ion o" the ch'rch .a! le"t empt) "or !tranger!% it #egan to #e a ne.
occa!ion o" gathering the Ch'rch o" the >entile!< #'t and i" that people had !tood in the "aith% the
>entile! had #een ?oined into the common !ociet) o" honor.
After that he had raised Christ( The .ord raised, in m) ?'dgment reacheth "arther than it doth
.here it i! !hortl) a"ter repeated. 9or he doth not onl) !a) that Chri!t ro!e "rom the dead% #'t that
he .a! appointed o" >od% and% a! it .ere% #ro'ght to light #) the hand o" >od% that he might
"'l"ill the o""ice o" the Me!!iah% a! the Script're teacheth ever).here that $ing! and prophet! are
rai!ed 'p.
9E//
9or the .ord anasthsai i! !ometime! ta$en in thi! !en!e4 *nd thi! rea!on moveth
me th'! to thin$% #eca'!e >od% #) !ending hi! Son into the .orld% did "'l"ill hi! promi!e made to
hi! !ervant! in time! pa!t% #) the e""ect it!el".
Li#eas, in the se'ond Psal%( Tho'gh the >ree$ #oo$!%
9E/3
agree in the n'm#er% )et .e m'!t not
pa!! over that .hich ,ra!m'! !aith% that man) o" the old .riter! read the first Psal%( *nd it ma)
#e that L'$e .rote !o< "or that .hich at thi! da) i! co'nted the !econd P!alm% might have #een
called the "ir!t not .itho't rea!on% !eeing that it i! li$el) that the "ir!t P!alm .a! added in!tead o"
a proem #) the !cri#e! and prie!t!% #) .ho!e ind'!tr) the P!alm! .ere gathered into one #od).
9or the name o" the a'thor i! not !et to it% and it doth onl) e3hort to meditate 'pon the la. o"
>od. -'t there i! no great .eight in that matter.
9E/0
9or thi! i! the chie"e!t thing% that .e $no.
ho. properl) and ho. .ell Pa'l applieth the te!timon) ta$en o't o" the P!alm 'nto the matter
.hich he hath in hand. Je do not den) that (avid% .hen he !a. that he .a! on ever) !ide
a!!ailed #) hi! enemie!, and that the) .ere o" greater po.er and might than that he .a! a#le to
re!i!t them% doth !et again!t them >od=! aid% .ho he $ne. .a! the a'thor o" hi! $ingdom and
reign. -'t "ora!m'ch a! he .a! a "ig're o" the tr'e Me!!iah% .e $no. that tho!e thing! .ere
!hado.ed in hi! per!on% .hich do appertain% .holl) and per"ectl) to the Me!!iah alone. *nd the
te3t it!el" doth prove !'""icientl) that there i! not onl) a !imple and #are than$!giving contained
there% agreea#le to (avid=! $ingdom% #'t it i! a higher prophec). 9or it i! .ell $no.n that (avid
did in hi! li"e !carce ta!te o" the h'ndredth part o" the glor) .hich i! !po$en o" in thi! place%
concerning .hich .e have !po$en more at large% chapter 0.
:o. let '! loo$ nigher into the .ord!4 Ling! are indeed called !on! o" >od% F
N11E/06O
P!alm E/46.G
-'t !eeing that >od doth intend to pre"er (avid #e"ore all other $ing!% and to e3empt him o't o"
the n'm#er o" them% thi! title o" honor i! given to him principall) a#ove all other< not #eca'!e !o
great honor re!teth in hi! per!on% #eca'!e #) thi! mean! he !ho'ld pa!!
9E/D
the angel!% a! it i! in
the ,pi!tle to the He#re.!% 1!t chapter. There"ore he i! th'! gorgeo'!l) !et o't in re!pect o"
Chri!t% .ho!e image he .a!% that >od doth not ta$e him "or one o" the common !ort% or "or !ome
one o" a great m'ltit'de% #'t he doth% a! it .ere% ac$no.ledge him to #e hi! onl) #egotten Son.
The proo" "ollo.eth% #eca'!e >od did #eget him .hen he e!ta#li!hed the $ingdom in hi! hand.
9or that .a! not done #) man=! ind'!tr)% #'t >od !ho.ed "rom heaven the invinci#le po.er o"
hi! hand% .here#) it might plainl) appear that he reigned according to >od=! co'n!el. There"ore
thi! #egetting% #) him mentioned% m'!t #e re"erred 'nto the 'nder!tanding o" $no.ledge o" men<
to .it% #eca'!e it .a! then openl) $no.n that he .a! #egotten o" >od% .hen a! he .a! !et 'pon
the throne o" the $ingdom .onder"'ll)% contrar) to the hope o" all men% and did% #) the heavenl)
/M3
po.er o" the Spirit% #rea$ in"inite con!piracie!< #eca'!e he co'ld not reign 'ntil he had #ro'ght
all nation! ro'nd a#o't him in !'#?ection% a! i" a certain .orld .ere !'#d'ed.
:o.% let '! come 'nto Chri!t. He came not into the .orld .itho't te!timon)% .here#) he did
prove that he .a! the Son o" >od. 9or hi! glor) did appear a! #ecame the onl) #egotten Son o"
>od% a! it i! .ritten%
N030110O
Bohn 1410% and he !aith ever).here that he hath >od "or the .itne!!
and maintainer o" thi! honor. There"ore >od #egat Chri!t% .hen he gave him certain mar$!%
.here#) he might #e $no.n to #e hi! tr'e and livel) image and Son. *nd )et thi! doth not let #'t
that Chri!t i! the Ji!dom #egotten o" the ,ternal 9ather #e"ore time. -'t that i! the !ecret
generation< and no. (avid declareth that it .a! revealed to men< !o that the relation i!% a! .e
have !aid% 'nto men and not 'nto >od< #eca'!e that .hich .a! hidden in the heart o" >od .a!
ma$e $no.n to men. *nd it i! a ver) "ine "ig're% #eca'!e Chri!t=! divinit) .a! no le!! declared
and e!ta#li!hed% than i" he had #een #egotten o" >od #e"ore the e)e! o" men. + $no. that
*'g'!tine=! deep !ight
9E/6
doth plea!e !ome% that #) today i! meant +er+etuity( -'t .hen a! the
Spirit o" >od him!el" i! hi! o.n interpreter% and .herea! he doth e3po'nd that #) the mo'th o"
Pa'l .hich he had !aid #) (avid% .e m'!t not invent an) other !en!e. *nd "ora!m'ch Fa! the
!ame Pa'l doth .itne!!G that Chri!t .a! declared to #e the Son o" >od in po.er .hen he ro!e
"rom the dead% F
N0D0100O
8oman! 140%G .e gather that thi! .a! the principal to$en o" cele!tial
e3cellenc)% and that the 9ather did then #ring him tr'l) to light% that the .orld might $no. that
he .a! #egotten o" him. There"ore% tho'gh >od #egan to rai!e Chri!t .hen he came into the
.orld% )et hi! rai!ing .a! then% a! it .ere% per"ect and "'ll< #eca'!e .herea! he .a! h'm#led
#e"ore% having ta$en% a! it .ere% the "orm o" a !ervant% F
ND0/00MO
Philippian! /4M%G he did then appear
to #e the con@'eror o" death and the Lord o" li"e< !o that he .anted nothing o" that ma?e!t) .hich
.a! meet "or the Son o" >od% and that "or the onl) #egotten Son.
". That he should not return( He addeth no. the other mem#er% that Chri!t .a! once rai!ed "rom
death that he ma) live "or ever% a! Pa'l teacheth%
N0D0610O
8oman! 6410%
PHe dieth no more% neither !hall death have dominion over him an) more< #eca'!e he
liveth to >od.Q
9or the hope conceived o" Chri!t=! re!'rrection !ho'ld #e !lender and cold% i" he .ere )et !'#?ect
to de!tr'ction% or to an) change. There"ore he i! !aid to #e entered into the $ingdom o" >od% that
he ma) al!o give to hi! [people] eternal "elicit)% living "or ever. 9or #eca'!e Chri!t ro!e rather "or
o'r !a$e than "or him!el"% the perpet'it) o" li"e .hich the 9ather hath given him reacheth 'nto '!
all% and i! o'r!. :ot.ith!tanding the place o" +!aiah .hich i! here cited% !eemeth to ma$e #'t a
little "or proo" o" Chri!t=! immortalit)% + .ill give )o' the hol) thing! o" (avid% F
N/3DD03O
+!aiah
DD43.G -'t it i! not !o. 9or !eeing +!aiah !pea$eth o" the redemption promi!ed to (avid% and
a""irmeth that the !ame !hall #e "irm and !ta#le% .e do .ell gather #) thi! the immortal $ingdom
o" Chri!t% .herein the eternit) o" !alvation i! gro'nded. *nd Pa'l "ollo.ed the >ree$ interpreter!
.hen he p't holy things "or mercie!. Chessed, .hich !igni"ieth %ee#, %er'iful, and gentle, i!
.ont #) the >recian! to #e tran!lated holy( There"ore the) tran!lated ydsh of ;a&id, the holy
things of ;a&id, .herea! the prophet meaneth rather the grace promi!ed to (avid. -'t Pa'l
granted thi! to the ignorant and .ea$% .ho .ere #etter ac@'ainted .ith the >ree$ reading%
e!peciall) "ora!m'ch a! the "orce o" the te!timon) con!i!teth in another point. 9or thi! i! Pa'l=!
meaning in !'m% +" the grace #e eternal .hich >od !aith he .ill give in hi! Son% the li"e o" hi!
Son m'!t #e eternal% and not !'#?ect to corr'ption.
9E/M
9or .e m'!t hold thi! r'le% that all the
/M0
promi!e! o" >od are in Chri!t )ea and amen% F
N0M01/0O
/ Corinthian! 14/0<G and that there"ore the)
cannot #e o" an) "orce 'nle!! he do @'ic$en them.
!. Thou shalt not suffer thy Holy One( Thi! place .a! li$e.i!e cited #) Peter in the "ir!t !ermon%
!et do.n #) L'$e in the !econd chapter% F
N000//MO
*ct! /4/M%G .here + e3po'nded the !ame<
there"ore% let the reader! repair thither. 7nl) + .ill to'ch thi! #rie"l)% that (avid p'tteth t.o
He#re. .ord! "or the gra&e, a! he '!eth repetition! commonl)< the "ormer .hereo" i! derived o"
desiring or lusting, #eca'!e the grave devo'reth all thing! a! an in!atia#le g'l"< and the other o"
'orru+tion( *ccording to thi! et)molog) (avid=! meaning i! "aith"'ll) e3pre!!ed in >ree$< "or
the @'alit) o" the grave i! noted% .hen a! it receiveth the corp!e% and doth% a! it .ere% !.allo. it
'p% that it ma) rot there% and ma) at length peri!h .hen it i! con!'med. Pa'l a""irmeth that that
#elongeth to Chri!t alone% that he .a! "ree and !aved "rom corr'ption< "or tho'gh hi! #od) .a!
laid in the grave% corr'ption had% not.ith!tanding% no title to it% !eeing that it la) there .hole% a!
in a #ed% 'ntil the da) o" the re!'rrection.
#. 2hen ;a&id had ser&ed his ti%e( Le!t an) man !ho'ld thin$ that that place intreateth o"
(avid% Pa'l !ho.eth #rie"l) that thi! agreeth not to (avid in all point!% .ho!e corp!e .a! rotten
in the grave. There"ore it remaineth% that #eca'!e thi! .a! a privilege #elonging to Chri!t alone%
that (avid prophe!ied o" him in !pirit. :everthele!!% .e m'!t note the proportion #et.een the
mem#er! and the head< "or a! the tr'th o" thi! prophec) .a! "o'nd .hole and per"ect in Chri!t
alone% a! in the head% !o it ta$eth place in all the mem#er! according to the mea!'re and order o"
ever) man. *nd "ora!m'ch a! Chri!t ro!e to thi! end% that he ma) "a!hion and ma$e o'r #a!e
#od) li$e to hi! glorio'! #od)% F
ND003/1O
Philippian! 34/1<G 'pon thi! condition do the godl) go
do.n into the pit% that rottenne!! ma) not ["inall)] con!'me their #odie!. There"ore% according to
the hope o" the re!'rrection to come% (avid !aith #) good right that he !hall not !ee corr'ption<
"or that o'ght not altogether to #e co'nted corr'ption "or .hich there i! a #etter re!toring
prepared< "or the #odie! o" the "aith"'l corr'pt to thi! end% that the) ma) p't on #le!!ed
incorr'ption in their time. ;et thi! i! no let #'t that the e!tate o" the head and mem#er! ma) #e
"ar 'nli$e% and that .e ma) "ollo. the Son o" >od a"ar o"" and la5il).
9E/E
:o. .e !ee that #oth thing! are tr'e and "itl) !aid% that (avid and the re!t o" the "aith"'l%
ina!m'ch a! the) !hall #e li$e to their head% !hall not !ee corr'ption% and )et the Son o" >od
alone !hall #e "ree "rom corr'ption .holl). Je m'!t note the phra!e% .hen he !aith% that ;a&id
ser&ed his age, or the men o" hi! time.
The old interpreter di!ting'i!heth it other.i!e% and certain >ree$ copie! agree thereto% to .it% that
;a&id ser&ed the $ill of God in his ti%e* .hich reading% tho'gh it i! to #e allo.ed%
9E/1
)et it doth
not ca'!e me to mi!li$e the other. 9or it i! neither !'per"l'o'! nor cold% that he !lept #) the .ill
o" >od% or the co'n!el o" >od< #eca'!e the meaning thereo" i!% that >od% in the death o" (avid%
did not "orget that prophec)< a! i" he !ho'ld !a) that the #od) o" (avid la) in the grave not
.itho't the co'n!el or p'rpo!e o" >od% 'ntil it !ho'ld ri!e again% that the e""ect o" the prophec)
might #e e3tended 'nto Chri!t. +" no man mi!li$e that .hich + !a)% .e are ta'ght here#) to .hat
end men live in the .orld% to .it% that one man ma) help another. 9or ever) man doth not live%
neither i! #orn% "or him!el"% #'t man$ind i! $nit together .ith a hol) $not. There"ore% 'nle!! .e
#e di!po!ed to overthro. the la.! o" nat're% let '! remem#er that .e m'!t not live "or o'r!elve!%
#'t "or o'r neigh#or!.
-'t here ma) a @'e!tion #e a!$ed% .hether .e o'ght not al!o to care "or o'r po!terit)I + an!.er%
that the mini!tr) o" the godl) i! al!o pro"ita#le "or the po!terit)% a! .e !ee that (avid% #eing dead%
/MD
doth pro"it '! more at thi! da) than a great part o" tho!e .hich live .ith '!< #'t Pa'l meaneth
!impl)% that the "aith"'l d'ring their .hole li"e emplo) them!elve! and their o""ice! to help their
neigh#or!% and that death i! 'nto them a! a goal% #eca'!e the) have made an end then% .hen the
Lord calleth them o't o" the .orld. The !'m i!% that .e m'!t have re!pect "ir!t to o'r time% that
.e ma) !erve o'r #rethren% .ith .hom and among .hom .e lead o'r li"e< and% !econdl)% .e
m'!t do o'r endeavor that the "r'it o" o'r mini!tr) ma) redo'nd 'nto o'r po!terit). Seeing that
>od pre!cri#eth hi! !ervant! thi! la.% their ra!hne!! cannot #e e3c'!ed .ho "eign that the dead
pra) "or '!% and that the) do no le!! !erve the Ch'rch than .hil!t the) lived.
.y the 'ounsel of God he fell on slee+( Pa'l might have !aid !impl) that (avid died< he addeth #)
the 'ounsel of God, that .e ma) $no. that that .a! not "'l"illed in the per!on o" the prophet
.hich i! read in the P!alm. :ot.ith!tanding% .e are ta'ght that the #ond o" li"e and death i! in
li$e !ort appointed "or '! #) >od% a! it i!
N111003O
P!alm 1043%
PTho' !ende!t o't men% and ma$e!t them to pa!! over< again tho' !a)e!t% Come again% )e
children o" men.Q
;ea% Plato !etteth do.n thi! ver) elo@'entl)% that it i! meet that men pa!! o't o" the .orld not
.itho't the leave and plea!'re o" >od% #) .ho!e hand the) are placed there a! a !tanding "or a
time.
9E30
*nd "or thi! ca'!e% .hen he !pea$eth o" (avid=! death% he ma$eth mention o" the
co'n!el o" >od% that .e ma) $no. that corr'ption did not happen to him #) chance% a! i" >od
had "orgotten hi! promi!e< #'t that it came to pa!! #) >od=! providence% that the "aith"'l might
$no. that the prophec) .a! to #e re"erred 'nto another. To slee+, and to #e laid unto the fathers,
are "orm! o" !peech !o .ell $no.n and !o common% that the) need no e3po!ition.
ACTS 1:$-"2
$. There"ore% #e it $no.n 'nto )o'%
9E31
that thro'gh him remi!!ion o" !in! i!
promi!ed to )o'4 &. *nd "rom all thing!% "rom .hich )e co'ld not #e ?'!ti"ied in
the la. o" Mo!e!. "'. Jho!oever #elieveth in thi! man i! ?'!ti"ied. "1. There"ore%
ta$e heed% le!t that #e"all )o' .hich i! !aid in the prophet!< "2. -ehold% )e
de!pi!er!% and .onder% and vani!h a.a)< #eca'!e + do a .or$ in )o'r da)!% a .or$
.hich )e !hall not #elieve% i" a man tell it )o'.
$. Therefore, be it #no$n unto you( *"ter that he hath declared the mean .here#) !alvation i!
p'rcha!ed thro'gh Chri!t% he doth no. intreat o" hi! o""ice and po.er. *nd thi! i! the principal
point% to $no. .hat good thing! .e have #) the coming o" Chri!t% and .hat .e are to hope "or at
hi! hand!. *nd altho'gh L'$e !etteth do.n in a .ord that Pa'l preached o" the #ene"it! o" Chri!t%
)et there i! no ca'!e .h) an) man !ho'ld do'#t #'t that !o great matter! .ere handled .eightil)%
and onl) according a! their dignit) did re@'ire. -) thi! .ord% .e it #no$n unto you, Pa'l
meaneth that nothing !ho'ld hinder them "rom $no.ing !'ch an e3cellent and plain matter% !ave
onl) !loth< and that% there"ore% it .a! an a#!'rd thing that tho!e #ene"it! o" >od !ho'ld #e hidden
"rom the "aith"'l .hich .ere o""ered #) Chri!t. 9or he .a! !ent .ith the !hrill preaching o" the
go!pel% .hich o'r "aith o'ght to hear% that it ma) enter into the !'re po!!e!!ion o" hi! good
thing!< "or .e m'!t $no. .hat he i!% that .e ma) en?o) him tr'l). 9orgivene!! o" !in! i! !et "ir!t%
.here#) >od doth reconcile '! 'nto him!el". That .hich >od .ill have preached to all hi!
people doth he !ho. to #e nece!!ar) "or all men< "or Pa'l !pea$eth not to one or t.o% #'t to all
the Be.! .hich .ere at *ntioch.
