A paraphrase on the New Testament with notes, doctrinal and practical, by plainess and brevity fitted to the use of religious families, in their daily reading of the Scriptures : and of the younger and poorer sort of scholars and ministers, who want fuller helps : with an advertisement of difficulties in the Revelations / by Richard Baxter.

The First Epistle of PAUL the Apostle to the THESSALONIANS.

CHAP. I.

1. PAul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessaloni∣ans, which is in God the Father, and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1. To the Assembly of Christians associated in the professed Belief of God the Father, and the Lord Je∣sus Christ, &c.

2, 3. We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our pray∣ers, remembring without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God, and our Father.

2, 3. We thankfully remember your working Faith, your laborious Love, and patient Hope in Christ, which is all seen and accepted by God our Father.

4, 5. Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word onely, but also in power, and in the holy Ghost, and in much assu∣rance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

4, 5. For I was assured, that God had freely elected you to be honoured as a Church of Christ, in that he sent me particularly to you, and that with Power of Miracles, and pouring out of the Holy Ghost, he confirmed my Ministry, and caused me to fulfil it, as your Experience telleth you.

6. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the holy Ghost:

6. And because he blessed all with such Success that you obeyed our Word, and were converted to God, receiving the Word in the trial of sharp Affli∣ction and Opposition, and yet with Joy, and the par∣ticipation of the Holy Ghost.

7. So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

7. So that your Example tended to the happy imi∣tation of all that now believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

8. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord, not onely in Macedonia and A∣chaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad, so that we need not to speak any thing.

8. For from you the Word of God spread abroad, even in many other Countries it is known; so that I need not tell it them, to your praise, and their imi∣tation.

9. For they themselves shew of us, what manner of entring in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from Idols, to serve the living and true God,

9. They tell abroad themselves, what Success we had in your Conversion from Idolatry to the true God.

10. And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus which delivered us from the wrath to come.

10. And to wait in Faith and Hope, that his Son,

that is raised from death, and ascended, will come from Heaven for our Salvation, even Jesus, who de∣livereth us from the Wrath that will come on Unbe∣lievers.

CHAP. II.

1. FOr your selves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain.

1. For you are my Witnesses, that I came not to you in deceit, on any false design or manner.

2. But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.

3. But our shameful usage at Philippi did not discou∣rage us; but our trust in our God did embolden us to preach his Gospel to you, though in a conflict of great opposition.

3. For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: 4. But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

3, 4. For I came not to you to deceive you into Errour, nor to plead for fleshly Lusts, nor crastily to make advantage of you to our gain: But as God ap∣proved and chose me to be put in trust with the Preaching of the Gospel, I do it to please him who trieth our Hearts, and not to please the Humours and Lusts of Men.

5. For neither at any time used we flat∣tering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of co∣vetousness; God is witness.

5. For you your selves know, that I flattered you not, nor indulged fleshly Pleasures; and God know∣eth, that I made not the Gospel a Cloak to hide any covetous Design.

6. Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensom, as the apostles of Christ.

6. Nor did I preach up my self, for Vain-glory (Power or Profit), neither with you, or any others; though as Christs Apostle I might have pleaded my Power, and demanded Maintenance.

7. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

7. But we sought not our Gain and Glory, but your Good; and that with all the love and tender∣ness to you, as a Nurse cherisheth her Children, in self-denial.

8. So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God onely, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

8. So my strong Love to you made me not onely willingly to preach the Gospel to you, (without any selfish, proud, or covetous design) but you are so dear to me, that I think not my Life too dear for you.

9. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travel: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

9. Ye cannot but remember my great Toil and Labour, how working at my Trade Night and Day, because I would not be chargeable to any of you, I preached the Gospel to you freely.

10. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily, and justly, and unblameably we be∣haved our selves among you that believe.

10. I appeal to your selves, and to God, as Wit∣nesses, that our Behaviour with you was holy, just, and blameless.

11. As you know how we exhorted and comforted, and charged every one of you (as a father doth his children) 12. That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

11, 12. As you know how tenderly I exhorted, and comforted, and charged not onely the Assemblies, but every one that I could speak to, even as a Father will do to every Child; that now you are Christians, you will live as is suitable to the God you serve, and the Kingdom and Glory to which he hath called you.

13. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but (as it is in truth) the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

13. And it is the matter of our uncessant thanks to God, that you received not the Gospel as Mens Word, with a meer Humane Faith and Obedience; but as Gods Word, with a Divine: which it appear∣eth to be, by the powerful efficacy of it on your selves, who are true Believers.

