A01972:1281
An exposition on the whole fifth chapter of S. Johns Gospel also notes on…An exposition on the vvhole fifth chapter of S. Iohns Gospell also notes on…
An exposition on the whole fifth chapter of S. Johns Gospel also notes on other choice places of Scripture, taken by a reverend divine, now with God, and found in his study after his death, written with his own hand ...An exposition on the vvhole fifth chapter of S. Iohns Gospell also notes on other choice places of Scripture, taken by a reuerend diuine, now with God, and found in his study after his death, written with his owne hand ...
London: printed by H. Lownes and R. Young for John Bartlett, 1630London: printed by H. Lownes and R. Young for Iohn Bartlett, 1630
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Why it was called the Tree of Life, there is some doubt. Some said that it had vigour in it, to preserve the life in perpetuity, and immortality. But it seems to be otherwise: for first immortality was properly given to man in his creation, why then should we give it to the Tree of life? Secondly, then it must either have kept him from sin, or have given him immortality, whether he had sinned or no; both are false. And to the objections, which may seem to confirm that opinion, as first out of chapter 3.22. Least man should put forth his hands &c.] We answer that it is taken Ironically, to lay forth mans conceit plainly.
Why it was called the Tree of Life, there is some doubt. Some said that it had vigor in it, to preserue the life in perpetuitie, and immortalitie. But it seemes to be otherwise: for first immortalitie was properly giuen to man in his creation, why then should we giue it to the Tree of life? Secondly, then it must either haue kept him from sin, or haue giuē him immortalitie, whether he had sinned or no; both are false. And to the obiections, which may seeme to confirme that opinion, as first out of chapter 3.22. Least man should put forth his hands &c.] Wee answere that it is taken Ironically, to lay forth mans conceit plainely.
2. Why then man should be driven out of Paradise? Aansw. First, because that he might the better know, that he was indeed deprived of life, being now thrust from the sign. Secondly, to show that he was not worthy of the thing signified, viz. life, because he was unworthy of the sign. Thirdly, ⟨p. 173⟩to show that the sign doth not belong to them, who have no right and title to the thing signified. For now Adam had lost l•fe eternal, whereof this was a sign. Then the safest resolution is, that this Tree, was called the Tree of life, because it was ordained of God a sign and pledge of life eternal, so long as man remained obedient.
2. Why then man should be driuen out of Paradise? Aansw. First, because that he might the better know, that he was indeed depriued of life, being now thrust from the signe. Secondly, to shew that he was not worthie of the thing signified, viz. life, because he was vnworthie of the signe. Thirdly,