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)?

Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:16. That Scripture must needs have been fulfilled which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake.

Qu. 22. Who are the extraordinary officers or rulers or ministers of the Church appointed to serve the Lord Jesus Christ therein for a season only? An. (1) The Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, with (2) the Evangelists and Prophets endowed with extraordinary gifts of the Holy G…

(4.) They differ also in the gifts which were suited to their several distinct works and employments. (1) Matthew 10:2; Luke 10:1; Galatians 1:1; Acts 1:26; Acts 6:3; Acts 14:23. (2) John 20:21, 22, 23; Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 2:20; Revelation 21:14; Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5, 7.

Q. Did not Christ also declare his own resurrection by showing himself upon earth after he was risen from the dead, before he ascended into heaven? A. He showed himself alive by appearing to many within the space of those forty days between his resurrection and ascension (Acts 1…

Q What was the place from where he did ascend? A. In general from this world, and in special from the mount of Olives near to Jerusalem (Acts 1:12). Q What was the place to which he did ascend?

Q. To whom belongs the power of choosing officers to the church? A. The church is to choose her own officers (Acts 1:23; 6:3, 5; 14:23). Q. How may that be further cleared?

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 answer is, Nay: Because they had the promise of the holy Spirit to be given them, without any more baptizing with water. Acts 1:5: John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the holy Spirit not many days hence. And the Lord made good his word of promise,…

He hastens all his works of grace in their own appointed time (Isaiah 60:22). And our duty it is, to leave the ordering of all the concerns of the Church in the accomplishment of promises, to God in his own time (Acts 1:7). 2. That which is ascribed to the Lord Christ is [⟨ in n…

And it is the great exercise of faith to live on the invisible actings of Christ, on the behalf of the Church. So also the foundation of it does consist in our infallible expectation of his second appearance, of our seeing him again (Acts 1:11). We know that our Redeemer lives,…

This is the first Baptism of the Gospel, even its doctrine. The other was the communication of the gifts of the Holy Ghost (Acts 1:5). That this and this alone is intended by the laying on of hands, I shall prove fully afterwards.

Of old when Moses went into the tabernacle, all the people looked after him, until he entered in, and then the Pillar of the Cloud stood at the door of it, that none might see into the holy place (Exodus 33:8, 9). And when the Lord Christ was taken into heaven the disciples look…

The Lord Christ when he ascended into Heaven, left all things standing and continuing in religious worship, as they had done from the days of Moses, though he had virtually put an end to it. And he commanded his Disciples that they should attempt no alteration therein, until the…

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…

4. Because in the Father's love there are many circumstances which are very engaging to the soul, which are not to be found in the rest of the divine persons; for he being first in order, has the chiefest work ascribed to him; but especially are not to be found in Christ as Medi…

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…

It is true, there is a spiritual presence of God in our public meeting-places, when his people are there assembled to worship him in the beauties of holiness, but he does not afford his presence with respect to the place, but to the persons; he is not present with them for the p…

1. The example of Apostolic Synods. Matthias the Apostle after God's own designation of him, by the lot which fell upon him, was chosen by the voices, not only of the Apostles, but the other Disciples, who were met with them (Acts 1:26). [illegible] that is, Simul suffragiis ele…

To the second wee say, that Prophesie and Ministery are put in abstracto, and joined with a plurall [in non-Latin alphabet]; but teaching, exhorting, giving, ruling, and shewing mercie, are put in concreto, and to each of them the single article prefixed; which is a sufficient w…

He was judged and sentenced by those, that is by the Pastors and Elders of Corinth, howbeit the execution and final act of that high censure was to be with the consent and in the presence of the Congregation. Thirdly, it is objected that Matthias was chosen by the whole number o…

The second of these does follow upon the first, and the fourth upon the third. The first proposition may be made good by induction of particulars; and first, it is more than evident of Jerusalem, where we find to 120 Disciples (Acts 1:15) added 8000 by Peter's two Sermons (Acts…

His digression to prove that the Apostle alone did not give forth sentence judiciary upon the offender, is not against us, but against the prelatical party, therefore I pass it. What he alleges from Acts 1. & 6. & 14. for the churches' right of suffrage in the election of office…

It is the Spirit that quickens (John 6:63); the Word is spiritual, and we are carnal; therefore we must pray for the Spirit to help us to hear: the Spirit is not bestowed without prayer. God promised to give his Spirit to his Apostles, yet they continued long in prayers ere he g…

The Holy Spirit is that great benefit, that is the subject-matter of the promises, both of the eternal Covenant of Redemption, and also of the Covenant of Grace; the grand subject of the promises of the Old Testament, in the prophecies of the blessings of the Messiah's kingdom;…

But it is not reasonable to expect that God should make known to us beforehand, the precise time of Christ's coming in his Kingdom. The disciples desired to know this, and manifested their desire to their Lord; but he told them plainly that it was not for them to know the times…

[illegible]. 1. In pursuit of this matter of Metropolitanes, he proceeds next to take notice of one observation of mine in these words. 2. To this end he informs sect. 2. that in the New Testament there is in sundry places mention made of Church [illegible] number, as Galatians…

This further appears by another passage in that Epistle, where this act of the Apostles approving by the Spirit, and receiving perfect fore-knowledge what would fall out, and what they should do, is by him illustrated by the example of Moses, who [in non-Latin alphabet] fore-kne…

If indeed he had attacked only the utterly vain inventions of the poets, he would have acted according to the right rule of reason; but as is plain from the ensuing disputation, he set himself against the whole tradition, and therefore against the truth of the matter itself. And…

Secondly, we see that the Scripture makes a Lot, so the sentence of God, as in the most weighty matters of God and man, of life and death, it is the very oracle and declaration of God his will, wherein man must rest without any contradiction or motion to the contrary. So (Acts 1…

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…

The Power of the Spirit of God; Rom. 15. 19. Prescience, Acts 1. 16. This Scripture must be fulfilled which the Holy Ghost by the Mouth of David spoke before concerning Judas.

Things presupposed to the Work of the Spirit towards the Church, the Love and Grace of Father and Son. (3.) The whole Work of the building of the Church committed to the Holy Spirit; Acts 2. 33. opened. (4.) The Foundation of the Church in the Promise of the Spirit, and its Buil…

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.

Though Noah's workmen built the Ark, yet themselves were drowned; God will not accept of the tongue where the Devil has the soul. Jesus did do and teach (Acts 1:1). If a man teach uprightly, and walk crookedly, more will fall down in the night of his life, than he built in the d…

They strengthned him in his agony (Luke 22:43). They were witnesses of his resurrection and ascension (Luke 24:4; Acts 1:10, 11). But by him and on his account they perform the offices of their mission towards others also, even all the heirs of salvation; but this still upon the…

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…

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…

Quest. 17. Which are the principal institutions of the Gospel to be observed in the worship of God? Answ. (1.) The calling, gathering and setling of Churches with their Officers, as the seat and subject of all other solemn instituted worship. (2.) Prayer with thanksgiving. (3.)…

Thirdly, in pursuit of this appointment of Christ, and by his authority, the Apostles so soon as any were converted to the faith at Jerusalem, although the old national Church state of the Jews was yet continued, gathered them into a Church or society for celebration of the ordi…

Quest. 20. By what means do persons so called become a Church of Christ? Answ. They are constituted a Church, and interested in the rights, power, and priviledges of a Gospel-Church, by the will, promise, authority, and law of Jesus Christ, upon their own voluntary consent and e…

Quest. 24. Wherein consists the general duty of the whole Church, and every member thereof in their proper station and condition? Answ. In performing, doing, and keeping inviolate all the commands and institutions of Jesus Christ, walking unblameably and fruitfully in the World,…

(2) Ephesians 4:8, 12, 13; Romans 8:15, 16; Galatians 4:6. (3) Acts 2:42; 1 Timothy 4:5. (4) Revelation 8:3, 4; Hebrews 4:14, 15, 16; Chap. 6:20; Chap. 10:20, 21, 22.

Quest. 47. The preservation of the Church in purity, order, and holiness being provided for, by what way is it to be continued and increased? Answ. The way appointed thereunto, is by adding such as being effectually called to the obedience of faith shall voluntarily offer themse…

(2.) That they may direct, and encourage in the way, such as appear to be sincere, instructing them principally in the nature of the way whereinto they are engaging, the duties, dangers, and benefits of it (Acts 18:26; Acts 14:22; 1 Corinthians 3:22, 23). (3.) To propose them, t…

Who are to receive the sacraments? The faithful members of some visible church, and their seed (Genesis 17:10, 11; Acts 2:39). What is the proper effect and use of a sacrament?

Q. If the matter of particular churches for the quality of it ought to be true believers in Christ, what ought to be the quantity thereof? Q. No more in number in the days of the new Testament, but only so many as may ordinarily meet together in one congregation (Acts 2:46; 5:12…

Q. What may be a third instance hereof? A. The great sin and wickedness of them who put the Lord Jesus Christ to death, as foul a fact as the sun ever saw, and yet even this did the Lord dispose and order for the redemption and salvation of his elect (Acts 2:23 & 4:27, 28). Q. B…

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…

The first reason I will draw out of most evident testimonies of Scripture. Acts 2:23: Him I say being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, after you had taken, with wicked hands you have crucified and slain. Acts 4:27–28: They gathered themselves togeth…

3. What is the form of this spiritual house? Union: They which gladly received the word were baptized, and were added to the Church (and so were compacted into one spiritual house, whereof Jesus the Christ is Lord (Hebrews 3:6): but Christ as a Son over his own house, whose hous…

But there is a promise to all poor enquiring souls, that in the time of their ignorance and unbelief, have denied Jesus the Christ, their eternal King and Prophet, as well as Priest, and now by the Spirit of God being convicted, that they are liars and Antichristian, that deny t…

Thirdly, Know (gentle Reader, who are a searcher after truth in these inquiring times) that the Publisher wrote this Treatise, to discover that the difference lieth not so much among us in point of Baptism; as it is about the doctrine of the Faith of Jesus the Christ, the Son of…

The Spirit and the Bride, the Lamb's wife, said; Repent, and be Baptized in the name of Jesus, &c. Then I gladly received the Word, was Baptized, and was added to the Church (Acts 2:38, 39, 40, 41, 42). Yet, by the grace of God, now I am, what I am; and having from some friends,…

And the other, thus; (1 John 2:22) Who is a liar, but he that denieth that Jesus is not the Christ, He is Antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. And when I thought to understand the difference, it was too hard for me, until I went into the Sanctuary of God; where the F…

He is, or was to be, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], Sanctus, Holy, that is [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉]. For, (Acts 2:22) [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] is rendered [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], your Holy one: from Psalm 16:10. And the Lord Christ is there said to be [〈 in non-Latin al…

This the whole Scripture testifieth to, namely, a real communication of glory to Christ by the Father after his ascension which he had not before. See Luke 24:16; John 17:24; Acts 2:33; Acts 5:31; Romans 14:9; Ephesians 1:20, 21, 22, 23; Philippians 2:9, 10, 11; Hebrews 1:3; Cha…

When God renewed the promise of it to Abraham, he is said to make a Covenant with him, and he did so, but it was with respect to other things, especially the proceeding of the promised Seed from his loins. But absolutely under the Old Testament, it consisted only in a promise, a…

To the whole seed of Abraham according to the flesh it was, that the terms and grace of this Covenant was first to be offered. So Peter tells them in his first Sermon, that the Promise was to them and their children who were there present, that is, the House of Judah, and to the…

[in non-Latin alphabet] is the preaching of the word. And this was one of the first things wherein believers were to be instructed, namely, that they were to abide [in non-Latin alphabet] (Acts 2:42), in a constant attendance to the doctrine of the Gospel, when preached to them.…

It may be indeed that those of the Hebrews were in the first place intended. For to them did the Promise belong in the first place, as they were the natural seed of Abraham, and to them was it first to be declared and proposed upon its accomplishment (Acts 2:29; Acts 3:25; Acts…

Therefore the Apostle treating here of the glorious exaltation of the Son of God, that none might pretend or fancy to themselves that it was any other thing or person that he intended, he expresseth him by that name, whereby he was known in the world, under which he was reproach…

(1.) The solemn dedication of themselves to Christ in and by their Baptism. (2.) Their solemn joyning themselves to the Church, and continuance in the duties of its worship (Acts 2:41, 42). On this opening of the words, it is evident what sin it is that is intended, against whic…

Thirdly, such as were the first heads of their twelve tribes into which the nation was divided, that is, the twelve sons of Jacob, are called Patriarchs (Acts 7:8, 9). Others that followed them, as David, who is also called a Patriarch (Acts 2:29), were termed so, in allusion to…

