A godly and learned exposition or commentary upon the three first chapters of the…A godly and learned exposition or commentarie vpon the three first chapters of the…

and take from us the fear of death, of hell, and all danger.

and take from vs the feare of death, of hell, and all danger.

The second part of the distinction: Though I was dead, yet behold I live for evermore, Amen. This part is uttered and propounded by two notes to be observed. First, by a note of certainty, Amen. Secondly, by a note of attention, Behold. The note of certainty (Amen) serveth to assure us that this is an infallible truth which Christ affirmeth of himself: saying, I live for evermore. The note of attention which is prefixed, Behold, serveth to stir up Johns mind, and the mind of every one of us to a serious consideration of this which Christ saith, I live for evermore. And because it pleaseth Christ to propound this point in this manner, let us a little stand thereon, and herein consider two points. First, in respect of what nature Christ is said to live for ever. Secondly, for what end he liveth for ever. For the first, No doubt as Christ as the mediator of the church, He liveth for ever ▪ and therefore this must be understood of Christ, in regard of both his natures, godhead and manhood. In respect of his godhead, he is coeternal with the father and with the holy Ghost, living of himself that uncreated and essential life, which is all one with the godhead, being eternal, without beginning or ending. Secondly, he liveth for ever as he is man: for after his death he ascended up to heaven, where in full glory he enjoyeth immediate fellowship with the godhead: for in him dwelleth the fullness of the godhead bodily; his manhood being wholly and immediately sustained by his godhead.

The second part of the distinction: Though I was dead, yet behold I liue for euermore, Amen. This part is vttered and propounded by two notes to bee obserued. First, by a note of certaintie, Amen. Secondly, by a note of attention, Behold. The note of certaintie (Amen) serueth to assure vs that this is an infallible truth which Christ affirmeth of himselfe: saying, I liue for euermore. The note of attention which is prefixed, Behold, serueth to stirre vp Iohns mind, and the mind of euery one of vs to a serious consideration of this which Christ saith, I liue for euermore. And because it pleaseth Christ to propound this point in this manner, let vs a little stand thereon, and herein consider two points. First, in respect of what nature Christ is sayd to liue for euer. Secondly, for what end he liueth for euer. For the first, No doubt as Christ as the mediator of the church, He liueth for euer and therefore this must bee vnderstood of Christ, in regard of both his natures, godhead and manhood. In respect of his godhead, he is coeternall with the father and with the holy Ghost, liuing of himselfe that vncreated and essentiall life, which is all one with the godhead, being eternall, without beginning or ending. Secondly, hee liueth for euer as hee is man: for after his death hee ascended vp to heauen, where in full glorie he inioyeth immediat fellowshippe with the godhead: for in him dwelleth the fulnes of the godhead bodily; his manhood being wholly and immediatly susteined by his godhead.