Acts

Response. Negatively. 1. He does not mean a political, or earthly kingdom. The Apostles indeed did desire, 1. Christ's temporal reign (Acts 1:6). When will you restore the kingdom to Israel.

3. Are we heavenly in our speeches? Christ after his resurrection did speak of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). Are our tongues tuned to the language of the heavenly Canaan (Malachi 3:16)?

For a little after, when Christ tells them of his going to Jerusalem, and of his passion, for the redemption of them, and all the elect, Peter persuades him to the contrary, saying; Master, spare thyself, these things shall not be unto thee. Whereby it appears, that Peter did no…

The number of Christians since Christ, that have grown to millions, began in a poor number at the first. For, when Christ himself was ascended, the number of known believers, was but 120, Acts 1:15. The consideration hereof should teach us all these duties;

In their example we may observe this point: That whom God does raise up extraordinarily, for some special good in his Church, them he endues with extraordinary gifts to discharge that calling: and withal, he gives them the spirit of grace, with a true and lively faith. This (bes…

The Angel ascribes two actions to the Holy Ghost in this great work (Luke 1:35); the one to come upon the virgin Mary; the other, to overshadow her: by the first is signified the extraordinary work of the Holy Ghost in fashioning the human nature of Christ, for so much the phras…

Again, they were all ignorant of Christ's resurrection until certain women who first saw him after he was risen had told them, and they by experience in the person of Christ had learned the truth. Thirdly, they were ignorant of the ascension, for they dreamed of an earthly kingd…

But 2. There is not only consolation for a believer's particular condition from this ground, but also in reference to the public case of God's Church: There are four things especially, that seem very heavy to the Church, and public work of God; in reference to all which we will…

Hell and destruction are before the Lord, how much more than the hearts of the children of men. He that can read hell, and destruction, and all the secrets of darkness, can also read, as a book opened at noon-day, the midnight-thoughts of all the children of men (Psalm 44:21; Je…

(2.) Often in the fullest sense, not regenerated, nor wholly reprobated, are called men (Job 11:11, 12; Psalm 12:1; and 4:2; and 53:2). (3) Believers are called men (Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 3:21, 22). In regard of passions (Acts 14:15).

You would think yourselves secure enough, if you were ascended into heaven. As Heman said of his condition, that he was free among the dead, that is, he reckoned himself (in his despair) free of the company in hell, as well as if he had been there; thinking his name enrolled amo…

1. To convey Moses and Elias out of their sight, when this conference was ended: therefore some expound that which is said (Luke 9:34), they feared as they entered into the cloud after this manner, the disciples feared when they saw Moses and Elias entering into the cloud, that…

At his resurrection, an angel rolled away the stone from the grave, and attested the truth of it (Matthew 28:2). At his ascension, the angels declared the manner of his going to heaven, and return to judgment (Acts 1:10-11). So now they come to attend Christ, as subjects on thei…

And this may elsewhere be gathered. For the commission of the twelve Apostles ran thus, that they must first preach to Jerusalem and Judea, then to Samaria: and in the last place; to the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8). And Paul's commission was, that he should first prea…

Thus the passion of Christ, is called his baptism (Luke 12:50). Fifthly, it signifies the bestowing of extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost, and that by imposition of hands of the Apostles (Acts 1:5; Acts 11:16). Lastly, it signifies the whole Ecclesiastical ministry.

But the word ([〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉]) signifies, seasons, or fit times for the doing of this or that busines. So is it translated, Act 1:7. It is not for you to know the times and seasons.

But above all, a foolish hope which they entertained, as to the immediate reign of Christ, drove them to hasten to the attainment of happiness and rest, without attending to the means. Just as, when they see that Christ is risen from the dead, (Acts 1:6,) they rush forward to gr…

For the right understanding of this, know that there is a two-fold term or season fixed for the performance of mercy to us. One by the Lord our God, in whose hand times and seasons are, Acts 1:7 Another by our selves, who raise up our own expectations of mercies sometimes meerly…

First, in the Apostles' Epistles the name of bishop did never signify anything different from the office of a presbyter. For a bishop, presbyter, and an apostle, were common names, as you may see (Acts 20), (Philippians 1:1), (Titus 1), (1 Peter 5:12), (Acts 1:20). Next.

So (Psalm 48:10), According to your name so is your praise, that is, you are praised like yourself, as you are in yourself, so you are or ought to be praised by your people, the name is put for the person. You have it clearly (Acts 1:15), The number of names together were about…

They are enemies to Idolatrie; for, Apoc. 19. 10. when John would have worshipped the Angel, he forbad him, saying, See you doe it not, worship God: herein also we must be followers of Angels, by furthering the Gospel and true worship of God to the vttermost of our power; by hin…

Men are easier led by examples, than by precepts; for though precepts are the more exact, yet examples are the more easy way of teaching. And he is a perfect workman who joins both together, neither teaching what he will not do, nor doing what he dares not teach; and therefore i…

Christ gave this reason for it, that he would not put new wine into old bottles; and it was gradually done after Christ's resurrection. In all probability, Christ much more clearly instructed them personally after his resurrection, and before his ascension; as we read that he co…

I desire you to correct and curb swearing, lying, drinking, Sabbath-breaking, and idle spending of the Lord's day in absence from the church, as far as your authority reaches in that parish. I hear a man is to be forced into the place to which I have God's right; I know you shou…

As at another time, when his own followers spoke of stoning him, though he could not still the tumult of his troops, he could those of his spirits, for then he encouraged himself in the Lord his God (1 Samuel 30:6). As to those prayers against his enemies, which we find in some…

Fourthly, or if you shall be taken off for a while, and put into an afflicted condition; in which it shall not appear that you are of any great use, (although sometimes sufferings are the greatest services) yet your afflictions shall but prepare you for higher service afterwards…

It might have been the Means of raising some Prejudices in the Minds of his own Disciples; whereas he reserved some of these Things to be taught in those forty Days, while he continued with them after his Resurrection, and spake with them of the Things pertaining to the Kingdom…

Thus, Revelation 3:4: You have a few names even in Sardis, which have not defiled their garments; that is, many persons. So, Acts 1:15, it is said there, The number of the names together were about one hundred and twenty; that is, of persons. So it is used in the present case: G…

(1.) Internal: that God would bless them with ordinances, enrich them with graces, preserve truth and unity, and continue his presence with them: his ordinances, that they may enjoy them in purity; that the word, seals, and censures may be rightly administered till the Lord come…

And so when Levi made him a Feast, Luke 5—He feasts him again with Heavenly discourse. And no sooner was Christ risen from the Grave, but he was speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God, Acts 1:3. The more Spiritual we are in our speeches, the more we resemble Chr…

Christ refuses that respect of bare naked commendation (Luke 11:27-28): "Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that you nursed from" [illegible], "indeed, rather, blessed is he that hears the word of God, and keeps it." We are disciples of that master that did both…

Oh no. Thus consider of these things, and do not go on to provoke the Lord, lest a worse thing befall you than any hitherto; do not contend with God who is stronger than you are, who is able when he will, and he will be one day found both able and willing enough, to turn the wic…

Christ's spouse is a lily among thorns. Christ's sheep must expect to lose their golden fleece; this the flesh does not like to hear of; therefore Christ calls persecution the cross (Matthew 16:24), because it is cross to flesh and blood; we are all for reigning (Acts 1:7). When…

Which the apostle again relates of them in 1 Thessalonians 2:15-16: 'They please not God and are contrary to all men, forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved.' That the apostles themselves had also deeply drunk in this opinion, learned by tradition from t…

Secondly, sending the Spirit visibly in the form of a dove, to light upon him, at the time of his baptism (Matthew 3:16), when he was endued with a fullness thereof, for the accomplishment of the work, and discharge of the office whereunto he was designed; attended with that voi…

Fourth, we deny that all humanity is the object of that love of God which moved him to send his Son to die. God has made some for the day of evil (Proverbs 16:4), hated them before they were born (Romans 9:12), long before ordained them to condemnation (Jude 4), fitted them for…

The spirit helps us with sighs andgroans. 2. We cannot resist temptation without it, Acts 1:8. Ye shall receive power, after the Holy Ghost is come upon you:

If ignorance do so corrupt a former Baptism, that it must be amended with a second Baptism: the Apostles should have been rebaptized first of all, which in whole three years after their Baptism, had scarcely tasted any small portion of purer doctrine. And now among us what river…

(3.) The full Revelation of the whole mind of God, whereunto nothing pretending thereunto is ever to be added, was committed unto, and perfected by Jesus Christ, Hebrews 1. 1, 2. That the Revelations of God, made by him, whether in his own Person, or by his Spirit unto his Apost…

Resp. 1. There are pangs before the birth; so before Christ be born in the heart, there are spiritual pangs. Some pangs of conscience, deep convictions (Acts 2:37), they were pricked at their heart. I grant, the new birth does Recipere magis & minus — all have not the same pangs…

Answer. Get a principle of grace infused: grace is like the salt cast into the spring: grace changes the heart, and sanctifies all the members of the body; it sanctifies the eyes, and makes them chaste; it sanctifies the tongue, and makes it meek and calm. When the Holy Ghost ca…

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves. Peter tells the Jews plainly of their sin in crucifying Christ; but uses suasive and Gospel lenitives, to allure and encourage them to believe (Acts 2:23). Him you have taken, and by wicked hands crucified.

Zeal loves truth when it is despised and opposed (Psalm 119:126): They have made void your law, therefore I love your law. Here is grace increasing like the sun in the horizon: Zeal resembles the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:2): There appeared cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat up…

We are to count the Sabbath honorable, because God has honored it. All the persons in the Trinity have honored it: God the Father blessed it, God the Son rose upon it, God the Holy Ghost descended on this day (Acts 2:1). And indeed this day is to be honored of all good Christian…

If others cast false aspersions on any, we should wipe them off. The Apostles (who were filled with the wine of Spirit) being charged with drunkenness, Peter was their compurgator, and openly cleared their innocency (Acts 2:15). These are not drunken as you suppose.

Oh make much of the motions of the Spirit, it is as much as your salvation is worth. The Spirit of God is compared to fire (Acts 2:2); if we are careful to blow this spark, we may have fire to inflame our affections, and to light our feet into the way of peace. If we quench the…

How was he fired with zeal, steeled with courage? He who before was dashed out of countenance by the voice of a maid; now dares openly confess Christ before the rulers and the councils (Acts 2:14). The shaking of the tree settles it the more; God lets his children be shaken with…

And where lay principally the demonstration of that power? Not simply in raising his body up again — that was no more than he did for others — but in Acts 2:24 the power is said to be shown in this: that he, having loosed the pains of death whereby it was impossible he should be…

3. This exposition takes it for granted that hell is seated in the middle of the earth: whereas the scriptures reveal to us no more but this, that hell is in the lower parts: but where these lower parts should be, no man is able to define. Objection 2. (Acts 2:37) You will not l…

But now since vain speculations and fruitless controversies have so much prevailed, and heart-work and practical godliness so much neglected among professors, the case is sadly altered — their discourse has become like other men's. If you come among them now, they may (to allude…

And where that gracious and right mourning that is spoken of (Zechariah 12:10) comes, it will be in special for this undervaluing of Christ to the height of piercing of him. We would ask any of you that think you repent, if this sin of slighting him has pierced you as it did the…

For the first then, There is (we say) an eternal transaction between God and Jesus Christ the Mediator concerning the redemption of sinners, his actual redeeming by being wounded and bruised, supposes this; for the Son is no more liable to suffering (not to speak of his suitable…

The second general observation from the scope, putting both parts of the verse together, is this, that we should never look on Christ's sufferings but with respect to the covenant of Redemption, and God's transacting with him as our cautioner; therefore the last part comes in, "…

And as it is (1 Corinthians 15, at the close), he took the sting from death, disarmed it, and trod upon it. And there was necessity for this, even such necessity that it was impossible it could be otherwise, as we have it (Acts 2:24): it was not possible that he could be held of…

Secondly, observe that the Messiah had to come to the grave and be buried; it was so designed, foretold, and prophesied of him: 'He made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death.' Hence the Apostle (Acts 2:30, citing Psalm 16:8) gathers that as there was a neces…

As is clear, (Acts 4:27-28). Herod and Pontius Pilate, the Gentiles and people of Israel were gathered together, to do whatever your hand and your counsel determined before to be done. In all that they did, they were but doing that which was carved out before, in the Eternal cou…

3. For whom all this was, which makes it appear to be yet more wonderful; it was for a number of lost straying sheep, that were turned every one to his own way, as it is verse 6. For debtors and debauched bankrupts, that were enemies to, and at odds with Him; some of them spitti…

2. Because, it not only reveals the object of faith, but it makes offer of it; and hereby a sinner that hears the Gospel, has warrant to embrace and make use of Jesus Christ's righteousness, and to rest upon it; and therefore, if temptation should say to the sinner, though Chris…

Though by being man He became of no reputation, and a veil was drawn over the declarative glory of the Godhead in His person for a time, yet He remained still the Son of God, and glorious in Himself, and it cannot be but He that is God must be glorious in His exaltation, when th…

But 2. There is not only consolation for a believer's particular condition from this ground, but also in reference to the public case of God's Church: There are four things especially, that seem very heavy to the Church, and public work of God; in reference to all which we will…

(Psalm 29:9) In his temple shall every one speak of his glory — not every one, but converts only can utter the glory of God savingly, in the temple of the Lord, otherwise many speak and do in his temple, to his dishonor (Jeremiah 7:4, 10-11; Ezekiel 23:38-39). (Acts 2:4) They we…

And thus faith takes it up and looks at it. And upon this does Peter (in his sermon, Acts 2) pitch their faith, where having first set forth the heinousness of their sin in murdering the Lord of life, then to raise up their hearts again (that so seeing God's end in it they might…

For God having once arrested Christ and cast him into prison and begun a trial against him and had him to judgment, he could not come forth till he had paid the very uttermost farthing. And there is the greatest reason for it to assure us that can be: for he was under those bond…

And from this it is that Christ has as much work of it still in heaven as ever, though of another kind: he dealt with justice here below to satisfy it and here got money enough to pay the debt, but in heaven he deals with mercy. Therefore all the grace he bestows on us he is sai…

For as when he came to heaven he was installed king and priest as it were anew, in respect of a new execution: so for the work to be done in heaven, he was anew anointed with this oil of gladness above his fellows, (as Psalm 45:7) which place is meant of him especially as he is…

So that he being the root of the Spirit of consolation, and of sanctification, all this life of consolation and sanctification springing from the Spirit as from a fountain, and Christ being he that sets open this fountain (Zechariah 1:13), therefore it is that there is an insuff…

And therefore if God should never grant him more mercy, he could not but acknowledge he had done abundantly more for him already than he had deserved; he prays not in his own name, but in the name of another; and no man can pray in the name of Christ, but he must pray in humilit…

And so our Savior, he prayed for his crucifiers. And it is generally thought, that the powerful prevalence of Peter's Sermon in converting three thousand souls at once, did especially spring from our Savior's prayer, and the efficacy of it (Acts 2:37). And Stephen, he prayed for…

And priests also we are, so as we are able to offer up sacrifices of prayer, and thanksgiving to God, a broken and a humble heart is a sacrifice, much set by of God (Psalm 51:17) and (Philippians 2:17), offered upon the sacrifice, and service of your faith, we are now enabled to…

2. The notion by which his death is expressed, his decease [in non-Latin alphabet], which signifies the going out of this life into another, which is to be noted. 1. In respect to Christ his death was [in non-Latin alphabet], for he went out of this mortal life into glory, and s…

Or, 2. A reverential worshipping or esteeming them for their qualifications of wisdom and holiness (Acts 2:47). Good men had favor with all the people.

5. Does it come to you as the Mediator's word, not in word only but in power (1 Thessalonians 1:5)? There is a convincing power in the word (Acts 2:37). When they heard these things, they were pricked in the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the Apostles, Men and Brethren…

Think of this rule. 3. For the season, the Apostle says: Pray continually, or without ceasing, yet there are some (as it were) canonical hours of prayer, wherein a Christian's discretion must interpose: only in this case, take the fittest seasons for secret prayer, as when you a…

Which book is written to confirm and establish this argument: for it teaches nothing else but that the Holy Spirit is not given by the law, but by the hearing of the gospel. For when Peter preached, the Holy Spirit forthwith fell upon all those that heard him, and in one day thr…

Psal. 133. and it standes in three things, consent in one faith and doctrine: consent in affection, whereby men be of one hart. Act 2:47. consent in speach. 1. Cor 1:10.

If God should foresee things to come, and in no sort will or nill them, there should be an idle prouidence. Christ was delivered by the will and foreknowledge of God, Act 2:23. and the Iewes for their parts did nothing in the crucifying of Christ, but that which the hand, and co…

By his counsell and eternall decree, whereby the sonne was designed to the office of a Mediatour, and consequently to become man. Act 2:23. And thus is he said to be sealed of thefather, Ioh. 6. 27. and to be sanctified, and sent into the world, Ioh. 10. 36.

The word New is often taken in Scripture in this sense, as (Exodus 1:8) There arose up a new king which knew not Joseph: that is, (as the 70 interpreters, and Saint Luke (Acts 7:18) translate it) another king. (Mark 16:17) They shall speak with new tongues, that is, other, diver…

This then may be plainly explained by another place in Joel, which we will allege by way of example, Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, says he, your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams (Joel 2:28). Saint Peter tells how this prophecy was f…

But he speaks not here only of Christ, but of the whole body of his Church. I grant we must begin at the head, but from there we must descend to the members, and apply it to all the ministers of the word; which is here spoken of Christ, in regard this efficacy of the word is giv…

Verse 6. Also the strangers that cleave to the Lord, to serve him, and love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants: everyone that keeps the Sabbath, and pollutes it not, and embraces my covenant. He repeats that he said before, namely, that God will so open the gates of hi…

But very differently does the Spirit settle this question; for not only does he assign as the reason why Christ was delivered up, that it was so written, but also that it was so determined. For where Matthew and Mark quote Scripture, Luke leads us direct to the heavenly decree,…

When he saw the wrath of God exhibited to him, as he stood at the tribunal of God charged with the sins of the whole world, he unavoidably shrank with horror from the deep abyss of death. And, therefore, though he suffered death, yet since its pains were loosed—as Peter tells us…

Neither does he simply name miracles, but does adorn them with two titles. And whereas he says, The power of signs and wonders, Peter in the Acts has virtues, and signs, and wonders (Acts 2:23). And surely they are testimonies of God's power to awake men, that being astonished a…

Third, this repentance that has been described, is indeed the special condition of remission of sin. This seems very evident by the Scripture, as particularly, Mark 1:4: John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance, for the remission of sins. So, Luke…

And yet then he was suffering, shedding his blood, and pouring out his soul to death, for them. Yes, he probably was then shedding his blood for some of them that shed his blood; he was dying for some that killed him; whom he prayed for, while they were crucifying him; and were…

Thirdly, Because he has in his own person as the head of the church, received an acquitment for the whole body; His Personal discharge upon the accomplishment of his work, was a pledge of the discharge which was in due time to be given to his whole mystical body. Peter tells us,…

The offences hence taken are manifold: first, from a supposed newnesse of our doctrine: this is taken of the Papists, and especially of our own Recusants: for they say our doctrine is but of fourescore yeares continuance, since the daies ofMartin Luther: auouching also that for…

Marke here, that asking pardon of God, and testimonie of repentance goe together; he that receiues the one, must express the other: for where God gives pardon, there also he gives grace to repent, and mercie is not granted, but on condition of repentance. Act. 2. 37, 38. when th…

But we could not be at all condemned, if we were justified from eternity. 2. The Scripture confines Justification to those who believe and repent (Acts 3:19). Repent, that your sins may be blotted out. Therefore their sins were uncanceled and their persons unjustified, till they…

To obey God, is not so much our duty as our privilege: His commands carry meat in the mouth of them: He bids us repent; and why? That our sins may be blotted out (Acts 3:19). He commands us to believe: And why?

This beauty consists in two things. 1. Perfection of parts: there shall be a full proportion of all the members: in this life there is oft a defect of members: the eye is lost, the arm is cut off; but in the Resurrection all parts of the body shall be restored again: therefore t…

How rich is he who has God for his God, who is heir to all the promises (Hebrews 6:17). A man may be rich in bills and bonds; a believer, though he may say as Peter, Silver and gold have I none (Acts 3:6), yet he is rich in bills and bonds, he is heir to all God's promises. And…

We say we receive Christ's body spiritually, they say they receive Christ's body carnally, which is contrary to Scripture. The Scripture affirms that the heavens must receive Christ's body until the times of the restitution of all things (Acts 3:21). Christ's body cannot be at t…

God bids us do his will, and this is for our good; (Deuteronomy 10:13) And now O Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, and keep the commandments of the Lord, which I command you this day for your good. It is God's will that we should…

For (says he) you shall not leave my soul in the grave, neither will you suffer your holy one to see corruption. Though the days of this life be days of woe and misery, yet the day of the resurrection shall be to all the children of God a time of rejoicing and felicity, and as P…

But a righteous man's desires excel. 1. He desires Christ for himself; not only for his jewels, but his beauty, not only as he is a Savior, but as he is the Holy One (Acts 3:14). 2. He is unsatisfied without Christ, not the most rich viands, not golden chalices filled with sapph…

Is not this (say they) the Carpenter, the Son of Mary, the brother of James and Joses? And how was he esteemed, or rather disesteemed and undervalued at his death; so that it is said (Acts 3:14), they denied the holy and just one, and desired that a murderer should be granted to…

Indeed, his glory was preached by the Sun, when it was, contrary to the course of nature, darkened: and by the rocks, when they were rent, and the temple cloven asunder, and the graves opened, when men weakly, or wickedly denied him, and would not only not preach his glory, but…

That Christ in this sense should be the Savior of all men, that he should have a negative voice in the salvation of all, that all the ransomed ones should come through his hands, is no other thing than Peter says, Acts 4:11. That there is no other name under heaven, by which men…

Though we be of that natural, sinful distemper, that we would have all things but Christ and let him go, yet while we are thus speaking to you, God many times conveys such a spirit of grace into us as gives us power to receive Christ. What power had the cripple to stand, much le…

This is humility and self-denial, when a man comes before God, and acknowledges his own unworthiness to ask any mercy of God, and confesses his own inability to ask any blessing according to God's will. Act 3. Thirdly, a man asks in humility, when he puts up his petitions with s…

A point which upon sundry occasions has been touched, but now to speak of it more fully. There is no man that has the Son, but as he has him for his Savior so he has him for his Prince (Acts 3:3). Him has God exalted with his right hand, whom they slew, a Prince and a Savior; so…

Mary Magdalen runs and comes to Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved. Peter went forth and the other disciple, and came to the Sepulcher, so (Acts 3:1). Now Peter and John went up together into the temple, at the hour of prayer (John 21:7).

2. For the future (Deuteronomy 18:19) Whoever will not hearken to the words which that Prophet shall speak in my name, I will require it of him, that is, he must look to answer it another day. Peter renders it (Acts 3:23) Whoever will not hearken to that Prophet shall be destroy…

Think of this rule. 3. For the season, the Apostle says: Pray continually, or without ceasing, yet there are some (as it were) canonical hours of prayer, wherein a Christian's discretion must interpose: only in this case, take the fittest seasons for secret prayer, as when you a…

He is an appointed head to his Church (Ephesians 1:22). He is the prince of life (Acts 3:15). He is a quickening spirit (1 Corinthians 15:45).

Ans. Great: for the children of Abraham are children of the couenant, Act 3:25. and children of God. Rom 9:8.