And so far as I can observe [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], the gift, with respect to God as denoting the thing given, is nowhere used but only to signify the Holy Ghost. And if it be so, the sense of this place is determined (Acts 2:38): you shall receive [〈 in non-Latin alphabet…

God conceals this secret design under promiscuous outward dispensations. For he obliges those by whom the Word is preached to declare his mind therein to all men indefinitely, leaving the effectual work of his grace in the pursuit of his purpose to himself; from where they belie…

(2.) All that he has built, and leaned upon, now fails him: he would have done what they endeavored (Romans 10:3), namely, have established his own righteousness. There is not one man among all Adam's posterity, that is not naturally very strongly inclined this way; but he sees…

The first Argument of the Synod for confirming this Proposition, is; because the children here spoken of are partakers of that which is the main ground of baptizing any children whatever, and neither the parents nor the children do put in any bar to hinder it. Of which the forme…

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…

1. This duty is prescribed (1.) to them only who profess faith in Christ Jesus, who own themselves to be his disciples, that call Jesus Lord. For this is the method of the Gospel, that first men by the preaching of it be made disciples, or be brought to faith in Christ Jesus, an…

Election and Reprobation are not a thing of yesterday, and subsequent to the acts of the creature; but from all eternity. 2. There is a decree and preordination, not only a naked fore-sight of those that perish: some Lutherans say that Praedestination is proper only to the elect…

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…

God and Nature has made Magistrates, and given them great authority: But from Christ as Mediator they have it not. I finde in Scripture, that Church-Officers have their power from Christ as Mediator, and they are to manage their office under and for Christ, and in the Name of th…

So it was when the Apostles were sent forth into the world. Peter applies to that time the words of Joel: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in earth beneath, blood and fire, and vapor of smoke, the Sun shall be turned into darkness, and the Moon into blood (Acts…

To confess the iniquity of your sin with David (Psalm 51:32)? To cry out with them, What shall we do? (Acts 2:37). Have you seen the wonderful, glorious, rich grace of God in the free offer of Christ in the gospel?

Then was all power given to Him in Heaven and Earth (Matthew 28:19). Then did God make Him both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36), because then, and not till then, he did advance Him to the full and plenary exercise of his kingly power and authority, so that, by the name of Jesus is m…

In the most villainous and unrighteous action that ever was done, God is said to have an influence on it. God is said to deliver up Christ (Acts 2:23): "Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified a…

So that the taking hold of God's Covenant, which is there required to make these strangers members of the Church, is a believing in heart on the God of Israel, and an open profession that they did believe, and likewise a promise of obedience or subjection to the God of Israel, a…

By Scripture also, because (Acts 8:1) we read of the Church at Jerusalem, not the Churches: howbeit there were at that instant above eight thousand Christians at Jerusalem, and all these still in the city (for the first scattering of them follows thereafter in that chapter). Thi…

The second of these does follow upon the first, and the fourth upon the third. The first proposition may be made good by induction of particulars; and first, it is more than evident of Jerusalem, where we find to 120 Disciples (Acts 1:15) added 8000 by Peter's two Sermons (Acts…

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…

This lyes plain in the command (Matthew 28:20): Teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you. And we are directed to it in the injunction given us from Heaven, to hear, that is obey him in all things (Matthew 17:5), he being the Prophet to whose teachings an…

And in the New Testament, our Lord Jesus Christ proposes his authority as the foundation of his commanding, and our observation of all the institutions of the Gospel (Matthew 28:18, 19, 20): Jesus came and spoke to them saying, all power is given me in heaven and earth, go you t…

Christ her Prophet, whose voice she must only hear; as the Father of glory has given her in charge to do (Matthew 17:5). Yes, and the extent how far, in all things, whatever he shall say (Acts 3:22). Knowing, the danger follows, her soul shall be cut off from his people (Acts 3:…

Disdain not therefore to read a little Treatise, called the Difference between the Christian, and Antichristian Church, Delineated according to the Scripture Record, though the truth therein contained (like the Two witnesses, Revelation 11:3) have long mourned in Sackcloth: Yet…

Now, was God so jealous of his glory under the Law, that he that sinned against that worship which God by Moses prescribed, he died without mercy? How much severer punishment are they worthy of, that sin against the Son's authority, seeing he is Lord of the spiritual house, whos…

And there he abides. For although the Heaven of Heavens cannot contain him as to the immensity of his divine nature; yet as to his humane nature here spoken of, the Heavens must receive him, until the time of the restitution of all things (Acts 3:21). He is in this sense no more…

So Peter tells them in his first Sermon, that the Promise was to them and their children who were there present, that is, the House of Judah, and to them that are afar off, that is the House of Israel in their dispersions (Acts 2:39). So again he expresses the order of the dispe…

Repent and believe the Gospel (Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15). And almost all the sermons that we find, not only of John the Baptist in a way of preparation for the declaration of the Gospel, as (Matthew 3:2), but of the Apostles also in pressing the actual reception of it on the Jews…

It may be indeed that those of the Hebrews were in the first place intended. For to them did the Promise belong in the first place, as they were the natural seed of Abraham, and to them was it first to be declared and proposed upon its accomplishment (Acts 2:29; Acts 3:25; Acts…

(2.) They bless the Church in the dispensation and preaching of the Word to the conversion and edification of the souls of men. So speak the Apostles concerning their preaching of the Word (Acts 3:26): "To you first God having raised up his Son Jesus sent him to bless you, in tu…

Whereas therefore those by whom these treasures are communicated to others, are frail, perishing, earthen vessels, or those by whom the Gospel is dispensed are poor, frail, weak men, seen and known so to be, there is no veil by their ministry cast over the glory of God. There is…

We have shown that Christ himself is closed with by a true faith; now I add more particularly; in all his offices he is closed with, or accepted of, otherwise we fall short of him at last. As a Prophet: Jesus Christ is a Prophet; and it is a precious consideration: it was foreto…

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…

Christ comes to make an end of what he has begun he came first to redeem our souls from sin, but then our bodies from corruption. Then all privileges are perfect regeneration (Matthew 19:27), when Heaven's new, earth new, bodies new, souls new, that's a regeneration indeed; so a…

But they say the Jews had set times for prayer; I grant it. Luke in Acts 3:1 mentions the hour of prayer, the ninth, and teaches that there were three daily times of prayer. Maimonides in the Mishnah, Book 2, Tract. on Prayer and the Benedictions of Priests, chap. 1, teaches thi…

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…

2. To bid them set on duties, as their righteousness before God, and as the way to find rest and peace for their souls, and that speaking nothing of Christ, we disclaim as Antichristian and Pharisaical. 3. It is no argument, but the Arminian objection against free grace, not to…

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…

The Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the Soul: The Testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the Simple: The Statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the Heart: The Commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the Eyes: The Fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever: T…

And on the Acceptance or Refusal of him herein, depended the Life and Death of the Church of Israel, v. 19. Acts 3. 23. Heb. 1. 1.

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…

Where ever this word is used in the New Testament, it is applied to Christ. Acts 3:15, he is called [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], the Prince of life. And chap. 5.31, God is said to make him [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], a Prince and a Savior; that is, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉],…

And it shall come to pass, that whoever will not hearken to my words, which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. This is that signal testimony concerning the Messiah, which Philip urged out of Moses to Nathaniel (John 1:45), which Peter not only applies to him, b…

Sometimes emphatically (Numbers 15:31): [in non-Latin alphabet] Cutting off — that soul shall be cut off from among his people; and frequently afterwards (Exodus 12:15, 19; chapter 31:14; Leviticus 7:10; chapter 20:3, 5, 6). It is rendered by the Apostle [in non-Latin alphabet]…

The end of the Unction there mentioned in the Text, is that the things anointed might be [in non-Latin alphabet], holiness of holinesses, to the Lord. Now it was the Messiah alone who truly and really was this most Holy One, Daniel 9:24. [in non-Latin alphabet], to anoint, or to…

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…

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…

But now all those things are openly, and fully witnessed to in the testimonies before produced; as may be observed by suiting some of them to the several particulars here asserted. As 1. What was done in this matter, was from the will, purpose, and love of God the Father (Psalm…

And this he further describes, v. 10. He was in the world, and the world was made by him. The world that was made, has an usual distribution in the Scripture, into the heavens and the earth, and all things contained in them; as Acts 4:24. Lord you are God which has made Heaven a…

And after the defilement of all the ordinances of the Gospel, under the Anti-Christian apostacy, yet the Temple and the Altar are to be measured again (Revelation 11:1), and the Tabernacle of God was again to be raised among men (Revelation 21:3). No opposition, no persecution,…

Fourthly, To this end that they may be enabled so to do, it is ordained, that every first day the members of the Church do contribute according as God enables them of their substance, for the supply of the wants of the poor (1 Corinthians 16:2), and also occasionally, as necessi…

Q. What is the true way and means of deliverance? A. Only the Lord Jesus Christ (Genesis 3:15; Acts 4:12; 1 John 5:12).

Q. What are the things that are created? A. All things without exception, that have a being, except God only who did create them (Acts 4:24; Acts 17:24; Acts 14:15; Genesis 2:1; Revelation 4:11). Q. Do you mean that the third heaven was also created by God?

Acts 2:23: Him I say being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, after you had taken, with wicked hands you have crucified and slain. Acts 4:27–28: They gathered themselves together, to do whatever your hand and your counsel had determined before to be d…

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…

Seeing other foundation no man can lay, save that is laid, Jesus the Christ (1 Peter 2:4). For there is salvation in none other (Acts 4:12). 2. The spiritual materials are such as are born of water and of the Spirit (John 3:5).

If there be any gracious conditions, or qualifications wrought in us before union with Christ, then we may be in a state of grace and salvation, before we be in Christ: But that cannot be (Acts 4:12): "Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under h…

And it is usual with men of corrupt minds to prefer such peculiar errors above all other concerns of religion whatever, and to have their lusts inflamed by them into the utmost intemperance. They therefore were the first stirrers up and fiercest pursuers of the primitive persecu…

And this the whole Scripture testifies to be no otherwise but by Jesus Christ. For there is no salvation in any other; neither is there any other name under heaven given among men whereby they must be saved (Acts 4:12). When their thoughts are thus limited to Christ alone, their…

To all these evil habits of the mind is this confidence opposed. This was that grace, that exercise of faith, which was once admired in Peter and John (Acts 4:13). And there can be no better account given of it, than what is evident in the behavior of those two Apostles in that…

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…

There may be a difference in the creature, John and Andrew may be otherwise tempered and disposed than Paul and Peter: but God's motives to choose both the one and the other are still the same. 2. They have the same Christ; there is no other name under heaven (Acts 4:12). And Je…

God and Nature has made Magistrates, and given them great authority: But from Christ as Mediator they have it not. I finde in Scripture, that Church-Officers have their power from Christ as Mediator, and they are to manage their office under and for Christ, and in the Name of th…

Joseph's brothers sold him to gratify their revenge, and God ordered it for their preservation in a time of famine. Pharaoh's hardness is ordered by God for his own glory, and that king's destruction: God decrees the delivering up Christ to death, and Herod, Pilate, the Pharisee…

[By his providence to live together] else they cannot partake in the Lord's ordinances together as churches ought to do (1 Corinthians 14:23; Acts 14:27). The whole church comes together in one place [cleaving together in faith and love] so (Acts 4:32). If they differ, namely, i…

We read (2 Chronicles 19:8) that with the Priests were joined some of the chief of the fathers of Israel, to judge ecclesiastical causes and controversies. And however many things among the Jews in the latter times, after the captivity, did wear to confusion and misorder, yet we…

This great number, neither did, nor could usually assemble into one place for the worship of God, but they met house by house (Acts 2:46). And whereas objection is made to the contrary from Acts 2:44 and 5:12 and 6:2, we have before answered to the first of these places, for it…

Thus prayed David against Achitophel (2 Samuel 15:31): Lord, I pray you, bring the counsel of Achitophel 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…

4. "This is eternal life, that they (men) may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent" (John 17:3). "And there is salvation in no one else" (Acts 4:12). But since the promise of Christ was made only after the fall — in which God's mercy toward the human…

The remedy in Christ accused as a blasphemer, yet sought the glory of his Father, not his (John 2:17-18). This mercy makes us come to this duty (Acts 4:18-19). Here we must often mark, how by stealth we shall be drawn to the over-loving, over-fearing, etc. of men, and in time re…

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…

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.

That Scripture must needs have been fulfilled which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake. Acts 5:3. Peter said to Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lye to the Holy Ghost?

