CHAP. I.

• 1. S. Paul's calling to the Mini­stry v. 1. Concern­ing which
  • 1. His zeale and fervency in it.
  • 2. The object of it, viz. the Gospell. v. 1. Wherein
    • 1. The benefit of it, in being the meanes of salvation. v. 16.
    • 2. The necessity; because the wrath of God being de­nounced against all unrigh­teousnesse; there is no sal­vation without it. v. 18.
  • 3. His affection to the Romanes, in desiring to visit them to instruct them. v. 10.
• 2. The sinnes of the Gentiles; and in them,
  • 1. The occasion, viz. Gods desertion. v. 24.26.
  • 2. Their nature, which was against nature, as In­cest. v. 26.
  • 3. Their aggravation; and that in two things; In being
    • 1. Against knowledge. v. 21.
    • 2. Committed with delight. v. 22.

CHAP. II.

• 1. The Universall Corruption of mankind, in that the very Magistrates that punish sinne, are guilty of it. v. 1.
• 2. Its abuse of Gods patience. v. 4.
• 3. The tenure of the Law; which is
  • 1. Life to the keepers of it. v. 7.
  • 2. Death to the breakers of it. v. 8, 9.
• 4. The impartiality of Gods justice in sparing no sin­ners, whether Jewes or Gentiles. v. 11.
• 5. A Reproofe of the Jewes vaine confidence, in think­ing the bare outward profession sufficient for their justification. v. 17.19.21.28.
• 6. The aggravation of their punishment, from their grea­ter measure of knowledge. v. 21, 22, 23.

CHAP. III.

• 1. Pauls vindication of himselfe from the aspersion of encouraging men to sinne. v. 8.
• 2. His accusation of the Jewes of sinne, notwith­standing they were Gods peculiar people. v. 9.
• 3. His proofe of it, out of the Psalmes, concerning the generall sinning of all. v. 10, 11.
• 4. His doctrine of justification by faith. v. 28.

CHAP. IV.

The prosecution of the doctrine of justifi­cation;

• 1. Positively: That it is by faith; which he confirmes, [Page 3]
  • 1. By reasons; which are
    • 1. Because it is of free grace. v. 4.
    • 2. Because the promise was made through Faith. v. 13.
  • 2. By proofe out of the Psalmes; where it is said, that our sinnes are forgiven, and therefore not satisfied for by workes. v. 6, 7.
  • 3. By the example of Abraham, who was justified for beleiving the promises of God. v. 13.
• 2. Negatively;
  • 1. That it is not by workes; for then
    • 1. We might glory in them. v. 2.
    • 2. The reward would be a debt.
  • 2. That Circumcision doth not conduce to it; because Abraham was justified when he was not circumcised. v. 11.

CHAP. V.

• 1. The Character of a faithfull man, who hath
  • 1. Peace of Conscience. v. 1.
  • 2. Accesse to God. v. 2.
  • 3. Joy in tribulations. ibid.
  • 4. Patience. v. 3.
  • 5. Experience. v. 4.
  • 6. Hope, which is grounded upon Gods love, which he shewed in sending his Sonne to dye for us,
    • 1. Who were unable to raise our selves. v. 6.
    • 2. Unworthy of his love, in being his enemies. v. 10.
• 2. The Charter whereby he holdeth all these graces, which is a reconciliation with God, procured and [Page 4]purchased for us by the merits of Christ Jesus. ibid.
• 3. Our misery by the fall of Adam, who transgressed a­gainst the Law of Nature, before the promulgation of the Law of Moses. v. 13.
• 4. Gods mercy; in sending his Sonne to be a propitia­tion for our sinnes. v. 18.

CHAP. VI.

• 1. An inference from his former doctrine; wherein is,
  • 1. A prohibition to abuse Gods mercy in sinning the more, because he is so mercifull to forgive; and that for two reasons; v. 1.
    • 1. Because it is against the order of Gods sanctifying grace; whereby they that are dead to sin, cannot in all common sense live unto it. v. 2.
    • 2. Because we are baptized unto newnesse of life. v. 3, 4.
  • 2. The effects of Christ death,
    • 1. In taking away the guilt of sinne.
    • 2. In taking away the strength of it. v. 5.6.
  • 3. The Analogy betwixt Christ and a Christian, in
    • 1. Life. v. 4.
    • 2. Death.
  • 4. The disparity betwixt
    • 1. The slavery of sinne, wherein is force. v. 18.
    • 2. The service of God, which is free­dome. v. ibid.
• 2. An Exhortation to Christian Warfare; wherein is his encouragement,
  • 1. In assuring the assistance of grace against sinne. v. 14.
  • 2. In assuring a Conquest over it. v. ibid.
• [Page 5]3. The benefit of Christian liberty:
  • 1. Sanctification in this world. v. 22.
  • 2. Glorification in the next. ibid.

CHAP. VII.

• 1. Sinnes tyranny before the death of Christ (signified by a Husband) over mans nature (signified by a Wife) v. 1, 2.
• 2. Sins power in the regenerate after his death; whereof we have,
  • 1. Pauls humility, in making himselfe the example of it. v. 18.23.
  • 2. Pauls piety, in the detestation of it, and desire of freedome from it, v. 24, 25.
• 3. The Nature of the Law;
  • 1. Which doth discover sinne, and in that is holy. v. 7.
  • 2. Which doth occasion sinne, and in that is not faulty; because sinne being brought to despaire by the harshnesse of it, is provoked more and more. v. 8.

CHAP. VIII.

• 1. Consolation against despaire; because there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. v. 1.
• 2. Consolation against dejection in affliction and per­secution; in that all things worke for good to them that are in Christ Jesus. v. 28.
• [Page 6]3. A description,
  • 1. Of Carnality: wherein is
    • 1. The effect of it, (i.) enmity a­gainst God. v. 7.
    • 2. The end of it, (i.) death. v. 13.
  • 2. Of the Spirituall life, and its benefits whereby the regenerate man,
    • 1. Hath everlasting life. v. 16.
    • 2. Is the Sonne of God; heire of God, &c. v. 17.

CHAP. IX.

• 1. Pauls excessive sorrow, even unto sinne, for the Jewe rejection; his owne flesh and bloud: which is the grea­ter, because the meanes of their salvation was the grea­ter. v. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
• 2. The election of the Gentiles, and rejection of the Jewes is confirm'd out of
  • 1. Hosea.
  • 2. Esay.
  v. 25.27.
• 3. The causes of it, (i.) Gods meere pleasure, which h [...] proveth
  • 1. By the example of Jacob and Esau v. 14.
  • 2. By the words of Moses, v. 15.
• 4. The Vindication of Gods honour in not electing all by proving that it is not
  • 1. Against Gods promise. nor v. 6.
  • 2. Against his justice. v. 14.
• 5. The End of Election and Reprobation, which is God glory: [Page 7]
  • 1. For his mercy in saving some. v. 23.
  • 2. For his justice in passing by others. v. 22.

CHAP. X.

• 1. A description of
  • 1. Legall justice.
  • 2. Evangelicall.
• 2. The difference of both, in that the
  • 1. viz. legall breedeth doubts. v. 6.
  • 2. viz. Evangelicall; taketh them away.
• 3. The graduall meanes whereby Evangelicall justice is acquired, which are,
  • 1. Preaching.
  • 2. Hearing.
  • 3. Beleiving.
• 4. The inexculablenesse of the Jewes that did heare the Word.
• 5. Isaias his prediction,
  • 1. Of the Jewes rejection.
  • 2. Of the acceptation of the Gentiles; in which was,
    • 1. Gods mercy.
    • 2. Their unworthinesse of it, being but meane people. v. 19.

CHAP. XI.

• 1. A Consolation to the Jewes, in giving them hopes of their restitution. v. 11.
• 2. A Caution to the Gentiles, not to be proud that they were elected, and the Jewes rejected. v. 18.
• 3. Reasons against the totall ejection of the Jewes;
  • 1. From Pauls example. v. 1.
  • 2. From the example of Elias, v. 2. who both were Israelites. v.
  • 3. From Gods decree. v. 2.
• 4. Reasons for their restitution;
  • 1. A minori ad majus: If the Gentiles which were strangers were chosen, much more shall the Jewes, that were his owne people, be received againe.
  • 2. From the Prophecy of Esay.
  • 3. From their parentage, because they were the Children of Abraham. v. 16.
• 5. The Cause
  • 1. Of Election; Gods free mercy.
  • 2. Of Reprobation; infidelity.
• 6. His admiration of Gods mercy and wisedome.

CHAP. XII.

The Apostle having in the former Chapters spoken of justification, he doth in this speake of sanctification, and of a good life; and exhorts us to duties;

• 1. Concerning God; in offering up our selves a living sacrifice to him. v. 1.
• 2. Concerning the Church; that we be not high minded in doing any office in it. v. 3.
• [Page 9]3. Concerning our selves; as to be pa­tient in afflictions, &c. v. 12.
• 4. Concerning our enemies; whom he exhorts us,
  • 1. To forgive. v. 19.
  • 2. To releive. v. 20.

CHAP. XIII.

Three Exhortations;

• 1. To subjection unto authority for three reasons;
  • 1. Because God is the Author of it. v. 1.
  • 2. Because he is the revenger of disobedience. v. 2.
  • 3. Because he is the rewarder of obedience. v. 3.
  • 4. Because government is for our good; and there­fore we are bound in con­science to submit unto it. v. 4.
• 2. To charity; which comprehendeth all the duties of the second table unto our neighbour. v. 8, 9.
• 3. To temperance, sobriety, chastity, and other virtues, under the allegories of light, and garments, v. 12, & 14. and that because we are under the Sunshine of the Gospell. v. 12.

CHAP. XIV.

• 1. A reprehension of two sorts of people for their dissen­tion; which are,
  • 1. Some converted Jewes.
  • 2. Some converted Gentiles.
• 2. The matter of their dissention,
  • 1. Meates.
  • 2. Daies; whereof the Jewes not qui [...] leaving off the observation of Mos [...] his Law, made a difference after thei [...] conversion: but the Gentiles, ma­king use of their Christian liberty, thought all meats and all daies alike
• 3. The Apostles holy endeavour to compose their differences
  • 1. By advising of them to let every man en­joy his owne opinion in things indiffe­rent. v. 5.
  • 2. By letting them know, that both par­ties did aime at Gods glory. v. 6.
  • 3. By telling them, how unlawfull it was to judge another mans servant; and much more for one to judge another uncharita­bly, when they were all Gods servants▪ v. 4.
  • 4. By shewing, how unfitting it was for them, who were to be judg'd one day, themselves to judge one another. v. 10.
• 4. A speciall charge to the strong in faith, not to eat to scandalize a weake brother, though all meats may law­fully be eaten. v. 15.
• 5. A prohibition to the weake in faith, not to eate any meat against conscience; though all meats may lawfully be eaten. v. 22, 23.

CHAP. XV.

• 1. The Apostles second exhortation to a charitable tole­ration of the weaker sort in indifferent things. v. 1. as a thing,
  • 1. Tending to edification. v. 2.
  • 2. Practis'd by Christ himselfe, who did not onely beare infirmities, but reproaches. v. 3. And who was pleas'd to be a Ser­vant both to Jew and Gentile, to teach us to be serviceable one to another. v. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.
• 2. His modest Apology for writing to them; which was not to instruct them, who were able to instruct one a­nother. v. 14. But to be their Remembrancer. v. 15.
• 3. His office; a Doctor of the Gentiles: wherein is
  • 1. His holy ambition of being a new planter of the Gospell where it was not before. v. 20.
  • 2. The power whereby he perform'd his office, which was God; to whom he gives the praise. v. 17.19.
• 4. His love to the Romanes; in desiring to see them. v. 23.
• 5. His businesse at Jerusalem, which was to deliver the Gentiles collection for the releife of the Jewes. v. 25.
• 6. His prayers for them, that they may be alike minded. v. 5.
• 7. His desire of their prayers for him, and the matter of them. v. 30, 31.

CHAP. XVI.

• 1. A Commendation of some (whom he kindly desires to be remembred to) as for their good service,
  • 1. To the Church.
  • 2. To Churchmen, as Phe [...]e, v. 1, 2. and Aquila, and Priscilla Mary, &c.
• 2. A discommendation of others for their factious spirits, and the Character of them, v. 17, 18. against whom he exhorteth the Romanes to use much caution, be­cause of their facility of nature to be seduced, v. 19. and doth encourage them against them by the promise of victory. v. 20.
• 3. A Conclusion of the whole Epistle, with a fervent re­commendation of them all to Gods protection; and a hearty glorification of God. v. 23.26.

CHAP. I.

• 1. The Apostles
  • 1. Salutation. v. 2, 3.
  • 2. Commendation for their proficiency. v. 4, 5.
  • 3. Reprehension for their factions and schismes. v. 11, 12, 13.
• 2. The causes of their schismes;
  • 1. The Ministers vainglory, in striving more to be eloquent, then profitable in their preaching.
  • 2. The peoples fond admiration of their Ministers for their frothy eloquence.
• 3. The opinion of the Jewes and Greekes, that thought plaine preaching a dishonour to the Gospell; is con­futed,
  • 1. By reason; because Gods power would lesse appeare in eloquence, then in plainnesse of speech. v. 17.
  • 2. By the example of Gods election, who makes choice of the foolish, v. 26, 27. for his owne glory. v. last.

CHAP. II.

• 1. Pauls practice of his doctrine of plaine preaching. v. 4▪ as most sutable to spirituall things. v. 13.
• 2. The subject of his preaching, (i.) Jesus Christ, hi [...] passion, &c. v. 2.
• 3. The dignity of the Gospell which he preach'd, whic [...] is wisedome. v. 7. Not,
  • 1. Humane, but
  • 2. Divine; above the capa­city of the greatest Scho­lars and Philosophers i [...] humanity. v. 8.
  • 3. No upstart thing, but o [...] great antiquity. v. 7.
• 4. The meanes how it may be got; which is, the Reve­lation by the Spirit. v. 10.
• 5. The men that have this heavenly knowledge; not,
  • 1. The carnall men who slight, and scoff [...] at it, as foolishnesse. v. 14. but
  • 2. The spirituall men, who onely di [...] ­cerne it. v. 15, 16.

CHAP. III.

• 1. The Apostles Apology for his plaine preaching. v. 2 [...] because the Corinthians were not capable of high [...] matter.
• 2. His reproofe of their carnall divisions and factions, i [...] idolizing severall men, as Paul, Apollo, &c. v. 3, 4.
• 3. His reasons, whereby he disswades them from thei [...] factions, [Page 15]Because
  • 1. They are but servants whom they so much runne after, and therefore not to be adored. v. 5. And their servants. v. 22.
  • 2. They all worke the same worke, and therefore not one to be preferr'd to another. v. 9.
  • 3. They are the Temple of God, which is not to be rent with factions. v. 16.
  • 4. They are to have no Master but Christ, who is the foundation of all their do­ctrines. v. 11.
• 4. His advice to put away selfe conceit, as a maine hin­drance to salvation. v. 18, 19, 20.

CHAP. IV.

• 1. Against the contempt of the Ministry, v. 1. which the Apostle dehorteth them from, as he did from the idoli­zing of them. C. 3.
• 2. The Apostles aversnesse from popularity, in that he did not care what the people said of him. v. 3.
• 3. A double reprehension;
  • 1. Of the popular Preachers, who boasted of their parts, as if they were not given them by God. v. 7.
  • 2. Of the people, for having too great a conceit of their owne perfection, whom he reproveth ironically. v. 8, 9, 10.
• 4. His pious endeavour to humble their high thoughts, by proposing to them his example of enduring afflictions, v. 11, 12, 13. and his justification of his sharp writing to them, because he was their Father. v. 14, 15.
• 5. The two medicines that are to be used by every spiri­tuall Physitian; [Page 16]
  • 1. Lenitives, (i.) mild admonitions.
  • 2. Corrosives, (i.) sharp reproofs. v. ult.

CHAP. V.

• 1. Of Excommunication; where we may observe,
  • 1. The end of it; the salvation of t [...] soule. v. 5.
  • 2. The neglect of it; which is the ca [...] of more infection. v. 6.
  • 3. The authority for it; which is Ap [...] stolicall. v. 3, 4, 5.
• 2. Of conversation with excommunicated persons which may be twofold;
  • 1. Familiar and intimate [...] and this is absolute [...] forbidden. v. 11.
  • 2. Naturall and civill, an [...] this is lawfull, and cannot possibly be avoided v. 10.
• 3. The incestuous mans punishment, decreed by the Apostle, v. 3, 4, 5. which is excommunication.
• 4. The Corinthians remissenesse in punishing him sharply reprehended. v. 2.

CHAP. VI.

• 1. Concerning the triall of suits and controversies, and of the Judges thereof; which are of two sorts: [Page 17]
  • 1. Heathenish, which the Apostle dis­swadeth the Corinthians from going to, for two reasons; Because
    • 1. They are unjust. v. 1.
    • 2. They are unbeleivers. v. 2.
  • 2. Christian, which he adviseth them to have. v. 1. Because
    • 1. They shall judge the World. v. 2.
    • 2. They shall judge the Angels; and if such high things, then are they much more able to judge worldly matters of lesse consequence. v. 3.
• 2. The danger of dissention, which is, damnation, v. 2. and the cures for all law suits; which are,
  • 1. Patience and Charity. v. 8.
  • 2. Meeknesse. v. 8.
• 3. Concerning Fornication; That
  • 1. It is not indifferent, as meats and drinkes. v. 13.
  • 2. It is to be avoided, because our bo­dies are,
    • 1. Members of Christ. v. 15.
    • 2. Temples of the Holy Ghost. v. 19
    • 3. Consum'd by it. v. 18.

CHAP. VII.

1. A resolution of some doubts propos'd by the Corin­thians to the Apostle: As,

• 1. That it was lawfull for Christians to marry. v. 2.
• [Page 18]2. That it was unlawfull for any to put away his Wife, unlesse it were for fornication. v. 10.
• 3. That difference in religion cannot dissolve marriage; as appeares in the instance of the marriage of the [...]aithfull with the unfaith­full. v. 12, 13, 14.
• 4. That wedlock is no hindrance to salvation▪ (as some of them thought) no more then any other calling, of circumcision or uncircum­cision, slavery or freedome, &c. v. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22.
• 5. That no Woman is bound to live perpetuall [...] a Virgin. v. 25.
• 6. That singlenesse of life is more convenient not more honest then that of wedlock. v. 34
• 7. That we must not addict our selves too much either to the profit or pleasure of any calling. v. 29, 30, 31.

CHAP. VIII.

A resolution of another Question of the Corinthians, con­cerning eating of meats offered to Idols; wherein are propos'd.

• 1. Two Objections;
  • 1. That there was no such thing as a [...] Idoll, which was a meer fiction; and therefore it was no fault to eat meats offered to it. v. 4.
  • 2. That meats were indifferent, neithe [...] good nor bad; and therefore not un­lawfull to eat them. v. 8.
• 2. An Answer to them both; That though there was but one God, v. 4. and that their Idols were nothing: [Page 19]and though eating of meats were indifferent, yet if eating of such meats were offensive to the weaker sort of Christians, they were bound in charity to abstaine from them. v. 6.10.
• 3. A Position; That Christian liberty is to be used no further then it may consist with Charity; least we sinne
  • 1. Against our weak brother.
  • 2. Against Christ. v. 12.
• 4. His owne practice of this doctrine; He advised them to doe nothing but what he did himselfe. v. last.

CHAP. IX.

1. The Apostles willingnesse to forgoe his liberty, to move them to dispence with theirs, in abstaining from meats offered to Idols, that the weaker sort might not be offended; as in being content,

• 1. To preach gratis, without maintenance from the Church, v. 11. which he proves to be due to the Ministry;
  • 1. From the Law of Nature; and this by two similitudes: taken
    • 1. From Warfare; that none is a souldier for nothing. v. 7.
    • 2. From Husbandry; that none keepeth a vineyard, nor feedeth a flock gratis. v. 7.
  • 2. From the Law of God. v. 9.
  • 3. From Naturall Reason; that Tem­porall things are to be paid for Spi­rituall. v. 11.
• 2. To have no Wife. v. 5.
• 3. To comply with all men to save their soules; to doe as they doe, [Page 20]
  • 1, In matters indifferent, as Cere­monies. v. 19, 20, 21, 22. Though not
  • 2. In things absolute.

CHAP. X.

• 1. No priviledge for sinne, being Gods people, partaking of the Sacraments, &c. will no more free us from pu­nishment, if we sinne, then it did our forefathers the Israelites. v. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
• 2. The benefit,
  • 1. Of bad example, to deterre us from sinne; as of the Israelites, whom God punished,
    • 1. For Idolatry. v. 7.
    • 2. For Fornication. v. 8.
    • 3. For Murmuring. v. 10.
  • 2. Of good example, to draw us to good­nesse; as of the Apostle Saint Paul, who did onely disswade the Corinthi­ans from meat offered to Idols (as he had done before)
    • 1. By his preaching; by shewing, that they could not communi­cate both with Christians and Infidels. v. 21.
    • 2. By his life; for he abstained himselfe, that he might give offence to none. v. last.

CHAP. XI.

• 1. Of Ceremonies in the Church which are not abolish­ed by the Gospell.
  • 1. Corcerning men, who are forbidden to be co­vered in the exercise of
    • 1. Prayer. v. 4.
    • 2. Prophecy. v. 4.

    Reason. Because it is a dishonour to Christ, who gave them liberty not to be covered, which signifies subjection.

  • 2. Concerning women, who are commanded to be covered, to shew their subjection to their Husbands. v. 5. Yet
  • 3. The superiority of the man should not make him contemne the woman. v. 11.
• 2. Of preparation for the worthy receiving of the Lords Supper; in which is forbid drunkennesse, whereof the Corinthians were guilty, v. 21. and a strict exami­nation of our selves enjoyned. v. 28.
• 3. The end of the Lords Supper; which is, the memory of Christs death to satisfie for our sinnes. v. 26.

CHAP. XII.

Of Spirituall Gifts.

• 1. Their beginning, (i.) the Holy Ghost. v. 8, 9, 10, &c.
• 2. Their use, the edification of others.
• 3. Their abuse, (i.) ostentation, vainglory, and contempt of others that have not such great gifts, whereof the Corinthian were guil [...].
• [Page 22]4. Their difference: Some gifts are above o­thers, as Faith, Hope and Charity, which were lesse esteemed by the Corinthians, then others.
• 5. The variety of them; as,
  • 1. The word of wisedome and knowledge. v. 10.
  • 2. Working of miracles. v. 10.
  • 3. Prophecy. v. 10.
  • 4. Divers kinds of tongues. v. 10.
  • 5. Interpretation of them. v. 10.
• 6. The Apostles advice to superiours that have greater gifts, signified by the eye, v. 21. not to contemne those that have lesser. ibid.
• 7. His advice to inferiours that have lesser gifts, signified by the foot, v. 15. not to envy those that have greater gifts.

CHAP. XIII.

Of Charity.

The comparison of it with other virtues, viz.

• 1. Eloquence. v. 1. v. 2.
• 2. Prophecy. v. 2.
• 3. A miraculous faith. v. 2.
• 4. Martyrdome. v. 4.

Wherein doth appeare,

• 1. Their imperfection.
  • 1. In their dependance upon it. v. 1. unto v. 16.
  • 2. In their small continuance. v. 8, 9, 10.
• 2. The perfection of Charity. [Page 23]
  • 1. In duration; because it doth outlast all the rest.
  • 2. In the markes of it; which are,
    • 1. Patience. v. 4.
    • 2. Meeknesse. v. 4.
    • 3. Freedome from envy. v. 4.
    • 4. Humility, with other virtues; from the 4. v. to the 8.

CHAP. XIV.

• 1. A Comparison of prophecy, and the tongues; wherein is maintained,
  • 1. Not the contempt of languages. v. 5. But
  • 2. The unprofitablenesse of them, if they want an interpreter; which is proved to be greater then the sound,
    • 1. Of inanimate things, as pipe, and trumpet.
    • 2. The voice of animate things, because these signifie some­thing, and are understood. v. 7, 8, 10.
  • 3. The ignominy and disgrace of them, if not understood; because the users of them will be accounted Barbarians. v. 11.
  • 4. The testimony of Gods wrath many times by them; who often inflicts them as a punishment. v. 21, 22.
  • [Page 24]5. The confusion they breed in Divine Service; because they that hear them, and understand them not, cannot joyn in prayer. v. 16.
  • 6. The excellency of prophecy; by rea­son of its
    • 1. Edification. v. 3.
    • 2. Exhortation. v. 3.
    • 3. Comfort. v. 3.
• 2. A Direction concerning Church affaires:
  • 1. Concerning Prophets; who they should be.
    • 1. Not women; because that would shew a dominion o­ver their Husbands. v. 34.
    • 2. Not above three in number, to avoid confusion. v. 29.
  • 2. Concerning prophecy; and in it,
    • 1. The manner of it; the Prophets must doe it successively, one after another, not all together; for that too would breed confusion. v. 31.
    • 2. The triall of it; which must be made by none but Prophets. v. 32.
  • 3. Concerning the rule of all Ecclesiasticall policy; which is decency of order. v. last.