/M6
There"ore% .e m'!t "ir!t mar$ that .e #e all enemie! to >od thro'gh !in% F
ND10/13O
Colo!!ian!
/413.G Jhere'pon it "ollo.eth that .e are all e3cl'ded "rom the $ingdom o" >od% and are given
over to eternal death% 'ntil >od receive '! to "avor #) the "ree "orgivene!! o" !in!. Je m'!t al!o
note thi!% that >od doth pardon to '! o'r !in!% and that he i! reconciled thro'gh the Mediator%
#eca'!e li$e a! .itho't him there i! no !ati!"action% !o neither i! there an) pardon or "orgivene!!
o" g'iltine!!. The!e #e principle! o" o'r "aith .hich are not learned in the !chool! o" the
philo!opher!% that all man$ind i! condemned and dro.ned in !in% that there i! in '! no
righteo'!ne!! .hich i! a#le to reconcile '! to >od< that the onl) hope o" !alvation re!teth in hi!
merc)% .hil!t that he doth "reel) "orgive '!< and that tho!e remain 'nder the g'ilt .hich "l) not
'nto Chri!t% and !ee$ not "orgivene!!
9E3/
in hi! death.
And fro% all things( He doth !ecretl) prevent that .hich might !eem contrar) to the "ormer
doctrine. 9or loo$ ho. man) ceremonie! o" the la. there .ere% !o man) e3erci!e! .ere there to
o#tain remi!!ion o" !in!. There"ore% the Be.! might readil) o#?ect% +" he alone do reconcile >od
to '!% o'r !in! #eing done a.a)% to .hat end !erve !o man) .a!hing! and !acri"ice!% .hich .e
have hitherto '!ed according to the pre!cript o" the la.I There"ore% le!t the ceremonie! o" the
la. hinder the Be.!% Pa'l teacheth that Chri!t doth that .hich the) .ere not a#le to do. :ot that
Pa'l !pa$e !o #rie"l) and compendio'!l)% F"or he did not hope that the Be.! .o'ld at the "ir!t
come 'nto Chri!t% ca!ting "rom them !'ddenl) the a""iance .hich the) had in the righteo'!ne!!
o" the la.<G #'t it .a! !'""icient "or L'$e #rie"l) to collect
9E33
the !'m o" tho!e thing! .hich he
then ta'ght in ?'!t and d'e order. Hi! meaning i!% that the Mediator too$ a.a) that let "rom the
Be.! .herein the) did !tic$. The ceremonial la. o'ght indeed to have #een a !choolma!ter to
lead them #) the hand 'nto Chri!t< all rite! commanded #) >od .ere help! to help and "'rther
their "aith< #'t a! men '!e prepo!tero'!l) to corr'pt the hol) ordinance! o" >od% the) !top the
.a) #e"ore them!elve! #) their ceremonie!% and the) !h't the gate o" "aith% that the) co'ld not
come to Chri!t. The) tho'ght the) had righteo'!ne!! in !acri"ice!< that #) .a!hing! .a! gotten
tr'e cleanne!!< that >od .a! plea!ed .ith them !o !oon a! the) had ended their e3ternal pomp4
in !'m% "or!a$ing the #od)% the) laid hold 'pon vain !hado.!. >od did indeed appoint no
'npro"ita#le or vain thing in the la.< .here"ore ceremonie! .ere !'re and 'ndo'#ted te!timonie!
o" remi!!ion o" !in!. 9or >od did not lie in the!e .ord!% Let the !inner do !acri"ice% and hi!
ini@'it) !hall #e p'rged. -'t a! Chri!t .a! the end o" the la.% and the heavenl) pattern o" the
ta#ernacle% !o the "orce and e""ect o" all ceremonie! did depend 'pon him< .here#) it i! proved
that the) .ere vain !hado.!% .hen he .a! !et a!ide% F
NDE0E0DO
He#re.! E4D.G :o. .e !ee Pa'l=!
dri"t and p'rpo!e< to .it% that he meant to dra. a.a) the Be.! "rom the "al!e and perver!e
con"idence .hich the) repo!ed in the la.< le!t #eing p'""ed 'p% the) !ho'ld thin$ that the) had
no need o" Chri!t=! help% or le!t the) !ho'ld !ee$ onl) e3ternal "elicit) in him.
.e justified in the la$( Thi! place doth plainl) !ho. .hat the .ord justified doth import in all
other place! .here it i! '!ed< to .it% to #e delivered and ac@'itted. There .a! mention made o"
remi!!ion o" !in!< Pa'l a""irmeth that there i! no other .a) .here#) .e can o#tain the !ame #'t
the grace o" Chri!t. Le!t an) man !ho'ld o#?ect that there #e remedie! to #e "o'nd in the la.% he
an!.ereth that there .a! in them no "orce. There"ore the !en!e i! plain% that the) cannot #e
?'!ti"ied "rom !in in the la.% #eca'!e the rite! o" the la. .ere neither ?'!t nor la."'l price! to
remove g'iltine!!< the) .ere nothing .orth o" them!elve! to de!erve righteo'!ne!!% neither .ere
the) !'""icient recompen!e! to appea!e >od. Certainl)% it cannot #e denied F#'t .ic$edl)G that
that ?'!ti"ication anne3ed to remi!!ion o" !in! i!% a! it .ere% the mean! and .a) to o#tain the
!ame. 9or .hat el!e doth Pa'l go a#o't #'t to con"irm that !a)ing% that o'r !in! are "orgiven '!
/MM
thro'gh the #ene"it o" Chri!t% #) an!.ering contrar) o#?ection!I *nd he proveth it% #eca'!e
neither !ati!"action!% neither all the rite! o" the la.% call ?'!ti") '! "rom !in. There"ore he i!
?'!ti"ied #) Chri!t% .ho i! "reel) loo!ed "rom the g'ilt and ?'dgment o" eternal death to .hich he
.a! !'#?ect. Thi! i! the righteo'!ne!! o" "aith% .hil!t that >od co'nteth '! ?'!t% #) not imp'ting
o'r !in!.
Thi! onl) propriet) o" the .ord i! !'""icient to re"'te the cavil! o" the Papi!t!% .ho hold that .e
are not ?'!ti"ied #) pardon or #) "ree accepting% #'t #) ha#it and in"'!ed righteo'!ne!!.
There"ore% let '! not !'""er them to rend in piece! 'n.orthil) and .ic$edl) thi! te3t o" Pa'l%
.hen he !aith that the) are ?'!ti"ied "rom all thing!% that .e ma) #e a!!'red o" remi!!ion o" !in!.
*nd no. .e m'!t $no. that the la. o" Mo!e! i! !et again!t Chri!t% a! the principal mean to
o#tain righteo'!ne!!% i" there had #een an) #e!ide! Chri!t. Pa'l di!p'teth% indeed% o" ceremonie!<
#'t .e m'!t note that there .a! nothing omitted in them .hich might !erve to p'rge !in! and to
appea!e >od. ;et there .a! not one o" all the ceremonie! o" the la. .hich did not ma$e man
g'ilt)% a! a ne. hand.riting< a! Pa'l teacheth%
ND10/10O
Colo!!ian! /410. Jhat thenI *!!'redl) >od
meant to te!ti") that men are ?'!ti"ied #) the death o" hi! Son alone% #eca'!e he made him !in "or
'! .ho did [$ne.] no !in% that .e might have righteo'!ne!! in him% F
N0M0D/1O
/ Corinthian! D4/1.G
Jhere'pon it "ollo.eth that .hat!oever !ati!"action! are invented #) men% the) tend to ro#
Chri!t o" hi! honor. !n the la$ and in Christ !igni") a! m'ch a! by the la$ and by Christ,
according to the He#re. phra!e.
8ro% all things( -) thi! mem#er i! re"'ted the .ic$ed invention o" the Papi!t!% .ho teach that
onl) original !in and act'al !in! committed #e"ore #apti!m are clearl) and "reel) "orgiven #)
Chri!t% and that other! are redeemed #) !ati!"action!. -'t Pa'l !aith plainl) that .e are ?'!ti"ied
"rom !in! #) Chri!t thro'gho't the .hole co'r!e o" o'r li"e. 9or .e m'!t remem#er that the
ceremonie! [rite!] o" the la. .ere committed to the Be.!% that a! .ell the pro"it a! the '!e
thereo" might "lo'ri!h dail) in the Ch'rch< that i!% that the Be.! might indeed 'nder!tand that
their !acri"ice! and .a!hing! .ere not contin'all) reiterated in vain. +" the tr'th and !'#!tance o"
them #e "o'nd in Chri!t% it "ollo.eth that there i! no other !ati!"action or !acri"ice to p't a.a)
!in! #'t hi! death< other.i!e there !ho'ld #e no analog) or proportion #et.een thi! and the old
"ig're!. The Papi!t! call '! #ac$ 'nto repentance and the $e)!% a! i" the ceremonie! o" the la.
.ere not e3erci!e! to thin$ 'pon repentance% and a! i" the po.er o" the $e)! .ere not anne3ed
'nto them. -'t the "aith o" the godl) .a! holpen #) !'ch help!% that the) might "l) 'nto the grace
o" the Mediator alone. There"ore% let thi! remain !'re and certain that the righteo'!ne!! .hich .e
have in Chri!t i! not "or one da) or a moment% #'t it i! everla!ting% a! the !acri"ice o" hi! death
doth dail) reconcile '! to >od.
&. &ery one that belie&eth( Pa'l !ho.eth ho. men o#tain the righteo'!ne!! o" Chri!t< to .it%
.hen the) receive it #) "aith< and that .hich "aith doth o#tain i! not o#tained #) an) merit! o"
.or$!. Jhere"ore% Pa'l=! opinion i! plain% that .e are ?'!ti"ied #) "aith alone% .hich%
not.ith!tanding the Papi!t! opp'gn [oppo!e] and !trive again!t no le!! o#!tinatel) than #itterl)%
neverthele!!% it i! re@'i!ite that .e $no. .hat the .ord belie&e doth import% .hich i! made
'n!avor) to the Papi!t! thro'gh ignorance. There #e al!o other #ene"it! o" Chri!t .hich .e reap
#) "aith< "or .hen he regenerateth '! #) hi! Spirit% he re!toreth in '! the image o" >od< and a"ter
that the old man i! cr'ci"ied he "a!hioneth '! 'nto ne.ne!! o" li"e. -'t it .a! eno'gh "or L'$e to
e3pre!! thi! one thing% ho. men ret'rn into "avor .ith >od% "rom .hom the) #e e!tranged #)
!in% #eca'!e .e ma) ea!il) pa!! thence 'nto the re!id'e.
/ME
"'. Ta#e heed that that 'o%e not u+on you( -eca'!e he had to do .ith !ti""nec$ed men% or at
lea!t there .ere diver!e in the compan) .hich .ere !ti""nec$ed Fa! i" he meant .ith a hammer
to !o"ten their !t'##ornne!!e!G he addeth a chiding 'nto doctrine. 9or i" the Be.! had #een
o#edient and .illing to o#e)% 'ndo'#tedl) he .o'ld have !o'ght !.eetl) to all're them 'nto
Chri!t. -'t it .a! either their !l'ggi!hne!!% or el!e their .ill"'lne!!% that ca'!ed him to #e more
angr)< li$e a! all tho!e m'!t #e cited to appear #e"ore >od=! ?'dgment!eat .ho contemn the
grace o" Chri!t and the horri#le ?'dgment o" eternal death m'!t #e deno'nced to tho!e. He
!igni"ieth% indeed% that there i! )et place le"t "or repentance% .hen he .illeth
9E30
them to ta$e
heed< )et% not.ith!tanding% he telleth them there.ithal% that 'nle!! the) #e.are in time% the
horri#le vengeance o" >od i! not "ar o"".
2hi'h is said in the +ro+hets( The place .hich i! cited i! ta$en o't o" the "ir!t chapter o"
Ha#a$$'$% F
N3D010DO
Ha#a$$'$ 14D<G #'t #eca'!e all prophecie! .ere gathered into one vol'me or
#od)% Pa'l !aith that it i! .ritten in the prophet!.
"1. *nd )et he doth not recite .ord "or .ord the .ord! o" Ha#a$$'$% .hich go th'!% P-ehold% )e
>entile!% and !ee and .onder% and #e a!toni!hed< #eca'!e a .or$ !hall #e done in )o'r da)!
.hich no man !hall #elieve .hen it !hall #e told him.Q Pa'l !aith% P-ehold% )e de!pi!er!%Q that
the Be.! ma) $no. that the vengeance .hich .a! once #ro'ght 'pon their "ather! i! common to
the de!pi!er! o" the .ord< a! i" he !ho'ld !a)% >od doth at thi! da) ma$e no le!! acco'nt o" hi!
.ord% the contempt .hereo" he did once p'ni!h !o !harpl). There"ore% the prophet=! den'nciation
doth appertain 'nto all age!% !o that the de!pi!er! cannot hope that the) can e!cape that
vengeance no. .hereo" other! have ta!ted. The) #oa!ted o" the temple< the) va'nted that the)
.ere the people o" >od< #eing p'""ed 'p .ith .ic$ed pride% the) de!pi!ed all threatening!.
There"ore Pa'l p'tteth them in mind o" that .hich >od #) hi! prophet! doth threaten to the
de!pi!er!.
A $or# in your days( The !en!e i!% Tho!e .ho re"'!e to #elieve the .ord o" >od !hall "eel hi!
hand% that #eing at length .ith plag'e! convicted% the) ma) $no. that he !pa$e in earne!t. +t i! a
common prover#% that e3perience i! the mi!tre!! o" "ool!. So the Lord doth indeed p'ni!h the
.ic$ed%
9E3D
that #eing tamed .ith mi!erie!% the) ma) #egin to con"e!! hi! po.er. *nd .hat
manner [o"] p'ni!hment doth he deno'nceI -eca'!e )o' F!aith heG do not #elieve m) .ord% +
.ill !ho. an e3ample among )o' .hich no man .ill #elieve< #) .hich .ord! he meaneth% that
he .ill p'ni!h them% !o that the .orld !hall #e a"raid to !ee it. 9or a! re#ellion again!t >od i! a
dete!ta#le mon!ter% !o it i! no marvel i" o" it!el" it #eget mon!ter! o" p'ni!hment!. There"ore% .e
m'!t #e.are% le!t% i" .e cea!e to give credence to >od=! .ord% .e "eel hi! hand more might)
than all o'r !en!e! do comprehend% and even 'nto the a!ton)ing [a!toni!hment] o" all the .hole
.orld< and le!t even .e #e made a!to'nded thro'gh "ear. Ha#a$$'$ prophe!ieth o" the
de!tr'ction #ro'ght 'pon them #) the Chaldean!< #'t the p'ni!hment .here#) >od revenged the
contempt o" hi! go!pel .a! more cr'el% [!evere.] There"ore% let '! acc'!tom o'r!elve! to "ear
>od and reverentl) em#race hi! .ord% le!t !ome !'ch thing! #e"all '!.
ACTS 1:"2-"!
"2. *nd .hen the Be.! .ere gone o't o" the !)nagog'e% the >entile! e3horted
them that the) .o'ld !pea$ to them .ord! #et.een the Sa##ath!.
9E36
". *nd
.hen the !)nagog'e .a! di!!olved% man) o" the Be.! and religio'! pro!el)te!
"ollo.ed Pa'l and -arna#a!% .ho% tal$ing .ith them% per!'aded them to
contin'e in the grace o" >od. "". *nd .hen the Sa##ath .a! come% almo!t the
/M1
.hole cit) .a! gathered to hear the .ord o" >od. "!. *nd .hen the Be.! !a.
the m'ltit'de!% the) .ere "illed .ith indignation% and !pa$e again!t tho!e
thing! .hich .ere !po$en #) Pa'l% contrar)ing [contradicting] them% and
#la!pheming them.
"2. 2hen they $ere gone out of the synagogue( +t ma) #e al!o read% o't o" the !)nagog'e o" the
Be.!% and peradvent're more "itl). 9or it i! li$el) that the) .ere gone o't #e"ore the m'ltit'de
.a! di!per!ed< and that i! gathered o't o" the te3t #eca'!e L'$e !aith !hortl) a"ter% that .hen the
!)nagog'e .a! di!!olved certain o" the Be.! did "ollo. Pa'l and -arna#a!. There"ore% the !en!e
i!% that Pa'l and -arna#a! .ent o't .hil!t the Be.! .ere )et a!!em#led% and that the) .ere then
re@'e!ted #) the >entile! to ta$e !ome pain! .ith them in the mean !ea!on.
". *nd that a"ter.ard there came certain o" the Be.! and pro!el)te! to Pa'l% #eing #oth de!iro'!
to learn% and al!o that the) might ma$e pro"e!!ion o" their "aith. Jhen a! the old interpreter and
,ra!m'! did tran!late it the 3abbath follo$ing, the) did not 'nder!tand L'$e=! meaning. 9or
!eeing that he intreateth in thi! place o" the >entile!% + do not thin$ that the) choo!e a Sa##ath
.herein the) ma) hear Pa'l and -arna#a!. 9or that da) .a! appointed "or the Be.!% #'t the
>entile! had no le!! opport'nit) 'pon other da)!. There"ore% to .hat end !ho'ld the) de"er their
de!ire and pra)er! 'ntil the eighth da)I ;ea% rather the) covet to hear Pa'l .hil!t he i! at lei!'re%
and i! not occ'pied in teaching the Be.!. So that the Lord doth not !'""er them to #e idle 'ntil the
Sa##ath come% o""ering 'nto them matter in the >entile!% .herein the) ma) e3erci!e them!elve!.