14. For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God, which in Judea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews.

14. Ye follow the Churches in Judea, in suffering by your own Neighbours, as well as in the same Faith.

Note, The same Faith, Hope, and Holiness, will meet with the same Enmity in all Countries.

15. Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are con∣trary to all men: 16. Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles, that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

15, 16. Note, 1. That the Carnal Church hath been more persecuting and bloody than the Heathens.

2. That Christ himself seemed not to them good enough to live, or to be endured among them; but was murdered as a Traytor and Blasphemer, by pre∣tended Law and Justice. And Prophets and Apostles had the like usage.

3. That bloody Persecution oft goeth with the Carnal Church for a great Duty.

4. That God is not pleased with the Persecutors of his Servants, though they do it as to please him.

5. That malignant Persecutors are oft so mad as to be contrary to all Men, or engage themselves against the common Interest of Mankind, that they may per∣secute the Faithful.

6. It is the silencing of the best Preachers of the Gospel, which hath the heat of their malignant Zeal.

7. It is that Preaching which would save Souls, which they forbid: And because this Preaching is the Means to save Souls, it is that Satan aimeth his Militia against it.

8. Persecuting and silencing Faithful Preachers, is the way to fill up the Sins of the malignant Ene∣mies.

9. God useth not to bring the utmost Wrath on Men, till they have filled up their Sins.

10. How long soever they prosper, Wrath will come at last to the uttermost on malignant Sinners and Persecutors of the faithful Preachers of the Go∣spel.

17. But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time, in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

17. But our constrained absence from you, (in Person, not in Heart) made us the more earnestly desire to see you.

18. Wherefore we would have come un∣to you (even I Paul) once and again, but Satan hindred us.

18. I would oft have come to you, and attempted i•••• but by Gods permission Satan hindred me, (by stirring up Persecution and Restraints, and making me Work elsewhere by Opposition.)

19. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoycing? are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his com∣ing? 20. For ye are our glory and joy.

19, 20. For what is that Hope, and Joy, and Crown, for which I labour so hard, and suffer so much? Is it not your Conversion and Salvation, which before Christ at his coming will be my Joy? Yes, ye are our Glory and Joy, that God hath so blest our Labours to your Salvation.

Note, 1. True Ministers of Christ thirst and labour far more for Mens Conversion and Salvation, than for Reputation, Honour, Riches, Preferment, or Do∣mination.

2. Though God will reward Faithful Preachers though they have small Success, yet to have great Success, to the saving of many, is far more comfort∣able, not onely now, but at the Coming of Christ.

CHAP. III.

1. WHerefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone: 2. And sent Timo∣theus our brother and minister of God, and our fellow-labourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concern∣ing your faith.

1, 2. Note, That in the time of trying Persecuti∣ons, Christians have special need of confirming and comforting Helps.

3. That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for your selves know that we are appointed thereunto.

3. Note, Sufferings for Christ should be so expe∣cted, that they should seem no strange surprising thing.

4. For verily when we were with you, we told you before, that we should suffer tri∣bulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

4. Gods foretelling us of Suffering, should fore∣arm us for it.

5. For this cause when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

5. Note, That though censorious Suspicions of Men be forbidden, yet Man is so mutable and weak a thing, that loving Suspicions for preventing Hart, are necessary to them that have the Care of Men.

6. But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: 7. Therefore, brethren, we were comforted

over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith.

6, 7. Note, That they that by Affliction are not drawn to Sin, are matter of Joy to themselves and their Friends, notwithstanding their Sufferings.

8. For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

8. Your Stedfastness and Victory is the Joy or Life of our Lives.

9. For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God,

9. We can never be thankful enough to God, for the Comfort which we have in you.

10. Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might per∣fect that which is lacking in your faith?

10. Note, That the Faith of good Christians is wanting (in Act and Object), and needeth Increase and Help thereto.

11. Now God himself, and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ direct our way un∣to you: 12. And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one towards ano∣ther, and towards all men, even as we do to∣wards you:

11, 12. Note, That to abound in Love to Saints as Saints, and to all Men as Men, is the state of true In∣crease in Grace.

13. To the end he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, with all his saints.

13. Note, That it is confirmed Faith working by abounding Love, which is the Qualification in which we may stand uncondemned, as truly holy before God, at the coming of Christ to Judgment.

CHAP. IV.