CHAP. XV.

• 1. Of the resurrection of bodies; And
  • 1. Of Christs; which is proved against some a­mongst the Corinthians that denied it,
    • 1. By Scripture. v. 4.
    • 2. By ocular testimony of men of good cre­dit: [Page 25]
      • 1. The Apostles. v. 5.
      • 2. Five hundred Brethren. v. 6.
• 2. Of Christian; which is proved,
  • 1. By the resurrection of Christ; which is the cause of ours. v. 22.
  • 2. By naturall reason; the simple plowman will teach us it, by shewing us the reviving of corn after it dyeth. v. 36.
  • 3. By shewing the absurd and dangerous conse­quences that would be, if there were no re­surrection; As
    • 1. All preaching would be to no purpose, and our faith too. v. 14.
    • 2. All preachers would be imposters, for preaching that which never would be, and God himselfe a lyar. v. 15.
    • 3. Taking up Christs crosse, and all Martyr­dome, would be madnesse, if no reward in the next World. v. 30, & 32.
    • 4. The Epicures life would be the best, if no life to come, v. 38. and many other such like consequences.
• 2. The difference betwixt these bodies of ours, and those that shall be raised: which will not be,
  • 1. In substance: But
  • 2. In quality; for the bodies raised shall be,
    • 1. Incorruptible. v. 42.
    • 2. Glorious, (i.) free from that rottennesse in the grave. v. 43.
    • 3. Strong, (i.) free from all sicknesses, &c. v. 43.
    • 4. Spirituall, (i.) free from all the naturall actions of eating and drinking, &c. v. 44.
• 3. The suddaine change of some that shall be alive at Christs second coming. v. 51, 52.
• 4. The Death of Death triumph'd over. v. 55.
• [Page 26]5. The blessed Apostles exhortation to them to stand fast to that Article of the Creed, concerning the resurrection; and not to be driven from it, by any perswasion of such company that deny it. v. last, and 33.

CHAP. XVI.

The Close of the whole Epistle;

• 1. With an Exhortation,
  • 1. Unto Charity; in releiving the poore brethren at Jerusalem, v. 1. who were in want; Either,
    • 1. By famine, foretold by Agabus. Acts. Or,
    • 2. By persecution for religion. Unto which are two motives.
      • 1. The example of the Churches of Galatia. v. 1.
      • 2. The certain delivery of it by tru­sty men. v. 3.
  • 2. Unto a reverend esteeme,
    • 1. Of Timothy for his Ministry. v. 10.
    • 2. Of the house of Stephanus, for two reasons;
      • 1. Because it was the first that was converted in Achaia. v. 15.
      • 2. Because it was charitable to the distressed brethren. ibid.
  • 3. To beware of carnall security.
• 2. With an Apology and excuse,
  • 1. For his staying at Ephesus, for two rea­sons; in respect, [Page 27]
    • 1. Of the opportunity he had of con­verting many thronging to the feast. v. 8, 9.
    • 2. Of his adversaries, that would grow stronger by his absence. ibid.
  • 2. For not sending Apollos, who was in great esteeme amongst them. v. 12.
• 3. With a fervent expression of his love to them, in pro­mising to give them a visit. v. 5, 6.
• 4. With a salutation,
  • 1. Generall, in the name of the Churches of Asia. v. 19.
  • 2. Particular,
    • 1. In the names of Aquila and Priscilla. ibid.
    • 2. In his owne name.
• 5. With a Benediction upon them. v. last.

CHAP. I.

• 1. The direction of this Epistle;
  • 1. To the Church at Corinth. v. 1.
  • 2. To the Saints in Achaia, where [...] Corinth is the Metropolis.
• 2. The salutation in it. v. 2.
• 3. The Apostles thanksgiving,
  • 1. For his patience in affliction. v. 4.
  • 2. For his deliverance from it, v. 10. Of whic [...] he telleth,
    • 1. The quality, (i.) that it was so great, th [...] he despaired of his life. v. 8, 9.
    • 2. The place; which was in Asia. v. 8.
    • 3. Gods intent in it; that in such extremity, he might put his whole trust in hi [...] v. 9.
    • 4. The good he did others by it, followin [...] his example. v. 6.
• 4. The cause that others had to be thankfull, as well a [...] he, for their deliverance; which was, [Page 29]
  • 1. His sincerity in all his wayes, without any selfe and by-ends. v. 12.
  • 2. His fidelity to them. ibid.
• 5. His Apology and excuse for the delay of his coming to them; the cause whereof was not
  • 1. His inconstancy in breach of promise, v. 17. from whence his enemies did inferre, that he was also inconstant in his doctrine; to which he answers in vindication of
    • 1. Himselfe.
    • 2. Timotheus.
    • 3. Sylvanus.
    That
    • 1. The Gospell of Jesus Christ which they preach'd. v. 19. And
    • 2. The promises of God in him, v. 20. were unchangeable; not yea and nay, v. 18. (i.) without contradiction: But
  • 2. Partly his affliction.
  • 3. Partly his mild intent to spare them, v. 23. that they might amend before his coming, to prevent his severity after his coming.

CHAP. II.

• 1. The Apostle declares,
  • 1. What was the cause of his sorrow, viz. their not amendment. v. 1.
  • 2. What would be the cure of it, viz. their amendment. v. 3.
• 2. He perswades them to Clemency in their Church dis­cipline, in desiring them to receive into their Church againe the incestuous person upon his repentance, whom they had by his order excommunicated. v. 6, 7.
• [Page 30]3. He disswades them from rigour in their discipline, and too much severity, least the party punished,
  • 1. Fall into despaire. v. 7.
  • 2. Least Satan take advantage by tha [...] despaire. v. 10.
• 4. He gives thankes for the good successe he had in his preaching, v. 14. whereby God is glorified; whether
  • 1. It denounce the sharpnesse of the La [...] against the wicked. v. 15. Or
  • 2. Pronounce the sweetnesse of the Gosp [...] to the godly. ibid.

Lastly, He vindicates himselfe from the aspersions [...] upon him, as if he had beene a Corrupter of Go [...] Word, to frame it any way to please mens humour [...] v. last.

CHAP. III.

• 1. The Apostles freedome from vainglory cast upon hi [...] by his enemies. v. 1.
• 2. His matter of true glory, that the Corinthians had re­ceived the Gospell by his preaching, v. 3. wherein [...] sheweth,
  • 1. Gods all-sufficiency and goodnesse in enabling him to be so good an instrument; and praiseth his name so it. v. 5, 6.
  • 2. His insufficiency. v. 5.
• 3. A Comparison of the Law and Gospell; whic [...] differ,
  • 1. In Operation; the Gospell give [...] life, v. 6. the Law death. v. 7.
  • 2. In Duration; the Law was transitory, [Page 31]but for a time, v. 11. but the Go­spell permanent. ibid.
  • 3. In manifestation, the delivery of the Law was obscure, v. 13. but of the Gospell, plain and perspicuous, ib. and that the Jewes, after the coming of the Gospell, did not see the mysteries of it was; Not
    • 1. Because a vaile was on the Gospell: But
    • 2. Because the vaile was on their hearts. v. 14, 15.

CHAP. IV.

• 1. The Apostles diligence. v. 1. And
• 2. His sincerity in preaching the Gospell, in using no dissimulation to gaine mens favours. v. 2.
• 3. The end of his preaching; which was,
  • 1. Christs glory. v. 5.
  • 2. His owne, to shew his wit and eloquence.
• 4. His vindication of the dignity of the Gospell, which he strongly maintaineth not to be disparaged;
  • 1. Because it was not understood of all, which was the fault of the men, not it. v. 3.
  • 2. Because it was delivered by contem­ptible men, v. 4. for therein did Gods glory more appeare.
• 5. His courage in suffering stoutly for the Gospell, v. 8, 9, 10. and in it his motives; which were, [Page 32]
  • 1. The example of Christ himselfe, wh [...] suffered the like. v. 10.
  • 2. The hopes of being rewarded for it, by raigning with him. ibid.
  • 3. The peoples good. v. 15.
• 6. His comfort and support in affliction, in that he w [...] not cast downe. v. 8, 9, 10.
• 7. His comparison made betwixt
  • 1. This life; whereof its
    • 1. Miseries. v. 1
    • 2. Shortnesse. v. l [...]
  • 2. The next; and in it
    • 1. The joyes a [...] glory. v. 17.
    • 2. The continua [...] and perpetuity [...]

CHAP. V.

• 1. A Consolation to those that suffer in a good cause [...] the doctrine of the resurrection, v. 1. wherein [...] Apostle speaketh of two sorts of bodies:
  • 1. Earthly, and fraile, like a taberna [...] that is set up for a time, and is soo [...] taken downe againe.
  • 2. Heavenly, incorruptible, and per [...] ­nent, v. 1. For the hope of havin [...] such a body, the godly doe not
    • 1. Feare death, but
    • 2. Desire it. v. 4.8.
• 2. The meanes to attaine the blessed resurrection spoke: of, v. 1. which is, sanctification of life, v. 9. Where­unto are two Motives;
  • [Page 33]2. The love of Christ, who died for us: for which great mercy we are bound in gratitude to live a holy life. v. 14, 15.
• 3. The Apostles profession of his integrity and sincerity in his calling; wherein he
  • 1. Vindicates his reputation. v. 12.
  • 2. Contemneth the scandalous reports raised upon him by his enemies, which cannot discourage him from his Mini­stry, v. 13. Of which Ministry he sheweth the dignity in two things;
    • 1. The authority of it; it is from God. v. 19.
    • 2. The benefit of it; it bringeth unto us good newes of our re­conciliation with God, and of righteousnesse, which is not
      • 1. Inherent, But
      • 2. Imputative. v. 21.

CHAP. VI.

• 1. An Exhortation, not onely,
  • 1. To the profession, But
  • 2. To the practice of what they had learn'd of him, v. 1. for three reasons;
    • 1. Because they had a faire opportunity for it, v. 2. the Apostles living amongst them.
    • 2. For avoiding the scandall that might be cast upon them by the Heathen, v. 3. if they should be onely formall Professours.
    • [Page 34]3. Because they had his example for it, ibid. wherein is presented a Catalogue of virtues necessary for all, but especi­ally for a Minister; As,
  • 1. The virtue for suffering ill, viz. Patience; which is exercised with these evils;
    • 1. Afflictions, v. 4.
    • 2. Necessities, v. 4.
    • 3. Distresses, v. 4.
    • 4. Stripes, v. 5.
    • 5. Imprisonments, v. 5.
    • 6. Tumults, v. 5.
    • 7. Labours, v. 5.
    • 8. Watchings, v. 5.
    • 9. Fastings. v. 5.
  • 2. The virtues for doing well; As,
    • 1. Chastity, v. 6.
    • 2. Knowledge, v. 6.
    • 3. Gentlenesse, v. 6.
    • 4. True love.
    • 5. Speaking the truth.
    • 6. Constancy;
      • 1. Not to be pu [...] up on the righ [...] hand with pr [...] ­sperity, as with praise.
      • 2. Not to be cast down on the left hand with ad­versity, as with scorne and con­tempt. v. 7, 8.
    • 7. Contentednesse. v. 9, 10.
  • [Page 35]2. A Dehortation;
    • 1. Before which he
      • 1. Tells them his plaine affectionate dealing with them by way of preface. v. 11.
      • 2. Their ungratefull dealing with him, in not shewing the like affection. v. 12, 13.
    • 2. In which he forbids them to keepe com­pany with Idolaters, v. 14. as men that were unworthy of their company, and as inferiour to them, as
      • 1. Righteousnesse is to unrighteousnesse, ibid.
      • 2. Light to darknesse. ibid.
      • 3. Belial to Christ; and unbeleivers to beleivers. v. 15.
      • 4. Idols to the Temple of God, which they were. v. 16.
    • 3. The benefit which they will have by leaving of Ido­latrous company, (i.) Gods favours: who will be
      • 1. Their Father: And
      • 2. Owne them for his Children. v. last.

CHAP. VII.

• 1. An Exhortation to purity, to restifie our thankfulnesse for the grace received, [Page 36]
  • 1. Inward;
  • 2. Outward; in abstaining from Idolatou [...] company, which pollutes the flesh. v. 1.
• 2. His love to them; wherein
  • 1. The extent of it, to live and dye with them. v. 3.
  • 2. An excuse for writing so sharply to the [...] in his former Epistle, being moved to do so, out of love, and not malice. v. 8.
• 3. His sorrow; and
  • 1. Its Cause; which was,
    • 1. The troubles by his adver­saries, Jewes and Gentl [...] without.
    • 3. His feares within, for th [...] weaker sort, least they shou [...] be either dejected or se [...] ced. v. 5.
  • 2. Its Cure; which was,
    • 1. His joyfull meeting with T [...] tus, v. 6. whom he sent to C [...] rinth.
    • 2. The good newes by Titus [...] the effect of his former Ep [...] stle, in their amendment, a [...] sorrow; which was not
      • 1. Worldly, But
      • 2. Godly. v. 9.
      The effects whereof were
      • 1. Carefullnesse.
      • 2. Holy indignatit [...] for their sinnes.
      • 3. Feare, zeale, & v. 11.
    • 3. Their kind usage of Tit [...] v. 13.
• 4. His commendation of them to Titus. v. last.

CHAP. VIII.

• 1. An Exhortation to Charity, in releiving the poore Saints at Jerusalem;
  • 1. By the example of the Macedonians, v. 1. who being poore and afflicted, gave,
    • 1. Chearfully of their owne ac­cord. v. 3.
    • 2. Beyond their ability. ibid.
    • 3. Beyond his expectation. v. 5.
  • 2. By the Commendation of their virtues, as utterance, knowledge, &c. v. 7.
  • 3. By the example of Christ, who out of charity became poore for our sakes. v. 9.
  • 4. By the example of what they themselves had done formerly. v. 10.
• 2. The Qualification of their charity; which must be exercised,
  • 1. Chearfully. v. 12.
  • 2. Not beyond our ability. v. 13.
• 3. His great expectation and encouragement of their charity, by sending men of great note and integrity to receive it; as,
  • 1. Titus his fellow-labourer. v. 23.
  • 2. Saint Luke.
  • 3. Sylas (as is supposed) whom he desires may be kindly used by them. v. last.
• 4. His Care,
  • 1. Of a good conscience.
  • 2. Of a good name. v. 21.

Least if he went himselfe, he might be suspected to doe it, to enrich himselfe.

CHAP. IX.

The Continuation of his Exhortation to Charity; where­in he,

• 1. Commends their forwardnesse, to make thee the more ready to give. v. 2.
• 2. Excuseth his earnestnesse with them for it, and his sending the brethren to gather it; not as [...]
  • 1. He doubted of their Charity; But
  • 2. Least
    • 1. He should suffer in his cre­dit, which lay at the su [...] for commending them, they did not doe it. v. 3. And
    • 2. The Macedonians ( [...] whom he had commend [...] them) should find them u [...]prepared. v. 4.
• 3. Exhorreth them not to give,
  • 1. Grudgingly: But
  • 2. Chearfully, v. 7. whereby they wor [...]
    • 1. Please God. ibid.
    • 2. Honour God. v. 13.
    • 3. Benefit themselves; in that rel [...] ving the wants of others, the would not be poor themselves, (some of them did either fear or p [...]tend) so that it would be both,
      • 1. For their temporall go [...] for God would give the both, [Page 39]
        • 1. Necessaries for themselves. v. 8. And
        • 2. Over and above, to releive others. And
      • 2. For their spirituall good, and their honour; in that thereby they would have,
        • 1. The good report of the poore people for their obedience to the Gospell in practising Christian duties, and especially that of Cha­rity. v. 13. And
        • 2. The prayers of the poore, for the continuance of Gods grace unto them. v. 14.

CHAP. X.

• 1. The scornfull and scandalous reports raised against the Apostle by the false prophets, who falsely judged
  • 1. His humility, and meeknesse of his pre­sence, to be abjectednesse of mind, and want of courage.
  • 2. His severity against vice, to be pride and tyranny, v. 1. and that he was more da­ring at a distance with his pen, then he durst be amongst them with his tongue. v. 10. And
  • 3. Censured him, as guilty of carnall popu­larity, and ostentation, and vainglorious boasting. v. 2.13.
• [Page 40]2. The Apostles defence of himselfe against their unjust aspersions; wherein
  • 1. His integrity is cleared, and their slander, concerning his carnality, answered; in that his imployments were not,
    • 1. Carnall, But
    • 2. Spirituall; and that his Ministry
      • 1. Required much paines and labour, being a warfare. v. 4.
      • 2. Had in it much power,
        • 1. To pull downe the strongest sinners. v. 5.
        • 2. To punish the most ob­stinate sinners. v. 6.
  • 2. His courage and Christian valour, in that he durst be as bold amongst them to their faces, as he was in his letters to them, v. 11. and thereby confutes another as­spersion, that he was cowardly and ti­merous.
  • 3. A Reproofe of their vainglory,
    • 1. In measuring all by themselves. v. 12.
    • 2. In thrusting themselves into the places where the Apostles had beene before; and bragging that the people were converted by them. v. 14.
  • 4. A Justification of himselfe, not to be vainglorious; because he did glory,
    • 1. Not beyond his compasse, in other mens labours (i.) in the Churches which others had founded; but which he had founded. v. 15. But
    • 2. In the Lord, whose praise is onely to be regarded. v. 17, 18.

CHAP. XI.

• 1. His Commendation of himselfe; which was not
  • 1. Voluntary, out of foolish vainglory; But
  • 2. Forced,
    • 1. For the vindication of his
      • 1. Person.
      • 2. Ministry, from the contempt which would have befalne both, through the standers and aspersions of his adversaries, if he had beene silent.
    • 2. For preserving the Corinthians from being seduced by those calumnies. v. 3.
• 2. His discommendation of the Corinthians,
  • 1. For their credulity; in being too much led away with the false prophets, as if they preach'd a better Saviour, or a better Gospell then he. v. 4.
  • 2. For their undervaluing him for un­dervaluing himselfe, in peaching for nothing amongst them, which rather deserv'd their respect. v. 7.
  • 3. For their slavery and patience under the tyranny of false teachers, v. 20. and impatience at his just severity.
• 3. The matter of his Commendation.
  • 1. His birth and descent, wherein he is e­quall to the false teachers, which they boasted so much of v. 22.
  • 2. His Ministry, wherein he excelled them, [Page 42]
    • 1. In his owne passion, by being
      • 1. Afflicted in body;
        • 1. Inwardly, by hunger and thirst. v. 27.
        • 2. Outwardly, by
          • 1. Whips. v. 24.
          • 2. Imprisonment. v. 23. And
          • 3. Gold and naked­nesse. v. 27.
      • 2. Afflicted in mind, with cares, and taking thought for the Church, least it should any way miscarry. v. 28.
    • 2. In his compassion and pity, when other suffered. v. 29.

CHAP. XII.

• 1. The Continuation of the forced commendation of him­selfe; wherein is,
  • 1. His modesty, in not naming himselfe, but speaking, as if some other had seen the vision. v. 2.
  • 2. The matter of his commendation, which was greater then any he had formerly named, viz. a Revelation to him in the third Heaven. v. 4.
• 2. Gods great mercy towards him in preserving him
  • 1. From being pufft up with pride for see­ing such a sight, v. 7. by suffering him to be tempted.
  • 2. From being cast downe and overcome, [Page 43]
    • 1. By the temptation; by giving him sufficient grace to resist it. v. 9.
    • 2. By persecution; which he did not onely,
      • 1. Suffer patiently, But
      • 2. Delight chearfully in. v. 10.
• 3. A Vindication of himselfe; wherein he proves him­selfe to be,
  • 1. A true Apostle, by the miracles which he did, &c. v. 12.
  • 2. A diligent Apostle, by their proficiency under him. v. 13.
  • 3. An Apostle free from Covetousnesse, by his preaching to them gratis, for nothing; and not seeking for gaine amongst them: Either,
    • 1. By himselfe; Or,
    • 2. Craftily by others whom he sent amongst them, (as they falsely re­ported) v. 16, 17.
  • 4. A loving Apostle, in being willing to spend his life for them, v. 15. whose love to them is expressed in his feare
    • 1. For their miscarriage. v. 20.
    • 2. For having cause to be severe with them for it. ibid,
    • 3. For being afflicted with grief for their not amendment. v. 21.

CHAP. XIII.

• 1. His threatning to exercise his Ecclesiasticall power in punishing some stubborne sinners, who
  • 1. Were no better for his frequent instru­ctions, both
    • 1. In his presence, And
    • 2. In his absence by letters. v. 2.
  • 2. Slighted and despised his threatning, as if he could not doe what he threatned, and so contemn'd not onely
    • 1. His power; But
    • Christs power in him, v. 3. which con­tempt neither
      • 1. Christ in his humane nature. v. 4. Nor
      • 2. He in his Ministry was free from, ibid. yet was willing to undergoe it, and endure any disgrace, so that they might amend, and give him no cause to exercise his power. v. 7.10. which was given him by God, not to punish
        • 1. Good men. v. 8. But
        • 2. Bad. And not to
          • 1. Destroy, But
          • 2. Edifie. v. 10.
• [Page 45]2. His prayer and request,
  • 1. To them,
    • 1. To get knowledge to cure their ignorance. v. 11.
    • 2. To get courage to cure their pu­sillanimity in afflictions. ibid.
    • 3. To get love to cure their factions and divisions. ibid.
  • 2. For them. v. 14.

CHAP. I.

After the inscription of the Epistle in the name of him­selfe, and his brethren, v. 1, 2, we may observe,

• 1. His Salutation; and in it,
  • 1. The benefit of Christs death (i.) remission of sinnes. v. 3, 4.
  • 2. The thankfullnesse of the Apostle for it v. 5.
• 2. His Reprehension,
  • 1. Of the Galatians;
    • 1. For their inconstancy, in fallin; off from the Gospell.
    • 2. For their unthankfulnesse, in falling off from Christ, who had received them into favour. v. 6.
  • 2. Of their false teachers.
    • 1. For their going about, by maintaining justification by the works of the Law, and not by faith, to overthrow the Gospell; which he affirmeth to be un­alterable, Either [Page 47]
      • 1. By men, Or,
      • 2. By Angells. v. 8, 9.
    • 2. For their vilisying his person, the bet­ter to bring in their false opinions, by saying that he was not ordained a Mi­nister by God, as the other Apostles were; which the Apostle confureth, by affirming, that he received not the Go­spell,
      • 1. In an ordinary way by men. v. 11. But
      • 2. In an extraordinary way, by re­velation from God, v. 12. and this he justifieth,
        • 1. By Arguments; that the Go­spell was not taught him, ei­ther,
          • 1. At Jerusalem; for he went not up thither to them which were Apo­stles, v. 17. to be taught by them; and his going to Peter there, was onely to visit him, not to learne of him, for he stayed but 15 dayes. v. 18. Or
          • 2. Of the Churches of Ju­dea, for he was not
            • 1. Knowne to them by face, v. 22. and there­fore could not learn of them: But
            • 2. Onely knowne of [Page 48]them by name who had heard of his condition both
              • 1. Before his con­version. v. 23. And
              • 2. After it, for which they praised God v. last.

CHAP. II.

He proceedeth in the Argument of vindicting against the aspersions of false teachers,

• 1. The dignity of his person; that he was not (as they fal­ly reported) inferiour to the other Apostles;
  • 1. Because his going to Jerusalem with I tus and Barnabas, v. 1. was
    • 1. To acquaint them with the [...] cesse of his preaching amongst [...] Gentiles. v. 2. And not
    • 2. To learn any thing of them. v.
  • 2. Because he reproved Peter, (whi [...] shewed he was not inferiour to him v. 11. for his dissimulation and halth betweene two opiuions, viz. Jewish a [...] Christian; which proceeded not
    • 1. Out of errour of judgement; But
    • 2. Out of passion, (i.) feare; and [...] not [Page 49]
      • 1. Of danger; But
      • 2. Of giving offence and scan­dall to the Jewes, v. 12. which occasioned,
        • 1. A greater scandall both to the Gentiles, and Saint Pauls doctrine of Chri­stian liberty form Cir­cumsion. And
        • 2. A Revolt of many by his example, as Barnabas, &c. v. 13.
• 2. The dignity of his doctrine; wherein,
  • 1. The quality of it; that it was not con­trary to what the other Apostles taught, as was objected;
    • 1. By their not forcing him to circumcise Titus. v. 3.
    • 2. By the testimony and appro­bation which Saint James and Saint John gave unto him of his preaching. v. 9.
  • 2. The Matter of it, (i.) Justification; which he proveth,
    • 1. Negatively; not to be by the Law. v. 16. But
    • 2. Positively; to be by faith. ibid.
  • 3. The Consequence and effect of his do­ctrine of justification by faith; which doth not tend;
    • 1. To the encouragement of sinne. But
    • 2. To fanctification of life; which followeth justification by faith. ibid. and v. 18.

[Page 50]2. In shewing the absurd consequence of the Doctrine of Justification by Workes; for if that were true. Men would be their owne Saviours, and there would be no need of having Christ to be our Saviour. v. last.