"2. They $ould s+ea# $ords( + have tran!lated it a! it i! in L'$e% tho'gh the article ta ma) #e
ta$en "or ta auta% a! in !ome other place!. Then the !en!e !ho'ld #e% that the) .ere re@'e!ted that
the) .o'ld that .ee$ intreat o" the !ame thing! #e"ore the >entile!. 9'rthermore% .hil!t that the
>entile! do !natch greedil) at ever) "ir!t opport'nit)% the Be.! #eing @'iet%
9E3M
do neglect that
.hich i! !et #e"ore them< onl) that certain o" them ?oin them!elve! to Pa'l and -arna#a!. L'$e
e3pre!!eth the pro!el)te! #) name% .ho !eeing the) had em#raced the doctrine o" the la.% and
did .or!hip the >od o" +!rael% .ere not p'""ed 'p .ith that pride .hich hindered the Be.!% .ho
made #oa!t o" their long !toc$ and race.
". 2ho s+ea#ing( The !en!e i! do'#t"'l. 9or it ma) #e re"erred 'nto the Be.! and pro!el)te!%
that the) e3horted Pa'l and -arna#a! that the) !ho'ld not "aint% #'t !tand !to'tl) in the grace o"
>od. :either did the) .ant occa!ion< "or the) !a. com#at! prepared "or them< and that there"ore
the) had need o" invinci#le con!tanc) to !'""er and a#ide the #r'nt! o" the contrar) "action.
Jhere"ore that might ver) .ell agree% that #eing in"lamed .ith a de!ire to go "or.ard% the)
!o'ght to enco'rage Pa'l and -arna#a! to hold on. +" )o' re"er it 'nto Pa'l and -arna#a!% the
!en!e !hall #e thi!% that the) did not re?ect tho!e .hich came% #'t the) entertained them
co'rteo'!l) and gentl)% and con"irmed and !trengthened them% that the) might per!i!t in the grace
.hich the) had received. *nd thi! .ord gra'e doth "ir!t comprehend the "aith o" the go!pel<
!econdl)% tho!e good thing! .hich come thence to '!< or% that + ma) !pea$ more #rie"l)% the
calling into the hope o" eternal !alvation.
"". And $hen the 3abbath 'a%e( The great a!!em#l) o" the people doth prove that Pa'l and
-arna#a! loitered not #et.een the Sa##ath!% and the) did not ta$e pain! .ith the >entile! in
vain< "or the !t'die! and de!ire! o" the people had #een !o prepared% that the) all de!ired to $no.
the .hole matter more !'rel)% .hich the) did hope .o'ld #e% i" it !ho'ld #e di!c'!!ed among the
Be.!. 9or .e ma) g'e!! that tho'gh the) .ere all'red .ith !ome !.eet ta!te% )et .ere the) not
/E0
a! )et thoro'ghl) per!'aded to receive the doctrine o" the go!pel .itho't do'#ting%
9E3E
#'t that
the) came into the !)nagog'e in a @'andar)%
9E31
#et.een hope and de!ire.
"!. They $ere filled( +t i! no ne. matter "or the rage o" the .ic$ed to #e in"lamed .hen the light
o" the go!pel i! !et !ome.hat nearer< e!peciall) .hen the) !ee the increa!e o" !o'nd doctrine%
the) #rea$ o't .ith greater violence to re!i!t. *nd it i! to #e do'#ted .hether L'$e do mean% #)
the .ord 7eal, that the) .ere moved .ith a certain .ic$ed indignation% to !et them!elve! again!t
Pa'l and -arna#a!% a! am#ition i! the mother a! .ell o" env) a! o" all contention< or he ta$e 7eal
"or indignation conceived there'pon% #eca'!e the) did lament that the >entile! .ere made e@'al
.ith the people o" >od. 9or the) co'nted thi! a ver) 'nmeet thing% that the hol) trea!'re o"
doctrine% .hich .a! the proper inheritance o" the children% !ho'ld he% a! it .ere% at all men=! "eet.
Gainsaying and blas+he%ing( The) .ere !o !ore !et 'pon re!i!ting% that the) #ra$e o't at length
into #la!phem). *nd Satan doth "or the mo!t part drive the .ic$ed 'nto !'ch madne!!% that .hen
the) #e overcome .ith rea!on! and di!co'raged% the) .a3 harder and harder< and .ittingl) and
.illingl) the) !pe. o't at length #la!phemie! again!t >od and the tr'th. Jhere"ore .e m'!t ta$e
!o m'ch the more heed .hen a! the tr'th o" >od i! plainl) !et #e"ore '!% le!t% i" .e #e carried
a.a) .ith a de!ire to !pea$ again!t it% .e "all !traight.a) into that !teep do.n.
9E00
ACTS 1:"#-!2
"#. *nd .hen Pa'l and -arna#a! had ta$en li#ert)% [or #oldne!!%] the) !aid% +t .a!
nece!!ar) that .e !ho'ld. "ir!t preach the .ord o" >od to )o'. *nd a"ter that )e
re?ect it% and do not ?'dge )o'r!elve! .orth) o" eternal li"e% #ehold% .e t'rn 'nto
the >entile!. "%. 9or th'! hath the Lord commanded '!4 + have made thee a light o"
the >entile!% that tho' ma)e!t #e the !alvation 'nto the end o" the earth. "$. *nd
.hen the >entile! heard% the) re?oiced% and glori"ied the .ord o" the Lord< and the)
#elieved% a! man) a! .ere ordained 'nto eternal li"e. "&. *nd the .ord o" the Lord
.a! !pread a#road thro'gho't the .hole region. !'. *nd the Be.! !tirred certain
religio'! and hone!t .omen% and the chie" men o" the cit)% and the) rai!ed
per!ec'tion again!t Pa'l and -arna#a!% and e3pelled them o't o" their coa!t!. !1.
*nd the) !ha$ed 'p the d'!t o" their "eet again!t them% and came to +coni'm. !2.
*nd the di!ciple! .ere "illed .ith ?o) and .ith the Hol) >ho!t.
"#. 2hen they had ta#en liberty( L'$e !ho.eth that the !ervant! o" Chri!t .ere !o "ar "rom #eing
di!co'raged .ith the !t'##ornne!! o" the enemie!% that the) #egan% there"ore% to inveigh again!t
them a"re!h more "reel). 9or tho'gh the) had !harpl) pric$ed them% )et the) did )et !pare them a
little< #'t no.% .hen the) !ee Chri!t o#!tinatel) re?ected #) them% the)
9E01
e3comm'nicate them
and deprive them o" the $ingdom o" >od. *nd #) thi! e3ample are .e ta'ght that .e m'!t not
'!e e3treme !everit)% !ave onl) again!t tho!e .ho are @'ite pa!t hope. *nd the more #old the
repro#ate are to oppre!! the tr'th% the more co'rage o'ght .e to ta$e to o'r!elve!. 9or the
!ervant! o" >od m'!t #e armed .ith invinci#le con!tanc) o" the Spirit% that the) ma) never give
place to the devil% nor to hi! mini!ter!< a! the Lord commandeth Beremiah to enco'nter .ith the
repro#ate .ith a "ace o" iron.
!t $as ne'essary( He acc'!eth them o" 'nthan$"'lne!!% #eca'!e% .herea! the) .ere cho!en #)
>od o't o" all people% that Chri!t might o""er him!el" 'nto them% the) re"'!e !o great a #ene"it
malicio'!l). *nd in the "ormer mem#er he !etteth do.n the degree o" honor and e3cellenc)
.here'nto >od had e3alted them< a"ter.ard "ollo.eth the 'p#raiding% #eca'!e the) do .illingl)
/E1
ca!t "rom them !o great grace< .here'pon he concl'deth that it i! no. time that the go!pel #e
tran!lated 'nto the >entile!. +n that he !aith% that it $as %eet that it should first be +rea'hed to
the%, it doth properl) appertain 'nto the time o" Chri!t=! $ingdom. 9or 'nder the la.% #e"ore
Chri!t .a! given% the Be.! .ere not onl) the "ir!t% #'t alone. There"ore .a! it that Mo!e! called
them a prie!tl) $ingdom% and the pec'liar people o" >od% F
N0/110DO
,3od'! 114D% 6.G -'t the
adoption o" >od re!ted then .ith them alone 'pon thi! condition% Fthe >entile! #eing omitted%G
that the) !ho'ld #e pre"erred a! )et #e"ore the >entile! #) the coming o" Chri!t. 9or tho'gh
Chri!t reconciled the .orld to hi! 9ather% )et the) .ere "ormer in order% .ho .ere alread) near
'nto >od% and o" hi! "amil). There"ore% that .a! the mo!t la."'l order% that the apo!tle! !ho'ld
gather the Ch'rch "ir!t o" the Be.!% a"ter.ard o" the >entile!% a! .e !a. in the "ir!t chapter%
F
N00011EO
*ct! 141E%G and in other place!% !o that the "ello.!hip o" the >entile! did not ta$e "rom the
Be.! the right o" the "ir!t#egotten% #'t that the) .ere al.a)! the chie" in the Ch'rch o" >od. +n
thi! re!pect Pa'l !aith% that the righteo'!ne!! o" >od i! made mani"e!t in the go!pel% "ir!t to the
Be.!% then to the >recian!% F
N0D0116O
8oman! 1416.G S'ch greatne!! o" grace .hich >od vo'ch!a"ed
to #e!to. 'pon them% doth e3aggerate and increa!e the greatne!! o" their !in% .hil!t that the)
re?ect that .hich i! !o merci"'ll) o""ered 'nto them. There"ore he addeth that the) give ?'dgment
o" them!elve!% that they are un$orthy of eternal life( 9or !eeing that the re?ecting o" the go!pel i!
the denial o" the righteo'!ne!! o" >od% .e need no other ?'dge to condemn the 'n#eliever!.
And after that ye reje't( Pa'l !eemeth to rea!on 'n"itl). 9or% "ir!t it .a! not o" nece!!it) that the
Be.! !ho'ld #e e3cl'ded% that the >entile! might #e admitted 'nto the hope o" !alvation<
!econdl)% thi! .a! more convenient% that% a"ter the Be.! had em#raced the go!pel% the) !ho'ld
grant the !econd place to the >entile!. *nd Pa'l !pea$eth in li$e !ort a! i" the) co'ld not gro.
together into one #od)% and a! i" the go!pel co'ld not come 'nto the >entile! 'nle!! it .ere
re?ected o" the Be.!. *nd no. .a! he not ordained to #e the apo!tle o" the >entile! #e"ore he
"o'nd !'ch !t'##ornne!! in the Be.!I
9E0/
+ an!.er% that there i! great "orce in the .ord! $e are
turned( 9or hi! meaning i!% that he i! no. t'rned a.a) "rom the Be.!% that he ma) addict and
give over him!el" .holl) to the >entile!. +" the) had remained in their degree !'ch t'rning had
not "ollo.ed% #'t he !ho'ld have dra.n the >entile! al!o .ith a contin'al co'r!e% a"ter that the
Be.! .ere received into the #o!om< and he !ho'ld have em#raced them #oth together% $no.%
"ora!m'ch a! the Be.! t'rn their #ac$!% and .ithdra. them!elve! "rom hi! mini!tr)% he cannot
loo$ 'pon them and the >entile! #oth at once. There"ore% ta$ing hi! leave o" them% he i! en"orced
to tran!late hi! care 'nto the >entile!. There"ore% 'nle!! the Be.! had e!tranged them!elve! "rom
the Ch'rch% the calling o" the >entile! !ho'ld have #een !'ch a! i! #) the prophet! de!cri#ed4 P+n
that da) !hall !even !tranger! ta$e hold o" the cloa$ o" a man that i! a Be.% and !hall !a)% .e .ill
.al$ .ith )o'< #eca'!e >od i! .ith )o'.Q -'t no. the >entile! are called a"ter a ne. and
accidental manner< #eca'!e% .hen the Be.! .ere re?ected% the) entered into the empt)
po!!e!!ion. The) o'ght to have #een gathered 'nto the Be.!< #'t a"ter that the) "ell a.a)% and
.ere driven o't% the) came in their place. So that their death .a! the li"e o" the >entile!% and the
nat'ral #ranche! #eing c't o""% the .ild olive! .ere ingra"ted into the hol) root% 'ntil >od do at
length re!tore them al!o 'nto li"e% #eing ingra"ted into their "ormer root% that the +!rael o" >od
#eing gathered together "rom all @'arter! ma) #e !aved.
"%. As he hath 'o%%anded( The place i! ta$en o't o" +!aiah% .here% not.ith!tanding% >od doth
rather !pea$ 'nto hi! Son than 'nto the apo!tle!. -'t .e m'!t note% that man) thing! .hich the
Script're attri#'teth to Chri!t do appertain 'nto hi! mini!ter!. + !a) man) thing!< not all thing!4
"or there #e certain title! proper to the per!on o" Chri!t% .here.ith to adorn the mini!ter! .ere
/E/
.ic$ed !acrilege. Chri!t i! called o'r 8ighteo'!ne!!% #eca'!e he .a! the onl) p'rging !acri"ice%
9E03
and hath reconciled the 9ather to '! #) hi! death% and did ri!e again a"ter.ard% that% having
overcome death% he might p'rcha!e "or '! eternal li"e. There"ore the .hole !'#!tance o" o'r
!alvation i! in Chri!t=! per!on< #'t ina!m'ch a! he .or$eth #) hi! mini!ter!% #) re!igning to them
hi! o""ice% he doth al!o impart .ith [to] them hi! title!. 7" thi! !ort i! the preaching o" the go!pel.
He alone .a! appointed #) the 9ather to #e o'r teacher< #'t he hath p't in hi! place pa!tor! and
doctor!% .ho !pea$% a! it .ere% o't o" hi! mo'th. So that the a'thorit) remaineth .holl) to him%
and he i! neverthele!! heard in hi! mini!ter!. There"ore Pa'l doth "itl) appl) 'nto him!el" the
te!timon) o" +!aiah% .here he intreateth o" the preaching o" the go!pel.
! ha&e %ade thee a light( +t !ho'ld !eem that he !pea$eth in that place o" !'ch a calling o" the
>entile! a! doth not carr) .ith it the ca!ting o"" o" the old people. 9or >od doth rather a!!ociate
!tranger! 'nto the Be.!% .ho .ere #e"ore o" the ho'!ehold. +t i! #'t a !mall matter% !aith he% that
tho' #e m) mini!ter in teaching +!rael% #eca'!e + have made thee a light to the >entile!. >od doth
!eem to #egin hi! Ch'rch among the children o" *#raham% and% that done% to reach o't hi! hand
to the >entile!% that the) ma) #oth ma$e one Ch'rch #) one con!ent o" "aith. -'t Pa'l doth in
!'ch !ort cite the prophec)% a! i" it co'ld not #e "'l"illed 'nle!! the Be.! had #een ca!t o"". 9or he
!igni"ieth that the light o" Chri!t .a! lighted to the >entile!% a"ter that the) .ere ca!t into the
dar$ne!! o" death. + an!.er% that thi! cannot #e nece!!aril) proved o't o" the te3t% that Pa'l doth
a""irm that the >entile! co'ld not have #een ill'minated #e"ore the light o" the Be.! had #een p't
o't. 9or thi! ma) #e the !en!e% 9ora!m'ch a! )o' have deprived )o'r!elve! o" eternal li"e% there
i! no ca'!e .h) )e !ho'ld thin$ that the grace o" >od i! pro"aned% i"% leaving )o'% .e ta$e care
and charge o" the >entile!< "or the Me!!iah i! not given to )o' alone% #'t he i! appointed to #e
the Savior o" the .hole .orld< a! it i! .ritten% P+ have made thee%Q etc.< altho'gh% i" )o' .eigh
the place o" the prophet more thoro'ghl)% )o' !hall "ind the ca!ting o"" o" the old people incl'ded
therein. 9or >od prono'nceth that he .ill #e glorio'! and reno.ned in the mini!tr) o" Chri!t%
tho'gh +!rael #e not gathered together. He addeth a"ter.ard% #) .a) o" e3po!ition% that the po.er
o" Chri!t !hall not #e re!trained 'nto one people onl)% #eca'!e hi! light !hall !hed a#road hi!
#eam! 'nto the "arthe!t part! o" the .orld 'nto !alvation. +t !eemeth that Pa'l noteth thi!
occa!ion o" calling the >entile!% namel)% #eca'!e% !eeing he "o'nd no matter to e3erci!e him!el"
in among the Be.!% he gave him!el" .holl) to the >entile!. Je m'!t note thi! #) the .a)% in the
.ord! o" the prophet% that !alvation i! p't a"ter light% according to that !a)ing o" Chri!t%
PThi! i! eternal li"e% to $no. thee% the tr'e >od%Q etc.
F
N031M03O
Bohn 1M43.G
9or i" the $no.ledge o" >od alone #ring to '! !alvation% it i! li$e.i!e the onl) re!'rrection "rom
de!tr'ction o" eternal death% "or '! to #e ill'minated into the "aith o" Chri!t% a"ter that .e #e
delivered "rom the dar$ne!! o" ignorance.
"$. And $hen the Gentiles heard( The matter o" the >entile!= ?o) .a! thi!% [vi5.] .hen the) heard
that the) .ere not called to !alvation at a !'dden% a! i" thi! had not #een decreed #e"ore #) >od%
#'t that that i! no. at length "'l"illed .hich .a! "oretold man) )ear! #e"ore. 9or do'#tle!! it .a!
!mall con"irmation o" their "aith% #eca'!e !alvation .a! promi!ed to them #) the coming o"
Chri!t% .here#) it did al!o come to pa!! that the) did .ith more earne!t de!ire and reverence
em#race the go!pel. To glorify the .ord o" >od ma) #e e3po'nded t.o manner o" .a)!% either
that the) did con"e!! that it .a! tr'e .hich .a! prophe!ied #) +!aiah% or that the) em#raced the
doctrine .hich .a! !et #e"ore them .ith "aith. *!!'redl) there i! a "'ll !'#!cription noted o't%
/E3
#eca'!e the) di!p'te or do'#t no longer% !o !oon a! the) !a. that Pa'l had gotten the victor).
*nd !'rel) .e do then honor the .ord o" >od a! .e o'ght% .hen .e !'#mit o'r!elve!
o#edientl) to it #) "aith< a! it cannot #e more grievo'!l) #la!phemed than .hen men re"'!e to
#elieve it. *nd here .e !ee ho. the >entile! .ere not hindered% #) that !t'##ornne!! .hich the)
!a. in the Be.!% "rom giving their name to Chri!t. Jith li$e co'rage
9E00
m'!t .e de!pi!e and
tread 'nder "oot the pride o" the .ic$ed% .hen% #) their o#!tinac)% the) !t'd) to !top the .a)
#e"ore '!.