Notwithstanding, it is a change of number — to wit, the singular for the plural — a thing common in the Scriptures. And however the place ought properly and principally to be understood of Christ (as Saint Peter expounds it in Acts 3), in regard that he is the Prince of the…

And therefore Saint Paul very fitly shows that it were to turn the order of things upside down, if the faithful should live till such time as Christ who is the fountain of life appears. Therefore it is we said before that Isaiah here comprehends the whole kingdom of Christ: for…

But it is utterly abominable and damnable, if we suffer ourselves so to be entangled in these outward helps, as thereby utterly to neglect seeking to God: and in distrusting his gracious promises, to desire to trust in unlawful means. The word to look, signifies often in the Scr…

The same thing often befalls many at this day, which Isaiah bewails touching his nation; to wit, that notwithstanding all admonitions, yet they cease not to forge idols, which they adorn with God's spoils as it were. The Apostles, Peter and John, in their lifetime (Acts 3:12), c…

But after we shall be perfectly renewed, heaven and earth shall be renewed also, and shall recover their first estate. Hence we may gather that which we have often mentioned; namely, that the Prophet has an eye to the whole kingdom of Christ, even to the end thereof: which for t…

Third, this repentance that has been described, is indeed the special condition of remission of sin. This seems very evident by the Scripture, as particularly, Mark 1:4: John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance, for the remission of sins. So, Luke…

Acts 3:19. Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. What a pity it is that modern preachers attend no more to the method those took who were first inspired by the Holy Ghost, in…

That though he was in the form of God, and thought it no robbery to be equal with God, yet he made himself of no reputation (Philippians 2:6-7). But how superabundant was his grace towards us, that though he was the Prince of life (Acts 3:15), yet became obedient to death, even…

But especially God speaks with his Word by his Spirit, when he sends his Spirit for conversion, and to effect a saving change: thus God speaks when he calls blind sinners out of darkness into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9), quickens dead sinners, putting into them a new princ…

God thus appears gloriously above all evil; and triumphing over all his enemies, was one great thing that God intended by the work of redemption; and the work by which this was to be done, God immediately went about as soon as man fell; and so goes on till he fully accomplishes…

But in Samuel there was begun a succession of prophets, that was maintained continually from that time, at least with very little interruption, till this spirit of prophecy ceased, about Malachi's time: and therefore Samuel is spoken in the New Testament as the beginning of the…

Others think that Joshua, Judges, Ruth, and part of the first book of Samuel, were written by Samuel. However that was, this we have good evidence of, that Samuel made an addition to the canon of scripture; for Samuel is manifestly mentioned in the New Testament, as one of the p…

The mercy he begged of God for them, was the greatest mercy, that which he was then dying to purchase and procure, the pardon of their sins; not only, Father spare them, or reprieve them, but, Father forgive them; the excuse he pleaded for them, was the best their crime was capa…

If they had known the dignity of his person, the excellency of his doctrine, and the gracious design and purpose of his coming into the world, certainly they would not have crucified the Lord of glory (1 Corinthians 2:8). They that did it, did it through ignorance (Acts 3:15, 17…

The necessary consequences of which are: 1. The subsistence of the human nature in the person of the Son of God, having no subsistence of its own (Luke 1:35; 1 Timothy 3:16). 2. [illegible], that communication of attributes in the person, whereby the properties of either nature…

Christ's departure, and the usefulness of it to his disciples. For his departure, it is known what is intended by it: the withdrawing his bodily presence from the earth after his resurrection, the heavens being to receive him, until the time of the restitution of all things (Act…

In which begging there is an exercise of faith eyeing Christ (Romans 3:25): God has set forth him to be a propitiation through faith in his blood. And there is an exercise also of repentance, as to mourning for sin (1 John 1:9) and (Proverbs 28:13): He that confesses and forsake…

"He shall save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). "God having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities" (Acts 3:26) — not troubles, or sorrows, but sins. 5. Affliction is a more particular temporal evil, but si…

As your child pleases you better, when it comes to you to be taught its book, rather than when it comes for an apple: so it is more pleasing to God, when you come for the Mediator's blessing, and spiritual things. (Acts 3:26) God has sent him to bless you, in turning away every…

2. He comes to proclaim our pardon, and to pronounce the sentence of our acquittance juridically in court, as judge upon the throne. Our pardon is passed, and sealed as to conscience, then he will blot out all our sins; therefore it is said (Acts 3:19), That your iniquities may…

2. When God at the Resurrection makes up the Jewels of the Saints bodies, they shall have Perfection of parts. Their bodies in this World may be maimed and dismembred; but in the day of the Resurrection they shall have all the parts of their bodies restored, Acts 3:21. Such as h…

For in those times the word of God — as it is written below — had been scarce and precious, that is, the number of prophets had been small. And indeed Peter in Acts 3, where he shows that our Lord Jesus Christ must be received without contradiction, even by the irrefutable testi…

There is some blessedness when we begin to look after the directions of the Word, and to wait upon the teachings of God (Proverbs 8:34). Blessed is the man that hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. Then you are in a hopeful way to true blessedn…

And then secondly, by a serious application of these things to yourselves, if you would have these hopes, apply the offer of Heaven to work upon your hope, and the commination of Hell to work upon your fear. The offer of Heaven: If I would be blessed in Christ, surely I must men…

Gold and silver are but one sort of riches, and but the lowest and meanest sort. You do not count a man poor if he has lands, though he has not ready money; much less is a man poor if he has gold, though he has not silver: so a Christian is not poor if he has God, and Christ, an…

But now on the contrary suppose a man high in honor, wallowing in wealth, spending his time and wealth in ease and pleasure, but after all this God will bring him to judgment, the world is his friend, but God is his enemy, and he is all his life time subject to bondage, (Hebrews…

Whom God raised up: here is the efficient cause of Christ's resurrection, in the concurrent action of the whole Trinity; for all that God does out of himself, is ascribed to all the three persons. Sometimes it is ascribed to the Father, as the Apostle speaks, "The God of Abraham…

But that his goodness may yet prevail, I entreat you to consider this much more. 1. If you repent, you shall be forgiven (Acts 3:19): repent, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out; they shall be as if they had not been. Where God gives repentance for, he also gives…

6 That the Gospel also bears witness, indeed, and is the greatest and clearest testimony that's born against sin: Though sinners find favor from the Gospel, yet sin finds none: The Gospel is not, in the least, indulgent to the least sin: The whole voice of the Gospel is, these t…

In the word preached heaven and salvation is offered to you; in this field the pearl of price is hid: How should you flock like doves to the windows of the sanctuary (Isaiah 60:8)! We read, the gate of the temple was called beautiful (Acts 3:2). The gate of God's house is the be…

Then all who are under the call and offer of Christ in the preached gospel — as (Proverbs 9:1-4), (Matthew 22, bid them come to the wedding), (Luke 14:16-18), etc. — are externally in covenant, and such to whom the covenant is made, and should be baptized; it is presumed they gi…

2. One in affection. They should have one heart (Acts 4:32): The multitude of them that believed were of one heart, and of one soul. As in music, though there be several strings of a viol, yet all make one sweet harmony, so though there are several Christians, yet there should b…

He shall save his people from their sins. There is no other savior (Acts 4:12). 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, neither is there salvation in any other.

He saves from sin (Matthew 1:21), from wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10). To save is a flower that belongs only to his crown (Acts 4:12). [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], Neither is there salvation in any other.

While the wicked resist the will of God's precept, they fulfil the will of his permissive decree. Judas betrays Christ, Pilate condemns him, the soldiers crucify him; while they resisted the will of God's precept, they fulfilled the will of his permissive decree (Acts 4:28). Suc…

The fire by an Antiperistasis burns hottest in the coldest season. Peter's courage increased by the opposition of the High Priest and the Rulers (Acts 4:8, 11). The martyrs' zeal was increased by persecution: here was grace of the first magnitude.

He puts down one, and sets up another: Nothing stirs in the world, but God has a hand in it; He sets every wheel a working; He humbles the proud, and raises the poor out of the dust, to set them among princes (1 Samuel 2:8). The kingdom of God's providence rules over all; kings…

Luke 12:8: Whoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of Man also confess before the angels of God. Peter openly confessed Christ crucified (Acts 4:10). Cyprian, a man of a brave spirit, was like a rock, whom no waves could shake; like an adamant, whom no sword could…

Answer. Because faith looks at Christ in every duty, it touches the hem of his garment, and through Christ both the person and the offering are accepted (Ephesians 1:6). 2. We do God's will acceptably when we prefer his will before all other; if God wills one thing, and man will…

Here then first we may learn, how far forth we must obey superiors and magistrates; we must obey them, not simply, but in the Lord: Ephesians 6.1. that is, in all their lawful commands: but when they command things evil and unlawful, then we must stay ourselves, lest obeying the…

First, as it was necessary for them that should be saved in the flood, to be in the Ark; and out of the Ark no possibility to escape: So is it for them that will have their souls saved, to be in Christ, and of his Church; they must be mystical members of Christ, and visible memb…

They seem as nothing in his eye. It was a sign the Primitive Christians did love God, their money did not lie near their heart, but they laid down their money at the Apostles' feet, Acts 4.35. Try by this your love to God.

Thus prayed David against Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:31): Lord I pray you bring the counsel of Ahithophel to foolishness. And thus did the apostles pray against their persecutors (Acts 4:29): O Lord behold their threatenings, and grant to your servants with all boldness to speak yo…

Now that came to pass not only by the foreknowledge of God, but also by his determinate counsel. And therefore as the church of Jerusalem says, Herod and Pontius Pilate with the gentiles and the people of Israel gathered themselves together to do whatever your hand and your coun…

When we make him to be the only Savior, we exclude all that men can do with their penance, prayers, good works, and all that angels can do. Neither man nor angel could satisfy divine justice, and make our peace with God, and therefore it's said (Acts 4:12): Neither is there salv…

2. From these words. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him, he has put him to grief; Observe, That the Lord Jehovah had the main and principal hand, in all the sufferings of this innocent Mediator: It was not the Jews, nor the Scribes and Pharisees, nor Pilate; but it pleased th…

The second and next thing implied here is that, though men be naturally under sin, and obnoxious to the wrath and curse of God by reason of sin, yet there is nothing that can take away that sin and free them from wrath but Christ Jesus — his offering up of himself a sacrifice fo…

If we would enumerate all things imaginable, and invent ways and means without number to remove sin, or to make a sinner's peace with God; there is no other means but this, that will do it. As we have it in Hebrews 10, Christ Jesus by his once offering up of himself, perfects fo…

5. All within the visible Church, have means sufficient in their kind, in genere mediorum externorum, to save them. 6. As none can be saved by the light of nature, nor ever any used, or could use it so far forth, as to improve it for their sufficient preparation, to receive the…

As their knowledge grows, so grows their zeal; so that if you have that life in Christ which accompanies salvation, your eyes are like a flame of fire, full of burning light, as well as bright knowledge. Is your knowledge such as suffers you to sit down barren, and though you kn…

Act 3. Thirdly, a man asks in humility, when he puts up his petitions with submission to God's will, he desires not that God would satisfy him in any lust, but only grant him the things that are expedient for him, so far as may stand with the good pleasure of his heavenly Father…

3. Though we owe this religious friendship to all that fear God, yet some few may be chosen for our intimacy and spiritual solace. We owe it in some respects to all that fear God and must dispense the general acts of friendship to them (Acts 4:32): The multitude of them that bel…

While Peter went up to the house top to pray, then he had the heavenly vision; so when Paul was in prayer Ananias was sent to him (Acts 9:11). Behold he prays, and then God takes care of him, so (Acts 4:31). When they had prayed, the house was shaken, and they were all filled wi…

1. His mediatorial duty, with a respect to God's ordination, and decree declared in the prophecies of the Old Testament, which when they are fulfilled are said to be accomplished. Whatever Christ did in the work of redemption was with respect to God's will and eternal decree (Ac…

Two things persuade this dependence. That nothing can be done without Christ (Acts 4:12): neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. Nothing can be done without Christ, that may be effectual to our…

Rom 3:25. Ioh. 3. 14. and Act 4:12. In this giving there are fiue things to be cōsidered.

Christ was delivered by the will and foreknowledge of God, Act 2:23. and the Iewes for their parts did nothing in the crucifying of Christ, but that which the hand, and counsell of God had determined to be done. Act 4:28. Neither is God by this doctrine made the author of sinne.

Againe, that all the workes of mediation stand alone by themselues, and admit nothing to be added and adioyned to them, There is no other name whereby we can be saved beside the name of Christ. Act 4:12. Christ saues them perfectly that come to him, Heb 7:25.

If those of the kingdom of darkness combine themselves together, as it is (Psalm 2:2): The kings of the earth band themselves, and the princes are assembled together, against the Lord, and against his Christ. (Acts 4:27) Doubtless against your holy son Jesus, whom you have anoin…

For where Matthew and Mark quote Scripture, Luke leads us direct to the heavenly decree, saying, according to what was determined; as also in the Acts of the Apostles, he shows that Christ was delivered not only by the foreknowledge, but likewise by the fixed purpose of God, (Ac…

Here again he alleges a place out of Psalm 118 of the Prophet David: The same stone which the builders refused, is become the head stone of the corner, and it is marvelous in our eyes. Which place Christ himself also cites in Matthew 21: and is repeated in Acts 4: The stone whic…

There is a sending forth the hand in a way of mercy. And so Acts 4:30, there Peter prays that Christ would stretch forth his hand to heal. So that stretching forth, or sending forth, or putting forth the hand (for the words are all used in common to the same sense) signify to do…

John was the first that preached Jesus Christ, that we for him only have the forgiveness of sins, by the faith in him. Neither is there any other way to obtain the true salvation, than by the faith in Christ Jesus, nor yet also is there given to men any other name, wherein we be…

The second point of this wisdom, is to choose a foundatiō to lay our salvation upon; & that is the rocke Christ Jesus himselfe alone, God and man, he is the chiefe corner stone, on which the whole building is coupled. Eph. 2. 20, 21. neither is their saluatiō in any other: for…

When men have one King, give themselves up to the will of Christ, and have one Shepherd guided by the Spirit of Christ, and have one Law-giver, are willing their opinions should stand or fall at the appointments of Christ, then will there be a sweet and happy agreement. 3. The l…

Thus, if ever we would enter into the kingdom of heaven, must we be converted from pride, envy, ambition and strife for precedency, and must become like little children. So our Savior has told us (who, even after his resurrection, is called, the Holy Child Jesus (Acts 4:27)) (Ma…

It was looked upon as nearly allied to Judaism, because it was so much supported by the Scriptures of the Old Testament, and nothing was more despicable among the Romans than the Jews, and their religion. The professors of Christianity were looked upon as unlearned and ignorant…

Fourthly, or if you shall be taken off for a while, and put into an afflicted condition; in which it shall not appear that you are of any great use, (although sometimes sufferings are the greatest services) yet your afflictions shall but prepare you for higher service afterwards…

He that believed [on the Son] has life. 1 Corinthians 1:30. And of him are you in Christ Iesus, who of God is made to us Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption. Acts 4. 12. Neither is there Salvation in any other, &c.

Observe Peter's dastardliness, when he ventures without a call into the priest's hall; a question of the damsels overturns him. He that was so cowardly when he was out of his way, look upon his boldness when he was in his work (Acts 4:7-13): when they saw the boldness of Peter a…

Let us see if we can find ourselves there. For the Scripture assures us, that there is no salvation but only in Christ Jesus (Acts 4:12), nor no damnation to them that are in him (Romans 8:1). Now therefore, just as to know the original cause of our death and damnation, we must…

Now upon this, Saint Paul adds, that Jesus Christ has obtained a name, (that is to say, a majesty) which is above all names, as well in heaven as in earth. Here Saint Paul shows us briefly, that all our wisdom is to know the benefits that are brought to us by the Son of God, and…

They meet together, and plot the ruin of Christ and his Kingdom; and they were those that were of chief authority in the place. Another instance (Acts 4:27-28): For of a truth against your holy Child Jesus whom you have anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles…

This is life eternal to know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent: there's the sum of what is necessary to life eternal; that there is one God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, to be known, loved, obeyed, worshipped, and enjoyed; and the Lord Jesus Christ to be…

He gives to will, that is, the first inclination (1 Kings 8:58): that he may incline our hearts to him to walk in all his ways, etc. And then the deed, the outward expression of our obedience, is still from God (Acts 4:29). The Apostle goes to God for that: Grant to your servant…

2. Gracious wisdom to discern the due occasion when God is glorified and our neighbor edified: rash, arrogant, and presumptuous spirits are heady, high-minded, and disgrace religion more than honor it. 3. With boldness to do it freely and without fear of men (Acts 4:13). When th…

If left to ourselves, we shall falter, as Peter did at the damsel's question; but God will assist the resolved heart by his Spirit, and assist him in that very hour when the trial comes: and then we need not be afraid before whomever we come, we need not be anxious. The servants…

Self-love and envy soon breaks our friendship, but these seek the good of another as much as their own; delight in the graces of one another. 4. In religious friendship we owe a love to all that fear God (Acts 4:32): The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and one…

We read of joy in heaven at the conversion of sinners, they rejoice at our welfare, praising and lauding God; so there is also joy on earth when any spiritual benefit is imparted, if any be gotten to a godlike nature, they give thanks to God; they that fear you will be glad when…

When the members are cut off, the body is less powerful. (Acts 4:33) "And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus." When they were met with one heart.

Take heed of minding the favor and praise of men, more than, or without the favor and praise of God, which hypocrites, and none but hypocrites do (John 12:42-43). Daniel and the three children would not sin for fashion's sake, no though they were commanded to sin: and the apostl…

Thus he is exalted in his titles of honor. 2. God has exalted Christ in his office: He has honored him to be Salvator Mundi, the Savior of the world (Acts 5:31). Him has God exalted with his right hand to be a prince and a savior.

If the world reproach us for Christ's sake, and cast dust on our name, let us bear it with patience. The Apostles (Acts 5:41) departed from the Council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to endure shame for Christ's name: [illegible], that they were graced to be disgraced…

Use 1. If God be a Spirit, then he is impassible; he is not capable of being hurt. Wicked men may set up their banners, and bend their forces against God, they are said [in non-Latin alphabet], to fight against God (Acts 5:39). But what will this fighting avail?

Whom the Devil could not destroy by intemperance, he has by vain-glory. 3. It reproves them who fight against God's glory (Acts 5:39): Lest you be found to fight against God. Quest. But who do fight against God's glory?

A sinner is to God worse than a toad; a toad has no poison, but what God has put into it; but a sinner has that which the devil has put into him. Acts 5:3: Why has Satan filled your heart to lie? A wicked man is possessed with an evil spirit.

Thus men naturally are in the house of bondage, they are enslaved to Satan: Satan is called the Prince of this World (John 14:30), and the God of this World (2 Corinthians 4:4), because he has such power to command and enslave them: Though Satan shall one day be a close prisoner…

He seduced our first parents by a lie (Genesis 3:4). How does this sin incense God? — he struck Ananias dead for telling a lie (Acts 5:5). The furnace of hell is heated to throw liars into (Revelation 22:15): "Without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and whoever loves…

Use 2. Is all Scripture of divine inspiration, is it a book made by God himself? Then this reproves, 1. the Papists who take away part of Scripture, and so clip the King of Heaven's coin; they expunge the second Commandment out of their catechisms, because it makes against image…

Moses esteemed the reproaches of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt (Hebrews 11:26). The Apostles went away rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Christ (Acts 5:41), that they were graced so far as to be disgraced for the name of…

The Holy Ghost which dwells in us. As the unclean spirit dwells in the wicked, and carries them to pride, lust, revenge; the Devil has entered into these swine (Acts 5:3). So the Spirit of God dwells in the elect as their guide and comforter.

Where there is a lie in the tongue, it shows the devil is in the heart. Why has Satan filled your heart to lie? (Acts 5:3). Lying is such a sin as unfits men for civil society.

She brought two things to Christ, tears and ointment; her tears were more precious to Christ than her ointment. 3. Repentance ushers in pardon; therefore they are joined together (Acts 5:31): repentance and remission. Pardon of sin is the richest blessing; it is enough to make a…

When a man tells a lie does he not do the devil's will? (Acts 5:3) Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Ghost? (3.) Not to do God's will is dangerous; it brings a spiritual praemunire.

Then we must all learn to rejoice in the troubles and wrongs which we suffer for Christ's sake. So did the Apostles, Acts 5:41. They departed from the council, rejoicing in that they were counted worthy to suffer affliction for his name.

Tempted Job believes (Job 19:25). The scourged apostles rejoice (Acts 5:41). Drowned Jonah looks to the holy temple (Jonah 2:4).

2. It is not merit, or acquired by way of merit of Christ's death, that a Crown is given to Jesus Christ, for this end, to destroy such enemies as are not capable of sinning against his Mediatory Crown, especially, when as God, he had power to destroy them, as his enemies, thoug…

Salvation belongs to God, and though many means may be used, yet it is the Lord and his mercy, and blessing, that saves and delivers, and nothing else, and God's servants they know it. But there is a second duty in having Christ for a Savior; and that is, in looking up to Christ…

Let us go forth therefore to him without the camp bearing his reproach (Hebrews 11:26). Esteeming the reproach of Christ, greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; prefer it before all earthly honor (Acts 5:41). And they departed from the council rejoicing that they were count…

(2 Kings 19:35) The Angel of the Lord went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand. An Angel opened the prison doors to the Apostles (Acts 5:19 and Acts 12:7). But were not all these services extraordinary and miraculous, which we may n…

And we Christians may also tempt Christ, for the Apostle warns us against it: we tempt Christ now he is ascended into heaven, when we disobey his laws, question his authority, doubt of his promises, after sufficient means of conviction, that he is the Messiah, the Son of God; gr…

Christ delighted to give it, and God delighted to accept of it. He paid a perfect ransom for us, besides or above which he craved no more, but rested fully content in it; for the other, the renovation of man's nature, to put him into a capacity to serve and please God, for God w…

The Apostles notwithstanding all this did not cease to do their office, but most constantly preached and confessed Christ. For they knew that they should rather obey God than men: and that it was better that the whole world should be troubled and in an uproar, than that Christ s…

And they had extraordinarie authoritie, to punish them that rebelliously withstood them. Act 5:5. & 10. & Act 13:20. 2. Cor 10:6.

Hence it follows, that the Gospel must be preached, though all men be offended. God must not be displeased though all men be displeased (Acts 5:29). Indeed Christ pronounces woe against them by whom offences come: but that is meant of offences given, and not of offences taken: o…

Thirdly, the word of salvation, Act 13:26. because it shewes the way and meanes of attaining salvation. Lastly, the word of life, Act 5:20. because it does not only shew the narrow way, that leads to eternall life; but is in it selfe a liuely word, and mightie in operation, Heb…

We glory, says Paul (Romans 5:3), even in our tribulations: now this glorying or boasting cannot be without joy. The Apostles went away rejoicing from before the Council, that God vouchsafed them the honor to suffer rebuke for the name of Jesus (Acts 5:41). I grant the faithful…

Let us then with Moses, esteem the rebuke of Christ above all the riches of Egypt (Exodus 2:11; Hebrews 11:26). Let us with the Apostles rejoice, who went from the Council with glad hearts, in regard they were counted worthy to suffer rebuke and wrongs for the name of the Lord J…

Third, this repentance that has been described, is indeed the special condition of remission of sin. This seems very evident by the Scripture, as particularly, Mark 1:4: John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance, for the remission of sins. So, Luke…

It is said to the wicked rich man in the Gospel (Luke 12:20), You fool, this night shall your soul be required of you, demanded indeed, but O how unwillingly does the rich man pay this natural debt, who is so able to pay all civil debts. Yet it must be confessed that we find the…

And why so? because death being penally inflicted on him, when he had paid the debt, he was legally to be acquitted; Now for whom, and in whose name and stead he suffered, for them, and in their name and stead, he received his acquitment. Fourthly, Because upon his death, God th…

Rom. 5. 3. We reioyce in tribulation, knowing that tribulation brings forth patience: and Act. 5. 41. The Disciples reioyced, that they were counted worthy to suffer rebuke for the name of Christ.

