A Paraphrase on the New Testament, Ephesians
The Epiſtle of PAUL the Apoſtle to the EPHESIANS.
CHAP. I.
1. PAul an apoſtle of Jeſus Chriſt, by the will of God, to the ſaints which are at Epheſus, and to the faithful in Chriſt Jeſus: 2. Grace be to you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jeſus Chriſt.
1, 2. Paul an Apoſtle of Jeſus Chriſt, called and ſent by his Appearance and Voice to preach his Goſpel, to which God had choſen me; to the Saints and faithful Chriſtians at Epheſus, my Benediction and Prayer is, That they may have Grace and Peace, Holineſs and Conſolation, from God our Father, and Chriſt our Saviour.
3. Bleſſed be the God and Father of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt; who hath bleſſed us with all ſpiritual bleſſings in heavenly places in Chriſt▪
3. Thanks and Praiſe be given to God the Father of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, who hath bleſſed us with all ſpiritual Bleſſings in Celeſtials, or Heavenly things which tend to Glory, which Chriſt doth purchaſe, promiſe, prepare, and poſſeſs for us.
4. According as he hath choſen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we ſhould be holy and without blame before him in love:
4. As he choſe us as Members of Chriſt, whom he choſe to be our Head, before the World was made, that we ſhould be holy and blameleſs, both which ſummarily conſiſt in holy Love.
5. Having predeſtinated us unto the adoption of children by Jeſus Chriſt to himſelf, according to the good pleaſure of his will, 6. To the praiſe of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved:
5, 6. Having predeſtinated us to become his adopted Children to him in and by Jeſus Chriſt, of his own free and good Will, that ſo his Grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in his beloved Son, might have the Praiſe and Glory.
Note, 1. That the Election is from before the Foundation of the World. 2. That it is one Decree or Election of God by which he chuſeth Chriſt to be our Head, and us to be his Members. 3. It is one and the ſame Election by which God hath choſen us to the praiſe and glory of his Grace, to be ſaved, and to be holy and blameleſs in Love. On Gods part it is by one Act, and on our part it is to one ſtate of Bleſſedneſs, (as Generation maketh one Man) though as objectively that one have many Parts, it may accordingly be named Many, and diſtinguiſhed. And the Eſſentials are given at once, though the Integrals and Augmentation be after given by degrees. 4. That Love is the ſum of that Holineſs and Blameleſneſs to which we are predeſtinated. 5. That we are not onelyonly Predeſtinated to Life on condition of Holineſs, but are Predeſtinated to Holineſs it ſelf; and conſequently, to Faith and Repentance, and not onelyonly on condition that we believe and repent: And ſo Election is of Individual Perſons, to Faith, Holineſs, and Salvation, and not onelyonly of Believers to Salvation, or of Perſons to be ſaved if they believe. A Conditional puts nothing into being or act. Were the Scripture dark in the Point of Gods free Electing of ſome to Faith and Repentance, more than others of equal Guilt and Pravity, Experience might fully ſatisfie us of it.
7, 8. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveneſs of ſins, according to the riches of his grace; wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wiſdom and prudence,
7, 8. In whom we have deliverance by Redemption, through the Sacrifice of his Blood for our Sins, even the forgiveneſs of all our Sin, which manifeſteth the Riches of his Grace and Bounty, from which this Gift proceedeth; in which he abounded toward us in the exerciſe of that wonderful Divine Wiſdom and Prudence in the way of our Salvation by Chriſt, which to ſearch and know, is the greateſt Wiſdom and Prudence of Man.
9. Having made known unto us the myſtery of his will according to his good pleaſure, which he hath purpoſed in himſelf:
9. Having now opened to us the Myſtery of his own Will and good Pleaſure, which he purpoſed in himſelf, but was little known by Jews or Gentiles.
10. That in the diſpenſation of the fulneſs of times he might gather together in one all things in Chriſt, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in him:
10. That when he ſaw the fit time fully come, he might gather into one Univerſal Church, united to Chriſt the Head, as his Kingdom and Body, both Jews and Gentiles, yea Angels and Men, the departed Souls and thoſe on Earth, to be One, I ſay, in him their Head and King.
Note, Thoſe that confine this to Jews and Gentiles, yea and thoſe that exclude Angels, force the Text without proof. For though Angels ſinned not, Chriſt may gather us into one Heavenly Society with them, and make us like them, himſelf being the Head.
11. In whom alſo we have obtained an inheritance, being predeſtinated according to the purpoſe of him who worketh all things after the counſel of his own will:
11. In whom alſo we have our Lot of Inheritance, being thereto predeſtinated by God, who calleth whom he pleaſeth, and worketh all things according to his own Counſel, Wiſdom, and Will.
12. That we ſhould be to the praiſe of his glory, who firſt truſted in Chriſt.
12. That we, who were firſt called, and made Believers in Chriſt, might be the Firſt-fruits of his Church, and bring him much Praiſe and Glory by our Service.
13. In whom ye alſo truſted after that ye heard the word of truth, the goſpel of your ſalvation: In whom alſo after that ye believed, ye were ſealed with that holy Spirit of promiſe,
13. In whom you truſted, when you had heard the true Goſpel of your Salvation; and in and by Chriſt, after you believed, you received the great Gift of the promiſed Spirit, which is Gods Seal upon you, and the Seal of the Truth of his Promiſe to you.
14. Which is the earneſt of our inheritance, until the redemption of the purchaſed poſſeſſion, unto the praiſe of his glory.
14. Which Spirit is given us by God as the aſcertaining Earneſt of our Inheritance, to fit us for, and aſſure us of our attaining the Poſſeſſion of that which Chriſt hath purchaſed for thoſe whom he had redeemed to be his peculiar People.
15. Wherefore I alſo, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jeſus, and love unto all the ſaints, 16. Ceaſe not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
15, 16. Hearing of the continuance and increaſe of your Faith, and your Love to all the Saints, (and not onelyonly to thoſe that conform to your Minds in ſmall or indifferent things) do conſtantly give thanks to God for your Stability, and daily pray for you.
17. That the God of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wiſdom and revelation, in the knowledge of him:
17. That he that is the God of our Lord Jeſus as Man, who ſent him, and raiſed him from the dead, and glorified him, would give you yet more of the Spirit of Wiſdom and Revelation, that you may know yet more of the Myſtery of his Love in our Redemption by Chriſt.
18. The eyes of your underſtanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the ſaints,
18. That your Minds being yet more illuminated, you may fullier and clearlier know, to what glorio…s Hopes he hath called us, and what Treaſures of Glory he hath promiſed to his Saints, in whom he will be glorified for ever.
19. And what is the exceeding greatneſs of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power; 20. Which he wrought in Chriſt when he raiſed him from the dead, and ſet him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
19, 20. And how wonderfully God hath manifeſted his Power in us that believe, in giving us the Spirit of Miracles, Tongues, Prophecy, &c. and the Spirit of Illumination, Faith, Hope, Love, Joy, Patience, to go on in Labour and Suffering for Chriſt, ſuitable to the Power which he ſhewed in raiſing Chriſt from death, and advancing him to the Heavenly Glory, where he is Lord of all.
21. Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but alſo in that which is to come:
21. Far above all the Princes, States, and Powers on Earth, the greateſt Conquerors or Monarchs, whether thoſe that perſecuted him and us, or any other, even thoſe above us in the World that we are going to, Angels, or any ſort of Spirits.
22. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church.
22. And hath given him power over all things, and made him Head of the Church, and Lord over all things, for his Churches good, and the Ends of Redemption.