And they belie&ed( Thi! i! an e3po!ition o" the mem#er ne3t going #e"ore% at lea!t in m)
?'dgment.4 9or L'$e !ho.eth .hat manner [o"] glor) the) gave to the .ord o" >od. *nd here .e
m'!t note the re!traint% [re!ervation%] .hen he !aith that the) #elieved% F#'tG not all in general%
#'t tho!e .ho .ere ordained 'nto li"e. *nd .e need not do'#t #'t that L'$e calleth tho!e
tetagmenouv% .ho .ere cho!en #) the "ree adoption o" >od. 9or it i! a ridic'lo'! cavil to re"er
thi! 'nto the a""ection o" tho!e .hich #elieved% a! i" tho!e received the go!pel .ho!e mind! .ere
.elldi!po!ed. 9or thi! ordaining m'!t #e 'nder!tood o" the eternal co'n!el o" >od alone.
:either doth L'$e !a) that the) .ere ordained 'nto "aith% #'t 'nto li"e< #eca'!e the Lord doth
prede!tinate hi! 'nto the inheritance o" eternal li"e. *nd thi! place teacheth that "aith dependeth
'pon >od=! election. *nd a!!'redl)% !eeing that the .hole race o" man$ind i! #lind and !t'##orn%
tho!e di!ea!e! !tic$ "a!t in o'r nat're 'ntil the) #e redre!!ed #) the grace o" the Spirit% and that
redre!!ing "lo.eth "rom the "o'ntain o" election alone. 9or in that o" t.o .hich hear the !ame
doctrine together%
9E0D
the one !ho.eth him!el" apt to #e ta'ght% the other contin'eth in hi!
o#!tinac). +t i! not% there"ore% #eca'!e the) di""er #) nat're% #'t #eca'!e >od doth lighten
[ill'mine] the "ormer% and doth not vo'ch!a"e the other the li$e grace. Je are% indeed% made the
children o" >od #) "aith< a! "aith% a! to'ching '!% i! the gate and the "ir!t #eginning o" !alvation<
#'t there i! a higher re!pect o" >od. 9or he doth not #egin to choo!e '! a"ter that .e #elieve< #'t
he !ealeth hi! adoption% .hich .a! hidden in o'r heart!% #) the gi"t o" "aith% that it ma) #e
mani"e!t and !'re. 9or i" thi! #e proper to the children o" >od alone to #e hi! di!ciple!% it
"ollo.eth that it doth not appertain 'nto all the children o" *dam in general. :o marvel%
there"ore% i" all do not receive the go!pel<
9E06
#eca'!e% tho'gh o'r heavenl) 9ather inviteth all
men 'nto the "aith #) the e3ternal voice o" man% )et doth he not call e""ect'all) #) hi! Spirit an)
!ave tho!e .hom he hath determined to !ave. :o.% i" >od=! election% .here#) he ordaineth '!
'nto li"e% #e the ca'!e o" "aith and !alvation% there remaineth nothing "or .orthine!! or merit!.
There"ore% let '! hold and mar$ that .hich L'$e !aith% that tho!e .ere ordained #e"ore 'nto li"e%
.ho% #eing ingra"ted into the #od) o" Chri!t #) "aith% do receive the earne!t and pledge o" their
adoption in Chri!t. Jhence .e do al!o gather .hat "orce the preaching o" the go!pel hath o"
it!el". 9or it doth not "ind "aith in men% !ave onl) #eca'!e >od doth call tho!e in.ardl) .hom he
hath cho!en% and #eca'!e he dra.eth tho!e .ho .ere hi! o.n #e"ore 'nto Chri!t% F
N03063MO
Bohn
643M.G *l!o L'$e teacheth in the !ame .ord!% that it cannot #e that an) o" the elect !ho'ld peri!h.
9or he !aith not that one or a "e. o" the elect did #elieve% #'t !o man) a! .ere elect. 9or tho'gh
>od=! election
9E0M
#e 'n$no.n to '! 'ntil .e perceive it #) "aith% )et i! it not do'#t"'l or in
!'!pen!e in hi! !ecret co'n!el< #eca'!e he commendeth all tho!e .hom he co'nteth hi! to the
!a"eg'ard and t'ition o" hi! Son% .ho .ill contin'e a "aith"'l $eeper even 'nto the end. -oth
mem#er! are nece!!ar) to #e $no.n. Jhen election i! placed a#ove "aith% there i! no ca'!e .h)
men !ho'ld challenge to them!elve! an) thing in an) part o" their !alvation. 9or i" "aith% .herein
con!i!teth !alvation% .hich i! 'nto '! a .itne!! o" the "ree adoption o" >od% .hich co'pleth '! to
Chri!t% and ma$eth hi! li"e o'r!% .here#) .e po!!e!! >od .ith hi! righteo'!ne!!% and% "inall)%
/E0
.here#) .e receive the grace o" !ancti"ication% #e gro'nded .itho't '! in the eternal co'n!el o"
>od< .hat good thing! !o ever .e have% .e m'!t need! ac$no.ledge that .e have received it o"
the grace o" >od% .hich doth prevent '! o" it! o.n accord. *gain% #eca'!e man) entangle
them!elve! in do'#t"'l and thorn) imagination!% .hil!t that the) !ee$ "or their !alvation in the
hidden co'n!el o" >od% let '! learn that the election o" >od i! there"ore approved #) "aith% that
o'r mind! ma) #e t'rned 'nto Chri!t a! 'nto the pledge o" election% and that the) ma) !ee$ no
other certaint) !ave that .hich i! revealed to '! in the go!pel< + !a)% let thi! !eal !'""ice '!% that
P.ho!oever #elieveth in the onl)#egotten
Son o" >od hath eternal li"e%Q F
N030336O
Bohn 3436.G
"&. The $ord of the Lord $as s+read abroad( L'$e doth in thi! place declare the proceeding
9E0E

o" the go!pel< .herein appeareth ho. tr'e the para#le o" Chri!t i!% .hen he !aith that it i! li$e to
leaven% F
N0/13/1O
L'$e 134/1.G Je heard #e"ore that there .a! great conco'r!e o" people% !o that the
!eed o" tr'e doctrine .a! !o.n thro'gho't the .hole cit). L'$e !aith no. that it .a! !pread
"arther% to .it% thro'gho't the .hole co'ntr).
!'. :everthele!!% he declareth that that .a! done not .itho't great pain! and tro'#le. There"ore%
the #eginning o" the calling o" the >entile! .a! ?o)"'l and pro!pero'!% neither co'ld Satan hinder
the co'r!e o" the grace o" >od< #'t in the mean !ea!on% it !tood Pa'l and -arna#a! 'pon F.hom
>od had #ro'ght "orth into the "ield
9E01
G to !trive. *nd .e m'!t mar$ .hat L'$e !aith% that the
religio'! and hone!t .omen% together .ith the chie" men o" the cit)% .ere en"orced to per!ec'te
the !ervant! o" Chri!t. 9or thi! .a! no !mall o""en!e to the r'de% and tho!e .ho .ere a! )et
!carce #egotten in Chri!t% .hen the) !a. all tho!e men and .omen .hich .ere o" an) acco'nt or
e!timation !et again!t Chri!t% and al!o .hat!oever .a! prai!e.orth) according to men. * great
m'ltit'de o" men received Chri!t% #'t it .a! #'t the m'ltit'de and the o""!co'ring! o" men.
*gain!t them .ere !et the chie" men o" the cit)% .ho .ith their pomp did ea!il) oppre!! the #a!e
and o#!c're m'ltit'de. That might al!o ca'!e doctrine to #e !'!pected% )ea% to #e hated% in that
godl) and hone!t matron! to loo$ to .ere enemie! to it. +" .ic$ed% 'ngodl)% and mi!chievo'!
men !ho'ld have i!!'ed o't o" their tavern! and den!< i" companie! o" .hore! !ho'ld #rea$ o't
o" their #rothelho'!e% it !ho'ld #e no reproach to the go!pel< )ea% rather the dignit) thereo"
!ho'ld there#) appear more plainl)< #'t no.% .hat ma) the .ea$ thin$ .ith them!elve!% #'t that
the doctrine .hich hath !'ch adver!arie! i! not o" >odI There"ore it .a! e3pedient that not onl)
the "aith"'l% .ho .ere a! )et .ea$% !ho'ld #e con"irmed #) the Lord% le!t their "aith !ho'ld "all%
#'t al!o that the hand !ho'ld #e reached o't to Pa'l and -arna#a!% le!t% #eing di!co'raged% the)
!ho'ld leave o"".
*nd #) thi! e3ample the Lord meant to teach '! that .e m'!t valiantl) re!i!t !'ch let!<
9ED0
and
that .e m'!t #e.are le!t the vain vi!or! o" virt'e
9ED1
do #lind o'r e)e!% !o that .e cannot !ee the
glor) o" Chri!t .hich !hineth in the go!pel. 9or it i! certain that all that virt'e and hone!t) .hich
i! in men i! mere h)pocri!) .here the) !et them!elve! again!t. Chri!t< tho'gh it ma) #e that
tho!e .ho are ra!hl) carried again!t Chri!t "or a time ma) a"ter.ard! repent. :ot.ith!tanding%
.e m'!t th'! thin$ .ith o'r!elve!% that .hat!oever "air !ho. o" holine!! tho!e #ear .ho re!i!t
the go!pel% the) are neither end'ed .ith the per"ect "ear o" >od% neither are the) an) thing el!e
#'t a vain !hado.% ho. greatl) !oever the) #oa!t o" their virt'e. :either i! it .itho't ca'!e that
Chri!t hath thi! title given him% that he revealeth the cogitation! o" man) heart!% F
N0/0/3DO
L'$e
/43D.G
/ED
-eligious( *nd .hat manner [o"] religion co'ld that #e .here there .a! no reverence o" the
Jord o" >odI Je m'!t note that there #e "o'r $ind! o" men4 a! there #e "e. .hich .or!hip >od
!incerel) and "rom the heart% !o there #e "e. .ho openl) pro"e!! the mani"e!t and gro!!
contempt o" him. The!e #e t.o !ort!. *nd the more part i! neither @'ite .itho't religion% neither
i! it altogether void o" the common .or!hip o" >od< #'t )et% not.ith!tanding% .hil!t the) do
coldl)% and% a! it .ere% over"ield!
9ED/
pla) .ith >od% i" the) #e thoro'ghl) e3amined the) #e #'t
pro"ane< li$e a!% at thi! da)% the 'ngodline!! o" man) i! a"ter a !ort !hro'ded 'nder ceremonie!%
and the reigned pro"e!!ion o" the .or!hip o" >od. So that in all age! there have #een certain
.or!hipper! o" >od .ho have .or!hipped him li$e !tagepla)er!%
9ED3
.ho!e holine!! did .holl)
con!i!t in ge!t're! and vain pomp!. +n Pa'l=! time% even a! at thi! da)% a pec'liar !t'd) o"
godline!! .a! to #e "o'nd in a "e.% .ho!e religion% tho'gh it .ere imp're% and their heart
reigned% deceit"'l% and do'#le% )et are the) co'nted a"ter a !ort religio'!% in re!pect o" their 5eal.
-'t here#) appeareth .hat acco'nt .e ma) ma$e o" #are religion% .hich driveth headlong%
thro'gh 'nadvi!ed heat% the pro"e!!or! thereo"% to re!i!t the $ingdom o" >od% and to oppre!! hi!
glor). 9'rthermore% it i! to #e tho'ght that tho'gh the!e matron! had not altogether given their
name to B'dai!m% neither had the) #een no'!led
9ED0
in the doctrine o" the la.% )et .ere the) hal"
Be.e!!e!% and that .a! the ca'!e that the) did !o .illingl) ta$e 'pon them the de"en!e o" the
nation. 9or th'! are .omen led a#o't captive% #eing laden .ith !in!% a! Pa'l .itne!!eth.
!1. 2hen they had sha#en of the dust of their feet( Je ma) al!o gather% even #) the
commandment o" Chri!t% F
N001010O
Matthe. 10410<
N0/010DO
L'$e 14D< 10411%G that thi! .a! a to$en o"
c'r!ing among the Be.!. 9or it i! not to #e tho'ght that Chri!t meant to have hi! [di!ciple!] '!e
an 'n$no.n !ign% "ora!m'ch a! it .a! hi! p'rpo!e to terri") the gro!! and pro"e!!ed condemner!
o" hi! doctrine. 9'rthermore% he meant #) thi! mean! to declare that >od doth !o dete!t the
.ic$ed% that .e m'!t ta$e meat heed that .e have no "ello.!hip .ith them% le!t .e #e in"ected
.ith their 'ncleanne!!. *ll the .ic$ed are !aid% indeed% to poll'te the gro'nd .hereon the) tread<
#'t the Lord did never command that an)% !ave onl) the condemner! o" hi! .ord% !ho'ld #e !o
re?ected .ith !'ch e3ecration. +" an) ad'lterer or .horemonger% i" an) per?'red per!on% i" an)
dr'n$ard%
9EDD
.ere to #e e3comm'nicate% thi! !ign .a! not '!ed. There"ore% it appeareth ho.
intolera#le the contempt o" the .ord o" >od i! in hi! !ight< #eca'!e% .hen a! he commandeth that
the d'!t o" the "eet #e !ha$en o""% it i! a! m'ch a! i" he !ho'ld prono'nce that the) are the #ond
!lave! o" Satan% men pa!t hope% and .orth) to #e #ani!hed
9ED6
"rom o"" the earth. Jhere"ore% let
thi! !o great<% !everit) teach '! to reverence the go!pel. *l!o the mini!ter! o" the .ord are ta'ght
.ith ho. great "erventne!! o" 5eal the) m'!t maintain the ma?e!t) o" the .ord% that the) do not
coldl) di!!em#le and .in$ at the contempt thereo".
!2. The dis'i+les $ere filled $ith joy( Thi! mem#er ma) #e e3po'nded t.o manner o" .a)!< That
the) .ere "illed .ith ?o) and the Spirit% #) hy+allage, th'!% Jith ?o) o" the Spirit% or F.hich i! all
oneG .ith !pirit'al ?o)< #eca'!e there i! no @'ietne!!% peace% or ?o) o" con!cience% #'t it cometh
o" the Spirit o" >od% in .hich re!pect Pa'l !aith that the $ingdom o" >od i! righteo'!ne!!% peace%
and ?o) in the Spirit% F
N0D101MO
8oman! 1041M<G or that the .ord 3+irit ma) contain 'nder it other
virt'e! and gi"t!. ;et thi! plea!eth me #etter% that the) .ere "illed .ith ?o)< #eca'!e the grace o"
the Hol) Spirit reigned in them% .hich alone doth !o ma$e '! glad% tr'l) and per"ectl)% that .e
are carried 'p a#ove the .hole .orld. 9or .e m'!t mar$ L'$e=! dri"t% that the "aith"'l .ere !o "ar
"rom #eing tro'#led and !ha$en .ith tho!e !t'm#ling#loc$!% ho. great !oever the) .ere% .ith
the reproach o" their teacher!% .ith the di!@'ieting o" the cit)% .ith terror! and threatening!% al!o
.ith "ear and danger! hanging over their head!% that the) did .ith the lo"tine!! o" their "aith
/E6
de!pi!e valiantl) the gorgeo'!ne!!% a! .ell o" their reigned holine!! a! o" their po.er. *nd
a!!'redl)% i" o'r "aith !hall #e .ell gro'nded in >od% and !hall #e thoro'ghl) rooted in hi! .ord<
and% "inall)% i"= it !hall #e .ell "orti"ied .ith the aid o" the Spirit a! it% o'ght% it< !hall no'ri!h
peace and ?o) !pirit'al in o'r mind!% tho'gh all the .orld #e in an 'proar.
I()*+ ,- S./0*123
I()*+ ,- N45*3
I()*+ ,- C62426,(3
I()*+ ,- L426( W,7)3 4() P8743*3
L632 ,- S17692.7* R*-*7*(1*3
977T:7T,S
"t1
,3p'ngere%Q to e3p'nge.
"t/
P:e@'e vero mea intere!t%Q indeed% + have no intere!t in it.
"t3
PSereni!!im'm regem%Q mo!t !erene $ing.
"t0
Ti#i per man'm meam%Q to )o' #) m) hand.
"tD
P8atio e?'! et nat'ra%Q the nat're and method% omitted.
"t6
P,meriti%Q di!charged veteran!.
"tM
PR'a!i per c'nic'lo!%Q a! #) #'rro.ing.
"tE
PSi#i a""ine%Q have an a""init) .ith them.
"t1
PPla'dente%Q appla'ding.
"t10
PS'percilio!e%Q !'percilio'!l)% ha'ghtil).
"t11
P,vane!cere%Q to vani!h% di!appear.
"t1/
P9'lmina!!et%Q have th'ndered.
"t13
P,3perto !'nt%Q have e3perienced.
"t10
PS'#!annatore!%Q !co""er!.
"t1D
P9arragine%Q "arrago.
"t16
PMon'ment'm%Q mon'ment% memoir.
"t1M
PPer varia! man'!%Q thro'gh vario'! hand!.
"t1E
P:imiae%Q too great.
"t11
P*# 'nico magi!tro%Q #) the onl) ma!ter% omitted.
"t/0
P,t 'ltim'm #on'm%Q and it i! hi! "inal good% omitted.
"t/1
P>eneraliter de gratia regenerationi!%Q generall) o" the grace o" regeneration.
/EM
"t//
P,3 hoc loco et !imili#'! v'lgo collig'nt%Q commonl) gather o't o" thi! and !imilar pa!!age!.
"t/3
PChri!t'm !poliem'!%Q .e ro# Chri!t.
"t/0
PPer!tringit%Q reprimand.
"t/D
PMi!ere di!!ipat'm%Q mi!era#l) laid .a!te.
"t/6
PS'pra ingenii no!tri capt'm%Q #e)ond the reach o" o'r mind!.
"t/M
PPer!tringit%Q reprimandeth.
"t/E
PMolliter @'ie!cere%Q to ta$e !o"t repo!e.
"t/1
PS'#tiliter philo!ophem'r%Q .e !'#tlel) philo!ophi5e.
"t30
P*t@'i in primi! ren'nciand'm erat m'ndo%Q #'t the) o'ght% in the "ir!t in!tance% to reno'nce
the .orld% omitted.
"t31
P+nde"e!!i! animi!%Q .ith 'n.earied mind!% inde"atiga#l).
"t3/
P(elicia!%Q daintie!.
"t33
PHac in parte omne! "'i!!e hall'cinato!%Q that the) all la#ored 'nder thi! hall'cination.
"t30
PChilia!ta!%Q the Chilia!t!.