It is true he is bound in conscience to observe you, yet it is only in those things wherein the law of God has left his conscience free; and therefore where the great and universal Lord has laid a prohibition upon him, his obedience is superseded, and your commands do only bind…

This is the firstborn of the Devil; the beginning of his strength; for by lies he prevailed over wretched man; and therefore is his darling and beloved sin, and the greatest instrument of promoting his kingdom. It is that which, in his own mouth, ruined all mankind in the gross;…

4. Liars, turn from your evil ways. We read Acts 5 at the beginning, of Ananias and Sapphira, who were smitten with sudden death for the sin of lying; it is said, they fell down at the Apostles' feet, and gave up the ghost. And has not the sin of lying been one ingredient in the…

And, Acts 2:46 speaking of the multitudes that were converted by that great outpouring of the Spirit that was on the day of Pentecost, it is said, "And they continued daily with one accord in the temple." And, Acts 5:42 speaking of the apostles, "And daily in the temple, and in…

How greatly have they erred, who only from the uncertain Reports of others, have ventured to speak slightingly of these Things? That Caution of an unbelieving Jew might teach them more Prudence, Acts 5:38, 39. Refrain from these Men, and let them alone; for if this Counsel, or t…

And shall we not learn at last, instead of fretting and being exceeding angry, to rejoice and to be exceeding glad (Matthew 5:11-12), when we suffer thus for righteousness' sake? May we not put such reproaches as pearls, in our crown, and be assured that they will pass well in t…

However, it may be mistaken and misrepresented, it is very far from being really a sect. There were sects of religion among the Jews; we read of the sect of the Sadducees (Acts 5:17), which was built upon peculiar notions, such as overturned the foundation of natural religion, b…

Secondly, let us acknowledge the power of divine grace, in keeping up the Christian religion in the world, notwithstanding the universal contradiction, and opposition it has met with. One would think that a way thus spoken against everywhere should have been long ere this lost a…

Says St. Paul in Rom. 5:3 We glory in tribulations: There is a patient bearing of tribulation, and a rejoicing in tribulation, and glorying in tribulation; now they did not only bear them patiently, and rejoice in them, but they did esteem them their glory. It is a notable speec…

Turn to, and ponder the following Scriptures, among many others, Proverbs 5:2, 3, 4. Acts 5. 29. Romans 1:24, 29.

It is known what is reported of Ignatius when he was led to martyrdom: let what will, said he, come upon me, only so I may obtain Jesus Christ. Hence they of old rejoiced when whipped, scourged, put to shame for his sake (Acts 5:41; Hebrews 11). All is welcome that comes from hi…

Therefore God also has highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow — of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth — and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the…

Such as these the Scripture terms men-pleasers. Hence it comes to pass that husbands and wives are so far from drawing one another from sin, that the better rather yields to the worse, and both run into evil, as Adam was persuaded by his wife to transgress against God's express…

Contrary to the other branch of servants' faithfulness in increasing their master's estate, is all manner of theft and fraud, whether it be by retaining that which is due to their masters, or by pilfering from them that which they have. The Apostle expressly forbids servants to…

Let them come into, and abide in your mind. Consider that he is exalted and made a Prince and a Savior to give repentance unto Israel (Acts 5:31); and if to give repentance, to give mortification, without which the other is not, nor can be. Christ tells us that we obtain purging…

Neither is there a greater evidence of a false and rotten heart in the world, than to drive such a trade. To use the blood of Christ, which is given to cleanse us (1 John 1:7; Titus 2:14), the exaltation of Christ, which is to give us repentance (Acts 5:31), the doctrine of grac…

All communications of supplies and relief in the beginnings, increasings, actings of any grace whatever from him, are by the Spirit, by whom he alone works in and upon believers. From him we have our mortification: he is exalted and made a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance…

Therefore this Gospel provides us with divine Strength to fulfil these Duties; Christ is our Strength, as well as our Righteousness. He is exalted to bestow Repentance as well as Forgiveness; and Faith is the Gift of God, who creates us anew in Christ Jesus unto good Works, Isai…

To you it is given to believe, Acts 5:3. God has exalted him — to give Repentance:

Malchus's ear cut, restituit. 2. Clarity and splendor: the bodies of the saints shall have a graceful majesty in them; they shall be like Stephen, whose face shined as if it had been the face of an angel (Acts 6:15). Indeed they shall be made like Christ's glorious body (Philipp…

An intelligent Christian can [in non-Latin alphabet], convince gainsayers. This wisdom of the serpent was eminently in Stephen (Acts 6:9). There arose certain of the Synagogue, disputing with Stephen, and they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

Proposition 2. Conviction turned to malice, becomes a devil; the Pharisees convinced, go on against heaven, and the operation of the Holy Ghost. And the Jews saw the face of Stephen, as it had been the face of an Angel (Acts 6:15). Yet Acts 7:57-58, they run on him, and stone hi…

So here: it is God that justifies, and Christ that died — they are both of them set forth as the foundation of a believer's confidence. So elsewhere, faith is called a believing on him (namely God) that justifies the ungodly (Romans 4:5), and a believing on Christ (Acts 6). Ther…

1. It must be granted that this shining of Christ's countenance as the sun while he prayed was extraordinary, and a dispensation peculiar to the Son of God; so also was the shining of Moses' face while he conversed with God in the mount (Exodus 34:29-30), and for ordinary Christ…

So Matthew 25:44: "When saw we you hungry, etc., and did not minister to you?" The name of deacons is derived hence, as they served tables or provided meat for the poor (Acts 6:2). So Luke 10:40: "My sister has left me, [illegible], to serve alone," meaning, to prepare provision…

In these words the Apostle dos iterate the conclusion propounded in the sixt verse, as also in the ninth verse immediately going before; that we should doe the good we can, while we have time; and withall he dos illustrate it both by the obiect to whome we must doe good, and by…

What? Have you forgotten, brethren, that the Apostles ordained the Deacons, Acts 6:6. by Prayer and imposition of hands? That the Apostle Paul laid his hands on Timothy?

In this Apologie of Christ, for his behauiour towards the Law; obserue, what malice some of the Iewes, especially the Scribes and Pharises, bare unto him: for Christ was the Author of the Law, and yet they maliciously suspect and charge him with the abrogation therof; so as he i…

These Greeks were foreign Jews and proselytes, as is evident by their coming to worship at the feast of the Passover. The Jews that lived abroad among the Greeks, and spoke their language, were called Greeks or Hellenists: so they are called Grecians, Acts 6:1. These Grecians he…

I desire you to correct and curb swearing, lying, drinking, Sabbath-breaking, and idle spending of the Lord's day in absence from the church, as far as your authority reaches in that parish. I hear a man is to be forced into the place to which I have God's right; I know you shou…

Sir, I recommend you to the thoughts of death, and how you would wish your soul to be when you shall lie cold, blue, ill-smelling clay. For any hireling to be intruded, I being the king's prisoner cannot say much, but as God's minister I desire you to read Acts 2:15-16 to the en…

The face of Moses shone (Exodus 34:30), and he was the meekest of all the men on earth. The face of Stephen shone (Acts 6:15), and he it was, who in the midst of a shower of stones, so meekly submitted, and prayed for his persecutors. The face of our Lord Jesus shone in his tran…

Hence when our Savior promises the Spirit to his disciples to be present with them for the conviction of the world, he tells them he will give them a mouth and wisdom which their adversaries shall not be able to gainsay or resist, Luke 21:15. Concerning which, in the accomplishm…

For says David, who had so much acquaintance, When I shall have learned. The professors of the Christian Religion were primitively called Disciples or Learners (Acts 6:2 [illegible]), The multitude of the Disciples; there seems to be the true definition of a Church, the genus an…

Live as kings; let the majesty of holiness appear in your faces. Those who looked on Stephen saw his face as it had been the face of an angel (Acts 6:15). A kind of angelic brightness was seen in his face.

This is faith, when a man comes in that case to set his faith aworke, that it may set him the right way that he is to goe in, which way he is to turne. And so, put the case that GOD brings you to such a case, that you are in danger of prison in danger of death, in danger of the…

Obj. 1. Then shall Gospel-obedience be of less worth than law-obedience, which flows not from grace, which Christ has merited by his death? Ans. It's not denied, but it is obedience, so the Scripture (Hebrews 5:9; Romans 1:5; Romans 6:17; Romans 16:19; 2 Corinthians 10:5; 1 Pete…

And if any other were among them, whom our Savior prayed for, they might be converted afterwards. Neither were the Rulers, without the compass of the fruits of this prayer, for a great company of the Priests were obedient to the faith (Acts 6:7). So that nothing can possibly be…

Holy Stephen, the first martyr, took up something of glory by anticipation before he died. For when he was brought to his trial before the council, all who sat there, looking intently at him, saw his face as the face of an angel (Acts 6:15). He had his transfiguration, according…

How many thousands of apples be there virtually in a tree that bears fruit, for thirty or forty years together? So it is said of Stephen, that he was full of faith and power (Acts 6:8). And Barnabas (Acts 11:24): full of the Holy Ghost, and of Faith.

The nature of the Office and the due discharge of it, with what is necessary unto the Religious Worship of public Assemblies, manifest it so to be. The Apostles, as their Example, gave themselves continually unto Prayer and the Ministry of the Word, Acts 6:4. It is therefore the…

6. Is invocation proper to the Deity? This is given to Christ (Acts 7): Lord Jesus receive my spirit. 7. Is recumbency and trust peculiar to God the Father?

Resp. There is a twofold glory: 1. The glory that God has in himself; his intrinsic glory. Glory is essential to the Godhead, as light is to the sun: he is called the God of Glory (Acts 7:2). Glory is the sparkling of the deity; glory is so co-natural to the Godhead, that God ca…

It is hard to find both: if one would seek for a faithful man, questionless he may find many; if for a wise man, he may find many; but if he seek for one both wise and faithful, this is rara avis, hard to find: yet it is possible, though not common. Moses, a man learned in all t…

Sure then this kingdom is worth praying for, Your kingdom come. Would God give us a vision of heaven a while, as he did Stephen, who saw heaven opened (Acts 7:56), we should fall into a trance, and being a little recovered out of it, how importunately would we put up this petiti…

As if the patient should be angry with the physician when he gives him a receipt to purge out his bad humors. (Acts 7:54): When they heard this they were cut to the heart, and gnashed on Stephen with their teeth. (2 Chronicles 16:10): Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in…

A pagan sins less than a baptized renegade. (9.) To persecute religion makes sin greater (Acts 7:22). To have no religion is a sin, but to endeavor to destroy religion is a greater.

He that injures me shall add to my reward; he that clips my name to make it weigh lighter, shall make my crown weigh heavier. Well might Stephen pray for his enemies: Lord, lay not this sin to their charge (Acts 7:60). He knew they did but increase his glory in heaven; every sto…

Now Abraham, at God's commandment, went out of his own Country into this place, to inherit it, and to take possession of it. But it may be objected, He inherited it not; yea furthermore, Stephen says, Acts 7:4. God brought him in, but gave him no inheritance in it, no, not the b…

At Moses' prayer, God's judgments were taken from Egypt: Exodus 7:12, 13, 30, and his wrath appeased toward his people, Exodus 32:11, 14. And some think that Stephen's prayer at his death for his persecutors, was one means for mercy unto Saul, that then consented to his death, A…

We must know that the Mother was the chief doer in this work, and the father though he was not a doer, yet he gave his consent. Now we must remember, that consent is a kind of doing, whether it be in good things, or in evil: for, when Saul did but keep the persecutors clothes th…

Surely, if Moses had written a book of his own, as he was a mere man, and as he was Moses brought up in Egypt: or Paul writ a book, as he was a Pharisee, and Doctor of the Law; they would both have been full of all excellent learning: for Paul was brought up, at the foot of Gama…

2. Question: Whether are we to pray to the Son and the Holy Spirit as to the Father? Answer: Invocation belongs to all the three persons in Trinity, and not only to the father, Acts 7:59. Stephen prays, Lord Jesus receive my spirit. 1 Thessalonians 3:2. Now God our father and ou…

Have you any other gift or blessing of God, be it wisdom, strength, riches, honor, favor, or whatever, then look you use it so, as you may be always ready to make a good account thereof to Christ. Lastly, every one must in such manner lead his life in this world, that at the day…

Answer: The word does not afford any particular direction. Our Savior and his disciples prayed in various gestures: kneeling, standing, groveling, looking to heaven, looking down to the earth, sitting, lying, etc. (Luke 11:41; Acts 7). God respects not the gesture, but the affec…

Isidore says that the heathen used the names of image and idol indifferently in one and the same signification. Stephen in his defense in Acts 7:41 calls the golden calf an idol. Jerome says that idols are images of dead men.

But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. To give light to this, Paul had represented the story and case of Abraham, and the rest of the Patriarchs, in the verses before, t…

Fear to strangle the beginnings of the life of grace, for grace may begin at little; and if you quench any motion, conviction, or challenge, you know not if ever you shall meet with the like again, because when He knocked hard at your heart you held Him out and kept Him at the d…

First, for clearing of its meaning. 1. You would not take up our meaning in it so, as if we made every common work that lively means may have on the hearers of the Gospel, to be conversion; the preaching of the Word will sometimes make folks tremble, as we see in Felix, and will…

He is the object of faith (John 14:11): You believe in God, believe also in me. He is the object of prayer (Acts 7:59): They stoned Stephen, calling upon God, saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit — and frequently elsewhere in Scripture he is prayed to, though these two are not…

The fourth and last article, or part of the condition required of the Mediator, is, He made intercession for the transgressors; there was more required of him than to die, and to die such a death for the Elect's sins; He must also make application of his death; and he will do th…

And for clearing of this, we would propose these considerations. 1. That it is a certain truth, that the person that is the Mediator, is the object of our worship, and may be prayed to, because he is God, the second person of the Godhead: And therefore, in Acts 7, at the close,…

The man sees the crown; he is come to the stone wall or the hedge of paradise, and sees the apples of life hanging on the tree, and hears the music of heaven. Stephen (Acts 7:56) said, I saw heaven opened. He goes not away pulled by the hair, but willingly, gladly (Hebrews 11:8,…

Just as Paul complains of the Jews (Acts 13:46), since you have put it away from you, lo, we turn to the Gentiles, we purge and cast out the motions of God's spirit, and cannot endure that any Ordinance should bring us nearer to Christ. (Acts 7:51) You have always resisted the H…

He prays for pardon of their sin, when they use him most wickedly, one that had never done them wrong. And so you read of Stephen, the first Christian Martyr (Acts 7:60), when they flung stones about his ears, he kneeled down and cried with a loud voice: Lord lay not this sin to…

For Moses and the people heard God speaking in the Mount Sinai: that is to say, they heard the angels speaking in the person of God. Therefore Stephen in Acts 7 says: You have received the law by the ministry of the Angels, and you have not regarded it. Also the text in the thir…

Steuen vpbraids the Iewes, that the law was given by the dispensation of Angels, and yet they brake it. Act 7:53. Thirdly, if you offend and breake the law, repent with speede: for that is the desire and ioy of Angels.

Abraham could use no stronger argument to pacify Lot, than this, Let there be no strife between you and me, for we are brethren (Genesis 13:8). Moses used it as a motive to accord two Hebrews: Sirs, you are brethren; why do you wrong one to another? (Acts 7:26). For it is a sham…

Pliny says it was a city of Arabia: but it is commonly placed in Mesopotamia. Which is confirmed by Abraham's voyage, who came from there with his father, when he departed out of Chaldea (Genesis 11:31; Acts 7:4). The profane historians call it Charras in the plural number, and…

And this manner of reprehension is often found both in the Prophets, as also in the book of Psalms: for they knowing themselves to be the holy nation, they swelled in pride against the Lord; as if this honor had been due to them, either in regard of the excellence or merits of t…

So far were they off then from mounting up to heaven by them through faith, that they kept their minds groveling here below, and made themselves believe that God was bound and tied to them: for which cause they served him by halves, indeed, they toyed with him at their pleasure.…

19. Powerful in deed and in word. Luke has employed nearly the same form of expression in reference to the person of Stephen, (Acts 7:22,) where he says of Moses, by way of commendation, that he was powerful in words and in actions. But in this passage it is uncertain if it is o…

“C’est à dire, de l’avis qu’ils en avoyent desja donné en leur conseil;” — “that is to say, by the opinion which they had already given respecting him in their council.” For the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:59) took place in a seditious manner, as happens in cases of tumult; but i…

Let us now remember that it was not in reference to himself alone that Christ committed his soul to the Father, but that he included, as it were, in one bundle all the souls of those who believe in him, that they may be preserved along with his own; and not only so, but by this…

In this Christ sets us a pattern, Luke 23:46 Father into your hands I commend my spirit; and having said thus he gave up the Ghost. So Stephen at his death, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit, and immediately fell asleep, Act. 7:59 There be two signal and remarkable acts of faith, bo…

There was a time prefixed by God himself for the performance of that Promise of Israel's deliverance out of Egypt; and it's said, Exodus 12:41 At the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the self same day it came to pass, that all the host of the Lord went out of the L…

They never satisfy a man as his Portion, nor will the soul accept all the prosperity in the world upon that score, Hebrews 11:26 Esteeming the reproach, of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. Nor do they make m…

When Dauids enemies laid snares for his life, uttered sorrowes, and imagined deceit against him continually; yet by this virtue he suffered all patiently, beeing as a deafe man that hears not, and as the dumbe which opens not his mouth: so farre was he from priuate reuenge. And…

Ans. Yes: for Stephen prayed to the Sonne, Act. 7. 59. Lord Jesus receive my spirit: and Christ bids hi[] Disciples, Goe teachall nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Sonne, and the Holy Spirit: that is, calling upon the name of the Father, Sonne, and Holy Spir…

But to us God has vouchsafed more clear and lively discoveries of himself; declaring to us those attributes by his word, the knowledge of which we could never have attained by his works alone. And therefore the Scriptures are called the lively oracles of God (Acts 7:38). And the…

(1 Corinthians 10:7) Neither be you idolaters; as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. (Acts 7:41) They made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice to the idol. Again, secondly, Micah and his mother were certainly g…

Therefore it is better for us in this state of weakness, that God speaks to us by ministers, men of like passions and infirmities with ourselves, whom we may be able to bear, and whose words notwithstanding our weakness, we may be able to hear. 2. God does now also speak to men…

1. They offer violence to the Spirit of God. The Spirit knocks at the door of sinners' hearts; he waits till his head be filled with dew, and his locks with the drops of the night; but sinners repulse and grieve the Spirit, and send away this Dove from the Ark of their souls (Ac…

Being such a type of Christ, he bore the name of Christ. Joshua and Jesus are the same name, only the one is Hebrew, the other is Greek: And therefore, in the New Testament, which was originally written in Greek, Joshua is called Jesus, Acts 7:45. "Which also our fathers brought…

Thus these remains of the old inhabitants of Canaan continued unsubdued till David's time; but he wholly subdued them all. Which is agreeable to what Saint Stephen observes, Acts 7:45. "Which also our fathers brought in with Jesus (that is Joshua) into the possession of the Gent…

No — false teachers, who are clouds without rain, are more likely to enjoy that, than I. Which of all the Prophets have not been tossed and hurried worse than I (Acts 7:52)? He that will not let men alone to be quiet in their lusts, must expect but little quiet from men in this…

The Father and the Son — he who sits on the throne and the Lamb — are held out jointly yet distinctly as the adequate object of all divine worship and honor forever. And therefore Stephen in his solemn dying invocation fixes his faith and hope distinctly on him, Acts 7:59-60: Lo…

In this sense is it used in that frequent expression, if I have found grace in your sight: that is, if I be freely and favorably accepted before you. So he gives grace, (that is, favor) to the humble (James 4:6; Genesis 39:21; chapter 41:37; Acts 7:10; 1 Samuel 2:26; 2 Kings 25:…

The third caution concerns him and his work in the dispensation of that great ordinance of the word. Stephen tells the Jews in Acts 7:51 that they resisted the Holy Spirit. How did they do it?

And it always so fell out, to fix our faith on the right bottom, that scarce any Prophet that spoke in the name of God, had any Approbation from the Church, in whose days He spoke. Matthew 5:12. chapter 23:29. Luke 17:47, 48. Acts 7:52. Matthew 21:33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38. It is t…

(2.) It must be done universally, whatever the wrong be, be it to our persons, names, or estates. To our persons: (Acts 7:60) Stephen, when they stoned him, he said, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge: though they had done him so great an injury, as to deprive him of his lif…

Woe to him that gives his neighbor drink, that puts your bottle to him. 4. By consenting to another's sin: Saul did not cast one stone at Stephen, yet the Scripture says, Saul was consenting to his death (Acts 8:1). Thus he had a hand in it; if several did combine to murder a ma…

4, Pray that the same Spirit that wrote the Word may assist you in the reading of it; that God's Spirit would show you the wonderful things of his law. Go near, says God to Philip, join yourself to this chariot (Acts 8:29). So when God's Spirit joins himself with this chariot of…

But who will not say he is a believer? Simon Magus believed (Acts 8:13), yet was in the gall of bitterness. The hypocrite can put on faith's mantle, as the devil did Samuel's.

It is not our prayers or tears or good deeds, can purchase pardon. When Simon Magus would have bought the gift of the Holy Ghost with money; Your money (says Peter) perish with you (Acts 8:20). So they, who think they can buy pardon of sin with their duties and alms, their money…

The proper inward effect that accompanies that ordinance (which casts men out of the church) being inward affliction and distress of conscience by Satan (which of all afflictions is the greatest punishment, as the apostle calls it, 2 Corinthians 2:6) — thereby to bring a man to…

And in Moses' days Jethro Moses' father in Law, a Priest of Midian, obtained this at Gods hands, to be joined unto Gods Church: and so was Ruth the Moabite, Ruth 1.16: and Naaman the Assyrian, 2 Kings 5.17: and as some think Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel 4.3, but that is not so certain…

Question. David uses imprecations against his enemies, in which he prays for their utter confusion, as Psalm 59 and Psalm 109, etc. The like is done by Paul (Galatians 5:12; 2 Timothy 4:14) and Peter (Acts 8:20), though afterwards he mitigates his execration. But how could they…

Philip said, If you do believe with all your heart, you may. Then he answered, I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God (Acts 8:38). By this it appears, that although all men, for the most part, among us can say this Creed, yet not one of a thousand can tell the ancient and…

To conclude, such is the vileness of mere heart-sins that the Scriptures sometimes intimate the difficulty of pardon for them. So in the case of Simon Magus (Acts 8:21): his heart was not right; he had vile thoughts of God and the things of God; the apostle bids him repent and p…

Isaiah 53:1 Who has believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? We hope it shall not be needful to insist in opening the scope of this chapter, or in clearing to you of whom the prophet means, and is speaking: It was once questioned by the Eunuch, Acts 8:32…

I know that place of (Matthew 8:17) has its own difficulty, and therefore I shall speak a word for clearing of it; he has spoken in verse 16 of Christ's healing all that were sick, and then subjoins in verse 17: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet,…

This is the heart-warming commendation of his sufferings, that with delight and pleasure he underwent them, as if he had been purchasing a kingdom to himself. Now, to come to the Use of all these doctrines; when they with the things contained in them are laid together, we profes…

Isaiah 53:8 — Verse 8. He was taken from prison and from judgment, and who shall declare his generation? For he was cut off out of the land of the living, for the transgression of my people was he stricken. We need not tell you of whom the Prophet is speaking here, every verse a…

We show you that we conceive these words to be these that express the Prophet's turning of himself from Christ's humiliation to his exaltation; He has insisted long in setting out his wonderful abasement, exinanition, and humiliation, which these words import, He was brought fro…

3. The Lord, in the Word of the Gospel has revealed this; and has comprehended the way of a sinner's justification in the gospel covenant, and promises, and makes offer of it to all that hear of it, saying, "He that believes in the Son shall not perish, but have eternal life, an…

Manasseh, as if he had intended to make sure work of Hell, runs on to pawn soul and salvation, and gives himself to witchcraft; observing of times; to cause the streets of Jerusalem to run with blood, to all abominable idolatry: mercy in the Lord went as near hell to save him. P…

Thirdly, it is a means to put people in remembrance of what they know, though it be not to salvation. And lastly, it kindles in them some desires to know these things, that they might understand them; though that be rare, I dare not reckon the Eunuch among the ignorant and unbel…

So that the word opened by way of conference made their hearts to burn within them, they do not call it preaching, but rather a private conference, an applying the Scripture to this point they stood in need to be instructed in, and they go away with full resolution, the Lord is…

Labor not for any loaves, whatever you might find in your pursuit after Christ. It was this by which Peter did discover the hypocrisy of Simon Magus: he desired the gift of the Holy Ghost, but for Christ himself, his heart was not set upon him, but he only desired that in which…

Peter seeing the disciple which Jesus loved, said Lord, and what shall this man do? As willing to know the future state of his friend, so (Acts 8:14). Peter and John go to Samaria to confirm the disciples, see (John 18:15).