And for all this, if these men would but look a little closer into their own hearts, they shall find that they have not as yet been brought to a willing consent to part with their own ways and courses, or to submit themselves to his Prophetical and Kingly office: they lean to th…

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.

This the whole Scripture testifieth to, namely, a real communication of glory to Christ by the Father after his ascension which he had not before. See Luke 24:16; John 17:24; Acts 2:33; Acts 5:31; Romans 14:9; Ephesians 1:20, 21, 22, 23; Philippians 2:9, 10, 11; Hebrews 1:3; Cha…

Again this is expressed as the first issue of grace and mercy from God towards men by Jesus Christ, which is therefore first to be proposed to them. God exalted him and made him a Prince and a Savior to give repentance to Israel (Acts 5:31). And because it is the first, it is pu…

5. There is a double joining to the Church: (1.) that which is, as to total communion in all the duties and privileges of the Church, which is that whereof we treat; (2.) an adherence to the Church, as to the means of instruction and edification to be attained thereby. So person…

Yes, wicked men usually prove a trouble, and we come to wish afterward we had been more strict. 'Tis said (Acts 5:13, 14), Of the rest durst no man join himself to them, but the people magnified them, and believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and wome…

Thirdly, in this Temple, beside the Holy of Holies, were three Courts; the Court of the Priests, the Court of the people, commonly called Atrium Israelis; and without both these Atrium Gentium, the Court of the Heathen, so called, because the Heathen, as also many of those who w…

Aaron when he lost his two sons, in so judicial a manner by fire from heaven, yet held his peace; because God had declared his mind positively, I will be glorified. 'Tis dangerous to resist the mind of God, for the word of his providence shall prosper in spite of men and devils…

Secondly, those that were joined were believers before they joined; for it is said, divers were added, ver. 14. Thirdly, those that were added to the Church, were added and joined to them by such an act as others durst not put forth (Acts 5:13). Of the rest durst no man join to…

The first proposition may be made good by induction of particulars; and first, it is more than evident of Jerusalem, where we find to 120 Disciples (Acts 1:15) added 8000 by Peter's two Sermons (Acts 2:41 and 4:4). Besides whom, there were yet more multitudes added (Acts 5:14).…

But how will that be established? Maimonides indeed reports that Gamaliel, whose age and time of life are known from sacred history, composed a prayer for the extirpation of the heretics — that is, of the Christians; how well this accords with the counsel that Luke ascribes to h…

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

Repentance is an Evangelical ingredient in a saint. 2. Christ was made a Prince, and exalted to give repentance (Acts 5:31), and the law as the law, has not one word of Christ, though it cannot contradict Christ, except we say, that there be two contradictory wills in Christ, wh…

Argument 5. God (as Augustine says) has a greater dominion over our wills, than we have over them ourselves; as he is more master of the beings, so of the operations, (that are created beings) than the creature is, and so he must use the creature's operations at his own pleasure…

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…

Wherefore denying him so to be, they lay up all their hopes of success in denying him to be a Person; But yet because the Subject we are upon does require it, and it may be useful to the Faith of some; I will call over a few Testimonies given expresly to his Deity also. Sect. 31…

This is the proper End of all the Acts and Actings of this Life, Rom. 14. 7, 8. (2.) That we design in and by it, to come to the eternal enjoyment of him, as our Blessedness and Reward, Gen. 15. 1. (5.) It is the Life whereof the Gospel is the Law and Rule, John 6. 68. Acts 5. 2…

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…

Now God being here spoken of [in non-Latin alphabet] in distinction from the Son expressly, and from the Holy Ghost by evident implication, it being He by whom he spake in the Prophets, that name is not taken [in non-Latin alphabet] substantially, to denote primarily the essence…

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…

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.

Fourthly, looke to their discipline, and you may see the Apostles, prophets, evangelists, presbyters, pastors, teachers, first, teaching; secondly, exhorting; thirdly, ruling: and all by, first, preaching, secondly, writing, thirdly, private conference, fourthly, good examples:…

Quest. 17. Which are the principal institutions of the Gospel to be observed in the worship of God? Answ. (1.) The calling, gathering and setling of Churches with their Officers, as the seat and subject of all other solemn instituted worship. (2.) Prayer with thanksgiving. (3.)…

(4.) They differ also in the gifts which were suited to their several distinct works and employments. (1) Matthew 10:2; Luke 10:1; Galatians 1:1; Acts 1:26; Acts 6:3; Acts 14:23. (2) John 20:21, 22, 23; Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 2:20; Revelation 21:14; Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5, 7.

Quest. 33. What are the Deacons of the Church? Answ. Approved men chosen by the Church to take care for the necessities of the poor belonging thereunto, and other outward occasions of the whole Church, by the collection, keeping, and distribution of the alms, and other supplies…

Q. How must officers be put into their places? A. All of them by solemn prayer to God, and with imposition of hands upon elders and deacons, and in the ordaining of elders with fasting also (Acts 6:6; 1 Timothy 4:14; 5:22; Hebrews 6:2; Acts 14:26).

And this in the Church is twofold: (1) Of especial office; (2) of common love and charity. The rise, occasion and institution of an especial office or ministry towards the poor is at large declared, Acts 6, and mentioned afterwards by our Apostle as an abiding ordinance (Romans…

And this was the occasion of the death of the first martyr of Jesus Christ under the accusation of blasphemy, which by the Law was to be punished with death. For this they made their charge against Stephen, that he spake blasphemous words against Moses, (whom they put in the fir…

This was the sign of the communication of healing virtue from the Lord Christ by their Ministry. Thirdly, Imposition of hands was used in the setting apart of persons to the office and work of the Ministry (1 Timothy 4:14; chapter 5:22; Acts 6:6); the Rite herein was derived fro…

This was that which enraged them, to the blood of the Church, which they were guilty of, after the murder of the Head thereof. For they fell on Stephen under pretence he had said that Jesus of Nazareth should destroy the customs which Moses delivered (Acts 6:14). And this also p…

Of no other use is that dead and lazy kind of preaching wherewith some satisfy themselves and would force others to be contented. The Apostles when this work was committed to them, would not be diverted from a constant attendance to it, by any other duty, much less any other occ…

Yet it is not impossible with God to make such a one deny himself, and that whatever in him exalts itself against Christ, should be brought in captivity to the obedience of Christ. Among all that were converted by the ministry of the Apostles, I wonder most at the conversion of…

The second Commandment forbids taking up ways and forms of worship from idolaters, and it must needs be a great encouragement and hardening to the Papists, that their Mass is the foundation of our worship. 4. It undermines that great ordinance of the ministry, the principal duti…

The truth whereof may appear by two reasons: First, because all Christians have power and right, jure divino, to choose their own officers to whom they commit their souls (Acts 6 & 1 & 14:23), where the word [in non-Latin alphabet] imports choosing by election: and so the word i…

He was judged and sentenced by those, that is by the Pastors and Elders of Corinth, howbeit the execution and final act of that high censure was to be with the consent and in the presence of the Congregation. Thirdly, it is objected that Matthias was chosen by the whole number o…

Besides whom, there were yet more multitudes added (Acts 5:14). And after that also, we read of a further multiplication of the Disciples (Acts 6:1), by occasion whereof the seven Deacons were chosen and ordained: which makes some to conjecture, that there were seven congregatio…

It is not a little burthensome to the thought of sober and learned men, to consider how frequently, causelesly, absurdly in the midst of discourses quite of another nature, and tendncy, the Author of those Epistles (or some body for him) breaks in upon the commendation of Church…

The ninth section, wherein he attempts the proof of this assertion, is as followeth. Ad hanc imaginem, Apostolo[illegible] Ecclesias ubique disponendas curasse, & in omnbus plantationibus su[illegible], minorum ab [illegible]m[illegible]ioribus civitatibus dependentiam & subordi…

That those, who are to be taken into office and power in the Church, had need first to be tried and approved, is granted. And this work the Apostles give to the multitude of the Church, Acts 6, where yet after the people's election, and the Apostles' approbation, and the trial o…

In this we should delight and grow as the chiefest knowledge (Jeremiah 9:23, 24). Here is forbidden, first atheism, to persuade our heart there is no such true God in heaven (Psalm 14:1; Exodus 5:2); mockers of him and his works (2 Peter 3:4, 5, etc.); those that oppose themselv…

And some of them to labor also in the word, one by teaching, another by exhorting, some to attend to manners, watching over the people, to admonish them, to comfort them, to pray with them when they be in distress, etc., to join with the others in the rest of the governing of th…

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?

5. The promise annexed to it (Ecclesiastes 11:1; Proverbs 19:17; Deuteronomy 15:10; Matthew 10:4, 2). The way whereby it is to be done, is by appointing some (Acts 6) to take what is voluntarily distributed by the brethren, according as God has blessed them; on the first day of…

Sometimes it denotes any matter or thing, be it good or evil; as Matthew 5:11, 12, 36. 18:16. Mark 9:22. Luke 1:37. 2:15, 18, 34. A word of blessing by providence (Matthew 4:4); any word spoken (Matthew 26:75. 27:14. Luke 9:45); of promise (Luke 1:38); and [〈 in non-Latin alphab…

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…

Now the Holy Spirit, the Comforter dwells in the children of God not personally, though he be said to dwell in them, and to speak in them. 1. In the habit and divine power, given to them to confess Christ before men (Matthew 10:19; Acts 4:8), or in preaching, working of miracles…

O no; I laboured more abundantly; yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Acts 6:10, And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which Steven spoke. He says not they were not able to resist and dispute against the sinful man Steven.

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…

Besides, let a man consider what he does in these services that immediately concern the Lord himself. If a man shall study much, and pray little; if a man shall spend all his time in his calling about worldly business, and little time for duties to build up himself in knowledge,…

Holy Stephen, the first Martyr, took up somewhat of glory by anticipation before he died. For when he was brought to his trial before the Council, all that sat therein looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as the face of an Angel (Acts 6:15). He had his transfiguration, accor…

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…

A nation may be said to be converted, from the professed subjection to the Gospel of so many in it, as may give demonstration to the whole; but the way of worship for those so converted, is peculiarly instituted. It is said moreover, that the several congregations in one city, a…

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…

If so, then some must have a gift, either to prepare set forms of Psalms aforehand for every Sabbath day; or at least a gift, upon the present occasion, suddenly to invent and utter a Psalm fit for the present Sabbath from week to week: neither of both which are easy to be belie…

Let our application go so well guarded and fenced against all exceptions and cavils that a sinner may not be able to rescue himself or make an escape by carnal reason. As (Acts 6:10), it's said they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. (Matthew 22…

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…

So the Priests, Prophets, and People in taking Jeremiah and saying he shall surely die, and that he is worthy to die, they pretend not to pass sentence upon enquiring by Vrim, but upon his prophesying in the name of the Lord, This house shall be like Shiloh, and this city shall…

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…

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…

Secondly, I say that Christ is here said to have willed, not as he is God effectually mollifying and converting the hearts of men, but as he was a minister of the circumcision, while he sought the conversion of the Jews by preaching. A place altogether like is in (Acts 7:51), wh…

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…

Truly, our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ: so that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and saints, make up but one society, or family, where God will dwell, to comfort and solace them: the good angels their guard, to protect and save them (as they did…

Christ by his death has freed me from the whole Ceremonial Law, so that if I consent to rear again what Christ by his death has abolished, I crucify Christ, make myself guilty of his blood, and as much as in me lies, expel him out of the Nation. Now, the Ceremonial Law has his c…

They do serve: They do according to the Law officiate in sacred things; that is, they did so de jure, in their first institution, and continued de facto so to do still. And the word [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], is applied both to the inward spiritual, and outward instituted holy w…

Together herewith, was a spirit of fear and bondage administered to all the People, so as that they chose to keep at a distance, and not draw nigh to God (Deuteronomy 5:23, 24, 25, 26, 27). 2. That it was given by the ministry and disposition of Angels (Acts 7:13; Galatians 3:19…

So the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, though wrought meerly by acts of power, is called their Redemption. And Moses from his ministry in that work is called [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], a Redeemer (Acts 7:35). But this Redemption is only metaphorically so called, with r…

He can indeed appear to whom he pleases, by an extraordinary dispensation. So he was seen of Stephen standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7). So he appeared to Paul (1 Corinthians 15:8).

So our Apostle says, that by faith Joseph gave commandment concerning his bones (Hebrews 11:22). And their disposal into a burying place is rehearsed by Stephen as one fruit of their faith (Acts 7:15, 16). Job gives testimony to his faith herein (Job 19:25, 26).