23. Which is his body, the fulneſs of him that filleth all in all.
23. Which Church is his Body Myſtical, the Celeſtial, Political Society, united to and under him, in which he attaineth fully the Ends of his Redemption, and in whom, as glorified with him, he is effectively a full and perfect Saviour, in whom he will delight, and be glorified: and God, that is all in all things, fully manifeſteth his Love and Glory.
Note, 1. That the Text diſtinguiſheth Chriſts Relation to his Church, and to all things elſe. He is Head to the Church by vital influx, as his Body. He is over all things, ſome as Utenſils for the Church, and ſome as conquered Rebels, or Enemies.
2. How little reaſon the Church hath to fear malicious Principalities or Powers, or Great Names, or Devils, any further than we fear our ſelves, leſt we yield to Sin by their Temptations; ſeeing they are all in the power of Chriſt, and under his Feet: And therefore our ſinful Fear doth plainly prove our Unbelief, in that degree that it prevaileth.
3. As the ſame Love, ſo the ſame Power of God that was glorified in the Miracles and Reſurrection of Chriſt, is engaged for, and glorified on the Church: And this Glory we ſhall ſee in the fulneſs of time, though now the Church (as Chriſt on the Croſs, or in the Grave) ſeem a forſaken, ſhattered, deſolate thing.
4. It is no wonder that Chriſt taketh what is done to his Church and Members as done to himſelf, and will judge Men accordingly.
5. The great Service that Chriſt requireth of us in the World, is to contribute our utmoſt Labour and Help for the Church; he himſelf needing nothing that we can do.
CHAP. II.
1. ANd you hath he quickened who were dead in treſpaſſes and ſins.
1. And you who are members of this Church hath he revived and quickned by his mortifying and ſanctifying Grace, and by abſolving you from the Guilt of Death, who were in and by your Sin as dead to ſpiritual ſaving Good, and liable by Guilt to everlaſting Death: your State of Sin was ſuch a State of Death.
2. Wherein in time paſt ye walked according to the courſe of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the ſpirit that now worketh in the children of diſobedience.
2. In this Sin you lived in your former Gentile State, according to the Temptations and Will of Satan, who is by Gods permiſſion the Prince of the Power of the Air, and by his Temptations worketh in the unperſuadable Unbelievers and Ungodly, againſt Gods Grace and their Salvation.
3. Among whom alſo we all had our converſation in times paſt, in the luſts of our fleſh, fulfilling the deſires of the fleſh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
3. And we our ſelves were formerly ſuch as they, and lived among them in fleſhly Luſts, fulfilling the Deſires of our Fleſh and our own Thoughts and falſe …eaſoning, and were by Natural Corruption (not onelyonly as Children of Adam, but alſo the Progeny of Heathens) the Heirs of Gods Wrath, obliged to Puniſhment by his Juſtice, as other Men, and ſpecially Heathens be.
4. But God who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5. Even when we were dead in ſins, hath quickened us together with Chriſt, (by grace ye are ſaved) 6. And hath raiſed us up together, and made us ſit together in heavenly places in Chriſt Jeſus.
4, 5, 6. But God, who is very merciful, to manifeſt his own free Love to us, when we were as others dead in Sins, hath by his own Grace begun our Salvation, conforming us to the Reſurrection and Exaltation of Chriſt, by delivering us from the Death of Sin and Guilt, and making us alive to Holineſs, and giving us the Earneſt and Fore-taſte of Glory.
7. That in the ages to come he might ſhew the exceeding riches of his grace, in his kindneſs towards us, through Chriſt Jeſus.
7. That in theſe latter days he might ſhew forth the Glory of his Grace in our Redemption by Chriſt, in which his Love and Kindneſs to us is reſplendent.
8. For by grace are ye ſaved, through faith; and that not of your ſelves: it is the gift of God: 9. Not of works, leſt any man ſhould boaſt:
8, 9. For your Salvation is of Gods meer Grace and Gift, through your Faith in Chriſt; And this is not of your own contriving, meriting, ſeeking, or effecting; but all of Gods own Gift, who hath choſen this way, rather than that of Works, that none may boaſt, and aſcribe that to themſelves which is due onelyonly to God.
10. For we are his workmanſhip, created in Chriſt Jeſus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we ſhould walk in them.
10. Not that we hereby exclude Good Works, by excluding Mans boaſting of his own Power or Merits: For we our ſelves are Gods Work, new made by Regeneration, which planted us into Chriſt, purpoſely to do thoſe Good Works, which neither the Law nor meer Nature enabled and enclined us to do: Theſe God hath fore-ordained and preſcribed for us to live in, and by Grace inclined us to do them.
11. Wherefore remember that ye being in time paſſed Gentiles in the fleſh, who are called uncircumciſion by that which is called the circumciſion in the fleſh made by hands; 12. That at that time ye were without Chriſt, being aliens from the commonwealth of Iſrael, and ſtrangers from the covenants of promiſe, having no hope, and without God in the world:
11, 12. And that you may duely value the Mercy of your Vocation, you muſt never forget, that you were of the Gentiles, called Uncircumciſed by the Jews, and had no Knowledge of Chriſt as promiſed, or as Incarnate, and were no pa…t of that peculiar People the Jews, but Aliens, whom they juſtly refuſed Communion with, and were Strangers from the Covenant which promiſed Peculiarity, and ſo had none of the hope of Redemption which thoſe Promiſes gave, nor knew how, as reconciled, to be accepted of God, and lived as Atheiſts, without the true Knowledge of God, or Truſt in him, or Obedience to him, (though you had many Idols.)
13. But now in Chriſt Jeſus, ye who ſometimes were far off, are made nigh by the blood of Chriſt.
13. But now ye are Chriſtians, you are brought as nigh God as the believing Jews, the Partition being taken down, and the Covenant of Grace founding an Univerſal Church, purchaſed and ſealed by the Blood of Chriſt, whoſe peculiar People now ye are.
14. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
14. For he is the Maker of our Peace with God and one another, and hath taken away the Diviſion between Jews and Gentiles, which was like the Wall which kept the Gentiles in the outer Court of the Temple, and opened to us all a way into the Sanctuary.
15. Having aboliſhed in his fleſh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances, for to make in himſelf, of twain, one new man, ſo making peace;
15. Being Man in the common Nature of Man, and offering his Body a Sacrifice for the Sins of all, he hath aboliſhe… the Law of Moſes, which contained Ordinances Ceremonial, Typical, and Political, with ſevere Penalties, and maketh us all one Catholick Church, united in himſelf the Head.
16. And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the croſs, having ſlain the enmity thereby:
16. And as his one Body was crucified for both, ſo he thereby reconcileth both to G…d in one Body or Society, which is his Church, having aboliſhed the Enmity.
17. And came, and preached peace to you which are afar off, and to them that were nigh.
17. And this Goſpel of Reconciliation and Unity he hath by himſelf and his Apoſtles preached, and offered Grace and Peace, both to Gentiles and Jews.
18. For through him we both have an acceſs by one Spirit unto the Father.
18. For through his Merits, Interceſſion, and Covenant, all Believers, Jews and Gentiles, are made the Children of God, and are ſealed by his Spirit of Adoption, which is an Interceſſor within us, by whom we have acceſs to God.
19. Now therefore ye are no more ſtrangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the ſaints, and of the houſhold of God;
19. And now this Reconciliation being made by Chriſt, you Gentiles are no longer Strangers or Forreigners to the Church or peculiar People of God, but are free Denizens, Burgeſſes, or enfranchiſed Citizens with the reſt of the holy Society, even Members of the Holy Catholick Church, of Adopted ones, which is as the Houſhold of God.