And I say to you, That you are Peter, and upon this rock will I build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 2. It is the question put to those that would enter upon Christianity (Acts 8:37): If you believe with all your heart you may; and he answered and…

And this malediction proceeds from the Holy Ghost. As Peter also in Acts 8 curses Simon the Sorcerer: Your money and you perish together. And the holy Scripture often uses cursing, against such troublers of men's consciences, and chiefly in the Psalms: as Psalm 55: Let death com…

The second is, by the message of a creature. Thus Aaron and the tribe of Leui was called by Moses: Elizeus, by Elias: Philip was called by an angel to baptize the Eunuch, Act 8:26. The third is, by instinct.

The first is, that we must have and carrie in vs a right heart. For the want of this was Simon Magus condemned, Act 8:21. A right heart is an humble and an honest heart.

Jonah preaches, yet forty days and Nineveh shall be destroyed: but withal he adds, It may be the Lord will repent, and turn from his fierce wrath (Jonah 3:9). Peter says to Simon Magus, You are in the gall of bitterness: but withal he adds, Pray God that the thought of your hear…

Read (Acts 20:31). 4. He had a prerogative, (as the rest of the Apostles had) after he had made disciples by imposition of hands to give to them the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost (Acts 8:17). And these are the means whereby this special love was procured.

Simon Magus though a wicked wretch, a limme of the Deuill, a sorcerer, &c. yet had this conceit of himselfe, and gaue it out also, that he was some great man. Act 8:9. to wit, the great power of God. v. 10. The Church of Laodicea, thought shee was rich, and increased with goods,…

And in other places we may observe, that God's servants have spoken on this manner, though the matter were out of doubt. For when Saint Peter exhorted Simon the Magician to repentance, he adds; If perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you: but he therein counsels him…

Though it is a thing attended with so much difficulty, yet it is not a thing impossible. Acts 8:22: 'If perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.' 2 Timothy 2:25: 'If perhaps God will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth.'

The wonderful strangeness and unaccountableness of this work of Providence, in casting us into the way, and ordering the occasions, yea, the minuest Circumstances about this work. Thus you find in Acts 8. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, &c. the Eunuch at that very instant when he was readin…

Againe, others have their calling from God, by the speciall message of some Angel, or some men. Thus was Aaron called by Moses; Elisha by Elias; and Philip by an Angel to preach to the Eunuch, Act. 8. 26. Thirdly, others be called by the instinct and motion of Gods spirit: so, A…

Christ there does not approve of their separation from the Jews; but tells the woman of Samaria, that they worshipped they knew not what, and that salvation is of the Jews. But now salvation is brought from the Jews to them by the preaching of Philip, (excepting that before Chri…

Does the Spirit of the Lord produce that glorious and supernatural work of faith, in convinced and humbled souls? In this also the hypocrite apes and imitates the believer (Acts 8:13): Then Simon himself believed also. (Luke 8:13) These are they which for a while believe, and in…

It comforts their very hearts. What joy was there in Samaria, when the Gospel came to that place? (Acts 8:8). It revives the soul, its mel in ore, melos in aure, jubilum in corde, honey in the mouth, melody in the ear, and a very Jubilee in the heart.

Surely some do behold their late ascension and glory with envy and indignation, others possibly may be led by a desire of being somebody in the world. Simon Magus would be [in non-Latin alphabet], (Acts 8:9); there is a natural itch and desire after mastery in Israel. James chec…

For, First, sometimes by this means, he scatters his people abroad in the world to disperse his truth, to spread his Gospel further then otherwise it would be; as Acts 8. 3, 4. it is said, Saul made havock of the Church, haling men and women, committing them to prison, therefore…

The Church of God is like that Plant Gregory Nazianzen speaks of, which lives by dying, and grows by cutting. Persecution propagates the Church: the scattering of the Apostles up and down, was like scattering of seed, it did tend much to the spreading of the Gospel, Acts 8:1.4.…

A Godly man is assured that a full Purse is but a poor recompence for a wounded Conscience. If any shall go to choak him with Steeples, he says as Peter, Acts 8:20. Your mony perish with you.

If there be anything sought from God more than God, or not for God, we do not seek him with the whole heart, but only for other uses. 2. It notes integrity of parts: we read in Scripture of loving God not only with the heart, but with the whole heart; and of believing not only w…

1. In reading the word. The eunuch returning from public worship, was reading a portion of Scripture (Acts 8:28). It is good to see with our own eyes, and to drink of the fountain ourselves; if it seem dark without the explication of men, God that sent Philip to the eunuch, will…

The object must be not only revealed, but we must have an answerable light; so that when you have done all, you must say, How can I understand without an interpreter? Acts 8:31. And this interpreter must be the Spirit of God; Ejus est interpretari cujus est condere.

3. Natural men are bound to pray and perform duties, therefore renewed men. That natural men are bound, see Acts 8:22. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.

Some seek God with a piece of their hearts — to explain it, either in the work of faith, or love. In the work of faith, as Acts 8:37: If you believe with all your heart. There is a believing with a piece, and a believing with all the heart.

Ananias joined himself to the people of God, but Satan filled his heart (Acts 5:3). Simon Magus was baptized, but his heart was not right with God (Acts 8:22). Here is the great defect.

Doct. 3. At such a time God must be dealt with about it, upon two grounds. 1. Because God has a great hand in the judgment, in the outward case, want of liberty, nothing falls out without his providence, he sees fit sometimes to exercise his people with unreasonable men, for all…

Look into the lives and examples of the saints: who have more true joy than they? The disciples esteem the grace of the gospel such a great treasure that though they suffer persecution for it they are filled with joy (Acts 8:8): "And there was great joy in that city." (1 Thessal…

There cannot be a greater punishment than that they should have what they choose, that they should be written in the earth (Jeremiah 17), they shall have this and no more. That God should say to them, silver and gold you shall have, but in this matter no lot nor portion (Acts 8)…

There are also the plunderings of soldiers by the license of war, when laws cease, so men are robbed or have their goods taken from them by violence. Or else it may be by pretense of law, by fine and confiscation, as it is said (Acts 8:3): Saul made havoc of the churches, and en…

He has suited promises to the pure and earnest desire of knowledge. Then it is the Lord who sends means, and blesses means; as he sent Peter to Cornelius (Acts 10), and Philip to the Eunuch (Acts 8). All is at his disposal, and he will not fail the waiting soul: He has made Chri…

They cannot purchase the grace of the Spirit. Simon Magus would give money for the gifts of the Holy Ghost, but Peter said to him, Your money perish with you, because you have thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money (Acts 8:20). His request was base and carnal:…

(Psalm 138:5) Indeed, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord. (Acts 9:31) If we leave God, where shall we go? When Saul left God, he went to the witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28:8).

A father when his son takes bad courses, knows not how to make him better, but God knows how to make the children of the election better; he can change their hearts. When Paul was breathing out persecution against the saints, God soon altered his course and set him a praying; (A…

Thirdly, he is precious to God (Isaiah 15:43, 44). He is a member of Christ's body; therefore what injury is offered to him, is done to God himself (Acts 9:4). Caution 1. Though this commandment forbids private persons — 'You shall not kill' — to shed the blood of another (unles…

When the heart is in a melting frame, it will better receive the stamp of the Word preached. When Paul's heart was melted and broken for sin, then, Lord, what will you have me do? (Acts 9:6). Come not here with hard hearts: who can expect a crop when the seed is sown upon stony…

If we have the anointing of the Spirit, it will oil the wheels of our endeavor, and make us lively in our pursuit after the heavenly kingdom. No sooner had Paul grace infused, but presently, Behold he prays (Acts 9:11). The affections are by divines called the feet of the soul,…

When one becomes a New Creature, there is such a visible change, that all may see it; therefore it is called a change from darkness to light (Acts 26:18). Paul, a persecutor, when converted, was so altered, that all who saw him wondered at him, and could scarce believe that he w…

Abraham never dreamed of the true God, nor of any new covenant of grace and salvation, when God called him. And so, when Paul was going armed with bloody fury, and his fury armed with commissions and authority against the Saints, then God from heaven called him; and of a persecu…

Lastly, there is a secret enmity between the seed of the wicked, and the seed of the Church: (1 John 3:12) the wicked are of that evil one, the devil; and therefore, must needs hate the godly, who are born of God. So that, when we shall see or hear, that ungodly persons shall in…

Where learn this, That Christ esteems the reproach and affliction of his Church, as his own affliction. When Saul went to persecute the brethren at Damascus, Acts 9:2, 4, Christ Jesus calls to him from heaven, saying; Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? Saul went to persecute t…

Lastly, if there be such a communion between Christ and a believer, that our sins were made his, and his righteousness made ours; This may teach us patience, and minister us comfort in all outward afflictions, or inward temptations; because it is certain all our sufferings are h…

This was practiced by good Obadiah: when Jezebel killed the Lord's Prophets, he hid them by fifties in a cave; which if it had been known, would have cost him his life. And so did the Apostles and brethren in the Primitive Church; when the Jews would have slain Paul in Damascus,…

So has he dealt for the body, and for the soul he has been no less wonderful. Saul, of a bloody persecutor, he can make a zealous Preacher, Acts 9, even a glorious instrument, and a chosen vessel to carry his name unto the Gentiles, even he who thought to have blotted out the na…

- 5. If God be a father who is called upon, then prayer is the mark of God's child. Saint Luke and Saint Paul set out the faithful servants of God by this mark, Acts 9:14. He has authority to bind all that call on your name. 1 Corinthians 1:2. To them that are sanctified by Jesu…

And by the example of Paul, when Christ says, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? At this very speech he is converted, and said, Who are you, Lord: what will you that I do (Acts 9:6)? And this is manifest also by experience.

When they have been ready to make their own grave, you have built them Hospitals. The milk of your Charity has nursed them up, and while they have sat under your vines, they have eat the sweet grape; we read that they showed Peter the garments and coats which Dorcas made, Acts 9…

What is your beloved more than another beloved? Those who journeyed with Paul, heard a voice, but saw no man (Acts 9:7). So the unregenerate person hears the minister set forth Christ as altogether lovely, he hears a voice, but sees no man; he sees not Christ's orient beauties.

3. There is, by the man Christ's being in heaven, this ground of consolation added, that he has a sympathy with sinners otherwise than before — not as to the degree, nor as to the intenseness of his grace and mercy (as I hinted before), but as to the manner how he is affected; s…

O, so attentive as he is, when his own are under the cross; his bowels are then moved, though not as they were on earth, yet certainly they want not their own holy motion, suitable to the glorious estate to which he is exalted. Therefore (Acts 9) he cries from Heaven, "Saul, Sau…

Consideration 2. God reasons not only with men's minds, to convince them; but also with their will and affections. (Acts 9) Christ from heaven proposes a syllogism to Saul's fury, It's hard for you to kick against pricks. God has logic against anger, which has neither ears nor r…

Manasseh, as if he had intended to make sure work of Hell, runs on to pawn soul and salvation, and gives himself to witchcraft; observing of times; to cause the streets of Jerusalem to run with blood, to all abominable idolatry: mercy in the Lord went as near hell to save him. P…

Or how without money? It is true, should a man offer his house full of treasure for Christ, it would be despised (Song of Solomon 8:7), and when Simon Magus offered to buy the gifts of the Holy Ghost for money, it was rejected with a curse (Acts 9:8-10), and if the gift of the H…

I for my part ran clean another way, I never had a desire after God, I had indeed a kind of form and show, and could comply myself to my governors and neighbors; that I might be flattered and encouraged by them, and I should never have taken better course of myself; but when it…

While Cornelius was in the act of prayer, at the ninth hour of the day, which was the hour of prayer, he saw in a vision the angel of God (Acts 10:3-9). While Peter went up to the house top to pray, then he had the heavenly vision; so when Paul was in prayer Ananias was sent to…

They had not a full dispensation of his glory, but only a glimpse of it, and that under a cloud and revealed in mercy; yet they were sore afraid. Upon any visions and apparitions of the divine Majesty, God's servants fell to the earth — (Ezekiel 1:28) when I saw the appearance o…

What spirit are they of, that will rather give themselves to the roaring lion, and incur the wrath of the King of Heaven, which is more terrible than a thousand hungry lions, than solemnly perform this useful duty of secret prayer: let careless souls consider this. 9. Peter, a f…

And is it not that which on all occasions draws the soul to its Father? It is said of Paul, when newly converted, Behold he prays! (Acts 9:11). Others do not see it, but I know it; there he is in a corner, sighing and seeking me, go Ananias, inquire for him, he is now one of you…

Now, Paul received his gospel in the way as he was going to Damascus, where Christ appeared to him, and talked with him. Afterwards also he talked with him in the temple at Jerusalem: but he received his gospel upon the way, as Luke recites the story in Acts 9. Arise (says Chris…

Thus did God usually teach the Prophets (2 Peter 1:21). Now the revelation which Paul had, was not ordinary, but extraordinary, and that partly by vision, partly by voice, and partly by instinct (Acts 9 and 22). It may here be demanded, where Christ was, whether on earth or in h…

For the commission of the twelve Apostles ran thus, that they must first preach to Jerusalem and Judea, then to Samaria: and in the last place; to the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8). And Paul's commission was, that he should first preach to the Gentiles, and in the secon…

Thirdly, here we see that true and spiritual invocation of God, is a mark of the Church of God: because it is a fruit of the spirit of God in them that are the children of God. And by this the people of God are noted (Acts 9:14; 1 Corinthians 1:2), and on the contrary, it is the…

So, in this place, when the Galatians did wrongfully withhold and keep back that competent allowance, that was due to their teachers; he tells them that it was a sin tending against God, who is not, nor will not, nor cannot be mocked: for whatever wrong is done to the messenger…

None otherwise, then if he would say: Those things which you there read written, you see here truly done, and in very deed performed. The same we read also of Saint Paul, Acts 9, and of Apollos, Acts 18, how they convinced the Jews, and proved by the Scriptures that Jesus was Ch…

What ever Creature be instrumental for any good to you, it's your Lord Jesus Christ that gave the orders and commands to that Creature to do it; and without it they could have done nothing for you: It's your head in Heaven that consults your peace and comfort on Earth: these be…

Balaam runs greedily for reward to curse Isral; but meets with an unexpected check at his very out-set, and though that stopt him not, but he essay'd every way to do them mischief, yet he still finds himself etter'd by an effectual bond of restraint, that he can no way shake off…

So did the believers in the primitiue Church for S. Paul: When his life was sought in Damascus, the disciples let him downe at a window in a basket through the wall, and he escaped, Act. 9. 25. And at Ephesus when the great tumult was about Diana, Paul would have thrust himselfe…

2. The commendation is explained, or illustrated by a similitude: the thing she explains, and which she understood by ointments, is his Name; the similitude whereby it is illustrated is ointment poured forth. Christ's Name is himself, or the knowledge of himself, or every thing…

Now as our Savior used this sign of breathing upon his disciples when he ordained them; so the apostles afterwards instituted and used another sign, namely laying on of hands, of which there is frequent mention in Scripture, and which was introduced into the Christian church fro…

It is the lively acting of grace that makes the heart calm and serene. These two go together, walking in the fear of God, and in the comforts of the Holy Ghost (Acts 9:31). Christian, if once you grow remiss in religion, conscience will chide.

The language of this meekness is that of the child Samuel (1 Samuel 3:9): Speak Lord for your servant hears; and that of Joshua, who when he was in that high post of honor, giving command to Israel, and bidding defiance to all their enemies, his breast filled with great and bold…

After the way which they call heresy (says St. Paul, Acts 24:14) so worship I the God of my Fathers. The sect of the Nazarenes, so Tertullus calls it in his opening of the indictment against Paul (Acts 24:5), it is called this way (Acts 9:2) and that way (Acts 19:9), as if it we…

Colloss. 1:24 and fill up that which is behinde of the afflictions of CHIST, they are the afflictions of Christ, and every one must make account to fill them up; not the satisfactory sufferings of Christ, but the sufferings of Christ in his mystical body, in his members: And so…

Seventhly, let us lay hold upon our opportunities of peace and liberties that we do enjoy, to edifie ourselves in our most holy faith: let us make use of our peace to prepare us for the times of affliction, which God may call us unto. This was the care of the Churches, when they…

Thirdly, be sure to lay a good foundation, in a through work of humiliation: the more you art willing to bear Gods hand in the work of humiliation for sin, the lighter will all the burthens of afflictions be unto you; the seed that fell upon the stony ground withered; and althou…

Consolation is the first of these. Acts 9:31: the disciples walked in the fear of the Lord and in the consolation of the Holy Spirit. He is the Comforter, and from his work toward us and in us we have comfort and consolation.

But that wisdom that does what he will, by what means he will, and works one contrary out of another, brings light out of darkness, good out of evil, can, and does turn tears, and troubles to the advantage of his Church, but certainly in itself, peace is more suitable to its inc…

He sees whether you pray or no, and how you pray. (1.) He sees whether you pray or no; mark that passage, (Acts 9:11) The Lord said to Ananias, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas, for one called Saul of Tarsus; for behold, h…

Prayer is a duty very natural and kindly to the new creature. As soon as Paul was converted, the first news we hear of him (Acts 9:11): Behold, he prays. As soon as we are new-born, there will be a crying out for relief in prayer.

And he observes us in the very posture, when we come to pray, and where. Acts 9:11: "Go to such a street, in such a place, and inquire for one Saul of Tarsus; for, behold, he prays." The Lord takes notice, in such a city, in such a street, in such a house, in such a room, and wh…

(Luke 19:14) We will not have this man to reign over us. Now when we receive him with all our hearts, and though before we had but mean thoughts of him, now he begins to be welcome to us, and with the dearest embraces of our souls we entertain him; and with a willing resignation…

There cannot be a more acceptable sacrifice to God, than the resignation of our own will to him. See how Paul comes, and lays down the buckler, when God had him under (Acts 9:6): And he trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what will you have me to do? There will be a time, when…

But Christ makes his people a willing people (Psalms 110:3): they prize knowledge, and hang it as a jewel upon their ear. Those that Christ teaches, say as (Isaiah 2:3): Come let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in them: an…

2. The other means of our effectual call, is the Holy Spirit. The ministry of the Word is the pipe or organ, the Spirit of God blowing in it, does effectually change men's hearts (Acts 10:44). While Peter spoke, the Holy Ghost fell on all them that heard the Word of God.

Faith does sanctify our works, and works do testify our faith: to be doing good to others, to be eyes to the blind, feet to the lame, does much glorify God. And thus Christ did glorify his Father, He went about doing good (Acts 10:38). By being fruitful we are fair in God's eyes…

Who are Israelites; to whom pertains the adoption, and the glory? But now in the time of the Gospel, the Charter is enlarged, and the believing Gentiles are within the line of communication, and have a right to the privilege of adoption as well as the Jews (Acts 10:35). In every…

Ministers can but speak to the ear, the Spirit speaks to the heart. (Acts 10:44) While Peter spoke, the Holy Ghost fell upon all them that heard the Word. 5. Having heard the Word in a holy and spiritual manner, for the further sanctification of the Sabbath, confer of the Word.

Cathedram habet in Coelo qui corda docet in terra. Augustine. He has his pulpit in heaven that converts souls. Acts 10:44. While Peter was speaking, the Holy Ghost fell upon all them that heard. It is said the alchemist can draw oil out of iron.

So that, God though he forgives all sins past to a believer, yet sins to come are not forgiven, till repentance be renewed. Aphorism 10. Faith does necessarily precede forgiveness; there must be believing on our part, before there is forgiving on God's part (Acts 10:43): "To him…

And he was not a Centurion, only before he believed; but even afterward, when Christ commended his faith: yet did he not dislike his calling. The like may be said of Cornelius, Acts 10. All which, show plainly, that upon just causes, Christians may lawfully make war.

As if he should say: however you think of me, yet as it stands me in hand, so do I make conscience of my word: for I stand in the presence of God, and therefore know it, as the Lord lives there shall be no rain nor dew these three years. So Cornelius having an eye to God's provi…

Thirdly, they were ignorant of the ascension, for they dreamed of an earthly kingdom at the very time when he was about to ascend, saying: Will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? (Acts 1:6). And after Christ's ascension, Peter knew nothing of the breaking down of th…

Now we know that the general condition of all sacraments is one and the same, and that baptism succeeded circumcision. And what can be more plain than the example of Cornelius (Acts 10), who before Peter came to him had the commendation of the fear of God and was endued with the…

God values no man by outward excellencies but by inward graces; they are the internal ornaments of the spirit which are of great price in God's eyes (1 Peter 3:4). He despises all worldly glory, and accepts no man's person; but in every nation he that fears God and works righteo…

The reason for this is, because Christ stands in a fourfold relation to preaching. 1. He is the text, to say so, of preaching; all preaching is to explain Him (Acts 10:43), To him give all the Prophets witness, and so do the four Gospels, and the Apostolic Epistles, which are as…

Yet 4. we say it may be used by, and accepted of God, from, many that have not that distinctness, and clearness in the ridding of their thoughts, in this mystery that is requisite; because there may be real faith under such a form of words, (though infirmity in the use-making of…

4. His crown stands in relations: Fathers, tyrants by strong hand, and lords by free-election were Kings, of old; so the Devil is a father, has children, and a seed (Acts 13:10; 1 John 3:10). The world is his conquest, and his vassals (Acts 10:38; 2 Timothy 2:26; 1 Peter 4:3 and…

Nor need we flee to that exposition ever and anon, that Christ died for all, that is, all ranks of men. For "all" is put in Scripture ordinarily for many; as (Deuteronomy 1:21; Psalm 71:18; Jeremiah 15:10; Jeremiah 19:9; Jeremiah 20:7; Jeremiah 23:30; Jeremiah 49:17; Ezekiel 16:…

Therefore the Evangelist Luke notes upon it, (chapter 4:1) Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost, returned from Jordan. And Peter also puts the like gloss upon it, as appears (Acts 10:37) for speaking there of the baptism of John, he shows how after that his being baptized, he bega…

He went about doing Good, and healing all that were oppressed of the Devil. Acts 10:38. So abundant was he in Labors, that oftentimes he scarcely allowed himself Time to eat or drink; insomuch that his Friends sometimes went out to lay hold of him, saying, He is beside himself.

While many of the disciples were gathered together praying, God sent Peter to them (Acts 12:12-13). While Cornelius was in the act of prayer, at the ninth hour of the day, which was the hour of prayer, he saw in a vision the angel of God (Acts 10:3-9). While Peter went up to the…

Thus the representing the true God by images is condemned (Deuteronomy 4:15-17): Take you good heed to yourselves, for you saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spoke to you in Horeb, out of the midst of the fire, lest you corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven…

Pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret, will reward you openly. Hear as before the Lord, (Acts 10:33). We are all here present before God to hear all things that are commanded you of God.

But this was upon an extraordinary case; did Peter use to pray alone? Yes, turn but to the next chapter, Acts 10:9: Peter went up upon the house-top to pray, about the sixth hour, which was about noon, another praying season; certainly he missed not morning and night for such de…

Think of this rule. 3. For the season, the Apostle says: Pray continually, or without ceasing, yet there are some (as it were) canonical hours of prayer, wherein a Christian's discretion must interpose: only in this case, take the fittest seasons for secret prayer, as when you a…

For when Peter preached, the Holy Spirit forthwith fell upon all those that heard him, and in one day three thousand which were present at the preaching of Peter, believed and received the Holy Spirit (Acts 2). So Cornelius received the Holy Spirit, not by his alms which he gave…

For this onely was Abel respected, Hebr. 11. 4. Though God accept not the outward person, yet in euery nation he that fears God, is accepted of him, Act 10:34. Thirdly, it may be obiected, that God iudgs euery man according to his workes.

