A01972:79
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.
Moreover of all the company that was here, he made choice of one only to cure him: which he did, First, because it was sufficient for him to show what he was able to do upon one as well as upon many. Secondly, that it might be an encouragement to others to seek unto him. So that if no other but this man were here cured, it was their own fault, in not coming unto Christ. For we never read that he refused any that came unto him for help and comfort. Thirdly, to show that he was bound to none, but what he did, he did voluntarily, and so he chooseth a poor man, one that deserved least.
Moreouer of all the company that was here, he made choice of one onely to cure him: which he did, First, because it was sufficient for him to shew what he was able to doe vpon one as well as vpon many. Secondly, that it might be an encouragement to others to seeke vnto him. So that if no other but this man were here cured, it was their owne fault, in not comming vnto Christ. For we neuer read that he refused any that came vnto him for helpe and comfort. Thirdly, to shew that he was bound to none, but what he did, he did voluntarily, and so he chuseth a poore man, one that deserued least.
Here we are to take notice of Gods dealing, how he bestoweth his favour but upon few, in respect of the multitude: as in the Deluge. So of many thousands that came out of Egypt, two only entered into Canaan: of four grounds that receive seed, only one bringeth forth fruit. See Math. 20.16· many come to the word, but few are cured by the ministry thereof. Neither let me here expostulate, and contend with God, for it is Gods goodness that he hath appointed means, and that he ⟨p. 11⟩doth make them effectual to any. And so that may be answered to them, that Christ doth, Matth. 20.15. 2. The consciences of wicked men shall tell them, that they have not done all that which they might, and have not used that ability which God gave them to do good. But for those on whom God showeth favour, who are converted by the word, this is, First, to magnify the goodness of God, that but of a few it hath pleased him to make choice of them. Secondly, to catch them to honour God, who hath so much honoured them by a godly life, and not to be like unto the multitude.