CHAP. III.

• 1. The inconstancy and sottishnesse of the Galatians, in falling off from the Gospell; for which he blame [...] them the more, because
  • 1. They had a perfect and clear knowledge of the Gospell. v. 1.
  • 2. They had the benefits by it, which we the gifts of the Spirit, to confirme [...] truth of the Gospell to them; viz.
    • 1. Regeneration. v. 2.
    • 2. Power of doing miracl [...] v. 5.
  • 3. They suffered persecution for it; and [...] forsake that doctrine they suffered for was folly. v. 4.
• 2. His Doctrine of Justification by Faith, (from which they were seduced by false teachers) which he prove to be true doctrine,
  • 1. From the example of Abraham, who w [...] justified by faith, v. 6. and was a Father
    • 1. Not onely to those that were e [...] ­nally and lineally descended from him, (i.) the Jewes, which the bragged much of: But
    • 2. More especially to all true bele­vers, and so a Father to the Gentiles. v. 7, 8.
  • [Page 51]2. From the Scripture it selfe. Hab. 2.4.
  • 3. From the terrible and sad effect of the Law, which is death. v. 10.
• 3. The Meanes of Justification, (i.) Christ who hath re­deemed us,
  • 1. Not from the obedience to, But
  • 2. From the curse of the Law, v. 3. which
    • 1. Did not disanull and make void the pro­mise made unto Abraham, v. 17. (as they objected) But
    • 2. Did serve as a Schoolmaster,
      • 1. To curbe and keepe in subjection the Israelites, which were as chil­dren under it. v. 19. 23.
      • 2. To fit us (like Schoolmasters, who traine up youth from smaller matters to greater) for greater; (i.) the receiving of the Gospell, v. 24. which we should not re­ceive if we were not first made sensible by the Law both
        • 1. Of our sinnes; And
        • 2. Punishment for them.
    • 3. Whose power and retrour did cease at the coming of Christ. v. 25.
• 4. The End of our Justification by Christ was, to shew Gods great mercy, who suffered us to sinne that he might shew mercy, v. 22. which mercy is without partiality, and not respecteth
  • 1. The person of any, either
    • 1. Of birth; Jew or Gentile Or,
    • 2. Of sex; Male or Female.
  • 2. The Condition of any, bond or free, rich or poore, v. 28.

CHAP. IV.

The Comparison of the Law,

• 1. To a Tutour; under which we were,
  • 1. As Children; subject to the ceremonion of it. v. 3.
  • 2. From which we were freed by God, wh [...] sent,
    • 1. His Sonne to redeem us. v. 5.
    • 2. His Holy Ghost to assure us of our redemption. v. 6.
    Not: 1. Which Doctrine the Apostle adviset them to embrace, and not to rely on the ceremonies of the Law, which are,
    • 1. Weake, and unable to d [...] us any good.
    • 2. Beggerly, without the rich gifts of the Spirit. v. 9.
    Not: 2. Here he takes occasion to speake,
• 1. Of his true love to them, express'd
  • 1. In suffering affliction to prea [...] the Gospell to them. v. 13.
  • 2. In telling them the plaine truth v. 16.
• 2. Of their love to him (though unconstant) whi [...] they expressed,
  • 1. In rejoycing that he was their Minister.
  • 2. In being willing to part with any thing, though as deare as an eye for his sake v. 15.
• 3. Of the false and dissembled love of their fall Teachers, whose designe was onely,
  • 1. To get a name.
  • 2. To draw their affections from him v. 17.
• [Page 53]2. To Abrahams Bondmaid, whose sonne was born to bondage, and after the flesh. v. 23.
• 3. Of us to Isaac, who was his sonne by Sarah, of the promise; where the Apostle concludes, that we are the sonnes of Abraham by faith, v. 28. though not descended from him according to the flesh; and that though
  • 1. We suffer persecution by false teachers of Judaisme, &c. v. 29. Yet
  • 2. This may be our comfort, that not they, v. 30. but we shall inherit. v. last.

CHAP. V.

He sheweth,

• 1. That Judaisine, in trusting to our owne workes, and fulfilling the Law, is not the way to salvation:
  • 1. Because to such Christ is no Saviour. v. 2.
  • 2. Because that using but one Ceremony of the Law, as Circumcision, doth bind us to the keeping of all; so that if we faile in one, we are guilty of death. v. 3.
• 2. That Christianity, in relying on Christ by faith, is the onely way to be justified, v. 5. to which doctrine he exhorts them to sticke close; And,
  • 1. Commends them for receiving it at the first, with so much chearfullnesse. v. 7.
  • 2. Sharply reproves, [Page 54]
    • 1. Not so much the Galatians, as relapsing rather,
      • 1. Out of weaknesse, then
      • 2. Out of wilfullnesse. As,
    • 2. The false prophets, by whose perswasi­ons they were drawne from his do­ctrine, v. 8. who (though few) yet, like leaven, did corrupt the whole Church, v. 9. and falsely slandered hi [...] for preaching Circumcision, for re­proving which he was persecuted by the Jewes. v. 11.
  • 3. That the doctrine of Christian liberty doth
    • 1. Free them from the rigour, guilt and p [...] ­nishment of the Law: But not
    • 2. From the obedience to it; which must be express'd in our love and charity one to­wards another: whose
      • 1. Effect consisteth in serving and helping one another. v. 13.
      • 2. Benefit appeares by considering the inconvenience of dissention. v. 15.
  • 4. That none can have the benefit of the death of Christ, but such as,
    • 1. Have mortified the workes of the flesh v. 24. whereof some appertaine,
      • 1. To Lust; as,
        • 1. Adultery. v. 19.
        • 2. Fornication. v. 19.
        • 3. Ʋncleannesse. v. 19.
        • 4. Lasciviousnesse. v. 19.
      • 2. Others to Gluttony; as,
        • 1. Drunkennesse. v. 21.
        • 2. Too much eating. v. 21.
      • [Page 55]3. Others to the Soule; as,
        • 1. Idolatry.
        • 2. Witchcraft.
      • 4. Others to Anger; as
        • 1. Strife. v. 20.
        • 2. Seditions. v. 20.
      • 5. To Honour; as Ambition, which is allwayes accompanied with
        • 1. Detraction. vers. last.
        • 2. Envy. vers. last.
    • 2. Have the fruits of the Spirit; as,
      • 1. Love. v. 22.23.
      • 2. Peace. v. 22.23.
      • 3. Joy. v. 22.23.
      • 4. Long-suffering. v. 22.23.
      • 5. Gentlenesse. v. 22.23.
      • 6. Goodnesse. v. 22.23.
      • 7. Faith. v. 22.23.
      • 8. Meeknesse. v. 22.23.
      • 9. Temperance. v. 22.23.
      and walke, and order their lives according to the directions and actions of it. v. 25.

CHAP. VI.

• 1. Motives to make us use moderation and meeknesse in reproving men that sinne out of infirmity; which are
  • 1. The consideration of our owne frailty, and aptnesse to fall. v. 1.
  • 2. Christs command to shew our love in hearing one with another. v. 2.
  • 3. Humility, and not thinking highly of our selves. v. 3.
  • [Page 56]4. Selfe examination, in looking into our own faults, and not being too busy in prying into other mens. v. 4.
  • 5. The Consideration of being judged for our owne actions, and not by com­paring our selves with others. v. 5.
• 2. An Exhortation to Liberality,
  • 1. To the Ministry; not
    • 1. As a Contribution of Almes: But
    • 2. As a Communication and payment of a due unto them. v. 6.
  • 2. To all in want, but especially those of our owne profession, v. 10. wherein two virtues are commended;
    • 1. Perseverance, without giving o­ver. v. 9.
    • 2. A diligent watching for, and catch­ing of any opportunity of relei­ving them. v. 10.
• 3. An encouragement to this liberality, which is a pro­mise of a large reward. v. 8, 9.
• 3. His affection to the Galatians, express'd by writing this Letter with his owne hand, whilst others were written by others. v. 11.
• 5. His dis-affection,
  • 1. To the false Prophets; as being me [...] that looked more,
    • 1. After the bare ceremonies of the Law, which they did presse upon others,
      • 1. To get the favour of the Jewes.
      • 2. To avoid persecution by them. v. 12. Then
    • 2. After the substance of it. v. 13.
  • 2. To their doctrine of Circumcision. v. 15.
• [Page 57]6. His high esteeme of the death of Christ, and the be­nefits thereby (regeneration, &c. v. 15.) which makes him scorne, contemne, and no more care for the world, then for a dead carcasse hanging on the Gallows. v. 14.
• 7. His desire of quietnesse, and not to be any more trou­bled with oppositions of false teachers, as having suf­fered too much allready. v. 17.
• 8. His Benediction,
  • 1. In generall, on all those that stick close to his doctrine of justification by faith. v. 16.
  • 2. In particular, on the Galat: v. last.

CHAP. I.

• 1. His praise of God for our Election; whereof the ca [...] are,
  • 1. Efficient; Gods will meerly, not our d [...] ­serts. v. 5.
  • 2. Materiall; Christ Jesus. ibid.
  • 3. Formall; the preaching of the Gospell v. 8, 9. whereby he makes it know [...] to us.
  • 4. Finall; Gods glory. v. 6.
• 2. His prayer to God for their right understanding,
  • 1. Of their Redemption by Christ. v. 16.17, 18. and inheritance of Heaven b [...] him. ibid.
  • 2. Of Gods power;
    • 1. In raising their soules from the dea [...] of sinne, by their conversion. v. 19.
    • 2. In raising Christ from the grave, an [...] giving him, v. 20.
      • 1. The honour to sit at his right hand. ibid.
      • 2. The power, rule, dominion and supremacy: [Page 59]
        • 1. In generall; over all things. v. 21.
        • 2. In particular, over the Church, wherein he is the Head, they the Members. v. 22, 23.

CHAP. II.

• 1. The state of an Ʋnregenerate man before his conver­sion; who is,
  • 1. Wholly dead in sinne. v. 1.
  • 2. Led away by the temptations,
    • 1. Of the World.
    • 2. Of the Devill. v. 2.
    • 3. Of the Flesh. v. 3.
    Not: In this state, the Apostle ingeniously con­fesseth, that he was; and the Jewes them­selves, as well as the Gentiles, before their conversion. v. 3.
• 2. The state of a Regenerate man after conversion; who is,
  • 1. Raised from that death of sinne, & sancti­fied by Christ. v. 5.
  • 2. Saved and justified,
    • 1. By his meer grace and favour, through Christ, principally. v. 7, 8.
    • 2. By faith, instrumentally. v. 8. And not,
    • 3. By any workes of his owne; for two reasons; [Page 60] [...] [Page 60]
      • 1. Because it is Gods meer good pleasure to save him. ibid.
      • 2. Because then he might boast, as if he were his owne Saviour. v. 9.
    Not: 2. In this state he saith they are in; and have the greatest reason of all others to thanke God for it, as be­ing formerly contemn'd for prophane persons by the Jewes for their uncircumcision, v. 11. and living
    • 1. Without the knowledge of Christ. v. 12.
    • 2. Without the priviledges of the Jewish Church, and the Covenant. ibid.
    • 3. Without the true knowledge of God. ibid.
• 3. The Pacification and Agreement,
  • 1. Betwixt the Jewes and Gentiles;
    • 1. In making them one Church. v. 14.
    • 2. In taking away the ceremonies which caused the differences betwixt them. 15.
  • 2. Betwixt God, them and the Jewes, v. 16. whereby they have free accesse to God, v. 18. and have the honour to be his Church, which for dignity is called,
    • 1. Gods City. v. ibid.
    • 2. Gods Houshold. ibid.
    • 3. Gods Temple, which is built up­on the doctrine of
      • 1. The Prophets. v. 20.
      • 2. The Apostles. v. 20.

whose foundation is Christ, who was the Peacemaker, and the Cor­ner stone, ibid. which joyned the two walls together, ( i.) the two different parties, Jewes and Gen­tiles.

CHAP. III.

• 1. Saint Pauls imprisonment at Rome by the Jewes. v. 1.
  • 1. The cause of it, his preaching Salvation to the Gentiles, and their equality in Gods favour with the Jewes. v. 2. which was,
    • 1. Knowne imperfectly, and darkely, and but to a few, in former times. v. 5, 6.
    • 2. Revealed fully and clearly to him, who was ordained to preach to the Gentiles this Salvation. v. 8. which was procu­red by Christ. v. 11.
      • 1. By whom principally they have free accesse to God. v. 12.
      • 2. By faith instrumentally. ibid.
  • 2. The dangerous effect which was likely to fol­low upon it, ( i.) their falling off from the Go­spell, by being discouraged by his sufferings, which he endeavours to prevent,
    • 1. By his exhortation that they would not faint. v. 13. back'd with this reason, that his suffering was not
      • 1. A disgrace to them, But
      • 2. An honour both to them and the doctrine he suffered for. ibid.
    • 2. By praying for a blessing upon his ex­hortation (as all Ministers should doe) and that God would give them, [Page 62]
      • 1. Constancy, as might be like
        • 1. The rooting of a tree; And
        • 2. The ground worke of a building. v. 17.
      • 2. Perfect knowledge of his love; as perfect as the know­ledge which Mathematicians have of the Quantity of a thing, when they take the height, length and bredth of it. v. 18.
  • 2. His patient bearing of his affliction; the sign where­of is his praising of God; wherein he encourageth them to pray to him, by telling them of his goodnesse in granting more then they can aske. v. 20, 21.

CHAP. IV.

An Exhortation,

• 1. In generall; to lead such lives as the Go­spell which they professe, requires. v. 1. ( i.) to be Christians; not
  • 1. In a bare name and profession: But
  • 2. In nature and reality.
• 2. In particular; to certaine Christian vir­tues; as,
  • 1. Humility. two twin Sisters.
  • 2. Meeknesse. two twin Sisters.
  • 3. Patience. v. 2.
  • 4. Love; to which he perswades them by these arguments;
    • 1. Because they are all Members of the same Body, whereof Christ is the Head. v. 3.
    • [Page 63]2. Because they all hope for one and the same thing ( i.) eternall life. ibid.
    • 3. Because they worship the same God, professe the same religion, &c. v. 5, 6.
    • 4. Because they cannot live one without another, by reason that no man hath all gifts bestowed upon him, so that he doth not stand in need of the helpe of another mans gift; for Christ, after his ascension, sent the Holy Ghost, to give severall gifts to severall men, by making,
      • 1. Some Apostles.
      • 2. Others Prophets.
      • 3. Others Evangelists.
      • 4. Others Pastors & Teachers.

v. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. All which gifts be­ing given to benefit one another, v. 11. may strongly move us to love and u­nity.

2. A Comparison betwixt the Unregenerate and Regene­rate man; wherein are,

• 1. The markes and signes of the Unrege­nerate man; which are,
  • 1. Vaine opinions of God, and his worship. v. 17.
  • 2. Ignorance of God, &c. v. 18. ( i.) blindesse of the understand­ing.
  • 3. Hardnesse of heart. ibid.
  • 4. Stupidity, and sensiblenesse of their sinnes, v. 19. by reason of custome.
  • 5. Disorder of affections, and per­versnesse of will. v. 1 [...].
  • 6. The Aggravation of their sins, ( i.) taking delight in them. i [...].
  [Page 64] Not: From these courses he disswade [...] them.
• 2. The markes and signes of the Regenerate, which are called,
  • 1. The renewing in the Spi­rit. v. 22.
  • 2. Putting off the old, and putting on the new man. v. 23.
  • 3. A Conformity to Christ, ibid. which doth consist
    • 1. In righteousnesse, which is an obedience of the first Table.
    • 2. In holinesse, which is an obedience of the se­cond Table. v. 24.

Are

• 1. Concerning the tongue; speaking of the truth, and wholsome discourse, without which there can be no civill society and commerce amongst men. v. 25.29.
• 2. Concerning the heart;
  • 1. The moderation of anger. v. 26.
  • 2. The short continuance of it. ibid. least Satan draw us to hatred, murthers, &c. v. 27.
• 3. Concerning the hands;
  • 1. Their innocency and freedome from theft and deceit.
  • 2. Their industry, in labouring
    • 1. To maintaine themselves.
    • 2. To helpe others. v. 28.
  • [Page 65]4. Concerning [...]e Passions;
    • 1. Freedome from wrath and malice; whose effects are,
      • 1. Clamorous railing.
      • 2. Slandering and backbiting, whereby the holy Spirit is grie­ved. v. 30, 31.
    • 2. Love and Charity to all; not
      • 1. In shew onely; But
      • 2. In practice and action, in forgiving others, as God forgave us for Christs sake. v. 32.

CHAP. V.

A Continuance of his Exhortation,

• 1. In generall, to Christian duties; as,
  • 1. To Charity; the motives to it are the examples,
    • 1. Of God. v. 1.
    • 2. Of Christ. v. 2.
  • 2. To purity of life.
    • 1. In our actions, in avoiding
      • 1. The sinnes of pleasure, (i.) for­nication and uncleannesse, v. 3. drunkennesse. v. 18.
      • 2. The sinnes of profit, (i.) cove­tousnesse, &c. ibid. because they are damnable sinnes. v. 5.
      • 3. Evill company; such as per­swade them, that fornication, and the other sinnes, are but small sinnes, v. 6, [...]. whom we ought to reprove. v. 11.
    • [Page 66]2. In o [...] words, in avoiding all discourse which is idle, un­profitable, filthy and scurrilous. v. 4.
  Not: The Reasons for leading a good life, are
  • 1. Because that they which were dark­nesse before their conversion, v. 8. be­ing now enlightned by the Spirit to know good from bad, are bound to shew their thankfulnesse to God in good lives. New profession requires new lives.
  • 2. The opportunity they have, which they must make use of, because the times are likely to be worse, by per­secution. v. 16.
• 2. In particular, to Family duties; as,
  • 1. The subjection of the wife to the husband,
    • 1. Because he is her head and ruler, as Christ is of the Church. v. 23.
    • 2. Because her safety and protection doth depend upon him. ibid.
  • 2. The affection of the husband to the wife,
    • 1. For Christ his sake, who loved the Church, though she was de­formed, &c. to teach men to love their wives, though they have not all lovely qualities in them. v. 25, 26, 27.
    • 2. For his owne sake; because in loving his wife, which is a part of him, he loveth himselfe, v. 28, 29. for they both are one, and a small pourtraicture of that union betwixt Christ and his Church, which is not, [Page 67]
      • 1. Carnall, But
      • 2. Spirituall, mysterious, above humane reason to conceive. v. 32.

CHAP. VI.

An Exhortation to more Family duties:

• 1. Of Children to their Parents, whom they must obey;
  • 1. Because it is Gods command. v. 1, 2.
  • 2. Because of the reward they shall have for it; this obedience being the first Commandment which hath the promise, ibid. of blessings; though not,
    • 1. Generall, as in the second Command. Yet
    • 2. Particular, ( i.) long life, &c. v. 3.
• 2. Of Parents to their Children, who are
  • 1. Forbid to deale too severely with them. v. 4.
  • 2. Commanded to give them good education. ibid.
• 3. Of Servants to their Masters, whom they must serve,
  • 1. Really, and heartily. v. 5. And not
  • 2. Hypocritically, and in outward shew onely: But
  • 3. In the absence as well as presence of their Masters; not onely to be eye-servers, in working onely whilst their Master lookes on, v. 6, 7. And to this they are encouraged by a promise, that God will be a better Paymaster to them for it, then their Masters. v. 8.
  • [Page 68]4. Of Masters to their Servants, who are commanded,
    • 1. Not to be too severe to them. v. 9. But
    • 2. Gentle, as knowing that they are Servants to God, as well as Masters to Servants. ibid.

2. To the maine Christian duty of spirituall warfare, v. 11. wherein he tells them,

• 1. Their Enemies, (i.) Satan, and wicked men. v. 12.
• 2. Their Armes.
  • 1. Defensive.
    • 1. Girdle of truth. v. 14.
    • 2. Breastplate of righteousnesse, ( i.) a good conscience. ibid.
    • 3. The Shoes of Gospell-comfort a­gainst the stormes of persecution. V. 15.
    • 4. The Sheild of faith. v. 16.
    • 5. The Helmet of salvation. v. 17.
    • 6. Prayer;
      • 1. For the whole Church.
      • 2. For him who was a pri­soner, that he might preach the Word boldly. v. 19.
  • 2. Offensive, (i.) the Sword of the Word. v. 17.
• 3. Their posture, courage and diligence. v. 13.

[Page 69]3. His Care to acquaint them with his state and con­dition, by sending Tychicus to them; who was

• 1. To tell them how he did doe. v. 22.
• 2. To exhort them not to grieve too much for his imprisonment. ibid.

4. His usuall Conclusion, with a prayer and blessing up­on them. v. 23, 24.

CHAP. I.

After his wonted Salutation, v. 1, 2. The Apostle,

• 1. Praiseth them,
  • 1. For their constancy in their profession of the Gospell, v. 5. in his absence; which was his joy. v. 4.
  • 2. For their sticking close to him,
    • 1. In his suffering for the Gospell.
    • 2. In his acting for it. v. 7.
• 2. Prayeth for them,
  • 1. For their knowledge; and this,
    • 1. Speculative.
    • 2. Practicall, and experimentall. v. 9.
  • 2. For their unblameable carriage,
    • 1. To God.
    • 2. To men. v. 10.
  • 3. For their piety, in doing good workes. v. 11.
• [Page 71]3. Relates the state and condition in which he was in, viz. his imprisonment at Rome; whereof he telleth the effect;
  • 1. In respect of others who were converted, and made more resolute by his suffering; whereby the Gospell did the more in­crease. v. 12, 13, 14.
  • 2. In respect of himselfe, who
    • 1. Bore patiently
      • 1. His imprisonment.
      • 2. The preaching of the false Prophets to draw the people from him. v. 15, 16.
    • 2. Was ready to suffer more for Christ, whom he was confident to gain by, both in life and death. v. 20, 21.
• 4. He sheweth his love of them, and their welfare in the desire of the continuance of his life; Not
  • 1. For his owne sake; because it would be better for him to dye to enjoy the joyes of heaven, then to live to endure more misery. v. 23. But
  • 2. For their sake, that he might live to doe them good; which he was con­fident he should doe. v. 24, 25, 26.

Lastly, Exhorteth them,

• 1. Not to dishonour their profession by bad lives. v. 27.
• 2. Not to be discouraged and drawne from it by any persecution whatsoever, which would be [Page 72]
  • 1. For the ruine of their per­secuters.
  • 2. For the good of them to whom God did vouchsafe this especiall favour; not onely, v. 28.
    • 1. To believe in Christ: But
    • 2. To suffer for him, as he had done. v. 29, 30.

CHAP. II.

• 1. An Exhortation, or rather an adjuration, as they ex­pect to reape any benefit by Christ; and as they are members of the same mysticall body, &c. v. 1. to have
  • 1. Loving and peaceable spirits, whereby they may be all one, both
    • 1. In Opinions; And
    • 2. In affections, v. 2. which will be a great comfort to him in his affliction. ibid.
  • 2. Publique spirits, not regarding their own ends, but the good of others. v. 4.
  • 3. Humble spirits; whereby they may be conformable to Christ, whose Gospell they professe; whose humility was so great, that though he was a God, v. 6. yet he condescended so much below himselfe, as
    • 1. To take upon him our vile flesh. v. 7.
    • 2. To suffer the ignominious death of the Crosse, which was onely proper for bondslaves, v. 8. for which humility he was rewarded [Page 73]
      • 1. With power over all things. v. 9, 10.
      • 2. With honour and prai­ses from all tongues. v. 11.
  • 4. To avoid carnall security, by working out their salvation with feare and trembling; v. 12. for this very reason, because they can doe no good thing of themselves. v. 13.
  • 5. To take heed of murmuring and wran­gling. v. 14.
  • 6. To promote the Gospell, both
    • 1. By doctrine; And
    • 2. By life. v. 16.
• 2. His great care for them, testified,
  • 1. By his intention to send Timothy,
    • 1. To know in what condition they were in. v. 19.
    • 2. To let them know in what con­dition he was in. v. 23. Whom he commends for a man of a publique spirit. v. 20.
  • 2. By his intention to visit them himselfe. v. 24.
  • 3. By sending Epaphroditus to them, who was sent by them to him with a contri­bution to supply his wants, v. 25. and got a dangerous sicknesse by taking such a long journey to him; and for whose recovery he praiseth God, because his death would have added affliction to his affliction, v. 27. and desires them to re­ceive him at his returne; [Page 74]
    • 1. With joy both for his reco­very and returne. And
    • 2. With an honourable respect for hazarding his life for bringing a supply to his ne­cessity, which he calls a worke of Christ. v. 29, 30.

CHAP. III.