Here also we learne, that the preaching of the Gospel, is necessarie for all men, because it is the Instrument of God to conferre the spirit. Whole Peter was yet speaking, the spirit of God fell upon the Gentiles, Act 10:44. Paul says, his ministerie is the ministerie of the spi…

By the Israel of God, the Apostle means all such as are like to Nathaniel, who was a true Israelite, in whom there was no guile (John 1:47), whether they be the faithful Gentiles, or believing Jews. And he makes mention of the Israel of God, partly by reason of the adversaries,…

This they account a testimony of great service done to God, when they will abase themselves to kiss his feet with great reverence. But first of all, if they will know what an opinion we ought to conceive of such an idolatrous and barbarous reverence, let them learn it from Saint…

Hence we find that when Cornelius and John did act their civil worship a little too far, they were presently taken off for they should intrench upon the divine worship. Civil worship when it is excessive and goes too far is sinful; as in (Acts 10:25), Luke relates that as soon a…

Now in this []ase Ieremias direction must be obserued, Stand in the parting of the wa[]es (saith hee) and inquire for the olde and auncient way [] (that is, the doctrine of the Prophets) what God wills and commands by them and by his Apostles, and that we must follow with all go…

Ioh. 4. 1. Christ is saide to baptise, that is, (as the next verse imports) he commanded his Disciples to baptise: and, Act. 10. 15. God is said to purifie things; that is, he pronouncs things to be pure.

There is a sea of sin in us. Our nature is a source and seminary of all evil: like Peter's sheet, wherein were wild beasts and creeping things (Acts 10:12). This sin cleaves to us as a leprosy.

Now this remarkable dispensation of Providence that we are upon, namely God's beginning a constant succession of prophets in Samuel's time, that was to last many ages; and to that end, establishing a school of the prophets under Samuel, thenceforward to be continued in Israel, w…

This was a great and glorious dispensation of divine providence, much spoken of in the prophecies of the Old Testament, and spoken of by the apostles time after time, as a most glorious event of Christ's redemption. This was begun in the conversion of Cornelius and his family, g…

And that of Paul (and it was the first breath of the new man) (Acts 9:6): Lord what will you have me to do? And that of Cornelius (Acts 10:33): And now we are all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded you of God. And that of the good man I have read of,…

The truths and precepts of the everlasting gospel are perfective of and no way repugnant to the light and law of natural religion. Is that a sect which gives such mighty encouragements and assistances to those that in every nation fear God and work righteousness (Acts 10:34)? Is…

He was wounded for our Iniquities: The Lord hath laid on him the Iniquities of us all. And it is said, Acts 10:43. To him give all the Prophets witness, that whosoever believes in him shall receive Forgiveness of Sins through his Name.

He must present them without Spot and Blemish, like himself, in the other World, that they may dwell with him for ever. And in this World the Disciples must resemble their Lord; Christians should be public Blessings to the World, as their Master was, who went about doing good, A…

1. In the defense of the truth, as the Lord shall call us, let us be of one mind and all as one man, Satan acts by that maxim and his followers have it all, divide and conquer, and therefore let us hold that counter maxim: Union invincible. 2. In the practice of that truth agree…

And David, seven times a day do I praise you (Psalm 119:164). And Cornelius, it is said, that he prayed to God always (Acts 10:2); not only with his family, but alone, in holy soliloquies: he was so frequent and diligent that he had gotten a habit of prayer (he prayed always). W…

1. Every day something should be done in this kind. Cornelius prayed to God always, every day he had his times of familiarity with God (Acts 10:2). Daniel, though with the hazard of his life, would not omit praying three times a day (Daniel 6:10).

1. Faith. (Acts 10:43): "To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whoever believes in him, shall receive remission of sins." Faith is necessary to honor the mercy of God, to own the surety, to consent to his undertaking, to encourage the creature to look after…

He blinds and holds them captive at his will and pleasure, their souls are fettered (2 Timothy 2:26). And sometimes he oppresses their bodies, (for Satan carries on his kingdom by force, tyranny, fears, and bondage); and therefore it is said (Acts 10:38), that Christ went about…

My soul indeed faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cries out for the living God (Psalm 84:2). And it is said, the Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the word (Acts 10:44). And then for unity: Christ has called us into a body, not only into a family, bu…

And that we may see how well the Lord is pleased with them, he has a Book of Remembrance for them, he writes them down. Item, so much lent to the Lord, Acts 10:4. Cornelius, your Alms are come up for a memorial before God.

Genesis 22:12. Act. 10:22. 1 Kin. 18:3. Obadiah feared the Lord Greatly.

Here then is commandment first given them to preach the hope of salvation to such as were utter strangers to it before. Now when Saint Peter was notified that God would send him to a heathen man, he was so amazed at it, that the hairs stood up upon his head (Acts 10). And how is…

A gracious affection to the word and ways of God, should ever remain with us; but we are not always feasted with spiritual sweetness; now and then we have them, and when they have done their work they return to God. As in the vision made to Peter, the sheet that was showed him w…

1. Let us take notice of the description of the people of God, they are such as fear him, and keep his precepts, that is, obey him conscientiously, out of a reverence to his majesty and goodness, and due regard to his will delivered in his word. The same description is used (Act…

He has suited promises to the pure and earnest desire of knowledge. Then it is the Lord who sends means, and blesses means; as he sent Peter to Cornelius (Acts 10), and Philip to the Eunuch (Acts 8). All is at his disposal, and he will not fail the waiting soul: He has made Chri…

2. The second means whereby we escape the curse and wrath due to sin, is by repentance. Acts 11:18: Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance to life. Repentance seems to be a bitter pill to take, but it is to purge out the bad humor of sin.

Answer: It is lawful, indeed a man is bound in good manner to provide for time to come. The apostles provided for the church in Judea against the time of dearth foretold by Agabus (Acts 11:28). And Joseph in Egypt in the years of plenty stored up against the years of famine.

Colossians 4:15, Salute Nymphas and the church in his house. Acts 11:22, the church of Jerusalem. Acts 13:1, the church at Antioch, etc.

In the second place, to speak a little for confirmation of the doctrine, we would consider these four or five grounds or reasons, to show that there is such a work of the Spirit wherever faith is begotten, and that most intelligibly in them that are at age. 1. It's clear from th…

(Revelation 22:17) This is called willing, "whoever will, let him come and take of the water of life freely"; the soul has a good will to the thing. It is held forth by several other expressions in the Scripture, it is called a cleaving to the Lord, or sticking to him (Joshua 23…

(Galatians 3:10) For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse. Then there must be none redeemed under the Old Testament, nor any justified, contrary to express Scriptures: (Psalm 32:1-2; Romans 4:1-6; Galatians 3:14; Acts 15:11; Acts 11:16-17; Romans 10:1-3). N…

Brethren, faithful (Ephesians 1:1). Christians (Acts 11:26). Some who have hardened their heart, are called men, but something more, reprobate (Jeremiah 6:28, 30).

That is when a man halts between two opinions; when he knows not whether he had better cleave to God or to the world: loath to deny himself, and yet would be somebody: but if a man be of a wavering mind, let not such a man think he shall obtain anything at the hand of God; he mu…

For the faithful which were of the circumcision and came with Peter to Caesarea seeing the gift of the Holy Spirit to be poured out also upon the Gentiles in the house of Cornelius, were amazed. Also they that were at Jerusalem complained of Peter for that he went into men uncir…

Thus Philip a deacon preached in Samaria, Act 8:14. Thus the men of Cyprus, and Cyrene preached among the Gentiles, and the hand of God was with them, though otherwise they were but priuate persons, Act 11:19, 20. Of this kind was the calling of the first preachers of the Gospel.

(Psalm 37:7): be silent to Jehovah. Consider the example of Aaron (Leviticus 10:3), of David (Psalm 39:9), of the Jews (Acts 11:18). The sixth: in all things we do or suffer, we must depend on the goodness, providence, and mercy of God, for the success of our labors, and for eas…

Thus the passion of Christ, is called his baptism (Luke 12:50). Fifthly, it signifies the bestowing of extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost, and that by imposition of hands of the Apostles (Acts 1:5; Acts 11:16). Lastly, it signifies the whole Ecclesiastical ministry.

And first, for the preseruing goodnes: we must doe good not onely to our selues, but to others also, in labouring to keepe and preserue them from the contagion of finne, from falling from grace, or backsliding from their holy profession, by all good meanes, as by good example, a…

Luke 15:7, 10: 'There is joy in heaven over one sinner that repents,' that is, over one sinner that is converted. Acts 11:18: 'Then has God, also to the Gentiles, granted repentance unto life.' This is said by the Christians of the circumcision at Jerusalem, upon Peter's giving…

So (Matthew 6:16) Upon this Rock will I build my Congregation: was this a Parish only? So (Acts 11) Herod the King stretched out his hands to vex certain of the Congregation: was his malice only parochial? But secondly, you tell us, that in Ephesus, which was one of those Candle…

Moreover, the defense of Lay-Elders out of this present text of Saint Paul is contrary to the signification of the word Presbyter, which when it is used concerning the polity of the New Testament, does always signify the ministers of the word. (Acts 11:30) They sent their collec…

Joshua 23:8. cleave, or adhere unto the Lord your God. The same word is used also in the New testament, Acts 11:23. He exhorted them that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord, or continue stedfast in believing.

Thirdly, marke here the fruit of corrupt doctrine, namely, to corrupt good manners. The Iewes were a people that did much bragge of their Ancestours and priuiledges, and in regard of themselues contemned all forraine Nations; yea, they hated them, and therefore they were []o[]e…

A distrustfull and inordinate care. The godly care is that, whereby a man prouides for in the time present, such things as are needfull in the time to come, & cannot then be prouided: this lawfull care wee may obserue in our Savior Christ, for he had a bag to keepe prouision for…

In this we have, 1. The mean applied and made use of. 2. The manner of application. (For that the worker is the Beloved himself, is clear) The mean in his hand, which in Scripture signifies three things, when attributed to God, 1. His Omnipotence, whereby he does what he pleases…

3. There may be in that one visible Church, many more real converts in one part thereof, than in another; spices in beds are not in every place of the garden. 4. Though Christ has a singular care of, and respect for, his whole Church, and has a peculiar presence there where ever…

2. Comparatively — so godly men are truly good, that is, sincerely, if compared with profane men or Hypocrites. It's said of Barnabas that he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost, and faith (Acts 11:24). There's also good men, as compared with the froward (1 Peter 2:18), o…

This was begun in the conversion of Cornelius and his family, greatly to the admiration of Peter, who was used as the instrument of it, and of those who were with him, and of those who were informed of it; as you may see, Acts 10 and 11. The next instance of it that we have any…

Though therefore the Church, through her weakness, does depart from him, and play the harlot, yet return again to me, says the Lord (Jeremiah 3:1). Learn we by this pattern to cleave close to the Lord, which is a duty most due to Christ who cleaves so close to us, and therefore…

Indeed and even the very Apostles themselves continued still in that gross ignorance, notwithstanding that our Lord Jesus Christ warned them of the things that were at hand. Indeed when he sent them abroad into the country of Jewry, he said to them, Speak not yet to the Gentiles…

This puts an end to many anxious traverses, debates, and delays in the soul. (2) There are weak and wavering purposes, and faint attempts in the soul, that end but in wishes, which are soon broken off; but we are never converted, and thoroughly brought to God till there be a ful…

2. To determine and resolve; practicum dictamen, the taste of the soul is for God, that binds our duty upon us, when there is a decree issued forth in the soul, that after we know our duty there may be a resolvedness of mind never to swerve from it. First the distinguishing work…

So generally all good is to be done, as well as that of bounty and beneficence. Luke 6:45: A good man out of the good treasure of his heart, brings forth good things; and it is said of Barnabas, Acts 11:24: He was a good man; and full of the Holy Ghost, and of faith. A good man…

Thirdly, there is required a rightly disposed will, or a steadfast purpose to walk with God in all conditions, and to do what is good and acceptable in his sight. (Acts 11:23) He exhorted them with full purpose of heart to cleave to the Lord. Many have light inclinations, or wav…

A thing that is not due before, yet when we have promised or dedicated it to God, then it is not in our power, as in the case of Ananias (Acts 5). but now we are not free before the contract, we have bonds upon us; and the business of our promise and resolution is only to make o…

3. By example; and the more eminent the example, the more taking it is: great men cannot sin at a little or low rate, because they are examples; the sins of commanders, are commanding sins; sins of rulers, ruling sins; sins of teachers, teaching sins: there is a kind of sorcery…

The word is taken more largely, and more strictly: more largely, and so all that profess Christ come in the flesh, are called Christians, in opposition to heathens that do not know Christ; and to the poor blind Jews, that will not own Christ; and to the Mohammedan, that prefers…

But, verse 14, that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Not that we might believe or not believe, if we would, that is not the blessing of Abraham (Acts 11:18; Acts 15:8-9; Acts 5…

That the apostles themselves had also deeply drunk in this opinion, learned by tradition from their fathers, appears not only in their questioning about the restoration of the kingdom to Israel (Acts 1:6), but most evidently in this: that after they had received a commission to…

To cleave unto God, Deuteronomy 4:4. Acts 11:23. And so in the Old testament it is generally expressed by trust and hope.

Cleaving unto the Lord, Deuteronomy 4:4. Acts 11:15. as also by Trusting, Hoping, and Waiting in Places innumerable. And it may be observed that those who acted faith as it is thus expressed, do every where declare themselves to be lost, hopeless, helpless, desolate, poor, Orpha…

Good reason we should go to God for Repentance, 1. Because it is his gift, (Acts 11:18). Then has God also to the Gentiles granted Repentance to life.

If ignorance do so corrupt a former Baptism, that it must be amended with a second Baptism: the Apostles should have been rebaptized first of all, which in whole three years after their Baptism, had scarcely tasted any small portion of purer doctrine. And now among us what river…

And: when you said, Seek my face, my heart answered to you, O Lord I will seek your face. And: I have applied my heart to fulfill your statutes always, even to the end (Acts 11:23; Joshua 24:15; Psalm 119:57; Psalm 119:106; Psalm 27:8; Psalm 119:112). The third part is an endeav…

And does not all this show you the plain truth of what the word of God has told you, that the Ethiopian may as soon change his skin, or the leopard his spots, as they do good, who are accustomed to do evil (Jeremiah 13:23)? That you have a heart that cannot repent (Romans 2:5),…

So it is said of Stephen, that he was full of faith and power (Acts 6:8). And Barnabas (Acts 11:24): full of the Holy Ghost, and of Faith. What is then a small Faith, or a weak Faith, is easily known.

And while you are hearing ministers preach of Christ, your hearts may be opened to receive him, and to embrace him in the arms of your dearest love. See (Acts 11:15): As I began to speak the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning; while Peter was preaching and the Ge…

Barnabas was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost; how does that appear? He exhorted them with full purpose of heart to cleave to the Lord (Acts 11:23-24). Fourthly, be willing among other graces to grow in patience, and be not put out of your patience; whatever discouragement…

Death smites a believer, as the angel did Peter, it made his chains fall off. So death makes all the chains of sin fall off (Acts 12:7). Believers at death are made perfect in holiness (Hebrews 12:23).

But at last omnipotent grace overcame you. When Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, an angel came and beat off his chains (Acts 12:7). So when you were sleeping in the Devil's arms, that Christ should by his Spirit smite your heart, and cause the chains of sin to fall off,…

God grant we may thus glorify him, if he calls us to it: many pray, Let this cup pass away, but not, Your will be done. 16. We glorify God when we give God the glory of all we do: Herod when he had made an oration, and the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a God, a…

2. We may know we pray in faith, when though we have not the present thing we pray for, yet we believe God will grant, therefore we will stay his leisure. A Christian having a command to pray, and a promise, he is resolved to follow God with prayer and not give over; as Peter he…

If a man digs for gravel, much more for gold: (Philippians 3:14) I press toward the mark. Heaven gate is not like that [reconstructed: iron]-gate, which opened to Peter of its own accord (Acts 12:10). Heaven is not like those ripe figs which fall into the mouth of the eater (Nah…

12. When a man's afflictions are upon a good account, that he suffers for Christ, he has the prayers of God's people. It is no small privilege to have a stock of prayer going; it is like a merchant that has a part in several ships: suffering saints have a large share in the pray…

That God will have his name glorified by us, appears in this; that he punishes those which of obstinacy set themselves to dishonor him, or by negligence did not sanctify him, when they should have done so. Herod sitting in his royalty, made such an oration, that the people cried…

Cast out devils (Matthew 17:21). Opened prisons (Acts 12:9). Shut heaven (James 5:17).

Peter had led the way to the rest in that notable confession of Christ (Matthew 16:16), and is conceived to have some primacy for the orderly beginning of actions in the College of the Apostles. James was the first apostle who shed his blood for Christ (Acts 12:2), and John was…

And he said, at the beginning of your supplications the commandment came forth. While many of the disciples were gathered together praying, God sent Peter to them (Acts 12:12-13). While Cornelius was in the act of prayer, at the ninth hour of the day, which was the hour of praye…

When soldiers are said to watch for a city, it is not meant that every citizen has a soldier to watch for him. The only place, which seems to countenance that opinion, is Acts 12:15. Then said they, it is his Angel.

5. They do not only keep off hurt, but there are many blessings and benefits, that we are partakers of by their ministry. As the angel of the Lord delivered Peter out of prison (Acts 12:7): And behold the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison; and he…

Mr. Mede has undertaken to prove, from (Joshua 24:26). That the Jews of old, and Christians in Gospel-times had their [Proseuchae, or] praying places, which he thus describes (as to the Jews of old:) Proseucha, says he, was a plot of ground, encompassed with a wall, or some othe…

The fourth is, the false flattering, and applause of men, which sooth vs vp in our humours, in perswading vs to be that which in truth we are not, as the people flattered Herod, when they gaue a shout, and said, The voice of God, and not of man. Act 12:22. The third point is, th…

For, that James before whom Christ was transfigured in the mount, was James the son of Zebedee, and brother of John (Matthew 17:1): After six days, Jesus took Peter and James and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain, and was transfigured before them. Which…

When Ahitophel shall go and hang himself, just upon that prayer of distressed David, 2 Samuel 15:31 When Haman shall fall and his plot be broken, just upon the Fast kept by Mordecai and Hester, Esther 4:16 Our own Speed, in his History of Britain, tells us, that Richard the Firs…

(6.) The respect and relation Providence bears to our prayers, is of singular consideration, and a most taking and sweet meditation. prayer honors Providence, and Providence honors prayer. Great notice is taken of this in Scripture, Genesis 24:45 Daniel 9:20 Acts 12:12 You have…

When angels strike, they strike to purpose. It is said (Acts 12) that an angel of the Lord smote Herod, and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. Spirits have mighty power.

You shalt be a man, and no God in the hand of him that slayes you. And when Herod prided himself in the acclamations of the vain multitude, (the voice of God and not of a man.) The Angel of the Lord filled that God immediately with worms which slew him and devoured him, Acts 12:…

Secondly, many other sinnes preuaile in the wicked, but pride is the sinne that troubls the children of God, and when other sinnes die, then will pride reuiue, yea it will arise out of grace it selfe: for the child of God will be proud, because he is not proud: therefore Paul' m…

It is all up hill to Heaven, and it will make us sweat before we get to the top of the hill. Indeed Hell will be taken without storm: the gates of Hell, like that iron gate (Acts 12:10), open of their own accord: but if we get to Heaven, we must force our way: we must besiege it…

He that wrote the gospel of Mark, is supposed to be he whose mother was Mary, in whose house they were praying for Peter, when he, brought out of prison by the angel, came and knocked at the door; of which we read. Acts 12:12. "And when he had considered the thing, he came to th…

Basil in his Sermon upon the forty Martyrs, calls them the stars of the world, the flowers of the Church. And Chrysostome upon Acts 12. speaking of those who were praying for Peter in the night, says, That they were made by afflictions more pure then the Heaven. And some of the…

We would have a powerful friend, especially if we need him. (Acts 12:20): "They sought peace with Herod, because their country was nourished by the king's country"; so should we do, we cannot live without God. If sin be pardoned, then we are at peace with God, and may have free…

2. Irrational, God can raise an Army of Flies, as he did against King Pharaoh, Exodus 8:24. An Army of Worms, as he did against King Herod, Acts 12:23. O what a Lord is here who has so many Hosts under his Pay and conduct!

This is all our condition by nature. Now when God loosens the bolts, and shuts back the many locks that were upon us, as the Angel made Peter's chains fall off (Acts 12:12), then are we said to be enlarged to run the way of his commandment, or as it is expressed (Luke 1:74), to…

We continually depend upon him every moment; in him we live, and move, and have our being (Acts 17:28); and surely dependence should beget observance, and therefore men should be loath to break with God, or careful to reconcile themselves to him, on whom they depend every moment…

The Angel that was merciful to Balaam's Ass, was ready to slay Balaam, but that he was reserved to fall by other hands. When Herod was so wicked as to assume glory to himself, which of right is God's, the Angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not glory to God (Acts 12:23)…

He will with the temptation make a way to escape. Thus he did to Peter (Acts 12:10). Peter's prayers had opened heaven, and God's angel opens the prison; God can either prevent a snare, or break it (Psalm 68:20).

The Lord enriches them with Wit and Parts suitable to the places he calls them to, and Pride fumes from their heart into their head, and makes them giddy. Herod was proud of the Oration he made, and assumed that glory to himself, which he should have given to God, and his pride…

Isaiah 39:2: the vain glory of good Hezekiah rose like a froth or scum upon the pot, when heated by prosperity. It was such a refining pot to Herod as discovered him to be dross itself (Acts 12:23). How did that poor worm swell under that trial into the conceit of a god?

Moreover, what became of Herod the Great, who was so fond of this companion? Did he not bring God's heavy wrath upon him in such a fearful manner, that a blessed angel was sent to smite him with death immediately, and he was eaten of worms (Acts 12:23)? Have you not read, that t…

It was not Ahasuerus, nor the grace that Esther found in the eyes of the King, that saved the whole Church of the Jews from destruction, but the prayers of Esther and her maids. It is true, an Angel brought Peter out of Prison (Acts 12), But what stirred that wheel in Heaven (ve…

Especially considering that most of them were poor men, therefore impossible it was, that three thousand of them should meet at one man's house, but some in this, and some in that; and so divided themselves, that in several families they did all meet. Read the same accomplishmen…

We are said to be justified [Greek text], through faith as an instrument (Ephesians 2:8), but not for faith as a cause; and if not justified for faith, then much less elected. God's decree of election is eternal and unchangeable, therefore it depends not upon faith foreseen (Act…

God the Father is said to justify (Romans 8:33). It is God that justifies. God the Son is said to justify (Acts 13:39). By him all that believe are justified. God the Holy Ghost is said to justify (1 Corinthians 6:11). But you are justified by the spirit of our God.

2. Our holiness consists in our subjection to the will of God: As God's nature is the pattern of holiness, so his will is the rule of holiness. This is our holiness, 1. When we do his will (Acts 13:22). 2. When we bear his will (Micah 7:9).

God's providences are uncertain, but his promises are the sure mercies of David. (Acts 13:34) God is not a man that he should repent, (1 Samuel 15:29). The word of a prince cannot always be taken, but God's promise is inviolable.

Some men have foolishly taken up a prejudice against religion; they are resolved rather never to go to Heaven, than go there through the strait gate. I may say of prejudice as Paul to Elimas (Acts 13:10): O prejudice, you child of the Devil, you enemy of all righteousness, how m…

The Scripture calls him the Branch of David (Jeremiah 23:5), and I may call him the Flower of the Virgin, having assumed our nature. By him all that believe are justified (Acts 13:39). 3. The third person in the Trinity is the Holy Ghost, who proceeds from the Father and the Son.