Who can call to mind all the miseries which he underwent in this world, all the reproach and scorn that was cast upon him by his enemies of all sorts, all the wrath that the whole world is yet filled withal against him, but is refreshed, rejoiced, transported, with a spiritual v…

Secondly, there were such as succeeded him, from whom the whole nation in like manner descended, as Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise (Hebrews 11:4). Thirdly, such as were the first heads of their twelve tribes into which the nation was divided, that i…

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…

For if you respect the literal name, there were many others that were called Jesus, as well as He, at the hearing of whose names, the grossest idolatry is oftentimes committed, by capping, and bowing, before they know what Jesus is intended and spoken of. For the Apocrypha menti…

But the idolatry forbidden in the second Commandment is, when the worship is directed to the True God, but by false ways and means, which he had never appointed, and which never came into his heart: we commonly call it for distinction sake, Superstition, which is as much as to s…

Besides at the time of his preaching and baptizing, he could not have exercised the office of his Deaconship, by reason of the persecution, which scattered rich and poor and all (Acts 8:1). That which Steven did (Acts 7) was no more than every believer was bound to do, when he i…

The word does not afford any certain direction. Our Savior and his Disciples prayed in diverse 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 affection of the…

Ans. 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 our Lord Jesus Christ, guide our journey to you.

In Romans 12:7, 8 him that teaches, him that exhorts, him that rules, and him that shows mercy. In Philippians 1:1 we have Bishops and Deacons; and their institutions with the order of it, we have at large expressed in 1 Timothy 3:1, 2, Bishops and Deacons without the interposit…

But whether this is always the case, or only sometimes — I do not think the learned men will say it is always so, since they are able to produce but a single example where "thus" seems capable of being taken in that way; concerning "if perhaps" they are silent. "If perhaps" perh…

Scripture also implies that the image was large, when it teaches that the Israelites "exchanged their glory for the form of an ox that eats grass" (Psalm 106:20). There is moreover the fact that Stephen affirms that on account of the erection of this calf, "they turned back in t…

Even as that theology was administered in whatever manner, its primary author was the Son of God Himself — the Spirit of Christ moving the holy men who declared it (1 Peter 1:11 and 2 Peter 1:21). He it was who several times manifested Himself to the patriarchs in human form; an…

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…

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…

Verse 47: the Lord adding to this Church daily such as should be saved. And this company is expressly called the Church at Jerusalem (Acts 8:1). This Church thus called and collected out of the Church of the Jews was the rule and pattern of the disposing of all the disciples of…

The principal means subservient or preparitory to the continuance and increase of the Church, is the preaching of the Word to the conviction, illumination and conversion of sinners, whereby they may be made meet to become living stones in this spiritual building, and members of…

(4) To admit them being approved into the order and fellowship of the Gospel in the Church. Acts 8:20, 23; Titus 1:10; Revelation 2:2; Jeremiah 15:19; Acts 18:26; 1 Thessalonians 2:7, 8, 11; Acts 9:29, 27; Romans 14:1. Qu. 50 What is the duty of the whole Church in reference to…

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…

And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the holy Spirit came upon them, and they spake with new tongues, and prophesied; and the men were about twelve (Acts 19:5, 6). Such an instance likewise we have in Samaria; Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and t…

That the whole glory in discovering of truth to any, might be given to God. Thirdly, Know (gentle Reader, who are a searcher after truth in these inquiring times) that the Publisher wrote this Treatise, to discover that the difference lieth not so much among us in point of Bapti…

And it was of old of common use among the Jews in the dedication of their Rulers, Rabbis or Teachers, being called by them [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉]. Fourthly, it was used by the Apostles in the collation of the supernatural spiritual gifts of the Holy Ghost to them who were b…

Besides those continual hazards they were in from their adversaries, and the occasional sufferings that they were exposed to; they seem to have had some special seasons of persecution before the writing of this Epistle. The first was in the stoning of Stephen, when great persecu…

No more is required hereunto, but that they were publicly, and in the sight of all that had occasion or opportunity to behold them, exposed to these things. So was it with them, when they haled men and women out of their meetings, who being dragged, or driven in the streets, wer…

So to partake of him is to have a share, part or portion in what he distributes by way of spiritual gifts; in answer to that expression: All these worketh that one and self-same Spirit, dividing to every one severally as he will (1 Corinthians 12:11). So Peter told Simon the Mag…

See (Isaiah 50, last verse): Walk in the light of your fire: do so as long as you will, and if it be never so long, yet the end will be to lie down in sorrow. See (Acts 8:13): Simon believed, and was baptized, &c. yet verse 21, 23, see what is said of him; he was in the gall of…

It is sure they were once Members, and, as such, were Baptized; and it is clear, that though now they be adult, or grown up, yet they were never, in any way of God, cut off, or cast out from their Membership: and therefore we think it more rational to say, that they still contin…

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…

There is a mighty Providence accompanieth the Gospel; the journeys of the Apostles (as I said but now) were ordered by the Spirit as well as their doctrine. Acts 8:26. The Angel of the Lord said to Philip, Arise, and go towards the South, towards the way that goeth down to Jerus…

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…

But true wisdom teaches men to distinguish (1.) between persons and persons, between pretenders and sincere Christians. I would not countenance that fond conceit of some who pretend to a spirit of discerning in this sense, that they can distinguish between hypocrites and sincere…

But yet there were in that crowd of believers sundry that were unsound, as appears by the special instance of Ananias and Saphira in chapter 5. So in Acts 8:13, it is said of that sorcerer that Simon himself believed and was baptized, but yet he had no true faith, for his heart…

Paul's prison made his preaching famous in Rome, and was an occasion of bringing Christianity into Nero's court, that monster of mankind — one might have looked for saints in hell as soon — his bonds were as great a confirmation of the truth of his doctrine as his eloquence (Phi…

Therefore seeing neither conversion, nor loving affection, nor cohabitation, nor coming into their meetings, does join a man as a member of the visible Church (for some men have all these, and yet are not members, and others are sometimes members of the visible Churches, and yet…

Philip preached and baptized, not as a Deacon, but as an Evangelist (Acts 21:8). Besides at the time of his preaching and baptizing, he could not have exercised the office of his Deaconship, by reason of the persecution, which scattered rich and poor and all (Acts 8:1). That whi…

Then say I, we may say the Church of Scotland, as well as the Churches of Scotland, because all the particular churches in Scotland, are united together into one, by the bond of a national oath and covenant, to walk in all the ways and ordinances of God. By Scripture also, becau…

Certainly there were rather more than fewer, though we cannot determine how many. It is written of Samaria, that the people with one accord gave heed to Philip (Acts 8:6), even all of them both men and women, from the least to the greatest, who had before given heed to Simon: of…

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 your word. Question. David uses imprecations against his enemies, in which he prays for their utter confusion, as (Psalm…

[illegible]. 1. In pursuit of this matter of Metropolitanes, he proceeds next to take notice of one observation of mine in these words. 2. To this end he informs sect. 2. that in the New Testament there is in sundry places mention made of Church [illegible] number, as Galatians…

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…

—Now they have known that all Things, whatsoever thou hast given me, are of thee: For I have given unto them, the Words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee; and they have believed that thou didst send me. Acts 8:37.…

(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…

(4) To admit them being approved into the order and fellowship of the Gospel in the Church. Acts 8:20, 23; Titus 1:10; Revelation 2:2; Jeremiah 15:19; Acts 18:26; 1 Thessalonians 2:7, 8, 11; Acts 9:29, 27; Romans 14:1. Qu. 50 What is the duty of the whole Church in reference to…

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…

And with many other words he said, (and must not we do so likewise? seeing whatever things were written afore-time, were written for our learning, Romans 15:4.) Save your selves from this toward generation. Seeing the same wrath is fallen on them (as was on the Jews, for killing…

Thirdly, if the faith and baptism of John, that declared that there was a Jesus to come to be crucified; and the faith and baptism of Paul that declares that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, and rose again the third day according to the Scripture (1 Corinth…

- 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.

The firstborn and only begotten Son of God then is manifested, Christ will appear in all his royalty and glory, as the great God and Savior, and Judge of the world, as the great God; therefore 'tis said, he will appear in the glory of the Father (Matthew 24:13; Matthew 16:27). T…

When men were added to the Church, it may be, no more is meant but that God did convert them and work Faith in their hearts, and that converting of them was the adding of them to the Church. This cannot be all; for, first, Saul was converted and had faith wrought in his heart, a…

Of Iconium that a great multitude both of the Jews, and also of the Greeks, believed (Acts 14:1). Of Lydda, that all who dwelt therein, turned to the Lord (Acts 9:35). Of Berea, that many of them believed: also of the honorable women, and the men not a few (Acts 17:12).

1. That the reason of sending Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem, was to know whether these teachers who pressed the observation of the ceremonial Law had any such commission from the Apostles and Elders, as they pretended. 2. That there is here no Synod, nor assembly of the Commiss…

Consider your particular sins, your particular actions, these will work upon you. This course Peter took with the Jews (Acts 2): you have crucified the Lord of life; so Christ told Paul, that he was a persecutor (Acts 9); so John 4, he told the woman of Samaria her particular si…

Saint Luke and Saint Paul set out the faithful servants of God by this note. (Acts 9:14) He has authority to bind all that call on your name; (1 Corinthians 1:2) to them that are sanctified by Jesus Christ, saints by calling, with all that call on the name of our Lord Jesus Chri…

[illegible]. 1. In pursuit of this matter of Metropolitanes, he proceeds next to take notice of one observation of mine in these words. 2. To this end he informs sect. 2. that in the New Testament there is in sundry places mention made of Church [illegible] number, as Galatians…

The last is the fear of God: the fear of God is, when our hearts are moved and troubled with this above all, lest by offence we should displease our gracious Father, and so purchase his wrath and punishment proceeding from it. This fear differeth from the fear of the wicked: fir…

Hence, because the Lord in excellency is remembered in his works, by likeness they are called his name (Psalm 8:2; 2 Chronicles 6:32). Much more his Gospel (Acts 9:15). His Sacraments (Matthew 5:6).

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…

1. Some Christ draws by the heart, as Lydia, Matthew: love sweetly and softly blows up the door, and the King is within doors in the floor of the house before they be aware. Others Christ trails and drags by violence, rather by the hair of the head, than by the heart, as the jai…

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…

It may be they can proceed no further in their Expectations but to that of the Prophet; who knowes if God will come and give a Blessing; Joel 2. 14. yet is this a sufficient ground and encouragement to keep them waiting at the Throne of Grace. So Paul after he had received his V…

But they do not discover to others, nor can discern in themselves any degree of life and vigour, of heavenliness and spirituality, of love to God or zeal for him, proportionable to their high expectations from him, or the great import of this thing to be beloved of God: there is…

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…

Mary Magdalene, a common strumpet, out of whom Christ cast seven devils, yet election ran to her. Rahab, a harlot; Paul, a persecutor, a blasphemer, a man injurious to the saints; yet (Acts 9:15) he was a chosen vessel to God, and obtained mercy. God, to magnify the riches of hi…

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…

Q. But divine dominion and sovereignty over all creatures belonging to the Father and to the Holy Ghost, why is this peculiarly ascribed to Christ? A. Not in respect of right but the actual and immediate exercise thereof; for the former belonging to all the divine persons, this…

Q. Who must be judge at that day? A. Jesus Christ is appointed of God to be the Judge of quick and dead (Acts 10:42; 17:31; John 5:22, 27; 2 Timothy 4:1; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Q. Who must be judged?

Mark 16:16. He that shall believe and be baptized, shall be saved: but he that will not believe shall be damned. Acts 10:43. That through his name all that believe in him, shall receive remission of sins. Acts 13:39. By him every one that believes, is justified.

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.

And this he did two ways. (1.) By sending Peter to preach the Gospel to Cornelius, and therein bestowing the Holy Ghost on them that did believe (Acts 10:14, 17, 45, 46, 47; Chapter 11:17, 18). (2.) By giving Paul an open full commission to go to the Gentiles and preach the Gosp…

So Joseph was [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], divinely warned to avoid the danger that was designed to the Child Jesus (Matthew 2:22), as the Wisemen were to avoid going to Herod (ver. 12), so Hebrews 11:7, Noah being [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], divinely warned, was moved with fear. Y…

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…

Secondly: Let us handle these two titles singly and apart. 1. He is Lord (Acts 10:36). Jesus Christ he is Lord of all.

