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 13. Behold, the Angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream]

Angels cannot inlighten the minde, or powerfully in∣cline the will (that's proper to the holy Ghost to do) but, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and instruments of the holy Ghost, they can insinuate them∣selves into the phantasie (as here to Joseph) stir up phantasmes of good things, propound truth to the minde, advise and perswade to it, as Counsellours, and inwardly instigate, as it were, by speaking and doing after a spirituall manner, suggesting good thoughts, as the apostate Angels do 〈◊〉〈◊〉. How oft had we 〈◊〉〈◊〉, had not these guardians hindered (as Michael opposed Satan) by removing oc∣casions,* 1.1 or casting in good instincts into us, either asleep or a∣wake, &c.

Take the young childe, and flee into AEgypt.]

Perhaps thorow* 1.2 that terrible and roaring wildernesse of 〈◊〉〈◊〉: However, this was a part of his passion; for, from his cratch to his crosse, he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 many a little death all his life long. And as it is said of that French King, That he acted more wars, then others ever saw: so* 1.3 our Saviour suffered more miseries, then we ever heard of. Banished hē was betime, to bring back his banished to Paradise that is above, their proper countrey; toward the which we groan and aspire, as oft as we look towards Heaven: waiting, as with stretched out* 1.4 * 1.5 necks, for the manifestation of the Sons of God: and saying with* 1.6 Siseras mother: Why is his chariot so long in coming? why tar∣ry* 1.7 the wheels of his charets? Make haste, my beloved, and be like a Roe or young Hart upon the mountains of spices.

For Herod will seek the young childe to destroy him]

The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Herod, Rev. 12. 4. So Rev. 2 10. The Devil shall cast some of you into prison, &c. Is the Devil become a Justicer, to send men to prison? by his imps and instruments, (such as Herod was, that abuse

their authority) Satan exerciseth his malice against the Saints, lending them his 7 heads to plot, and his 10 horns to push; but all in vain, Psal 2 5.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Jude 9.
• * 1.2

  Deut. 8. 15.
• * 1.3

  Hen 4.
• * 1.4

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.5

  Rom. 8. 19.
• * 1.6

  Judg 5. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.7

  Cant. 8. 14.