"t3D
Tran!po!e th'!4 *! "or '!% le!t .e #e entangled in li$e error!% let '! learn to appl) o'r mind! to
hear the go!pel preached% Fa preached go!pel%G .hich prepareth a place in o'r heart "or the
$ingdom o" Chri!t.
"t36
P7#li@'e re"'tat%Q indirectl) re"'teth.
"t3M
P,3perti !'nt%Q e3perienced.
"t3E
PCt de propin@'o tri'mpho cogitare de!inant%Q that the) ma) cea!e to thin$ o" a near tri'mph.
"t31
PHae!i!!ent attoniti%Q might have !tood a!toni!hed.
"t00
PR'am in edito et 'ndi@'e e3perto ac patente loco et con!tit'ti%Q .hen the) .ere !tanding on
an elevated !pot% open on all !ide!% .ith nothing to interr'pt the vie..
"t01
PMod'lo%Q little mea!'re.
"t0/
P*d eor'm dicta attentiore!%Q might #e more attentive to .hat the) !aid.
"t03
PSec'ndo%Q a !econd time% omitted.
"t00
PHaere#it%Q !hall cling to.
"t0D
PComple3a%Q !)!tem.
"t06
P+n@'ilini!%Q tenant! or lodger!.
"t0M
P+n ang'!t'm loc'm "'i!!e con!tricto!%Q .ere con"ined to a narro. !pace.
"t0E
More properl)% 9or the Lord doth in the la. command% etc.
"t01
PComm'ni !acerdot'm concilio%Q #) the common co'ncil o" the prie!t!% the Sanhedrim.
"tD0
PPrimat'm%Q primac).
"tD1
P+n meli'!%Q "or the #etter.
"tD/
PCt preci#'! no!tri! concedat%Q that he .o'ld grant o'r pra)er!.
"tD3
PCt @'otidiana Spirit'! a'gmenta impetrem'!%Q that .e ma) o#tain dail) increa!e o" the
Spirit.
/EE
"tD0
PS'!pen!o! ten'it%Q $ept them in !'!pen!e.
"tDD
P(i""ert%Q de"er or dela).
"tD6
PCt ita lo@'ar cla'dicaret%Q had #een% !o to !pea$% lame% de"ective.
"tDM
PCniver!ae ,ccle!iae%Q the Cniver!al Ch'rch.
"tDE
P+lli! valere ?'!!i!%Q omitting the!e thing!.
"tD1
P7""endic'la%Q !mall !candal!.
"t60
P*trocitatem !celeri!%Q the atrocit) o" the crime.
"t61
Ct !i#i caveant et met'aniQ to #e ca'tio'! and "ear.
"t6/
Lectori#'! o#!c'ra e!!ent%Q might #e o#!c're to hi! reader!.
"t63
P*rgento potit'! non e!t%Q he did not o#tain the mone).
"t60
PConte3t'!%Q conte3t.
"t6D
P7#li@'e%Q indirectl).
"t66
PTran!"erendo%Q tran!"erring.
"t6M
PR''m opera no!tra 'ti velit (e'!%Q !ince >od i! plea!ed to '!e o'r agenc).
"t6E
P*dmira#le !pec'l'm%Q an admira#le mirror.
"t61
PR'a!i !ep'ltam%Q a! it .ere #'ried.
"tM0
PTali di!!idio%Q .ith !'ch di!!en!ion.
"tM1
PMedi'm "'it temperament'm.Q a middle co'r!e .a! adopted.
"tM/
PS'i! !'""ragii!%Q their !'""rage!.
"tM3
PAalere !inam'!%Q let '! leave them alone% #id them good da).
"tM0
P+n "'m'm a#e'nt%Q go to !mo$e.
"tMD
There i! here a tran!po!ition in the tran!lation. The /6th ver!e precede! the /Dth.
"tM6
P,or'm !'""ragii!%Q #) their !'""rage!.
"tMM
PCt more vide#im'!%Q a! .e !hall #) and #) !ee% omitted.
"tME
P9e!ti! die#'!%Q on "ea!t da)!% or "e!tival!.
"tM1
PHe#rai!mi!%Q He#rai!m!.
"tE0
P,3cellentiam @'ae o#e'ndo m'neri par "'t'ra e!!et.Q #'t that e3cellence .hich might #e
!'""icient to ena#le each to e3ec'te hi! o""ice.
"tE1
P:ativ'm%Q native.
"tE/
PLatine%Q in Latin.
"tE3
PAere m'ta!!e%Q tr'l) changed.
"tE0
PM'!to%Q m'!t% ne. .ine.
"tED
PLing'ae commerci'm%Q interchange o" !peech.
"tE6
PCt peregrina! ling'a! di!cere pot'erint%Q !o a! to #e a#le to learn "oreign tong'e!.
"tEM
P+diotae%Q 'nlearned.
"tEE
P:ati in contempto ang'lo%Q #orn in a di!trict o" no rep'te.
/E1
"tE1
P*#horret%Q di""er! "rom.
"t10
PAeteri#'!%Q the ancient!.
"t11
P*n3ia e3c'!atio%Q an3io'! e3c'!e.
"t1/
PR'od a'tem omni#'! e3pro#rat pa'cor'm viti'm%Q a! to hi! 'p#raiding all .ith the "a'lt o" a
"e..
"t13
P,am non negligit%Q he doe! not neglect it.
"t10
P*ntithe!i!%Q antithe!i!.
"t1D
PPaedagogiam%Q t'telage.
"t16
PS'o !ec'lo%Q "or their o.n age.
"t1M
P7,conomia%Q econom).
"t1E
P*#!'rd'm%Q a#!'rd.
"t11
PMale%Q ill% improperl).
"t100
P,3hi#it'm%Q e3hi#ited.
"t101
PAirt'te!.Q
"t10/
PProdigia%Q prodigie!.
"t103
PS'i! impo!t'ri! "idem "acerent magi%Q magian! might proc're credit "or their impo!t're!.
"t100
PPraete3t'!%Q prete3t.
"t10D
PMorti addict'm%Q !'#?ected to death.
"t106
P,3 d'o#'! a#!'rdi! alter'tr'm%Q one o" t.o a#!'rditie!.
"t10M
P(em'm%Q onl).
"t10E
PC'piant%Q de!ire.
"t101
PPeccant%Q the) !in.
"t110
PChri!ti%Q o" Chri!t.
"t111
P+nc'lca!!et%Q inc'lcated.
"t11/
PS'periorem comm'ni !orte%Q !'perior to the common lot.
"t113
P*c@'ieverint%Q ac@'ie!ced in.
"t110
P,l'd'nt%Q the) evade% practice eva!ion.
"t11D
P7#li@'e%Q indirectl).
"t116
P:on e!!e peric'l'm ne 'n@'am no! ac "idem no!tram "r'!trat'r%Q there i! no danger o" hi!
deceiving '! or o'r "aith.
"t11M
P*ntevertere%Q o't!trip.
"t11E
PSt'peant%Q #e !t'pid or !t'nned.
"t111
P*n3ietate%Q an3iet).
"t1/0
PR'in er'mpat in ling'ae e3'ltationem%Q #'t .ill #'r!t "orth into the lang'age o" e3'ltation.
"t1/1
PSpec'la%Q .atch to.er.
"t1//
PHoc principi'm @'od Pa'l'! tradit Chri!t'm e!!e "inem legi!%Q etc.% thi! principle .hich
Pa'l deliver!% vi5.% that Chri!t .a! the end o" the la.% .a! o" great "orce% etc.
/10
"t1/3
PPignori! in!tar%Q li$e a pledge% omitted.
"t1/0
PConte3t'!%Q conte3t.
"t1/D
PProphetia admoniti%Q admoni!hed #) prophec)% omitted.
"t1/6
P,3piant'r%Q e3piated.
"t1/M
P,3piatione%Q e3piation.
"t1/E
P:ihil a#!'rdi e!t !i partem alteram praetereat%Q there i! no a#!'rdit)%
there i! nothing !trange in hi! omitting the other part.
"t1/1
PAirt'tem%Q virt'e or e""icac).
"t130
P,""'gi'm in allegorico !en!' captant%Q the) attempt eva!ion #) giving an allegorical
meaning.
"t131
PM'lt'm in!titi!!e.Q in!i!ted m'ch.
"t13/
PProtin'!%Q "orth.ith.
"t133
P*lienor'm%Q o" !tranger! or alien!.
"t130
PMedii !tare%Q to hold a middle co'r!e% remain 'ndecided.
"t13D
P7rdinari'm ,ccle!iae regimen%Q the ordinar) government o" the Ch'rch.
"t136
P+lilari%Q cheer"'l.
"t13M
P+mpet'm%Q imp'l!e.
"t13E
PComm'niter%Q in common.
"t131
P*d viv'm depicta%Q painted to the li"e.
"t100
PSec're%Q con"identl).
"t101
PCon"lata e!t%Q compo'nded.
"t10/
PHic enim erit !tat'!%Q "or the !tate Fo" the @'e!tionG !hall #e.
"t103
P+naneVnomen%Q the empt) name.
"t100
PMoment'm%Q moment.
"t10D
PSed @'i !'!pen!o! tenet adeo@'e con!tricto!%Q #'t .hich $eep! them in !'!pen!e and
re!trained.
"t106
P+mpliciti%Q entangled.
"t10M
P*lio! n'llo met' "'i!!e deterrito! @'in "'rio!e adver!'! ,ccle!iam !aevirent%Q that other!
.ere not deterred #) an) "ear "rom raging again!t the Ch'rch.
"t10E
P7#m'teceret%Q !tood d'm#.
"t101
P+n o#!e@'i'm (ei%Q into o#edience to >od.
"t1D0
P,mergeret%Q might emerge% or rai!e her head.
"t1D1
PS'#inde !'m'! e3perti%Q have ever and anon e3perienced.
"t1D/
P:ec !olliciti !'nt !i @'i!@'am egeat%Q nor are !olicito'! i" an) man .ant.
"t1D3
PR'or'm aem'li ha#eri vol'nt%Q .ho!e rival! the) .o'ld #e tho'ght.
"t1D0
P*d templi c'lt'm%Q to .or!hip the temple.
/11
"t1DD
PR'i#'! ali#i magi! di!tracti "'i!!ent%Q .ith .hich el!e.here the) might have #een more
di!tracted.
"t1D6
P9r'galiter%Q "r'gall).
"t1DM
P,t pro#a#ili! e!t 'ter@'e conte3t'!%Q and the conte3t ma$e! thi! pro#a#le.
"t1DE
P,am '#i@'e col'er'nt%Q did c'ltivate it ever).here.
"t1D1
PProvidi homine!%Q the provident% or over care"'l.
"t160
PPop'lo grati at@'e pro#ati e!!ent%Q that the) .ere agreea#le to% and approved #)% the people.
"t161
PPra3itati%Q .ic$edne!!.
"t16/
PAendicat%Q claimeth.
"t163
P,3tra eam%Q o't o" it% Fthe Ch'rch%G omitted.
"t160
P:at'rae a'tem viti'm%Q #'t a nat'ral de"ect.
"t16D
P*d ve!per'm%Q to.ard! evening.
"t166
P*# invocatione et c'lt' (ei%Q .ith invocation and .or!hip o" >od.
"t16M
PStata! hora!%Q !tated ho'r!.
"t16E
P* no#i! povocet'r%Q 'ntil he i! 'rged #) '!.
"t161
PParte! no!tra! non omittam'!%Q let '! not omit o'r part.
"t1M0
PPrincipio @'idem erat hoc cl'!ori'm%Q at "ir!t% indeed% thi! .a! ill'!or).
"t1M1
PCniver!alem t)p'm%Q 'niver!al t)pe.
"t1M/
PPro"ect'!%Q progre!!% or pro"iting.
"t1M3
PSi vol'm'! ad !cop'm pervenire%Q i" .e .o'ld attain to the mar$% omitted.
"t1M0
P,3 no!tro !t'pore%Q "rom o'r !t'por% or !t'pidit).
"t1MD
PS'ggeret mihi%Q .ill !'gge!t to me.
"t1M6
P(ivin'm hominem%Q a divine man.
"t1MM
PC#i n'll'! ecarg'e#at !'per!titionem%Q .here none condemned the !'per!tition.
"t1ME
PMagi! !ollicite%Q the more an3io'!l).
"t1M1
P,recto!%Q .hen .e are li"ted 'p% or aro'!ed #).
"t1E0
P,""'gi'm%Q eva!ion or !'#ter"'ge.
"t1E1
PTacite admonet%Q tacitl) remind! them.
"t1E/
P+nc'lcant%Q inc'lcate.
"t1E3
PPer"idia%Q per"id).
"t1E0
PPerdim'!%Q de!tro).
"t1ED
P,cliptica%Q elliptic.
"t1E6
PCoact'm%Q "orced.
"t1EM
PR'odam% 't ita lo@'ar veterno o#r'ti !'nt%Q are oppre!!ed% !o to !pea$% .ith a $ind o"
letharg).
"t1EE
PCodice!%Q man'!cript!.
/1/
"t1E1
PR'amvi! immen!a locor'm di!tamia !it remot'!%Q altho'gh% in re!pect o" place% he i! at an
immen!e di!tance "rom them.
"t110
P*m#ig'a le@'tio%Q an am#ig'o'! e3pre!!ion.
9t111
PStatim%Q immediatel).
9t11/
PCompleta%Q complete.
9t113
P*ntivertere%Q anticipate.
9t110
P*# 'ltima aetate%Q "rom the remote!t age.
9t11D
P*li@'otV!aec'la%Q "or !ome age!.
9t116
PAel't intermedio!.Q a! intermediate.
9t11M
PAacillaret%Q vacillate or .aver.
9t11E
PConver!o%Q conver!el).
9t111
PPop'lo!%Q nation!.
"t/00
P8e!trictionem%Q a re!ervation.
"t/10
P9ortit'dine%Q "ortit'de.
9t/11
P*nimo!iore!%Q more 5ealo'!.
9t/1/
P7mnia machinando%Q #) all their machination!.
9t/13
PR'an@'am nec !ic @'idem !ol'ta erit tota di""ic'lta!%Q altho'gh not even in thi! .a) .ill the
.hole di""ic'lt) #e !olved.
9t/10
P9ortit'dine et pr'dentia%Q pr'dence and "ortit'de.
9t/1D
PS'#ter"'gia%Q !'#ter"'ge!.
9t/16
PSi nol'i!!et ca'!am ingredi%Q i" he had #een 'n.illing to enter 'pon the ca'!e.
9t/1M
PPrae!'le!%Q prelate!.
9t/1E
P*rchitecto!%Q the architect!.
9t/11
P,3ting'ere%Q to e3ting'i!h or annihilate.
9t//0
P*'daci'!%Q a'dacio'!l).
9t//1
PR'am pro nihilo d'cend'm !it @'ic@'id decern'nt et ?'#ent%Q that .hatever the) order and
decree o'ght to #e held a! n'll.
9t///
PHanc @'ae!tionem lepide diremit Papa%Q the Pope .ittil) di!po!e! o" thi! @'e!tion.
9t//3
P,""'tire%Q to #a##le "orth.
9t//0
P:on po!!e eo! ni!i e3 (ei mandato praecipere%Q that no command can po!!i#l) proceed
"rom them .itho't #eing agreea#le to the .ill o" >od.
9t//D
P+nterdicti!%Q the interdict!.
9t//6
PLi#ere%Q "reel)% omitted.
9t//M
PCt illi! nocendi via non pateat%Q that the) have no mean! o" doing harm.
9t//E
P8ep'tent%Q let them con!ider.
9t//1
P7#c'ndi!%Q to o#viate or "ace them.
9t/30
P:e pigeat%Q let it not grieve them.
/13
9t/31
PCon"idant%Q let them con"ide.
9t/3/
PSemper ine3p'gna#ile!%Q al.a)! invinci#le.
9t/33
PCt !erviliter e3cipient%Q a! !ervilel) to !'#mit.
9t/30
PR'i eo! a# e""icio a#d'cat%Q .hich might dra. them o"" "rom their d't).
9t/3D
P,niti%Q !tr'ggle a"ter.
9t/36
PPer !'mma! di""ic'ltate! regno potit'! e!t%Q came to the $ingdom thro'gh the greate!t
di""ic'ltie!.
9t/3M
PT'm'lt'ante!%Q in t'm'lt.
9t/3E
P+n"en!o! illi%Q ho!tile to it.
9t/31
PSincero cordi! a""ect'%Q .ith !incere a""ection o" heart% omitted.
9t/00
P:am et e3terna #ene"icentia ni!i oriat'r e3 corde% nihili e!t coram (eo%Q "or even an
e3ternal #ene"icence% i" it come! not "rom the heart% i! o" no val'e in the !ight o" >od%
omitted.
9t/01
P-ene"ici%Q #ene"icient.
9t/0/
PLati'! e3ponit%Q e3po'ndeth more at large.
9t/03
P*dhi#itam "'i!!e pr'dentiam%Q that pr'dence .a! '!ed.
9t/00
. PCt comm'nem terrae ha#itationem% comm'nem a@'ae% aeri!% et coeli '!'m pa'peri#'!
invideant%Q that the) env) the poor a common d.elling on the earth% the common '!e o"
.ater% air% and !$).
9t/0D
Q(eliri'm%Q deliri'm.
"t/06
P*ccedit h'c @'o@'e o#!tinata mentiendi a'dacia%Q to thi! .a! al!o added an o#!tinate
a'dacit) in l)ing% omitted.
9t/0M
PPraeclar'm in !peciem et memora#ile%Q in appearance no#le and memora#le.
9t/0E
PTheatri pla'!'m appetam'!%Q long "or the pla'dit! o" a theatre.
9t/01
PCrimini! atrocitatem%Q the atrocit) o" the crime.
9t/D0
PAel'ti cornici% 'ti prover#io dicit'r% con"igere oc'lo!%Q and a! the prover# !a)!% Pp't o't the
e)e! o" the cro..Q
9t/D1
PTam graviter%Q !o grievo'!l)% !everel).
9t/D/
PS'#ito impet'%Q #) !'dden imp'l!e.
9t/D3
PR'i !i#i veniam praecid'nt%Q .ho c't them!elve! o"" "rom pardon.
9t/D0
PPlacida%Q calm.
9t/DD
PPergendo !ec're%Q in proceeding !ec'rel).
9t/D6
P7lim%Q one da).
9t/DM
P*#!'rd'm%Q a#!'rd or !trange.
9t/DE
P>en'ino%Q gen'ine.
9t/D1
PR'a!i accidentale erat%Q .a!% a! it .ere% accidental.
9t/60
P9idei !'#!ervi'nt%Q are !'#!ervient to "aith.