This was God's charge to Israel (Numbers 15:40): Remember to do all my commandments. And it was spoken of David (Acts 13:22): I have found David a man after my own heart, who shall perform all my will, Greek, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], all my wills. Every command has the same…

And in like manner, places of Scripture misunderstood do often prove matter of great temptation to many, as that Hebrews 6 to one who having fallen from his first love, concluded he could never be saved, because it is there said that 'they which are once enlightened, if they fal…

But if we would be saved, then with our inward faith, we must join the observation of the outward ordinary means whereby God uses to save men's souls; as namely, the hearing of God's word, calling upon God by prayer, and the receiving of the sacraments; that thereby our sinful l…

Wisdom in the Proverbs (which with one consent of all Divines is said to be Christ) affirms that she was before the world was created, that is, from eternity (Proverbs 8:24): for before the world was made there was nothing but eternity. But it may be alleged to the contrary, tha…

And if not, then there is sure a necessity of believing in Jesus Christ, or of lying under the wrath of God for ever. 2. Consider that this gospel and word of salvation is preached to you in particular; when we speak of salvation, we do not say, that Christ was once preached to…

Hence (John 5:40), our Lord says, You will not come to me, that you may get life: and (Matthew 23), at the close, O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered you, and you would not; this was it that did aggravate their sin, that He would, and they would not. So (Psal…

Use. It serves for good use to such as may fall to doubt and dispute what warrant they have to believe: we say, you have as good warrant as Abraham, David, Paul, or any of the godly that lived before you had; you have the same Gospel covenant and promises, it was always God's Wo…

Thus you see what is the meaning of these words, "my people" — that is, his elect people in or by the decree of election. I shall shortly give you some few grounds from Scripture to clear and confirm this truth; the first of which is taken from the names that the people of God g…

This is it that makes Christ get the name of a Savior, that the Shepherd being smitten, God might turn His hand on the little ones. And therefore, as a fourth use, see here a good ground, whereon to preach to you by the death of Christ, the offer of life, and the remission of si…

And what else is that, but to be in good terms with God, to have him passing by all quarrels, as having nothing to say against us, but accepting us through Christ as righteous? So, Acts 13:38-39: Be it known to you, that through this man is preached to you forgiveness of sins, a…

And therefore if we look forward to their preaching, we will find it to run in the same strain. (Acts 13:38-39): Be it known to you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins, and that by him, all that believe are justified, fro…

Secondly, carry always along with you the impression of your original sin, and natural corruption; and of the sinfulness of your practices; this will make you loathsome, and abominable in your own eyes, and Christ precious, and such a soul will not be in such danger of putting h…

Now suppose (as I hinted before, not long ago) that when these rebels have yielded themselves, and accepted of the terms; if any of them should be called to answer at the bar, or the king's bench, as being challenged for his rebellion; his answer, and defense would be, that such…

(Colossians 3:22) God has concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. (Acts 13:38-39) Through this man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins, and by him, all that believe are justified from all things, from which t…

And Paul, that chosen vessel — how often was he persecuted? And he has the same complaint, in the same words that Isaiah has here, of his hearers, especially the Jews (Acts 13:46 and Acts 28:28), and was constrained to tell them, that he and his fellow preachers were obliged to…

Though by being man He became of no reputation, and a veil was drawn over the declarative glory of the Godhead in His person for a time, yet He remained still the Son of God, and glorious in Himself, and it cannot be but He that is God must be glorious in His exaltation, when th…

Our ability or fitness for duty, is not the rule of our duty, but God's command; and we are called to put our hand to duty in the sense of our own insufficiency, acknowledging God's sufficiency, which if we did, we should find it go better with us, and may not the same be expect…

2 Corinthians 4:4, In whom the god of this world has blinded the mind of them that believe not: and he makes a workhouse of the souls of the children of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2), they are the Devil's forge and shop, in whom he frames curious pieces for himself. 4. His crown…

Otherwise I could say Christ died for no man, because the Scripture ascribes a universality to the wicked (Jeremiah 6:28; Jeremiah 9:2; Micah 1:7; 1 John 2:15-16; 1 John 5:19). And surely that election and redemption move both in the same sphere, and are of the free love of God,…

Now this is the tenure of all the promises — they all hold on Christ, in whom they are yes and amen, and you must take them up of him. Thus the Apostles preached forgiveness to men, Acts 13:38: 'Be it known that through this man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins.' And a…

In like manner here in Isaiah, against his death and condemnation he comforts himself with the hopes of God's justification of him at his Resurrection, He is near who justifies me, (and he shall help me) who shall condemn? And further, to confirm and strengthen this notion, beca…

Likewise when he hung upon the cross, his words to God are recorded, Psalm 22:1: 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' In like manner when he rose again, God's words used then to him are recorded: 'You are my Son; this day have I begotten you' (Psalm 2), which place is exp…

And so you shall ever find this frame in a natural man's heart, those motions which the spirit of God casts into his heart, that might induce him, and lead him on by the hand to better courses, we are not well till we have cast them all off. Just as Paul complains of the Jews (A…

The same zeal we see in his servants, in Moses in case of idolatry (Exodus 32:19): He broke the tables. So in case of contradiction to the faith of Christ, Paul takes up Elimas (Acts 13:10): O full of subtlety and all mischief! you child of the devil! you enemy of all righteousn…

And this Luke testifies in the 19th chapter of the Acts in these words: And God wrought no small miracles by the hands of Paul, so that from his body were brought napkins and handkerchiefs, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. Read more her…

And they had extraordinarie authoritie, to punish them that rebelliously withstood them. Act 5:5. & 10. & Act 13:20. 2. Cor 10:6.

Here we see the meekness of Paul, in that he quietly bears the crosses and wrongs laid upon him. The like was in Moses, who 40 years together endured the bad manners of the Israelites (Acts 13:18); but the perfect example of this virtue is in Christ, who saved those that crucifi…

Secondly, in the subject or doctrine itself, and that in two respects. First, the Law preaches nothing but absolute justice, to the transgressors thereof: the Gospel shows how justice is qualified with mercy: from all things from which you could not be absolved by the Law of Mos…

And thus Christ is appointed of God to be a light to the Gentiles, and his salvation manifested to the utmost parts of the world. This consolation then was very necessary, as well for the Prophets, as the Apostles (Acts 13:47). For they had but too woeful and daily experience mo…

For although he was come, yet he was not then known, neither were the ceremonies of the law abolished. But when the veil of the Temple was rent in two (Matthew 27:51), and remission of sins preached in his name (Luke 24:46-47; Acts 13:38), then these high praises touching the Te…

By the word Given, he means those whom God drew inwardly by the secret instinct of his holy Spirit; for otherwise the external voice should have sounded in the ears of the people in vain: and thus it is said that the elect are given to Christ of God his Father (John 6:37). From…

All opposition of goodness is a spice of the devil. So the Apostle Paul (Acts 13:10) when he speaks to Elymas the sorcerer, says, O you child of the devil, you enemy of all goodness. To be an enemy of goodness is to be the child of the devil; it is the very character of the devi…

The difference ariss from Gods Soveraign communication of it, according to that tenor of the covenants administration, which we have laid down. Hence because under Moses's law there was an exception made of some sins, for which there was no sacrifice appointed, so that those who…

No but it is only that there is redemption and forgiveness of sins in Christ. So the apostle layes it down, Acts 13:38, 39. Be it known unto you therefore Men and Brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins, and by him all that believe are justif…

This appeares in these Iewes, whome neither Christ himselfe did then forsake, when they reiected him (for he prayed for them when they crucified him) nor yet his Apostles, till they saw in them manifest signes of incurable obstinacie. Act. 13. 46. This point must be remēbred, a…

Sixtly, when we stand in need of some needfull blessing of God, especially such as concerne salvation thus Cornesius besought the Lord in prayer and fasting, when he desired true resolution concerning the Messias; and so ought we to doe, to get assurance of our recōciliation wi…

Now the difference of these two may be this; By dogs are meant obstinate enemies that malitiously reuile the ministry of the word, the doctrine of God, and the messengers thereof: such a dog was Alexanderthe Copper-smith, 2. Tim. 4. 14. & such were many of the Iews become soone…

Thus we read (Acts 9:17) that Paul is ordained by the imposition of the hands of Ananias; he put his hands on him, and said, The Lord Jesus has sent me that you might receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost; that is, that he might be endowed with ministerial gifts,…

These keep off Heaven by force. Such were those (Acts 13:46): Seeing you put away the Word from you. The Greek word may be rendered, seeing you shove it away with your shoulders.

O! that you who live negligent of this salvation, would consider what you do! What you have heard from this subject, may show you what reason there is in that exclamation of the Apostle, Hebrews 2:3: "How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?" and in that, Acts 13:41…

The apostles seem to have made great account of him, as appears by those places, and also by Acts 12:25. "And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark;" and Acts 13:5. "And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God…

Thus is the Gospel sent to shed its rich influences upon one place, and not upon another; it pours down showers of blessings upon one town or parish, while others are dry like the ground which lay near to Gideon's wet fleece. To you is the word of this salvation sent (Acts 13:26…

Of which this is one of the saddest (2 Corinthians 4:3): If our Gospel be hid, it is hid to those that are lost, in whom the God of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not; lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine…

A long continued Silence in such a Case is undoubtedly provoking to God; especially in Ministers: it is a secret Kind of Opposition, that really tends to hinder the Work: such silent Ministers stand in the Way of the Work of God; as Christ said of old, He that is not with us is…

There's no way to Constantinople but through the straits, no way to heaven but through sufferings: no way to the crown but by the way of the cross. Jerusalem above is a pleasant city, streets of gold, gates of pearl, but we must travel through a dirty road to this city, through…

A prince who bestows continual favors on a subject, if that subject have any ingenuity, he cannot but love his prince. God is continually heaping benefits upon us: He fills our hearts with food and gladness (Acts 14:17). As the rock followed Israel, wherever they went streams of…

Is it a likely thing that God should make a law against sin, and then have a hand in breaking his own law, is that likely? And therefore to answer the objection, God in his providence does permit men's sins (Acts 14:16). He suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

To suffer adversity with the people of God. Here we may observe what is the ordinary state and condition of God's Church and people in this world: namely, to be in affliction and under the cross. Hence Paul says, That we must come to heaven through manifold afflictions, Acts 14:…

There is a prophane party in the Land, who drink, and roar, and declare their sin as Sodom; These Sampsons are like to pull down the house upon our head; instead of bringing the water of tears to quench Gods anger, they adde oile to the flame. The men of Lystra seeing the miracl…

That it is the will and pleasure of God, that we should through many afflictions, enter into the kingdome of God. Act. 14. 22. Nowe it is the propertie of a true child of God, to rest content in his fathers good will and pleasure, even when he is afflicted, Prou. 3. 11.

(3) Believers are called men (Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 3:21, 22). In regard of passions (Acts 14:15). Of carnal walking (1 Corinthians 3:3).

So (Revelation 22:9): "I fell down to worship before the face of the angel, that showed me these things, and he said to me, see you do it not, for I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of them that keep the sayings of this book; worship God." Paul, whe…

As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, stand up, I myself also am a man (Acts 14:14-15). Paul and Barnabas when they heard this, rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out and sayi…

But it was otherwise. For the Gentiles were without God, and Christ (Ephesians 2:12); and they were left to themselves, to walk in their own ways (Acts 14:16). The third point is, how long this difference endured?

Fourthly, they are marks of adoption, if we be content to obey God in them (Hebrews 12:7). Lastly, they are the trodden and beaten way to the kingdom of heaven (Acts 14:23). When Paul says, If they be in vain, we are to observe his moderation.

Their estate in Gentilism stands in two things: ignorance of God — then you knew not God — idolatry or superstition, you served them which are not Gods by nature. Touching their ignorance of God, it may be demanded, how they can be said not to know God, whereas Paul says, that w…

Act 16:6. They were forbidden of the holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia: which is expounded, v. 10. to be the preaching of the Gospel: Thus it is used, Act 14:25. when they had preached the word in Perga. Mark 4:14.

The last is from this fair theater of the world, where God's glory shines round about and beneath us. He would have contented himself with this second demonstration, if he had had to deal with the profane Gentiles; as Saint Paul also does (Acts 14:17). For speaking to them of Ic…

But first of all, if they will know what an opinion we ought to conceive of such an idolatrous and barbarous reverence, let them learn it from Saint Peter, whose seat they brag to hold: for he would not suffer Cornelius the Centurion to do him such reverence (Acts 10:26). Let th…

He describes this to be the end of preaching; for although God has never left himself (ἀμάρτυρον) without witness, (Acts 14:17,) and although in special manner he testified to the Jews concerning himself, yet it was a testimony remarkable beyond all others when he revealed himse…

This is a notable place of the use of miracles: namely that they should get to God among men, reverence and obedience. So you read in Mark, that the Lord confirmed his doctrine by miracles that followed (Mark 16:20; Acts 14:3). So Luke says, that the Lord gave testimony to the w…

Who bid us expect rest, ease, delight, and things of this kind in this world? He has never told us, we shall be rich, healthy and at ease in our habitations; but on the contrary, he has often told us, we must expect troubles in the world, John 16:33 and that through many tribula…

Moreover, the defense of Lay-Elders out of this present text of Saint Paul is contrary to the signification of the word Presbyter, which when it is used concerning the polity of the New Testament, does always signify the ministers of the word. (Acts 11:30) They sent their collec…

That report filled him with a mixture of grief and anger; he was grieved that the holy name of God was blasphemed, he was angry with the blasphemer: these caused holy indignation, and this the renting of his garments. Thus also when Paul and Barnabas had restored the cripple at…

He has continued the race of mankind for a long season on the earth; he has watched over them with his providence, and exercised exceeding patience, forbearance and longsuffering towards them. This the apostle Paul at large discourss on, Acts 14:15, 16, 17. Chap.

Againe, God has set his name on every creature, he has imprinted in them the signes of his power, wisdom, justice, and mercie: Rom. 1. 20. The inuisible things of God are seene by his workes: and, Act. 14. 17. Raine from heaven, and fruitfull season, were witnesses unto the Gent…

This is []lat Atheisine: and yet we must distinguish of Gods blessings, for some are common blessings which God oft gives to men without their asking, because they serve to preserue nature: as raine and fruitfull seasons, food, raiment, &c. Act. 14. 16. and yet even these common…

The way of nature, is when men live onely by the light of nature: of this S. Paul speaks, Act. 14. 16. God suffered all the Gentiles to walk in their own wayes: wherein they were voide of God in Christ, and so not under mercie.

1. God speaks by his merciful providences, by his patience, and bounty, and goodness, he calls men to repentance (Romans 2:4). He gives witness of himself, in giving rain and fruitful seasons (Acts 14:17). God's providing mercies, God's preventing mercies, God's preserving merci…

The resemblance lies in the following particulars. The rain comes from heaven (Acts 14:17): He gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, etc. The doctrine of the Gospel is also of a heavenly extraction and descent; they are heavenly truths which are brought to you in earthe…

The way to Canaan is through the wilderness, even after a sore and tedious bondage; yea, and when God brought his people into Canaan, he brought them into the worst part of Canaan first, into the southern part, which was the most dry and barren part of the land. The way to Zion…

The first cry of the Newborn Christian (says one) gives Hell an alarm, and awakens the rage, both of Devils and Men against him. Hence Paul and Barnabas acquainted those new Converts, Acts 14:22. That through much tribulation, they must enter into the Kingdom of God: And we find…

Wherefore the Lord goes further; and by the works of his providence in preserving and ruling the world which he made, discovers and reveals these properties also. For whereas by cursing the earth, and filling all the elements oftentimes with signs of his anger and indignation, h…

So Job: chapter 37, chapter 38, chapter 39; throughout. God who made heaven and earth, and the Sea, and all things that are therein, suffered in times past all nations to walk in their own ways, yet he left not himself without witness in that he did Good, and gave us rain from h…

I have shown you the ruggedness of your way, that you stumble not at it, taking it to be a smooth plain one, but withal where this is spoken of, it is usually allayed with the mention of those comforts, that accompany these sufferings, or that glory that follows them. The doctri…

God may give a man meat, yet not an appetite; he may not give him the comfortable use of it, a blessing with it. And therefore the apostle makes it to be an argument of God's bounty to the heathen, that as he gave them food, so he gave them gladness of heart: (Acts 14:17). He ga…

But much more is this man's duty, as we have reason, and can clearly own the first cause. And therefore upon these natural grounds the Apostle reasons with them, why they should seek after God (Acts 14:17). 2. As this common relation binds us to pray; so it draws common benefits…

1. All desire it, Christians, Pagans, all agree in this. When Paul was dealing with the Heathens, he urges two notions wherein God might be taken up: That of a first Cause (Acts 14:16-17). Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain fr…

It were strange if otherwise: as if a man were told that his journey lay through a rough stony country, and should pass over a smooth carpet-way. Our way-mark is many tribulations (Acts 14:22): Through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of Heaven. God had one Son w…

Then we read afterward among the Jews themselves in their private sects, who were very keen against each other, Pharisees and Sadducees; and Paul though an enemy to them both, and was looked upon as a common adversary, yet they had rather join with him than among themselves (Act…

Verse 29: he spoke boldly in the name of Jesus. Acts 14:3: long time therefore they stayed, speaking boldly in the Lord. Acts 13:46: then Paul and Barnabas grew bold.

But now the godly are more appointed to troubles; because God will try their faith, perfect their patience, train them up for a better world: they are now hated by the world, (2 Timothy 3:12) indeed, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution. (Acts 1…

2. Providences, these do more awaken us. God's daily benefits should bring him to our remembrance (Acts 14:17). Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

So for his goodness, what part has God been acting in the world for so long a time but that of mercy? He may be traced more by his acts of goodness than vengeance: (Acts 14:17) Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, [in non-Latin alphabet], in that he did good, and ga…

If he take them not away, yet many times he blasts them as to their natural use (Malachi 2:2): And if you will not hear, and if you will not lay it to heart to give glory to my name, says the Lord of [reconstructed: Hosts], I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse you…

And this goodness of God shines forth in all his creatures; not only what he does to them themselves, but in what he does about them for man's sake: they were defiled with man's sin, and therefore he might in justice have abolished them, or made them useless to man, or instrumen…

The heathens had experience of it. Acts 14:17. Nevertheless he left not himself without witness in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. And will he be unkind to his servants, to whom he is engaged by pro…

He makes his sun to shine on the evil, and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. (Acts 14:17) Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our he…

It is so clear, says the Apostle, from the creation, namely, the Eternal Godhead, that they are left without excuse (Romans 1:20). Rain from heaven, etc. is God's witness of his being, and being good, as the Apostle infallibly concludes (Acts 14:15-18). Creation and Providence (…

For look what the [illegible] of another man may do in the use of the Word [illegible] ordinance, that my reason used in such a manner [illegible] to God may do. But another man by the [illegible] of reason or strength of argument out of the [illegible] may convince my conscienc…

I shall speak chiefly of the first, and bring in the other in the applicatory. Doctr. The observation is, that true godliness is usually attended with persecution (Acts 14:22). We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God (Acts 13:50).

Junius to that sense. But first, the place says not that God called with a will to save the Gentiles: the Scripture says he winked at them, and called them not (Acts 14:16). But now God commands all men everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30), and he revealed not his testimonies to th…

But if it were sin in itself to live, they ought to expire and restore a usurped life, which they possess, mala fide, to the owner the Lord, as a thief is obliged to restore stolen goods. (3.) The dominion of Reprobates over the creatures, is a part of the good image of God (Gen…

Of this we can give no other reason but: 'Yes, O Father, because it seemed good to you' (Matthew 11:25-26). For in scripture, Acts 16, the Holy Spirit expressly forbade the apostles to go to certain places with the word, but sent them another way — corresponding to the former di…

Mystery of faith in a pure conscience. Faith is in the soul as fire among metals, it refines and purifies: morality may wash the outside, faith washes the inside (Acts 15:9). Having purified their hearts by faith.

Moses could not plead perfection. Paul was an elect vessel; but there fell out a sharp contention between him and Barnabas; and they grew so hot in their words, that they parted each from other; and we do not read that they had any more friendly visits (Acts 15:39). Paul himself…

All this moderation is commendable, and shows the wisdom of the serpent; but remember to join the dove with the serpent: we must so exercise moderation as also to cherish zeal. Saint Paul in some things was moderate, he did not press circumcision (Acts 15:25). He was tender of l…

The Word is both a glass to show us the spots of our soul, and a laver to wash them away; the Word has a transforming virtue in it, it irradiates the mind, and consecrates the heart. 2. Get faith in Christ's blood (Acts 15:9). Having purified their hearts by faith.

Moral virtue may wash the outside, faith washes the inside. Acts 15:9. Having purified their hearts by faith. Faith makes the heart a sanctuary or temple, with this inscription, Holiness to the Lord.

What is the meaning of Satan's sowing tares in the parable (Matthew 13:25), but Satan sowing error instead of truth? How quickly had the Devil broached false doctrine in the Apostles' times — that it was necessary to be circumcised (Acts 15:1), that angel-worship was lawful, and…

And hence such excellent things are spoken of faith: it is called the victory that overcometh the world: 1. John 5.4. And God is said by faith to purify the heart: faith strengtheneth the heart: Acts 15.9: And through faith we are kept by the power of God unto salvation. 1. Pete…

Secondly, the remembrance of God's promises serves to be a means to keep a man from sin: for man's nature is as ready and prone to sin, as fire is to burn when fuel is put to it. But when by faith he calls to mind God's merciful promises, especially those which are made unto him…

And it is as impossible to be otherwise, as it is for fire having fuel not to burn. Acts 15.9. Faith purifies the heart; namely, from careless disobedience to God's word: for if from any corruption at all, then from it especially, because it is most contrary to the pureness of t…

Now, if we would die in faith, we must live in faith; else it is not to be expected: For, so these holy Patriarchs lived long in this faith, wherein they died. For, their holy lives showed plainly, that they lived in that faith, which (the Apostle says) does purify our hearts, A…

Can you maintain your peace and not have so much as any foundation in the truth and faithfulness of God to build it upon? Love never that faith that hungers not after the Word, that is supposed to be lively without being ever fed by the Word, that cannot claim either its rise an…

A second ground is taken from the opposition which the Scripture makes between the Elect, and others who are not elected, which shows clearly that election cannot be understood of all, as if there were a general and conditional election; hence it is said Jacob have I loved, and…

(Galatians 3:10) For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse. Then there must be none redeemed under the Old Testament, nor any justified, contrary to express Scriptures: (Psalm 32:1-2; Romans 4:1-6; Galatians 3:14; Acts 15:11; Acts 11:16-17; Romans 10:1-3). N…

If the living by faith did exclude works, and keeping of the Law in any respect at all, as the keeping of the Law is a witness of the life of faith: then to do the things of the Law, as it is an eternal rule of righteousness, should also involve us in the curse, and argue that w…

5 Another end was, that so by this means they might be strengthened in the faith, according to what you read in the words of the text, to them that did believe, he wrote that they might believe, meaning that they might be confirmed and established in believing. 6 Also, to the in…

2. Implicitly, or by interpretation, which is a more secret way of tempting God; when the act speaks it, whatever be the intention of the doer. As those who were about to lay the burden of the rites of Moses's Law on the new converts of the Gentiles (Acts 15:10). Now therefore w…

Hereby it may easily be gathered, that these false Apostles had condemned the Gospel of Paul among the Galatians, saying: Paul in deed has begun well, but to have begun well it is not enough: for there remain yet many higher matters. Like as they say in Acts 15, it is not enough…

But these popish Sophisters put no difference between faith in Christ to come and in Christ which is already come. Therefore if Cornelius had died before Christ was revealed, yet had he not been damned, because he had the faith of the fathers, which were saved by faith only in C…

Now, because reason judges that there can be no danger in preferring the righteousness of the law before the righteousness of faith: therefore with a certain indignation he inveighs against the law, and with great contempt he calls it a yoke, yea a yoke of bondage. So Peter call…

For they be weak and beggarly of themselves: that is to say, they are by nature the children of wrath, subject to death and everlasting damnation: and yet they lay hold upon that which is nothing else but mere weakness and beggary, seeking to be strengthened and enriched thereby…

Hence I gather, that there is but one Gospel, one in number and no more. For there is but one way of salvation by Christ, whereby all the Elect are saved, from the beginning of the world to the end (Acts 15:11; 1 Corinthians 10:3). It may be demanded, how they of the Old Testame…

Again, it is to be observed in this text, that James, Peter, John, are made equal, all being pillars; and James is first named: and that not without cause. For not Peter, but James was the President of the council of Jerusalem: because he spoke the last, and concluded all (Acts…

Thirdly, Paul here sets down the way to make a pacification for religion in these last days: and the way is, that the pastors of the Church be assembled together by the authority of princes: and being assembled, they temper their voices one to another according to the written wo…

The third part of this bondage is the obligation to the ceremonial law. It pertains not to all mankind, but only concerns the Jews, to whom it was a yoke of bondage (Acts 15). The sign of this bondage, whereby it may be discerned, is to keep a course or practice in sinning (John…

Besides, the patheticall exclamation of Paul, O miserable man that I am, &c. Rom 7:24. and that saying of Peter, in calling the Law a yoke, which neither we nor our fathers were able to beare, Act. 15. should be childish, and ridiculous, if that which is impossible in the law (a…

The same we read also of Saint Paul, Acts 9, and of Apollos, Acts 18, how they convinced the Jews, and proved by the Scriptures that Jesus was Christ: in whom whatever the Prophets had foretold, was now accomplished and fulfilled. [reconstructed: Moreover], Acts 15, the Apostles…

(Acts 11:30) They sent their collection to the Elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul, that is to the ministers, of whom it is said (Acts 14:13) ([in non-Latin alphabet]) they ordained them Elders in every Church. And (Acts 15:2) a main question of faith is proposed to the Apo…

We have yet a greater evidence than all these. Men live in sin, and therefore they do not believe forgiveness of sin. faith in general purifies the heart, Acts 15:19. Our souls are purified in obeying the truth, 1 Peter 1:22. and the life is made fruitful by it, James 2:22. fait…

But for the bookes of Apochrypha, they are not Canonicall Scripture, because they were not penned by Moses or any of the Prophets: which is plaine by this, that all of them were first written either in latine, or in Greeke, & none in Hebrew originally; where as al the old Prophe…

He is gone there, 1. To feed in the gardens. By gardens, in the plural number, are understood the subdivisions, and particular plots of that one garden, formerly mentioned; the Jews had their synagogues, where the people did meet, and the law was read (as we have our distinct co…

And concerning the abolition of this Ceremonial Law, we must understand the Apostle, when he frequently and earnestly asserts the liberty of believers, and their freedom from the law; that is, the believing Jews were positively freed from the necessity of observing it; and the b…

Secondly; our reverent and attentive hearing of the Word of God, either read, or preached, is another public duty necessary to the sanctification of the Sabbath. This was observed also in the times of the Law, before Christ's coming into the world (Acts 15:21): Moses of old time…

Lessons were read out of the Old Testament, as made up of both the law and the other parts of the scripture then extant, in all the synagogues, which were set up in every city, and everywhere, wherever the Jews in any considerable number dwelt, as our meeting-houses are. Thus we…

"And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together, praying." He was the companion of the apostles Barnabas and Saul: Acts 15:37. "And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose…

The learned Pharisees were but painted sepulchers; gifts are but as a fair glove drawn over a foul hand. But now grace is incompatible with sin in dominion, it purifies the heart (Acts 15:9), cleanses the conscience (Hebrews 9:14), crucifies the affections and lusts of the flesh…

However, it may be mistaken and misrepresented, it is very far from being really a sect. There were sects of religion among the Jews; we read of the sect of the Sadducees (Acts 5:17), which was built upon peculiar notions, such as overturned the foundation of natural religion, b…

It was for this present world; he was not acquainted with the powers of the world to come, and therefore he forsook Paul, rather then he would suffer in the cause of God with Paul. Certainly, those that fall off in the time of suffering, are such as never had a taste of the powe…

2. That which is pretended, is the power of any whatever over the conscience, when once made free by Christ. First then, believers are freed from the instituted law of ordinances, which upon the testimony of the apostles, was a yoke which neither we nor our fathers (in the faith…

2. It is the work of faith; the peculiar work of faith; now if there be a work to be done that will be effected by one only instrument, it is the greatest madness for any to attempt the doing of it, that has not that instrument. Now it is faith that purifies the heart (Acts 15:9…

Without Faith in Jesus Christ we have no Interest in his Salvation. True Faith must be such as purifies the Heart, Acts 15:9. And produces Good Works as the necessary Evidences to prove our Faith true, James 2:17, 18.

