Commentary on the Epistles and Revelation of John, Commentary 8

Commentary on the Epistles and Revelation of John · Commentary 8

p. 265A COMMENTARY OR EXPOSITION VponUpon the firſt Epiſtle of S. Paul to the THESSALONIANS.

CHAP. I. Verſe 1. Paul and Silvanus]

OTherwiſe called Silas, Act. 15.40. as Iehoſhuah the high-Prieſt is called Ieſhua, Ezra 3.2. and 5.2. it is not therefore unlawfull to abbreviate names.

Unto the Church of the Theſſalonians] Theſsalonica, the chief City of Macedonia, is now known by the name of Saloniks, and is under the Turk. For the plantation of a Church here, ſee Act. 17.1, 2, 3, &c.Breer. Enquir. P 68. together with the Notes there. There are 30 Churches of Chriſtians in it at this day, and but three of Mahometans.

Verſe 2. We give thanks to God] Thus he beginneth moſt of his Epiſtles with thankſgiving: This being held to be the firſt that ever he wrote to any of the Churches, The beginning of his ſtrength (as Reuben Jacobs firſt-borne) and p. 266the excellency of dignity, Geneſis 49.3.

Verſe 3. Remembring without ceaſing] A good memory is required to aſſiduity in praier. All the faculties are exerciſed, and the whole man hard wrought.

Your work of faith] We believe not without much conflict, When faith goes about to lay hold on Chriſt, the devil raps her on the ſingers, and would beat her oft. Hence the believer hath ſuch ado to believe.

And labour of love] Every mans love is as his labour is, Heb. 6.10. Therefore alſo love and labour are of one root in latin, becauſe love is diligent and laborious,

And patience of hope] To wait the accompliſhment of Gods promiſes. Thus every Chriſtian vertue hath it's proper diſtinctive character, to difference it from that which is counterfeit.

In the ſight of God] True grace will ſtand to Gods triall, which falſe grace cannot abide: as Alchy my gold cannot paſſe the ſeventh ſire: nor doth it comfort the heart, as true gold doth.

Verſe 4. Knowing, brethren, beloved of God] Knowing it by the judgement of charity, not of infallibility. He that believeth hath the witneſſe in himſelf, 1 Job. 5.10. But the white ſtone, the new name, and the hid man of the heart are not certainly known to any, but to ſuch as have them. Howbeit, holy men in ſome degree are known one to another, to make the communion of Saints the ſweeter. Strong confidence one may have of anothers ſalvation: but no certainty either of ſenſe or of ſcience, much leſſe of faith, or immediate revelation.

Verſe 5. For our Gospel came not] Hence he collects their election according to Act. 13.48. The Miniſtery ſent to a place is an argument of ſome elect there. A husbandman would not ſend his ſervant with his ſickle to reap thiſtles and nettles only.

As ye know what manner] The Church is endued with the ſpirit of diſcerning: and Miniſters ſhould approve themſelves ſpirituall in word and converſation.1 Cor. 2…, 10.1 Cor 2:10

Verſe 6. Followers of us, and of the Lord] The Apoſtles walked in Chriſt, Col. 2.6. as Chriſt, 1 Job. 2.6. their lives were a Commentary upon his life, 1 Pet. 2.9.

Received the word in much affliction] Oppoſition is (as Calvin wrote to the French King) Evangely genius, the black Angel that dogs the Goſpel at the heels. To preach (ſaith p. 269Luther) is nothing elſe, but to get the ill will of the world.

With joy of the boly Ghost] Which bore them up above all perſecutions, as blowne bladders beare a man up aloft all waters.

Verſe 7. So that ye were enſamples] Gr. Types, moulds, paterns of piety to thoſe that were in Chriſt long before them.foreign. A brave commendation, and not every mans happineſſe. Affliction to ſome is like a growing ague, or as a warm rain to garden-herbs, that maketh them ſhoot up ſenſibly in one night.

Verſe 8. For from you ſounded out] A vobis diſſ…matus eſt ſermo. Remigius commenting upon this place, telleth us that the Apoſtle here ſpeaketh ſome what improperly, by ſaying Diffamatus for Divulgatus. This man knew not (belike) that S. Paul wrote in Greek, and not in Latine: So great was the ignorance of that ninth age, The Greek word importeth that from the Theſſalonians the word of the Lord ſounded out as a trumpet,foreign. and reſounded as an Eccho. A vobis ebuccinatus eſt ſer… Domini: So Vatablus rendereth it.

So that we need not to ſpeak] A good people may eaſe their Paſtour of a great deal of pains.

Verſe 9. What manner of entring in, &c.] The Paſtour hath his part and ſhare in the peoples commendation. If they grow famous, he cannot lie obſcured.

Ye turned to God from idols] They gave not the half turn only from Eaſt to South, but the whole turn from the Eaſt to Weſt, from idols to God. Ephraim ſhall ſay,Hoſ. 6.4.Hos 6:4 What have I to do any more with idols, Hoſ. 148? Thoſe Balaam blocks, thoſe mawmets and monuments of idolatry, thoſe images of jealouſie? Ephraim is now no longer as a cake half baked, as a ſpeckled bird, Jet. 12.9.&c. Better be a Papiſt then an Atheiſt, a groſſe idolater then a profligate profeſſour, a carnall Goſpeller.