9t/61
P+ntra private! pariete! !e teneret%Q a! to $eep him!el" .ithin a private #'ilding!.
/10
9t/6/
PSed @'ia illi! divin'm ali@'id !'#olet no!tra doctrina%Q #'t #eca'!e o'r doctrine ha!
!ome.hat o" a divine !avor to them.
9t/63
PMagni"ice ornat'm%Q magni"icentl) "'rni!hed.
9t/60
PCt de integro violenti'! !aevirent%Q !o that the) ane. #ecome more violentl) enraged.
9t/6D
PTotem ,ccle!iae g'#ernationem horrenda va!titate t'nc "'i!!e con"'!am%Q that the .hole
government o" the Ch'rch .a! then con"'!ed and l)ing .a!te.
9t/66
P:ovi! re#'!%Q a revol'tion.
9t/6M
P9rena irac'ndiae !'ae la3are%Q to give loo!e rein! to their .rath.
9t/6E
P*t@'i hoc ordine pri'! erat% ha#ere #oni et mali di!crimen% ne temere @'ic@'am
impro#et'r%Q #'t the "ir!t thing in order .a! to o#!erve the di!tinction #et.een good and evil%
that nothing might #e ra!hl) di!approved.
9t/61
PSpecio!i ?'ri! praete3t'!%Q the !pecio'! prete3t! o" la..
9t/M0
P,3ting'endam%Q to e3ting'i!h.
9t/M1
P*m#it'%Q #) intrig'e.
9t/M/
PM't'i! caedi#'!%Q m't'al !la'ghter.
9t/M3
P:e@'e enim mihi pro#a#ile e!t%Q "or it doe! not !eem to me pro#a#le.
9t/M0
P+no#edientiae et cont'maciae%Q o" cont'mac) and di!o#edience.
9t/MD
PPro con"e!!o !'mit%Q he ta$e! "or granted.
9t/M6
PAici!!im%Q in hi! t'rn% i! omitted in the tran!lation.
9t/MM
P,!!e re#elle!%Q are re#el!.
9t/ME
P,adem in parenti#'! et domini! ratio%Q the !ame hold! in parent! and ma!ter!% omitted in the
tran!lation.
9t/M1
P(ei%Q o" >od.
9t/E0
P+gnomino!am%Q ignominio'!.
9t/E1
P,pitheto%Q epithet.
9t/E/
PL'c'lenter%Q clearl).
9t/E3
PPietati!%Q o" piet).
9t/E0
PCon!e@'im'r%Q o#tain.
9t/ED
PM'til'm%Q m'tilated.
9t/E6
PTergiver!ari%Q t'rn their #ac$% #ac$!lide.
9t/EM
P9idei !in'm aperiam'! (eo%Q let '! open a #o!om o" "aith to >od.
9t/EE
PSed longe diver!'m praemi'm hodie reportat no!tra incred'lita!%Q #'t o'r incred'lit) in the
pre!ent da) receiveth a ver) di""erent recompence.
9t/E1
PSed r'mp'nt'r%Q #'t the) #'r!t F.ith rage.G
"t/10
PSe !enti'nt%Q the) "eel them!elve!.
9t/11
PR'ae omne! illor'm delicia! violenter di!c'tit%Q .hich% .ith a !trong hand% di!pel! all their
delight!.
9t/1/
PPro#aret%Q he approved.
/1D
9t/13
P+n ar#itrio no!tro%Q at o'r plea!'re.
9t/10
PP,3 veri! principii! perver!am con!e@'entiam ded'cit%Q ded'ce! a "al!e con!e@'ence "rom
tr'e principle!.
9t/1D
P:'llo!@'e non moveant lapide!%Q and leave not a !tone 'nt'rned.
9t/16
P+gnavia%Q !l'ggi!hne!!.
9t/1M
P:e cen!'! ageret'r%Q to prevent a cen!'! "rom #eing ta$en.
9t/1E
PPromi!c'e mi!cere%Q mi3 promi!c'o'!l)% con"o'nd the t.o.
9t/11
PCodice!%Q man'!cript!.
9t300
PCon!'lit%Q con!'lteth.
9t301
PPro#and'm%Q to #e approved.
9t30/
P(ocere%Q to teach.
9t303
P*deo tamen intemperanter !e ger'nt%Q )et cond'ct them!elve! to intemperatel).
9t300
PParcat'r%Q ma) #e !pared.
9t30D
P9lectant ad lenitatem.Q incline to lenit).
9t306
PH'manitati! o""icio !e @p'd (e'm redimere vol'nt%Q .o'ld p'rcha!e the "avor o" >od to
them!elve! #) an act o" h'manit).
9t30M
P*c dolerent etiam mali !'i !en!'< ne@'e enim nat'ram pror!'! e3'erent%Q and .ere not
in!en!i#le to their !'""ering< "or the) did not altogether dive!t them!elve! o" their nat'ral
"eeling!.
9t30E
PMalor'm%Q !'""ering!.
9t301
P:am mo3 retro vela "le3i!!ent% ni!i nov'm vigorem dedi!!et e3 ga'dio nata alacrita!%Q "or
the) .o'ld immediatel) have altered their !ail!% Fchanged their co'r!e%G had not the alacrit)
prod'ced #) ?o) given them ne. vigor.
9t310
P*n3ietate%Q an3iet).
9t311
P(edecore%Q di!grace.
9t31/
P9ilio (ei%Q the Son o" >od.
9t313
PSocii et con!orte!%Q companion! and !harer!.
9t310
P9acem re!ignam'!%Q re!ign the torch.
"t31D
P+n comm'ne%Q in common.
9t316
P*rti"ici'm%Q arti"ice.
9t31M
PR'otidie%Q dail)% omitted.
9t31E
PR'am pl'rimo!%Q a! man) a! po!!i#le.
9t311
P8e!ipit%Q !avor!.
9t3/0
P:o#i! o#repat%Q creep in 'pon '!.
9t3/1
PB'daea!%Q the Be.i!h .ido.!.
9t3//
P*d diaconiam%Q "or mini!tering% a! deaconne!!e!.
9t3/3
PR'od non magi! e3cande!c'nt apo!toli%Q that the apo!tle! are not more in"lamed or
o""ended.
/16
9t3/0
PR'od mat're na!centi malo occ'rr'nt%Q that the) @'ic$l) meet the gro.ing evil.
9t3/D
PC'm ple#e tamencomm'nicarent !'a con!ilia%Q )et did comm'nicate .ith the people a! to
their p'rpo!e.
9t3/6
PR'o nominie >raeci n'nc @'od alii! prae!tat% et tan@'am meli'! prae"erend'm e!t n'nc
@'odvi! placit'm de!ignant%Q #) .hich term the >ree$! de!ignate !omtime! P.hatever i!
#etter than% or i! to #e pre"erred to% other thing!<Q and at other!% Pan) thing .hatever that
plea!e!%Q or Pan) decree.Q
9t3/M
QHac c'ra involvi%Q to #e involved in !'ch #'!ine!!.
9t3/E
PPr'dentiae '!'m e!!e patrem%Q that '!e For e3perienceG i! the parent o" pr'dence.
9t3/1
P:egligi%Q neglected.
9t330
PSic "'i!!e implicito!%Q .ere !o enc'm#ered #) it.
9t331
. PSolida%Q entire.
9t33/
P7pero!'m%Q la#orio'!.
9t333
P+ng'rgitar'nt%Q ing'l"% !.allo. 'p.
9t330
PR'i#'! vi3 !'""icerent%Q "or .hich the) co'ld hardl) !'""ice.
9t33D
P*#)!!o%Q a#)!!.
9t336
PAacationem !i#i !'mit%Q $eepeth him!el" "ree.
9t33M
P(i""ic'lta! mon!trat'r%Q the di""ic'lt) i! !ho.n.
9t33E
PSpartae !'ae ornandae% F't e!t in prover#io%QG to adorn hi! o.n Sparta% Fa! the prover#
e3pre!!e! it.G
"t331
P7cc'patione!%Q occ'pation.
9t300
PTractent%Q to handle.
9t301
PCon!tit'at !'o ar#itrio%Q con!tit'te at hi! o.n plea!'re.
9t30/
P,legi comm'ni#'! !'""ragii!%Q #e elected #) the common !'""rage!.
9t303
P7#identia%Q are to per"orm.
9t300
PPro#ate "idei%Q o" tried "aith.
"t30D
PPr'dentia%Q .i!dom or pr'dence.
9t306
PLicentiam%Q licentio'! "reedom.
9t30M
P:i!i e3%Q e3cept #).
9t30E
PPa!tore! tamen moderent'r%Q let pa!tor!% ho.ever% moderate.
9t301
P*d cohi#endo! ple#i! impet'!%Q to c'r# the impet'! Fprecipitanc) or violenceG o" the
people.
9t3D0
PSi "ort'ito @'o!li#et accipim'!% Pi" .e receive all per!on! .hat!oever "ort'ito'!l).
9t3D1
PS'mma religio ne @'i! !'mat'r%Q the greate!t care that none #e cho!en.
9t3D/
P*ccommodat'! "'it%Q .a! accommodated.
9t3D3
P:e @'i! p'tet%Q let no man !'ppo!e.
9t3D0
PPr'dentia.Q
/1M
9t3DD
P+mpo!t'ri! et "ra'di#'!%Q the impo!ition and "ra'd.
9t3D6
P,3!'g'nt%Q !'c$ 'p.
9t3DM
P:on la#orio!a modo% !ed o#no3ia !ini!tri! m'rm'ri#'!%Q i! not onl) la#orio'!% #'t lia#le to
!ini!ter m'rm'ring!.
9t3DE
P*li'd !t'di'm% ali'! "ervor% alia a!!id'ita! e3igit'r%Q another $ind o" 5eal% another $ind o"
"ervor% another $ind o" a!!id'it)% i! re@'ired.
9t3D1
PPo!!int%Q ma) #e a#le to.
9t360
P*nte!ignan'!%Q a! a !tandard#earer or leader.
9t361
PPrecandi !t'di'm%Q 5eal in pra)er.
9t36/
P7cc'lti "ra'di! rece!!'!%Q hidden rece!!e! o" g'ile.
9t363
PCno @'a!i impet' in e'm ver!a "'erit%Q .a!% a! it .ere% .ith one imp'l!e directed again!t
him.
9t360
PR'ae pec'liari! e!!et B'daei! @'i Bero!ol)mam e3 provincii! comea#ant%Q that it might #e
appropriated to Be.! coming to Ber'!alem "orm the province!.
9t36D
PAir'lento!%Q vir'lent.
9t366
P9ide! et mirac'la%Q "aith and miracle!.
9t36M
PCt @''m homine! e!!ent idiotae% !'mmo! Papat'! theologe! !ola voce non min'! @'am
"'lmine attonito! redderent%Q that tho'gh the) .ere 'nlearned men% the)% #) their voice alone%
a!toni!hed the chie" theologian! o" the Papac)% a! m'ch a! i" it had #een #) a th'nder#olt.
9t36E
PR'am in mendacii! ca'!ae !'ae prae!idi'm con!tit'ere%Q than to place the de"en!e o" their
ca'!e in lie!.
9t361
P:on tamen "al!i! te!timonii! e!t oppremend'!%Q he o'ght not to #e #orne do.n .ith "al!e
te!timon).
9t3M0
PCt doctrinam no!tram reddant odio!am%Q that the) ma) #ring odi'm on o'r doctrine.
9t3M1
P-onor'm et malor'm di!crimen a no#i! tolli%Q that .e de!tro) the di!tinction #et.een good
and evil.
9t3M/
PPHoc a# initio m'ndi "'it ingeni'm% et erit '!@'e in "inem%Q thi! ha! #een the di!po!ition
"rom the #eginning o" the .orld% and .ill #e even to the end.
"t3M3
PSed tan'm hoc @'aerint%Q #'t the onl) thing the) a!$ i!.
9t3M0
PA'lcano devoveant%Q devote him to A'lcan% Fto the "lame!.G
"t3MD
P,t e3tra rem vagari%Q and .ander "rom the !'#?ect.
9t3M6
P*ppo!ito%Q appo!itel).
9t3MM
PSed'lo igit'r inc'lcat%Q he there"ore !tren'o'!l) maintain!.
9t3ME
P+ta impiae de"ectione! cremen avertit%Q he th'! repel! the charge o" impio'! de"ection or
revolt.
9t3M1
PSim'la#ant enim nihil !i#i e!!e propo!it'm @'am%Q "or the) pretended that their onl) o#?ect
.a!.
9t3E0
PMigravit%Q migrated.
9t3E1
P>eographi%Q geographer!.
/1E
9t3E/
PLeve! et incon!iderati homine!%Q "ic$le and incon!iderate.
9t3E3
P* "r'!tratione%Q "rom a "r'!trating o" him% "rom rendering hi! ?o'rne) vain.
"t3E0
P*c li#entor c'r!'m re"lecterent%Q and the) .o'ld .illingl) retrace their !tep!.
9t3ED
P:on procra!tinat% !ed mora! omne! rampit%Q he doe! not procra!tinate% #'t #rea$! o"" all
dela).
9t3E6
PCt o#li@'e !pecie! "r'!trationi!%Q that a !pecie! o" "r'!tration ma) #e indirectl) noted.
9t3EM
PR'od li#er'm relin@'o%Q + leave the point open% omitted.
9t3EE
P,3hi#itionem%Q the e3hi#ition% or mani"e!tation.
9t3E1
P9eroce! illor'm !pirit'!%Q their "ierce temper!.
9t310
P8etractare%Q to retract.
9t311
PPer inn'mero! an"ract'!%Q tho'gh inn'mera#le .andering!.
9t31/
P+nh'maniter%Q inh'manl).
9t313
P(egenere!%Q degenerate.
9t310
P+mpia et ne"aria con!piratione%Q #) a ne"ario'! and impio'! con!pirac).
9t31D
P*#horret%Q i! a#horrent "rom.
9t316
P9ratricidae%Q "ratricide!.
9t31M
PSal'ti! mini!ter%Q the mini!ter or in!tr'ment o" their !a"et).
9t31E
PP'dore con"'!i%Q con"o'nded .ith !hame.
9t311
P+ngenti moerore con"'ndi%Q over.helmed .ith deepe!t !orro..
9t000
P+ll'!tre%Q ill'!trio'!.
9t001
P+lli (e'! gratiam conciliat%Q proc'reth "avor "or him.
9t00/
P(e3terita!%Q de3terit).
9t003
PPro modo inae@'ali%Q according to the 'ne@'al mode o" di!tri#'tion% omitted.
9t000
P:on ni!i (ei man'%Q #) no'ght #'t the hand o" >od.
9t00D
PAent'ra e!!et%Q .a! a#o't to come.
9t006
PPror!'! e3terminat'm%Q completel) e3terminated.
9t00M
P:on d'#itaverant%Q had not he!itated.
9t00E
P,3'lant%Q #ecome e3ile!.
9t001
P*p'd @'a! recepta erat illa lectio%Q among .hom that reading .a! received.
9t010
P:epote! ac pronepote!%Q grand!on! and greatgrand!on!.
9t011
PLi#rarior'm%Q cop)i!t!.
9t01/
P9amiliariter%Q "amiliar .ith.
9t013
P["enota$fia]%Q ceonotaph!.
9t010
PC'?'! prael'di'm%Q a! a prel'de to .hich.
9t01D
PCirc'mvenire%Q to circ'mvent.
9t016
P*rc'lam%Q a little che!t% a #a!$et.
/11
9t01M
PCarni! ratio%Q carnal rea!on.
9t01E
P*d ann'm @'adrage!im'm%Q till hi! "ortieth )ear.
9t011
P*!trologia%Q a!trolog)% or% more properl) here% a!tronom).
9t0/0
PPer!picace!%Q clear!ighted.
9t0/1
P*d re! praeclara! gerenda! apt'! e!t%Q i! "itted "or greater e3ploit!.
9t0//
PHaec heroica animi magnit'do%Q thi! heroic magnanimit).
9t0/3
PProterviam%Q pet'lance.
9t0/0
PTacent omne!%Q the) are all !ilent.
9t0/D
P7ppo!ita! !'i! capiti#'!%Q #) e3po!ing their o.n hand!.
9t0/6
P:onni!i per pop'l'm !teti!!e @'omin'! levationem citi'! !entiret%Q that i! .a! o.ing
entirel) to the people them!elve! that the) did not !ooner o#tain !ome alleviation.
9t0/M
P*t@'i pe!!imam et ini@'i!!imam mercedem reportat%Q #'t he receiveth a ver) #ad and mo!t
ini@'ito'! recompen!e% vi5.
9t0/E
P+mpedi'nt ac t'r#ant%Q impede and di!t'r#.
9t0/1
PR'ae ad ae@'itatem revocet%Q .hich ma) call #ac$ or di!po!e to e@'it).
9t030
P9'rio!e impet'nt%Q "'rio'!l) a!!a'lt.
9t031
PSed hor'm malor'm indignita! illi! e!t devoranda%Q #'t the indignit) o" the!e evil! m'!t #e
devo'red #) them% Foverloo$ed or !'#mitted to.G
"t03/
PProinde ei pro#ari%Q and i! there"ore approved #) him.
9t033
PHomo... !t'pid'!%Q a !t'pid man.
9t030
P:o! ad di""identiam nat'ra pl'!@'am propen!i%Q .e are #) nat're too prone to di!tr'!t.
9t03D
PR'a!i apparitore!%Q a! it .ere hi! o""icer!.
9t036
P+ngen! n'mer'!%Q a va!t n'm#er.
9t03M
P,t compacti! ar#'!ti! magi! a#'ndat%Q and the more n'mero'! and compact it! t.ig! are.
9t03E
P+n!olt'!%Q 'n.onted.
9t031
P+n veteri%Q on the old.
9t000
P+nepta e!!et lo@''tio%Q the e3pre!!ion .ere inept.
9t001
PHoc enim e3igit relatio 't mem#ra inter !e re!pondeant%Q "or relation re@'ire! that the
mem#er! FrelatedG corre!pond to each other.
9t00/
P*nnon @'a!i "odiendi !'m'!%Q m'!t not .e #e% a! it .ere% !ta##ed.
9t003
PR'anto ma?orem vim a# homini#'! percipi ae@'i'm e!t%Q ho. m'ch more "orci#l) o'ght
man to "eel itI
9t000
PPerver!'! c'lt'! "'it%Q it .a! perverted .or!hip.
9t00D
PSed no! toto! e3'ere%Q #'t dive!t o'r!elve! entirel).