Hereupon I am bold to affirm, that those Persons whom all these Reasons cannot draw to the sincere Practice of Holiness, may be sure they never believed in Christ, and are not Partakers of the Salvation of the Gospel; for the great and necessary Duty of Christianity is Faith whi…

Make sure this election as it is here (for that is the order) — your effectual calling sure — and that will bring with it assurance of the other, the eternal election and love of God towards you, which follows to be considered. According to the foreknowledge of God the Father.]…

The chief point of obedience is believing; the proper obedience to truth is to give credit to it; and this divine belief does necessarily bring the whole soul into obedience, and conformity to that pure truth, which is in the word, and so the very purifying, and renewing of the…

Now these first actings of faith have in themselves an evidence, that distinguishes them from all that is counterfeit, a light of their own, by which the soul wherein they are, may discern them, and say this is the right work of faith — especially, when God shines upon the soul,…

Faith alone, therefore, purges all immoderate affections in us; and first it accomplishes this: that we are not ungrateful toward God—but in such a way that we need the Spirit of God, who works in us and daily confirms us. Therefore in Acts 15, God is said to have purified the h…

He has purchased the Spirit to bless us, and turn us from our sins. And it excites faith to apply and improve this remedy, and so conveys the power of God into the soul (Acts 15:9). Purifying their hearts by faith.

There should be a union in heart, way, and scope (Romans 14), but often it does fall out that passion, because of lesser differences, may occasion an unkindness between very brethren. Acts 15:37-39: And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul…

But because it was done not only with pain, but the foreskin was cut off, so it notes the purging the heart from that fleshliness and carnality that cleaves to us. Acts 15:9: Purifying their hearts by faith. Sin is wrought out more and more by the blood of Christ applied to the…

We compute by days, and years, yesterday, tomorrow, last year, and next year; one generation passes, and another comes; but in God's understanding, there is no succession of before and after. Known to God are all his works from the beginning (Acts 15:18). God that does all thing…

Be as willing to die to sin, as he was to die for sin, and to live to him, as he was to die for you; be as willing to be his to serve him, as that he should be yours to save you. Take him on his own terms, give up yourself wholly to him; forget your father's house, depart from a…

1. Christ teaches the heart. Others may teach the ear, Christ the heart (Acts 16:14): Whose heart the Lord opened. All that the dispensers of the word can do, is but to work knowledge, Christ works grace.

While Peter spoke, the Holy Ghost fell on all them that heard the Word of God. Ministers knock at the door of men's hearts, the Spirit comes with a key and opens the door (Acts 16:14). A certain woman named Lydia, whose heart the Lord opened.

He commands us to believe: And why? That we may be saved (Acts 16:31). There is love in every command.

God commands us to believe, and why so? Believe and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31). Salvation is the crown set upon the head of faith.

In circumcising there was pain in the flesh: so in this spiritual circumcision there is pain in the heart; there is much sorrow arising from the sense of guilt and wrath. The jailor's trembling (Acts 16:30) was a pang in the new birth. God's Spirit is a spirit of bondage before…

1. With reverence and holy attention. Acts 16:14. A certain woman named Lydia attended to the things that were spoken of Paul.

It changed a persecutor into a preacher. What a change did it make in the jailor (Acts 16:33)! He took the Apostles and washed their stripes, and set meat before them.

Receiving the end of your faith, salvation. He who believes is as sure to go to Heaven as if he were in Heaven already (Acts 16:31). Faith touches Christ, and can he miss of Heaven who touches Christ?

Philip Landtgrave of Hesse said that in his troubles, se divinas Martyrum consolationes sensisse, he felt the divine consolations of the martyrs. David had his pilgrimage songs (Psalm 119:54), and Saint Paul his prison songs (Acts 16:25). Thus God candies our wormwood with sugar…

Daniel also was an extraordinary Prophet: yet (as we may read) Daniel 9:2, he studied with admirable diligence the prophecies of Jeremiah and Ezekiel. And Timothy, though he were a Disciple (Acts 16:1) and well learned: yet Paul charges him to give attendance to reading, to exho…

And again, To him give all the prophets witness that through his name all that believe in him shall receive remission of sins (Acts 10:43). Paul says, believe in the Lord Jesus and you shall be saved, and all your household (Acts 16:31). Thus then the confession in which we ackn…

When we have rightly considered of our foundation: the Second thing is, to practise upon it, and that is, to give our selues to the exercises of faith and repentance; which stand in meditation of the word, and praier for mercy and pardon: and when this is done, then God giues th…

5. We say it is an immediate work of the Spirit on the heart, to difference it from a mediate persuasion, or moral suasion (as it's called) as if there were no more requisite in conversion but God's enlightening of the mind, and by that persuading the will to close with Jesus Ch…

3. When the offer is made, and the precious wares are exposed to sale in this cried fair of grace, a command comes out, choose life, come buy the wares, believe, receive the offer, as is clear in all the places we named before; it leaves not people indifferent to receive or not,…

1. From the manner how the gospel proposes faith, it is by way of command in the imperative mood — Believe, Come you that are weary, etc., Come to the Wedding, open, etc. — wherein somewhat of the nature of faith is held out, all these being the same with believing. 2. It is not…

(Revelation 3:20) Behold I stand at the door and knock, if any man open the door to me, etc. (Acts 16) it's said, the Lord opened the heart of Lydia: when the Word comes, sinners' hearts are locked on God, Christ comes by His Word, and knocks hard to be in, bids open and take in…

Oratory cannot make the taste feel the sweetness of honey. There is a light that comes from heaven, above the sun and moon; indeed, above the gospel; and is not extracted, or drawn out of the power of either the soul, no, nor of the gospel, (I conceive,) that brings forth, in ac…

13. These that Christ died for cannot be condemned (Romans 8:33-34), but are chosen, and cannot be impeached; but the reprobate can be condemned and impeached. 14. Those whom God wills to save, and whom he redeemed, to these he willed the means of salvation; but he wills not the…

What a marvelous speech is this in God's own servants, when God would withhold them from running for salvation elsewhere, and from such other sins as they thirsted after; no, there is no hope but the course they had taken they would take, and no means should save or draw them fr…

Sometimes he calls himself, the least of all Saints (Ephesians 3:8), and yet sometimes, not inferior to the very chief Apostles; and this he had learned, he had been instructed thus to deny himself; he desired, that he might know nothing but Christ, and him crucified. See the no…

As he has absolute authority to teach in his own name, and fullness of sufficiency to make known the mind of God to us; so he has power to make his doctrine effectual. As when he dealt with his disciples, after he had opened the Scriptures, he opened their understandings (Luke 2…

As if they had said: This is a seditious and a blasphemous fellow: for he preaches such things whereby he not only overthrows the Jewish commonwealth excellently well ordered and established by the laws of God: but also abolishes even the ten commandments, the religion and servi…

For the first; the words, And Titus was not compelled to be circumcised, carrie this sense: I, for my part was readie to circumcise Titus, if there had been a meete occasion: false brethren would have imposed a necessitie upon vs: then I and Titus refused: and the Apostles did n…

First, the commandment of God (Matthew 28:18), Baptize all nations, etc., in which words the baptism of infants is prescribed. For the Apostles by virtue of this commission baptized whole families (Acts 16:31 and 38). Again, circumcision of infants was commanded by God (Genesis…

The Apostle adds in the word, to shew that he means not so much the doctrine of Christian religion, contained in the scriptures, as the doctrine of the Gospel, which by an exoche, or peculiar excellencie, is called the word. Act 16:6. They were forbidden of the holy Ghost to pre…

Though the apostle speaks there particularly of circumcision, yet it is not merely being circumcised, but trusting in circumcision as a righteousness, that the apostle has respect to. He could not mean that merely being circumcised would render Christ of no profit or effect to a…

The committing of a godly man to Prison, has been the method of Providence, to save the soul of a poor Keeper. So Paul, Acts 16:27 was made a Prisoner, to make his Keeper a spiritual Free-man. The like success had Dr. Barnes in Queen Mary's days, who afterwards celebrated the Lo…

There the prisoners rest together; captives and bondmen have little rest until they rest in the grave: the language of prisoners is a sorrowful language; their speech is sighs (Psalm 79:11): "Let the sighing of the prisoners come before you," and (Psalm 12:5) "because of the opp…

Againe, we must consider that God gives grace indeede, yet not miraculously in Ale-houses and Tavernes, but then when men use the meanes to come by grace, and doe that which by nature they are able; that is, come and heare the word attentiuely, endeavoring to believe and to obey…

3. It implies some effect it has upon the heart, as being somewhat affected with that touch; Therefore it's his voice or word that not only calls, but knocks, implying some force it had upon her: By voice is understood the Word, as (Chapter 2:8, 10). yet, as backed with the Spir…

And therefore we find Saint Paul himself who so earnestly in all his Epistles opposes the observation of the Ceremonial Law, yet he himself submits to the use of those rites, and purifies himself in the Temple according to the Law (Acts 21:26). Indeed, he also circumcises Timoth…

Ministers can no more go where they please, than the [reconstructed: sailing] clouds can move against the wind. Paul and Timothy, two fruitful clouds (that sent down many sweet refreshing showers upon every place where they came) the Lord sent them through Phrygia and Galatia bu…

So when souls are under a work of conviction, it is a critical time with them; many a one have I known then to miscarry, and never recovered again; they have indeed for a time stood like dead graffs in the stock, by an external dead hearted profession, but never came to any thin…

The Jailer in particular, seems to have been an Instance of that Nature, when he, in the utmost Distress and Amazement, came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas: His falling down at that Time, does not seem to be a designed putting himself into a Posture of Supplicati…

Now his question was about eternal life to be obtained by works, and not about the salvation of a sinner by the mercy of God. He did not ask, as the convinced Jailer, Acts 16:30. What shall I do to be saved, or to obtain salvation? But What good work must I do to obtain eternal…

But is this all, enlightening the eye? No, the Scripture describes this work of God by opening of the heart; (Acts 16:14) God opened the heart of Lydia, that she attended to the things which were spoken of Paul. God does not only knock at the heart, that he does by his Word, and…

As the Sufferings of Christ abound in us: so our Consolation also aboundeth by Christ. Saint Paul had his Prison-Songs, Act. 16 25. This Bird of Paradise could sing in Winter. God turns the Waters of Marah into Wine; He keeps his Cordials for fainting.

And then verse 45, he opened their understandings. Of Lydia it is said, God opened her heart in attending to the things spoken by Paul (Acts 16:14). She was attending, and then God opened her heart.

It is elsewhere called the good way wherein we should walk (1 Kings 8:36), and the way of God (Psalm 27:11), and the way of understanding (Proverbs 9:6), and the way of holiness (Isaiah 55:8), and the way of righteousness (2 Peter 2:21): Better they had not known the way of righ…

The Psalmist complains of all natural men, There is none that understands, none that does good, to no one (Psalm 14:2) and (Romans 3:11): There is none that understands, there is none that seeks after God. Therefore it is God must give understanding, at first [reconstructed: con…

On the other side, the Scripture recommends meditation as one great help to obedience. Lydia's conversion is described by attention (Acts 16:14): "The Lord opened her heart, that she attended to the things which were spoken by Paul;" because that is the first step to it; minding…

1. Sometimes for the measure; the Apostle speaks of comforts abounding by Christ (2 Corinthians 1:5), and (Acts 13:52) the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost: and the Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 7:4), [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], I am filled with comfort, an…

3. As for rising up at midnight we can neither enforce it as a duty upon you, nor yet can we condemn it. 'Twas an act of heroical zeal in David, who employed his time waking to the honor of God, which others spent in sleeping: and we read that Paul and Silas sang praises at midn…

Attending is the cause of believing, when we grow serious. (Acts 16:14) Whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended to the things spoken by Paul. (Acts 17:11) And these were more noble than they of Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind.

Thus come, and thus make good your coming to, and believing in Christ. And then you shall be saved, as the Apostle told the Jailer (Acts 16:30-31), believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved. Sin, this destructive thing Sin, shall not destroy them; sin, this damnin…

God calls several of his servants at sundry times, some young, some old, some in their tender, some in their riper years, there is no season excepted; he that is the God of all times, can, and will do his own work at any time: Timothy knew the Scriptures from a child (2 Timothy…

"Turn, turn, why will you die?" (Ezekiel 33:11). "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31). If a man have no power to turn himself, to what purpose are these commands; if there be need of an Almighty power to work these, why are they required of us?

Only here observe God's order. - 1 The power resides first in Christ and his Spirit. - 2 From Christ and his Spirit, it comes to the Word. - 3 From the Word to the administration thereof by the dispensers; where you find most of the Word, and most evidence of the Spirit, there y…

But he dealt not so with other nations, neither have they known his ways (Psalm 147, last verse). Why Paul is sent for into Macedonia, and forbidden to go into [illegible] (Acts 16:6-9). The apostles charged not to go into the way of the Gentiles (Matthew 10:5-6), not to enter i…

A proud man will never obey; instead of trampling his sins under his feet, he tramples God's laws under his feet (Jeremiah 43:3-4). He who stoops in humility is the likeliest to put his neck under Christ's yoke; he that sees himself within an inch of hell asks the jailer's quest…

He is everywhere present, therefore we may come to walk with God: Enoch walked with God (Genesis 5:21). If God were confined to heaven, a trembling soul might think how can I converse with God, how can I walk with him who lives in Excelsis, above the upper region; but God is not…

The Greek word for power, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], signifies dignity and prerogative; he dignified them to become the sons of God. Our sonship differs from Christ's sonship: Christ was the Son of God by eternal generation, a Son before time; but our sonship is, 1. By creatio…

Now things are out of course. Sin is rampant, saints are wronged, they are often cast in a righteous cause, they can meet with no justice here, justice is turned into wormwood; but there is a day coming, when God will set things right; he will do every man justice; he will crown…

Is it not a mercy for one that is out of the way, to have a guide? First, there is a providential guiding: God guides our affairs for us, chalks out a way he would have us walk in; he resolves our doubts, unties our knots, appoints the bounds of our habitation (Acts 17:26). Seco…

If one should go into a far country, and see stately edifices there, he would never imagine that these could build themselves, but that there had been some artificer there to raise such goodly structures; so this great fabric of the world could not create itself, it must have so…

Do not load yourselves with guilt, and furnish your judge with matter against you. The Lord (says Paul,) has appointed a day in which he would judge the world (Acts 17:21). And how would Paul fit himself for that day (Acts 24:16)?

Response. We are to receive nothing for current but what is agreeable to the Word; as God has given to his ministers gifts for the interpreting obscure places, so he has given to his people so much of the Spirit of discerning, that they can tell (at least in things necessary to…

Greece was counted the eye of the world, for wisdom, and Athens the eye of Greece; but neither of them knew God. (Acts 17:23) I found an altar with this inscription, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; To the unknown God. To know God, in whom is both Verum & Bonum, truth and goodness, is…

Question 1. In what sense is God a Father? Response. 1. By creation; it is he that has made us; Acts 17:28. [in non-Latin alphabet], we are his offspring (Malachi 2:10). Have we not all one Father?

The snake has a fine color, but a sting. A person adorned and cultivated with moral virtue has a secret spleen against sanctity: those Stoics which were the chief of the moralized heathens, were the bitterest enemies Saint Paul had (Acts 17:18). 2. The second counterfeit of Sanc…

(Ezekiel 33:32) You are to them as a very lovely song of one that has a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument. Many come to the word only to feast their ears; they like the melody of the voice, the mellifluous sweetness of the expression, the newness of the notion,…

The Greek word [in non-Latin alphabet] signifies to search as for a vein of silver. The Bereans (Acts 17) searched the [text unclear] daily. The word [in non-Latin alphabet] signifies to make a curious and critical search.

To imagine that the work of the creation was not framed by God, is as if we should conceive a curious landscape to be drawn by a pencil without the hand of an artist. (Acts 17:24) God that made the world, and all things therein. To create is proper to a deity.

(1.) Christ has better things than these to bestow upon his followers; the holy anointing, the white stones, the hidden manna, the crown of glory. (2.) All Christ's followers are not humbled with poverty; Abraham was rich in gold and silver as well as rich in faith: though not m…

We must know God's will before we can do it; knowledge is the eye which must direct the foot of obedience. At Athens there was an altar set up 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, to the unknown God (Acts 17:23). It is as bad to offer the blind to God as the dead.

A moral man does as much hate holiness as he does vice. The Stoics were moralists, and had sublime notions about virtue, yet were the deadliest enemies Saint Paul had (Acts 17:18). So that this is a counterfeit jewel.

I answer first; We refuse no traditions, which are agreeable to the Scripture, and analogy of faith: but such as are agreeable to one of these, we receive them, though not as Scripture. Secondly, if the Apostles in the New Testament do add anything in any story, which is not in…

And Jeremiah says, I am in derision daily: every one mocks me, Jeremiah chapter 20, verse 7: Yea, our Savior Christ upon the Cross, when he was working the blessed work of man's redemption, was even then mocked by the spiteful Jews, Matthew 27:41. And Paul was mocked of the Athe…

But alas, it seems they care not for this shame; for where is security, wantonness, profaneness, oppressions, so common, as in these great cities? And as in the Apostles' times, the country town Berea, was more zealous and religious, than the rich and stately city of Thessalonic…

If any further object; The first world was begun, and multiplied by two alone, Adam and Eve, and no more: why then should there be so many for the beginning of the second world? I answer: God did so in the beginning, to show that all mankind came of one blood (Acts 17:26); and t…

- 3. Every action so far forth as it is an action is good, and of God. (Acts 17:28) In him we live, move, and have our being. Therefore God is a worker in temptations, so far forth as they are actions.

The second degree is the presence of grace, whereby he does not only preserve the substances of all his creatures, but also gives grace to them: and this agrees to the church and people of God upon earth. The third degree is the presence of glory peculiar to the saints and angel…

1. This soul was by its first creation a spirit, and that in the substance or native kind thereof; and in that respect (considered apart from its union with the body) is in a more special manner allied to God, than all other creatures (but angels) are. You have the pedigree of m…

When the Gospel comes to invite men to the wedding (Matthew 22), when Christ is praised and commended as to what he is, what he has purchased, and what he freely offers to sinners, it's said, that those who were bidden made light of it, and went away, one to his farm, another to…

7. Consider further, how our Lord Jesus seeks, and presses for this satisfaction from you; He [reconstructed: sends forth] His friends, and ambassadors to woo in His name, and to beseech you to be reconciled, and to tell you that it will not be thousands of rams, nor your firstb…

There is a solemn decree passed, that, as all men shall die, so every man shall be brought to a reckoning, and judgment. And (Acts 17:31): He has appointed a day in which he shall judge the world in righteousness, etc., and that cannot be reversed. See (2 Corinthians 5:10): For…

Then saints may fall a swooning at the very sight of the cross in others. And Peter (1 Peter 4:12) says, [illegible], Be not stricken with wonders, or astonished, as at new things and miracles (Acts 17:20) when you are put to a fiery trial. The comforts of the cross are the swee…

Nor need we flee to that exposition ever and anon, that Christ died for all, that is, all ranks of men. For "all" is put in Scripture ordinarily for many; as (Deuteronomy 1:21; Psalm 71:18; Jeremiah 15:10; Jeremiah 19:9; Jeremiah 20:7; Jeremiah 23:30; Jeremiah 49:17; Ezekiel 16:…

We must make use of the Scripture as a rule to measure all the sermon by that we hear, whether it be of just length and breadth of God's word or no, as the balance of the Sanctuary, the two testaments be, and when you weigh what is said, then you are confirmed and established in…

4. Do you receive it as the word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13) It may be you do not contradict the divine authority in the Scriptures, but do you soundly believe them, and know the certainty of those things wherein you are instructed (Luke 1:4) Have you done anything to prove th…

He therefore that will preach Christ truly, and confess him to be our righteousness, must be content to hear that he is a pernicious fellow, and that he troubles all things. They which have troubled the world (said the Jews of Paul and Silas, Acts 17) are also come to us, and ha…

I. When we have to deale with heathen men (who will not be so easily mooued with the authoritie of the Scriptures) we may conuict them by the testimonie of their own writers, as Paul did the Athenians, Epicures, and Stoikes, by the testimonie of Aratus, Act 17:28. and the Cretia…

The Prophet speaks not simply of the nature of man as it is created of God: but his purpose is to beat down and to bring to nothing all their presumption and pride, when they dare set themselves above him. We know it is impossible to subsist, or be without God, for in him only w…

For, if God had favored the Babylonians, it would thereupon have followed, that he had also approved of their idolatry: and thus his glory should have been given from him, to senseless creatures. To conclude, hence we may gather a general doctrine (as Saint Paul fitly applies it…

Saint Stephen alleges this place to very good purpose, in Acts 7:48. And the Apostle Paul closely applies it to the sense that we have touched, Acts 17:24. For both of them show, that such grossly deceive themselves, who bring carnal rites to God; as if his service and true reli…

Also when as he says (Romans 3) that the faith whereby we are justified, was witnessed before in the Law and the Prophets. We read also in Acts 17 that he did the same when he preached of faith to them of Thessalonica, whom he called to the Scriptures and expounded the same to t…

This is said by the Christians of the circumcision at Jerusalem, upon Peter's giving an account of the conversion of Cornelius and his family, and their embracing the gospel, though Peter had said nothing expressly about their sorrow for sin. Acts 17:30: 'But now commandeth all…

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lye, that they all migh be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. Nay, you might have fallen into the same Land in which your habitation now is, and yet have had n…

It is the greatest evil that can befall the creature, when God regards it not; all the blessings of the creature are bound up (like Jacob's life in the life of Benjamin) in that respect which God bears to them, and in the care which he has of them. The Apostle Paul disputing wit…

For still God suffered them to go on in their own wayes, and winked at their Ignorance. So again, Acts 17:23, 24, 25, 26, 27. Whom you ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you, God that made the world, and all things therein, seeing that he is the Lord of heaven and earth, dwe…

The consideration whereof teaches us, First, to understand aright that saying of Paul, Act. 17. 28. In him weliue, move, and have our beeing: we are not in God, as parts of God, for his essence is most simple; & yet it is true we are in God, because his essence is every where: i…

And both these are forbidden in this commandment: First, idolatry is a part and species of superstition; so we find it expressly (Acts 17:16) compared with verse 22. In verse 16 it is said, that Paul's spirit was stirred in him; when he saw the city of Athens wholly given to ido…

For the illustrating and clearing the proposition, I shall show, 1. What violence is not meant here: This violence in the text excludes 1. An ignorant violence; to be violent for that which we do not understand (Acts 17:23). As I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an…

They were so placed, the bounds of their habitation so limited round about the land of Canaan, the place laid out for the habitation of God's people, as most suited the design of propagating the gospel among them: Deuteronomy 32:8 "When the Most High divided to the nations their…

See 1 Corinthians 1:19, 20, 21. After God had showed the vanity of human learning, when set up in the room of the gospel, God was pleased to make it subservient to the purposes of Christ's kingdom, as an handmaid to divine revelation; and so the prevailing of learning in the wor…

Multitudes flocked into the church of Christ in a great number of cities where the Apostle came. So the number of the members of the Christian church that were Gentiles, soon far exceeded the number of its Jewish members; yet so, that in less than ten years time after Paul was s…

O that with eyes and hands lifted up to heaven, I might bless the Lord, that ever I was brought forth in an age of so much light! in a valley of visions, in a land flowing with Gospel mercies. Has not God made of one blood, all the nations of men, to dwell on the face of the ear…

I have a long time held my peace, I have been still and refrained myself. Others have a short and catching season, all lies upon a day, upon a nick of time (Acts 17:30). A proper season neglected and lost, is irrecoverable.