20. And are built upon the foundation of the apoſtles and prophets, Jeſus Chriſt himſelf being the chief corner-ſtone;
20. And I may liken you not onelyonly to the Houſhold, but to the Ho…ſe of God, of which you are a living part, built on the Doctrine of the Apoſtles and Prophets, qualified by the Holy Ghoſt, and authoriſed by Chriſt to call and gather his Catholick Church, and ſo may ſecondarily be called its Foundation, Chriſt himſelf being the primary Foundation, or Chief Corner-ſtone.
21. In whom all the building fitly framed together, groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord.
21. In whom, as the Head of Union, all the Church of God being compact into one holy Society, as it were, of Living Stones, is built, riſeth, and groweth up to be an holy Temple to the Lord, increaſing to its perfection.
22. In whom you alſo are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
22. And as God called the Temple at Jeruſalem his Dwelling, ſo, by the Spirit of Chriſt, you alſo, with all the reſt of the Faithful, are built up as a holy Temple, in which, by the ſame Spirit, God will dwell.
Note, That, 1. The Catholick Church is not onelyonly that which was once by the Policy of Emperours and Biſhops called Catholick, as National, being in that Empire onelyonly, and under its Laws; but as it containeth all Chriſtians in the World. 2. That it is Headed onelyonly by Chriſt, the Center of its Unity. 3. That inſpired Apoſtles and Prophets being the M…ſſengers of new Divine Revelation, are its ſecondary Foundation, by an Authority and Qualification proper to them, and not extending to Biſhops or their Councils, who come after them. 4. Note the great Dignity of the Church, as reſulting from this Foundation Chriſt, and the Reconciliation wrought by him. 5. That they that would deſtroy this Unity and Superſtruction, fight againſt Chriſt, and would deſtroy the Church; which is moſt notably done by ſetting up a falſe Head or Foundation, or making falſe uncapable Terms of Union, by the preſumptuous Canons and Laws of Uſurpers. 6. That though this Church have no Uniting Head but Chriſt, yet it muſt be compact, as the Members of his Body, and have one Faith, Hope, Baptiſm, and Spirit of Love, and abhor Diviſion as Deſtruction.
CHAP. III.
1. FOr this cauſe, I Paul, the priſoner of Jeſus Chriſt for you Gentiles.
1. Having thoſe great Encouragements, I Paul even glory that I am Chriſts Priſoner for the Gentiles ſake, even for preaching the Goſpel for their Converſion and Salvation.
Note, That at once Paul was the Jews Priſoner, as his Accuſers and Perſecutors; and the Heathen Romans Priſoner, as his Judges; and Chriſts Priſoner, both finally, as ſuffering for his ſake, and obligatorily, as Commiſſioned for a Perſecuted Work; and the Gentiles Priſoner finally, as ſuffering for his Labours for their Salvation.
2. If ye have heard of the diſpenſation of the grace of God, which is given me to you-ward: 3. How that by revelation he made known unto me the myſtery, (as I wrote afore in few words,
2, 3. For I ſuppoſe you have heard how for your good God hath commiſſioned me to declare and diſpence to you the Goſpel of Grace, and Gifts of the Spirit, and by Revelation from Heaven by the Voice of Chriſt, and inwardly by his Spirit, made known to me the Myſtery of Mans Redemption, and the Calling of the Gentiles, (as I wrote briefly before.)
4, 5. Whereby when ye read ye may underſtand my knowledge in the myſtery of Chriſt) which in other ages was not made known unto the ſons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apoſtles and prophets by the Spirit; 6. That the Gentiles ſhould be fellow-heirs, and of the ſame body, and partakers of his promiſe in Chriſt by the goſpel:
4, 5, 6. In which you may read my Explication of this Myſtery, and perceive that Chriſt hath acquainted me with it, which in former Ages was not openly and clearly made known to Men, as it is now by the Spirit revealed to the holy Apoſtles and Prophets who preach the Goſpel; even that Chriſt would call and take in the Gentiles into the Catholick Church and Covenant, as his peculiar People, and make them Partakers of his Promiſe and Gift of Life in Chriſt, by the Goſpel preached to them.
7. Whereof I was made a miniſter according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
7. Of which Goſpel I was made a Miniſter, to diſpence it according to that Meaſure of the Gift of the Spirit by Grace given to me, which wrought effectually in me, and by me, by Doctrine and Miracles to convert the Gentiles.
8. Unto me, who am leſs then the leaſt of all ſaints is this grace given, that I ſhould preach among the Gentiles the unſearchable riches of Chriſt;
8. To me, who am by my former Perſecution of the Church the loweſt or moſt unworthy of all Saints, is this Favour and Honour freely vouchſafed, that I ſhould preach to the Gentiles the unſearchable Riches of Chriſt.
9. And to make all men ſee, what is the fellowſhip of the myſtery, which from the beginning of the world, hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jeſus Chriſt:
9. And to notifie to all Men the Communication and Communion of this Myſterious Grace, which from the very Creation was ſecretly included (as a Tree in the Seed) in Gods making the whole World by Jeſus Chriſt, even that he would redeem and new make us all by him.
10. To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places, might be known by the church the manifold wiſdom of God, 11. According to the eternal purpoſe which he purpoſed in Chriſt Jeſus our Lord:
10, 11. That now in this Collection of the Univerſal Church in Chriſt, as in a Glaſs, or as in the clear Effects, the very Spiritual Principalities and Powers above us in the Heavens might ſee more of Gods eternal Counſel opened, and manifold Wiſdom diſplayed, than they knew before.
Note, 1. That Superiour Spirits are Principalities and Powers, either over Political Societies there, or as Rulers over us here below, as Guardians: See Joſh. 5.14. Exod. 23.20, 23. & 32.34. Num. 20.16. Gen. 24.7, 40. Pſal. 34.7. Dan. 10.13. &c. It's like it's both.
2. That even Superiour Powers are not Omniſcient, but may by new Means have new increaſed Knowledge; and therefore Saints in Heaven are not more knowing.
3. That it is in Heaven that the Great Ends of God, in Redeeming and Gathering his Church, are attained.
12. In whom we have boldneſs and acceſs with confidence by the faith of him.
12. In whom we all that truſt in him, may come with boldneſs and confident hope of acceptance to God.
13. Wherefore I deſire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
13. Wherefore, I beſeech you, be not diſcouraged by my Sufferings for preaching to you; for it is your Honour to have the Miniſtry of your Salvation thus atteſted by me.
14, 15. For this cauſe I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16. That he would grant you according to the riches of his glory, to be ſtrengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
14, 15, 16. For this end I beg of God the Father of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, of whom all the Bleſſed Society in Heaven and Earth is named his Family, (or of which Chriſt Jews and Gentiles are named Chriſtians) That of his abundant Grace, in which he will be glorified, he will by his Spirit fortifie your Souls.
Note, 1. It is uncertain whether [of whom] relate to the Father, or to Chriſt.
2. Though Paul ſpeak ſpecially of the Catholick Church of Jews and Gentiles, there's no reaſon to exclude the glorified Souls; no, nor the Angels, from being part of Gods Family, united in and under Chriſt.
17. That Chriſt may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye being rooted and grounded in love, 18. May be able to comprehend with all ſaints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19. And to know the love of Chriſt, which paſſeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulneſs of God.