Verſe 10. And to wait for his Son] This is pinned as a badge to the ſleeve of every true believer, that he looketh and longeth for Chriſt his coming to judgement. The old character of Gods people was, they waited for the conſolation of Iſrael, Chriſts firſt coming: So is it now, the earneſt expectation of his ſecond coming.

Which delivered us from the wrath to come] This is the … mon, the notation of his name Jeſus, a Saviour. Salvation properly p. 270betokeneth the privative part of mans happineſſe, but includeth the poſitive too. King Alphonſus, when he ſaw a poor man pulling of his beaſt out of a ditch, he put to his hand to help him. Is it not more that Chriſt ſhould ſtoop ſo low as to help us (who were in worſe condition then the beaſts that periſh) out of the ditch of deſtruction? The devil is ſaid to be foreign, a roaring Lion: but our comfort is, That the Lion of the Tribe of Judah is foreign, h… that delivereth us from the wrath to come.

The wrath to come] There is a preſent wrath that men ſuffer; and who knoweth the power of this wrath? Even according to a mans ſear, ſo is Gods wrath, Pſal 90.11. Let a man fear never ſo much, he ſhall be ſure to feel more, when Gods wrath fals upon him. A timorous man can fancy vaſt and terrible fears; fire, ſword, racks, ſcalding lead, boiling pitch, running b…ll-mettle. Yet all this is but as a painted fire to the wrath to come, that eternity of extremity, which graceleſſe perſons ſhall never be able to avoid, or to abide.

CHAP. II. Verſe 1. Our entrance in unto you]

THe word preached in any place doth uſually work beſt at firſt. After a while men become like unto birds in a bell-free, that can well enough bear the noiſe of the bels, and not be frighted.

Verſe 2. But even after that, &c.] From this to the 13. …orſe. Miniſters may as in a mirrour ſee how they ought to behave themſelves in the houſe of God.

We were bold in our God] The Church as the palm-tree, ſpreadeth and ſpringeth up the more it is oppreſſed; as the bottle or bladder that may be dipt,D…ris u… ilex …onſa b…peuni…. not drowned: as the Oke that ſprou…s out the thicker from the maims and wounds it receiveth. This daunted Diocletian and made him lay down the Empire in diſcontent. This cauſed Iulian the Apoſtate to leave off force, and uſe fraud to draw men from the truth.

Verſe 3. Was not of deceit, nor, &c.] Neither for profit, pleaſure, not preferment (the worldlings Trinity.) A Miniſter, as he ſhould have nothing to loſe, ſo he ſhould have nothing to get: p. 271but ſhould be above all price or ſale. He hath too impotent a ſpirit, whoſe ſervices, like the diall, muſt be ſet only by the Sun of ſelfreipects. True grace is of a moſt maſculine, diſingaged, noble nature, and remits nothing of its diligence either for fear of a frown, or hope of a reward.

Verſe 4. But as we were allowed] Enabled and counted faithfull, 1 Tim. 1.12.

Not as pleaſing men] See the Note on Gal. 1.10. Men, be they pleaſed or diſpleaſed, God muſt not be diſpleaſed.

But God] Who looketh upon diſpleaſing ſervice, as a double diſhonour.

Which trieth our hearts] And ſo knoweth our aims,Druſ. Apophth. Quicquid igitur agas, propter Deum agas. Propter te Domine, propter te, as he cried. It ſtands me upon, ſaith one, to ſee that though my work be but mean, yet it may be clean; though not fine, yet not foul, ſoiled and ſlubbered with the ſlur of a rotten heart: ſith it is God I have to deal with.

Verſe 5. For neither at any time] Siniſterity of ends is here oppoſed to ſincerity in Gods work: And flattery, covetouſneſſe, ambition, declared to be the fountains of inſincerity.

Nor a cloke of covetouſneſſe] This ſin goes uſually cloked with the name and pretence of good husbandry. The ordinary language of the world is, He is a man ſomewhat with the hardest, a little with the neareſt, a little too much for the world, but yet a marvellous honeſt, a wonderous good man. Covetouſneſſe is ſeldome without fained words, 2 Pet. 2.3. to hide it from others without, or ſubtle thoughts and evaſions to blinde-fold the conſcience within.

God is witneſſe] That he flattered not, he reports himſelf to them, that he coveted not, he appeals to God, who is not mocked with masks or ſpecious pretences.

Verſe 6. Nor of men ſought we glory] Theologus gloriae dicit malum bonum & bonum malum (ſaith Luther) Theologus crucis dicit id quod res est. A vain-glorious preacher calleth good evil, and evil good, &c.

Verſe 7. But we were gentle] This is the way to win, for man is a curſt, crabbed creature, and may be led, but not eaſily drag'd to duty. Soft words and hard arguments ſooneſt prevail with him.

Verſe 8.foreign. Cup…dine rap…i. So being affectionately deſirous] Homing and hankering after you.

p. 272But alſo our own ſouls] Greater love then this hath no man: And ſuch a love ought there to be in every Paſtour toward his people. Love is liberall, charity no churl.

Verſe 9. Our labour] Even to laſſitude.

And travell] So to ſpare them, he ſpared not himſelf.