And so what a great Ado in Samaria, Antioch, Ephesus, and Corinth, and other Places? The Affair filled the World with Noise, and gave Occasion to some to say of the Apostles, that they had turned the World upside down, Acts 17:6. 4. It is no Argument that an Operation that appea…

There is an itch of novelty — naturally we adore things that are new. They flocked about Paul because they supposed him a setter forth of new gods (Acts 17). Seneca observes rightly, homini ingenium est magis nova quàm magna mirari — men admire a glaring meteor and comet more th…

God wrote the two tables with his own fingers, and if God took pains to write, well may we take pains to read. Apollos was mighty in the Scriptures (Acts 18:24). The Word is our Magna Charta for heaven; shall we be ignorant of our charter?

A Father will keep off danger from his child. God calls himself scutum, a shield: a shield defends the head, guards the vitals; God shields off dangers from his children, (Acts 18:10). I am with you, and none shall set on you to hurt you: God is a hiding place, (Psalm 27:5).

The word [in non-Latin alphabet] signifies to make a curious and critical search. And [text unclear] was mighty in the Scriptures (Acts 18:24). Some gallop over a chapter [hurriedly], and get no good by it.

Being observed by them, they were parts of God's worship, but now under the Gospel they are not — being all abolished with the ceremonial law, to which Christ put an end at his death upon the cross. It is true Paul made a vow and afterward kept the same in the time of the New Te…

Lastly, it signifies the whole Ecclesiastical ministry. Thus Apollos is said to teach the way of the Lord, knowing nothing but the baptism (that is, the doctrine) of John (Acts 18:25). In the third sense is baptism taken in this place, when Paul says, You are all baptized into C…

Yet as before it must be taken generally for any kind of teaching, or instruction; for so the word is used else where in scripture, as Luk 1:4. Act 18:25. Rom 2:18. 1.

For in their preface, they are bold to affirme, that it seems rather to have bin writtenat Corinth, then at Athens: and they give this reason of it, because after the sending of Timothie to Thessalonica, Paul and he meete not at Athens againe, but at Corinth. And Baronius affirm…

None otherwise, then if he would say: Those things which you there read written, you see here truly done, and in very deed performed. The same we read also of Saint Paul, Acts 9, and of Apollos, Acts 18, how they convinced the Jews, and proved by the Scriptures that Jesus was Ch…

Whereby the modesty of the holy man the rather appears, who neither thinks scorn to have, nor yet is ashamed to acknowledge a woman for his companion in the work of the Lord. And this was the wife of Aquila himself, whom Luke calls Priscilla (Acts 18:1). 4 To whom not only I.

3. There may be in that one visible Church, many more real converts in one part thereof, than in another; spices in beds are not in every place of the garden. 4. Though Christ has a singular care of, and respect for, his whole Church, and has a peculiar presence there where ever…

"Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles: for so hath the Lord commanded us." And so Act…

Have you not seen lively flames proceed from glimmering and dying sparks, when carefully collected and blown up? Get among the most lively and quickening Christians; as iron sharpens iron, so will these set an edge upon your dull affections (Proverbs 27:17; Acts 18:15). But abov…

It is a great blessing to have an interest in the prayers of the Saints, and so in all their gifts, 1 Cor. 3. 22, 23. Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, &c. all are yours, and you are Christs: as if he should say, there need no such envying one at another, to say, I am of Paul…

Answer. 1. That branch of teaching has respect to public assemblies, and churches, in which she may not teach: but not to private families, in which she may, and ought to teach: for Bathsheba taught Solomon (Proverbs 31:4). When Apollos was brought to the house of Aquila, Prisci…

You shall not need to study, God will put an answer into your mouth; this many of God's sufferers can set their seal to; the Lord has on a sudden darted such words into their mouths, as their enemies could easier censure than contradict. 2. God has made promises of protection (A…

But if the former sense is intended (as how can it be denied?) — namely, that the word of the covenant is preached to you and an offer of Christ is made in the preached gospel to you — then it cannot be denied that the promise is to all the reprobate in the visible church, wheth…

(4) What if there be no Christ, nor Gospel, but only questions of words? Such clay-pots were framed by Gallio, and Festus (Acts 18:14-15; Acts 25:11, 19). Hence come imaginations of things impossible (Isaiah 14:13): I'll ascend to heaven, says Babylon, I will set my nest among t…

Fourth, if Christ by his death should remove this, he should bring on, by his death, a heart past feeling, and burnt with a hot iron, which is condemned (Ephesians 4:19; 1 Timothy 4:2). Fifth, it speaks a graceless rockiness of heart to sin, and not care for it (Acts 18:17-18; P…

And though perhaps the word Many itself be not sufficient to restrain the object of Christ's death unto Some, in opposition to All, because Many is sometimes placed absolutely for All, as (Romans 5:19), yet these Many being described in other places to be such, as it is most cer…

God hides his servants, Psalms 27:5. In the secret of his Tabernacle shall he hide me; that is, he shall keep me safe, as in the most holy place of the Sanctuary, where none but the Priests might enter. Christs Wings are both for healing, and for hiding; for curing, and securing…

In this State of things, every thing was under as many improbabilities of Success unto all rational Conjectures as can be conceived. Besides, together with the Doctrine of the Gospel that they preached, which was new and uncouth unto the World, they taught Observances of Religio…

A third difference in the effect is this; the pricking of the heart humbles a man's spirit, so as now he is content to stoop to his underlings, though contemptible to him before, yet now willing to be taught by them; these men in the text inquire of the apostles the way to salva…

Five ways: God has exalted Christ, 1. In his titles. 2. In his office. 3. In his ascension. 4. In his session at God's right hand. 5. In constituting him Judge of the world. First title, 1. God has exalted Christ in his titles: 1. He is exalted to be a Lord (Acts 19:17). The nam…

By Scripture is understood the sacred book of God — it is given by divine inspiration; that is, the Scripture is not the contrivance of man's brain, but of a divine original. The image of Diana was had in veneration by the Ephesians, because they did suppose it fell from Jupiter…

The minister's work is to part between men and their sins; and this causes opposition. When Paul preached against Diana, all the city was in an uproar (Acts 19). This may stir up prayer for Christ's ministers, that they may be able to withstand the assaults of the enemy (2 Thess…

Unbelief hardens men's hearts against the Word. (Acts 19:9): Divers were hardened and believed not. Men hear many truths delivered concerning the preciousness of Christ, the beauty of holiness, the felicity of a glorified estate; but if through unbelief and atheism they question…

We are baptized in the name of the Holy Ghost, therefore either we must believe his Godhead, or renounce our baptism in his name. Methinks it were enough for such men, as have not so much as heard whether there be a Holy Ghost, or no (Acts 19:2), to deny his deity; but that any…

2 If the persecutors do specially aim at the Minister's life, then with the consent of his flock, he may go apart for his own safety, for a time. So it was with Paul: when the Ephesians were in an uproar about their Diana, Paul in zeal would have entered in among them; but the D…

This faith has one degree more than historical faith. Examples of it we have in Simon Magus (Acts 8:13), who is said to believe, because he held the doctrine of the apostle to be true; and withal professed the same: and in the devils also, who in some sort confessed, that Christ…

And the commandment of the Holy Spirit — confess one to another and pray one for another, James 5:17 — binds as well the priest to make confession unto us as any of us to the priest. And whereas it is said in Matthew 3 that many were baptized confessing their sins, and in Acts 1…

When we undertake things above bodily strength, all will condemn us; so to undertake things, that we have no ability to perform, is unlawful. The sons of Sceva would take upon them to exorcise the Devil, and the man in whom the evil spirit was, leapt on them, and overcame them,…

Yet if a church shall err in the foundation openly and obstinately, it separates from Christ and ceases to be a church, and we may separate from it and may give judgment that it is no church. When the Jews resisted the preaching of Paul, and had nothing to say but to rail, Paul…

The first is, of which of his journeys must this be understood? (for he made five journeys to Jerusalem.) The first, from Arabia: the second, when he and Barnabas were sent by the church of the Gentiles to carry alms to Jerusalem: the third, when he went to the council at Jerusa…

Thirdly, v. 8. he says, he will abide at Ephesus till Pentecost, therefore he was not then at Philippi. Fourthly, that it was written before the tumult in Ephesus raised by Demetrius and his complices, and so consequently before his comming to Philippi▪ as also that it was sent…

Repentance in its more general abstracted nature, is only a sorrow for sin, and forsaking of it, which is a duty of natural religion; but evangelical repentance, or repentance for remission of sins, has more than this essential to it; a dependance of soul on the Mediator for del…

There be many persons employed in sinful Trades and Arts, meerly to furnish other mens lusts: they do not only sin in their Imployments; but their very Imployments are sinful: they trade for Hell, and are Factors for the Devil. Demetrius and the Crafts-men at Ephesus, got their…

Some go about business, and they know not why, they visit their friends, and they know not for what. That was justly called a confused assembly (Acts 19:32) when the most part knew not why they were come together. Though no man can know the end of his action, respecting the even…

And at Ephesus when the great tumult was about Diana, Paul would have thrust himselfe in among the people, but the Disciples seeing it would be dangerous unto him, kept him backe, and would not suffer him. Act. 19. 30. vers. 7.Aske, and it shall be given you: seeke, and ye shall…

3. There may be in that one visible Church, many more real converts in one part thereof, than in another; spices in beds are not in every place of the garden. 4. Though Christ has a singular care of, and respect for, his whole Church, and has a peculiar presence there where ever…

But the most remarkable pouring out of the Spirit in a particular city that we have any account of in the New Testament, seems to be that in the city of Ephesus, which was a very great city. Of this we have an account in Acts 19. There was also a very extraordinary ingathering o…

After the way which they call heresy (says St. Paul, Acts 24:14) so worship I the God of my Fathers. The sect of the Nazarenes, so Tertullus calls it in his opening of the indictment against Paul (Acts 24:5), it is called this way (Acts 9:2) and that way (Acts 19:9), as if it we…

The continuance of the Christian religion in the world to this day is a standing miracle for the conviction of its adversaries, and the confirmation of the faith of those that adhere to it. When we consider what a mighty force was raised by the powers of darkness against Christi…

Hence that practice of Baal's priests (1 Kings 18:26): they called on the name of Baal from morning till night; O Baal, hear us. They were repeating and crying again and again, O Baal; as if their clamor would awaken their god; from where Elijah's sarcasm, He sleeps, and must be…

In the primitive times sometimes the Christians were exposed to the hatred and fury of the people, Lapidibus nos invadit inimicum vulgus: at other times exposed to the injuries of laws, and persecutions carried on by authority against them. There was an uproar at Ephesus against…

There it grew into an open contest and quarrel. And then between the Christians and the Pagans, which was the occasion of that uproar at Ephesus (Acts 19). And after Religion had gotten ground, and the way of truth had prevailed in the world, then the difference lay between Chri…

A fool utters all his mind, but he that is wise keeps it in till afterward. Paul was at Ephesus two years before he spoke against Diana (Acts 19:10). Only intimated in general terms, that they were no gods that were made with hands.

We are too prone to comply with, and to be drawn away by them we get by, and have therefore a kindness for them; but consider what God says (Exodus 34:12-15): Take heed lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, lest it prove a snare to you, that when they do sac…

For 1. A man may suffer for Christ, for that profession of religion that is upon him, the world hates the show of religion, times may come, that it may cost a man as dear to wear the livery of Christ, as to wear Christ himself. Alexander had like to have lost his life for the go…

Happy for Onesimus that Paul was sent to Jaile; God had an errand for Paul to do to him and others, which the devil never dream't of. Nay, he does not only preach in prison, but that he may do the devil all the mischief he can, he sends his Epistles to the Churches; that tasting…

The Israelitish women, who had been dressing themselves by the hour, and had abused their Looking-glasses to pride, afterwards by way of revenge as well as zeal, offered their Looking-glasses to the use and service of Gods Tabernacle, (Exodus 38:8). So those Conjurers who used c…

If ignorance do so corrupt a former Baptism, that it must be amended with a second Baptism: the Apostles should have been rebaptized first of all, which in whole three years after their Baptism, had scarcely tasted any small portion of purer doctrine. And now among us what river…

That under such ceremonies is contained no higher mystery, they shall easily judge who note how great liberty the Lord and his Apostles used in these outward things. The Lord going about to restore sight to the blind man, made clay of dust and spittle, some he healed with touchi…

1. The Lord says (Zechariah 13:2), I will cut off the names of idols out of the land, and they shall be no more remembered; and I will cause the prophets, and the unclean spirits to pass out of the land; but this cannot be done but with great violence (verse 3). The father and t…

You say, How shall I hate sin, as sin? First, you hate all sin, as well gainful and pleasurable sins, as any you have least benefit by (Acts 19:19). When you hate sin, as it is a dishonor to God, and a piercing of Christ, and a crucifying him (Psalm 51:5).

Christ must needs be God, not only that the divine nature might support the human from sinking under God's wrath, but also to give value and weight to his sufferings. Christ being God, his death and passion is meritorious; Christ's blood is called Sanguis Dei, the blood of God (…

He had not quite lost the Spirit. As Eutiches when he fell from a window (Acts 20) and all thought he was dead — No, says Paul, there is life in him — so David fell foully, but there was the life of grace in him. Though the saints may come to that pass they have but little faith…

Whatever worldly comforts we have, are but [in non-Latin alphabet], for a season (Hebrews 11:25). We must part with all, as Paul's friends did accompany him to the ship and there left him (Acts 20:28). So all our earthly comforts will but go with us to the grave and there leave…

To them who seek for glory and honor — eternal life. The people of God here are in a suffering condition (Acts 20:23). Bonds and afflictions abide me.

He says as David when Michal reproached him for dancing before the Ark (2 Samuel 6:22), if this be to be vile, I will yet be more vile. Let others persecute him for his holiness, he says as Paul (Acts 20:24), none of these things move me. He prefers sanctity before safety, and h…

Christ arose on the first day of the week out of the grave, and appeared twice on this day to his disciples (John 20:19, 26), which was to intimate to the disciples (says Austin and Athanasius) that he transferred the Jewish Sabbath to the Lord's Day. 2. The keeping of the first…

It was an excellent appeal that Samuel made to the people (1 Samuel 12:3): Witness against me before the Lord, whose ox have I taken, or whose ass, or whom have I defrauded. And it was a brave speech of Saint Paul (Acts 20:33): I have coveted no man's gold, or silver, or apparel…

Therefore it is called repentance, [in non-Latin alphabet]. Toward God (Acts 20:20). The heart points toward God as the needle to the North Pole.

And hereupon the flesh of Christ though it profit nothing of itself, yet by the virtue which it receives from that person to which it is joined, it is quickening flesh and the bread of life. Again from this union of two natures into one person, arises a kind of speech or phrase…

Perseverance carries away the garland; a true Christian does not only set out in the race, but hold out; The righteous also shall hold on his way (Job 15:9): be the way what it will, though strewed with thorns, though there be a lion in the way, he is resolved to hold on his way…

This vow is against the will of God. Acts 20:35: It is a more blessed thing to give than to receive. Proverbs 30:8: Give me neither riches nor poverty.

Paul in like manner, did not of his own head goe to Ierusalem, but upon the motion of the Spirit. Act. 20. 22. In the light of these examples men are taught, not to cast themselues, into any places of apparent danger: much lesse to frequent those, which God has deliuered vp, int…

Answ. We hold that the suffering for the time, was so extreme, that he and he only could [reconstructed: endure] the [reconstructed: infinite] wrath of God; but whether all the infiniteness of pain flows from this, that the person was infinite, or that the pain was intrinsically…

Answer: The thing in question is not concluded; we say not we are to pray for the salvation of none but believers only, and that Christ died for none but those that already believed: we are to pray for all ranks, believers or unbelievers, as Christ died for thousands of both, bu…

'You believe in God' (says Christ to his disciples, whose faith and opinion of the Messiah was till Christ's resurrection of the same elevation with that of the Old Testament believers) 'believe also in me: make me the object of your trust for salvation as well as the Father.' A…

And (as the Antithesis carries it) look how the blood of Abel cryed for the ruine and condemnation of his brother Cain, so does Christ's blood on the contrary for our pardon and non-condemnation; and so much the lowder, by how much his blood was of more worth then Abel's was. Th…

If Ahithophel could not endure the rejection of his counsel, and Haman could not endure to be slighted by Mordecai, and many cannot endure the loss of a beloved child; how will you endure the loss of eternal happiness! The disciples wept bitterly when Paul said, you shall see my…

Observe hence our weakness during the time we are environed with mortality, that we cannot bear up long under spiritual duties, either our hearts are soon overcharged with wonder and astonishment, or else we yield to natural infirmities; however let it be a warning to us against…

And the reason of this sin, is: because God has given this commandment, We may not depart from his word, to the right hand or to the left; neither may we add thereto, or take from it (Joshua 1:7-8; Deuteronomy 4; 12). Before I gather any doctrine hence, this ground is to be laid…

Cor 5:18. and that God sheddehis blood. Act 20:28. namely, in that nature which the sonne of God assumed. Hence ariss the value, price, and dignitie of the obedience of Christ.

And it is also very probable, that the Sabbath of the new testament is limited and determined by our Savior Christ to the Lord's day. For Paul and the rest of the Apostles observed the first day of the week for a Sabbath day (Acts 20:7), and he says, Whatever you have heard, and…

Paul inioynes the Pastours of the Church of Ephesus, that they should take heede to themselues, and to the flocks whereof the holy Ghost had made themouerseers. Act 20:28. and he commands Timothie that he should be instant in season and out of season; that he should improoue, re…

These things therefore must be referred to the spiritual estate of the Church, namely, that by means hereof, God may be purely worshipped in her, that the ministry of the word may flourish and be advanced there, and that she may thereby retain some discipline which may serve as…

We read in the Gospel that Christ kissed his disciples, which was a custom then in those countries. Of this kiss Saint Paul also makes frequent mention (Acts 20; 1 Corinthians 16; 2 Corinthians 13; Romans 16). Peace be with you all, which are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Of such kind of admonitions, that we should take heed of false doctrines, we have in many places of the Scriptures great store. Saint Paul in the last sermon that he made to the Ephesians, when he took his leave of them, and was now ready to depart toward Jerusalem, forewarned t…

The Apostle in Acts 19:4 seems to have reference to these words of John the Baptist, John baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people, that they should believe, etc., where the latter words, as we have already observed, are to explain how he preached repentance…

They had almost consumed me upon earth: but I forsook not your precepts. Paul by the direction of the Spirit was engaged to go to Jerusalem, Acts 20:22 After a clear revelation of the mind of God to him in that matter, how many difficult and discouraging Providences beell him in…

You know what a close tryal that Providence was to Abraham, that called him from his native Countrey and Fathers house, to go he knew not whither; and yet it's said in Isaiah 41:2 he came to Gods foot, as readily obeying his call, as a servant when his Master knocks for him with…

Your argument from Paul's calling the Elders of Ephesus to Miletus, however you lean upon it, it will prove but a reed. You yourselves confess (I know not upon what certain ground) that Timothy was at the meeting (Acts 20) with St. Paul. Had he been Bishop there, the Apostle (yo…

The presbyters then chose their Bishops: who doubts it? But upon whose order, and institution save that which Saint Paul to the superintendents met at Miletus, Acts 20, Spiritus sanctus vos constituit Episcopos? I marvel, brethren, with what face you can make Jerome say, that th…

And the Presbyters are joined together with the Apostles in verse 22, and are distinguished from the whole Church, as also in verse 23 and chapter 16:4. Again in Acts 20, the Elders of Ephesus (verse 17) are said to be made Bishops to feed the flock of Christ (verse 18), and in…

First, in the Apostles' Epistles the name of bishop did never signify anything different from the office of a presbyter. For a bishop, presbyter, and an apostle, were common names, as you may see (Acts 20), (Philippians 1:1), (Titus 1), (1 Peter 5:12), (Acts 1:20). Next.

Life is a precious thing, a thing of great value, but when the Gospel comes in competition, then life is a poor commodity; and our breath but a perishing vapor. Such was the judgment of that great apostle (Acts 20:24), when the Holy Ghost had witnessed in every city, that bonds…

God would have it so; The testimony of Jesus Christ is thus to be accomplished. This counsel of God we must declare that we may be free from the blood of all men, Acts 20:26, 27. And that not once or twice, but in preaching the word, we must be instant in season, out of season,…

Thirdly, fighting and strikingby priuate persons, or by others in their priuate causes: for they wound or weaken the bodie of their neighbours, which is more then to grieue him by reuiling speeches. Fourthly, the detaining the foode of the soule, by those that cannot, or will no…

III. duty. In the case of confession and profession of true religion, when we be called thereto, we must be content to forsake goods, friends, yea and life it self, rather then by inioying them suffer our selues to be driuen out of this straite way to life: my life (saith Paul)…

Now they get this name for their resembling foxes, in three things, 1. In their abominable nature, for which they are called foxes, wolves, dogs, etc., and such like, which are abhorred and hated of all men, and so are these most hateful to God, and so ought they to be with all…

First, We have express places of the Scripture thus far, that the first day of the week is mentioned as the stated time for Christians to meet together, to preach, to hear, and to break bread in the holy sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and to perform other duties of religion. So…

2. The next thing in order of time seems to be the appointment of the Christian Sabbath. For though this was gradually established in the Christian church, yet those things by which the revelation of God's mind and will was made, began on the day of Christ's resurrection, by his…

And when Nazianzen was taking his leave of Constantinople, as he was preaching his farewell sermon, the people were exceedingly affected with his loss; and among the rest, an old man in the congregation fell into a bitter passion, and cried out, Aude pater, & tecum trinitate…