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…

2. The matter of this objection will in a great measure be found false; for it will appear upon enquiry, that truly religious persons both in this and former ages, have been, and are neither few nor mean. The history of former times assure us of vast multitudes which heartily em…

Yet know withall, that God does worke but by his Ordinances; the Spirit breathes not in Taverns nor Playhouses, but in the Church assemblies. While Peter was preaching to Cornelius, and his family, the Spirit fell upon them (Acts 10): so the Spirit fell on others by laying the A…

Either we must not know, and not be born again to this piece of excellency, or else we must have this peculiar commandement to humble us, and in this point to drive us to Christ, afterward also, be a rule and square to us of the same. Fourthly, the Apostles in taking this day, a…

[Exodus 13:1. And declare to your son in that day, saying: For this has the Lord done these things to me, when I went out of Egypt. 9 So shall it be to you for a sign upon your hand, and for a monument between your eyes, that the doctrine of the Lord may be in your mouth: to wit…

But yet as instruments (2 Corinthians 5:18; Matthew 18:18). And therefore may not worship them, sacrifice to them, &c. (Acts 10:16, 14:13). And this is the true sense of the commandment.

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…

For Christ rebukes the Sadducees, You err not knowing the Scriptures, etc., because they believed not the consequences of Scripture as Scripture, and made not the like discourse, for the building of themselves in the faith. 3. The searching of the Scriptures is life eternal, the…

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…

Motives. 1. The word will doubtless be effectual, when ability for its administration is a return of prayers (Acts 10:30, 31). 2. The Ministers' failing is the people's punishment (Acts 8:11; Isaiah 30:20).

But Saint Luke in the Acts gives us another account, both where Barnabas was, and how he was employed, at the time intimated by him who knew nothing of those things. For while Saint Peter was at Caesarea (Acts 10:1), Barnabas was at Jerusalem (Acts 9:27), being a little while af…

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.

But it is not that, that is here intended: that is universal to all creatures, natural, and necessary, this especial to some, voluntary, and of mercy; that of nature and essence, this of will and operation. Secondly, God may be said to be with one in respect of personal union, s…

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…

If it can be made out, that the influences of God do so serve (in a manner) the industry of men, then are ordinances and means not to be neglected. 1. Means used are the Lord's way of coming to us, and our way of coming to him, whether in the word preached (Acts 2:36, 37; Acts 4…

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.

And this company is expressly called the Church at Jerusalem (Acts 8:1). This Church thus called and collected out of the Church of the Jews was the rule and pattern of the disposing of all the disciples of Christ into Church societies in obedience to his command throughout the…

Qu. 22. Who are the extraordinary officers or rulers or ministers of the Church appointed to serve the Lord Jesus Christ therein for a season only? An. (1) The Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, with (2) the Evangelists and Prophets endowed with extraordinary gifts of the Holy G…

Fourthly, it is required that these things be testified by them to the Church, with the acknowledgement of the work of God's grace towards them, and their resolution through the power of the same grace to cleave to the Lord Christ with full purpose of heart, and to live in all h…

Quest. 52. Wherein consists the duty of any Church of Christ towards other Churches? Answ. (1) In walking circumspectly, so as to give them no offence. (2) In prayer for their peace and prosperity. (3) In communicating supplyes to their wants according to ability. (4) In receivi…

They walk with God in outward appearance by the performance of duties in their times, course, and order; but they walk at all adventures, as to any especial design of their minds about it. Barnabas exhorted the disciples at Antioch, that with purpose of heart they would cleave t…

The partition wall is broken down, and the gates of the new Jerusalem are set open to all comers upon the Gospel invitation. This is frequently taken notice of in the Scripture; see Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15; John 11:51, 52; John 12:32; Acts 11:18; Acts 17:30; Galatians 5:6; Eph…

From there in the preaching of the Gospel it is said, that God commands all men to repent (Acts 17:30). And when the Gentiles had received the Gospel, the Church at Jerusalem glorified God saying, Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance to life (Acts 11:18). Again t…

Therefore God rejects them, declares that his soul had no pleasure in them, that he would be at no further cost about them. And twice did our Apostle mind his countrymen in other places, that God would speedily so deal with them (Acts 11:40, 41, 46; chapter 28:25, 26, 27, 28), a…

Fruit 1. One fruit is repentance; and this makes way for, and to holiness of heart and life. Acts 11:18, it is therefore called repentance to life. Repentance (if it be true) and faith go together (Mark 1:15): repent you, and believe, &c.

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.

And it will do it, among others, these two ways. 1. By keeping up a constancy of design in living to God, and after conformity to Christ, notwithstanding the interposition of surprisals by temptations, and the most urgent solicitations of sin: this is called, cleaving to God, wi…

The Tribes were troubled at the Altar set up upon the banks of Jordan by the two Tribes and a half, till they understood the intent and use of it, and for what purpose it was erected: and then they were satisfied (Joshua 22). And the same may be said of Peter's eating with the G…

Of Joppa it is said, that many believed in the Lord. Of Antioch we read, that a great number believed, and turned to the Lord (Acts 11:21). Of Iconium that a great multitude both of the Jews, and also of the Greeks, believed (Acts 14:1).

Saul being among the Prophets, changes his spirit, and became a Prophet: one that goes fast, makes those that go with him to mend their pace. It is said of Barnabas, being a good man and full of the Holy Ghost, and of faith, that he added much people to the Lord (Acts 11:23-33).…

Answer. It is lawful, yes, a man is bound in good manner to provide for time to come. (Acts 11:28) The Apostles provide for the Church in Judaea, against the time of dearth, spoken of by Agabus. And Joseph in Egypt, in the years of plenty, stored up against the years of famine.

And now if we will not, not only submit to Diocesan Bishops, but also reverence the grave Metropolitans, standing upon such clear Apostolical institution, it is fit that all the world should count us the arrantest schismatics that ever lived since Pope Boniface his time. The sum…

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…

Now the Law had a promise of life, if you do this, you live eternally, but God neither did work, nor was tied by the tenor of that Covenant, to work in us to do, to will, to continue, to abide in all written in the Law of God to the end, and therefore it was a broken Covenant. 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…

Thus when a great Number believed and turned to the Lord at Antioch, Barnabas was sent to them; who when he came, and had seen the Grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with Purpose of Heart they should cleave to the Lord. Acts 11:23. See also Acts 13:43, 14:22, 15…

But the place Acts 2. can no more prove that repentance, and a fixed walk in good works, is such a part of the new Covenant, as this, do and live the life of faith, and be pardoned, then that Baptism, which is in the text joyned with repentance, is necessarily required before pa…

The Prophets (Acts 13), Paul and Silas (Acts 16), Philip (Acts 8), accurately observe the command of the spirit, as being as binding as the command of the Father and the Son. The commands of God to the men of God were more legal in the Old Testament; but the commands of the spir…

If this be your case, learn to abhor yourself for it, and to be ashamed: for all is nothing, till we come to a constant and unchangeable resolution: so that we come to set it down with ourselves as an inviolable law: this is a duty, and I will do it, whatever it cost me; this is…

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…

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…

Thus at the prayer of the Church, that was reproached for holding forth the faith of Jesus, the gift of the holy Spirit was given, to speak the Word of God with boldness (Acts 4:31). At the earnest suit and intercession the Church made to God, Peter the Apostle was released out…

Reason 2: Difference of opinion causes difference of affection, and is an occasion of many dear and precious souls to withdraw communion; as is to be seen in Barnabas and Paul, dissenting about the choice of a companion, the contention grew so hot, that they separated the one fr…

(1.) A real condolency, grief, and trouble of mind for the bonds of others, as if we ourselves were bound. (2.) Continual prayers for their relief, supportment, and deliverance; as it was with the Church in the case of Peter in his bonds (Acts 12). (3.) A ministration to them, a…

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).

Christ does not say that every one of them has an angel: as for instance, it may be said, these prisoners have their keepers, these scholars have their masters, these soldiers have their captains — it does not follow that every one has a particular keeper, master, captain, &c. A…

Of Ephesus we find, that fear fell on all the Jews and Greeks which dwelt there, and many believed; yes, many of the Magicians themselves, whose books that were burned, amounted to fifty thousand pieces of silver, so mightily grew the Word of God and prevailed (Acts 19:17, 18, 1…

That God will have his name glorified by us, appeareth in this; that he punisheth those which of obstinacie, set themselues to dishonour him, or by negligence did not sanctifie him, when they should have done so. Herod sitting in his royaltie, made such an oration that the peopl…

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…

What creature has not this mighty God used against his enemies? An angel destroys Sennacherib's host (Isaiah 37:36), and smites Herod with worms (Acts 12:23). Heaven above sends down a hell of fire and brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24).

(Ephesians 6:18, 19) Pray always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, for me, that utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an ambassador. (2 Thessalonians 3:1, 2) Brethren pray for us, that th…

(Romans 1:9) Without ceasing I make mention of you all in my prayer. (Acts 12:5) Peter was kept in prison, but prayer was made without ceasing of the Church to God for him. (Isaiah 62:6) You that make mention of the Lord keep not silence: ver. 7. And give him no rest till he est…

Thus by an Angel he destroyed the army of Sennacherib when he intended and threatened the destruction of Jerusalem. And by an Angel he smote Herod in the midst of his pride and persecution (Acts 12). And this ministry of theirs is in an especial manner pointed to in several plac…

§ 39 Abarbinel, and after him Manasse Ben Israel with some others of them fix on Agrippa the last King of the Jews, who, as they say with his son Monabasius was cut off or slain at Rome by Vespasian. A learned man in his Apparatus ad Origines Ecclesiasticas, mistakes this Agripp…

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…

So Naaman by his office being obliged to go to the house of the Idol-God Rimmon, and not yet converted, could more hardly abstain from that outward idolatry, than now when to natural corruption fear of offending his master the King of Assyria is added. No doubt Pilate naturally…

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…

The Church whereof Saul made havoc (Acts 8:3). The Church that was vexed by Herod (Acts 12:1). Such was the Church at Antioch, which assembled together in one place (Acts 13:14), wherein were sundry prophets (Acts 13:1).

A nation may be said to be converted, from the professed subjection to the Gospel of so many in it, as may give demonstration to the whole; but the way of worship for those so converted, is peculiarly instituted. It is said moreover, that the several congregations in one city, a…

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)…

So when Demetrius had pressed his companions with such prevailing arguments of profit [illegible], you know that by this trade we have our living, presently they were all upon a flame, and the voice prevailed by the space of two hours, Great is Diana of the Ephesians (Acts 19:28…

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).

Now God having bestowed the gift, and requiring the duty, his people ought not to be hindered in the performance of it: are all those precepts to pray in the Scriptures, only for our closets? When the Church was in distress for the imprisonment of Peter, there was a meeting at t…

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…

There are so many precepts to obey, so many promises to believe, so many temptations to resist, that we shall not find the way easy: there must not only be diligence, but violence. Beloved, heaven-gate is not like that iron-gate (Acts 12:10) which opened to Peter of its own acco…

Stephen, that was one of the first of the family from where your husband sprang, was knocked on the head with stones (Acts 7:59-60). James, another of this generation, was slain with the edge of the sword (Acts 12:2). To say nothing of Paul and Peter, men anciently of the family…

Fourthly, God obviates the accomplishment of conceived sin, by removing, or taking away, the objects on whom, or about whom, the sin conceived was to be committed. Acts 12:11 yields us a signal instance of this issue of providence: when the day was coming wherein Herod thought t…

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?

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…

The Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what you ought to say. Acts 13:3. And as they ministred to the Lord and fasted; the Holy Ghost said, separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. Vers. 4. So they being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, depa…

Quest. 17. Which are the principal institutions of the Gospel to be observed in the worship of God? Answ. (1.) The calling, gathering and setling of Churches with their Officers, as the seat and subject of all other solemn instituted worship. (2.) Prayer with thanksgiving. (3.)…

(4) Acts 14:23. (5) Acts 13:2; 1 Timothy 5:22; 1 Timothy 4:14. Explication.

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…

Acts 10:43. That through his name all that believe in him, shall receive remission of sins. Acts 13:39. By him every one that believes, is justified. Romans 1:16. The Gospel is the power of God to salvation to every one that believes.

