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.

He shall give his Angels charge over thee.]

Hitherto the old liar speaketh truth. But, Satan etsi semel videatur ve∣rax, millies est mendax, & semper fallax, saith one. Satan* 1.1 though he may sometimes seem a true-speaker, yet he is a thousand times for it a liar, and alwaies a deceiver. Because our Saviour had alledged Scripture, he also would doe the like, in a perverse, apish imitation, but marres the masculine* 1.2 〈◊〉〈◊〉, by clipping off that clause, They shall keep thee in all thy 〈◊〉〈◊〉; that is, in those courses that are appointed thee by God. But as the Israelites in the wildernesse, when they went out of Gods precincts, were out of his protection: So are all others. As a bird that wandereth from the nest; so* 1.3 is a man that wandereth from his own place, saith Solomon.* 1.4 God made a Law that none should molest a bird upon her nest. Doth God take eare of birds? A King undertaketh the safety of his Subjects, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they travell within due hours, and keep the Kings high-way, else not: so doth God. He hath given his Angels charge over us, whiles we hold his way, which is like Jacobs ladder, where the Angels were ascending and descending. Oh the dignity and safety of a Saint, in a guard so full of state and strength! Well might David (after he had said, The angel of the Lord pitcheth his tent* 1.5 〈◊〉〈◊〉 about them that fear him) presently subjoyn. Taste and see how gracious the Lord is, in allowing his children so glorious an 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.2

  In 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, non in 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.3

  Prov. 27. 8.
• * 1.4

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 6.
• * 1.5

  Psal. 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 8.