• 1. The Doctrine,
  • 1. Of the false Prophets (whom he exhorts them to avoid, as being
    • 1. Dogges, barkers against the Gospell.
    • 2. Evill workers, and main­tainers of Concision, (i.) Schisme in the Church, ra­ther then Circumcision, v. 1, 2) which doctrine was ju­stification by the Law, and the carnall descent from Abraham.
  • 2. Of the Apostle, which is, No confidence to be had in the flesh, (i.) the carnall descent from Abraham, Ceremonies, and workes of the Law, and all other things without Christ, v. 3. which he did [Page 75]
    • 1. Formerly, when he was a Jew, ac­count great prerogatives and gaine. v. 7. But
    • 2. Now, being converted from Judaisme, he accounts hindrances and losses. ibid. and all things else in comparison of Christ, v. 8. for whom
      • 1. He hath suffered much, and was content to doe so, so he might
        • 1. Be justified and saved,
          • 1. By faith in him. v. 9. And not
          • 2. By the workes of the Law, ibid. which he will not rely upon.
        • 2. Know him feelingly and practi­cally, the power of his resurrecti­on, v. 10. in raising him,
          • 1. Here from the death of sinne, to the life of grace.
          • 2. Hereafter from the death of nature, to the life of glory.
        • 3. Be conformable, and like unto him, in suffering for him. ibid.
      • 2. Will suffer more; not thinking that e­nough which he hath done and suffered allready for him, no more then he that runs a race, regards the ground he hath runne over: but being (as he humbly confesseth) not fully perfect, he will not keepe at a stand, but will labour to be more perfect, v. 12, 13, 14. and exhorts them to doe the like; and [Page 76]
        • 1. To follow,
          • 1. Him, as an example.
          • 2. The Word, as the rule.
            • 1. Of faith.
            • 2. Of life.
        • 2. To avoid dissention. v. 15, 16, 17.
• 2. The life,
  • 1. Of the false Prophets;
    • 1. Who mind nothing but earthy things; the belly, (i) profit and pleasure.
    • 2. Whose actions will be their shame, and whose end their destruction. v. 18, 19.
  • 2. Of the Apostle, and the converted Philippians he writes to;
    • 1. Who mind heavenly things. v. 20.
    • 2. Whose end shall be a joyfull resur­rection to life everlasting. v. last.

CHAP. IV.

• 1. An Exhortation,
  • 1. To them in generall (whom he speakes to with many loving expressions) v. 1.
    • 1. To perseverance. v. 1.
    • 2. To courage, and joy in afflictions. v. 4.
    • 3. To meeknesse and modesty. v. 5.
    • 4. To a faithfull relying upon Gods providence, for the supply of our necessities, without carting care. v. 6.
    • [Page 77]5. To a constant endeavour to get all virtues necessary for a Christian conversation, v. 8. and practice of
      • 1. His doctrine. v. 2.
      • 2. Life. v. 2.
• 2. To some in particular;
  • 1. To Enodias and Syntiche (two women who had the office of Deaconship for the poore, who were at some variance) to be reconciled. v. 2.
  • 2. To the chiefe Pastour of the Church (to whom he directed his Epistle to be com­municated to the rest) to be helpfull to some, that were his Assistants. v. 3.
• 2. A thankfull Commemoration and remembrance of their benevolence to him to supply his wants,
  • 1. Formerly, at Thessalonica; which was the more commendable, because they re­releived him, when he preach'd to o­thers. v. 16.
  • 2. Of late, when he was prisoner at Rome, by Epaphroditus; for which he did re­joyce, not so much
    • 1. For his owne sake; because his wants were thereby sup­plyed, v. 17. because he could have beene content, if they had sent him nothing, as ha­ving learn'd the Art of content­ment in all estates, as well of adversity as prosperity, v. 11, 12. [Page 78]But
    • 2. For their sakes; because God would reward them for it. v. 17, 18, 19.
• 3. A Conclusion; and in it,
  • 1. A Doxology, and praising of God. v. 20.
  • 2. A Commendation,
    • 1. From himselfe.
    • 2. From others. v. 21.
  • 3. A Benediction. v. last.

CHAP. I.

After his wonted Salutation,

• 1. His Thanksgiving, v. 3. and in it,
  • 1. The cause; which was,
    • 1. Their faith in God. v. 4.
    • 2. Their charity to men. ibid.
  • 2. The reason of it; because they would obtaine eternall life. v. 5.
• 2. His praise,
  • 1. Of the Gospell.
    • 1. For the spreading of it. v. 6.
    • 2. For the fruit of it. ibid.
  • 2. Of Epaphra their Minister, the Prea­cher of this Gospell; whom he prai­seth,
    • 1. For his calling, the Ministry. v. 7.
    • 2. For the good performance of it with faithfulnesse. ibid.
    • [Page 80]3. For bringing him intelligence of their state and good con­dition, (i.) of having those virtues before mentioned, v. 8. for the increase of which Vir­tues in them, he fervently prayeth. v. 9, 10, 11.
• 3. His doctrine of our Redemption, (which the false Pro­phets so much opposed) wherein,
  • 1. The motive cause of it; the love of God, who hath
    • 1. Made us partakers of Heaven, a lightsome place. v. 12. And
    • 2. Hath delivered us from Hell, a darksome place. v. 13.
  • 2. The meritorious cause; the suffering and bloudshedding of Christ upon the Crosse, v. 14. who is described,
    • 1. To be God, by the Attributes of the Godhead.
      • 1. Creation; for he is a Creatour. v. 16.
      • 2. Eternity; for he was before all things. v. 17.
    • 2. To be Head of the Church. v. 18.
    • 3. A Peace-maker, betwixt an angry God, and sinfull man. v. 20.
• 4. His Application of his doctrine of Redemption to the Co­lossians; wherein,
  • 1. He sheweth,
    • 1. Their misery in the state of nature, be­fore their Conversion, by being enemies to God. v. 21.
    • 2. Their happinesse in the state of grace, [Page 81]after their conversion, by being made friends, and reconciled unto God. ibid. and not onely having their persons justi­fied, but natures sanctified. v. 22.
  • 2. He exhorteth them to perseverance in this doctrine, v. 23. for these reasons;
    • 1. Because he was the Preacher of it, ib. which he would not be, if it were not true.
    • 2. Because he was a Sufferer for it, and that with chearfulnesse; which did shew the truth of it too. v. 24.
    • 3. Because this doctrine being gratiously revealed and made knowne to them, which was concealed from former a­ges, v. 26. did oblige them to con­tinue in it.
    • 4. Because it contained the riches of Gods mercy in the salvation of the Gentiles by Christ Jesus. v. 27.

CHAP. II.

His publique care of the Church, expressed,

• 1. In his earnest endeavour for the per­severance of the Colossians in their Chri­stian profession, v. 1. The fruits of which perseverance would be,
  • 1. Comfort. v. 2.
  • 2. Love, ibid. which proceed from an agreement in Religion.
• [Page 82]2. In his Exhortation to perseverance, mixed with a Commendation of them, to move them to it, v. 5, 6. whom he would have to persevere in three things;
  • 1. Stedfastnesse of faith, compared to the rooting of a tree, and foundation of a building. v. 7.
  • 2. Abundance of that faith. ibid.
  • 3. Thanksgiving to God, the giver of it. ibid.
• 3. In his Caution to them to take heed of Imposters, and false Teachers; and of being seduced,
  • 1. By the vanity of Philoso­phers; (wherein he doth not condemne Philosophy it selfe, as being an usefull thing in Divinity) But
  • 2. The Traditions of men.
  • 3. The Ceremonies of Moses. v. 8. All which are unnecessa­ry to supply any defect in Christ; because there is no de­fect in him, and therefore no need of these (as the false Tea­chers did tell them) for these reasons;
    • 1. Because Christ, being God, v. 9. all perfection is in him, and we perfect in him, without those. v. 10.
    • [Page 83]2. Because there is no ne­cessity of the Jewish car­nall circumcision, to us that have the spirituall. v. 11.
    • 3. Because by Christ we have,
      • 1. Mortification of sinne: And
      • 2. Newnesse of life. v. 12, 13.
    • 4. Because we have a full Acquittance from our debt to the Law, being paid by Christ, v. 14. and there­fore no necessity of ob­serving any ceremony of it.
    • 5. Because in him we have the conquest of Sin, Sa­tan and death. v. 15.
• 4. In his Exhortation, to put no confidence in, and to give no credit to, false Teachers;
  • 1. Of Mosaicall ceremonies, con­cerning the difference,
    • 1. Of meats. v. 16.
    • 2. Of dayes. v. 16. Because they were shadowes, which vanished away, when Christ the substance came. v. 17.
  • 2. Of the Traditions of men concerning worshipping of Angels, v. 18. meates and drinkes, v. 21. which are meer hypocrisy. v. 23.

CHAP. III.

After his doctrine of the justification of their persons by faith, he doth (as in other Epistles) exhort them to sanctification of life by good workes: wherein he telleth them,

• 1. The maine end they should aime at, which is eternall happinesse in Heaven. v. 1.
• 2. The meanes unto that end:
  • 1. Mortification of sinne, by the death of Christ. v. 3.
  • 2. Vivification, and newnesse of life, by the resurrection of Christ. v. 1.
• 3. What they are to avoid in their mortification.
  • 1. Fornication, and in it,
    • 1. The outward acts, (i.) un­cleannesse.
    • 2. The inward acts; inordinate affection, concupiscence. v. 5.
  • 2. Covetousnesse; whereby men trust in money, as in their God. ibid.
  • 3. The sinnes,
    • 1. Of the heart; anger, malice.
    • 2. Of the tongue;
      • 1. Censuring, detraction, speaking ill of others.
      • 2. Obscene talke.
      • 3. Lying. v. 8, 9.
• 4. Why they are to avoid these sinnes:
  • 1. Because of the punishment which will be in­flicted for such sinners. v. 6.
  • 2. Because of their conversion from those sinnes; so that their newnesse of life requires new man­ners, and that they should not any more follow their old sinfull courses. v. 7.9.
• [Page 85]5. What they are to doe in their justification, (i.) newnesse of life, (i.) the putting on, (i.) practising,
  • 1. Of mercy; in relieving those that are in want. v. 12.
  • 2. Of meeknesse, patience, &c. towards those that have wrong'd us;
    • 1. In enduring the wrongs.
    • 2. In forgiving the wrongers, after the example of Christ. v. 13.
  • 3. Of charity; which is the perfection of of virtues, wherein they are linked to­gether. v. 14.
  • 4. Of a peaceable and quiet carriage and behaviour amongst all men, v. 15. for these reasons;
    • 1. Because peace was established betwixt them, being Gentiles, and the Jewes, who were for­merly at odds. ibid.
    • 2. Because they were bound to live peaceably to testifie their thankfulnesse for that peace established amongst them, by being made one Church, who were formerly enemies. ibid.
• 6. Why they are to practice these virtues in their new­nesse of life,
  • 1. Because of their Election.
  • 2. Because of their Baptisme, whereby they were consecrated unto holinesse.
  • 3. Because of Gods love unto them, to whom they ought to testifie their love by a new life. v. 12.
• [Page 86]7. The rule of all their actions, words and thoughts, (i.) the Scripture; out of which he bids them gather matter,
  • 1. Of instruction. v. 16.
  • 2. Of admonition. v. 16.
  • 3. Of praise. v. 16.
• 8. The end of their Actions, &c. which should be Gods glory. v. 17.
• 9. Particular Family duties;
  • 1. Of wives to husbands; whose subjecti­on is not,
    • 1. Absolute in all things: But
    • 2. Conditionall and limited, (i.) in all things that are not dis­pleasing to God. v. 18.
  • 2. Of husbands to their wives, who
    • 1. Are commanded to love them.
    • 2. Are forbid to be harsh to them; either in
      • 1. Thoughts. v. 19.
      • 2. Words. v. 19.
      • 3. Deeds. v. 19.
  • 3. Of children to their parents; of whom they have their
    • 1. Being.
    • 2. Nourishment.
    • 3. Education; and therefore are bound to be obedient to them. v. 20.
  • 4. Of fathers to their children; who are forbid to provoke their children to an­ger; which may be done, v. 21. [Page 87]
    • 1. By denying them necessary things.
    • 2. By laying too heavy commands on them.
    • 3. By sharpe rebukes, when they are not faulty.
  • 5. Of servants to their masters; to whom he
    • 1. Exhorts them to doe true and faithfull service; and not onely whilst the masters eye is on them. v. 22. But
    • 2. Encourageth them to it; by the promise of a reward in Heaven. v. 24.

CHAP. IV.

• 1. An Exhortation,
  • 1. In particular, to masters to doe justice to their servants; with this motive, because they are servants too, to Christ their ma­ster; who is,
    • 1. Holy, and hates injustice.
    • 2. Omnipotent, and can punish it. v. 1.
  • 2. In generall, to all:
    • 1. To be constant in prayer;
      • 1. For themselves. v. 2.
      • 2. For him and other Mini­sters, that they might preach the Word boldly. v. 3.
    • [Page 88]2. To be wary, circumspect, and prudent in their carriage. v. 5.
    • 3. To be discreet in their talke. v. 6.
• 2. The Reasons why he sent Tychicus and Onesimus to them (whom he highly commends for their fidelity in the Ministry, to make them more gracious with them) v. 7.2. were,
  • 1. To let them know his imprisonment at Rome by Nero, and his condition in it. v. 7.9.
  • 2. To let him know their state and con­dition. v. 8.
  • 3. To comfort them. ibid.
    • 1. That his affliction might no [...] make them sorrow too much.
    • 2. That it might not discourage them, and make them fall off from the Gospell.
• 3. Courteous Remembrances and Commendations from him and some particular persons;
  • 1. To the Colossians in generall; as from
    • 1. Aristarchus his fellow priso­ner. v. 10.
    • 2. Marcus.
    • 3. Jesus, called Justus, for his in­tegrity; all which did
      • 1. Helpe him in his Mi­nistry.
      • 2. Comfort him in his misery. v. 11.
    • 4. Epaphras their Minister, whom he commends, (to make them love him the more.) v. 12, 13.
    • 5. Saint Luke the Physitian. v. 14.
  • 2. To some of them in particular; as, [Page 89]
    • 1. To the brethren in Laodicea, v. 15. to whom he desires them to communicate this E­pistle. v. 16.
    • 2. To Nymphas, and his religious family. v. 15.
  • 4. A Memorandum,
    • 1. To Archippus, not to be slothfull in his Ministry. v. 17.
    • 2. To them; not to forget him in his imprisonment. v. 18.
  • 5. A Benediction. ibid.

CHAP. I.

After his wonted Salutation, in the name of Syl­vanus, Timotheus, and his owne, to confirme his doctrine by the approbation of them two, v. 1. and benediction. ibid.

• 1. He expresseth his thankes to God for them, v. 2. the cause whereof was,
  • 1. Their Faith; which was not a bare one, without good workes. v. 3.
  • 2. Their Charity; which refuseth to un­dergoe no toyle, and paine, and cost. ibid.
  • 3. Their Hope; which by the expectation of eternall blisse causeth patience in af­flictions. ibid.
  • 4. His assurance, that they were the elect people of God: [Page 91]
    • 1. Because they received the Go­spell, not onely in their eares, but hearts. v. 5.
    • 2. Because they chearfully suf­fered for it after the example of him, and our Saviour. v. 6.
    • 3. Because they by their exam­ples, life and doctrine, did en­courage others to sticke close to the Gospell; as those of Ma­cedonia, and Achaia.
• 2. He telleth of their fame, and great name that they had through the whole World (so that there was no ne­cessity of his commendation of them)
  • 1. For their readinesse in recei­ving the Gospell preached by him. v. 9.
  • 2. For their conversion from Heathenisme (wherein they ser­ved Idols, which were dead Gods) to the service of the true living God. ibid.
  • 3. For their earnest expectation of Christs second coming to judgement, v. last, which made them the more patient, and couragious in their affli­ctions.

CHAP. II.

• 1. His Commendation of himselfe without any vaine­glory; wherein
  • 1. He sheweth,
    • 1. The good successe of his preaching. v. 1.
    • 2. His courage in preaching, without feare of any persecution. v. 2.
    • 3. His sincerity, without base flattery of a­ny, though never so great. v. 4, 5.
    • 4. His Freedome,
      • 1. From vainglory, in not making the peoples applause the end of his p [...]eaching. v. 6.
      • 2. From covetousnesse, in not ma­king gain the end of it. v. 5.
    • 5. His affection to them, in being willing
      • 1. To give them all that he had, e­ven his very soule. v. 8.
      • 2. To take nothing from them for his maintenance, but to preach for nothing. v. 9.
  • 2. He appealeth to their testimony; and calleth them to witnesse, whether his carriage were not such amongst them, as he professeth it to be. v. 10.
• 2. The matter which he preached to them was,
  • 1. Consolation in their afflictions. v. 11.
  • 2. Exhortation to live according to the rule which God hath set downe in his Word. v. 12. and to follow it,
    • 1. In doctrine.
    • 2. In life.
• [Page 93]3. His Commendation of them (to encourage them to goe on) for their profitable and effectuall receiving of the Gospell, which they did shew, by their patient suffering persecution for it of the unconverted Gen­tiles; which he adviseth them to thinke to be no strange thing, because the converted Jewes were per­secuted as they, v. 1 [...], 14. by the unconverted Jewes, who did not onely persecute them; but
  • 1. Our Saviour. v. 15.
  • 2. The Pr phets. v. ibid.
  • 3. Himselfe, for offering to convert the Gentiles. ibid. v. 16.
• 4. His desire to see them. v. 17.
• 5. His hindrance to see them, which was persecution, and way-laying against him by wicked men. v. 18.
• 6. The Cause of his desire to see them; because they which profitted so much by him were,
  • 1. His joy.
  • 2. His comfort.
  • 3. His hope of receiving a reward at the day of judgement. v. 19, 20.

CHAP. III.

• 1. His Care of their welfare, in sending of Timothy, (who should have borne him company at Athens) v. 1.
  • 1. To comfort them in their af­flictions. v. 2.
  • 2. To keep them from wavering and falling off from their Re­ligion, by the report of his afflictions. v. 3. [Page 94]
    • 1. Because that persecution was the lot of all Christians. ibid,
    • 2. Because that this doctrine of taking up the Crosse by every Christian, was by him preached to them before; and therefore not to seeme any strange thing to them. v. 4.
• 2. His feare of their miscarriage, by afflictions, v. 5.
• 3. His joy;
  • 1. For their affection to kim. v. 6.
  • 2. For their perseverance in the faith; which was,
    • 1. His comfort in affliction.
    • 2. His very life. v. 7, 8, 9.
• 4. His prayers; whereof,
  • 1. The matter, which is threefold;
    • 1. That he might see them. v. 10.
    • 2. That God would send him a good journey to them. v. 11.
    • 3. That God would continue love a­mongst them. v. 12.
  • 2. The end, that they might be blamelesse at the day of judgement. v. last.

CHAP. IV.

• 1. An Exhortation to holinesse of life, which is the end of our justification and vocation; and which doth consist,
  • 1. In the keeping of the eighth Commandment, (i.) in abstaining from fornication. v. 3.
    • 1. Because it pollutes the body, which is Gods Temple. v. 4.
    • 2. Because it is the common vice of the Heathens, and the unregenerate. v. 5.
  • [Page 95]2. In the keeping the seventh Commandment, in not cheating or deceiving in any bargains, and contracts, v. 6. which Exhortation he backs with a Commination, and threat of Gods pu­nishment. ibid.
  • 3. In brotherly love, which (he saith) was not wanting in them, who with the riches of their City had supplyed the wants of all the poore in Macedonia. v. 9, 10.
  • 4. In carrying themselves,
    • 1. Peaceably, one towards another, and industriously in their callings, without medling with other mens businesse, which doth not con­cerne them. v. 11.
    • 2. Honestly, towards others that are not converted. v. 12.
  • 5. In not grieving too much for the death of any, as if there were no hopes, v. 13. of their Re­surrection, and of ever seeing them any more, for all shall rise againe. v. 14.
• 2. A Discourse by way of digression, of the resurrection; wherein is shewne,
  • 1. Who shall arise; Not onely those who shall be alive at the coming of Christ to judgement (as some fondly did thinke) v. 15. but also all those that are dead be­fore. ibid.
  • 2. When they shall arise; at the second come­ing of Christ to judgement, which will be full of glory and terrour; with shout, and trumpet blowne by an Archangell. v. 16.
  • 2. The benefit of the Resurrection; they shall after it, [Page 96]
    • 1. Meet our Saviour in the aire, when he comes to judgement. v. 17.
    • 2. Raigne with him in Heaven for ever and ever.
  • 4. The Ʋse which we are to make of this Doctrine of the resurrection, is, that of Consolation, v. last. in all our troubles and afflictions.

CHAP. V.

• 1. The Ʋncertainty of the time of Christs certain coming to judgement; which by the Apostle is likened;
  • 1. To the coming of a thiefe. v. 2.
  • 2. To the labour of a woman. v. 3. Both which happen often when least of all expected. ibid.
• 2. The effect which the consideration of Christs uncer­taine time of coming should worke in us; which is
  • 1. Not carnall security, as if he would never come. v. 6. But
  • 2. Continuall watchfulnesse, and expe­ctation of his coming, ibid. which be­cometh Christians;
    • 1. Because they are children of light, and of the day. v. 5.8. (i.) enjoy the light of the Gospell; and sleeping, (i.) car­nall security is not proper for the day, but night. v. 7.
    • 2. Because they have spirituall enemies, against which they ought all wayes to watch, and be in armes, having on the breastplate of faith, &c. v. 8. [Page 97]whom the Apostle doth en­courage thereunto with the certainty of victory through Christ Jesus. v. 9, 10.
• 3. Exhortations,
  • 1. Concerning their Ministers; who are,
    • 1. To be honoured by them. v. 13.
    • 2. To be loved by them. ibid.
    • 3. Not to be disquieted by them by any unpeaceable behaviour. ibid.
  • 2. Concerning one another in their conversation; that they
    • 1. Edify and benefit one another;
      • 1. By correcting the stubborne.
      • 2. By comforting the penitent.
      • 3. By strengthning the weake.
      • 4. By using patience in doing all these three. v. 14.
    • 2. Hurt not one another by revenge of any injury. v. 15.
  • 3. Concerning every particular man alone.
    • 1. To calmnesse of mind in adversity. v. 16.
    • 2. To Devotion, to be exercised;
      • 1. In prayer at all times. v. 17.
      • 2. In thanksgiving for every thing. v. 18.
    • 3. To the use of the gifts of the Spirit. v. 19.
    • 4. To a reverend attention to the exposi­tion of the Scripture. v. 20.
    • 5. To distinguish false Teachers from true, and to adhere to the true. v. 21.
    • 6. To abstaine, not onely from evill, but from the very appearance of it. v. 22.
• [Page 98]4. The Apostles farewell to them all; wherein is,
  • 1. His prayer, that God would make them holy more and more, untill the coming of Christ; at which time, and not be­fore, they shall be perfectly holy. v. 23.
  • 2. His confidence that God would grant his prayer, because he doth not promise any thing, but what he will performe. v. [...]24.
  • His request to them;
    • 1. That they would pray for him in his affliction. v. 25.
    • 2. Salute one another, &c. v. 26.
    • 3. Read his Epistle to the Saints. v. 27.
  • 4. His Benediction. v. last.

CHAP. I.

After his usuall salutation and benediction;

• 1. His Thanksgiving unto God, (wherein is implyed a commendation of the Thessalonians, to incite them to persevere) v. 3.
  • 1. For the increase of their faith and cha­rity;
    • 1. By the Word.
    • 2. By the Sacraments.
  • 2. For their patience, (the effect of their faith) in afflictions, v. 4. which afflicti­ons would be matter,
    • 1. Of reward to the sufferers. v. 5.7.
    • 2. Of punishment to their persecuters, v. 6. at the coming of Christ to judgement, v. 7. which will be, [Page 100]
      • 1. Glorious, by reason of the An­gels that will attend him. ibid.
      • 2. Terrible to the wicked, who shall then be cast out of his presence. v. 8, 9.
      • 3. Gracious and joyfull to his Saints; which will be won­dred at for this, for being in honour and happinesse there, who were in scorne and mi­sery here. v. 10.
• 2. His Petition unto God for them; and in it,
  • 1. The matter of it.
    • 1. That God would continue them in that state they were in, and count them worthy of the inhe­ritance of Heaven. v. 11.
    • 2. That he would increase those graces he had begun in them, as faith, &c. ibid.
  • 2. The end of it.
    • 1. The honour of Christ.
    • 2. The honour of the Saints for his sake. v. last.

CHAP. II.