Verſe 10. Ye are witneſſes, and God alſo] Happy is that man that can be acquitted by himſelf in private, in publike by others, in both by God: ſtanders by may ſee more.

How holily, and juſtly, and unblameably] Here he practiſed his own precept, Tit. 2.12. And herein lies the difference between Divinity and other ſciences, that it is not enough to preſcribe it, but you muſt practiſe it, as leſſons of muſick, and as a copy muſt not be read only, but acted alſo.

Verſe 11. As a father] Before, as a mother, verſ. 7. a nurſe not mercenary, but naturall, with greateſt tendernes and indulgence. Here he tempers his mother-like meekneſſe with the gravity and authority of a father. Miniſters muſt turn themſelves, as it were, into all ſhapes and faſhions, both of ſpeech and ſpirit, to win people to God.

Ver. 12. Walk worthy of God] Whoſe livery we wear, whoſe image we bear, whoſe kingdom we are called unto, &c. Thoſe that ſtood with the Lamb, Rev. 14. had his fathers name on their fore-heads. Our outſtraies reflect upon God, who will require and requite.

Verſe 13. Not as the word of men] Whom yet he maketh uſe of to caſt down Satans ſtrong-holds, as he made uſe of little David againſt Goliah, and of the frogs and flies againſt Pharaoh.

As the word of God] With reverence and diligence, with all good affection and attention. When Samuel knew it was God that called him (and not Eli) he had no more minde to ſleep. We are all here preſent before God, ſaith Cornelius, Act. 10.33. And God is in you of a truth, ſaith the Corinthian convert, 1 Cor. 4.25.

Verſe 14. Of your own countrey-men] Malice againſt the truth breaks all bonds of nature or amity. Moah was irked, becauſe of Iſrael, or vexed at them, Numb. 22.3, 4. though they were allied to Iſrael, who paſſed by them peaceably, and, by the ſlaughter of the Amorites, freed them from evil neighbours, which had taken away part of their Countrey, &c. The Engliſh Papiſts in four years ſacrificed 800 of their innocent Countreymen in Q. Ma…es daies.

p. 273Verſe 15. Who both killed the Lord] And are therefore baniſhed out of the world, as it were, by a common conſent of Nations, for their unexpiable guilt. Even in Jeruſalem there be hardly to be found a hundred houſholds of them. In Cyprus it is preſent death for any Jew to …et his foot upon that Iſland.Bre…ood. Enqu…. In Theſſalonica and Constantinople there are divers thouſands of them, but at every Eaſter they are in danger of death,Dio. Caſſ. Biddulph. if they but ſtir out of doors, becauſe at that time they crucified our Saviour. The Turks themſelves ſo hate the Jews for crucifying Chriſt, that they uſe to ſay in deteſtation of a thing, I would I might die a Jew. Neither will they permit a Jew to turn Turk, unleſſe he be firſt baptized.

And their own Prophets] Whoſe ſlaughter (though long ſince done) is in recent remembrance with God, and is reckoned and regiſtred together with the death of Chriſt himſelf.

And have perſecuted us] They ſtill curſe the Chriſtians in their daily praiers, which they cloſe up with a Maledic Domine Nazaraeis. Lopez at Tiburn affirmed,Camde…s Eliz. That he had loved Q. Elizabeth as he loved Jeſus Chriſt. Which from a Jew was heard not without laughter.

And they pleaſe not God] Yet they challenged the title of Gods Church: as the Papiſts will needs be the only Catholikes.

And are contrary to all men] Being herein rather Iſmaelites, then Iſraelites, Gen. 16.12. The Tro…t delights to ſwim againſt ſtream. The herb Alexander will agree with no other herb, but it ſelf. Such Antipodes are our Jeſuites, ſo unſufferably ambitious and impudent, that neither then doctrine, not their converſation pleaſeth thoſe of their own religion.

Verſe 16. To fill up their ſin alway] Bounds are ſet to ſin by the divine decree, Zech. 5.7. Wickedneſſe is compared to a woman preſſed in an Ephah: when the meaſure is full, the buſineſſe is finiſhed. See the Note on Mat. 23.32.

Verſe 17. For a ſhort time] Or, In a ſhort time, ſuddenly. See Act. 17 9, 10.

Being taken away] Or ſeparated,foreign. as orphans are from their dear parents, or parents from their deceaſed children. The ſeparation of friends is ſo grievous, that death it ſelf is ſtiled no other then a departure.

Verſe 18. But Satan hindred us] He ſtill doth his utmoſt to p. 274hinder the communion of Saints, and to keep them aſunder. He knows two are better then one: and therefore he ſtirred up the primitive perſecutours to baniſh the Chriſtians, and to confine them to iles and mines,Cyprian. epiſt. where they could not have acceſſe one to another.

Verſe 19. For what is our hope, &c] A very lively and lofty expreſſion: ſuch as the Apoſtle ordinarily uſeth in ſpeaking of heavenly glory. Nos Chriſtus, nec coelum patitur hyperbolen: A man can hardly hyperbolize in ſpeaking of heaven.

Verſe 29. For ye are our glory and joy] Let no man therefore envy us theſe temporary good things, a competent maintenance: there are better things abide us above.