17, 18, 19. That Chriſt may by the conſtant exerciſe of your Faith upon him, even dwell objectively in your Hearts, (as one Friend by Love and Truſt doth in anothers) and effectively poſſeſs and actuate you by his Spirit; that by his Spirit and your Faith, you may be ſo deeply poſſeſt with the ſenſe of Gods Love, that you may be filled with Love to him and one another, and it may be the very Habit of your Souls, and a rooted Nature in you; that ſo being qualified by this Faith and Love, you may be able and fit to meaſure and underſtand, as all Saints in their ſeveral degrees do, the vaſt and wonderful Dimenſions, and to know the Love of Chriſt, and of the Father in him, which exceedeth our comprehenſive and adequate Knowledge, (or which is more excellent than all the Sciences which Heathens and Hereticks boaſt of;) that ſo by Faith and Love your Souls may be filled with the higheſt degrees of Grace, and the Spirit of God.
20, 21. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the Church by Chriſt Jeſus, throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
20, 21. Now to that Almighty God who can do for his People exceeding abundantly, above all that we can deſire or ask, believe or conceive in our narrow Thoughts, as is intimated even in the Power of Sanctity and Miracles, which he exerciſeth in and …mong us now; To him, I ſay, be Glory in the Church, by the Mediation of Jeſus Chriſt, (in whom …he Glory of Gods Love ſhineth …o us, and by whom …e render Praiſe to God) throughout all Ages, World without end. Amen.
CHAP. IV.
1. I Therefore the priſoner of the Lord, beſeech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
1. Seeing then the Riches of Gods Grace in Chriſt is ſo abundant to you converted Gentiles, I that am a Priſoner for declaring this Grace of Chriſt to you, exhort you that you live according to the great obligation of your Vocation.
2. With all lowlineſs and meekneſs, with long-ſuffering, forbearing one another in love;
2. Such a Chriſtian Life muſt be in all lowlineſs, or humble thoughts of your ſelves, your Knowledge, your Goodneſs, and your Power, and in all meekneſs or gentleneſs towards others: Love muſt cauſe you with long-ſuffering to forbear one another.
Note, 1. That Forbearance is to be exerciſed towards evil, that is, Imperfections in Knowledge, Vertue, and Duty, and tollerable Faults, and Injuries againſt each other: Therefore it ſuppoſeth us to be all faulty, needing forbearance.
2. That proud high thoughts of our ſelves, and Contempt, Cenſoriouſneſs, and Hurtfulneſs to others, and not forbearing tollerable Offenders, are contrary to Chriſtianity, and the Cauſe of Diviſions in the Church: And by theſe the carnal perſecuting Seed, eſpecially when they invade the Sacred Office, are differenced from true Chriſtians, as Wolves from Sheep, even when, as the falſe Prophets, they pretend the Cauſe and Name of Chriſt.
3. That all this is for want of Chriſtian Love, and the Dominion of carnal Self-love; and Love to God, and to others as our ſelves, muſt be the proper Cure.
3. Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
3. This Love and forbearance muſt ſpecially be exerciſed to preſerve the Unity of the Chriſtian Church; which all muſt endeavour faithfully to keep. And this Unity inwardly conſiſteth in being all poſſeſs'd and governed by One Holy Spirit, as all the Parts of the Body are by one Soul; and outwardly, by living peaceably towards each other, eſpecially in our Church-Communion.
4, 5, 6. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptiſm, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
4, 5, 6. More particularly, in theſe ſeven Reſpects our Unity doth conſiſt. 1. The Church, which is as the Body of Chriſt, is one Univerſal Church. 2. The Spirit of God, which as it were animateth it, is One and the ſame Spirit. 3. The Grace and Heavenly Glory which is the Hope of Believers, which they ſeek, and for which they forſake the World, is One. 4. The Head, Lord, and Saviour of the Church is One and the ſame to all. 5. The Eſſentials of the Chriſtian Faith, or Creed, are One and the ſame. 6. The Baptiſmal Vow, and Covenant, and Profeſſion, in which we are devoted to God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghoſt, and united Sacramentally to Chriſt his Church, is One and the ſame to all in the Eſſentials. 7. And all have One God and Father in Chriſt, who is, 1. Tranſcendently and abſolutely above and over all; 2. And unconceivably penetrateth all: And, 3. and is in his Eſſence moſt intimately in you all, and is All in all things.
Note, That in theſe ſeven things, that Unity of the Church conſiſteth, which is Gods preſcribed and conferred Qualification for Chriſtian Communion in Love and Peace. And that as Satan uſeth to undo by overdoing (and the Phariſees had more Laws, Traditions, and ſtrictneſs therein as needful to Communion than Chriſt had, who would have Mercy rather than Sacrifice) So it is by adding a multitude of Enſnaring Canons, Cuſtoms, and Opinions as neceſſary to Communion, that he hath corrupted and torn the viſible Church, and turned Love and Communion into Wrath and Perſecution.
And yet this Ʋnity muſt be kept in Peace, and therefore, both Perſecuting, and Contumeli…us, Turbulent Ʋnpeaceableneſs againſt thoſe that own theſe Seven Points of Ʋnion, ſhould be avoided by Chriſtians, and reſtrained by Magiſtrates, who muſt keep the Peace. And whenever God in mercy will heal the lacerated Church, it will be on theſe terms.
7. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the meaſure of the gift of Chriſt.
7. But though we have all One Spirit, and are One in all the foreſaid Eſſentials of our Religion, yet this Unity is found in very great diverſity of degrees of Grace, and both degrees and kind of G…fts, (S…e 1 Cor. 12.) as it pleaſeth Chriſt to diſtribute them.
8. Wherefore he ſaith, When he aſcended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
8. As it is ſaid in Pſal. 68.18. When, &c. So when Chriſt aſcended, he triumphed over Satan, Death, and Hell, and ſent down from Heaven the Gifts of his Spirit.
9. (Now that he aſcended, what is it but that he alſo deſcended firſt into the lower parts of the earth? 10. He that deſcended, is the ſame alſo that aſcended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things)
9, 10. And when it is ſaid, that he aſcended, it implieth, that he firſt deſcended into this lower World, into a low Condition, and into the Grave. And therefore it is the ſame Jeſus who was here humbled in his Deſcent, who is exalted by his Aſcent, f…r above all Heavens which Man doth ſee or know, that thence (is the Sun by the influence of its Heat, and Light, and Motion, filleth all below, acccording to the rec…pti…e Capacity of each, ſo) our glorified Lord, by h…s adminiſtring Influx, might fill all with common or ſpecial Grace, according to their various receptivity.
11. And he gave ſome Apoſtles: and ſome, Prophets: and ſome, Evangeliſts: and ſome, Paſtors and Teachers; 12. For the perfecting of the ſaints, for the work of the miniſtry, for the edifying of the body of Chriſt:
11, 12. And he gave, by Qualification and Miſſion, ſome Apoſtles, ſent by his own Mouth, to be the moſt eminent Atteſters of his Miracles, Doctrine, and Reſurrection, and Founders of the Churches; ſome Prophets, by Revelation and Inſpiration to confirm the Chriſtian Faith; ſome Evangeliſts, whoſe Work was as eminently qualified to go abroad, to preach the Goſpel, and gather Churches, or confirm them, without being fixed to a ſpecial Place or Flock; and ſome Paſtors and Teachers, (called alſo Biſhops and Elders) who were ſet over the particular Churches as their Guides and Inſtructers, as being their ſpecial Flocks and Charge. And all theſe Gifts and Offices are given for that Miniſterial Work which God (who worketh by Means) will uſe, to bring on all his Saints towards the Perfection of themſelves and of the Church, and by the Increaſe, Concord, and Sanctity, of the Members, to edifie or build up this Body of Chriſt.
13. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the meaſure of the ſtature of the fulneſs of Chriſt:
13. Till by this increaſe of Number and Holineſs, and Concord, we all Jews and Gentiles make up that Church, which in the Ʋnity of Faith and Knowledge and Acknowledgment of Chriſt, attaineth to that degree of perfection, in which conſiſteth the meaſure of Grace, and fulneſs of Stature, which Chriſt wi…l bring his Church unto, which is that maturity which imitateth our natural growth from Infancie to full Manhood.
14. That we henceforth be no more children, toſſed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the ſleight of men, and cunning craftineſs, whereby they lie in wait to deceive:
14. That being by Gods bleſſing by ſuch a Miniſtry brought up to Manhood, we may no longer be like Children, who through weakneſs cannot ſtand in the Wind, but are carried about by it; ſo childiſh Chriſtians are by every Wind of Plauſible Doctrine, by the ſlight ſubtilty and craft of Men that by pretences of Knowledge, Holineſs, Power or Love, lay ſnares and lie in wait to deceive the weak.
15. But ſpeaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Chriſt:
15. But (though we know but in part, yet) ſpeaking and keeping the neceſſary truth or eſſentials of our Religion, in Love and Concord, in this Faith and Love, may in all things grow up to greater meaſures by degrees, even into a fuller Communion with Chriſt our Head, and likeneſs to him.
16. From whom the whole body fitly joyned together and compacted by that which every joynt ſupplieth, according to the effectual working in the meaſure of every part, maketh increaſe of the body, unto the edifying of it ſelf in love.
16. From whom the whole Church receiveth both that vital Influence, and that Conduct and Government, to its own intenſive and extenſive increaſe in Love, which is its ſpiritual Life, which the natural Body doth from the Head and Heart, by communication of vital and animal Spirits and Heat: And this Life and Increaſe is received and communicated to each part from Chriſt, by that coagmentation and due connexion of all the Members of the Church together, while each keepeth his place, and performeth his own Office, by the exerciſe of Faith and Love effectually for the good of all: Even as the Body is kept in Life and Health, while every inferiour Part and Joynt is receptive and active according to its proper Place and Office.
Note, There is no Text which is ſo plauſibly wreſted to maintain Popery, that is, One Univerſal Humane Government of the whole Church on Earth, Monarchical or Ariſtocratical, (by Pope, Council, or combined Metropolitans, as one Soveraignty) as this: It ſeeming to foreſtalled Men, to ſpeak of the Church as compacted in one Univerſal Policy, ſo governed: And it is a Text which muſt be greatly ſtudied againſt Dividers, and yet vindicated from Roman Perverters.
I. Doubtleſs the Text ſpeaketh ſtrongly for Univerſal Concord, and not onelyonly for an uniting of Members in ſeveral Congregations, which ſhall each be Independent, which would be but like ſo many Limbs cut off from the Body; but for an uniting of Congregations, yea, of all through the World, in one compacted Body: And therefore all Chriſtians muſt abhor Diſſection and Separation, or Schiſm.
II. Yet it is evident that Paul ſpeaketh of no one Head but Chriſt, and of no ſort of Univerſal Soveraign on Earth as under him. And indeed it is an Office that Humane Nature here is not capable of, either in Monarchy or Ariſtocracy; It's impoſſible for any Church-Soveraign-Power, ſave Divine, (or Angelical at leaſt) to rule the Church by Legiſlation, Judgment, and Execution, all over the Earth: much of it being out of our reach, as the Moon is: And the Church is under contrary, enemy, militant, Civil Governours, which maketh it the more impoſſible. And the onelyonly Pretenders have been the great Dividers and Deſtroyers. What then is here meant, and to be done for Unity?
Not to feign impoſſible Terms, ſuch as are An Ʋniverſal Soveraignty, and Multitudes of Hamane, Doubtful, Ʋnneceſſary Canons; which are the moſt effectual cauſes of Diſcord. But, 1. to take up with Chriſts own preſcribed terms of Union here laid down, v. 3, 4, 5. If Chriſt have not made the Laws of Church Union, he is not the maker of the Church; for Unity is eſſential to it (as to a Houſe or Body.) 2. To be one in Love, and to repreſs all Tyranny that would deſtroy Love and Peace. 3. As in the ſeveral Aſſemblies they muſt exerciſe the ſame Faith and Hope, and love and worſhip the ſame God and Saviour, by the ſame Spirit; ſo that theſe Churches muſt live in love to each other, and avoid all Diſcord: And if any breach be made between them in Faith or Love, they muſt uſe all reaſonable means to heal it; which is by Writing or Meſſengers giving to each other an account of their Faith and Practice; and when need is, conſulting in Synods, of one or of divers Nations: Not that ſuch Synods are Governours of many Churches by a Major Vote, or by Metropolitan Power (ſave as they may exerciſe the Magiſtrates Power of the Sword by his Commiſſion, which (were ſuch fit) can be given only in his own Dominions, out of which Synods and Metropolitans can have no Political Governing Power: But the Major Vote muſt be regarded for Concord, which is the uſe of Synods; yet ſo that it prevail not againſt Divine Authority and Law, nor againſt Reaſon, or the Churches good. And therefore, 1. Synods are but for Counſel and Agreement. 2. And General Councils impoſſible and neeedleſs, it being impoſſible and needleſs that all the World have notice of the Caſes of every particular Church, much leſs that they meet for the redreſs. 3. And when Corruption and Tyranny (as under the Arrians and Papiſts) have got the Major Vote, the minor are not bound to agree with them, but to diſſent. As the Earth is Gods Kingdom, and all Kings are his Officers in their ſeveral Kingdoms, but neither any one Man, or many Conjunct in one Ariſtocracie or Council, are One Soveraign Governing Power over all the Earth; but only ſhould by Conſultations ſeek to keep the Common Love and Peace; even ſo all Churches and Chriſtians on Earth are Chriſts Kingdom or Church Univerſal, and all True Paſtors are his Officers in their ſeveral Churches, but neither one Man, or many Conjunct as one Political Perſon, or Ariſtocracie, are one Summa Poteſtas over all Chriſtians on Earth; but thoſe that are within the reach and notice of each other ſhould when it's needful, by Synods and Conſultations keep up Unity of Faith and Love, and all needful Concord. Had not Princes been made too capable of abuſe, they would not take well the Doctrine of a late Learned and Triumphant Writer, who tells us, that tho de facto, Princes do not, yet they ought to unite their Power in one Council, which ſhould be the brighteſt Governour of them all: And ſo, 1. all Kings muſt be Subjects. 2. Ariſtocracy muſt rule Monarchy. 3. How ſhall all Kings from the Antipodes, or over all the Earth meet? 4. Who ſhall call them? 5. Where muſt they meet? 6. Shall they truſt their Crowns to Deligate Subjects? 7. What if the moſt be Heathens and Mahometans, and moſt Chriſtians Hereticks in each others account? 8. If he condeſcend to limit this Soveraign Diet, who ſhall limit it, and how? And then the Univerſal Soveraign is ſtill wanting.
They that dare plead for no more than Ʋniverſal Communion, ſhould have underſtood that Communion as ſuch belongs but to a Community; and a meer Community is no Body Politick, or Governed Society, but a Confederacie of Equals (as to Rule.) With reſpect to God only the World is one Governed Kingdom, and with reſpect to Chriſt, the Church in one Ruled Body Politick: But neither of them is One as united in any Vicarious Soveraign, but in their ſeveral Provinces muſt keep Communion in Faith, Love and Peace.
17. This I ſay therefore, and teſtifie in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk in the vanity of their mind,
17. Therefore I charge you as from Chriſt, that you that are Chriſtians live not henceforth as the Unconverted Heathens, that follow their own falſe imaginations.