• 1. Signes of the nearnesse of the day of judgement, which some false Prophets (pretending the spirit) under­taking to foretell, much troubled the people. v. 2. [Page 101]Viz.
  • 1. The miserable state of the Church, by the peoples falling off from the true wor­ship of God. v. 3.
  • 2. The coming of Antichrist; of whom the Apostle tels us,
    • 1. The pride, in usurping and ta­king upon him the honour and worship which is due unto God. v. 4.
    • 2. The beginning of his raigne, (i.) the time of the destruction of the Roman Empire. v. 7.
    • 3. The working and plotting to maintaine his power and great­nesse; which is,
      • 1. False doctrines.
      • 2. False miracles, by the power of the Devill. v. 9.
    • 4. His followers, and such as shall be deluded by him; not the Elect, but the Reprobate, that wilfully refuse the meanes of their salvati­on. Concerning whom we may observe,
      • 1. The manner of their de­lusions; the drawing away of his grace from them.
      • 2. The reason why God will leave them, and give them over to such blindnesse, is, because of their shutting of their eyes against the light of the Gospell. v. 12.
    • 5. His Ruine and destruction;
      • 1. Partially, and by degrees here, by the preaching of the Word. v. 8.
      • 2. Totally, at the day of judgement. ib.
• [Page 102]2. The Apostles Thanksgiving to God for their safety from the tyranny and delusion of Antichrist, which consisteth in their election unto salvation. v. 13.
  • 1. By the inward calling of the Spirit. ibid.
  • 2. By the outward calling of the Word. v. 14.
• 3. His admonition to them to sticke close to their Reli­gion, though all the world besides themselves should stagger, waver, and fall off from it; and not to part with that which he had taught them, either
  • 1. By word of mouth. v. 15. Or,
  • 2. By writing. v. 15.
• 4. His prayer for them;
  • 1. That God would comfort them in afflictions, that their faith might not be shaken by them. v. last.
  • 2. That he would keepe them constant,
    • 1. In the profession of true do­ctrine.
    • 2. In leading good lives. ibid.

CHAP. III.

• 1. His desire of their prayers;
  • 1. That the Gospell might be dispersed abroad. v. 1.
  • 2. That it might be adorned by a good conversation. ibid.
  • 3. That it might not be opposed,
    • 1. Secretly, by Hypocrits.
    • 2. Openly, by Jewes and Here­tickes.
• [Page 103]2. His good opinion of them, that they would not dis­obey him, as others did. v. 3.
• 3. His Exhortation to them, not to keepe company with those, that under pretence of the Gospell, lived idly upon the meanes of others, without any calling; whom he calleth disorderly persons, v. 6. Which kind of life was,
  • 1. Contrary to his doctrine, ibid. and v. 10.
  • 2. Contrary to his manner of life, whereby he confirmed his doctrine; for, notwith­standing his preaching (for which they were bound to maintaine him) he fol­lowed his tent-making, that he might not be changeable. v. 8, 9.
• 4. His Exhortation to those persons, who though idle, yet were most busy in medling with things which did not concerne them; that they would live upon their owne labours. v. 12.
• 5. A Direction for their Charity; which as
  • 1. It was not to be extended to those idle drones: So
  • 2. It was not to be denied to others that were in want, for their abuse and un­worthinesse of it. v. 13.
• 6. His advise to them, what to doe, if those persons would not by admonitions be drawne to worke and labour; which was, to excommunicate them: yet so, as,
  • 1. To love their persons.
  • 2. To hate their vices. v. 15.
• [Page 104]7. The Conclusion of the Epistle;
  • 1. With a Benediction. v. 16. 18.
  • 2. With a Superscription of his owne hand, that they might discerne it from counterfeit Epistles which went in his name. v. 17.

CHAP. I.

After his usuall Salutation and Benediction;

• 1. The Apostles charge to Timothy, and in him to all Pa­stours of Churches, to be carefull to keepe out of their Churches,
  • 1. Innovations and new doctrines. v. 3.
  • 2. Nice and curious disputes;
    • 1. About Jewish ceremonies, concerning meates, drinkes, &c.
    • 2. About Genealogies; wherein the Jewes boastingly, and out of scorne of the Gentiles, derived their pedigree from Abraham. v. 4.
• 2. His Reason why he did forbid such nice disputes, was,
  • 1. Because they did not tend to edifica­tion and profit of one another. ibid. But
  • 2. Did cause dissention, and breach of Charity, contrary to the very Law which they did so much boast of, that were his enemies, v. 5, 6, 7.
• [Page 106]3. His Opinion concerning the Law; wherein he shew­eth, that he did not goe about to abolish it by hi [...] preaching, (as the false Teachers reported) but thi [...] he did thinke it usefull and good. v. 8.
  • 1. For direction; and so to the very just themselves.
  • 2. For condemnation, and so not to the just, v. 9. but to the wicked, as Whore­mongers, Sodomites, &c.
• 4. His Vindication of the Gospell; that it was not a de­stroyer of the Law, (as some pretended) but maintainer of it, in punishing the same sinnes condemned by it. v. 11.
• 5. His manner of life,
  • 1. Before his conversion; wherein he is not ashamed to confesse what he was, viz. a blasphemer, and a persecuter. v. 13.
  • 2. After his conversion, which was the ex­ercise of the Ministry, v. 12. wherein he had as great a measure of grace, as before he had of sinne. v. 14.
• 6. His praise of Gods great goodnesse, in making him, who was so great a sinner,
  • 1. The object of his mercy, in saving him. v. 15.
  • 2. The example of it, for other sinners to trust to in the like case. v. 16.
• 7. His breaking out of praises into thanksgiving for it. v. 17.
• 8. His Repetition of the same charge given to Timothy, v. 3. that he would answer the expectation of pro­phecyes made of his being a good pastour; [Page 107]
  • 1. By resisting (like a stout souldier of Jesus Christ) the enemies of the Church. v. 18.
  • 2. By professing sound doctrine, and keeping a good conscience; and not making ship­wrack of either, as some had done, as Hymenaeus and Alexander, who denyed the resurrection, and whom he had excom­municated for their amendment. v. 19, 20.

CHAP. II.

• 1. An Exhortation to men to pray,
  • 1. Generally for all sorts of men what­soever. v. 1.
  • 2. Particularly for Kings, though they were Infidels. v. 2.
  The Reasons;
  • 1. Because God would have all men saved. v. 4.
  • 2. Because God is a God of all men, and therefore would have all men prayed for. v. 5.
• 2. A Direction how they should pray; they must pray,
  • 1. Humbly, by lifting up the hands. v. 8.
  • 2. Charitably, without bearing malice to any. v. 8.
  • 3. Faithfully, without doubting of having their requests grant­ed. v. 8.
• [Page 108]3. A Dehortation to Women;
  • 1. Concerning their apparell; they are,
    • 1. Allowed to use decent attire. v. 9.
    • 2. Forbid to use gaudy and light attire, with gold, pearles, &c. ibid.
    • 3. Are commanded to regard more,
      • 1. The inward ornament of the mind. v. 10. Then
      • 2. The outward ornament of the body.
  • 2. Concerning their tongues; which they may use,
    • 1. In private, to learne of their Hus­bands. v. 11. But not
    • 2. In publique, to teach others. v. 12. especially men; for these Reasons;
      • 1. Because men are their superiours, and therefore not to learne of them, as being first created. v. 13.
      • 2. Because Adam was not imme­diately deceived by Satan, as Eve was, v. 14. and for this Reason man ought to be superiour, and not to learne of women.
• 4. A Consolation to Women; that though they be punished for the sinne of Eve,
  • 1. With subjection to their husbands.
  • 2. With the paine of child-bearing.
  Yet notwithstanding this punishment shall be no hin­drance to their salvation, if they continue in
  • Faith. v. last.
  • Charity, v. last.
  • Holinesse v. last. and
  • Sobriety. v. last.

CHAP. III.

• 1. The Apostles discourse,
  • 1. Of the virtues required in a Bishop; which are,
    • 1. Chastity.
    • 2. Care over his flock.
    • 3. Modesty.
    • 4. Hospitality, v. 2.
    • 5. Learning.
    • 6. Temperance.
    • 7. Meeknesse.
    • 8. Contentednesse, without covetous­nesse. v. 3.
    • 9. Gravity, in the government of his house. v. 4.
    • 10. Good name. v. 7.
  • 2. Of the virtues required in a Deacon; which are,
    • 1. Gravity in his manners.
    • 2. Truth in his words.
    • 3. Conscientious profession of his Re­ligion.
    • 4. A sufficiency for the Deaconship, which must appeare by examina­tion. v. 10.
  • 3. Of the virtues in the Wives of Deacons;
    • 1. Gravity in carriage.
    • 2. Government of their tongues.
    • 3. Fidelity. v. 11.
  • 4. Of the carriage of Deacons in respect of their families, viz. good government. v. 12.
  • 5. The Deacons reward, if they doe well; which is, preferment to higher places in the Church. v. 13.
• [Page 110]2. The Occasion of his discourse, which was, his desire to instruct Timothy how to carry himselfe in the Church.
• 3. His Commendation of the Church,
  • 1. For being Gods House. v. 15.
  • 2. For professing nothing but meer truth, (i.) the Gospel of Christ, which he calleth a mystery, because unknowne to a meer naturall man.

CHAP. IV.

• 1. The Apostles foretelling,
  • 1. Of false Teachers; and what they are; viz.
    • 1. Deceivers of the people.
    • 2. Pretenders to the Spirit.
    • 3. Hypocrites.
    • 4. Men of guilty consciences. v. 1, 2
  • 2. Of their false doctrines; and what they are;
    • 1. Forbidding to marry. v. 3.
    • 2. Forbidding to eate certaine meats, under pretence of holinesse; whereas all meats are lawfull, as being
      • 1. Created by God. v. 4.
      • 2. Declared by his Word to be lawfull. v. 5.
• [Page 111]2. His forewarning of Timothy against them, and charge to him, often to instruct his flock concerning such things, v. 6. and to regard their traditions concerning meates and drinkes no more then old wives tales, v. 7. Because that such abstinence is,
  • 1. But an outward thing, and profiteth but little, (i.) in subduing the flesh; And not,
  • 2. Godlinesse it selfe, which is the chiefe thing he would have him to looke after, because blessings are promised to it. v. 8.
    • 1. Begun in part, in this life, by peace of conscience, &c. Which will be
    • 2. Perfected in the next; the hope of which makes godly men willing to suffer any af­fliction in this life. v. 10.
• 3. A threefold Exhortation to him more in particular;
  • 1. To maintaine his credit and authority; and
    • 1. Not to suffer his profession to fall into contempt, by reason of his young yeares, v. 12. But
    • 2. To supply what was wanting in yeares, with the gravity of his carriage; and to maintaine his authority, by being exemplary to others, in word, in conversation, &c. ibid.
  • 2. To follow his study and booke close. v. 13.
  • 3. To follow his calling diligently, unto which he was ordained. v. 14.
• [Page 112]4. A Repetition of the same Exhortation, as being a thing of great concernment;
  • 1. To consider well what he had said to him. v. 15.
  • 2. To be carefull,
    • 1. To live a good life. v. 16.
    • 2. To preach sound doctrine, ib. because both these going toge­ther, would be a meanes,
      • 1. To save himselfe.
      • 2. To save others. ibid.

CHAP. V.

Rules to be observed by Timothy;

• 1. Concerning Elders; who were so called, not
  • 1. Because of age; But
  • 2. Because of office; which was twofold;
  And these rules are,
  • 1. In matter of reproofe; which ought to be mixed with meeknesse. v. 1, 2.
  • 2. In matter of respect to them; he chargeth him to let them have double honour. v. 17.
    • 1. In a venerable respect.
    • 2. In a comfortable main­tenance. v. 18.
  • 2. In matter of judgement against them; which
    • 1. Should not be passed with­out good evidence. v. 19.
    • 2. Should inflict publique pu­nishment, if they be scanda­lous. v. 20.
  • [Page 113]4. In matter of ordination into Holy Orders, which should not be without examination of the sufficiency of men both in life and doctrine. v. 22.
    • 1. By rejecting those who are known to be bad, and admit­ting others, who are knowne to be deserving, at the very first. v. 24.
    • 2. By taking time to consider of those, of whose deserts he hath no certainty. v. 25.
• 2. Concerning himselfe, in matter of his owne health, (i.) to use wine moderately, to preserve it. v. 23.
• 3. Concerning Widowes; whereof,
  • 1. Those that have kindred, friends or children to maintaine them, are not to be kept at the publique charge of the Church. v. 4. Nor,
  • 2. Those that are young, as being wanton, tatlers, &c. v. 11. But,
  • 3. Those that
    • 1. Are old, and have no friends to re­lieve them. v. 3.9.
    • 2. Are of good report, and have done good workes;
      • 1. In bringing up their Children.
      • 2. In entertaining Strangers.
      • 3. In relieving the afflicted. v. 10.

CHAP. VI.

• 1. More Rules and Precepts to be observed;
  • 1. Of subjection of Servants to their Masters; whether they be,
    • 1. Infidels. v. 1. Or
    • 2. Believers. v. 2.
  • 2. Of Caution to all; to avoid New Teachers, who teach things contrary to the doctrine of Christ, v. 3. Either,
    • 1. Out of ambition of honour. v. 4. Or,
    • 2. Out of needlesse curiosity, more about words then matter, and wrangling Que­stions, ibid. Or,
    • 3. Out of covetousnesse of gaine (which they account falsely to be godlinesse. v. 5, 6.
  • 3. Of the Use of riches; which are to be enjoyed onely
    • 1. To furnish us with necessary things; as,
      • Meat, And
      • Cloathing. v. 8.
      And not
    • 2. To maintaine us in our lusts. v. 9.
• 2. A strict charge to Timothy;
  • 1. Concerning himselfe, to practice a good life;
    • 1. In being righteous, godly, faithfull, meeke, &c.
    • 2. In Spirituall warfare; against the tempta­tions of the Flesh, the World, and the Devill; which he professed to resist, either [Page 115]
      • 1. At his Baptisme; Or
      • 2. At his Ordination, v. 12.
    • 3. In observing all his rules and precepts. v. 14.20.
  • 2. Concerning Rich men; that they be not,
    • 1. Proud of, v. 17. Nor
    • 2. Confident in their riches. v. 18. But
    • 3. Liberall of them in doing good workes; whih God will reward: Not
      • 1. For any merit in them; But
      • 2. For his promise sake. v. 18, 19.

CHAP. I.

After his usuall salutation, and benediction, v. 1, 2. we may observe,

• 1. His love of Timothy; expressed,
  • 1. In his praying for him. v. 3.
  • 2. In his desire to give him a visit. v. 4.
• 2. His joy in him; occasioned,
  • 1. By his sorrow; which was either,
    • 1. For his sinne; Or,
    • 2. For the affliction of S. Paul. ib.
  • 2. By his faith;
    • 1. For which he thankes God. ibid.
    • 2. By which he proves, that he did not degenerate from his believing friends. v. 5.
• [Page 117]3. His Request to him;
  • 1. To persevere in that faith, v. 6. &c. Not to be discouraged by any affliction that either did befall the Apostle, or might befall him, for the Gospell, v. 8. and that because God had given him,
    • 1. The spirit of love, which would undergoe any misery for the party loved. v. 7.
    • 2. Eternall life, of his meer grace and mercy, for the merits of Christ Jesus, v. 9. who hath freed us freed us from death, and hath pro­mised life by the Gospell. v. 10. which Gospell he did,
      • 1. Preach to the Gentiles. v. 11.
      • 2. Suffer imprisonment by the Jewes for it. v. 12.
      • 3. Trust to be rewarded for it. ibid.
  • 2. To keepe close to the doctrine which he had left him and others for a pattern to follow, in two chiefe points of Christianity;
    • 1. Faith in God.
    • 2. Charity to our Neighbour. v. 13. And not
  • 3. To forsake him in affliction, as some of Asia had done, (i.) Phrygellus and Hermogenes. v. 15. But,
  • 4. To sticke to him, as Oenesiphorus had done; whom, [Page 118]
    • 1. He praiseth;
      • 1. For relieving him. v. 16.
      • 2. For making strict enquiry at Rome for him. v. 17.
    • 2. Prayeth for. v. 18.

CHAP. II.

The Apostle perseveres in encouraging him to perseverance;

• 1. In suffering Afflictions for the Gospell; by Reasons taken,
  • 1. From the property of souldiers, who should be hardy; and he a spirituall soul­dier to be so too. v. 3. and who leave home and friends to serve in the warre. v. 4.
  • 2. From the nature of fights, and lawes thereof; whereby the Combatants are bound to doe every action belonging to them. v. 5.
  • 3. From the paines that Husbandmen take for earthly fruits; how much more should he for, &c. v. 6.
  • 4. From the doctrine of the resurrection; after which,
    • 1. They that suffer for Christ shall be rewarded.
    • 2. They that doe not shall be reje­cted. v. 8.11, 12.
• [Page 119]2. In chusing faithfull Ministers, that may not be wran­glers about words. v. 14.
• 3. In being himselfe,
  • 1. An Orthodox and sound Divine, teach­ing nothing but truth. v. 15.
  • 2. A shunner of novelties, vaine janglings and niceties; which having corrupted some members of the Church, as Hyme­naeus and Philetus, (who held onely a spirituall resurrection of the soul) would like a Gangrene, destroy the whole, if not prevented by him. v. 16, 17, 18. And
  • 3. Not troubled at the salling off of some from the Church;
    • 1. Because the Elect had a sure foundation, and could not be shaken and seduced by any Heretickes. v. 19.
    • 2. Because it was no more strange for some to be bad in the Church, then in a house for some vessels to be of gold, and others of wood. v. 20.
  • 4. In all disputes, an avoider (though he was a young man) of that vehemency, heat and rashnesse which was incident to young men, v. 22. and to be gentle and meeke, even to those that did most op­pose him, v. 25. and of whose amend­ment there was but a peradventure, and uncertainty. ibid. v. last.

CHAP. III.

A short Narration,

• 1. What divers would be, v. 2, 3, 4, 5. viz. selfish, co­vetous, proud, voluptuous, hypocrites, onely for out­side Religion; of which sort should be, such as
  • 1. Did seduce others, especially women, that were,
    • 1. Silly. v. 6.
    • 2. Sinfull. ibid.
    • 3. Desirous of novelty. v. 7. Either with
      • 1. Faire perswasions; Or,
      • 2. Foule threats, and ter­rours of conscience. Or,
      • 3. Superstitious observati­ons.
  • 2. Were seduced themselves by the Devill. v. 13.
  • 3. Should be discovered, and come to con­fusion. v. 9.
• 2. What he was,
  • 1. In doctrine. v. 13.
  • 2. In life. v. 13.
    • 1. By Faith.
    • 2. By Charity.
    • 3. By Patience in afflictions, which were the lot of all Religious men. v. 12.
• 3. What Timothy should be, viz. a Maintainer of that doctrine which he had taught him. v. 14.
• 4. What benefit is to be got by reading the Bible; which is, [Page 121]
  • 1. Reproofe of false doctrines.
  • 2. Correction of bad manners.
  • 3. Direction in good courses. v. 16, 17.

CHAP. IV.

• 1. The Duty of preaching.
• 2. The Diligence in preaching, pressed upon Timothy,
  • 1. With vehemency, as he will an­swer for it at the day of judgement. v. 1, 2.
  • 2. By shewing the great necessity of it.
    • 1. By reason of the inconstancy of the people, who were all­together,
      • For Novelty. v. 3. And
      • Vaine opinions. v. 4.
    • 2. By reason of the shortnesse of his life, which he by Revela­tion foresaw. v. 6.
• 3. The strength of the Apostles faith, in his confidence of enjoying
  • 1. Eternall happinesse after this life. v. 8.
  • 2. A joyfull deliverance from all mise­ries in this life. v. 18.
• 4. His earnest defire to speake with Timothy, in whose absence he would send Tychicus to supply his place at Ephesus, v. 9.12. to whom he relates, [Page 122]
  • 1. The triall of himselfe before Nero. v. 16.
  • 2. His triall of his friends in the time of his triall; whereof,
    • 1. Some out of base feare, and for worldly ends forsooke him, as Demas. v. 10.
    • 2. Others he sent to take care of other Churches, as Crescens and Titus. ibid.
    • 3. Saint Luke stucke close to him. v. 11. But
    • 4. Especially God, who was a­bove all friends was with him, with spirituall strength, and comforts. v. 17.
• 5. The Conclusion; wherein is,
  • 1. A Salutation of some that were emi­nent for piety, as Aquila, &c. v. 19.
  • 2. A Repetition of his former Request to Timothy. v. 22.
  • 3. His Benediction. v. last.

CHAP. I.

• 1. The Apostles calling; which he names, that his words might have the more authority and power. v. 1.
• 2. The truth of his doctrine, which was nothing but what the Elect themselves did professe, and hope to be saved by. ibid.
• 3. The Author from whom he had his orders and com­mission to preach. v. 3. which was, Christ Jesus.
• 4. His Care of the Church of Crete, which he had foun­ded,
  • 1. In leaving Titus (whom
    • 1. He had converted from Paganisme; And
    • 2. Calleth his sonne, and blesseth. v. 4.)
    to finish what he had begun. v. 5.
  • 2. In giving him directions how to chuse Mini­sters in vacant places; by telling him, [Page 124]
    • 1. Negatively; what kind of men they were not to be; as,
      • 1. Not Riotous. v. 6.
      • 2. Not Unruly. ibid.
      • 3. Not Selfish.
      • 4. Not Drunkards.
      • 5. Not Quarrellers.
      • 6. Not Covetous. v. 7.
    • 2. Affirmatively; what kind of men they were to be; as,
      • 1. Hospitable.
      • 2. Lovers of good men.
      • 3. Sober, just, holy, temperate. v. 8.
      • 4. Constant in their Religion. v. 9.
      • 5. Well skilled;
        • 1. In positive Divinity; to di­rect their flokes. ibid.
        • 2. In polemicall, and contro­versies to confute the ene­mie, of the Church. ibid.
  • 3. In giving him a character and description of the people amongst whom he lived; and shew­ing their temper; which were either,
    • 1. Cretians; whom he proves out of one of their Authors, of great esteeme a­mongst them, to be given,
      • 1. To lying. v. 12.
      • 2. To cruelty. v. 12.
      • 3. To gluttony. v. 12.
    • 2. Jewes, then living in Crete; whom he calls,
      • 1. Unruly.
      • 2. Venters of vaine opinions.
      • 3. Seducers. v. 10.
  • [Page 125]4. In telling him what course to take with such; which is, silencing them (for preaching plea­sing things onely for profit) v. 11. Either,
    • 1. With Arguments, Or,
    • 2. With Church censure.
  • 5. In giving him a Caution, to shun the fond and vaine opinions and traditions of the Jewes, concerning the difference of meates; &c. whereas all meats,
    • 1. Are cleane and pure to the faithfull. v. 15. Thought
    • 2. Nothing be pure to such men. ibid. who were,
      • 1. Impure and corrupt both in judgement and conscience.
      • 2. Hypocriticall in lives. v. last.

CHAP. II.

• 1. His Exhortation to Titus;
  • 1. To teach others how to live well; by preaching such things as may edify and make them pious. v. 1. As,
    • 1. Old Men; to be sober, grave, temperate, sound in saith, charitable and patient. v. 2.
    • 2. Old Women; to be of a comely behaviour, not false accusers, not drunkards, &c. v. 3. but to give good examples to young wo­men, to be discreet and chast, &c. v. 5.
    • 3. Young Men; to be sober minded. v. 6.
  • [Page 126]2. To live well himselfe; and to use,
    • 1. Sound and sincere doctrine in publique. v. 7.
    • 2. Good discourse in his ordina­ry private talke. v. 8.
  • 3. To teach servants their duty; which is,
    • 1. Obedience to their Masters. v. 9.
    • 2. Honest and faithfull dealing, without cheating them. v. 10.
• 2. His Reasons, whereby he perswades all to live godly, and religious lives; which are,
  • 1. Because we were redeemed,
    • 1. From the guilt of sin. v. 14.
    • 2. From the power of sin. v. 14.
    that denying ungodlinesse, &c. we might live,
    • 1. Soberly, in respect of our selves.
    • 2. Righteously in respect of others.
    • 3. Piously and godly, in respect of God. v. 12, 13.
  • 2. Because God will reward us for out good lives (not for any worth in them, but of his meer goodnesse) with eternall happinesse. v. 13.
• 3. His Instruction to him,
  • 1. To use authority in all his reproofes. v. 15.
  • 2. To get and maintaine his authority, power, and repute amongst them, by leading a good life. ibid.

CHAP. III.

• 1. Instructions how to behave our selves;
  • 1. In particular, to our Superiours, in be­ing subject to them, whom some thought it against Christian liberty to obey. v. 1.
  • 2. In generall, to all men, by being gentle,
    • 1. In word to all. v. 2.
    • 2. In deed to all. v. 2.
      • 1. Because we were as bad as the worst before our con­version. v. 3.
      • 2. Because God was gentle and loving to us;
        • 1. In saving us, out of his meer mercy, without our desert, for the sake of Christ Jesus. v. 5.
        • 2. In sanctifying us, by his Holy Spirit, v. 6. that we being redeemed and sanctified, might
          • 1. Live good lives, answerable to this great mercy. v. 8.
          • 2. Follow sound doctrine, and a­void vaine Que­stions about Jew­ish ceremonies, v. 9.
  • [Page 128]3. To Heretickes; that will not yeild,
    • 1. After confutation of their er­rours.
    • 2. After private and publique Exhortations;
    In not medling any more with them, but rejecting and excommunicating them; v. 10. as men that are,
    • 1. Past all hopes.
    • 2. Sinners against their own con­sciences. v. 11.
• 2. His desire to see Titus, with some others, as Zenas the converted Lawyer, &c. and his care of the Church, in promising to send Artemas or Tychicus to looke to it in his absence; and so concludes, which his usuall salutation and benediction. v. 13, 14, 15.