CHAP. III. Verſe 1. No longer forbear]

OR,foreign. Stand under our burden of vehement deſire after you. See a like expreſſion, Iſa 42.14. As a travelling woman bites in her pain as long as ſhe is able, and at length cries out aloud; ſo God is patient till he can hold no longer, &c.

We thought it good] Publica privatis anteferenda bonis. A publike ſpirit is a precious ſpirit.

Verſe 2. To establiſh you] Who haply are ſomewhat unſetled by the troubles that befell me amongſt you. But as young trees ſhaken, root the better, ſo ſhould you. Capite in an epiſtle to the brethren at Baſil, writeth thus, Pauciores vobiſcum perimuntur, quod ita Domino viſum est ut ſtabiliantur ſeu lenibus pluvijs, a… ſem…nt… m…llioribus, plantulae in arbores maximas proditurae.

Verſe 3.foreign Prov. That no man ſhould be moved] Gr. Flattered, as a dog ſlattereth, by moving his tail, q.d. The devil, by flattering you, with promiſe of more eaſe by a contrary courſe, will but do as a dirty dog, defile you with ſawning.

That we are appointed thereunto] Viz. By Gods decree, whereunto if damned ghoſts muſt ſubſcribe, Rom. 9.19, 20. how much more ſhould Gods elect, 1 Pet. 1 6? It is but a delicacy to dream of heaven to be had, without much hardſhip.

Verſe 4. We told you before] Darts fore-ſeen are dintleſſe: premonition is the beſt premunition. Troubles fore-told come never a p. 275whit the ſooner, but far the eaſier: whereas coming unexpected, they finde weak mindes ſecure, make them miſerable, leave them deſperate.

Verſe 5. To know your faith] That is, Your perſeverance, and encreaſe in faith. That which the devil mainly endeavoureth is, to hind…r and unſettle our faith, as he dealt by Eve, and Peter, Luk. 22.31, 32. to batter this buckler, Epheſ. 6.16. for then he knows he may do what he will with us. Omnia perdidit,Seneca qui fidem amiſit.

Leſt…y ſome means the tempter] Who feels our pulſes, and fits his aſſaults accordingly. See the Note on Mat. 4.3.

And our labour be in vain] So it proves many times by Satans malice. Other labourers can finde their work as they left it, not ſo Miniſters: the devil cometh and marreth all.

Verſe 6. And brought us good tidings] Here the devil was diſappointed. He had been nibling, but could not faſten: this matter was not malleable. God ſtints him, and ſtaves him oft, when he would worry his poor lambs, turning all to their eternall good.

Verſe 7. We were comforted] Nothing ſo cheareth up the heart of a godly Miniſter, as his peoples tractableneſſe. If this be wanting, his very heart is broke, though they be otherwiſe never ſo kinde and courteous to him.

Verſe 8. For now we live] A joyleſſe life is a lifeleſſe life. An unſucceſſefull Paſtour hath little or no joy of his life. Thus ſhall ye ſay to him that liveth, 1 Sam. 25.6. that is, that liveth at hearts-eaſe. All the daies of the aff…cted are evil, Prov. 15.15. As good be out of the world (ſay they) as have no joy of the world. Now, I have no greater joy, faith S. John, then to hear that my children walk in the truth, 3 Joh. 4 This revived his good old heart, and made it dance Levalto's in his boſome.

Verſe 9. For what thanks, &c.] q.d. No ſufficient thanks. Spirituall joy vents it ſelf by an infinite deſire of praiſing God, whereby it ſeeks to fill up the diſtance betwixt God and the good ſoul. In our thankſgivings let there be modus ſine modo, as B… nard hath it. Let us ſtill deliberate what more to do, as David, Pſal. 1 16.12.

Verſe 10. Night and day praying exceedingly] Praier muſt be conſtant and inſtant, with utmoſt aſſiduity and intention of affection, Luk. 18.1. See the Note there.

p. 276Verſe 11. Now God himſelf, &c.] At the very mentioning of praier, he fals a praying. Good affections ſoon kindle in a gracious heart.

Direct our way unto you] A mans heart deviſeth his way, but the Lord directeth his ſteps, Prov. 16.9. Let God be our Pilot, if we mean to make a good voiage of it. Let our hand be on the ſtern, our eye on the ſtar: let our courſe, as the mariners, be guided by the heavens.

Verſe 12. To encreaſe and abound] By doubling his word, be ſignifieth a double portion of Gods grace, which he wiſheth unto them: We are ſure to receive as much good from God by prayer, as we can bring faith to bear away. Hitherto ye have asked me nothing: Ask, faith Chriſt, Ask enough, Open your mouth wide, &c.

Verſe 13. To the end he may ſtabliſh] Love is of a ferruminating, ſtabliſhing property. That grace will not hang together, nor hold out that is ſevered from charity.