9t006
PS'#a'diendae !'nt antithe!e!%Q .e m'!t !'ppl) the antithe!e!.
9t00M
P*ppendi3%Q an appendi3.
9t00E
P8eli@'a pete%Q "or the re!t !ee.
300
9t001
PPravitate%Q depravit).
9t0D0
PTot mali!%Q !o man) mi!erie!.
9t0D1
PLonge diver!a e!t ratio%Q the e3planation Fo" the t.o thing!G i! ver) di""erent.
9t0D/
P9errea impro#ita!%Q their !t'##orn .ic$edne!!.
9t0D3
PAivi"ica%Q vivi")ing.
9t0D0
PMin'! con!entane'm%Q le!! #e"itting.
9t0DD
P:ihil... "ingi pote!t%Q nothing can #e imagined.
9t0D6
PR'am alia! re"erri%Q than to re"er to an) other.
9t0DM
PTanta in "ingendi! idoli!% homin'm la!civia "'erit%Q there .a! !'ch .antonne!! in men in
"orming idol!.
9t0DE
P*ccommodat%Q accommodate.
9t0D1
P(e'm . . . "a#ricari%Q to "a#ricate a god.
9t060
P(i!trahit'r%Q torn a!'nder% .ithdra.n.
9t061
P*dventitiae mi3t'rae%Q adventitio'! mi3t're!.
9t06/
P(e patri#'! apo!tati!%Q o" the apo!tate "ather!.
9t063
P*d e3term'm%Q to the e3treme.
9t060
P*""initatem%Q it! a""init) to.
9t06D
P,""'gi'm%Q eva!ion.
9t066
PSine "reno%Q .itho't a c'r#.
9t06M
PPro cra!!o !'o ingenio nihil ni!i terren'm et carnale apprehenderent%Q in accordance .ith
their gro!! di!po!ition% the) apprehend nothing #'t .hat .a! earthl) and carnal.
9t06E
P*rchet)p'm%Q archet)pe% model.
9t061
PPrimari'm e3emplar%Q the primar) pattern% the original model.
9t0M0
PPervicaciam%Q perver!ene!!.
9t0M1
P+lli'! dignita!%Q it! dignit).
9t0M/
PAidet'r hic o#li@'e Stephan'! Solomonem per!tringere%Q Stephen here !eemeth indirectl)
to re#'$e Solomon.
9t0M3
P(e"'ncti !'nt%Q per"ormed.
9t0M0
P:eglecta pietate%Q neglecting a piet)% omitted.
9t0MD
PCont'maciter re?icient%Q cont'macio'!l) re?ect.
9t0M6
P>rava#ant%Q #'rdened% #ro'ght a charge again!t him% or thre. o#lo@') on him.
9t0MM
PH'nc @'i tit'l'm !i#i . . . . arroga#ant%Q and arrogated thi! title to them!elve!.
9t0ME
P*ggregare%Q to !'m 'p% incl'de.
9t0M1
P*po!tata%Q an apo!tate.
9t0E0
PPer"idiae%Q per"id).
9t0E1
P+n"e!ti! clamori#'!%Q ho!tile clamor.
301
9t0E/
PR'i impior'm a're! delicii! m'lceri vol'nt% non tam re!picere pro"ect'm%Q .ho .o'ld po'r
!oothing .rod! into the ear! o" the .ic$ed% loo$ not !o m'ch to their pro"it.
9t0E3
PR'or'm per!picacia%Q #) their per!picacit).
9t0E0
PSci!!'ram%Q rent or opening.
9t0ED
P*pertam veritati! l'cem%Q the open light o" tr'th.
9t0E6
PCt videri po!!et a# eo%Q that he might #e !een #) him.
9t0EM
PPer "idem%Q thro'gh "aith% omitted.
9t0EE
PS'#ito et intemperanter pro!ilire%Q #rea$ o't !'ddenl) and intemperatel).
9t0E1
PMart)r'm pro#ra%Q the ignomin).
9t010
P+n pop'lo t'r#'lento et prope indomito%Q in a t'r#'lent and almo!t 'ntamea#le people%
omitted.
9t011
PCt m't'o con"ecti%Q that having m't'all) de!tro)ed each other.
9t01/
PPer e'm non !teti!!e @'omin'! in !en!'m repro#'m con?ect'!% c'm alii! periret%Q that it .a!
not o.ing to him!el" that he did not "all into a repro#ate mind% and peri!h .ith the re!t Fo" the
Be.!.G
"t013
PTirocenio%Q training.
9t010
P*nimi magnit'do%Q magnanimit).
9t01D
PSec're%Q !ec'rel).
9t016
P:on carni! no!trae !en!'%Q not #) o'r carnal !en!e!.
9t01M
P9ort'ito%Q "ort'ito'!l).
9t01E
PCt @'idam phrenetici delirant%Q a! !ome phren5ied per!on! rave.
9t011
PCn e?'! "idem%Q to hi! "aith.
9tD00
P* Chri!to%Q #) Chri!t% omitted.
9tD01
PR'od a'tem Stephan'm "eci!!e narrat L'ca!%Q .hich L'$e relate! that Stephen did.
9tD0/
. P+ll'!tre doc'ment'm%Q an ill'!trio'! proo".
"tD03
P:e@'e enim Stephan'm ignominia notat L'ca!%Q "or L'$e doe! not "i3
a !tigma on Stephen.
9tD00
PA'lgo%Q commonl).
9tD0D
PCon!ternati%Qin con!ternation.
9tD06
P +n!ipida . . . aem'latio%Q an in!ipid% !en!ele!! rival!hip.
9tD0M
PPropter e?'! a#!entiam%Q on acco'nt o" hi! a#!ence.
9tD0E
PAel't in c'!todiam%Q a! it .ere in c'!tod).
9tD01
P*d ignaviam vel tarditatem%Q 'nto !loth or co.ardice.
9tD10
PSamaritae%Q the Samaritan!.
9tD11
P:on e!!e mir'm a't in!olen!%Q that it i! not !trange or 'n'!'al.
9tD1/
PSim'l%Q at the !ame time.
9tD13
PSemideo%Q a demigod.
30/
9tD10
PAenditant%Q ma$e a di!pla) o".
9tD1D
PPonat o#icem%Q interpo!e an o#!tacle.
9tD16
PSonant%Q mean.
9tD1M
PModo%Q provided that.
9tD1E
P,""icaciam%Q e""icac).
9tD11
P(e!ertor%Q de!erter.
9tD/0
P:e@'e enim !imple3 admlratio hie notat'r% !ed ec!ta!i!% @'ae hominem e3tra !e rapit%Q "or
the thing here denoted i! not !imple .onder% #'t ec!tac)% #) .hich a man i! rapt Fcarried o't
o" him!el".G
"tD/1
PMin'! de3tre @'am par e!!et%Q le!! de3tero'!l) than .a! meet.
9tD//
PR'ae !anctae comm'nicatione ?an'am cla'dit%Q .hich !h't! the door again!t hol)
comm'nion.
9tD/3
P:on e3erc'i!!e in collega! imperi'm%Q did not e3erci!e a'thorit) over hi! colleag'e!.
9tD/0
PStatione%Q !tation.
9tD/D
P(etracta #apti!mo !polia%Q the !poil! ta$en "rom #apti!m.
9tD/6
P+nane d'nta3at e!!et !pectr'm%Q it .a! onl) an empt) !pecter.
9tD/M
PR'a!i !ep'lta%Q a! it .ere #'ried.
9tD/E
PA'lt eam ad l'cr'm pro!tit'ere%Q he .i!he! to pro!tit'te it to gain.
9tD/1
P:'ndinationi%Q tra""ic$ing.
9tD30
PSceleri! !'i atrocitatem%Q the atrocit) o" hi! crime.
9tD31
PR'ando n'll'! ill'c emergere pote!t%Q !ince no man can ri!e there.
9tD3/
PMode!te con"erat%Q ma) mode!t) #e!to..
9tD33
P*nathemate "erire%Q to !tri$e .ith anathema.
9tD30
P9lagitio%Q "lagitio'!ne!!.
9tD3D
P*# 'na 'r#e%Q "rom one cit).
9tD36
PSimplici (ei imperio%Q .ith the !imple command o" >od.
9tD3M
PStatim%Q in!tantl).
9tD3E
P+lli'! o!%Q at hi! mo'th.
9tD31
P+nc'ria%Q carele!!ne!!.
9tD00
PPromi!c'e%Q promi!c'o'!l).
9tD01
P,3periet'r%Q .ill e3perience.
9tD0/
P,?'! a'!picii! et mandato%Q 'nder hi! a'!pice!% and #) hi! command.
9tD03
PPrimaria !ede!%Q metropoli!.
9tD00
P7dor%Q !avo'r.
9tD0D
P,3ili'm pop'li%Q the e3ile o" the people% the captivit) o" the Be.!.
9tD06
PT'rmatim m'lti ad eam tran!irent%Q "rom going over% #ecoming pro!el)te!% to it in cro.d!
"tD0M
PPrael'dia%Q prel'de! to.
303
9tD0E
P(e'm precari%Q have pra)ed to >od.
9tD01
P,t clanc'l'm%Q and !tealthil)% omitted.
9tDD0
P(ivorti'm "acere%Q di""er "rom.
9tDD1
P:eminem e3 apo!toli! illi (e'! o#t'lerit%Q >od ca!t none o" the apo!tle! in i! .a).
9tDD/
PLi#eri'! in otio et @'iete%Q more "reel) in ea!e and @'iet.
9tDD3
P:empe . . . agno!cit%Q namel)% he ac$no.ledgeth.
9tDD0
P+diota%Q 'nlearned.
9tDDD
PSi m'lta e'm late#ant%Q tho'gh man) thing! e!caped him% .ere hidden "rom him.
9tDD6
PCltro et ingen'e%Q !pontaneo'!l) and ingen'o'!l).
9tDDM
PS'peret ac "'giat%Q !'rpa!!e! and e!cape!.
9tDDE
P*d no! docendo!%Q to teach '!% omitted.
9tDD1
P#nqousiasmou<v%Q enth'!ia!m! or in!piration!.
9tD60
P*pte ded'ci%Q aptl) ded'ced.
9tD61
PSine invol'cri!%Q .itho't circ'mloc'tion% 'ne@'ivocall).
9tD6/
P,3piandi!%Q to e3piate.
9tD63
P,t re!tit'at in vitam%Q and re!tore her to li"e% omitted.
9tD60
P+n victimam%Q a! a victim.
9tD6D
P*d patientiam%Q to patience.
9tD66
PPraecedit%Q precede!.
9tD6M
P,t mactationi !'#?ect'm%Q and !'#?ected to !la'ghter.
9tD6E
P*m#ig'a%Q am#ig'o'!% e@'ivocal.
9tD61
P+n mem#ri! omni#'!%Q in all the mem#er!.
9tDM0
PPer d'#ia! am#age!%Q thro'gh d'#io'!% .inding path!.
9tDM1
PS'per#o "a!tidio%Q #) pro'd di!dain% "a!tidio'!ne!!.
9tDM/
P+n!tillat%Q in!til.
9tDM3
PClari'!%Q more clearl).
9tDM0
PCommode%Q convenientl)% omitted.
9tDMD
PPetam'!%Q !ee$.
9tDM6
P:on ita nece!!arii'!%Q not a#!ol'tel) nece!!ar).
9tDMM
PStren'ita!%Q !tren'o'!ne!!% activit).
"tDME
P*# in"a'!to trocinio%Q "rom that omino'! commencement.
9tDM1
P7ppport'ne%Q opport'nel).
9tDE0
P*n3ietate%Q an3iet).
9tDE1
P(omare%Q to tame.
9tDE/
PAiolenter "racta%Q "orci#l) #ro$en.
9tDE3
P,ad'm ip!'m !)mpathia tangi%Q that he i! to'ched .ith the !ame !)mpath).
300
9tDE0
P8edit'ra%Q recoil 'pon.
9tDED
PS'!pen!'m allo%Q in !'!pen!e% el!e.here.
9tDE6
P,!!e mend'm%Q that there i! a mi!ta$e.
9tDEM
PLi#rarii%Q the cop)i!t.
9tDEE
P*rtic'late%Q artic'latel).
9tDE1
P*c'men%Q ac'men.
9tD10
P,3pave"act'm%Q terri"ied.
"tD11
PS)m#ol'm%Q !)m#ol.
9tD1/
P9allaci#'! !pectri!%Q .ith "allacio'! !pecter!.
9tD13
P+mpo!t'ra%Q impo!t're.
9tD10
P9'i!!e intent'm%Q .a! intent.
9tD1D
PPrecatione momenti%Q momentar) or e?ac'lator) pra)er.
9tD16
P*n3ia%Q an3io'!.
9tD1M
PPietati!%Q piet).
9tD1E
P7#li@'a e3c'!atione%Q indirect e3c'!e.
9tD11
PPara#at%Q .a! preparing.
9t600
P(e#'it%Q m'!t have #een.
9t601
PMi!ere cr'ciari%Q mi!era#l) tort'red.
9t60/
P>en'in'm%Q gen'ine.
9t603
PR'i#'! po!!'nt #landitii!%Q #) all !ort! o" #landi!hment.
9t600
PR'o magi! notand'm e!t *nniae e3empl'm% @'i ad !ec'nd'm mandat'm mora! omne!
a#r'mpit.Q Jhere"ore it i! the more nece!!ar) to give heed to the e3ample o" *nania!% .ho%
on the !econd command% #rea$! o"" all dela)% omitted.
9t60D
PR'in !i#i m'lt'm plac'erit in !'a per!picacia%Q #'t he .a! m'ch plea!ed .ith hi! o.n
per!picacit).Q
9t606
P7c'li!%Q o" hi! e)e!% hi! #odil) !ight.
9t60M
PCt tot'm !''m ac'men ignorantiae damnan!%Q that con"e!!ing all hi! ac'tene!! to #e
ignorance.
9t60E
P9erventi!!im'm%Q mo!t "ervent.
9t601
PStatim prodient in p'#lic'm%Q immediatel) appeared in p'#lic.
9t610
PSe . . . o#?ecerit%Q e3po!ed him!el" to.
9t611
P7pera *naniae "ormat'm%Q "ormed or trained #) the agenc) o" *nania!.
9t61/
PAim et energiam con?'nctam%Q com#ined "orce and energ).
9t613
PR'a!i o#r'e#at%Q a! it .ere thre.n do.n% over.helmed.
9t610
PCt ap'd !e non e!!ent%Q that the) .ere o't o" them!elve!.
9t61D
P*!)l'm%Q a!)l'm.
9t616
P7#!trependi%Q #ra.ling% gain!a)ing.
30D
9t61M
P+n !eip!i! convicti%Q !el"convicted.
9t61E
P(onec promoveat%Q 'ntil he ma) "'rther.
9t611
PCaeco et praecipite impet'%Q .ith #lind and headlong imp'l!e.
9t6/0
PKelotae%Q 5ealot!.
9t6/1
P:e"ari'm%Q ne"ario'!.
9t6//
PT'ti%Q !a"e.
9t6/3
PProp'l!et%Q repel.
9t6/0
P9lectandae%Q #ent.
9t6/D
PHoc tirocinio ad cr'cem "erendam mat're a!!'e"act'! "'it.Q He .a! earl) trained to #ear the
cro!! #) thi! "ir!t trial.
9t6/6
P('ra et a!pera Pa'lo adh'c tironi r'dimenta haec "'er'nt%Q thi! .a! ro'gh and har!h
training "or Pa'l% .ho .a! a! )et a t)ro.
9t6/M
PSe horrori e!!e%Q that he i! a terror to them.
9t6/E
P*po!tatici!%Q apo!tate.
9t6/1
PR'i !ponte in ordinem !e cogit%Q .ho !pontaneo'!l) red'ce! him!el" into in!'#ordination.
9t630
P+d nimiae "or!an timiditati! "'it%Q that% perhap!% .a! o.ing to too great timidit).
9t631
P,3perti !'nt%Q e3perienced.
9t63/
PProvoca!!ent%Q challenged or de"ied.
9t633
PR'i ori'ndi e!!ent e3 >raeci!%Q .ho .ere o" >ree$ e3traction.
9t630
P,3 !'i! provincii!%Q "rom their di""erent province!.
9t63D
P*dveni! . . . ho!piti#'!%Q .ith g'e!t! and !tranger!.
9t636
P+ndigeni!%Q .ith native!.
9t63M
P9idem "igere%Q re!t hi! "oot.
9t63E
PProtin'!%Q "orth.ith.
9t631
P+nd'lget%Q i! ind'lgent to.
9t600
P*d no!tr'm agnotheten%Q to him .ho ?'dge! o'r com#at.
9t601
P8eddit'm !i#i vigorem%Q that hi! vigor .a! re!tored.
9t60/
P+niti'm et praeparatio conver!ioni! ad ip!'m%Q .a! a preparation and commencement o"
conver!ion to him.
9t603
PCt !anctae m'lieri! virt'ti#'! non "'i!!e con"orme !cirem'!% et in nomine par'm honori"ico
"'i!!e @'a!i de?ectam%Q that .e might $no. that it .a! not !'ita#le to the virt'e! o" a hol)
.oman% and that !he .a!% a! it .ere% degraded #) a name "ar "rom honora#le.
9t600
PCt p'ra ali@'ando ad (ei tri#'nal !i!terent'r%Q that the) might one da) !tand p're at the
?'dgment!eat o" >od.
9t60D
PR'otidianae a#l'tione!%Q their dail) a#l'tion!.
9t606
PS'per!tite!%Q !'rvivor!.
9t60M
PPraepo!tera%Q prepo!tero'!.
306
9t60E
PS'!pen!'! licet at@'e . . . incert'!%Q tho'gh in !'!pen!e and 'ncertain.
9t601
P:e "alla3 !it ac l'!oria%Q that it #e not el'!or) and "allacio'!.
9t6D0
P9anatici @'idam%Q certain "anatic!.
9t6D1
PCtilita!%Q advantage% intere!t.
"t6D/
PMemora#ilem%Q memora#le.
9t6D3
P8o#'r e3ercit''m%Q the "lo.er o" their armie!.
9t6D0
PStatione!%Q !tation!.
9t6DD
PAalde . . . e3o!a%Q e3ceedingl) hated.
9t6D6
P+mp'ne%Q .ith imp'nit).
9t6DM
PTimidita!%Q timidit) or co.ardice.
9t6DE
PCt omnia pro"'ndant%Q ho. pro"'!e !oever the) #e.
9t6D1
PPro#at'm%Q approved #).