CHAP. 1.

• 1. After his usuall Salutation; wherein,
  • 1. He names himselfe a prisoner, to move pity.
  • 2. Names Timothy, to make his Epistle of more authority. v. 1. And
• 2. His Benediction;
  • 1. Unto him.
  • 2. His wife Appia.
  • 3. Archippus, a Pastour in the Church, v. 2, 3.

We may observe,

• 1. His praise of Philemon;
  • 1. For his faith in God. v. 5.
  • 2. For his love to the Saints, in relieving their wants. v. 5.7.
• 2. His prayers for him, that the might shew his faith more and more in doing good workes; and exercising those gifts which he had, as being a Member of Christ Je­sus. v. 6.
• 3. His Request to him, to receive Onesimus his servant, who
  • 1. Had runne away from him, for some theft, or some such thing committed. v. 11. And
  • 2. By Gods providence, meer­ing with him, was conver­ted by him. v. 10. and whom he now commends for one,
    • 1. That had done him good service. v. 13.
    • 2. That would be more comfortable to Philemon,
      • 1. By being more du­tifull.
      • 2. By being a Chri­stian. v. 16.
• 4. His offer to make satisfaction for the wrongs Onesimus hath done him; though he might by his Apostolicall authority command him to forgive him all; for the spirituall favours done unto his soule in his conversion. v. 18, 19.
• [Page 131]5. The Conclusion; wherein,
  • 1. His Confidence, that his request will be granted. v. 21.
  • 2. Another Request, to prepare him a lodging, if God for the good of the Church, release him out of prison. v. 22.
  • 3. His usuall Salutation in the names of some persons, eminent for piety; as Marcus, Lucas, &c. v. 23, 24. and Benediction. v. last.

CHAP. I.

• 1. The greatnesse of Gods favour to us, in speaking to us,
  • 1. Plainly, by his Sonne; And not
  • 2. Obscurely by his Prophets; as he did to those that lived under the Law. v. 1, 2.
• 2. The worth and dignity of Christ (which is the sub­ject of this Chapter, and of the whole Epistle) set forth,
  • 1. In respect of God, whom Christ his Sonne is said to represent, by way of Metaphor; as,
    • 1. The light resembleth the Sun.
    • 2. The impression of the seale the seale it selfe. v. 3.
  • 2. In respect of the World; whereof he is said to be,
    • 1. The Creatour. ibid.
    • 2. The Preserver. ibid.
  • [Page 133]3. In respect of mankind, whereof he is said to be a Redeemer from sin, death, and hell. ibid.
  • 4. In a Comparison made betwixt him, and the Angels; wherein he proveth his ex­cellency above them against the Jewes, (who thought the Angels greater) out of their owne Bookes; by shewing,
    • 1. That he was not onely the Sonne of God. v. 5.
    • 2. That Divine Worship was due to him. v. 6. But
    • 3. That he was God himselfe. v. 8.
      • 1. In having judicatory power over all things. v. 8, 9.
      • 2. In being Creatour of all things. v. 10.
      • 3. In being eternall. v. 11, 12.
    • 4. That the Angels, at the best, were but Servants. v. 7. 14.

CHAP. II.

• 1. An Application of his former doctrine; wherein is an Ʋse of Exhortation unto the converted Jewes, (who had a meane opinion of Christ) not to forsake his Gospell which they had received; and that for these reasons,
  • 1. Because if the neglect of the Word spo­ken by Angels, was severely punished: how much more the forsaking of the Go­spell spoken by him, who was greater then they. v. 1, 2.
  • 2. Because it was true; as being spoken, [Page 134]
    • 1. By Christ, who was truth it selfe.
    • 2. By the Apostles, who were inspired by the Spirit. v. 3.
    • 3. Proved to be true, by many miracles done by him, and his Apostles. v. 4.
• 2. A further proofe and demonstration of the dignity and excellency of Christ above the Angels;
  • 1. In shewing his power over all things. v. 8. In shewing, that his taking upon him our nature, (which is inferiour to that of the Angels) was not,
    • 1. A lessening of his worth; But
    • 2. A raising and heightning of it, for stooping so low, v. 9. and so he was not thereby made lower then the Angels, as the Jewes ob­jected.
• 3. The Humanity of Christ, ( i.) his taking on him our flesh; wherein is shewne,
  • 1. From whence he had it, viz. from A­braham remotely. v. 16.
  • 2. To what end he tooke it, ( i.) that he might dye to redeeme mankind; which he could not doe as God. v. 14, 15, 17.

CHAP. III.

An Exhortation to the converted Jewes, (who thought Moses to be greater then Christ)

• 1. To obey Christ; who was,
  • 1. An Embassadour of the good newes of our salvation. v. 1.
  • 2. A High Priest, that sacrificed himselfe for our redemption. ibid. And not,
• 2. Moses; who though he was faithfull, v. 3. yet was but,
  • 1. A part of that House, ( i.) the Church, whereof Christ was the Builder. ibid.
  • 2. A Servant in it; whereas Christ was a Sonne. v. 5.
• 3. Not to neglect,
  • 1. The opportunity.
  • 2. The meanes of salvation put into their hands. v. 7.
• 4. To take heed of unbeliefe, the cause of disobedience unto Christ; whereby the Children of Israel in the wildernesse,
  • 1. Did distrust Gods power and pro­vidence, even then when they had triall of it. v. 9.
  • 2. Did by this distrust provoke God to anger; whereby they did not all,
    • 1. Enter into the promised rest, ( i.) Canaan. v. 11. But
    • 2. Did perish in the wildernesse. v. 17.

CHAP. IV.

A Discourse of the promised Rest mentioned in the former Chapter; wherein,

• 1. The way leading,
  • 1. From it; infidelity and unbeliefe. v. 2.
  • 2. To it; a lively faith. v. 3.
• 2. What it is:
  • 1. Not the rest of the seventh day. v. 4.
  • 2. Not to the corporeall rest from their la­bours in Canaan, which was a type of the spirituall rest, v. 8. into which Joshua did bring them. ibid. But
  • 3. A spirituall rest in the Kingdome of Heaven. ibid.
• 3. To whom this spirituall rest doth belong, ( i.) to be­lievers. v. 9.
• 4. An Exhortation,
  • 1. To labour to get it, by mortification of our sinnes, and ceasing from our owne workes. v. 10.
    • 1. By taking warning by the ex­ample of those, that were for their disobedience destroyed in the wildernesse. v. 11.
    • 2. By considering, that they them­selves will not escape the same punishment, if they fall into the same sinne; because the Word of God is as quicke and sharpe now, as it was then, to denounce judge­ments to denounce judge­ments to stubborne sinners, &c. v. 12, 13.
  • [Page 137]2. Not to be terrified with what hath been spoken concerning the greatnesse of Christ: But
  • 3. To goe boldly unto him; who is as full of goodnesse and meeknesse, as power and greatnesse; and one that is as willing as able to helpe us; as being not onely,
    • 1. Subject to our infirmities, by taking our nature upon him. v. 15, 16. But
    • 2. Sensible of them. ibid.

CHAP. V.

• 1. Christ is proved to be a High Priest, by way of com­parison with Aaron; wherein he is not onely proved,
  • 1. To be equall to Aaron the High Priest, in having all the qualifications of a High Priest; as,
    • 1. His election from amongst men. v. 1.
    • 2. His offering up sacrifice for the sinnes of the people. ibid.
    • 3. His Ordination from God to that office. v. 4, &c. But
  • 2. To be farre more greater then Aaron;
    • 1. In not offering up a sacrifice for his owne sinnes, as Aaron did; as being free from all sinne. v. 3.
    • [Page 138]2. In having a Priesthood; not
      • 1. Temporary, as was Aarons: But
      • 2. Perpetuall, and for ever. v. 6.
    • 3. In being a Saviour. v. 9.
• 2. They are reproved for their unprofitablenesse under the meanes; in being,
  • 1. Ignorant of the first grounds of Reli­gion; of their Catechismes. v. 12. When as,
  • 2. They might have beene greater pro­ficients, skilled in higher matters. ibid. 13, 14.

CHAP. VI.

An Exhortation to them;

• 1. To goe forward,
  • 1. In leaving, but not contemning and for­getting the principles of Religion, con­cerning,
    • 1. Repentance for sinnes. v. 1.
    • 2. Faith in God for pardon. ibid.
    • 3. Baptisme. v. 2.
    • 4. Laying on of hands. ibid.
    • 5. Resurrection.
    • 6. Day of judgement. ibid.
  • 2. In endeavouring to get the knowledge of higher matters. v. 1.
• 2. Not to goe backward, (i.) not to fall from Christianity to Judaisme; by shewing, [Page 139]
  • 1. The danger of Apostasy, and falling away totally from faith in the Gospell; which being a sinne against the Holy Ghost,
    • 1. Against knowledge.
    • 2. Out of malice and opposition unto God;
    cannot be repented of, and so never par­doned. v. 4, 5, 6.
  • 2. The punishment which God will inflict on those that have the meanes of know­ledge, (i.) Gods Word; and doe not make good use of it; by a similitude ta­ken from thornes. v. 7, 8.
  • 3. Abraham for an example; that they who had beene,
    • 1. So forward in their charity to the poore Saints. v. 10. Might
    • 2. Be as forward in their faith in Christ Jesus; and be as constant in it, as Abraham was; who for this reason is called the Father of the faithfull, be­cause he was the first that believed to enjoy those blessings (when there was no likelyhood in nature) which God said he would give him in his sonne Isaac; so that Gods
      • 1. Promises, v. 14.
      • 2. Oath confirming them, v. 17.
      were the grounds,
      • 1. Of his faith; And
      • 2. Ought to be of [Page 140]
        • 1. Our comfort. v. 18.
        • 2. Our hope; which will be as great support to us in out troubles, as the Anchor is to sea men, who are in danger of shipwrack. v. 19.

CHAP. VII.

A Comparison betwixt Christ and the Levites;

• 1. In their persons; wherein is proved, that Christ is greater then they;
  • 1. In being equall to Melchisedec; who was,
    • 1. A Type of him; and therefore is said to be without Father and Mother, to signifie his eternity. v. 3.
    • 2. Greater then Abraham from whence they came; and for this reason greater then they; for his being above Abraham is proved,
      • 1. By Abrahams paying tithes unto him, v. 4. and the Le­vites in his person. v. 9.
      • 2. By Melchisedec's blessing him, v. 7. both which doe imply Abraham to be his in­feriour
  • 2. In being ordained High Priest by an oath, v. 21. whereby he was more con­firmed a Priest, then the Levites that were made without it. v. 22.
• [Page 141]2. In their Priesthoods; wherein is shewne,
  • 1. The insufficiency of theirs.
    • 1. In the short continuance of it; as being altered, when he that was of another tribe, (i.) of Ju­dah, came into the World. v. 12, 13, 14.
    • 2. In the imperfection and weak­nesse of it, to make a reconciliation and peace betwixt▪ God offended at us for our sinnes, and us. v. 11, 19.
  • 2. The sufficiency of the Priesthood, to procure pardon for us in him, who
    • 1. Was free from sinne, and so able to satisfie, v. 26. from which the Levites were not. v. 27.
    • 2. Is eternall; and so is able to save us, by interceding for us, and speaking in us at Gods right hand, v. 25. and by presenting to God,
      • 1. Our prayers.
      • 2. Our praises, which are offe­red up in his name;
      whilst the Levites are mortall, and dye. v. 8.23.
    • 3. Who offered up one sacrifice once for all, whilst they made many with reite­ration; which she wed the imperfecti­on of theirs, and the perfection of his. v. 27.

CHAP. VIII.

A short Repetition of what hath beene said in the former Chapters; wherein is proved, that Christ is a Priest differing from the Leviticall Priests;

• 1. In place of his residence; he is not,
  • 1. An earthly Priest, nor cannot be; be­cause earthly Priests were types and sha­dowes of him; and if he had been such an one, he had been a type of himselfe. v. 4, 5. But
  • 2. An heavenly. v. 1.
• 2. In the power of his Priesthood;
  • 1. In abrogating the Covenant of workes under the Law; wherein consider,
    • 1. The cause of its abrogation, viz. the imperfection of it. v. 6, 7.
    • 2. The reason of that imperfection, viz. the bringing in of the new Covenant; which would not have beene needfull, if the former had beene perfect. v. 7.
  • 2. In establishing the Covenant of grace, which excelleth the old Covenant;
    • 1. In respect of a greater mea­sure of knowledge which we have by it, then the Fathers had by the old. v. 10, 11.
    • 2. In respect of the justificati­on of our persons in the for­givenesse of our sinnes freely for Christs sake. v. 12.

CHAP. IX.

A Comparison betwixt the

• Sactifice of Christ; And
• The sacrifices of the Law; wherein we may observe,
  • 1. The meannesse and small power those of the Law had, because they were meerly carnall, and therefore did not purge,
    • 1. The conscience, which was a spirituall things. v. 9. But
    • 2. Meerly the flesh.
  • 2. The excellency of Christs sacrifice, proved,
    • 1. From the matter whereof it was made; which was not
      • 1. The bloud of buls and goates: But
      • 2. The bloud of himselfe.
    • 2. From the efficacy of it; proved,
      • 1. By comparing it with that of goates, &c. that if they did purisy, much more his bloud. v. 13, 14.
      • 2. By doing that perfectly at once, which the High Priests did imperfectly endeavour to doe at many times; where­as, [Page 144]
        • 1. They offered every yeare for sinne. v. 25. He
        • 2. Offered himselfe but once for all. v. 28. in that
          • 1. He did dye once; And
          • 2. He could but dye once, for this reason, because it is appointed for all men once, and but once to dye. v. 27.

CHAP. X.

A further prosecution of the same doctrine, con­cerning

• 1. The insufficiency of the sacrifices of the Law to justi­fie any, or pardon sinnes, v. 1. proved by reasons taken,
  • 1. From the nature of those sacrifices, which were
    • 1. Meerly shadowes of that which was to be perfected by Christ; And not
    • 2. Any reall substance at all able of themselves as much as to satisfie for the least sinne. v. 1.
  • 2. From the reiteration and frequent use of them; whereof were offered,
    • Some once a yeare. v. 3.
    • Others daily. v. 11.
    [Page 145] Note If these sacrifices had beene suffici­ent to pardon sinnes, one offering would have beene enough.
  • 3. From the disproportion betwixt them and sinnes; whereby it was impossible that the bloud of goates and buls should take away sinnes, v. 4. Because
    • 1. They were carnall, sinnes spi­rituall.
    • 2. They were finite, sinnes infi­nite, as being committed a­gainst an infinite God.
  • 4. By Scripture authority (to let them know, that it was not onely his saying) whereby it is said, that God refused those sacrifices, as things insufficient to justifi­cation. v. 5, 6, 7, 8.
• 2. The sufficiency of Christs sacrifice; which
  • 1. Did make satisfaction for sinne at one time, which the Priests could not make at many times. v. 10.
  • 2. Did put an end to all sacrifices for the time to come, by obtaining a full pardon for sinnes. v. 18.
• 3. The Ʋse of the Doctrine, grounded upon the conside­ration of our accesse to God by prayers, through Christ Jesus, and many other benefits. v. 19, 20, 21.
  • 1. Of Exhortation unto faith; and in it,
    • 1. To a perseverance in it. v. 23.
    • 2. To a bringing forth of the fruits of it, in a good life. v. 24.
  • 2. Of Dehortation, whereby he forbids them, [Page 146]
    • 1. To be Schismatickes, in forsaking the Church, out of pride, singularity, &c. and thereby breaking Christian love and charity. v. 25.
    • 2. To be Apostates, in falling away from that Religion they had beene brought up in, by reason of any persecution what­soever. v. 26.
      • 1. Totally and wilfully. ibid.
      • 2. With delight.
      • 3. Against knowledge and consci­ence, Because for such wilfull falling away they must expect.
        • 1. No mercy. ibid. But
        • 2. Punishment at the day of judgement, v. 27. which will be,
          • 1. Great; because the pu­nishment of the con­tempt of Moses his Law, (which was a lesse sin then the con­tempt of Christs mer­cy, and merits) was so great. v. 28, 29.
          • 2. Will certainly be in­flicted; because God is a God of justice and vengeance, as well as mercy. v. 30, 31.
  • 3. Of Caution against impatience; and that they doe not fall into it, for these reasons; because, [Page 147]
    • is They had formerly stoutly endured af­flictions; which were,
      • 1. Great, full of contention, like unto battailes. v. 32.
      • 2. Sharpned with publique scorne and derision, v. 33. and therefore a shame to be worse then they had beene.
    • 2. God would reward them for it. v. 35.
    • 3. The reward would be certaine, because promised by God. v. 36.
    • 4. Their comfort and reliefe would not be long deferred. v. 37.
    • 5. Their faith would make them live chearfully in the midst of all afflictions. v. 37.
    • 6. They were not of the number of back­sliders. v. last.

CHAP. XI.

• 1. A Description of Faith. v. 1.
• 2. The danger of the want of it. v. 6.
• 3. The various and severall effects of it, proved in many examples, especially of the Fathers of old time, who were famous for what they did by it, and suffered for it▪ v. 2. As,
  • 1. The knowledge of the Creation, and
    • 1. Its Author. v. 3.
    • 2. Its manner, ibid. which many lear­ned Philosophers with all their study could not find out.
  • [Page 148]2. The acceptance both of,
    • 1. Our persons in Abels example. v. 4.
    • 2. Our actions in Abels example. v. 4.
  • 3. Freedome from death, in the example of E­noch, who was translated. v. 5.
  • 4. Watchfulnesse and providence to prevent fu­ture evils, in the example of Noah; who,
    • 1. Believing a floud to come, pro­vided an Arke to save himself and family. v. 7. Whilst others
    • 2. Disbelieving it, were through carnall security drowned. ibid.
  • 5. A strong trust and confidence in God for maintenance, and a livelyhood, at all times, and in all places, in the example of Abraham, whose faith made him,
    • 1. Willing to leave his owne Country.
    • 2. Confident to have a better (i.) in Heaven. v. 8, 9.
  • 6. Temporall blessings beyond all expectation, in the example of Sarah, who had a child un­looked for, against the ordinary course of Na­ture. v. 11, 12.
  • 7. Selfe-deniall; in the example of Abraham, who denied his fatherly affection to his Sonne, in offering up Isaac. v. 17, 18, 19.
  • 8. A strong relying upon Gods providence for all good things; not onely,
    • 1. Towards a mans selfe; But
    • 2. Towards his posterity, in the examples of Isaac and Jacob, who by this con­fidence bestowed estates upon their po­sterity, which were not then in their possession. v. 20, 21.
  • [Page 149]9. Courage to doe things even to the hazard of life; in the example of the parents of Moses, who preserved him though the King had for­bid it upon paine of death. v. 23.
  • 10. Contempt of the World, (i.) the riches and pleasures of it; in the example of Moses, who left his Courtiers life, to live a miserable life with the afflicted Israelites. v. 24, 25, 26.
  • 11. Gods protection of them that doe undertake dangerous journies; in the example of the Israelites, who were preserved in their journey through the Red Sea. v. 29.
  • 12. Victory by weake meanes, in the example of Jericho, conquered by Rammes hornes. v. 30.
  • 13. Preservation in the midst of dangers; in the examples,
    • 1. Of Daniel preserved in the Lyons denne. v. 33.
    • 2. Of the three Children preser­ved in the flames of fire. v. 34.
  • 14. Deliverance from dangers, in the example of Rahab, v. 31. and others. v. 34.
  • 15. Victory over dangers. v. 34.
  • 16. Miraculous recovery of life, in the example of the woman of Sereptaes child, raised by Elias. v. 35.
  • 17. A stoutnesse and valour;
    • 1. In refusing the offers of life, upon tearms of forsaking their faith and Religion. v. 35.
    • 2. In enduring, [Page 150]
      • 1. Afflictions,
        • 1. In their names. v. 36.
        • 2. In their bodies.
          • 1. By imprisonment, and whippings. ibid.
          • 2. By disconsolate wan­dring up and down. v. 37, 38.
      • 2. Martyrdome, of severall kinds; as stoning, sawing asunder, &c. v. 37.
• 4. And Lastly; A strong Motive to stirre them up to faith, by considering the faith of them of old; and how that it would be a great shame for them,
  • 1. Not to believe in Christ already come; When as
  • 2. They of old, which received not the pro­mises, v. 13.39. did strongly believe in Christ before his coming.

CHAP. XII.

The Christians journey; wherein,

• 1. The nature of it; it is rugged and thorny; implyed in these words, Runne with patience. v. 1.
• 2. The end of it, (i.) Heaven.
• 3. Our guides in it, and examples to follow, that we be not discouraged with those afflictions that are in it: And these are,
  • 1. The Fathers of old, mentioned in the former Chapter, who by faith overcame great afflictions. v. 1.
  • 2. Christ Jesus, whom we are chiefly to observe in this journey; and to con­sider, [Page 151]
    • 1. The greatnesse of his person;
      • 1. In respect of power; he is the Author and finisher of our faith. v. 2.
      • 2. In respect of his honour, he sits at Gods right hand ibid.
    • 2. The greatnesse of his sufferings, afflicti­ons in body and name, ibid. So that out afflictions are nothing to his.
    • 3. His encouragement to suffer, (i.) the consideration of the joyes of Heaven to be after all this enjoyed. ibid.
• 4. Our comforts and refreshments against afflictions, least we faint under them, in the serious considera­tion,
  • 1. Of the smallnesse and lightnesse of our sufferings, which are not the losse of life, as Christs was. v. 4.
  • 2. Of the causes of them, which is Gods love; in that they proceed from God, not
    • 1. As an angry Judge; But
    • 2. As a loving Father. v. 5, 6, 7. and therefore if we pati­ently suffer,
      • 1. The corrections of our earthly Fathers, who of­ten corrects, out of pas­sionate anger, to please themselves; much more should we
      • 2. The chastisements of God, who is our heavenly [Page 152]Father; and corrects us, not to please himselfe, but profit us. v. 9, 10.
    • 3. Of the benefit by them; for though afflictions are,
      • 1. Hurtfull and unpleasant to the body. v. 11. Yet they are
      • 2. Helpfull and profitable to the soule. ibid.
    • 5. Directions for our behaviour in this journey; which are,
      • 1. Not to be dejected, nor to hang downe our hands and heads for any affliction whatsoever. v. 12. 0208 1440 V But rather,
      • 2. To make all Gospell precepts tot he bearing of afflictions easy to us, by a constant practice of them. v. 13.
      • 3. To be of a peaceable and holy conversation in all our wayes. v. 14.
    • 4. To take heed,
      • 1. Not to goe out of the right way [...], by fal­ling into heresies. v. 15.
      • 2. Not to goe backe againe, when we are in the right way, ibid. for grace being once lost, is hard to be recovered; as appeares by the example of Esau, who could not recover the blessing which he lost, v. 16, 17. which he too late did seeke for with teares; which were, not
        • 1. Of repentance, and sorrow for his sin: But
        • 2. Of discontent, and disdaine against his Brother for a temporall losse. ibid.
    • [Page 153]6. Reasons to perswade us to walke well in this our Christian journey; which are,
      • 1. The greatnesse of mercies already received; in that we Christians doe not live,
        • 1. Under the threats and terrours of the Law, which was given
          • 1. With a fearfull sound of the trumpet.
          • 2. With dreadfull flames of fire.
          • 3. With terrible stormes. v. 18, 19. But
      • 2. Under the sweet mercies of the Gospell; which doth not,
        • 1. Threaten death to sinners; But
        • 2. Promise life and pardon, if they be penitent, through the bloud of Christ, which doth not cry,
          • 1. For vengeance, as Abels did: But
          • 2. For mercy and pardon. v. 24.
      • 2. The greatnesse of judgements which will be in­flicted on us, if we doe not walke answerable to this great mercy.
        • 1. In respect of the greatnesse of the per­son of Christ; for if the contempt of Moses, who was but a Servant upon Earth, was severely punished: how much more will the despising of the mercies by Christ Jesus our great Master in Heaven? v.25.
        • 2. In respect of the nature of God; who though
        • [Page 154]1. He He hath beene mercifull to us, in giving us his Sonne to satisfie for our sinnes: Yet
        • 2. He will be just, in punishing us, if we presume upon that mercy, and walke▪ not in some measure worthy of it. v. 29.

CHAP. XIII.

The Conclusion of the Epistle,

• 1. With an Exhortation of them to several virtues; as,
  • 1. Such as concerne themselves;
    • 1. In body; as chastity. v. 4.
    • 2. In estate; as contentednesse. v. 5.
    • 3. In mind and judgement; as a setlednesse and constancy, not to be led away with superstitious doctrines concerning the observation of Mosaicall rites, in abstai­ning from certain kinds of meats. v. 9.
  • 2. Such as concerne others:
    • 1. In generall; all men; as,
      • 1. Wishing well to all. v. 1.
      • 2. Doing well to all. v. 16.
  • 2. In particular, concerning some;
    • 1. Those who for the most part are ei­ther our equals, or inferiours; as,
      • 1. Hospitality of distressed tra­vellers. v. 2.
      • 2. Charity to prisoners. v. 3.
      • 3. Prayers for the distressed. v. 18.
    • 2. Those who are our superiours; as the Ministers of the Gospell; as, [Page 155]
      • 1. Obedience to their government. v. 7.17.
      • 2. Imitation of their virtues. v.17.

