A harmony upon the the three Evangelists, Matthew, Mark and Luke with the commentary…A harmonie vpon the the three Euangelists, Matthew, Mark and Luke with the commentarie…

Now we see how far their sin reached, and wherein they sinned: namely, because they did not admit a just defence ⟨p. 112⟩And the defence is thus; that he that was healed did answer, that he did nothing, but that which he commanded him to do, who had authority and power to command. For although he understood not as yet who Christ was, yet was he persuaded that he was sent of God, because he had tried his divine power: and he doth thereby gather that he was endowed with authority, so that he must needs obey him. But this also seemeth to be worthy of blame, that the miracle doth remove him from the obedience of the law. Indeed I confess he leaneth unto, and fighteth with a reason that was scarce strong enough: yet the other do offend double, in that they neither consider that this was an extraordinary work of God, neither yet do suspend their judgement until such time as they have heard the prophet that was furnished with the word of God.

Nowe wee see howe farre theyr sinne reached, and wherein they sinned: namely, because they dyd not admit a iuste defence ⟨p. 112⟩And the defense is thus; that he that was healed did answere, that he dyd nothing, but that which he commaunded him to doe, who had authoritie and power to commaund. For although hee vnderstood not as yet who Christe was, yet was he persuaded that he was sent of God, because he had tryed his diuine power: and hee doth thereby gather that he was indowed with authoritie, so that he must needes obey him. But this also seemeth to be worthie of blame, that the myracle doth remooue him from the obedience of the law. Indeede I confesse he leaneth vnto, and fighteth with a reason that was scarse stronge enough: yet the other doe offend double, in that they neither consider that this was an extraordinarie work of God, neither yet do suspend their iudgement vntyll such time as they haue heard the prophet that was furnished with the worde of God.

13 He knew not who it was. Christ would not have the glory of so great a work to vanish away. Yet would he have it first to be known and famous, before such time as he would profess himself to be the author thereof. Therefore he withdrew himself a little, that the Jews might judge of the thing it self, with out any respect of person. Hence may we gather, that it cannot be attributed to the faith of the man that he was healed, who knoweth not his Physician when he was cured: and yet it seemeth that he did this by the direction of faith in that he took up his bed when he was commanded. For mine own part, as I do not deny that there was in him some secrete motion of faith, so I say that it doth plainly appear by the text, that he was destitute of sound doctrine, wherein he should rest, and of the pure light.