As he has appointed a man to live, so he has appointed the same man to use those means which preserve life, as meat, drink, rest, recreation, labor, physic. Even so, as he has appointed a man to be saved, he has appointed him to use the means, and to walk in the way of salvation…

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…

The faith and baptism that these twelve had received from John, or his Disciples' ministry, though it was a saving faith all the days of John and his Disciples' ministry, yet it was not a saving faith after the death, and resurrection, and ascension of Christ into glory, in the…

Thirdly, to take common sanctification, that is, such a reformation and a change of life as floweth from a spirit of bondage, restraining from sin, and constraining to duty, and sometimes accompanied with enlargement and comforts in duty; yet without the sense and feeling of the…

Therefore Jehovah himself becomes our righteousness, that we might say, In Jehovah have we righteousness and strength, and that in him all the seed of Israel might be justified and glory (Isaiah 45:25). For by him are all that believe justified from all things, from which they c…

As (1) that those whom God graciously takes into covenant, are many of them antecedently obnoxious to all sorts of sins. (2) That in the grace of the covenant there is mercy provided for the pardon of them all, even of them from which they could not be justified by the Law of Mo…

To the same purpose he argues (Chap. 7:11, 19). And with respect to this end it is said that the Law was weak (Romans 8:3; Galatians 3:21; Acts 13:38, 39). In brief, that which the Apostle designeth to prove is that the first Covenant was of that constitution, that it could not…

So again he expresses the order of the dispensation of this Covenant with respect to the Promise made to Abraham (Acts 3:25, 26): "You are the children of the Prophets, and of the Covenant which God made with our Fathers, saying to Abraham, and in your seed shall all the kindred…

It may be indeed that those of the Hebrews were in the first place intended. For to them did the Promise belong in the first place, as they were the natural seed of Abraham, and to them was it first to be declared and proposed upon its accomplishment (Acts 2:29; Acts 3:25; Acts…

Nor did they rest there, but persecuted the Apostles, drove them out from among them, and all that preached the Gospel; and this not only with respect to themselves alone, and those of their own nation; but they set themselves with fury all the world over against the preaching o…

God conceals this secret design under promiscuous outward dispensations. For he obliges those by whom the Word is preached to declare his mind therein to all men indefinitely, leaving the effectual work of his grace in the pursuit of his purpose to himself; from where they belie…

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…

5. That the light cometh to us, and shineth in this land. The Gospel is a great national privilege: To you is this Word of salvation sent (Acts 13:26). Pray mark, 'tis sent; he does not say we have brought it to you, but 'tis sent, 'tis a token sent from Heaven in love.

I know that Christ, as he is the eternal Son of God, and thought it no robbery to be equal with God, does with the Father and the holy Ghost reign and rule over all the Kingdoms of the sons of men. He that is Mediator, being God, has, as God, all power in heaven and earth, (and…

For if you respect the literal name, there were many others that were called Jesus, as well as He, at the hearing of whose names, the grossest idolatry is oftentimes committed, by capping, and bowing, before they know what Jesus is intended and spoken of. For the Apocrypha menti…

2. I do not find in the Scripture, that these musical instruments were a part of their Synagogue-worship, which was moral, but rather of their Temple-worship, which was ceremonial. In their Synagogues they had the public moral worship of God, reading and expounding the law, &c.…

Answer: This is a gross mistake; for first, the civil court was in the gate of the city, not in the synagogue. Second, he who presided in the synagogue was called the chief ruler of the synagogue (Acts 18:8, 17), the rest who sat and voiced therein, were called the rulers of the…

The Saints are likewise misrepresented, they are evill spoken of, they are presented to mens understanding otherwise than they are. There are a generation of men, that pervert the strait waies of God (Acts 13:10), that is, they make them seeme crooked: though they are straight,…

Romanists looking on that as imperfect, judge it necessary to institute a new Sacrifice of their own, to be repeated every day, and that without any the least color or warrant from the word of God, or example of the Apostles. But our Author puts in an exception, and tells us tho…

The same course steered the Apostle Peter (Acts 2 and 3), and expressly in his second Epistle, chap. 2, v. 17, 18, 19. And Paul (Acts 13:16, 17, etc.). And of Apollos, who openly disputed with the Jews upon this argument, it is said, that he mightily convinced the Jews, publicly…

And now if we will not, not only submit to Diocesan Bishops, but also reverence the grave Metropolitans, standing upon such clear Apostolical institution, it is fit that all the world should count us the arrantest schismatics that ever lived since Pope Boniface his time. The sum…

This further appears by another passage in that Epistle, where this act of the Apostles approving by the Spirit, and receiving perfect fore-knowledge what would fall out, and what they should do, is by him illustrated by the example of Moses, who [in non-Latin alphabet] fore-kne…

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…

And 3. the humbled soul, for ought he knows, (I speak of legal humiliation) has no more any Gospel-title or promise that saving grace shall be given to him, even of mere grace, upon condition of his humiliation, or external hearing, or desire of the physician, than the proud Pha…

4. It must be in him that wills, and runs, and deserves well, as on the separating cause that saves or damns, not in God that shows mercy; by this vain arguing of fast and loose free will, doing and undoing all at its pleasure, let Christ do his best. Argument 4. Whom God predes…

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.

Quest. 17. Which are the principal institutions of the Gospel to be observed in the worship of God? Answ. (1.) The calling, gathering and setling of Churches with their Officers, as the seat and subject of all other solemn instituted worship. (2.) Prayer with thanksgiving. (3.)…

And this company is expressly called the Church at Jerusalem (Acts 8:1). This Church thus called and collected out of the Church of the Jews was the rule and pattern of the disposing of all the disciples of Christ into Church societies in obedience to his command throughout the…

Quest. 23. Who are the ordinary officers or ministers of Christ in the Church to be always continued therein? Answ. Those whom the Scripture calls, pastors and teachers, bishops, elders, and guides (Acts 14:23; Acts 20:17, 18; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11; Philippians 1:1…

(4.) They differ also in the gifts which were suited to their several distinct works and employments. (1) Matthew 10:2; Luke 10:1; Galatians 1:1; Acts 1:26; Acts 6:3; Acts 14:23. (2) John 20:21, 22, 23; Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 2:20; Revelation 21:14; Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5, 7.

(3) 1 Peter 5:2, 3. (4) Acts 14:23. (5) Acts 13:2; 1 Timothy 5:22; 1 Timothy 4:14.

Qu. 26. May a person be called to, or be employed in a part only of the office or work of the ministry, or may he hold the relation and exercise the duty of an Elder or Minister to more Churches than one at the same time? Answ. Neither of these have either warrant or president i…

As when an office, with the power of it, is constituted and limited by the law of the land, there is no more required to invest any man in that office, or to give him that power, than the due observance of the means and way prescribed in the law to that end. The way then, whereb…

(1.) Reject false hypocritical pretenders if in or by any means their hypocrisy be discovered to them (Acts 8:20, 23; Titus 1:10; Jeremiah 15:19). (2.) That they may direct, and encourage in the way, such as appear to be sincere, instructing them principally in the nature of the…

2 Corinthians 8:5. Acts 14:23. Acts 20:28.

Q. How else may it be proved that there is a God? A. The succession of day, and night, and other seasons with the sustentation, and ordering of the creatures and the motions of them, does plainly witness that there is a God (Psalm 19:2-3; Acts 14:17; Amos 4:13 & 5:8). Q. How may…

Q. How must officers be put into their places? A. All of them by solemn prayer to God, and with imposition of hands upon elders and deacons, and in the ordaining of elders with fasting also (Acts 6:6; 1 Timothy 4:14; 5:22; Hebrews 6:2; Acts 14:26).

Q. What are the things that are created? A. All things without exception, that have a being, except God only who did create them (Acts 4:24; Acts 17:24; Acts 14:15; Genesis 2:1; Revelation 4:11). Q. Do you mean that the third heaven was also created by God?

Hosea 2:23. I will have mercy upon her that was not pitied, and I will say to them which were not my people, you are my people. Acts 14:16. God in times past suffered all the Gentiles to walk in their own ways. Acts 17:30. And the time of this ignorance God regarded not, but now…

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:…

Service was to be done to God in that Temple according to his appointment, but a meet habitation for him it was not. And our Apostle lays it down as a principle suited to natural light, that God, who made all things, could not dwell in Temples made with hands (Acts 14:24). Such…

Many things do evidence a condecency to Divine wisdom, in the determination of that season. As, (1.) He testified his displeasure against sin, in suffering the generality of mankind to lie so long under the fatal effects of their apostacy, without relief or remedy (Acts 14:16; c…

Repent and believe the Gospel (Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15). And almost all the sermons that we find, not only of John the Baptist in a way of preparation for the declaration of the Gospel, as (Matthew 3:2), but of the Apostles also in pressing the actual reception of it on the Jews…

And the giving of it he pleads as a great pledge of his providence and goodness. He left not himself of old without witness, in that he did good and gave Rain from Heaven (Acts 14:17). Our Savior also makes it an argument of his goodness that he causes his Rain to fall (Matthew…

Other creatures live upon God, but they are not capable of knowing the first cause as we are. Idolatry and atheism had never crept into the world, if men had considered who it was that gave them fruitful seasons and showers of rain, and filled their hearts with food and gladness…

For they knew that God was a Spirit, as in that verse of Cato, Si Deus est animus, sit purâ mente colendus: and that Heaven is his dwelling place. Hence they said (Acts 14:11), The Gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. And when reproved for their idolatry, Austine say…

Idolatries and follies of the heathen were permitted by God. He checked them not in their course, but laid the reins upon their necks, and suffered them to run what race they pleased (Acts 14:16): Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Not the most exe…

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…

[Called to fellowship with Christ] so (1 Corinthians 1:9) else if they be not united to Christ by faith, they are not fit materials for such a building as a Church of God, which is the house of the living God (Ephesians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Philippians 1:1; Revelation 21:27).…

Contrariwise, men of no worth, nor wisdom, men despicable for lack of gifts and understanding, are called Children (Isaiah 3:4, 12; Ephesians 4:14). But it is the fourth signification which we have now to do withal, and so an Elder is a spiritual officer, appointed by God, and c…

THE office of Ruling Elders is not only maintained by [illegible] Cartwright, [illegible], Bucer[illegible], and others whom our opposites will call partial Writers, let him who pleases read the commentaries of Martyr, [illegible], Gualther, Hemmingius, Piscator, Paraus upon (Ro…

We answer, 1. Ambrose speaks of Elders which were not Pastors. 2. Beza & Gualther expound the place (Acts 14:23), where the Apostles are said to have ordained Elders through every Church, of ruling as well as preaching Elders. 3. As for that which he alleges from Acts 20, Beza,…

2. Though the Apostles and Evangelists traveled from one country to another, to preach Christ to such as never heard of him; yet where has he read that some of these who were mere▪ presbyters (for of such speaks the text in hand) did so likewise? It rather appears from Acts 14:2…

He was judged and sentenced by those, that is by the Pastors and Elders of Corinth, howbeit the execution and final act of that high censure was to be with the consent and in the presence of the Congregation. Thirdly, it is objected that Matthias was chosen by the whole number o…

Of Antioch we read, that a great number believed, and turned to the Lord (Acts 11:21). Of Iconium that a great multitude both of the Jews, and also of the Greeks, believed (Acts 14:1). Of Lydda, that all who dwelt therein, turned to the Lord (Acts 9:35).

1. That the reason of sending Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem, was to know whether these teachers who pressed the observation of the ceremonial Law had any such commission from the Apostles and Elders, as they pretended. 2. That there is here no Synod, nor assembly of the Commiss…

Paul and Apollos are yours; we are the ministers of God for your sakes, for your service: if God open the door of utterance, it is not for our sakes but yours, that you might seek the Word at our mouths and believe. A company of Jews and Gentiles believed by hearing the Word pre…

In Romans 12:7, 8 him that teaches, him that exhorts, him that rules, and him that shows mercy. In Philippians 1:1 we have Bishops and Deacons; and their institutions with the order of it, we have at large expressed in 1 Timothy 3:1, 2, Bishops and Deacons without the interposit…

And how much that [illegible] is to his advantage has been intimated: and this seems to be his [illegible] by his following words, [reconstructed: Provinciarum] inquam, in quibus [illegible] singularum Ecclesiarum [illegible], [illegible], [illegible] Ecclesiae in plurali istius…

Though the Apostles in the name and the authority of God, appointed the Deacons of the Church at Jerusalem, yet they would have the whole Church look out among themselves the men to be appointed. And that the ordaining of the Elders was with the people's election, Acts 14:23, it…

Si Pergama dextrâ defendi possent, etiam hac defensa fuissent. And this is the cause of naming many Elders or Presbyters in one Church: For my part I suppose the Doctor might more probably have adhered to a former conjecture of his Dissert. 4. cap. 10. Sect. 9. concerning two su…

To dwell upon all of them would be too lengthy and foreign to our present purpose. Let us briefly run through two arguments of the same apostle to this end; one of them is found at Acts 14:15–17, the other at Acts 17:24–28. The first runs thus: "Men, why do you do these things?…

For: — 1. All those ages in which the greater part of mortals lived without heavenly revelation are called "times of ignorance" (Acts 17:30). God, as it were, winked at these, permitting the nations to walk in their own ways (Acts 14:16), not proclaiming to them that they should…

The occasions of the origin of idolatry — The report of the dominion of the sun and moon — In what sense the sun and moon are the two great lights — The monstrous fiction of Jonathan the Targumist — Delegated dominion as a corrupt basis for worship — The vain reasonings of idola…

Hence the false gods are called elilim; that is, vanities, nothings. And the apostle calls all the gods of the Gentiles mataia; that is, elilim (Acts 14:15). Our translators render this word almost everywhere as "idols."