18. Having the underſtanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, through the ignorance that is in them, becauſe of the blindneſs of their heart: 19. Who being paſt feeling, have given themſelves over unto laſciviouſneſs, to work all uncleanneſs with greedineſs.
18, 19. Their Underſtanding being darkened, and they being meer ſtrangers to a holy living on and unto God, becauſe of the ignorance and blindneſs of their Minds, which have loſt the very light of Nature, and being ſtupified by Pravity and Cuſtom in ſin, have given themſelves up to fleſhly luſts, to do the filthieſt Acts with greedy deſire and delight.
20. But ye have not ſo learned Chriſt; 21. If ſo be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jeſus:
20, 21. But Chriſt has taught you, and you have learned a clean contrary courſe of life: If indeed you have heard what he teacheth, and have been taught the True Doctrine of Chriſt.
22. That ye put off concerning the former converſation, the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful luſts: 23. And be renewed in the ſpirit of your mind;
22, 23. That you put off the old fleſhly Mind and Life, which is corrupt in diſpoſition and practice, by the deceit of ſenſual luſts: And that you be made New Men, in the very bent and habits of your Mind, with New Judgment and Affections.
24. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteouſneſs and true holineſs.
24. And that you become New Men, poſſeſt of New Diſpoſitions, wrought in you by God, according to his Word, and for his Glory, conſiſting in Righteouſneſs and true Holineſs.
25. Wherefore putting away lying, ſpeak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
25. And in particular, as parts of your Righteouſneſs▪ ſee that you avoid all lying and fraud, and ſpeak the plain truth to one another; for we are all fellow Members of one Body, and therefore ſhould not be falſe and fraudulent to each other.
26. Be ye angry and ſin not: let not the ſun go down upon your wrath:
26. Anger is given us for the due reſiſting of Evil; but uſe it not blindly, raſhly and inordinately to ſin; much leſs may you lie down and continue in ſuch ſin.
27. Neither give place to the devil.
27. And do not yield to Satan, who by Mens provocations would draw you to ſin.
28. Let him that ſtole, ſteal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
28. If any have by want or errour been tempted to ſteal, or take any thing that is anothers againſt his Will, let him do ſo no more, nor by idleneſs continue his neceſſities, but as he is able labour in ſome profitable work, and that not only to ſupply his own wants, but to relieve as many others as he well can.
29. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the uſe of edifying, that it may miniſter grace unto the hearers.
29. Let no ſinful, rotten, or filthy Diſcourſe come out of your Mouths, (which will ſignifie a polluted Heart, and may corrupt the hearers) but let your words be ſuch as are not only harmleſs to others, but profitable, even that which is uſeful to edification, (for uſeleſs truth it ſelf is not to be choſen.)
30. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are ſealed unto the day of redemption.
30. For the Spirit of God, which is his Mark and Seal upon you, to prepare you for the day of Salvation, is a hater of all filthineſs and vanity, and a lover of Purity and Holineſs, and Mutual Edification: And though he have not Paſſion and Grief as Men have, yet as offended Men will in diſpleaſure forſake that which is filthy and abhorred, ſo will the Spirit of God in diſpleaſure forſake a filthy ſinner: And that is one of the foreſt kind of Puniſhment.
31. Let all bitterneſs, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil-ſpeaking be put away from you, with all malice.
31. And Gods Spirit being the Spirit of Love, caſt away Malice and all that ſavoureth of it; bitterneſs, wrath, and hurtful anger, clamorous, fierce and ill and hurtful words.
32. And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Chriſts ſake hath forgiven you.
32. As having the ſame Spirit in the ſame Body, be kind and tenderhearted one to another, taking the good or hurt of each other as your own: And as you can eaſily forbear and forgive your ſelves, and be willing that others forgive you, ſo forgive one another, and that out of the belief and thankful ſenſe of Gods forgiving you much more, for the ſake of Jeſus Chriſt.
CHAP. V.
1. BE ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2. And walk in love, as Chriſt alſo hath loved us, and hath given himſelf for us, an offering and a ſacrifice to God for a ſweet-ſmelling ſavour.
1, 2. Having therefore ſo obliging an example of your Heavenly Father, ſhew that you are his true beloved Children by imitating him; and let Love be your very Nature and courſe of life, remembring ſtill how Chriſt hath loved us, and given himſelf for us, an Offering and Sacrifice for our ſins, with which God was highly pleaſed in him.
3. But fornication, and all uncleanneſs, or covetouſneſs, let it not be once named amongſt you, as becometh ſaints: 4. Neither filthineſs, nor fooliſh talking, nor jeſting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
3, 4. But let not Fornication or any uncleanneſs or filthy luſt be once named among you, unleſs by neceſſary oppoſition and deteſtation; for this is the courſe beſeeming all Chriſtians, who muſt be pure or Saints: Nor yet uſe any ribald talk, or filthy action, nor fooliſh ſpeaking, nor vain jeſting or drollery, the foam of a light vain wit; for theſe are unbeſeeming Holy Perſons; but rather employ your Tongues in thanks and joyful praiſe to God, and in holy edifying Diſcourſe.
5. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean perſon, nor covetous man who is an Idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Chriſt, and of God.
5. Let none pretend that Chriſtianity by freeing them from the Law, giveth them liberty to ſin unpuniſhed: For if you are Chriſtians, the Word and Law of Chriſt hath taught you, that no Whoremonger, or Unclean Perſon, or Covetous Perſon, who is an Idolater by loving the World more than God (or one that imitateth Idolaters in luſts,) hath right of inheritance in Heaven, or in the holy Church on Earth.
6. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for becauſe of theſe things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of diſobedience. 7. Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
6, 7. Let no Hereticks or Libertines deceive you with falſe Pretences of Liberty; for theſe are the Sins for which Gods Wrath cometh on the Unbelievers, and therefore will do ſo on all the Diſobedient that live in them: Therefore be not you Partakers in the Sin, if you would not partake alſo of the Puniſhment.
8. For ye were ſometimes darkneſs, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light,
8. For you were in darkneſs formerly your ſelves, but Chriſt hath brought you into the light of ſaving Knowledge: Live then as in the Light, according to the Goſpel and Spirit of Chriſt, and do that of which you need not be aſhamed.
9, 10. For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodneſs, and righteouſneſs, and truth) proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
9, 10. For Chriſt ruleth all true Chriſtians by his Spirit of Illumination and Sanctification; and the Fruits of that Spirit and Light are Goodneſs, Love, and Kindneſs, Righteouſneſs, Truth, and Faithfulneſs; trying and chuſing what is pleaſing to the Lord.
11. And have no fellowſhip with the unfruitful works of darkneſs, but rather reprove them.
11. Communicate not with theſe Heathens and Hereticks Works of Darkneſs, and fleſhly Luſts, but rather do your beſt to ſave Men from them by reproof.
12. For it is a ſhame even to ſpeak of thoſe things which are done of them in ſecret.
12. For their ſecret Filthineſs, which cannot bear the Light, is ſuch as Modeſty is loth to name.
13. But all things that are reproved, are made manifeſt by the light: for whatſoever doth make manifeſt, is light.
13. But all things when the Light diſcovereth them are manifeſt, and, if approvable, need not fear it; for the Doctrine and Spirit of Chriſt are a manifeſting Light.
14. Wherefore he ſaith, Awake thou that ſleepeſt, and ariſe from the dead, and Chriſt ſhall give thee light.
14. Which is the ſenſe of Iſa. 60.1. which calleth the People that ſlept in Darkneſs to awake, that the Lord may ſhine upon them; which Chriſt now doth to true Believers.