CHAP. IV. Verſe 1. How ye ought to walk]

EVery good man is a great Peripatetick, walks much. Chriſt alſo walks: ſo doth the devil, apoſtates, heretikes, worldlings; but with this difference. Chriſt walketh in the middle, Rev. 1.13.Revel. … the devil to and fro, up and down, Job 1.7. his motion is circular, and therefore fraudulent, 1 Pet. 5.8. Apoſtates run retrograde, they ſtumble at the croſſe and fall backward. Heretikes run out on the right hand, worldlings on the left, Jam. 1.14 Hypocrites turn aſide unto their crooked waies, Pſal. 125.5. They follow Chriſt, as Samſon did his Parents, till he came by the careaſe: or as a dog doth his maſter, till he meeteth with a carrion. The true Chriſtian only walks ſo as to pleaſe God: his eyes look right on, his eye-lids look ſtrait before him, Prov. 4.25. He goes not back w…th Hezekiah's Sun, nor ſtands at a ſtay, as Joſhuah's but rejoyceth as a ſtrong man to run his race, as Davids Sun, Pſ. 19 5. Yea he ſhineth more and more unto the perfect day, as Solomons, Prov 4.18.

Verſe 2. For ye know what, &c.] It is expected therefore that ye do them: elſe the more hainous will be your ſin, and the p. 277more heavy your reckoning, Iſa. 59.11, 12. What brought ſuch roarings and trouble on them, and that when ſalvation was looked for? Our iniquities teſtifie to our faces, and we know them.

Verſe 3. For this is the will of God] This is his preſcribing will, which we muſt obey: as we muſt ſubmit to his diſpoſing will, the will of his providence, and grow acquainted with his approving will, the will of his gracious acceptance, Mat. 18.14. Joh. 1.23.

Verſe 4. To poſſeſſe his veſſel] That is, his body, wherein the ſoul is, To…a i… toto, & tota in qualibet parte. If any ask, why ſo glorious a ſoul ſhould be in this corruptible body? Beſides Gods will, and for the order of the univerſe,Lib. 2. diſt. 1. Lombard gives this reaſon, That by the conjunction of the ſoul with the body (ſo far its inferiour) man might learn a poſſibility of the union of man with God in glory, notwithſtanding the vaſt diſtance of nature and excellence, the infiniteneſſe of both in God, the ſiniteneſſe of both in man.

In ſanctification and honour] Chaſtity is a mans honour: incontinency ſe…s on an indeleble blot, Prov. 6.33.Caſt u… quaſi foreign … foreign ab foreign venerat…o.

Verſe 5. Not in the lust of concupiſcence] Or, In the diſeaſe of lust, that diſhonourable diſeaſe, Rom. 1.26. that waſteth not only the ſubſtance of the body, but the honeſty and the honour of it.

Verſe 6. That no man go beyond or defraud] Or, Oppreſſe or theat. Theſt by unjuſt getting is either foreign or foreign, by violence or cunning contrivance.

The Lord is the avenger] Though haply they lie out of the walk of humane juſtice, as not coming under mans cognizance.

Verſe 7. For God hath not called us] See the Note on Eph. 4.1. It is a true rule given by the Ancients, Confusiones libidinum ſunt ſigna cujuſlibet ſectae. Simon Magus had his Helena, Carp…rates his Marcellina, Apelles his Philumena, Montanus his Priſcilla and Maximilla, &c.

Verſe 8. He therefore that despiſeth] That thinks it a trick of youth to fornicate, and a trick of wit to over-reach or oppreſſe: that holds it a matter of nothing to ſet light by the former leſſons, …o ſhall finde that he hath to deal with God, and not man in this buſineſſe; and that it is by the Spirit of God that we have ſpoken p. 278unto him, who will puniſh their contempt of his counſels.

Verſe 9. Ye need not that I write] Sith the divine nature, whereof ye are partakes, prompteth you to it, as common nature doth brethren to love one another. The very name of a brother is potent enough to draw affections.

Are taught of God] Therefore have no ſuch need to be taught by men, as thoſe that are yet ſtrangers to the life of God, Quan… Goriſ…us mag…ſter, quam citò diſcitur, quod docetur? ſaith Auguſtine. Neſcit …arda molimina, gratia Spiritus ſancts, faith Ambroſe. All Chriſts ſchollars are nimble and notable proſi…en…s.

Verſe 10. Towards all the brethren] This univerſality of their love ſhew'd the ſincerity of it, and that it was for the truths ſake, 2 Joh. 2. One or more good men may be favoured of thoſe that love no good man, as Ieremy was of Nebuzaradan, becauſe he fore-told the victory.

Verſe 11.foreign. Study to be quiet] Gr. Be ambitious of peace: as earneſt and eager after it, as the Ambitioniſt is after honour.

And to do your own buſineſſe] Not oaring in other mens boats, nor medling in other mens biſhopricks, 1 Pet. 4.15. Tu fuge, ceu peſtem foreign

With your own b…nds] Or elſe with your own brains, as ſtudents, which is by far the harder labour.

Verſe 12. La…k of nothing] He becometh poor that dealeth with a ſlack hand, but the hand of the diligent maketh rich, Pro. 10 4. Iabal that dwelt in tents and tended h…ards, had Iubal to his brother, the father of muſick. Iabal and Iubal, induſtry and plenty not without ſweet content dwell together.

Verſe 15. But I would not have, &c.] Ignorance is the mother of miſtake, and of cauſſeſſe trouble, of errour and of terrour: as the Roman ſouldiers were once mu…n affrighted at the ſight of the Moons …clipſe, till the Generall had undeceived by a diſcourſe of the naturall cauſe thereof.