  With a servent prayer for them, v. 20, 21. for Gods

  • 1. Sanctifying grace.
  • 2. Assisting grace.

With the good newes of Timothy's liberty, v. 23. and his usuall salutation and benediction. v. 24, 25.

CHAP. I.

In this Epistle (which was writ to the afflicted and dispersed Jewes after their captivities, by Saint James, who was

• 1. Not the sonne of Zebedee: But v. 1. of this Cha­pter;
• 2. Of Alpheus, v. 1. of this Cha­pter;

He speaketh,

• 1. Of the evill of Affliction; and,
  • 1. Of our behaviour in it; which must be,
    • 1. With patience; whereof,
      • 1. The cause is faith. v. 3.
      • 2. The perfection, which is perseverance to the end. v. 4.
  • 2. With chearfulnesse; in that
    • 1. Though he be low one way, in being afflicted. v. 9. Yet
    • 2. He is exalted another way, in having interest in Christ Jesus. ibid.
  • [Page 157]2. Of our way to get the knowledge of the Au­thor, effects and benefits of this affliction, which is prayer, v. 5. which if it be made
    • 1. With faith and confidence in God that he will grant it: It will be
    • 2. Successefull, because God is bountifull and liberall to grant. v. 5, 6, 7, 8.
  • 3. The benefit by it; eternall joy for momentary sorrow. v. 12.
• 2. The evill of Prosperity which is pride and vanity, im­plyed in the virtue which the rich are bound to give God thankes for, (i.) humili [...]y; which virtue is got by a serious consideration of the vanity of all earthly things, which are compared to the flowers of the field. v. 10, 11.
• 3. The evill of Sinne, and the cause of it; which is,
  • 1. Our owne naturall corruption; which
    • 1. Drawe [...]h us from that which is good. v. 14.
    • 2. Entiseth us to that which is evill. ibid. And not
  • 2. God; who is not,
    • 1. The Author of evill: But
    • 2. Of every good thing.
      • 1. Temporall.
      • 2. Spirituall; and in particular, of our regeneration, by the preaching of the Word, v. 18. by which great gift of regene­ration, being received, we are bound to doe the workes thereof.
  • [Page 158]1. In avoiding those common sinnes,
    • 1. Of hearing
    • 2. Of speaking
      • 1. Unprofitable;
      • 2. Angry and passionate talke. v. 14.
    • 2. In the diligent hearing of Gods Word. v. 21, 22.
    • 3. Serious meditation of Gods Word. v. 21, 22.
    • 4. Faithfull practice of Gods Word, v. 21, 22.
    • in the looking into the glasse of Gods Word; not
      • 1. Slightly, to see our sinnes, and presently after to forget them, without any care to amend them; like those that slightly look into glasses, to see the faults of their faces, and afterwards never mend them. v. 23, 24. But
      • 2. Seriously, with resolution to amend all. v. 25. And to be a Christian, not onely,
      • 1. In outward shew and profession of Religion: But
      • 2. In the true exercise of it;
        • 1. In keeping in the tongue from wronging others by detraction, and bitter talke. v. 26.
        • 2. In stretching out the hand to the charitable reliefe of afflicted peo­ple; as fatherlesse and widowes. v. 27.
        • 3. In living a life free from all scan­dall. ibid.

CHAP. II.

How Christians should esteeme and thinke of others;

• 1. For their riches; and for these onely men are not to be honoured: because rich men are usually,
  • 1. Oppressours. v. 6.
  • 2. Contemners of Religion. ibid.
• 2. For their poverty; and for this no man is to be scorn­ed, and contemned;
  • 1. Because God respects the poore, in be­stowing his graces upon them often in a more plentifull manner then upon the rich. v. 5.
  • 2. Because Charity commands us to love them. v. 8.
  • 3. Because the uncharitable contempt of them, is the breach of the Law, though all the other parts of the Law be per­formed. v. 9, 10▪ 11.
  • 4. Because mercifull judging of these men, without scorned and hatred, will be re­warded, v. 13.
• 3. For their outward profession of their faith; and for this onely men are not to be esteemed true believing Chri­stians; for where there is not a good life answerable to their outward sh [...]w of Beligion, there is no true faith; for faith, which doth j [...]stifie, is not,

• [Page 160]1. A bare naked and historicall faith, for this:
  • 1. Doth helpe others no more, then wishing the poor meat, doth fill their bellies. v. 15, 16.
  • 2. Doth not distinguish a man from a Devill. v. 19. But
  • 2. A working faith; which by good workes doth

• 1. Declare and testifie it selfe before men. v. 18.
• 2. Justifie us before God, as it did
  • 1. Abraham; not for bare belie­ving, but for doing, (i.) in of­fering up his sonne. v. 23.
  • 2. Rahab, not onely for a bare be­liefe of Gods promises, but for her good workes in entertain­ing the Spies sent by Joshua. v. 25.
• 3. Preserve its life, in the exercise of it selfe by good workes; which though they be not,
  • 1. The soule of faith; which is the cause of them: Yet
  • 2. They are the vitall spirit and breath of faith, whereby the life of it may be discerned. v. last.

CHAP. IIII.

We must be meeke in reproving others;

• 1. Because we our selves are faulty as well as others, v. 1.
  • 1. Especially in many things. v. 2.
  • 2. In particular, in not governing our tongues; the government whereof,
    • 1. Sheweth discretion. ibid.
    • 2. Is difficult;
      • 1. In respect of its power over o­ther things; wherein it is com­pared to a bit of a bridle, and a helme of a ship; which, like the tongue, are.
        • 1. Little in substance.
        • 2. Great in operation.
      • 2. In respect of the unrulinesse of that power, which is more then that of wild beasts.
  • 3. Is necessary;
    • 1. To prevent dissentions, mur­thers, and miseries which pro­ceed from the unrulinesse of it. v. 6.
    • 2. To keepe it from that unnaturall monstrous way of venting things quite contrary, as piety and im­piety, cursing and blessing; whereas it was made onely for blessing. v. 9, 10, 11, 12.
  • 2. Because to be bitterly and enviously consorious, is not
    • 1. Heavenly wisedome; whose fruits are,
    • 1. Peaceablenesse,
    • 2. Gentlenesse, But
      • 3. Easinesse to be intreated.
      • 4. Mercifulnesse. v. 13, 1 [...], 18.
    • 2. Earthly, and hellish. v. 15.

CHAP. IV.

• 1. Of the Flesh, and the lusts thereof; whose effects are,
  • 1. Quarrelling and contention. v. 1.
  • 2. Insatiablenesse with what they have. v. 2.
  • 3. Vaine and wicked prayers for riches. Not
    • 1. To supply their necessity: But
    • 2. To maintaine their roitousnesse. v. 3.
• 2. Of the World; and
  • 1. The love of it; which is spirituall adul­tery and enmity with God. v. 4.
  • 2. The pride in it; which is hatefull to God. v. 6.
  • 3. Trust, and confidence, and joy in the riches of it, more then in Gods provi­dence; which proceeds from a want of a serious consideration,
    • 1. Of the shortnesse of life.
    • 2. Of the uncertainty of riches. v. 13, 14, 15.
  • 4. Uncharitable speaking ill of others; whereby men sinne,
    • 1. Against the Law; in judging others: Not,
      • 1. According to its rule: But
      • 2. According to our owne wils. v. 11.
  • 2. Against God; in usurping that judge­ment of others upon them, which be­longs to him. v. 12.
• [Page 157]3. Of the Devill; against whom we are,
  • 1. Encouraged to fight;
  • 2. Promised victory. v. 7.
• 4. A Remedy against all these forementioned sins; which is a turning unto God, v. 8. with repentance; which must be both,
  • 1. With outward weeping of the eyes. v. 9.
  • 2. With inward sorrow and humiliation of heart. v. 10.

CHAP. V.

• 1. Comforts to the afflicted:
  • 1. By telling them the calamities and judgements that will befall their Oppressours, (i.) the rich men of the world; whereof,
    • 1. Some are too covetous, in hoording up riches, and letting them rather rust and canker, and corrupt, then relieve the needy by being laid out. v. 2, 3.
    • 2. Others are too prodigall, in spending their wealth to maintaine their sensuall lusts and pleasures, v. 5.
    • 3. Others are deceitfull, in not paying the hirelings their wages. v. 4.
    • 4. Others are Oppressours of the godly. v. 6.
  • [Page 164]2. By exhorting them to patience;
    • 1. By laying before them the patience of Husbandmen, who in their labours and toyles wait patiently for the harvest. v. 7.
    • 2. By telling them their speedy delive­rance. v. 8.
    • 3. By shewing them, that afflictions are no new and strange unusuall things; for they have besalne,
      • 1. The Prophets of old, who were patient under them. v. 10.
      • 2. Job, who is famous unto this day for his patience. v. 11.
    • 4. By telling them the reward of patience, which is happinesse. ibid.
    • 5. By shewing the danger of impatience, in that it causeth swearing and cursing; from both which he disswades them most earnestly. v. 12.
• 2. Directions what to be done in all times; as,
  • 1. In times of prosperity; praising of God for it. 0208 1440 V 2 v.13.
  • 2. In times of adversity; praying to God for com­fort. 0208 1440 V 2 ibid.
  • 3. In times of sicknesse and infirmity;
    • 1. Of the body; sending as well,
      • 1. For the Physitian of the soule, to pray with the sick, and for them v. 14. As,
      • 2. For the Physitian of the body.
    • 2. Of the mind; when any is in an errour; and this is, [Page 165]
      • 1. Confession made by the sinner to some, that may either comfort or in­struct him. v. 16.
      • 2. Prayer for him; which is proved to be an effectuall remedy, by the ex­ample of the powerfull prayer which Elias made. v. 16, 17.
      • 3. Instruction of him, to draw him from his erroneous wayes; which will be, next under God, the salvation of his soule. v. 19, 20.

CHAP. I.

• 1. His Salutation; wherein is shewne,
  • 1. His Condition, what he is, (i.) an A­postle, &c. v. 1.
  • 2. Their Condition, what they are, (i.) con­verted Jewes, (whereof he was a Do­ctor, as Saint Paul was of the Gentiles) who are,
    • 1. Miserable in respect of this life, as be­ing dispersed and scattered by persecu­tion. ibid.
    • 2. Happy in respect of the next life, as as being seperated from the world by election, v. 2. of which we may ob­serve, [Page 167]
      • 1. The cause; Gods decree. ibid.
      • 2. The markes and signes; ho­linesse of life; and this wrought by the Spirit. ibid.
      • 3. The meanes whereby it was wrought, (i.) bloud of Christ Jesus. ibid.
  • 2. His prayer to God;
    • 1. For his graces to them. ibid.
    • 2. For the measure of those graces, (i.) a­bundance. ibid.
  • 3. His praises of God;
    • 1. For their strong hope of a better life, v. 3. wherein is laid downe,
      • 1. The cause of this hope; which is,
        • 1. Not our merits; But
        • 2. Gods mercy. ibid.
      • 2. The certainty of it, (i.) the resurrecti­on of Christ. ibid.
      • 3. The benefits which we shall reape by this hope; which are,
        • 1. Joy in afflictions in this life. v. 6.
        • 2. An inheritance in the next life; which will not be like this earthly;
          • 1. Impure and fading: But
          • 2. Pure and everlasting. v. 4.
    • 2. For their faith; where we may consider, [Page 168]
      • 1. Its nature;
        • 1. In supporting that hope in the midst of of all afflictions, v. 5. which are,
          • 1. The triall of faith it selfe, in this life. v. 7. And will be
          • 2. For the honour and glory of the faithfull, at the day of judgement. ibid.
        • 2. In believing things not seene and not had, as already enjoyed, (i.) joyes in Christ Jesus. v. 8.
      • 2. Its reward; salvation by Christ Jesus. v. 9. Concerning which we may further observe,
        • 1. Its worth and excellency; in that the Prophets made it their chiefe and maine study to know both,
          • 1. The substance of this salvation; And
          • 2. The circumstances of it. viz.
            • 1. The manner of Christs
              • 1. Manifestation.
              • 2. Suffering in the flesh, v. 11.
            • 2. The time thereof. ibid.
          • 2. Its coming to passe in their dayes; whereby they were more happy then the Prophets, who did not live to see Christ in the flesh. v. 12.
    • [Page 169]4. Their duty to God for his great mercy, in having the manifestation of Christ in their dayes, v. 13. and for other great benefits vouchsafed them; which they ought to performe,
      • 1. In casting away all impediments and hindran­ces in their way to Heaven. v. 13.
      • 2. In using sobriety and moderation; Not onely,
        • 1. In meates and drinkes; But
        • 2. In all other fleshly desires. v. ibid.
      • 3. In the perseverance of a hope of our better life. ibid.
      • 4. In living holy lives;
        • 1. Because God is a loving Father; and Chil­dren ought to imitate their Fathers vir­tues. v. 14.
        • 2. Because God is a holy God; who hath
          • 1. Called us, to the end we might be holy. v. 15.
          • 2. Commanded us to be so. v. 16.
        • 3. Because God is a severe Judge, and will punish offenders. v. 17.
        • 4. Because they were redeemed from sinne, that they might sinne no more; Not
          • 1. With summes of money, as Gally-slaves are redeemed from the Turkish slavery: But
          • 2. With the pretious bloud of Christ Je­sus, whereby they were set at liberty from the slavery,
            • 1. Of Sinne. v. 18, 19.
            • 2. Of Satan. v. 18, 19.
    • [Page 170]5. Their duty to their neighbours, which is love; which ought to be,
      • 1. True, and sincere.
        • 1. Without dissimulation. v. 22.
        • 2. Without respect of any private ends, as gaine, &c. ibid.
      • 2. Fervent, without coldnesse. ibid.
      • 3. Spirituall, such as may become regenera­ted men. v. 23. who are borne, not
        • 1. Of carnall seed of the flesh; whereof
          • 1. The substance is as corrupti­ble as grasse. v. 24.
          • 2. The beauty is as fading as the flowers of the field. ibid. But
        • 2. Of the spirituall seed of the spirit, which is durable, and will never faile. v. last.

CHAP. II.

An Ʋse of Exhortation of his doctrine in the last Chapter, to the fruits of regeneration, and the duties of the regenerate men, (who are compared to new babes) v. 2.

• [Page 171]1. In forsaking,
  • 1. The sinnes of the heart; as malice and envy. v. 1.
  • 2. The sinnes of the tongue; as all evill speaking to and of others. ibid.
  • 3. The lusts of the flesh; which
    • 1. Are unfit for us, who are strangers in this world, and ought not to regard,
      • 1. The carnall things on earth: But
      • 2. The spirituall things in heaven.
    • 2. Are hindrances to the salvation of our soules. v. 11.
• 2. In a delightfull hearing of the Word; which is
  • 1. Compared to milke;
    • 1. For its purity.
    • 2. For its sweetnesse.
    • 3. For the nourishment and increase by it. v. 2.
  • 2. Sharpned and increased by a tast and ex­perimentall knowledge of Gods goodnesse to us in Christ Jesus. v. 3.
• 3. In laying hold on Christ by a lively faith, v. 4. who is not onely,
  • 1. The Foundation of the Church, in being a Corner Stone of it. v. 7. whereby we are built and edified by the preaching of the Word. v. 5. But
  • 2. The preservation of it; by giving life and vertue to it, as being a living Stone. v. 4. and a Saviour; not [Page 172]
    • 1. Of Infidels; who for want of saith,
      • 1. Are contemners and undervalu­ers of salvation by Christ Jesus. v. 7.
      • 2. Shall be destroyed, and have no benefit in Christs merits. v. 8. But
    • 2. Of Believers; who by faith highly e­steeme the salvation by him. v. 7.
• 4. In not being scandalous in their lives, that their Re­ligion might not be ill spoken of by the Heathen, for the bad lives of the Professours of it. v. 12.
• 5. In obedience to Governours;
  • 1. Because they are appointed by God, for pu­nishment of vice, and encouragement of vir­tue. v. 14.
  • 2. Because disobedience of Superiours, will make the Heathens speake ill of their Religion. v. 15.
  • 3. Because Christian liberty doth free all,
    • 1. From sinne, and the rigour of the Law; Not
    • 2. From obedience to Magistrates. v. 16.
• 6. In respecting all men; and this,
  • 1. In loving those of our owne profession, v. 2. in giving obedience, not onely
    • 1. Active: But
    • 2. Passive; in suffering wrongfully of those that are our Masters, though they be In­fidels, and not of our Religion. v. 18. [Page 173]
      • 1. Because wrongfull suffering will be re­warded hereafter. v. 19.
      • 2. Because such suffering is the lot of all Christians. v. 21.
      • 3. Because Christ suffered the like. v. 21, 22, 23, 24.
  • 2. The Apostles Reasons of his Exhortation to these workes of Regeneration;
    • 1. Because they were chosen and seperated from the World, like Priests. v. 9.
    • 2. Because of a contemptible and despised people, they were made by Gods speciall favour, a peculiar people, purchased by the bloud of Christ. ibid.
    • 3. Because they were called,
      • 1. From darknesse to light, (i.) igno­rance of salvation to the knowledge thereof. ibid.
      • 2. From by-wayes, (i.) sinfull courses, to the true way, (i.) newnesse of life. v. last. And all this for no other end, but to glorifie God, by living holy lives, an­swerable to these great mercies of God.

CHAP. III.

Of Duties; which are,

• 1. Particular; and these,
  • 1. Of Wives; which are,
    • 1. In respect of their Husbands, to whom they are to be obedient, though they are un­believers, v. 1. because such obedience will be
      • 1. For the good of their Husbands, who are unconverted, by bringing them to a good liking of their Religion, by their chast and obedient carriage. v. ibid.
      • 2. For the honour of themselves, in as much as the Scripture makes honou­rable mention of Sarah, for her obe­dience to her husband Abraham. v. 5, 6.
    • 2. In respect of themselves; in using such ap­parell as may be; Not,
      • 1. Gaudy, and whorish. v. 3. But
      • 2. Decent and modest; and not re­garding so much the ornament of the body, as of the mind: which though it be not so visible to the eye, as that of the body, yet it is, [Page 175]
        • 1. More lasting and du­rable, and which will not weare, as that of the body. v. 4.
        • 2. More pleasing; though not,
          • 1. To the eyes of men: Yet
          • 2. To the eyes of God. ibid.
    • 2. Of Husbands; who are to use,
      • 1. Discretion towards their Wives, v. 7. Either,
        • 1. In reforming their faults: Or,
        • 2. In bearing with them till they be amended.
      • 2. In respect unto them;
        • 1. Because they are the more apt to of­fend, as being the weaker vessell. v. ibid.
        • 2. Because they shall partake of the joyes of Heaven, as well as their Husbands. ibid.
        • 3. Because that brawling betwixt man and wife, will be but a hindrance to their devotion. v. ibid.
  • [...]. Generall, of all Christians; to be loving,
    • 1. In thoughts. v. 8.
    • 2. In words. v. 9.
    • 3. In doeds. v. 8, 9. [Page 176]
      • 1. Because they are Brethren of the same Profession and Religion. v. 8.
      • 2. Because it is the end of our vocation, to doe good to all. v. 9.
      • 3. Because kindnesse, especially in our lan­guage, is the onely way to live,
        • 1. Peaceably with all men. v. 10.
        • 2. Happily in Gods favour and pro­tection. v. 12.
      • 4. Because innocent and harmlesse living, is the onely way to be free from the wrongs, even of the worst sort of people. v. 13.
  • 2. To be patient in the midst of all wrongs and injuries; and in them,
    • 1. To carry themselves towards their Per­secuters; Not
      • 1. With base feare: But
      • 2. With manly courage. v. 14.
    • 2. To carry themselves towards God; Not
      • 1. With murmuring against him. But
      • 2. By sanctifying him, v. 15.
        • 1. By praising him.
        • 2. By trusting and hoping in him.
    • 3. To follow the example of Christ; and not to take it ill if they suffer wrong­fully, when as Christ himselfe was not free from afflictions, v. 18. and did not onely suffer,
      • 1. By unjust men; But
      • 2. For unjust men. ibid. [Page 177]Who is,
  • 1. More righteous and holy then they; in doing good, Not onely
    • 1. In the flesh, in the New Testa­ment: But
    • 2. By his Spirit, in the Old; by in­spiring Noah to preach repen­tance to those sinners of his time; whereof,
      • 1. Some, for not repenting, are now damned in Hell. v. 19.
      • 2. Others, upon repentance, were saved by water, v. 20. to which water Baptisme may be compared, whose virtue doth consist; Not
        • 1. In the bare outward act of washing the outside of the body: But
        • 2. In cleansing the inside of the soule. v. 21.
    • 2. More powerfull; in that though
      • 1. He died in the flesh: Yet, v. 18.
      • 2. He was quickned by the Spi­rit. v. ibid.
    • 3. More honourable; in that he sits at Gods right hand. v. last.

CHAP. IV.

An Exhortation to many Christian duties, taken from the Doctrine of our Redemption, men­tioned in the former Chapter; As,

• 1. To mortification of the flesh; wherein we have,
  • 1. The motives to it; which are,
    • 1. The consideration of the death of Christ. v. 1.
    • 2. The serious consideration of our former ill led lives. v. 3.
  • 2. The effect of it; which is not the taking away,
    • 1. Of the very essence and being of sinne: But
    • 2. Of the power and dominion of it. v. 1.
  • 3. The meanes whereby it is wrought, (i.) the preaching of the Gospel. v. 6.
• 2. To the Devotion of the soule in prayer; whereunto is required,
  • 1. The consideration of the day of judge­ment. v. 7.
  • 2. Vigilancy over the heart against drow­sinesse, and distracted wandring thoughts. ibid.
• [Page 179]3. To Charity;
  • 1. In thinking well of others.
  • 2. In speaking well of others.
  • 3. In doing well to others:
    • 1. In our owne private Houses, by hospita­lity, v. 9. in relieving the hungry and distressed Strangers.
    • 2. In Gods House, the Church; wherein those that are lawfully called to the Mi­nistry, are bound to doe good to the souls of others, by their gifts, in preaching Gods holy Word, v. 10. which is to be delivered with that
      • 1. Gravity.
      • 2. Reverence, as may become it. v. 11.
  • 4. To patience in Afflictions; where we may consider,
    • 1. Their nature; what they are, (i.) trials of our faith. v. 12.
    • 2. Their kinds; which are,
      • 1. In estate; as losse of riches.
      • 2. In body; as losse of health.
      • 3. In name; as slanders and re­proaches. v. 4.14.
    • 3. Their Causes; which are,
      • 1. Bad; as theft, murther, med­ling too much with other mens businesses. v. 15.
      • 2. Good; as profession of Reli­gion, v. 16. for which Christi­ans were persecuted in those Primitive times.
    • 4. Their Extent; which is to all men, good and bad. v. 17.
    • 5. Our behaviour and carriage in these af­flictions; which doth consist, [Page 180]
      • 1. In not wondring at them, as new things, that never happened to any but our selves. v. 12.
      • 2. In not being dejected, and cast downe with them, but rather rejoycing. v. 13.
        • 1. Because we have Christ for the Ex­ample of our sufferings. ibid.
        • 2. Because we shall have joy for the re­ward of our griefe. ibid.
        • 3. Because it is the lot of all Christians. v. 17.
      • 3. In submitting to Gods will, in all our sufferings.
      • 4. In committing our selves, and our cause, to Gods care and protection, in all distresses whatsoever. v. last.

CHAP. V.

• 1. Other Duties;
  • 1. Of Ministers towards their flock; which are,
    • 1. The constant instruction of them.
    • 2. The carefull government of them. v. 2. to both which are required,
      • 1. Willingnesse of the mind. ibid.
      • 2. Honesty of the heart; in respect­ing,
        • 1. Gods glory.
        • 2. The peoples good. And not
        • 3. Their owne gaine and pro­fit. ibid.
    • 3. Their loving carriage towards them, without insulting over them. v. 3. To which duties is annexed their encouragement in their calling, (i.) their reward. v. 4.
  • [Page 181]2. Of the people.
    • 1. To the Ministers; that they, and espe­cially the younger sort, use a reverent carriage towards them. v. 5.
    • 2. To one another; in using a friendly and a loving carriage to all, without pride and insolency: Because pride is,
      • 1. Hatefull to God. ibid.
      • 2. A hindrance to the receiving of his graces, which are given onely to the humble. ibid.
  • 3. Of all; both Pastour and flock, to God All­mighty;
    • 1. In a patient bearing of afflictions sent by him;
      • 1. Because it is in vaine to resist him, who is all-powerfull. v. 6.
      • 2. Because meeknesse in afflictions is the way to deliverance from them. v. ibid.
    • 2. In a sincere relying on him, and trusting in him, for deliverance. v. 7.
    • 3. In keeping a strict watch over our selves, that we may not be surprized by the temptations of Satan; who is an Enemy,
      • 1. Cruell; And
      • 2. Subtile and industrious. v. 8.
    • 4. In arming our selves against his tempta­tions with a lively faith; and not think­ing our selves the worse for them, be­cause they befall the best men. v. 9.
• [Page 182]2. The Apostles Conclusion of the Epistle; wherein,
  • 1. His Prayer; and therein,
    • 1. The Preface of it; wherein are,
      • 1. Gods titles.
      • 2. Gods goodnesse. v. 10.
    • 2. The matter of it; that they may persevere and continue in Gods grace. ibid.
    • 3. The Conclusion of it; Gods praise. v. 11.
  • 2. The Party by whom he sent it, (i.) Syl­vanus, with his commendation. v. 12.
  • 3. The Men with whom he was, and the place where he was, when he writ it, and his Farewell. v. 13, 14.