15. See then that ye walk circumſpectly, not as fools, but as wiſe, 16. Redeeming the time, becauſe the days are evil.
15, 16. See then that you live not careleſly, but with watchfulneſs and accurate circumſpection, not as Fools that ſee not, or mind not their danger, but as Wiſe Men, that look on every ſide, and are careful to avoid all ſorts of Evil: And therefore take hold of the preſent Opportunity, and uſe well the Light of the Goſpel while you have it; for the World is round about you full of Snares and Dangers, which without wiſe Circumſpection cannot be avoided.
17. Wherefore be ye not unwiſe, but underſtanding what the will of the Lord is.
17. Wherefore let not Ignorance and Folly prepare you for Deceit, but labour to be well acquainted with the Will of God concerning your Duty.
18. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is exceſs; but be filled with the Spirit: 19. Speaking to your ſelves in pſalms, and hymns, and ſpiritual ſongs, ſinging and making melody in your heart to the Lord,
18, 19. And do not, like Heathens and ſenſual Libertines, think that the exhileration of exceſs of Wine, which cauſeth Sottiſhneſs and Luſt, is either lawful, or ſuitable to Devotion; but be you exhilerated by the Spirit of God, whoſe Grace you muſt excite and exerciſe, by Pſalms, and Hymns of Praiſe to God, and Spiritual Songs, which you muſt uſe in holy manner to the Lord, with the inward Melody of the Heart.
Note, 1. That Paul here leaveth it to Chriſtian Wiſdom, whether we ſhall uſe David's Pſalms, for others more fitted to Goſpel Times and Worſhip.
2. That hence it is evident, that it is lawful to uſe ſome Forms of Worſhip invented and impoſed by Man: For Hymns and Songs cannot be uſed without Invention: And the Church, or many, cannot join in them, unleſs ſome one lead and impoſe them on the reſt. It would be mad Work for a Congregation to ſing extemporate Songs, and every one a ſeveral one of his own. And if Prayer and Praiſe in Metre may be invented and impoſed, the ſame Reaſons will hold as to Proſe, when Uniformity is needful, (as in Baptiſm, &c.)
20. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father, in the name of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt;
20. Chearfully thanking God continually on all occaſions, for all his Mercies, which are found in all things that he doth; offering this to the Father in the Name of Chriſt.
Note, That Pſalms and Thankſgiving to God through Chriſt, muſt be the moſt conſtant Part of Chriſtian Worſhip.
21. Submitting your ſelves one to another in the fear of God.
21. And let Gods Command move you to be yielding and ſubmiſſive, and not ſtout and ſtaff towards one another; but eſpecially to your Superiours: but ſo as to fear and obey God before Men.
22, 23. Wives, ſubmit your ſelves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Chriſt is the head of the church: and he is the Saviour of the body.
22, 23. Let Wives ſhew their Subjection to Chriſt, by ſubmitting to their Husbands, as by his Command. For the Husband is under Chriſt the Head or Ruler of the Wife, to govern her in Love, and protect her, as Chriſt is the Supreme Head and Ruler of the Church, and the Saviour of it as his Body.
24. Therefore as the church is ſubject unto Chriſt, ſo let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
24. Therefore as the Church is in all things to be ſubject to Chriſt, ſo muſt the Wives be to their Huſbands, in all things belonging to that Relation, under Chriſt.
25. Husbands, love your wives, even as Chriſt alſo loved the church, and gave himſelf for it: 26. That he might ſanctifie and cleanſe it with the waſhing of water, by the word,
25, 26. Husbands, imitate Chriſt, in loving your Wives, as Chriſt did his Church, for which (in a ſpecial ſenſe) he gave himſelf by death, that he might ſanctifie it to God, and cleanſe it from Sin, by waſhing away their Guilt and Filth, ſignified and ſealed in Baptiſm, and by the Promiſes and Preaching of his Word.
27. That he might preſent it to himſelf a glorious church, not having ſpot or wrinkle, or any ſuch thing; but that it ſhould be holy, and without blemiſh.
27. That he may prepare it for the great Marriage-day, and then preſent it to himſelf, cleanſed and beautified, without Sin, Guilt, or Blemiſh, but perfect in Holineſs, and glorious.
28. So ought men to love their wives, as their own bodies: he that loveth his wife, loveth himſelf.
28. As Eve was taken out of Adam, ſo the Union between Husband and W…fe is ſo near, that Men ſhould love their Wives in a ſort as their own Bodies; and to love a Wife, ſhould be as the loving of our ſelves.
29. For no man ever yet hated his own fleſh; but nouriſheth and cheriſheth it, even as the Lord the church.
29. And as Nature cauſeth all Men to love, nouriſh, and cheriſh their own Fleſh, and not to hate it; ſo muſt Men do by their Wives, as Chriſt doth by the Church.
30. For we are members of his body, of his fleſh, and of his bones.
30. And as Eve was ſaid to be to Adam, Fleſh of his Fleſh, and Bone of his Bone; ſo, by alluſion, we may ſay of the Church and Chriſt in a ſpiritual ſenſe.
31. For this cauſe ſhall a man leave his father and mother, and ſhall be joyned unto his wife, and they two ſhall be one fleſh.
31. And as it was then ſaid, [A man ſhall leave, &c.] ſo muſt Believers leave all for Chriſt, as Chriſt laid down his Life for them; and they ſhall be made as one.
32. This is a great myſtery: but I ſpeak concerning Chriſt and the church.
32. This that is ſaid of Adam and Eve, and of Marriage, did myſtically prefigure the Marriage of Jeſus Chriſt and the Church: and of this it is that I now ſpeak.
33. Nevertheleſs, let every one of you in particular, ſo love his wife even as himſelf; and the wife ſee that ſhe reverence her huſband.
33. But though I have turned my Speech to Chriſt and the Church, I repeat my Counſel; Let every Man love his Wife with ſuch an entire, conſtant, and forbearing Love, as he loveth himſelf; and let the Wife ſee that ſhe live in loving Subjection and Reverence to her Husband.
CHAP. VI.
1. CHildren, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
1. Let Children be obedient to their Parents, under God, in obedience to him; for he hath commanded it,
2. Honour thy father and mother, (which is the firſt commandment with promiſe)
2. Saying, Honour thy Father and Mother: And though general Promiſes be intimated in the Firſt and Second Commandment, this is the firſt Commandment that hath annexed the Promiſe of the Land which God was then leading the Iſraelites to; as it is ſaid,
3. That it may be well with thee, and thou mayeſt live long on the earth.
3. That thou mayſt live long, and proſper, in the Promiſed Land of Canaan; which intimateth alſo to us Chriſtian Gentiles a Promiſe of more Proſperity on Earth than diſobedient Children ſhall have, and an earthly Curſe to the diſobedient.
Note, That accordingly, Gods Curſe on Earth doth uſually follow Children that diſhonour and wrong their Parents, and rebell againſt them; and uſually even Earthly Bleſſings are given to thoſe that honour and obey Parents (under God.)
4. And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
4. And let Parents remember, that Childrens corrupt Nature and Weakneſs are liable to ſuch Paſſions as may pervert them: and therefore let not your ſowr and provoking Government and Carriage tempt them hereto, beyond their ſtrength: but govern them with Fatherly Love, and bring them up to the Knowledge and Obedience of the Lord, by wiſe and diligent Teaching, Example, Admonition, and Diſcipline.
5. Servants, be obedient to them that are your maſters according to the fleſh, with fear and trembling, in ſingleneſs of your heart, as unto Chriſt.
5. And let not Servants think that Chriſtianity freeth them from Service, or from Obedience, Diligence, or Reverence to their Maſters, though they be Unbelievers: but give them all due Obedience, and reverent Submiſſion, and this in conſcience and ſincerity, as part of your Obedience to Chriſt, who doth command it, and will reward you.
