A commentary or exposition upon the four Evangelists, and the Acts of the Apostles: wherein the text is explained, some controversies are discussed, divers common places are handled, and many remarkable matters hinted, that had by former interpreters been pretermitted. Besides, divers other texts of Scripture which occasionally occur are fully opened, and the whole so intermixed with pertinent histories, as will yeeld both pleasure and profit to the judicious reader. / By John Trapp M. A. Pastour of Weston upon Avon in Gloucestershire.

Verse 12. And from the daies of Iohn, &c.]

The Baptist is fur∣ther commended from the good successe of his ministry: a sweet seal, but no sure signe of a sanctified preacher: sith many causes give that to others, that themselves have not. Thus the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 heaven gives life to diverse creatures, the dull whetstone sharpens Iron. A stinking breath may sound a trumpet, with great com∣mendation, &c. Howbeit, the fruitfulnes of the people, is the preachers testimoniall, 2 Cor. 3. 2. and God delights to honour those of most sincerity, with most successe, as 1 Cor. 15. 10.

The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence.]

Men are resolved to have it, whatever pains or perill they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thorow. As Gods Israel violently invaded and over-ran the promised land: So doe his elect lay hold on the promised inheritance. This true treasure 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hid, Rom 16. 26. is now discovered, and exposed to all that have a minde to it. Now therfore they are carried with all strength of affection after Christ: him they must have, whate∣ver else they goe without: towards him they fly as a cloud: and as a flock of doves they scoure into the columbary, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into the windows, Isa. 60. 8.

And the violent, &c.]

The valiant, Isay calleth them, that break thorow all difficulties, as did Davids Worthies; and walk about the world as so many Conquerours: yea more then Con∣querours they are, Rom. 8. 37. and what can that be but Triumph∣ers? 2 Cor. 2. 14.

Take it by force]

Make a prey or a prize of it. Diripiunt as Hi∣lary rendreth it, making it a metaphor, from a tower or town sackt and ransackt by the enemy. Cyprus is an Island so fruitfull and pleasant, that it was anciently called Macaria, that is, bles∣sed. And of it Sextus Rufus writeth, that being famous for ri∣ches,* 1.1 it thereby sollicited the poverty of the people of Rome, to seise upon it. This may be more fitly said of heaven, that habi∣bitation of the happy ones, so eagerly and earnestly sought for by the Saints, that nothing else will satisfy them. Valdè prote∣status sum me nolle sic a Deo satiari, said Luther, when great 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were sent unto him, and a Cardinalship offered him by the Pope: God, he said, should not put him off with those petty things, he breathed after better. Heaven is had by the violent, earth in∣herited by those that are meek, Matth. 5. 6. Where, though God would have his servants content with the least mercies, (as being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 then the very least) yet not satisfied with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 greatest things in the world for their portion, sith they are born to better. If they be, as most are, slothfull in seeking to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 themselves of Heaven: He chides them, as Ioshuah did the seven tribes, for their negligence, Iosh. 18. 2.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Cyprus 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 populi 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉.