A01972:54
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.
3. This was a great honour which God doth to men, in sending Angels to them; which should teach us to respect this honour, and by way of gratefulness to honour him again, by having our hearts filled with an holy admiration of Gods great works, as Psal. 8. and yet take we heed of giving this honour due to God unto the Angels, a sin whereunto we are much subject, Col. 2.18.
3. This was a great honour which God doth to men, in sending Angels to them; which should teach vs to respect this honour, and by way of gratefulnesse to honour him againe, by hauing our hearts filled with an holy admiration of Gods great workes, as Psal. 8. and yet take wee heed of giuing this honour due to God vnto the Angels, a sinne whereunto we are much subiect, Col. 2.18.
4. The Time when this water was troubled is indefinitely set down, [at a certain season.]
4. The Time when this water was troubled is indefinitely set downe, [at a certaine season.]
Quest. A question is made, whether the time were set and fixed when the Angel did come down; as at every solemn Feast, or on the Sabbath day, &c.
Quest. A question is made, whether the time were set and fixed when the Angel did come downe; as at euery solemne Feast, or on the Sabbath day, &c.
Answ. There was no set time, as appears, first, because there were so many continually waiting for the moving of the water; which they needed not to have done, seeing they might have come at the set time only. Secondly, because there was a sign given of the Angels coming down, viz. the water was troubled, which needed not, if they had known that he did come down at a certain ⟨p. 9⟩hour. Thirdly, the long time of their abiding and waiting here, and the word [Greek or Hebrew], translated season, implies no certain time, but is indefinitely taken here, and so used in many other places.
Answ. There was no set time, as appeares, first, because there were so many continually waiting for the mouing of the water; which they needed not to haue done, seeing they might haue come at the set time onely. Secondly, because there was a signe giuen of the Angels comming downe, viz. the water was troubled, which needed not, if they had knowne that hee did come downe at a certaine ⟨p. 9⟩howre. Thirdly, the long time of their abiding and waiting here, and the word 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, translated season, implies no certaine time, but is indefinitely taken here, and so vsed in many other places.
The reason why this was uncertain is, that they might wait, which thing they did. So must we, seeing the Spirit bloweth where it listeth, attend still upon the preaching of the Word, because if one time we find not comfort, another time we may, so that we ought to come still. The like must we do in all things, whereof the season is kept close unto the Lord, and unknown to us. So much for the means of working this cure.
The reason why this was vncertaine is, that they might wait, which thing they did. So must wee, seeing the Spirit bloweth where it listeth, attend still vpon the preaching of the Word, because if one time we find not comfort, another time we may, so that we ought to come still. The like must we doe in all things, whereof the season is kept close vnto the Lord, and vnknowne to vs. So much for the meanes of working this cure.
2. The second point, is the means of attaining unto this cure; which was Stepping into the water. And this is amplified, First, by the Restraint, he only was cured that first stepped in. Secondly, by the issue and effect of it; he was made whole, &c. The water was the means whereby the cure was wrought, and they that would be cured must steppe in. Hence the Doctrine is, That they that obtain a blessing must use the means: Act. 27.32.
2. The second point, is the meanes of attaining vnto this cure; which was Stepping into the water. And this is amplified, First, by the Restraint, he onely was cured that first stepped in. Secondly, by the issue and effect of it; he was made whole, &c. The water was the meanes wherby the cure was wrought, and they that would bee cured must steppe in. Hence the Doctrine is, That they that obtaine a blessing must vse the meanes: Act. 27.32.
Now in temporal things all men are ready to use the means of obtaining any good: but in things spiritual, we all stumble and fail. Wherefore seeing God hath appointed his Word and Sacraments the means for our salvation, we ought to be concionable in the use of them. And whereas many flee unto Predestination, that they need not use the means, seeing if God have elected them, they shall be saved; we must consider, that God, who chooseth us unto this end, hath ordained means to bring us unto it. Neither doth this use of the means withdraw our hearts from depending on the providence of God, but in a moderate use of them, our hearts are more lifted up to the consideration thereof.
