Of S. Mathews beginning from Abraham.
The full purpose of S. Mathew concerning the Kingdome of the Iewes, I will handle at large in due place: Now the rea∣sons of Abraham made the beginnig may be touched only; 1. Abraham vvas the first man to whom Christ was promised in plain termes; that in his sede all the families of the earth should be blessed, So a beginning from him is fit for Iewes and heathen.
2. In that Eue had a promess that Christ should destroy the workes of Satan, who destroyed the vorld, & Kild Adam, to be dead in sin, & to leaue this world; our Lord his justice and death, & resurrection & ascension & restoring Adams soule to justice, & the new world wherein justices dwelleth, all these poinctes are closly taught; But contemned by the blinded of Satan, who delite to be vnwittj, & vvill not so much strain theyr care, as to vnderstand vvhat God speaketh. Novv to A∣braham matters vvere shevved playner, that the destroyer of Satans workes; should come of him; & after death should be re∣uiued; & figured by Melchisedek; & as Abraham & Sara dead from strength of generation yet by faith vvere quickened: and iustified by faith; So they should be, vvho beleued in God that raiseth Christ from the dead. For these causes the beginng of the Nevv T. is fitly taken from Abraham.