1. FUrthermore then we beseech you, bre∣thren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how you ought to walk, and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

1. Note, That Paul's Doctrine against Justification by the Works of the Law, consisteth with vehement urgency, for Men to please God, by doing their Du∣ty, and abounding therein.

2, 3, 4, 5. For ye know what command∣ments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctifica∣tion, that ye should abstain from fornicati∣on: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

2, 3, 4, 5. You know how we charged you from Christ, as that which God requireth in you, that you be a Holy People, and therefore that you be no For∣nicators, but be careful to use your Bodies in purity and honour, and not in fleshly Lust, like the ignorant Heathens.

6. That no man go beyond, and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you, and testified.

That no Man tread upon or defraud his Brother in any Matter, &c.

Note, Some think that it is Unnatural Lust that is here obscurely named by Modesty: But that it for∣bids all sorcible or fraudulent Wrong to another in Body or Estate, is most probable. And note, That God is especially the Avenger of such Wrongs, in which the Power and Fraud of Oppressors leaveth Men no other Help but Gods.

7. For God hath not called us unto un∣cleanness, but unto holiness.

7. It is to Holiness, and from all Uncleanness, that God hath called us by Christ: And we must live ac∣cording to our Vocation, if we are converted in∣deed.

8. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given un∣to us his holy Spirit.

8. Those therefore that plead for such Sins as harm∣less, and despise these Bounds of Lust, despise Gods own Commandments and him, and not onely us that preach them; and they despise the Spirit of Holiness, given by God to all the Faithful, which condemneth these Lusts.

9. But as touching brotherly love, ye need not that I write unto you: for ye your selves are taught of God to love one another.

9. As for Brotherly Love, you have not such need to be taught it as those that know it not: For God (who hath a way of teaching by Efficiency, beyond that of Words) hath taught you to love one another, by giving you this Love, by his Holy Spirit.

10. And inded ye do it towards all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;

10. Note, 1. That it is a wise way to make Men better, to praise so much Good as is in them.

2. Even those that God hath taught by his own Operations, have need to be entreated by Men to in∣crease, even in the Duty of Loving others.

11. And that ye study to be quiet, and to

do your own business, and to work with your own hands (as we commanded you)

11. And to that end, that you make it your ear∣nest care and study to avoid all strife, and to live in quietness with all Men: And for this, that you avoid medling in other Mens Matters unnecessarily, but mind and meddle with the Business which is your own; and that Idleness cast you not on others for Supply, but that you work for your selves, as I com∣manded you.

Note, That he that will increase in Love, must 1. Study Quietness: 2. And not meddle uncalled with other Mens Matters: 3. Nor make himself need the Help of others: 4. And therefore not live in impoverishing Idleness.

12. That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

12. That so your Condition in the World may en∣able you to live in a comely sort, with Reputation, and not expose you to Contempt, and that Want may not afflict you.

13. But I would not have you to be igno∣rant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

13. And left you be tempted to doubtful or over-sorrowful Thoughts of the Dead, like them that be∣lieve not a better Life hereafter, I would not have you cherish such Sorrows by ignorance of their Case.

14. For if we believe that Jesus died, and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus, will God bring with him.

14. For how can we believe that Christ died and rose, but we must also believe the Resurrection of those that are the departed Members of Christ? He will bring their Souls with him, for they are with him now: and he will raise their Bodies, and so bring the entire Man with him in Judgment.

Note, That Death is called a Sleep to the Faithful, with respect to the Body, and the Rest of the Soul f••o•• Sorrow; but not as if the Soul were but in a sleepy Inactivity.

15. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive, and remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent them which are asleep.

15. For I say this not as my Word, but Gods, That such of us Believers as shall be found alive then, shall not go before them that are dead to Christ at his coming.

16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

16. For the Lord himself coming down in his visi∣ble Humanity from Heaven, shall call the World to∣gether, as Men call Assemblies, by Shout, by Voice, or by a Trumpet; so shall Christ by his unknown way, called the Voice of an Archangel, and the Trumpet of God; and first the dead Christians shall be raised to Life.

17. Then we which are alive and remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18. Where∣fore, comfort one another with these words.

17, 18. Then those of us who shall be alive and remain, shall by his Power be caught up with them, to meet Christ in the Air; who will adjudge us to Everlasting Life, and so we shall ever after that be with Christ in Glory where he is: Therefore encou∣rage and comfort your selves, and each other, with the lively Belief, the joyful Hopes, and the frequent mention of this most Blessed Time and State.

