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 1. Then shall the kingdom of heaven]

OUr Saviour here continueth his former discourse, and sets it on by a second parable to the same 〈◊〉〈◊〉: not so much for the difficulty of the matter, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for our 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and backwardnesse to beleeve and improve it. Moses would have men whet good* 1.1 things upon their childrens mindes and memories, by going of∣ten* 1.2 over them, as the knife doth over the whetstone. Solomon saith good counsell should be fastened as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 driven home to* 1.3 the head, Eccles. 12. 11. Paul holds it profitable to write the same things, though not in the same words, to his Philipians,* 1.4 chap. 4. 1. Peter slacks not to rouse up those to whom he writes, by remembring them of those points, wherein they were ready* 1.5 and well-rooted, 2 Epist. 1. 12, 13. And Austin adviseth preachers

so long to presse the same truths, till they read in their hearers ve∣ry visage that they resent and relish them.

Unto ten virgins]

Virgins without number, Cant. 6. 8. Pro∣fessours at large, good and bad, one with another.

Which took their lamps]

The solemnities of Marriage were anciently, performed and celebrated by night, Luk. 12. 35. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Problem. and the bridegrom brought to his lodging by the virgins, bearing burning lamps before him.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Deut. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 7.
• * 1.2

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 si ut in 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.3

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 & 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉.
• * 1.4

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

  Aug de 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.