That ye ſorrow not] Non est lugendus qui moritur, ſed deſideranaus, faith Tertullian. Abraham mourned moderately for … decaſed wife, Gen. 23.2. as is imported by a ſmall caph in the word …ocothab, to weep. So did David for the childe born in adultery, though for Abſolom he exceeded. It is one of the dues p. 279of the dead to be lamented at their funerals. But Chriſtians muſt know a meaſure, and ſo water their plants,foreign … as that they drown them not.

Even as others, which have no hope] Lugeatur mortuus, ſed ille quem gehenna ſuſcipit, qu…m Tartarus devorat, &c. Let that dead man be lamented whom hell harboureth, whom the devil d…vou…th, &c. But let us (whoſe departed …ouls Angels accompany, Chriſt imboſometh, and all the Court of heaven comes forth to welcome) account mortality a mercy; and be grieved that we are ſo long detained here from the company of our Chriſt, faith Hierom.

Verſe 14. Sleep in Ieſus] Dead in Chriſt. The union then is not diſſolved by death. But as by ſleep the body is refreſhed: ſo by death it is refined. Let our care be to cleave clo…e to Chriſt in the inſtant of death: ſo ſhall he be to us both in life and death, advantage.

Verſe 15. By the word of the Lord] Or, In the word, &c. in the ſelf-ſame words that the Lord uſed to me, probably, when I was rapt up, 2 Cor. 12.2, 4. and heard wordleſſe words.

Shall not prevent them] They ſhall riſe e…e we ſhall be rap…, and as they have been before us in death, ſo ſhall they be in glory: Now priority is a priviledge.

Verſe 16. With a ſhout] Ingenti Angelorum jubilo, foreign.& acclamatione, ſaith Arctius. With a huge applauſe and acclamation of angels, ſuch as is that of Mariners,foreign. when near the haven (Italiam Italiam laeto clamore ſalutans) or that of ſouldiers, when to joyn battle with the enemy.

And with the trump of God] To require the law, in manner as it was given. Mount Sinai only was then on a ſlame, but now the whole world, &c. Then God came with ten thouſands of his Saints: but now thouſand thouſands ſhall miniſter to him, and ten thouſand thouſands ſhall ſtand before him.

Verſe 17. Then we which are alive] He ſpeaketh thus of himſelf as alive at Chriſts coming, becauſe we ſhould daily expect it, and even haſten to it.

Shall be caught up together] This is that myſtery mentioned, 1 Cor. 15.51. and not till now made known to the world. See the Note there.

In the clouds] As Chriſt alſo aſcended, Acts 1. Theſe be the waggons and charriots that Chriſt will ſend for us, as p. 280Ioſeph ſet his fathers family down to Aegypt.

And ſo ſhall we ever be, &c.] O… bleſſed hour! O thrice happy union! Nothing ever came ſo near it, as the meeting of Iacob and Ioſeph, or of thoſe two couſins Mary and Elizabeth, Luk. 1.

Verſe 18 Wherefore comfort, &c.] Scripture-comforts come home to the heart, ſo do not philoſophicall. Neſcio quomodo (ſaith Cicero … ) medicina morbo est imbecillior. M…ch Adam. …And albeit it is m…rvellous ſweet to meditate (as M^r Knox found it on his death-bed, ſo that he would have riſen and gone into the pulpit to tell others what be had felt in his ſoul) yet there is a ſpeciall force of ſtrong conſolation in Chriſtian communication, which the Lord uſually wa…reth with the dews of divine bleſſing.

CHAP. V. Verſe 1. But of the times and the ſeaſons]

VVHen Chriſt ſhall come to judgement, this is to be reckoned inter arcana imperij. See the Note on Mat. 24 36. The times and the ſeaſons God hath put in his own power, Act. 1.7 This is a key that he keepeth under his own girdle.

Verſe 2. The day of the Lord] That day, by a ſpeciality, Luk. 21.34. that great day, Revel. 6.17. that day of the declaration of Gods juſt judgement. Rom. 2.5, 16. that day of Chriſt, 2 Theſſ. 2.2. of God, 2 Pet. 3.13. where in he will ſhew himſelf to be God of Gods, and Lord of Lords.

As a thief in the night] Who giveth no warning, Mat. 24.43. See the Note there.

Verſe 3. For when they ſhall ſay] Security is the certain uſher of deſtruction, as in Benhadads army, and Pompeys, before the Pharſalian field. Some of them contended for the Prieſthood, which was Caeſars office, others diſpoſed of the Conſulſhips and offices in Rome, as if all were already their own: Pompey …mſelf being ſo wretchedly wre…chleſſe, that he never conſidered into what place he were beſt to retire, if he loſt the day.

Then ſhall ſudden deſtruction] As Philoſophers ſay, that before a ſnow the weather will be warmiſh: when the winde lies, the great rain fals; and the air is moſt quiet, when ſuddenly there will be an earthquake.

p. 281Verſe 4. Should overtake you as a thief] Though it come upon you as a thief in a time uncertain. Free you are from the deſtruction of that day, though not altogether free from the diſtraction of it, till ſomewhat recollected you remember that now your redemption draweth nigh. Hence the Saints love Chriſts appearing, 2 Tim. 4 8. Look for it with ſtretcht-out necks, and long after it, Rev. 22.20.

Verſe 5. We are not of the night, &c.]Qu. Curtius. Alexander willed that the Grecians and Barbarians ſhould no longer be diſtinguiſhed by their garments, but by their manners: ſo ſhould the children of light, and of darkneſſe.

