Verse 1. What is then the preferment of the Iew? or what is the profit of circumcision?
Verse 2. Much euery manner of way: for chiefely, because vnto them were committed the oracles of God.
THis Chapter, first, continues the allega∣tions of the Iewes in behalfe of them∣selues, and the Apostles answeres to the same; secondly, after resumes the assumption discontinued; that Iewes also are transgressours of the law; and thirdly, prosecutes the first conclusion; that man is iu∣stified by faith, without the workes of the law.
Their first allegation, propounded by way of que∣stion is verse 1. If the case be so, that Iewes equal∣ly with Gentiles, are lyable to condemnation for sin, belike then the Iew hath no preferment aboue the Gentile, neither is there any benefit of circumcision: but the Iewes haue prerogatiues aboue the Gentiles, and circumcision is sure profitable, Ergo. The Apostles answere consists, first, of a concession to the first mem∣ber; secondly, a proofe of it; and thirdly a deniall of the reason, as it serues to ouerturne the first conclusi∣on. verse 9.
The concession propounded, verse 2. much is the prerogatiue of the Iew, proued by instance, the ora∣cles of GOD were committed vnto them: the rest shall be shewen in order. Obserue here first, the excel∣lencie: Page 283 secondly, proprietie: thirdly, manner: fourthly, the title of their prerogatiue.
And hence obserue; first, [Obser.] that it is an excellent and chiefe priuiledge, to enioy the word and ministerie thereof; this is saith Paul primarium;* for so I take that particle; to note rather the excellencie of the blessing, then the order of enumerationa. See Psal. 147. where the excellencie of it is showne, by attributes, effects, comparisons. First, it conuerteth the soule: secondly, it is sure, we may build on the truth of it: both in pro∣mise of mercie, and threatning of iudgement: thirdly, it giueth wisedome, and that to the simple: fourthly, it is righteous altogether, no errour in it: fiftly, reioyceth the heart: sixtly, pure in all points: seauenthly, en∣lighteneth the eyes; compared to gold for profit; to hony for sweetnes: eightly, maketh circumspect: first, in shewing the danger of sinneb: secondly teaching how to auoide, verse 10. ninthly it encourageth to obedi∣ence by propounding rewards, comforts our distressesc: instructs in righteousnes, discouereth errours; checks our steppings aside, which Dauid counted a great be∣nefitd: as the Arke amongst the Israelites, so this a∣mongst any people is a pledge of Gods presence.
How much then are we indebted to the maiesty and [Ʋse 1] bounty of our God, that hath graced vs with this pri¦•• blessinge? but to see how coldly thankes for this be∣nefit comes from vs, is strange: our peace and plen∣tie, wee can sometimes thankefully acknowledge; but this blessing of blessings, the glad tydings of peace, wrought with GOD by Iesus Christ; and published in the Gospell; this plentie of the word, how seeme wee eyther to loath, as the Israelites Manna; or at least cold∣ly to commend and publish the rich grace of GOD to vs in that behalfe.
Reasons of it in many, earthly mindednesf: first, be∣cause Page 284 it allowes none but lawfull profits, and in some, for that it restraines carnall libertie, and reproues cor∣ruptionsg.
[Ʋse 2] Is it such a blessing? then by the truth what ere it cost thee, sell it not, what ere it looseth theeh?
Sinnes depriuing vs of this blessing, first, con∣tempti; secondly, barrennesse of good fruitsk: third∣ly, persecution of the ministersl.
[Obser.] Next, note the appropriation of this blessing to the people of the Iewes in the dayes before Christ;* com∣pare Psal. 76. & 1.147.20. Deut. 4.7.8. Act. 14.17. Ephes. 2.12 & 3. dim d.
*The time of this appropriation, seemes to haue bin about their deliuerance out of Egypt; Iob an Edo∣mite, yet a true worshipper of God; Melchisedech also a Priest of the most high Godm.
Reasons of it giuen are: first, Gods vndeserued and speciall loue, secondly, truth of his promisen.
[Vse 1] Apparent therefore, that grace then was not so v∣niuersall as Papists would haue ito: sith knowledge of the meanes of saluation was denied to the nationsp.
[Vse 2] And secondly, this must be acknowledged for a sin∣gular blessing, that the Lord hath reserued vs for these last dayes wherein the word of God formerly limitted to the coasts of Iury and Palestina, is now published, vnto vs of the Gentiles; and let vs all praise God for his mercyq, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 entrusted with it, as with an excel∣lent treasure;* where wee may obserue how the word is committed vnto the Church; and what our duetie is in respect thereof, faithfully to keepe it; and imploy it to the vses of the trustr: this that depositum, the doctrine of the Gospell & whole word of God, parts of faithful∣nesse: first, that we adde nothing theretos: which part of faithfulnesse how well our aduersaries haue dischar∣ged, he that knowes the 〈◊〉 adding of the Apocriphall Page 283 bookes to the canon, and equalling their owne traditi∣ons to the written word of God, except he will be blind cannot but acknowledge, with how seuere a charge we are adiured to take heed hereof: See Apoc. 22.18.19.
And to what purpose need we such a supply, sith what is written: first, it sufficeth to faith and saluationu: and secondly, is able to make the man of God compleatly perfect to euery good worke of his callingvv?
A second thing in fidelitie is; that nothing be dimi∣nished of what it hath pleased God to entrust vs vvith allx: herein also our aduersaries haue deceiued the trust reposed in them; shouldering out the second comman∣dement that they might make roome for Images, and scanting the sense of the law as the Pharisies their prede∣cessorsy: with them thoughts of sinne arising from cor∣ruption, are no sinnes; though it be commanded, that God be loued with all the thought; and the law hath said, thou shalt not lustz: and such motions draw away and entice the hearta.
A third part of faithfulnesse; that we keep it vnmin∣gledb, and not as deceitfull vintners, mingle this Wine of the Lords truth, vvith the water of humane fan∣cies.
A fourth part is to beautifie and adorne the truth in all thingsc.
The fift is that we be carefull and choise to whom we communicate: these holy things are not for dogges, nor these pearles for swined.
The sixt and last; that we defend, maintaine, and pub∣lish this truthe.
Last thing obseruable, is the Title giuen to the word;* Oracles of God: partly because deliuered either by liuely voyce, or by immediate inspiration from God; in which respect, they are called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, liuely Oraclesf, partly because they should be to vs as Ora∣cles, Page 284 whereto in all doubts vve should resort. There∣fore Isaiah cals vs to the law and to the testimonieg, and Dauid makes Gods statutes the men of his coun∣sellh.
[Ʋse 1] And if in steed of aduising with Councils and Fa∣thers, men had carefully enquired at these Oracles, for matter of faith: doctrine, no doubt, had continued much freer from corruption.
[Ʋse 2] And if those superstitious ones amongst vs, in steed of enquiring at spirits of diuinationi, and wearying themselues with consultations of Astrologers, would tye themselues to these Oracles, both the comfort and successe of doubtfull attempts, would be much the grea∣ter.
