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 2. They brought unto him a man 〈◊〉〈◊〉, &c.]

Shew we like mercy to our sin-sick friends, bring them to the ordinances, present them to that Sonne of righteousnes that hath healing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his wings. To an Almighty Physitian no disease can be incurable.* 1.1 He is as able and as ready still to heal those that are brought unto him, he hath lost nothing by heaven, be sure. But as Aaron, though he might not lament over his dead sonnes, because as high-Priest he entred into the Holy-place, yet he still retained the affections and bowels of a father: So the Lord Christ, though in heaven, is no 〈◊〉〈◊〉 loving and large-hearted to his, then when he was in the flesh. Bring therefore all your brethren for an offering to the* 1.2 Lord: and if they cannot or will not come otherwise, bring them as the Prophet bids, upon horses, and in chariots and in litters: q. d. though sick, weakly; and unfit for travel, yet rather in litters, then not at all.

Sonne be of good cheer.]

And well he might, when his sinnes were forgiven. This mercy is enough to make a man everlastingly merry. Viscount Lisle, in Henry the eights time, died for joy of an unexpected pardon from his Prince: how great then is the* 1.3 comfort of pardon from God? Such are bid to be glad, rejoyce and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for joy, Psal. 32. 1, 11. And all others 〈◊〉〈◊〉 forbid to take any comfort, Hos. 91.

Thy sins are for given 〈◊〉〈◊〉]

And yet his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 remained upon

him for some while after. Behold, He whom thou lovest is sick, said they of Lazarus, Joh. 11. We must make a new Bible, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 we can necessarily conclude, that God is heavily offended, because we are heavily afflicted. He that escapes affliction, may suspect his adoption, Prov. 3. 12.

Notes

• * 1.1

  1 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.2

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 66. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.3

  〈12 words〉〈12 words〉.