A commentary or, exposition upon the divine second epistle general, writtenA commentary or, exposition vpon the diuine second epistle generall, written

But to conclude plainly; Christ had not yet gotten so much credit with the Jews, as had their Prophets: for their common opinion was, that all Jesus did was by Magic. This they expressly objected, when he had cast out a devil, Mat. 12.24. This fellow doth cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. And when the ⟨p. 339⟩voice of such a glorious testimony came from heaven; h The people that stood by, and heard it, said, that it thundered. They would not believe it to be the voice of the Father. Do you speak of a voice from heaven? Who heard it? Do you tell us of his rising from the dead? who saw him? Therefore the Apostle refers them to the Prophets, those Ancients: whose Word was (as it were) the foundation of the Gospel, Ephes. 2.20. We are built upon the foundation of the Prophets, as well as of the Apostles: the same Jesus Christ, the Centre of them both, being the chief corner-stone. Now the foundation is surer than the house: antiquity, the foundation, is more surely received. Thus the Scriptures of the Prophets stop the mouth of the Jews, who referred all the actions of Christ to a bad spirit. We call that most sure, that can give best satisfaction to the scholar: we are late reporters, but the Prophets are ancient. Therefore their Word is certiùs judicio vestro, surer in your judgement, though not in it self, Aug. Christ is an infinite mass of gold, but they were so tired with expectation, that when it came, they were not able to finger the money; therefore he refers them to the Prophets; that comparing both these together, they might be more assured.

But to conclude plainly; Christ had not yet gotten so much credite with the Iewes, as had their Prophets: for their common opinion was, that all Iesus did was by Magicke. This they expresly objected, when he had cast out a devill, Mat. 12.24. This fellow doth cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. And when the ⟨p. 339⟩voice of such a glorious testimony came from heaven; h The people that stood by, and heard it, said, that it thundered. They would not beleeve it to be the voice of the Father. Doe you speake of a voice from heaven? Who heard it? Doe you tell us of his rising from the dead? who saw him? Therefore the Apostle refers them to the Prophets, those Ancients: whose Word was (as it were) the foundation of the Gospell,