From the day on which He bound the world to Himself by the unspeakable benefit of Christ's mission, nothing whatever was added to the glory, adornment, or ceremonies — that is, to the fullness — of idolatry. This part of the fullness of time Paul sets forth in Acts 14:15–16; 17:…

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.

The order of his Church set down in his word (Hebrews 3:2; 1 Chronicles 28:12, 19; 2 Chronicles 29:25; 1 Chronicles 15:13; 1 Corinthians 9:8). For ruling of his Church, by his word: rulers who have the care of souls committed to them (Hebrews 13:17; James 5:14; Acts 14:23). And…

(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.

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…

Fifthly, excommunications dispensed upon weighty occasions, and with great reverence, and with good successe. Sixthly, synods imposing no other but necessary things, either in themselves, or for the present use of the Church (Acts 15:26). This comely frame and order of the Churc…

Question 2. By what means do we come to know that God will thus be worshipped? That God is to be worshipped, and that according to his own will and appointment, is a principal branch of the law of our creation, written in our hearts (Romans 1:21; Romans 2:14-15; Acts 15:16-17; A…

First, To consider, try, and make a judgment, in and about all persons, things, and causes, in reference whereunto it is to be exercised. Thus the Brethren at Jerusalem joined in the consideration of the observation of Mosaic ceremonies with the Apostles and Elders (Acts 15:23),…

And this he did virtually in the sacrifice of himself, or the blood of his Cross, fulfilling and finishing of them all (John 19:30), breaking down the middle wall of partition, abolishing in his flesh the enmity, even the Law of Commandments contained in ordinances, blotting out…

Quest. 52. Wherein consists the duty of any Church of Christ towards other Churches? Answ. (1) In walking circumspectly, so as to give them no offence. (2) In prayer for their peace and prosperity. (3) In communicating supplyes to their wants according to ability. (4) In receivi…

Q. Was the covenant of grace revealed and dispensed in the times before Christ's Incarnation, or only since his coming in the flesh? A. There has been the same covenant of grace for substance, in all times and ages of the Church, since the fall of man till this day (Genesis 3:15…

Q. Do you say that God's decree reaches to all things whatever comes to pass in time? A. Yes, all things whatever have been, are, or that shall be hereafter, were before decreed, and determined by God (Ephesians 1:11; Acts 15:18). Q. What are some of the principal things that ar…

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…

Reason 1: Because two cannot walk together unless they be agreed (Amos 3:3), neither can the heart of two believers truly consent to pray together, unless they be agreed touching the things they will ask of the Father of glory. Reason 2: Difference of opinion causes difference o…

And it seems so to be, if there be the same reason of the law or command in all these seasons, for otherwise it is not so. For instance it is supposed that the eating of blood was forbidden before the Law, and assuredly it was so under the Law, and is so in the New Testament (Ac…

The Gospel they were resolved to embrace, but were very unwilling to take on them the yoke of the Law. Therefore the Holy Ghost in the Apostles, at length puts an issue to this difference also, and lets the Church know, that indeed the wall of partition was broken down, the Law…

So were they brought to the faith and obedience of the Gospel without any respect to the law, as that wherein they were not concerned, now it had received its accomplishment. But some of the Jews who believed, being yet persuaded that the law was to be continued in force, and it…

This error was in the patience of God for a while tolerated among them, because the time of their full conviction was not yet come. But those who were possessed with it, began after a while to be very troublesome to the Church, and would not be content to observe the Law themsel…

Then was the whole Church absolved from any duty with respect to the Old Covenant, and the worship of it, though it were not manifest as yet in their consciences. The question being stated about the continuance of the obligatory force of the Old Covenant, the contrary was solemn…

For this cause God saw it necessary, and it pleased him to put a grievous and heavy yoke upon them, to subdue the pride of their spirits, and to cause them to breathe after deliverance. This the Apostle Peter calls a yoke that neither they nor their fathers were able to bear (Ac…

The word is properly, incumbentia, lying on them, that is, as a burden. There was a weight in all these legal rites and ceremonies, which is called a yoke, and too heavy for the people to bear (Acts 15:10). And if the imposition of them be principally intended, as we render the…

But the inheriting of the promises here intended, is a real participation of the grace and mercy proposed in them with eternal glory. This they all received, being saved by faith even as we (Acts 15:10, 11; Hebrews 4:2). Concerning these persons he proposes to them the way that…

(1.) Because commands were so multiplied therein, that the whole law was denominated from them. Hence it became [in non-Latin alphabet], a yoke hardly to be born, if not altogether intolerable (Acts 15:10). (2.) Because of that severity wherewith obedience was exacted.

Therefore Moses is said to do what he appointed to be done, what the law required which was given by him. So Moses is frequently used for the law given by him (Acts 15:21): For Moses of old time has in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath-d…

Provocation is commonly used in an ill sense, namely, for the embittering of the spirit of another, moving anger, sorrow, and disquietment, and impatience of mind; so (1 Samuel 1:6, 7) to provoke one is to embitter his spirit, and to stir him up to anger. And when any provocatio…

4. It was burdensome and heavy work to attain relief against sin and settled peace of conscience under the old Priesthood, attended with so many weaknesses and infirmities. Herein lies the greatest part of that yoke which the Apostle Peter affirms that neither they nor their Fat…

If we love him, we shall love them that are his, because they are his: and they are one, as God and Christ are one (John 17:11, 21, 22). 2. The second fruit to be considered of (by way of trial) is mortification of sin, or the purifying of the soul from it, which is a fruit of f…

That the Patriarchs and the Prophets were not justified by the works of the Law, but by faith. That the custom of sin has so prevailed, that none now can fulfill the Law: as the Apostle Peter says (Acts 15:10), "Which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear." But if th…

But in the times of the Gospel grace being more fully delivered, that was also added and expressed in the forms of salutation: but yet in the times of the Gospel there is some variety and difference. Sometimes you shall meet with a salutation meerly civil; as (James 1:1) To the…

Let us hear but two witnesses of the Apostles themselves applying those prophecies to the calling of the Gentiles; the one is Paul (2 Corinthians 6:16), For you are the temple of the living God, as God has said, I will dwell in them and walk in them, and I will be their God, and…

Might not the Nestorians have made the same exception against Cyrill, because he was under an engagement against them, before he came to the Councell of Ephesus? Nay, had not the Jewish Zealots, the very same objection to make against Paul and Barnabas, who were ingaged (not in…

Oh! Know it; that will prove a miserable, rusty faith at death, that was not made use of in the time of life. No; but if you have any faith; use it: use it to sanctify your heart (Acts 15:9). Use it to overcome the world.

3. That faith is sound and effectual, that purifies the heart, and is fruitful in the course of one's life. A purifying and a working faith, such a faith as is accompanied with repentance, and followed with new obedience (Acts 15:9; James 2:18; Galatians 5:6). That faith is effe…

He that created the heart knows all the wards of it, and has only the skill to turn it, and incline it as he pleases; he must needs know all the inclinations of the creatures and their proper activities since he alone conferred all those several principles and qualities upon the…

The Professors of Leyden have noted this consensus Ecclesiae per [illegible] in the election of Matthias (Cens. in Confess. cap. 21). In the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) we find that beside the Apostles the Elders were present, and voiced definitively, for they by whom the Dec…

Paget answers that though the Eldership sit apart to judge, yet before any sentence be given for the cutting off of any offender, or for any other thing which concerns all, matters are first propounded to the whole Church, and their prayers and consent required. And surely this…

Now before I make an end, I must answer yet other two objections which have beene lately made. There is one who objecteth that the Assembly of the Apostles, Acts 15. can bee no president nor patterne for succeeding ages: First, because the Apostles were inspired with the holy Gh…

He has given us in the New Testament, express warrant for Ecclesiastical Courts and Assemblies in general, that such there ought to be, for the right government of the Church (Matthew 18:20): "Where two or three are gathered together in my Name, there am I in the midst of them."…

The example of the Apostolical Churches, Acts 15, makes for us. The Churches of Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia, being troubled with the question about the Jewish Ceremonies, the matter was debated and disputed at Antioch, the chief town of Coelosyria, where Paul and Barnabas were f…

But now it is not ordinary, for when there is already a settled ecclesiastical republic, or a Church with officers, the officers for the time being ought by their suffrages to elect the officers that are wanting, with the knowledge and consent of the Church. Somewhat he demurs u…

The passage mentioned by the Doctor, concerning the Epistle of Dionysius to the Church of [reconstructed: Gortyna] in Crete, is very little to his purpose: neither does he call [reconstructed: Philip] the Bishop of that Church, the Bishop of all the other Churches in Crete, as t…

It is not the words nor plea of them who were in disorder, there is not any reprehension given to the body of the Church, the multitude or people who are supposed to tumultuate, to quiet them, but a direction given (as was said) by the Church of Rome to the persons that occasion…

VIII. Furthermore: the same truth teaches that all and every thing ordained by God in His worship — however absurd, difficult, or useless they may seem to reason — are to be observed and kept with the utmost religion and submission of soul, on account of the supreme authority of…

For throughout that entire Epistle to the Hebrews, the apostle assumes that the Jewish church existed at that time, and that its solemn worship had been so pleasing to God in His forbearance that no one was made worse by the observance of it, nor was any less accepted or pleasin…

They are either public, private (Nehemiah 8:5, 13). Public, is to join with the Church from the beginning to the ending, in the hearing of the word preached, in praying, and administering of the Sacraments (Ezekiel 46:1, 2, 3, 10; Nehemiah 9; Ezra 3; Acts 15:20, 21 and 17:2 and…

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…

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…

Answ. Professing believers, if not baptized in their infancy, and their infant seed. Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38, 39; Acts 16:33; 1 Corinthians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 7:14; Colossians 2:12, 13; with Genesis 17:10, 11, 12. Quest. 39. Where, and to whom, is the ordinance of the Lord's S…

Q. You have spoken of the person, offices and actions of Christ; you are now to shew the benefits that come by Christ, and how we are made partakers of Christ and of his benefits? A. We are made partakers of Christ and all his benefits by faith alone (John 1:12 and 3:16, 18, 36…

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…

(1) That with some, especially in extraordinary cases, this work and duty may be over in a day as to its initiating use and efficacy. So was it with many primitive converts, who at the same time were savingly humbled and comforted by the promises of the Gospel (Acts 2:37, 38, 39…

For this is a thing which God often threatens, and which falls out oftner than we are aware of, yes most nations of the earth are examples of this severity of God. So a word of the same importance is used to this purpose, as to the turning away of the Gospel from any persons or…

For the enjoyments of one place may be occasioned by the work that is to be done in another, wherewith it is in some kind of conjunction; or the Word may be preached in a place for the sake of some that are there only accidentally. As when Paul first preached at Philippi, Lydia…

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 this begins once to be pleaded, the real merits of the cause in debate is usually over-seen, and the obedience required by law is only insisted on; as though that were grown a civil difference by the interposition of a law, which before was purely religious. This Paul himse…

Upon others the Spirit cometh like a mighty rushing wind, and they are carried to Christ as it were by the gates of Hell. As in the natural birth, some children are brought forth with more ease, others with greater pains and throes: so the new birth in some is without trouble an…

It is a most certain truth that there are many believers that shall never be saved, for all faith in the name of Christ is not sound and saving. It is true, it is granted, that faith or believing is the gospel condition of salvation (John 3:16, 36; Acts 16:31; Mark 16:16). He th…

Paget answers that though the Eldership sit apart to judge, yet before any sentence be given for the cutting off of any offender, or for any other thing which concerns all, matters are first propounded to the whole Church, and their prayers and consent required. And surely this…

2. If the Doctrine or exhortation of a Pastor well grounded upon the Scriptures bee the Word of God, then much more is the Decree of a Synod well grounded upon the Scriptures, the Decree of the holy Ghost. 3. That Assembly was not of the Apostles alone, but of the Apostles and E…

To the other place we answer: 1. That Epistle, whether it were written from Philippi, or from Ephesus, was undoubtedly written very lately after the plantation of the Gospel in Corinth, while as that Church was yet in her infancy. And if it should be granted, that at that time t…