6. Not with eye-ſervice, as men-pleaſers, but as the ſervants of Chriſt, doing the will of God from the heart;
6. Not deceitfully, when your Maſters ſee and know what you do, meerly to pleaſe Men; but as the true Servants of Chriſt, with heartineſs, and in ſecret things as well as open, doing Service to Men in obedience to the Will of God, and to pleaſe him.
7. With good will doing ſervice, as to the Lord, and not to men.
7. I repeat it, becauſe it greatly concerneth you, that you do all your Service faithfully and willingly, without grudging; and that not as a bare Service to Man, but as a part of your Service to the Lord himſelf, which he hath preſcribed, and will accept.
8. Knowing that whatſoever good thing any man doth, the ſame ſhall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
8. Be ſure of this, That your loweſt and hardeſt Service being your Duty, is a good Work; and ſuch Works of Fidelity in the loweſt Bond-ſervants are accepted of God, as well as the more honoured Service of the Greateſt.
9. And ye maſters, do the ſame things unto them, forbearing threatning: knowing that your maſter alſo is in heaven, neither is there reſpect of perſons with him.
9. And you that are Maſters, ſee that you be as careful of your Part to your Servants, as you would have them be of their Duty to you; and rule them not tyrannically, by inſulting and paſſionate Menaces and Reproaches: Knowing that Chriſt in Heaven is equally the Lord of them and you, and will not be partial to you for your Wealth or Superiority, but will equally do Juſtice unto all.
10. Finally, my brethren, be ſtrong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
10. To conclude, Behave your ſelves in the diſcharge of all your Duties, and reſiſtance of all the Temptations of your Warfare, as reſolved valiant Chriſtians, ſtrong in the Faith and Love of Chriſt, by his powerful aſſiſting Grace.
11. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to ſtand againſt the wiles of the devil.
11. And with skill and care put on and uſe the Grace and Helps which God vouchſafeth you, (which are to a Chriſtian like compleat Armour to a Soldier) that you may be able to ſtand faſt againſt all the Stratagems and Plots of the Devil, who ſeeketh to overthrow you.
12. For we wreſtle not againſt fleſh and blood, but againſt principalities, againſt powers, againſt the rulers of the darkneſs of this world, againſt ſpiritual wickedneſs in high places.
14. For the great Conflict which Chriſtians are engaged in, is not meerly againſt Men, but againſt Devils, who by Gods Ordination, and the Succeſs of their Temptations, are Principalities and Powers, and the Rulers of the Perſons and Ways of Darkneſs, Ignorance, and Unbelief in the World, and are ſpiritual W…ckedneſs, above us in the Air.
13. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withſtand in the evil day, and having done all, to ſtand.
13. Therefore neglect no part of the Armour afforded you by God, but uſe it all, that in the time of Temptation you may be able to reſiſt and conquer the Aſſaults of Men and Devils, and when they have done their worſt, and you have withſtood them, you may ſtand faſt in Faith, and Holineſs, and Hope.
14. Stand therefore, having your loyns girt about with truth, and having on the breaſtplate of righteouſneſs; 15. And your feet ſhod with the preparation of the goſpel of peace.
14, 15. Stand therefore to your Obligations to Faith and Holineſs. 1. See that the firm Belief of the Truth of the Goſpel, againſt all Deceivers, be to you as a Military Girdle about your Loins. 2. And that univerſal ſincere Obedience to God, and Uprightneſs of Life towards all Men, joined to your Pardon through the Merits of Chriſt, may be to you as a Breaſt-plate is to Soldiers in Fight, that no Adverſary may have Matter of juſt Accuſation againſt you. 3. And that the Goſpel of Chriſt, which ſpeaketh Peace to the World, and to your ſelves, may ſo dwell in your Hearts, to make you Men of Peace, and in your Mouths to invite others to Peace with God and one another, that it may be to you as thoſe Shoes were to Soldiers, which they put on when they went to War, to keep their Feet from hurt and danger.
16. Above all, taking the ſhield of faith, wherewith ye ſhall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
16. Above all, ſee that you firmly believe and truſt to the Word and Promiſes of God, which will be to you as a Shield or Target to a Soldier, by which he is preſerved from all the Darts or Shot that is made againſt him. And though Satans Darts be fiery Perſecution and fierce Temptations, this will defend you, and fruſtrate all.
17. And take the helmet of ſalvation, and the ſword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
17. And truſt fully in Chriſt as your Saviour for Salvation, and this will, as an Helmet (or Head-piece) to a Soldier, defend your chiefeſt Part from danger. And skilfully uſe the Word of God, indited and ſealed by his Spirit, which will ſerve you for Defence and Conqueſt by the help of the ſame Spirit, as a Sword doth to a Soldier.
18. Praying always with all prayer and ſupplication in the ſpirit, and watching thereunto with all perſeverance, and ſupplication for all ſaints;
18. And becauſe you muſt do all in dependence on God, ſee that you be conſtant in all ſorts or parts of Prayer, for your ſelves and others, even ſuch Prayer as Gods Spirit directeth you to by his Word, and exciteth you to by his Grace: And for that end, keep your Minds by watchfulneſs in a ſerious praying temper, and be not cold or weary, but hold on; and forget not to pray for all holy Perſons (and holy things.)
Note, That, 1. They that ſcorn praying in or by the Spirit, ſcorn the Work of the Spirit in all acceptable Prayer to God.
2. They that forbid Prayer, forbid that which God commandeth, and his Spirit in us as an Interceſſor performeth.
3. When God commandeth [all Prayer and Supplication], we muſt obey him, though any Men would confine us to the Fetters of their narrow defective Words and Books.
4. They that hate, revile, excommunicate unjuſtly, and perſecute thoſe Saints whom God commandeth us to love and pray for, fight under Satan, againſt Chriſt.
19. And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the myſtery of the goſpel:
19. And let me have a ſpecial part in your Prayers, that I may be freed from ſilencing Impriſonments and Reſtraints, and may have Liberty and Ability boldly to make known the Myſtery of Mans Salvation by Chriſt.
20. For which I am an ambaſſadour in bonds: that therein I may ſpeak boldly, as I ought to ſpeak.
20. For I am in Bonds by Men, though Chriſts Ambaſſador, even for preaching to Men this Goſpel of Salvation: But pray for me, that whatever it coſt me, I may do my Duty, and ſpeak (though forbidden) as I ought to ſpeak.
Note, That as God worketh by Men, ſo doth the Devil: And therefore it is no wonder that Paul was in Bonds for preaching Salvation; and that Men make Laws againſt Praying and Preaching, and if the Devil call it Sedition: For really Praying and Preaching do more to deſtroy his Kingdom, and ſave Souls, than Arms can do.
21. But that ye alſo may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus a beloved brother and faithful miniſter in the Lord, ſhall make known to you all things:
21. And that you may know how all things go with me, Tychicus will tell you, whom you may truſt.
22. Whom I have ſent unto you for the ſame purpoſe, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
22. I have ſent him, that he may repreſent things truly to you, and help to keep you from diſcouragement, or undue trouble for my Sufferings.
23. Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith from God the Father, and the Lord Jeſus Chriſt.
23. I conclude with this Benediction and Prayer for you, That God the Father of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt will give, maintain, and increaſe in you all, that confirmed Faith which may fill you with Love, and keep you in Peace and Welfare.
24. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jeſus Chriſt in ſincerity. Amen.
24. And let the Grace, Favour, and Bleſſing of God be ſtill with all them who love our Lord Jeſus Chriſt with ſincere, incorruptible, confirmed Love. Amen.