Verſe 6. As doe others] What wonder that the Grecians live looſly, faith Chryſoſtome, but that Chriſtians do ſo, this is worſe, yea intolerable.

But let us watch and be ſober] We muſt not be like Agrippa's dormouſe that would not awake till caſt into boiling lead,Comment. i… Di…cor. or Matthiolus his aſſes fed with hemlock, that lie for dead, and are half hileded, ere they can be arrouſed. But rather we ſhould reſemble Ariſtotle and others, who were wont to ſleep with brazen balls in their hands, which falling on veſſels, purpoſely ſet on their beds ſides, the noiſe did diſſwade immoderate ſleep.

Verſe 7. Are drunk in the night] But now, alas, drunkenneſſe is become a noon-day devil. Drunk. …up by M. Harris.Once Peters argument (ſaith a reverend Divine) was more then probable, Theſe men are not drunk, for it is but the third hour of the day. Now men are grown ſuch husbands as that, by that time, they will return their ſtocks, and have their brains crowing before day.

Verſe 8. Be ſober] Drunkenneſſe misbeſeemeth any man, but eſpecially a Saint: for it robs him of himſelf, and laies a beaſt in his room.

Putting on the breſt-plate of faith and love] Faith is the fore-part of this breſt-plate, whereby we imbrace Chriſt, and love the hinder part thereof, whereby we imboſome the Saints.

Verſe 9. God hath not appointed us] As the hath all drunken beaſts, 1 Cor. 6.10. Yea all thoſe dry drunkards, Iſa. 28.1. that will not a wake (though never ſo much warned) out of the ſnare of the devil, &c. 2 Tim. 2.25.

Verſe 10. Whether we wake or ſleep] That is, live or die, our p. 282ſouls cannot miſcarry: becauſe Chriſt will have out the full price of his ſons death. See Rom. 14.8. with the Note there.

Verſe 11. Comfort your ſelves together] This he ſubjoyns as a ſingular help to the practiſe of the former points of duty. Socialt charity whets on to love and good works, as iron whets iron, as one billet kindleth another, &c.

Verſe 12. And we beſeech you, brethren] Doe not ſo exhort and edifie one another, as to think that now the publike Miniſtery is no further uſefull or needfull. Let your Paſtours have all due reſpect, be your gifts never ſo eminent.

Verſe 13.foreign Apud Grae…os majori in honre habebantur Philoſophi quam ortores. …llienim recte vi… endi, &c. Lact…ntiu…. Very highly] Gr. More then exceedingly: Turks and Papiſts ſhall elſe condemn us, who honour every hedge-prieſt of theirs, and have them in ſingular eſteem, above their merits. The Grecians gave great reſpect to their Philoſophers above their Oratours, becauſe theſe taught them how to ſpeak, but thoſe how to live well.

For their works ſake] Which is high and honourable, divine and heavenly, a worthy work, 1 Tim. 3.1. Such as both in the preparation to it. and execution of it draweth them to God, keepeth them with God, and to be ever mindefull of God, and no leſſe active for God, Epheſ 4 12. by gathering together the Saints, and building up the body of Chriſt.

And be at peace among your ſelves] So ſhall your Paſtour have the better life, and follow his work with more content & comfort.

Verſe 14. Warn them that are unruly] Cry Cave miſer, ſtop them in their curſed carier, tell them that hell gapes for them, and is but a little afore them: ſnatch them out of the fire, ſaving them with fear, Iude v.: 3.

Comfort the f…ble-minded] The d…ſpiriced, faint-hearted, ſick and ſinking under the ſenſe of ſin and fear of wrath. A Chriſtian ſhould have feeding lips, and a healing tongue. The contrary whereunto is deeply deteſted, Ezek. 34 4.

Support the weak]foreign. Set to your ſhoulder and ſhore them up. Deal not as the herd of Deer do with the wounded Deer, forſake and puſh it away from them.

Verſe 15. See that none render] Nothing is ſo naturall to us; and Ariſtotle commends revenge as a piece of manhood, when indeed it is doghood rather. Excellently Lactantius, Non eſt minus malireferre injuriam, quam inferre. It is as bad to recompence Wrong as to do wrong. See the Notes on Mat. 5.44. & Rom. 12.17.

p. 283But ever follow that which is good] Not to doe good, is to do evil, not to ſave a man, when we can, is to deſtroy him, Mar. 3.4. See the Note there.

Verſe 16. Rejoyce evermore] A duty much preſſed in both teſtaments, but little practiſed by many of Gods Whinnels, who are ever puling and putting ſinger in the eye, through one diſcontent or another. The wicked may not rejoyce. Hoſ. 9.1. the Saints muſt, Pſal. 32.11. and 33.1. and that continually, ſtriving to an habituall chearfulneſſe, which is when faith heals the conſcience, and grace huſheth the affections, and compoſeth all within; what ſhould ail ſuch a man, not to be perpetually merry?