Now in temporal things al men are ready to vse the meanes of obtaining any good: but in things spirituall, wee all stumble and faile. Wherefore seeing God hath appointed his Word and Sacraments the meanes for our saluation, we ought to be concionable in the vse of them. And whereas many flee vnto Predestination, that they need not vse the meanes, seeing if God haue elected them, they shall be saued; we must consider, that God, who chooseth vs vnto this end, hath ordained meanes to bring vs vnto it. Neither doth this vse of the meanes withdraw our hearts from depending on the prouidence of God, but in a moderate vse of them, our hearts are more lifted vp to the consideration thereof.
The Restraint stands in this, that but one was cured at once, he that went in first: not because God was able to cure no more, but first, to show, that the virtue came not from the water, but was in the will of God. Secondly, to cause them to strive to go in first. Thirdly, to show, that this was not so much for ⟨p. 10⟩a corporal good as for a spiritual or to draw their mind to consider of his power and presence among them. We may here apply this to the means of salvation, that as there was here a strife to enter into the water: so in us there should be a strife after the Word of God, and an endeavour to follow it, as it was in Johns time, when the kingdom of Heaven suffered violence, But the instruction that naturally ariseth hence, is this; That means are not further powerful, then God doth give a blessing unto them. So here, it being the will of God that but one should be cured, he that came in after the first found no help, the water was but common water to him. So the Sea that was a wall to the Israelites, drowned the Egyptians. So 1. Cor. 3.7.
The Restraint stands in this, that but one was cured at once, he that went in first: not because God was able to cure no more, but first, to shew, that the vertue came not from the water, but was in the will of God. Secondly, to cause thē to striue to goe in first. Thirdly, to shew, that this was not so much for ⟨p. 10⟩a corporall good as for a spirituall or to draw their mind to consider of his power and presence among them. We may here apply this to the meanes of saluation, that as there was here a strife to enter into the water: so in vs there should be a strife after the Word of God, and an endeauour to follow it, as it was in Iohns time, when the kingdome of Heauen suffered violence, But the instruction that naturally ariseth he•ce, is this; That meanes are not further powerfull, then God doth giue a blessing vnto them. So here, it being the will of God that but one should bee cured, he that came in after the first found no helpe, the water was but common water to him. So the Sea that was a wall to the Israelites, drowned the Aegyptians. So 1. Cor. 3.7.
For although God have appointed the means, yet he still retains his power over them. And without the will of God, the creature is neither willing, or able to do us good.
For although God haue appointed the meanes, yet he still retaines his power ouer them. And without the will of God, the creature is neither willing, or able to doe vs good.
Wherefore in the use of the means, let us pray to God for a blessing, and depend on him, not doting upon the means, as Asa did on his Physicians.
Wherefore in the vse of the meanes, let vs pray to God for a blessing, and depend on him, not doting vpon the meanes, as Asa did on his Phisitions.
Yet further, in this Restraint observe also an extent: for although but the first were cured; yet whosoever this First were, and of whatsoever disease he were sick, he was certainly cured, which shows.
Yet further, in this Restraint obserue also an extent: for although but the first were cured; yet whosoeuer this First were, and of whatsoeuer disease he were sick, he was certainely cured, which shewes.
That God in bestowing of his gifts, is no respectre of persons. And the reason, for that the ground of his works is in himself; and from his own goodness, and not from any thing in man. Which may serve for an Encouragement to all to come to God.
That God in bestowing of his gifts, is no respecter of persons. And the reason, for that the ground of his workes is in himselfe; and from his owne goodnes, and not from any thing in man. Which may serue for an Incouragement to all to come to God.
The Issue, or effect may be considered, first, in it self; 2. in the Extent.
The Issue, or effect may be considered, first, in it selfe; 2. in the Extent.
The former is; That he that stepped into the water was surely cured. Whence in general ariseth this Doctrine: That a right use of the means appointed by God, and used in that manner that God hath appointed, shall assuredly be effectual as appears by the example of Naaman: and the blind man whom Christ bad go and wash.
The former is; That he that stepped into the water was surely cured. Whence in generall ariseth this Doctrine: That a right vse of the meanes appointed by God, and vsed in that manner that God hath appointed, shall assuredly be effectuall as appeares by the example of Naaman: and the blinde man whom Christ bad goe and wash.
Reason is, because Gods honour and truth is herein engaged he having promised so much. Wherefore we may rest on it.
Reason is, because Gods honour and truth is herein ingaged hee hauing promised so much. Wherefore wee may rest on it.
Object. But many hear the Word and reap no benefit by it.
Obiect. But many heare the Word and reape no benefit by it.