CHAP. I.

• 1. His Salutation of the same persons writ to in his for­mer Epistle; wherein is,
  • 1. His calling; and this,
    • 1. Generall; a Christian. v. 1.
    • 2. Particular; an Apostle. ibid.
  • 2. Their calling; which is the profession of the Christian faith: whereof consider,
    • 1. The worth of it; as being pretious. ibid.
      • 1. In respect of its Object, (i.) Christ.
      • 2. In respect of its End, (i.) the sal­vation of our soules.
    • 2. Its comparison with the faith of the A­postle; which is the same,
      • 1. In respect of its virtue. v. ibid. Though not
      • 2. In respect of its degree.
    • 3. The cause of it; Gods mercy: in that it is, Not, [Page 184]
      • 1. A worke of our selves: But
      • 2. A gift of God, through the righteous­nesse of him, and our Saviour. ibid.
    • 3. His prayer for them. v. 2.
      • 1. For grace and peace. ibid.
      • 2. For their increase in both. v. ibid.
• 2. His Exhortation of them to holinesse of life;
  • 1. In leaving off the sinnes which they have fol­lowed in the time past. v. 4.
  • 2. In becoming new men for the time to come, by a constant endeavour to get, by the assistance of Gods grace.
    • 1. A working, and no bare and naked faith, but such as is joyned with a good life. v. 5.
    • 2. Knowledge in the mysteries of Religi­on. v. ibid.
    • 3. Temperance in prosperity, in the mode­rate use of all temporall blessings. v. 6.
    • 3. Patience in adversity; in the meeke bear­ing of all afflictions. v. ibid.
    • 5. Godlinesse towards God, in serving him. ibid.
    • 6. Charity;
      • 1. In a more especiall manner, to our brethren of the same profession. v. 7.
      • 2. In a more generall manner to all men whatsoever. ibid.
• 3. The Reasons of his Exhortation;
  • 1. Because we are engaged to live holy lives, by the goodnesse of God to us: which sufficiently appeareth,
  • 1. By his gifts; which [Page 185]
    • 1. Are all things belonging to our temporall and spirituall life. v. 3.
    • 2. Are wrought, through knowledge, in Christ Jesus. ibid.
  • 2. Because by his reward of those gifts; which is, exceeding great promises, v. 4,
    • 2. Because we are called,
      • 1. To live holy lives here; That we may,
      • 2. Live happy lives hereafter. v. 3.
    • 3. Because, by a holy life, we are made like unto God: Not
      • 1. According to his Divine Nature, and Essence; as if we had thereby the God­head in us: But
      • 2. According to his Divine Image; in righ­teousnesse and purity of the soule. v. 4.
    • 4. Because the knowledge of Christ, without a good life, is,
      • 1. No true knowledge; for this is fruitfull in a good life. v. 8. But,
      • 2. False, hypocriticall, and boasting in a meer shadow and blindnesse. v. 9.
    • 5. Because a holy life doth strengthen our assu­rance of our Election. v. 10.
    • 6. Because a holy life is the Pathway to Heaven. v. 11.
• 4. The Earnestnesse of his Exhortation, in pressing it so much upon them; and that by reason,
  • 1. Of the frailty of their memories, though their un­derstandings were good. v. 12, 13.
  • 2. Of the frailty of his mortall body, whereby he was not to continue long with them to instruct them; and therefore, the shorter his time was to be with them, the more diligent he would be in his Ministry. v. 14.
• 5. His Defence of the truth of the doctrine, (which he preached) against all gainsayers, which was concerning Christ Jesus; whose wonderfull power was, [Page 186]
  • 1. No lye and fable of his owne devising, to de­ceive the people. v. 16.
  • 2. No new thing, never heard of before. But
  • 3. A Reall truth; which
    • 1. He had seene with his eyes. v. ib.
    • 2. They themselves had read with their eyes, in the Prophers. v. 19. who fore­told all that power and Majestie of Christ Jesus: Not,
      • 1. Of their owne heads and fancies. v. 20, 21. But
      • 2. By the inspiration and direction of the Holy Spirit. v. last.

CHAP. II.

Of Heretickes; in which discourse the Apostle sheweth,

• 1. The necessity and unavoidablenesse of the being of such kind of men; that none may thinke it strange, or be discouraged at it; in that Heretickes
  • 1. Have beene of old, in the time of the Law, amongst the Israelites. v. 1.
  • 2. Will be in our dayes, in the time of the Gospell, amongst the Christians.
    • 1. To try the faith of some.
    • 2. To exercise the patience of o­thers.
• [Page 187]2. The doctrines of these Heretickes.
  • 1. The deniall of the principles of Reli­gion; as Redemption by Christ. v. 1.
  • 2. Licentiousnesse of life, under pre­tence of Christian liberty. v. 19.
• 3. Their ends and designes, which are gaine and profit; as Balaams designe was, when he went to curse the Israelites meerly for a reward. v. 3. 14, 15.
• 4. Their wayes to obtaine those ends.
  • 1. A subtile pretence of Religion, in speaking some truths; to foist and bring in privily their false doctrines. v. 1.
  • 2. Faire flattering speeches. v. 3.18.
• 5. Their power, in drawing many after them. v. 2.
• 6. The manner of their lives; they are,
  • 1. Hypocrites, that make a faire shew out­wardly, yet are wels without water, (i.) Professours without doing any good. v. 17.
  • 2. Troublesome and turbulent men in the Commonwealth.
    • 1. In speaking dishonourably of them that are in authori­ty, v. 10. which the Angels themselves, their betters, would never doe. v. 11.
    • 2. In not submitting peaceably to their government. v. 10.
  • 3. Intemperate men;
    • 1. In their gluttony. v. 13.
    • 2. In their drunkennesse. v. ibid.
    • 3. In their uncleannesse, and want of chastity. v. 14.
• [Page 188]7. The misery which they will bring,
  • 1. Upon themselves, (i.) great judgements. v. 1.3. which will as certainly befall them, as they did befall,
    • 1. The Angels. v. 4.
    • 2. Those before the floud. v. 5.
    • 3. Those after the floud; of Sodom and Gomorrah. v. 6.
  • 2. Upon others; and those,
    • 1. The godly that live amongst them; by tormenting,
      • 1. Their eyes with the fight of their beastly actions, as was Lots. v. 7, 8.
      • 2. Their eares with hearing their unseemly talke. ibid.
    • 2. The weaker sort of Christians;
      • 1. By drawing them from the true Religion, wherein they were not firmely setled. v. 14.
      • 2. By bringing upon them greater judgements for their relapsing, backsliding, and turning to their former wicked courses, like dogges to their vomits, and sowes to the mire. v. 20, 21, 22.
  • 3. Upon the Church; which is scorne, contempt, and reproach which will be cast upon it, by the enemies thereof, for having heretickes amongst the members of it. v. 2.

CHAP. III.

Three Ʋses;

• 1. Of Caution; to beware that they be not deceived by those false Prophets, that denied the day of judge­ment. v. 3.4.17.
• 2. Of Direction, how to avoid them; which is,
  • 1. A constant meditation of the Holy Scri­ptures, which they had,
    • 1. Read in the Prophets.
    • 2. Heard from the Apostles. v. 2.
  • 2. A Consideration of
    • 1. The simplicity of their opinions, in thinking,
      • 1. That all things are the same from the beginning of the World; which is false, because the world was destroyed with water. v. 4, 5, 6.
      • 2. That all things will be the same; when as God,
        • 1. Hath created all things of nothing, and can re­duce them to nothing a­gaine. And
        • 2. Will destroy all things; so that there shall be new Heavens, and a new Earth, if not, [Page 190]
          • 1. According to their na­turall substance: Yet
          • 2. According to their cor­rupt qualities. v. 7.
    • 2. The sinfulnesse of their lives, in making a trade of sinning, by walking after their lustss v. 3.
• 3. Of Exhortation;
  • 1. Not to be impatient, in thinking the day of judgement to be long in coming, to put an end to the miseries of this life;
    • 1. Because that that time which seemeth long to us, is but short in respect of God, in that a thousand yeares with us, is with him but one day. v. 8.
    • 2. Because that the delay of the day of judgement, is not
      • 1. Because he will not punish the wicked: But
      • 2. Because he will favour the Elect; that the longer it is deferred, the longer time they may have to repent. v. 9.
  • 2. Not to be carnally secure; but
    • 1. To stand upon our watch and guard, in respect, [Page 191]
      • 1. Of the certainty of the coming of Christ to judgement. v. 10.
      • 2. Of the uncertainty of the time of his coming. ibid.
    • 2. To endeavour,
      • 1. To cast off the corruption and filth of our sinnes; for if the whole world must be purged of its cor­ruption at the last day, much more must we be purged of ours. v. 11.
      • 2. To put on the purity of holinesse. v. 14.
      • 3. To make daily increase in all man­ner of goodnesse. v. last.

CHAP. I.

Of Christ.

• 1. His being before time, from the beginning, as God. v. 1.
• 2. His being in time, as Man, by his manifestation in the flesh; Concerning which we may observe,
  • 1. The certainty of it; as being,
    • 1. Seene and heard. v. 1.
    • 2. Often seene and heard. v. 3. by men who were,
      • 1. No lyars: But
      • 2. Of sufficient credit and re­pute, even the Apostles themselves. ibid.
  • 2. The publication of it to others; as be­ing a thing necessary to be knowne. v. 3.5.
  • 3. The benefit by it; [Page 193]
    • 1. Communion and fellowship; Not onely,
      • 1. With godly men. v. 3. But
      • 2. With God himselfe; and his Sonne Christ Jesus. ibid.
    • 2. Joy; whereof,
      • 1. The quality; which is a sense and ap­prehension,
        • 1. Of Gods great goodnesse in send­ing his Sonne to take our vile na­ture.
        • 2. Of the great comfort (in all af­flictions) by it.
        • 3. Of peace of conscience.
      • 2. The quantity and extent of it; which is fulnesse of joy. v. 4.
• 3. Forgivenesse of sinnes.
  • 1. The necessity of it; because all men are sin­ners: for he that out of pride doth say, that he hath no need of pardon, is
    • 1. A lyar himselfe. v. 8.
    • 2. Doth give the lye to God, who hath said that all are sinners. v. 10.
  • 2. The way to obtain it; which is, true, hearty, sincere and speedy confession. v. 9.
  • 3. The certainty of obtaining it, if we use such confession.
    • 1. Because God hath promised it.
    • 2. Because he will be as good as his word; he will be faithfull to performe his promises. ibid.
• [Page 194]4. The partakers of that great benefit, viz. communion with God, joy and forgivenesse of sinnes; which are,
  • 1- Not the unregenerate and habituall sin­ners, who live in darknesse. v. 6.
    • 1. Of ignorance.
    • 2. Of sinne. But
  • 2. The regenerate, and such as live a new life, who walke according to the light which is given them;
    • 1. Of knowledge.
    • 2. Of grace; for there is no justification, (i.) pardon of sinnes, without sancti­fication, (i.) holinesse of life. v. 7.

CHAP. II.

• 1. Of Gods dealing with us; concerning which he tels us (to prevent mistakes) that he doth not write to them of Gods great mercy;
  • 1. To encourage wilfull sinners, v. 1. for such shall have no benefit of his mercies. v. ibid. But
  • 2. To comfort such as sinne out of weake­nesse and infirmity; for whom Christ is, [Page 195]
    • 1. A Mediatour, and a pleader in their behalfe. ibid.
    • 2. A powerfull Mediatour.
      • 1. Because he is the Judge his Sonne.
      • 2. Because he is righteous. ibid.
• 2. Of our dealing with God; where he sheweth the signe and marke to know a true faith by: which is not;
  • 1. A bare verball profession to keepe his Com­mandments: But
  • 2. A reall practice of them; v. 3. for they that boast of knowing him by faith, and breake his Commandments, are,
    • 1. Hypocrites.
    • 2. Deceivers of the people. v. 4.
    Who doe not
    • 1. Abide in Christ.
    • 2. Are not,
      • 1. United to him by faith: Because
      • 2. They are not like unto him in holinesse. v. 5, 6.
• 3. Of our carriage in this life;
  • 1. Towards men in the world; who are,
    • 1. Our brothers which are so; either,
      • 1. By nature; so are all men in the world brothers in respect of Adam.
      • 2. By profession; as being of the same Religion; so Chri­stians are: whom we are enjoyned, Not onely, [Page 196]
        • 1. Not to hurt: But
        • 2. To help, in feeding the hungry, cloathing the naked, &c. as being engaged to doe it by a Commandment; which is no up­start and new Commandment:
          • 1. In respect of substance; for e­ven in the Old Testament, under the Law, they were commanded to love their Brothers: But
          • 2. In respect of the manner of pro­pounding it, and renewing it in the New Testament. v. 7.
    • 2. Who are seducers and false teachers.
      • 1. Whom he describeth, in shewing
        • 1. What they were, (i.) men who were of the Church meerly in shew and outward appearance. v. 19.
        • 2. What they are; such as denied the Godhead of Christ, and Re­demption by him. v. 22.
      • 2. Against whom he encourageth those he writeth to, as being well armed and for­tified against them by the gifts of the Ho­ly Spirit (which he compareth to an un­ction, v. 20.) as sound knowledge of all things: Not [Page 197]
        • 1. Absolutely: But
        • 2. Necessary, to keepe them from being se­duced; so that he did not give them this Caution against seducers:
          • 1. To instruct them in what they did not know: But
          • 2. To confirme them in what they did know. v. 21. And
          • 3. To exhort to persevere in doing so; and to sticke close to the Chri­stian Religion they had received. v. 28.
          Because thereby,
          • 1. They would rejoyce at the day of judgement, whilst others doe tremble, v. ibid.
          • 2. They would shew themselves to be no bastards, but true Sonnes of God, renewed after his image in holynesse. v. last.
  • 2. Towards the things of the World; which are,
    • 1. Pleasures of the flesh. v. 16.
    • 2. Profits.
    • 3. Power and honour; all which he
      • 1. Alloweth them,
        • 1. To possesse.
        • 2. To enjoy.
      • 2. Forbiddeth them to be enamoured with men, or to put confidence in them, v. 15. because they are
        • 1. Of the world, and not of God.
        • 2. Of a short continuance. v. 17.

CHAP. III.

• 1. Gods love to us;
  • 1. In giving us the title and priviledge of being his sonnes; Not,
    • 1. By nature; for so onely Christ is: But
    • 2. By adoption. v. 1.
  • 2. In giving us a hope, by this adoption, of a glo­rious appearance, and the enjoyment of the beatificall sight and vision of him, and of his be­ing. v. 2.
    • 1. Like to him in glory there; If
    • 2. We be like to him in holinesse here, v. 3. in not committing sinne wilfully, and thinking it to be a light matter; which is,
      • 1. The breach of the Law. v. 4.
      • 2. The worke not of God, but of the Devill, v. 8. which Christ came to destroy, by taking away,
        • 1. The guilt of it by his bloud.
        • 2. The polution of it, by his Spirit ibid.
• [Page 199]2. The worlds hatred of us; whereof,
  • 1. The cause; which is,
    • 1. The ignorance of God and god­linesse. v. 1.
    • 2. The innocence and righteous­nesse of the godly; for Abel was hated of Cain for his righteous­nesse. v. 12.
  • 2. The antiquity of it, (which should make us thinke it no strange thing) in being a thing practised from the beginning of the world; as appeares by the murther of Cain. ibid.
• 3. The difference betwixt the godly and ungodly in this life, (whereby may easily be seene the signes and markes of regeneration and unregeneration) for the sinnes of the godly are not,
  • 1. Sinnes of wilfulnesse, committed
    • 1. Out of malice.
    • 2. Out of custome.
    • 3. Out of delight; for such are the sinnes of the ungodly. Because,
      • 1. The godly are in Christ. (i.) are united to him by faith. v. 6.
      • 2. Are regenerate, and borne of God. v. 9.
      • 3. Have the seeds of spirituall graces in them, to restraine them from such sins. ibid. But
  • 2. Sinnes of weaknesse, and infirmity; which they commit partly, [Page 200]
    • 1. Out of ignorance.
    • 2. By being suddenly surprized with temptations.
    • 3. Contrary to their owne purposes and endeavours.
• 4. Of Brotherly love, and in it,
  • 1. The kinds of it; which are,
    • 1. Loving words, which are good.
    • 2. Loving deeds, which are better.
    • 3. Loving thoughts in the heart, which are the best of all, v. 18. if this kind of love be wanting, the other two will be to no purpose. And if
      • 1. We be judged of hypocrisy, and want of charity by the heart. v. 20. We cannot
      • 2. Escape the judgement of God, who knoweth the secrets of our hearts. ibid.
  • 2. The benefit of it.
    • 1. To others, in supplying their wants, espe­cially those of our owne profession. v. 17.
    • 2. To our selves; which is an assurance of our regeneration, which is a passing from the death of sinne to the life of righteous­nesse. v. 14.
    • 2. Of our being no Hypocrites. v. 19.
• 5. Of Gods Commandments.
  • 1. Their summe, comprehended in two words;
    • 1. Faith in Christ Jesus. v. 23.
    • 2. Love of our brethren. v. 23.
  • 2. Their reward for keeping them.
    • 1. The grant of all our prayers. v. 22.
    • 2. An interest in Christ, who (if we keepe his Commandments) will
      • 1. Dwell in us. v. 24.
      • 2. Discover to us, that he doth dwell in us, by the testimony of the Spirit. ibid.

CHAP. IV.

• 1. Concerning faith in matters of Religion; wherein he exhorts them,
  • 1. Not to be too rash in believing every doctrine they heare. v. 1. But
  • 2. To examine every thing; Not
    • 1. By the rule of their owne fancies and humours: But
    • 2. By the touchstone of Gods holy Word. v. ibid.
• 2. He sheweth,
  • 1. What doctrines
    • 1. Are true, and to be adhered to, viz. the doctrine of salvation by Christ Je­sus. v. 2.
    • 2. Are false and hereticall; which are such as denied the Divinity and Incar­nation of Christ. v. 3.
  • 2. The natures and conditions of the venters of such doctrines: They are such,
    • 1. As have not the spirit of inspiration and revelation which they beast so much of. v. ibid.
    • 2. As are worldly minded. v. 5.
    • 3. As are fleshly minded; And
      • 1. Preach sensuall things, pleasing to flesh and bloud, as licentiousnesse of life. v. ibid.
      • 2. Have sensuall Auditours. v. ibid.
  • [Page 202]3. He doth comfort them against such Here­tickes, by telling them that they are such as have overcome the subtilties of them; Not
    • 1. By their owne strength and power: But
    • 2. By the wisedome of God; whereby they are enabled to discover the falshood of such Heretickes. And
    • 3. By his power; whereby they become Conquerours. v. 4.
• 2. Concerning
  • 1. Gods love to us; wherein observe,
    • 1. The extent and greatnesse of it;
      • 1. In loving us first. v. 19.
      • 2. In expressing this love; Not onely,
        • 1. In giving us the creatures for our use and service, and preservation and good of our bodies: But
        • 2. In giving up his deare and onely Sonne for the salvati­on of our soules. v. 9.
    • 2. Our love to our neighbours;
      • 1. Because God loveth us. v. 11.
      • 2. Because we cannot love him againe, unlesse we love our brethren. v. 20.

CHAP. V.

• 1. Of Faith.
  • 1. Its fruits; which are,
    • 1. Regeneration and newnesse of life; whereby the Regenerate,
      • 1. Beare Gods image. v. 1.
      • 2. Have a freedome,
        • 1. From wilfull sinning, and making a trade of sinne. v. 18.
        • 2. From being, if not
          • 1. Assaulted: Yet
          • 2. Overcome by Satans tem­ptations. v. ibid.
      • 3. Obtaine victory over the world, v. 4. when it doth either
        • 1. Flatter with prosperity; Or,
        • 2. Threaten with persecution.
    • 2. A strong confidence of obtaining the grant of those prayers which we shall offer up to God at any time. v. 14.
      • 1. For our selves, if they be not made
        • 1. According to our own vain and wicked desires: But
        • 2. According to Gods blessed will, which should be the rule of all our prayers. v. 15.
      • 2. For others, when we pray for the pardon of their sinnes; so as they be not such sinners as doe not [Page 204]
        • 1. Sinne against the Holy Ghost. v. 16.
          • 1. For which God will give no repentance.
          • 2. To which, for want of repentance, he will give no pardon: But
        • 2. Onely commit such sinnes whereof
          • 1. They may;
          • 2. They doe repent. v. 16.
    • 2. Of the object of faith.
      • 1. Jesus Christ.
      • 2. The promises of God concerning him.
      • 3. The fulfilling the types of the Ceremoniall Law in him; As,
        • 1. The types of sacrifices by bloud, in his free­ing us from the guilt of sinne by his death.
        • 2. The types of washing, in his freeing us from the polution of sinne by the Spirit.
      • 4. The certainty of Christs being on earth to be our Saviour, because we have proofe and evi­dence for it, and that of three Witnesses; which is, Not
        • 1. Of men, though that were sufficient by the Law of Moses: But
        • 2. Of the Holy Trinity. v. 7.
          • 1. Of God, by a voice from Heaven.
            • 1. At his Baptisme.
            • 2. At his Transfiguration.
          • 2. Of Christ himselfe:
            • 1. By his doctrine.
            • 2. By his miracles.
          • 3. Of the Spirit, perswading the truth of it:
            • 1. In the Word of God.
            • 2. In the consciences of men.
    • [Page 205]3. Of Brotherly love; the cause whereof is,
      • 1. The love of God, whose image they beare. v. 1.
      • 2. Love of his Commandments; which doe,
        • 1. Enjoyne us to love others. v. 2, 3.
        • 2. Are easy to be performed; because by the Spirit we have both
          • 1. Will.
          • 2. Power to keepe them. v. 3.
    • 4. Of our service to God, who hath beene so loving to us, in giving us his Sonne to save our soules; which must be,
      • 1. Religious,
        • 1. In Spirit.
        • 2. In Truth. And not
      • 2. Superstitious, in carved images, under the faire pretences of representing him, who is a God of a Spirituall Essence. v. 21.

CHAP. I.

This Epistle was writ to a Lady; wherein,

• 1. The Commendation of her:
  • 1. Generally; in being called a Lady Elect: ei­ther,
    • 1. Because others did probably thinke her so for her many virtues, as charity, ho­spitality, &c. Or
    • 2. Because the Apostle did certainly foresee her to be in the state of salvation, by the inspiration of the Spirit. v. 1.
  • 2. Particularly; for the good education, and bringing up of her Children in the true Reli­gion, v. 4. whereby she preserved them from those heresies which many others were fallen into.
• [Page 207]2. The love and affection which was borne to her, both from himselfe and others, v. 7. and herein we may observe,
  • 1. The grounds of it; which was not
    • 1. Her beauty, honour, and riches: But
    • 2. Her Religion; for she was loved for the truths sake. v. 2.
  • 2. The fruits and effects of the love which the Apostle bore to her; which were,
    • 1. Joy for her Childrens good proficien­cy, and increase in Religion. v. 4.
    • 2. An Exhortation to her to joyn love with her faith; wherein he telleth her, that his doctrine of Christian love is
      • 1. No new upstart doctrine of his own invention. v. 5. But
      • 2. Such as was taught by the Apo­stles themselves from the begin­ning of the preaching of the Go­spell. ibid.
  • 3. A Caution to her, to take heed
    • 1. Of the dangerous doctrine of Heretickes, who denied
      • 1. The Incarnation of Christ.
      • 2. The Redemption by Christ. v. 7.
    • 2. Of the dangerous company of Heretickes. v. 10. [Page 208]
      • 1. Because they were deceivers, cheats and coseners, able to deceive well grounded Christians, if they did not look to them­selves. v. 7.
      • 2. Because if they did not persevere in that course they had begun, but should un­happily be misled by Heretickes, there would be a losse
        • 1. Of all his pains taken with them.
        • 2. Of all that ever they had done, and suffered for Christ.
        • 3. Of that reward which God will give to perseverers. v. 8.
      • 3. Because by being familiar with them, they would sinne,
        • 1. By encouraging them in their sinnes.
        • 2. By giving scandall to o­thers. v. 11.
• 3. An Apology and excuse for the shortnesse of his Epistle. v. 12.