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 30. The grasse of the field, which to day is, and tomorrow 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cast into the oven.]

A fit resemblance of all outward things, the subject of our carking cares, likened (when they are at best) to the flower of grasse, Isa. 40. 6. The Sun is no sooner risen, saith S. James, with a burning heat, but it withereth the grasse, and* 1.1 the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it peri∣sheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his waies, his rich∣es

cannot ransom him. But as grasse, when ripe, withereth, and is carried away, either by the teeth of beasts, or hands of men: so are all, by impartiall death. And as the sithe with a few stroaks, mows down thousands of piles and forms of grasse; so do Gods judgements millions of men, Psal. 9. 17. Prov. 11. 21. And as grasse is to day a flourishing field, to morrow cast into the oven: so are the greatest into their graves (if not into that burning fiery fornace) then when they are in their prime and pride, in their greatest flourish, in the ruff of all their jollity: as the rich fool, therefore a fool, because he stuck his clothes with these flowers of the field, these fading felicities, and thought himself thereby be∣come* 1.2 (as Simon Magus) some great one. Contrarily S. James makes it a signe of a convert, that though of high degree in the* 1.3 world, yet he is herein made low, that he hath low thoughts of these low things, which he seeth to be mutable and momentary, as the flower of the grasse; and bids him rejoyce in that he is exalt∣ed,* 1.4 in that he is now made a greater man ever since; being con∣verted he is become too big for these petty businesses: As a man grown up, delights to deal in lands, and laies by his Cherry-stones. But we pitty that want of wit which ma∣keth the minde run on bables, but never think on ought sub∣stantiall.

O ye of little faith.]

Ye petty fidians, ye small faiths. Unbelief is that root of bitternesse, whence carefulnesse springeth. Hence it was, that the Heathen so abounded in it. Strive we therefore to a full assurance of faith and hope: so shall we rowl our selves up∣on God for all things needfull to life and godlinesse. Faith fears* 1.5 no famine, it quelleth and killeth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fear: but awfull dread, it breedeth, feedeth, fostereth and cherisheth. When a man can say* 1.6 with Abraham, God will provide, he will be out of fear and doubt: when he can believe not only Gods promise, but his providence, as David, 1 Sam. 26. 10, 11.

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 1. 10, 11.
• * 1.2

  Act. 8. 9.
• * 1.3

  Jam. 1. 10. expounded.
• * 1.4

  Animo magno 〈◊〉〈◊〉 magnum.
• * 1.5

  Fides famen 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉.
• * 1.6

  Hier. ex Tert.