9t660
PR''m tam m'lta o""endic'la occ'rrerent%Q .hen !o man) o#!tacle! or o""en!e! !tood in the
.a).
9t661
PR'ant'! . . . torpor%Q ho. great o'r torpor or !l'ggi!hne!!.
9t66/
P+n!ana c'pidine%Q an in!ane de!ire.
9t663
PTanta cr'delitate e""erati !'nt%Q !o rage .ith cr'elt).
9t660
PTerror @'o corrept'! e!t%Q the terror .ith .hich he .a! !ei5ed.
9t66D
P,3 !en!' (ivinae Ma?e!tati!%Q "rom a !en!e o" the (ivine Ma?e!t).
9t666
PHaa#et male%Q i! inacc'rate.
9t66M
P*ntevertat%Q anticipate.
9t66E
PAendicat%Q claimeth.
9t661
PConciliant%Q proc're.
9t6M0
PR'ae preti'm illi! !tat'it%Q .hich give! them their val'e.
9t6M1
PR'in ali@'id !imal . . . a'de!!et%Q .itho't having at the !ame time heard.
9t6M/
PLonge di!!ita!%Q .idel) !eparated.
9t6M3
P+mproprie%Q improperl).
9t6M0
P(octori! parte! implet%Q "'l"ill the o""ice o" teacher.
9t6MD
PPar'm rationi con!entare'm%Q little accordant .ith rea!on.
9t6M6
PCaptar'nt%Q have ca'ght at% longed "or.
9t6MM
P*p'd @'o! ver#'m !''m depo!'it%Q .ith .hom he had depo!ited.
9t6ME
PMenti! e3ce!!'!%Q a !'!pen!ion o" mind or tho'ght% a trance.
9t6M1
PTot'm "ere diem%Q almo!t the .hole da)% omitted.
9t6E0
PLente%Q !lo.l).
9t6E1
PAel an3ieta! vel !cr'p'l'!%Q or an3iet) or !cr'ple% omitted.
9t6E/
P*ccepit ho!pitio%Q he ho!pita#l) entertained them.
30M
9t6E3
P*# e?'! congre!!' min'! a#horreat%Q ma) #e le!! aver!e to meet .ith him.
9t6E0
PS'# ve!per'm%Q to.ard! evening.
9t6ED
PR'ant'm . . . de#eret%Q ho. m'ch he o.ed.
9t6E6
P9oedae !ocordiae%Q !hame"'l !loth.
9t6EM
Simplicita!%Q !implicit)% !inglene!! o" mind.
9t6EE
PR'aerit'r tamen%Q it i! a!$ed% ho.ever.
9t6E1
PR'i arctiore vinc'lo inter !e con?'ncti !'nt%Q .ho are #o'nd together #) a clo!er tie.
9t610
P,3a!peret%Q e3a!perate.
9t611
PR'a!i legi! contemptor%Q a! i" he had #een a de!pi!er o" the la.% omitted.
9t61/
P,3 pro"e!!o%Q pro"e!!edl)% omitted.
9t613
PTant'm%Q onl)% omitted.
9t610
P,t !al'ti!%Q and !alvation% omitted.
9t61D
PProc'l a#igendo%Q driving "ar a.a).
9t616
PCodice!%Q man'!cript!.
9t61M
PCodici#'!%Q man'!cript!.
9t61E
P(e"'nctorie%Q per"'nctoril).
9t611
PHall'cinatione! in !pectri!%Q !pectral del'!ion!.
9tM00
PPhanta!mati#'! ac !pectri!%Q phanta!m! and !pecter!.
9tM01
PR'ae "'lgere . . . de#'it%Q .hich m'!t have #een re"'lgent.
9tM0/
PPro certo%Q "or certain.
9tM03
P:e@'e tamen h'mani @'id@'am pa!!'m%Q and that he had no h'man propert).
9tM00
P+dem !emper erit "ini!%Q the re!'lt .ill #e the !ame.
9tM0D
P+ll'd arriperet%Q laid hold o" the "act.
9tM06
P8epro#ari%Q repro#ated.
9tM0M
PB'dicem a ca'!a a#d'c'nt%Q lead the ?'dge a.a) "rom the ca'!e.
9tM0E
P>ratam ha#eat ac pro#et%Q ma) approve and #e plea!ed .ith.
9tM01
P:ond'm tamen !ol'ta e!t di""ic'lta!%Q the di""ic'lt)% ho.ever% i! not )et !olved.
9tM10
PS'#a'dire%Q to !'ppl).
9tM11
PSolidam et per"ectam%Q the per"ect and entire.
9tM1/
PTetr'm chao!%Q a dire chao!.
9tM13
PTotidem "er'lae%Q !o man) rod!.
9tM10
PMenti! alienatio%Q mental alienation.
9tM1D
P,ditae%Q e3hi#ited% per"ormed.
9tM16
P+ta lo@'i de re#'! pro#e comperti!%Q and !o !pa$e o" thing! .ell a!certained% omitted.
9tM1M
PCerto! te!te!%Q !'re .itne!!e!.
30E
9tM1E
PR'o !igni"icat p'#licam apo!toli! impo!itam e!!e per!onam% 't@'e ad hoc pec'liariter
delecto! e!!e%Q #) .hich he intimate! that a p'#lic character .a! a!!igned to the apo!tle!% and
that "or thi! the) .ere !peciall) cho!en% omitted.
9tM11
PR'a! petere lice#it e3 Harmonia%Q .hich ma) #e !een in m) Harmon).
9tM/0
P:ec video @'or!'m attineat e?'!modi !'#ter"'gia @'aerere%Q nor do + !ee the '!e o" having
reco'r!e to !'#ter"'ge! F"'tile e3planation!G o" thi! $ind.
9tM/1
P*n!a praeci!a e!t%Q no handle i! le"t "or.
9tM//
PAel poti'! conci!'!%Q or rather conci!e% Fa#r'pt%G omitted.
9tM/3
PTot'm h'man'm gen'! e3o!'m illi e!!e et in"en!'m%Q that the .hole h'man race i! ho!tile
and hate"'l to him.
9tM/0
PR'ic@'id (ei erat in piac'li!%Q ever) thing o" an e3piator) nat're appointed #) >od.
9tM/D
PSed in eo nimio !'nt praepo!teri%Q #'t in thi! the) are e3ceedingl) prepo!tero'!.
9tM/6
PR'ae in evangelii !'mma praetermitti minime de#'erat%Q .hich o'ght #) no mean! to have
#een omitted in a !'mmar) o" the go!pel.
9tM/M
PMediatore interpo!ito%Q #) the impo!ition o" a Mediator.
9tM/E
PP'tida . . . "igmenta%Q the "o'l "igment!.
9tM/1
PTempore%Q in point o" time.
9tM30
P,am@'e e3orci!mi! non !ec'! elici p'tant e coelo%Q and thin$ it can onl) #e #ro'ght do.n
"rom heaven #) e3orci!m!.
9tM31
P*d con"erend'm #apti!m'm%Q in giving #apti!m.
9tM3/
PR'i ingre!!'m o#!tr'at doctrinae%Q .hich o#!tr'cteth the entrance o" doctrine.
"tM33
PSocietam colant%Q ma) c'ltivate comm'nion.
9tM30
PMi!ceri%Q .ere con"o'nded.
9tM3D
PPraeci!e%Q !trictl).
9tM36
PPetr'm ad ca'!am dicendam li#enter de!cendere @''m e?'! "act'm impro#at'r%Q that Peter
readil) conde!cend! to plead hi! ca'!e .hen hi! act i! imp'gned.
9tM3M
PCirc'it'%Q circ'mloc'tion.
9tM3E
P9amelic'! inhiare mav'lt%Q it pre"er! gaping "ami!hed.
9tM31
P*d !e trahat%Q arrogate to him!el".
9tM00
PC'm acce!!ione%Q .ith the acce!!ar).
9tM01
P*nnon praeponderet ci#'! h'mani! con!ilii!%Q .hether meat do not preponderate in manU!
co'n!el!.
9tM0/
P:on e!t @'od perver!a eor'm ?'dicia ampli'! moret'r%Q there i! no rea!on .h) he !ho'ld
an) longer regard their perver!e ?'dgment!.
9tM03
Tran!po!e th'!4 P*nd "ear% or el!e contempt o" !tranger!% did ca'!e tho!e .ho had "led to
$eep !ilence.Q
9tM00
Tran!po!e th'!4 PThe go!pel .hich .a! #e"ore incl'ded% etc.% .a! !pread a#road%Q etc.
"tM0D
PCon!'mptio e3'ndavit%Q the deva!tation over"lo.ed.
301
9tM06
PPa'ci e3'le! ac pro"'gi%Q a "e. e3ile! and "'gitive!.
9tM0M
P,vangelii doctrinam !par!i!!e%Q did !pread the doctrine o" the go!pel.
9tM0E
PStren'e impendant%Q ma) !treno'!l) !pend.
9tM01
P7tio!a "rigida@'e notitia%Q an idle and "rigid $no.ledge.
9tMD0
PCandide . . . pro#at%Q candidl) approve!.
9tMD1
PAer'm "'i!!e "ontem e3 @'o prim'm "l'3it Chri!tani!m'!%Q .a! the tr'e "o'ntain "rom
.hich Chri!tianit) did "ir!t "lo..
9tMD/
P(e"ormen va!itatem%Q hideo'! deva!tation.
9tMD3
PPa!!im occ'rr'nt%Q ever).here occ'r% are ever).here mentioned.
9tMD0
P+mmodica illa an3ietate%Q that e3ce!!ive an3iet).
9tMDD
PSi#i con!titerit%Q i! con!i!tent .ith him!el".
9tMD6
PM'n'!%Q gi"t.
"tMDM
PPerpet'am. . . @'ietem%Q perpet'al re!t.
9tMDE
PAacationem%Q di!charge.
9tMD1
P+n d'ce! et capita animadverti !olet%Q p'ni!hment i! '!'all) in"licted on the head! and
captain!.
9tM60
P+n!aniant%Q rage again!t.
9tM61
P+ncitat%Q in!tigated #).
9tM6/
P*d diem "e!t'm%Q to the "ea!t% or "e!tival.
9tM63
P+n prima acie%Qin the "ront ran$% the van.
9tM60
P+n e?'! morte %Q in hi! death.
9tM6D
P(e"'nctorie%Q per"'nctoril).
9tM66
P:ihil Herocli "'i!!e min'! in animo%Q that there .a! nothing Herod le!! intended.
9tM6M
PMomento 'no%Q in one moment.
9tM6E
PChri!ti nomen%Q the name o" Chri!t.
9tM61
:,3templo ad S'pplici'm rapi%Q that the) !ho'ld he immediatel) dragged o"" to e3ec'tion.
9tMM0
PMemora#ili!%Q a memora#le.
9tMM1
PCt !ol'! emineat%Q that he alone ma) have the pre eminence.
9tMM/
PR'i#'! o#repere !'!pieio poterat%Q .ho might #e led to !'!pect.
9tMM3
PSed longa ali'd "nit (ei con!ili'm%Q #'t ver) di""erent .a! the p'rpo!e o" >od.
9tMM0
P7#!c'rae "ort'na!%Q o" o#!c're origin.
9tMMD
P+lli!. . . importari%Q #e imported to them.
9tMM6
PCt paci! e!!et interpre!%Q to intercede "or peace.
9tMMM
PCon!'lataret%Q to !al'te him a!.
9tMME
PL'do! cele#raret%Q cele#rated game!.
9tMM1
PLi#erali! et regia ca!tigatio%Q a digni"ied and ro)al cha!ti!ement.
9tME0
P,nim con!ili'm L'cae "'it%Q "or it .a! the p'rpo!e o" >od.
310
"tME1
PM'lti! loci!%Q in man) pa!!age!% omitted.
9tME/
PR'in !e . . . !'#?iceret%Q .itho't !'#?ecting him!el".
9tME3
P('#i'm e!t%Q it i! do'#t"'l.
9tME0
P(ivinit'! vocat'm e!!e e'm de @'o agit'r%Q that he o" .hom .e treat F.ho!e election i! in
@'e!tionG i! divinel) called.
9tMED
PS'""ragii!%Q #) the !'""rage!.
9tME6
PTergiver!andi ca'!a%Q "or the !a$e o" tergiver!ation.
9tMEM
PH)po!ta!in non de!ignet%Q doe! not de!ignate a h)po!ta!i!.
9tMEE
P+nepta et a#!'rda erit lo@'tio% @'od Spirit'! Sanct'! di3erit%Q the e3pre!!ion% Pthat the Hol)
Spirit !aid%Q .ill #e a#!'rd and inept.
9tME1
PCt det pare! !ervi! !'i! h'mero!%Q that he ma) ma$e the !ho'lder! o" hi! !ervant! e@'al to
the #'rden% ma) "it them "or the o""ice.
9tM10
P+ta n'lla ratio prohi#'it @'in B'daei! promi!c'e et >enti#'! operam !'am con"errent%Q !o
nothing prevented them "rom #e!to.ing their la#or promi!c'o'!l) on Be.! and >entile!.
9tM11
P(i!c'ti%Q di!pelled.
9tM1/
P:am 't non !emper et '#i@'e prae!to !int magi @'i negoti'm no#i! "ace!!ant%Q "or tho'gh
magician! are not al.a)! and ever).here pre!ent to give '! tro'#le.
9tM13
P*vocamenta%Q enticement!.
9tM10
P9'lt'ra%Q prop or !'pport.
9tM1D
P>entile. . . nomen%Q hi! "amil) name.
9tM16
P-landitii! m'lceri%Q !oothed #) "latter).
9tM1M
PC!@'e ad !'mm'm "ervorem e""eram'r% Plet '! #e carried even to the highe!t pitch o"
"ervo'r.
9tM1E
P*d plagam in"ligendam%Q "or in"licting a #lo..
9tM11
P+n"licta%Q in"licted.
9tE00
PMemora#ilem%Q memora#le.
9tE01
P+nde"atiga#ili%Q inde"atiga#le.
9tE0/
P7mne!. . . promi!c'e%Q all promi!c'o'!l).
9tE03
P8e!p'enda%Q re?ecting.
9tE00
PCompo!iti%Q arranged.
9tE0D
PCantillant%Q chant.
9tE06
P(epo!it'm%Q depo!ited .ith.
9tE0M
P(egenere!%Q degenerate.
9tE0E
P:ihil !e min'! captare%Q that there i! nothing he le!! de!ire!.
9tE01
PS'!tinendo pop'lo%Q in !'!taining the people.
9tE10
PPl'!@'am "errea%Q more than that o" iron.
9tE11
P:o!tra !ocordia%Q #) o'r !l'ggi!hne!!.
311
9tE1/
PTorvi! a't l'!cio!i!%Q .ith !tern or p'r#lind e)e!.
9tE13
P+ngen'e%Q ingen'o'!l).
9tE10
PSic't ali#i% @''m dicit% a#!conditam e!!e m'ndi principi#'! evangelii !apientiam%Q a!
el!e.here% .hen he !a)!% That the .i!dom o" the go!pel .a! hid "rom the prince! o" the
.orld% omitted.
9tE1D
PLarvato! ,ccle!iae prae!'le!%Q pretended prelate! o" the Ch'rch.
9tE16
PProvidentiaeQ the providence.
9tE1M
PPet'lantla%Q pet'lance.
9tE1E
PSe ad?'ngerent !ocio!%Q ?oin them!elve! a! a!!ociate!.
9tE11
PPro#e "'i!!e te!tatem%Q .a! .ell atte!ted.
9tE/0
PPatienter "overint%Q patientl) "o!ter.
9tE/1
P:i!i !'a in"idelitate degenerent.Q 'nle!! the) degenerate thro'gh their o.n in"idelit).
9tE//
P* (omino%Q #) the Lord% omitted.
9tE/3
PCodice!%Q man'!cript!.
9tE/0
PSed in ea re non e!t m'lt'm momenti%Q #'t the point i! not o" m'ch importance.
9tE/D
Prae!tantior e!!et%Q #e more e3cellent than.
9tE/6
P*'g'!tini arg'tiam%Q the !'#tlet) o" *'g'!tine.
9tE/M
PM'tationi%Q change.
9tE/E
PLente%Q !lo.l).
9tE/1
PTamet!i pro#a#ili! e!t%Q tho'gh it i! pro#a#le.
9tE30
PC'?'! man' in ea% tan@'am in !tatione% ad temp'! locati !'nt%Q #) .ho!e hand the) are
placed in it "or a time% a! at a !tation.
9tE31
PAiri "ratre!%Q #rethren% omitted.
9tE3/
P,3piationem. . . peccati%Q e3piation o" !in.
9tE33
PPer!tringere%Q glance at.
9tE30
PHortat'r%Q e3horteth.
9tE3D
P8e ip!a impio! coarg'it%Q convict! the .ic$ed #) the realit).
9tE36
P+ntermedio Sa##atho%Q in the interval #et.een the Sa##ath!.
9tE3M
P9a!tidio pleni%Q #eing "'ll o" di!dain.
9tE3E
PSine controver!ia%Q .itho't controver!).
9tE31
PS'!pen!i%Q !'!pended.
9tE00
+n ill'd praecipiti'm r'am'!%Q .e r'!h in!tantl) over that precipice.
9tE01
PAici!!im%Q in their t'rn.
9tE0/
PC'r ergo n'nc dem'm ad gente! !e convertit% @'a!i ear'rn vocatio e3 electi pop'li
in"idelitate pendeat%Q .h) then doe! he no. onl) t'rn to the >entile!% a! i" their calling
depended on the in"idelit) o" the cho!en peopleI omitted.
9tE03
PAictima e3piatri3%Q e3piator) victim
31/
"tE00
P*nimi magnit'dine%Q magnanimit).
9tE0D
PPromi!c'e%Q indi!criminatel).
9tE06
PPromi!c'e%Q indi!criminatel).
9tE0M
P*doptio%Q adoption.
9tE0E
PProgre!!'m%Q the progre!!.
9tE01
P*thleta! in arenam%Q a! .re!tler! into the arena.
9tED0
P7""endic'lo!%Q pett) !candal!.
9tED1
P+nane! virt't'm larvae.Q empt) ma!$! or !ho.! o" virt'e.
9tED/
P(e"'nctorie%Q in a per"'nctor) manner.
9tED3
PHi!trionici (ei c'ltore!%Q hi!trionic .or!hipper! o" >od.
9tED0
P+m#'tae%Q im#'ed .ith.
9tEDD
PSi @'i! homicida%Q i" an) m'rderer% omitted.
9tED6
PR'i e3terminent'r%Q to #e e3terminated.
313