To the last answer, it is maintained that the conclusion of that meeting at Jerusalem, was not a naked counsel and advice, but a decree imposed with authority upon the Churches (Acts 15:28 and 16:4 and 21:25). And whereas it is affirmed, that the decree was merely Apostolical, a…

First, there is a stirring up of men, to attend to the voice of Christ: many there are that hear, yet attend not. Acts 16:14: the Holy Ghost opened the heart of Lydia, to attend to Paul's preaching. We sow on fallow ground till the Spirit opens the heart to attend to the things…

21. But to this the answer is obvious, 1. that what in the Epistles is discoverable concerning his journey, and the several stages of it, is directly agreeable to the relations of his martyrdom, recorded by the most ancient and punctual historians, that have written on that subj…

But Corinth was such a City, and this Epistle was so addrest to it — that Corinth was such a Metropolis was apparent, and is not denyed, as to the politicall acceptation of it; and if it were so also in the Ecclesiastick, there is no farther difficulty; and if my supposing and n…

But that it can happen, with respect to the outcome, that which God from eternity willed not to happen — that has not yet been proved. That it is not actually preached to many, nor ever was preached in former times, Scripture ascribes to the will of God (Psalms 147:19, 20; Matth…

That one should introduce foreign religions, or that other gods than those he himself worshiped should be adored and preached — Maecenas persuaded Augustus in Dio's account of this, as we have shown elsewhere at length — and the law of the Twelve Tables also forbade the introduc…

He also affirms that there was yet a little while remaining before those Mosaic rudiments, shaken by the death of Christ, would be removed, so that the things that cannot be shaken in Christ's kingdom might be established. Nor does it stand in the way that the apostles and elder…

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…

Secondly, this is chiefly, lest by our infirmity, we should displease our God, where the wicked only tremble, because of the punishment (2 Corinthians 7:1). Here is forbidden hardness of heart, and no fear, to fear any thing, as the loss of life, goods, friends, displeasure of m…

15. Therefore Hagar brought forth to Abraham a son, and Abraham called the name of the son which Hagar brought forth to him, Ishmael.] So the Greeks in Greek, as Timothy, the fear of God, [Acts 16. Then came he to Derbe, and to Lystra, and behold, a certain disciple was there, n…

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…

(Acts 13:39) And by him, all that believe, are justified from all things, from which you could not be justified, by the Law of Moses. (Acts 16:30) The jailer says to Paul and Silas, what must I do to be saved? (verse 31) And they said, believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Chris…

1. Some Christ draws by the heart, as Lydia, Matthew: love sweetly and softly blows up the door, and the King is within doors in the floor of the house before they be aware. Others Christ trails and drags by violence, rather by the hair of the head, than by the heart, as the jai…

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…

The Gospel does not get ground in any place, nor is restrained from any Place or People, by accident,[[original in non-Latin script]] by the endeavours of Men, but it is sent and disposed of [[original in non-Latin script]], to the Sovereign Will and Pleasure of the Spirit of Go…

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…

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.

2. Consider, who shall then be Judge: the Scripture sometimes ascribes this judgment to God, sometimes to Jesus Christ. The Apostle reconciles these two together (Acts 17:31): He has appointed a day in the which he will judge the world in righteousness, by the man whom he has or…

Question 2. By what means do we come to know that God will thus be worshipped? That God is to be worshipped, and that according to his own will and appointment, is a principal branch of the law of our creation, written in our hearts (Romans 1:21; Romans 2:14-15; Acts 15:16-17; A…

Q. Who must be judged? A. All the world, both living and dead; and this of all things done in this life, whether they be good or evil (Acts 17:31; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Timothy 4:1; 1 Peter 4:5). Q. In what manner will he come?

Q. Who was it that created the world? A. God that is without beginning, and has his being of himself, he it was who gave beginning, and being to the world (Genesis 1:1; Acts 17:24; Isaiah 40:28; Isaiah 44:24). Q. Whether was this the work of the Father, or of the Son, or of the…

A. What scriptures do show that there is such a providence of God? Q. Many, and namely these (John 5:17; Ephesians 1:11; Acts 17:25, 28; Lamentations 3:37; Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2, &c.). Q. How else may the same be proved?

Acts 14:16. God in times past suffered all the Gentiles to walk in their own ways. Acts 17:30. And the time of this ignorance God regarded not, but now he admonishes all men everywhere to repent. Romans 16:25-26. To him now that is of power to establish you according to my Gospe…

This I prove by conferring of the like places, wherein Paul does plentifully show his meaning. Acts 17:30. And the time of this ignorance God regarded not, but now he admonishes all men every where to repent. Romans 16:25-26. — by the revelation of the mystery which was kept sec…

The second action of God's providence is of sustaining, whereby God upholds and maintains, the being, and all the faculties, motions, actions and passions of nature which offends. (Acts 17:28) In him we live, and move, and have our being. And although God do sustain nature offen…

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…

The partition wall is broken down, and the gates of the new Jerusalem are set open to all comers upon the Gospel invitation. This is frequently taken notice of in the Scripture; see Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15; John 11:51, 52; John 12:32; Acts 11:18; Acts 17:30; Galatians 5:6; Eph…

And almost all the sermons that we find, not only of John the Baptist in a way of preparation for the declaration of the Gospel, as (Matthew 3:2), but of the Apostles also in pressing the actual reception of it on the Jews and Gentiles, laid this as their first principle, namely…

1. Jesus Christ is a King: as he is a Prophet and a Priest, so he is a King. Psalm 2:6. Acts 17:7. 1 Timothy 6:14, 15. 1 Corinthians 15:25. He is the blessed and only potentate, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and he must reign: and let his Kingdom come.

If it be according to the Scripture, may it not [•]e said to be according to Christs Ordinance? Sure, when Christ himself bids us Search the Scripture (John 5:39), and when the Bereans are commended for searching the Scripture, whether those things were so, which were Preached b…

- 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…

Silence will cause roaring, and restraint of prayer, disquiet. Again, if there be a need, omit not to call upon men by exhortation and counsel; as when you see things grow worse every day, and can hold no longer: the King's danger made the King's dumb son speak; Paul was forced…

There must be in all adult believers a competent understanding of these things, and assent to them; this is absolutely necessary. True faith is an affiance grounded upon knowledge: an unknown Christ cannot be believed on, as in Acts 17:23, Paul found an altar at Athens with this…

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…

God has given his ordinances to his Church, but he has not tied them to any place. He dwells not in temples made with hands (Acts 17:24). 2. These places under the Law were holy, by reason of their typical respect to Christ, and the good things that were to come by him.

But the idolatry forbidden in the second Commandment is, when the worship is directed to the True God, but by false ways and means, which he had never appointed, and which never came into his heart: we commonly call it for distinction sake, Superstition, which is as much as to s…

He does not carelessly behold what is done in the world, but like a skillful pilot, he sits at the helm and steers the world in what course it should sail. Our being we owe to his power, our well-being to his care, our motion and exerting of every faculty, to his merciful provid…

Of Lydda, that all who dwelt therein, turned to the Lord (Acts 9:35). Of Berea, that many of them believed: also of the honorable women, and the men not a few (Acts 17:12). Of Corinth the Lord says, I have much people in this city (Acts 18:10).

If men refuse, God endures it not. (Acts 17:30) The times of that ignorance God regarded not, but now take heed, the Gospel being revealed; God will bear no longer. Before John Baptist came, the axe was not laid to the root of the tree; but as soon as he came, it was; because th…

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.

For that law differs from nature itself only by its relation to a certain object. This law, therefore, teaches that God exists and is to be worshipped, and that right and justice are to be observed among men — as Scripture also testifies: Ps. 145:15; 141:7–9; Job 12:7–10; 37–39;…

The apostle ascribes the former to this knowledge (Romans 1:20), while we assert it to be unequal to the latter. For: — 1. All those ages in which the greater part of mortals lived without heavenly revelation are called "times of ignorance" (Acts 17:30). God, as it were, winked…

VIII. In like manner, when the apostle Paul was preaching the same truth at Athens, the philosophers assailed him. "May we know," they said, "what this new teaching is that you are speaking?" (Acts 17:19). And in that whole contest which existed between the gospel and the supers…

Athenaeus also, book 12, from Carystius of Pergamon, reports that Demetrius Phalereus observed the appearance of his brother Himerus, who had been killed by Antipater, with religious veneration, which stirred up great hatred of him among the Athenians. For after he had pretended…

We are commanded to put away all other things out of our mind, and all superfluity, or malice, or filthiness whatever, and be ready and swift to hear, yes and to receive the word of the Lord by his minister, his husbandman is ready to ingraft in our souls (James 1:18; Luke 8:18)…

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…

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.

(4) To admit them being approved into the order and fellowship of the Gospel in the Church. Acts 8:20, 23; Titus 1:10; Revelation 2:2; Jeremiah 15:19; Acts 18:26; 1 Thessalonians 2:7, 8, 11; Acts 9:29, 27; Romans 14:1. Qu. 50 What is the duty of the whole Church in reference to…

The Woman of Samaria said, I know the Messiah commeth which is called the Christ (John 4:25). Apollos mightily convinced the Jews, shewing by the Scriptures, that Jesus was the Christ (Acts 18:28). Now that I received from the Lord, I could not but make known to you, You being o…

Looking after the inward man, that's the main care; and men would first regard it, if they did believe that the soul were so concerned both in point of danger and hope, surely when men take no heed to the great offers of the Gospel, they do not look upon it as a certain truth. 3…

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…

Sure it is, the Apostle tells the Corinthians and Ephesians, that the time had been when they were not the same men that now they are when he wrote to them; and yet he does not blame them for leaving their former opinions or practice, but commends them for it (1 Corinthians 6:11…

This a ruling Elder ought to do by virtue of his calling, and with authority (1 Thessalonians 5:12). Private Christians ought in charity to instruct the ignorant (John 4:29; Acts 18:26), to exhort the negligent (Hebrews 3:15 & 10:24, 25), to comfort the afflicted (1 Thessalonian…

Of Berea, that many of them believed: also of the honorable women, and the men not a few (Acts 17:12). Of Corinth the Lord says, I have much people in this city (Acts 18:10). Of Ephesus we find, that fear fell on all the Jews and Greeks which dwelt there, and many believed; yes,…

Answer: This is a gross mistake; for first, the civil court was in the gate of the city, not in the synagogue. Second, he who presided in the synagogue was called the chief ruler of the synagogue (Acts 18:8, 17), the rest who sat and voiced therein, were called the rulers of the…

And Paul (Acts 13:16, 17, etc.). And of Apollos, who openly disputed with the Jews upon this argument, it is said, that he mightily convinced the Jews, publicly showing by the Scripture, that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 18:28). And Paul persuaded the Jews concerning Jesus at Rome,…

And so likewise the particular sins, and sinners both there and here, to which they apply their exhortations, the incest, the going to law before heathen judicatures, the seditions, etc. do evidently restrain it from that latitude, which two circumstances being balanced on each…

By feeling of the heart, we choose, love, desire, delight, are zealous in the good thing itself, that it may be done; to refuse, hate, abhor, and are zealous against the known evil (Amos 5:14; Philippians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 2:1). Among these, zeal is an earnest affection of th…

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.

Of these that Church had received an abundant measure, especially of those that were Extraordinary, and tended to the Conviction of Unbelievers. For the Lord having much people in that City, whom he intended to call to the Faith, Acts 18. 9, 10. not onely incouraged our Apostle…

John 12. 40, 41. Acts 18. 26. Rom. 11. 8.

Wherefore, in the preaching of it, our Apostle affirms, that he endured all things for the Elects sake, that they might obtain the Salvation which is in Jesus Christ, with eternal Glory, 2 Tim. 2. 10. So God before-hand commanded him to stay and preach the Gospel at Corinth, bec…

Hebrews 10:24, 25. Let us consider one another, to provoke to love and good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as is the manner of some; but exhorting one another, and so much the more, as you see the day approaching. Acts 18:23. Whom when Aquila and Prisc…

He spake in his Son, and he spake in him that he might manifest his name (himself and will) to the men whom he gave him: for, says the Son, your they were, set apart for you in your eternal purpose, and you gavest them to me (John 17:6). And therefore Paul tells us, that in prea…

Apollos has been thought by some to be the penman of this Epistle; and that because § 6 it answers the character given of him. For it is said, that he was an eloquent man, mighty in the Scripture, fervent in spirit, and one that mightily convinced the Jews out of the Scripture 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…

The Prophets (Acts 13), Paul and Silas (Acts 16), Philip (Acts 8), accurately observe the command of the spirit, as being as binding as the command of the Father and the Son. The commands of God to the men of God were more legal in the Old Testament; but the commands of the spir…

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…