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 10. When they saw the Star]

The sight whereof they seem to have lost, when they turned out of the way (it led them to Jerusalem. But this text is excellently paraphrased and applied by Bishop Hooper, Martyr, in a letter of his, written to one M^rs Anne Wareup, in these words: Such as iravelled to finde Christ, fol∣lowed* 1.1 only the Star: and as long as they saw it, they were assured they were in the right way, and had great mirth in their journey. But when they entred into Jerusalem (whereas 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Star led them not thither, but unto Bethlehem) and there asked the Citizens the thing that the Star 〈◊〉〈◊〉 before: As long as they tarried in Je∣rusalem, and would be instructed where Christ was born, they were not only ignorant of Bethlehem, but also lost the sight of the Star, that led them before. Whereof we learn in any case, whilest we be going to seek Christ, which is above, to beware we lose not the Star of Gods word, that only is the mark that shews us where Christ is, and which way we may come unto him. But as Jerusalem stood in the way, and was an impediment to these wise men: so doth the Sy∣nagogue of Antichrist (that bears the name of Jerusalem, that is, the vision of peace, and among the people now is called the Catho∣like 〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

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Church) stand in the way, that pilgrims must go by, thorow this world to Bethlehem, the house of saturity and plentifullnesse; and is an impediment to all Christian travellers. Yea, and except the more grace of God be, will keep the pilgrims still in her, that they shall not come where Christ is adored. And to stay them in∣deed, they take away the Star of light. viz. the word of God, that it cannot be seen, as you may read that other Star was hid from the wise men, while they asked of the Pharisees at Jerusalem, where Christ was born. You may see what great dangers hapned to these wise men, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they were a learning of liars, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was Christ: first, they were out of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 way, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 next, they lost their guide, &c.

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. and 〈◊〉〈◊〉.