Note, 1. That though Paul knew not the time, it's a groundless Reproach of Paul by them that say, He thought that he should have lived here till the coming of Christ to Judgment. Had Paul made Men believe that Christ should come again in that very Age, what a Delusion would it have been to the Churches? and what false Expectations and Reli∣gious Duties would it have enticed them to? and have tempted the next Age, that saw the frustrati∣on, to have revolted to Infidelity.

2. Though we are told, that we must meet the Lord in the Air, and then be ever with him; it plea∣sed not God to give us yet a distinct knowledge of the Place, nor what he will do with the New Earth in which Righteousness will dwell: But whereever it is, it will be in Heavenly Glory with Christ.

3. They that will have true Christian Comfort, must fetch it from the daily and lively Belief and Consideration of this, That we shall for ever be in Happiness with Christ our Lord, and the holy Society of the Blessed.

4. Qu. Why doth not Paul comfort them with the men∣tion of the Souls Immortality and Happiness before the Re∣surrection of the Body? Ans. Because, 1. It was the Body that suffered by Persecution, and that slept, and that they mourned for too much; and therefore it was about it that they needed Comfort. 2. And the Souls Immortality was a more undoubted thing▪ (without which a Resurrection of the same Man had been impossible.) 3. And the Felicity or Perfection of entire Man is greater than that of the Soul alone, the State of which God hath less clearly and distinct∣ly revealed to us.

CHAP. V.

1. BUt of the times and seasons, bre∣thren, ye have no need that I write

unto you. 2. For your selves know perfect∣ly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

1, 2. But to write to you of the particular time of Christs coming, I suppose you expect not; for you have been told, that he cometh as a Thief in the Night, unexpected, Men not foreknowing when.

3. For when they shall say, Peace and safe∣ty; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

3. So much must the time be unknown, that it will surprise them with sudden unavoidable Destructi∣on when they most presume that all is well with them, and safe.

4. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

4, 5. But though you know not the time, it will not so surprise you, as Thieves do Men asleep in the Night: For ye are all in the Day-light; and not un∣prepared, in a state of Darkness.

6. Therefore let us not sleep as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

6. Therefore let this remember you to avoid the careless Presumption, the Vices and unprepared state of the sleepy World; and to live as awake, and in sobriety.

7. For they that sleep, sleep in the night; and they that be drunken, are drunken in the night.

7. For the Night is the time of sleep, and to hide the shame of Drunkenness by Darkness.

8. But let us who are of the day, be sober, putting on the brestplate of faith and love, and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

8. But let us, whom God hath brought out of Darkness into the Christian Light, live soberly, wear∣ing Faith and Love as Soldiers do a Breastplate, and the Hope of Salvation as they do an Helmet, to save Heart and Head from all Assaults.

9. For God hath not appointed us to wrath; but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.

9. For it is not us, that are his faithful Servants, but his rebellious Enemies, whom God hath appointed to Wrath; but us he appointeth to obtain Salvation by Christ.

10. Who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

10. Who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep in Body, live or die, we should live with him.

11. Wherefore comfort your selves to∣gether, and edifie one another, even as also ye do.

11. Therefore continue as you do to assemble and comfort your selves together with these Hopes, and to edifie one another thereby.

Note, Paul knew that Rulers were against such Assemblies and Exercises. Qu. But must they not be forborn, if Men forbid them? Ans. Not as an Act of Obedience, when God commandeth us to use them: But Force may make it impossible to us; as it is to relieve the Poor, when Men disable us, and take away all that we have to give them.

12. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13. And to esteem them very highly in love for their works sake. And be at peace a∣mong your selves.

12, 13. Acknowledge their Office and Worth, and your Obligations, to them that are truly called to be your Bishops, or Spiritual Guides and Rulers, and la∣bour among you in that Office, and admonish you: And as their Office is high, their Labour and your Benefit great, let them be greatly esteemed by you, and dearly loved for their Work. This due Love and Submission to them, and living in Peace among your selves, will make you a happy Church.

Note, 1. That every Church should have their pro∣per Overseers and Guides among them.

2. That these Pastors are over them in the Lord, and not to be ruled by the People.

3. That the Work of Bishops is to labour among them, and admonish their particular Churches.

4. That their Authority must be owned, and they highly esteemed and loved.

5. That it is for their Works sake that this is due to them, and therefore not to those that work not.

6. The Bishops whom in this Text they were in∣treated to own, honour, and love, were those that laboured among them, and not onely those that li∣ved far off, and never laboured among them.

7. Due Love and Respect between the Pastors and the Flock, and being at peace among themselves, are the way to establish a Church in a prosperous state.

14. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be patient to∣ward all men.

14. Those that are disorderly and unruly, warn: Those that are feeble-minded, comfort: Those that are weak, support, and help them to hear their Bur∣dens: And be gentle and patient to all.

Note, How contrary to this reviling and destro••∣ing all these sorts? yea, silencing the strongest, that fear sinning against God, by swearing, subscribing, and conforming to the needless and wicked Canons of Papal Usurpers.

5. See that none render evil for evil un∣to any man: but ever follow that which is good, both among your selves, and to all men.

15. Though Men by doing evil to you, deserve evil, return it not by Revenge, by Word or Deed: But set your selves to do good, both to Christians, and to all Men.

16, 17, 18. Rejoyce evermore. Pray with∣out ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus con∣cerning you.

16, 17, 18. Whatever you suffer, always rejoice, because still your Cause of Joy remaineth: And let Prayer be your constant Practice, and your Habit of holy Desire be a continued virtual Prayer. And in every Case give Thanks to God, because your Mer∣cies are still greater than your Sufferings: And this God hath made your Duty, by the great Blessings which he hath given you in Christ.

19, 20. Quench not the spirit. Despise not prophesyings.

19, 20. Quench not Divine Operations of the Spi∣rit, by Neglect, or by wilful Sin. Set not light by those Instructing Gifts which any exercise by the spe∣cial Assistance of the Spirit of God: For the Witness of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy.

21. Prove all things: hold fast that which is good.

21. Receive not hastily or rashly, without suffici∣ent Proof, any Doctrines, or pretended Revelations, or Practices; but the Good that is tried and proved, hold fast.

22. Abstain from all appearance of evil.

22. Avoid all Sin so carefully, as not to venture on that which you have just cause to suspect to be sinful, till you have tried whether it be so or not.

23. And the very God of peace sanctifie you wholly: and I pray God your whole spi∣rit and soul and body be preserved blame∣less unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

23. And God who giveth and loveth the Peace and Prosperity of his Servants, sanctifie you wholly: And I pray God that you may wholly, in Spirit, Soul; and Body, be so preserved from Sin, that you may stand uncondemned, approved as faithful, at the coming of Christ.

Note, 1. It is of great use for our Comfort and ••mitation, to know God to be the God of Peace.

2. Paul meaneth not that their Bodies should live till Christs coming, or that they should be without all Sin and Blame; but without all condemning Sin, and so justified and forgiven as to their Imperfe∣tions.

3. He doth not make Spirit, Soul, and Body three substantial compounding Parts of Man, (as far as can be proved;) but seemeth onely to mean, that he de∣sireth that they may stand approved in all these three respects: 1. In the Spirit, that is, the Habits and Disposition of the Soul, looking beyond it self to its End. 2. In the Soul, as it acteth the Body which it animateth. 3. In the Body, as it is the Instrument of the Soul. But of these things even Christian Philo∣sophers differ. 1. Some think Man hath three di∣stinct Souls, Intellectual, Sensitive, and Vegetative. 2. Some, that he hath two, Intellectual and Sensitive; and that the Vegetative is a part of the Body. 3. Some, that he hath but one, with these three Fa∣culties. 4. Some, that he hath but one, with two Faculties, Intellectual and Sensitive. 5. Some, that he hath but one, with the Faculty of Intellection and Will; and that the Sensitive is corporeal. So little do we know our selves. What I think most proba∣ble, I have opened in Methodo Theologiae; That Man hath but one substantial Soul, with both Intellectual and Sensitive Faculties; and that it is uncertain whe∣ther the Vegetative be its Faculty, or onely the Fa∣culty of the Igneous or Etherial Substance, which is the immediate Vehicle of the Soul. It is enough for us to know so much of our Souls as our Duty in using them, and our Felicity do require: As he may know to use his Clock, Watch, House, Horse, who knoweth not how to make them, nor can anatomise them.

24. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

24. Note, Gods Faithfulness may give the Sancti∣fied great Hope of their Perseverance.

25. Brethren, pray for us. 26. Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.

25, 26. Note, 1. Apostles needed the Prayers of weak Christians.

2. The Ceremony of Kissing, and such other, are mutable, fit or unfit, as the Custom of Countries va∣rieth the Signification.

27. I charge you by the Lord, that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

28. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

27, 28. Note, That the Epistles written to single Churches were not confined to their use, but by them to be communicated to as many as they well could.