Verſe 17. Pray without ceaſing] While praier ſtandeth ſtill, the trade of godlineſſe ſtandeth ſtill. All good comes into the ſoul by this door, all true treaſure by this merchants-ſhip. Paul beginneth, continueth and concludeth his Epiſtle… with praier. Nehemiah ſends up ejaculations ever and anon. Of Carolus Magnus it was ſpoken, Carolus plus cum Deo quam cum hominibus loquitur, that he ſpake more with God then with men. Our hearts ſhould be evermore in a praying temper: and our ſet times of praier ſhould not be neglected, though we be not alwaies alike prepared or diſpoſed thereunto. Diſuſe breeds lothneſſe to doe it another time.

Verſe 18. In every thing give thanks] If God give proſperity, praiſe him, and it ſhall be encreaſed, faith Augustine. If adverſity, praiſe him, and it ſhall be removed, or at leaſt ſanct…fied. Iob bleſſed God as well for taking as giving, Iob 1. He knew that God afflicted him, Non ad exitium, ſed ad exercitium, to refine him, not to ruine him. But this is Christianorum propria virtus. ſaith Hierome, a practice proper to Chriſtians, to be heartily thankfull for croſſes. Baſil ſpends all his Sermon upon this Text, in this theme. Every bird can ſing in a Summers-day, and it is eaſie to ſwim in a warm bath: but in deep affliction to cover Gods altar not with our tears, as Mal, 2.13. but with the calves of out lips, Hoſ. 14.2. this none can doe but the truly religious.

Verſe 19. Quench not the spirit] In his motions or graces. See he Canon for the fire on the altar, and obſerve it, Lev. 6.12,13. Confeſſe here as Hezekiah did. 2 Chron. 29.6, 7. And take the Apoſtles counſel, 2 Tim. 1.6. Stir up this fire on the hearth of our hearts: let the Prieſts lips blow it up into a flame, deſpiſe not prophecying, &c. It may be quenched either by the with-drawing of p. 284fuell (neglect of ordinances) or by caſting on water (falling into foul courſes.)

Verſe 20. Deſpiſe not] i.e. Highly honour, and preciouſly eſteem, as an honourary given by Chriſt to his church at his wonderfull derfull aſcenſion. Pſ. 51.17. Eph. 4.8, 11.

Prophecying] That is preaching, 1 Cor. 14.3. ſo called, becauſe they took their texts out of ſome of the Prophets.

Verſe 21.foreign Epicbarm. Prove all things] Tak… nothing that you hear upon truſt, but bring all to the Teſt, Iſa. 8.20. To the law, i.e. the old Teſtament, and to the testimony, i.e. the new, which is by S. Iohn often called the Teſtimony.

Hold faſt that which is good] Orthodox, currant, agreeable to, and approvable by the Scriptures: eſpecially that which God hath made good and ſweet to your own fouls. Hold faſt that thou haſt, &c. Haſt thou found honey? eat it, Prov. 25.16. Go on to heaven eating of it, as Samſon did of his honey comb.

Verſe 22. Abſtain from all, &c.] Whatſoever is heterodox, unſound and unſavoury, ſhun it as you would do a ſerpent in your way, or poiſon in your meats. Theodoſius tare the Arrians arguments preſented to him in writing, becauſe he found them repugnant to the Scriptures. And Auguſtine retracteth even ironies only, becauſe they had the appearance of lying. God commanded the Jews to abſtain from ſwines fleſh; they would not ſo much as name it,Etias Tibisbit. but in their common talk would call a ſow, dabhar, Achar, another thing.

Verſe 23. That your whole ſpirit, ſoul, body.] The Temple conſiſted of three parts, ſo doth man; the body is as the outer court, the ſoul as the holy place, the Spirit as the moſt holy. So the world is three ſtories high, the earth, the viſible heaven, and the third heaven.

Verſe 24. Faithfull is be, &c.] Praier muſt be founded upon the faithfulnes of God in fulfilling his promiſes. Hereby faith will be ſtrengthened, and affection excited. Praier is a putting the promiſes in ſuit.

Verſe 25. Brethren, pray for us] The beſt may need the praiers of the meaneſt. God will have us beholden herein one to another, 1 Cor. 12.21, 22. How earneſt is that great Apoſtle in begging praiers,Act. and Mon. ſol 1565. Rom 15.30. Pray for me, I ſay, Pray for me, I ſay (quoth father Latimer) for I am ſometimes ſo fearfull that I could creep into a mouſe-hole, ſometimes God doth viſit me again with his comfort, &c.

p. 285Verſe 26. With an holy kiſſe] Our very civilities ſhould ſavour of ſactity, and our common converſation reliſh of religion, Zech. 14.20, 21.

Verſe 27. That this Epiſtle be read] It is a mattes of greateſt neceſſity, and importance that the holy Scriptures be daily and duly read by all. A ſad complaint it is, which reverend Moulin makes of his Countrey-men the Prench Proteſtants;Moulins Theophilus, p. 27 8. Whiles they burned us, ſaith he, for reading the Scriptures, we burnt with zeal to be reading of them … now with our liberty is bred…lſ… negligence and diſeste…m of Gods word. And is it not ſo with us at this day? Our Anceſtours in Hen. 8 cline would ſit-up all night in reading and hearing, and were at great charges. Some gave five marks for a Bible, that we may have for five ſhillings, &c.Act. and Mon. fol. 750.

Verſe 28. Amen] Amen is, 1. Aſſenting. 2. Aſſevering. 3. Aſſuring.