A commentary vpon the Epistles of Saint Paul to Philemon, and to the Hebrewes together with a compendious explication of the second and third Epistles of Saint Iohn. By VVilliam Iones of East Bergholt in Suffolke, Dr. in Divinity, and sometimes one of the fellowes of the foundation of Emmanuel Colledge in Cambridge.

VERSE 4.

THen this joy is amplified by a comparison. Some read 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, greater grace. But most Greeke Coppies have 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, joy.

In the Greeke 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Greater joy than these. Some referre it to the brethren mentioned before, then in these men that relate this of thee. Some Greeke Coppies have 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, greater joy than this. So the question were at an end: Yet the plurall for the better ex∣agarating of it may be put for the singular, as if all joyes were comprehended in this.* 1.1 What is that? Then to heare that my chil∣dren walke in the truth.

Why? Saint Iohn was a perpetuall Virgin; He had no children acording to the flesh; but he had spirituall children, among whom Gajus was one, because he preached the Word of truth to him. Preachers are fathers, mothers, and nurses too. Fathers; Though

ye have ten thousand instructors in christ, yet not many fathers,* 1.2 I have begotten you through the Gospel. Mothers; My little children,* 1.3 of whom I travel in birth againe, till Christ be formed in you. Nurses, We were gentle among you, as a nurse cherisheth her children. There∣fore we are to be loved and honoured of the people.

Some rejoyce to see their children flourish in wealth and ho∣nours of the world, then in the graces of the Spirit. It is more joy to them to see them Gentlemen, Knights, Lords, &c. than to see them upright and constant Christians. It was not so with S^t. Iohn, no more must it be with us. We may joy to see them great men in the world, but no joy to this to see them great in Christ.

Notes

• * 1.1

  1 Cor. 4.15.
• * 1.2

  Gal. 4.19.
• * 1.3

  1 Thes. 2.7.