The sum of the four Evangelists comprehending both the course of the history, and…The summe of the foure Euangelistes comprehending both the course of the historie, and…
The sum of the four Evangelists comprehending both the course of the history, and also the several points of doctrine set forth in the same pointing forth as it were with the hand, that Jesus is Christ, the only, perfect, and sufficient Saviour of all the faithful. Written in Latin by the reverend, learned, and godly father, Master Henry Bullinger minister of the Church of Zurich. Translated into English for the profit of the unlearned by John Tomkys.The summe of the foure Euangelistes comprehending both the course of the historie, and also the seuerall points of doctrine set foorth in the same pointing foorth as it were with the hand, that Iesus is Christ, the only, perfect, and sufficient Sauiour of all the faithfull. Written in Latine by the reuerend, learned, and godly father, Master Henrie Bullinger minister of the Church of Zurich. Translated into English for the profite of the vnlearned by Iohn Tomkys.
Heinrich Bullinger 1504–1575London: printed by T. Dawson for William Ponsonby, 1582
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.
chapter concerningx fasting, and certain other things, which also make to the setting forth of the virtue of faith, and of the power and gentleness of the Lord.y And it is a very evident and familiar kind of doctrine to teach by history or examples, that is to say, rather by deeds then by words: therefore the three first Evangelists do more often handle the doings of Christ then declare his sayings. And in deed Christ seemeth unto us to be much more lively, when he worketh miracles than when he teacheth. For although his doctrine had a divine efficacy and force also, yet do his deeds after a sort excel, exercising and approving that which is taught. Let no man therefore contemn the former Evangelists in comparison of John, because he seemeth to be more often occupied &. more diligent ⟨image 17⟩in opening the words of Christ: whose words also have their majesty: for the holy Ghost hath directed the minds and pens of all the Evangelists to this purpose, that we might have, forth of four authors of sufficient credit, a most certain & undoubted history of all the words and deeds of Christ.z It appeareth also by those things, which have been handled hitherto, that Matthew in the beginning used a natural order, and somewhat after an artificial, & that he goeth forward now chiefly in this order, because it is most fit to teach by. For he seemeth to have a care, not so much to set forth faithfully that which was said & done by the Lord, as to place every thing in his own place and order, and fitly to teach by fit order, and chiefly to move the minds of the hearers, yea and to engraft most deeply Christ, and faith in Christ.a Hitherto Matthew hath reported a certain abridgement of all the doctrine of Christ the Lord, whereby he plentifully instructed his worshippers in true godliness: hereunto he hath joined certain of his greatest miracles, even divine and wonderful ⟨image 17⟩works, whereby he hath declared that he is the mighty and gentle Lord of all things, which can make them also, that stick unto him by true faith, Lords of sin, of death, of Satan, and of all things else. In this business he had chosen to himself witnesses, whom hitherto he made both be holders and hearers of all his matters, as well of his sayings, as of his doings:
chapter concerningx fasting, and certaine other things, which also make to the setting foorth of the vertue of faith, and of the power and gentlenesse of the Lord.y And it is a very euident and familiar kinde of doctrine to teach by historie or examples, that is to say, rather by deedes then by wordes: therfore the three first Euangelistes doe more often handle the doings of Christ then declare his sayings. And in deede Christe seemeth vnto vs to bee much more liuely, when he worketh myracles than when he teacheth. For although his doctrine had a diuine efficacie and force also, yet do his deedes after a sort excel, exercising and approuing that which is taught. Let no man therfore contemne ye former Euangelistes in cōparison of Iohn, because he seemeth to be more often occupied &. more diligēt ⟨image 17⟩in opening the wordes of Christ: whose wordes also haue their maiestie: for the holy Ghost hath directed the mindes and pennes of all the Euangelists to this purpose, that wee might haue, foorth of foure authours of sufficient credite, a most certaine & vndoubted historie of al the words and deedes of Christ.z It appeareth also by those thinges, which haue beene handeled hitherto, that Matthew in the beginning vsed a naturall order, and somewhat after an artificial, & that he goeth forward now chiefly in this order, because it is most fitte to teach by. For he seemeth to haue a care, not so much to set foorth faithfully that which was said & done by the Lorde, as to place euery thing in his owne place and order, and fitly to teach by fitte order, and chiefly to moue the mindes of the hearers, yea and to ingraffe moste deepely Christ, and faith in Christ.a Hitherto Matthew hath reported a certain abridgement of all ye doctrine of Christ the Lord, wherby he plentifully instructed his worshippers in true godlinesse: heerevnto he hath ioyned certaine of his greatest miracles, euen diuine and wonderfull ⟨image 17⟩workes, whereby he hath declared that he is the mightie and gentle Lorde of all things, which can make thē also, that stick vnto him by true faith, Lordes of sinne, of death, of Satan, and of all things els. In this businesse hee had chosen to himselfe witnesses, whom hitherto he made both be holders and hearers of all his matters, as well of his sayings, as of his doings:
xIn the 9. cha. From the 14. unto the 18 ver.In the 9. cha. From the 14. vnto the 18 ver.
yThe deeds and words of Christ.The deedes and words of Christ.
zWhat order Matthew usethWhat order Matthew vseth
aA brief rehearsal of those things which Matthew hath handled hitherto.A briefe rehearsall of those thinges whiche Matthew hath hādled hitherto.
to this end verily, that they might afterwards bring forth into all the world the charge of common salvation, now conceived & laid up in their minds.b And now they seemed sufficiently instructed in the rudiments and principles of faith and of Christian religion, therefore it was convenient that they should be further exercised therein, and by the means thereof prepared to greater matters:*cand therefore they are sent forth of the Lord him self to preach the Gospel now to the people of Israel only,d and are instructed in certain commandments. For the Lord doth diligently prescribe what they ought to do, & what their office is:e And he showeth them also what they shall suffer, yea how perilous a thing it is to be a minister of the ⟨image 18⟩word in a corrupt & unthankful age.f Therefore he comforteth his disciples worthily & finely with furnished talk, teaching them how they ought to continue constantly in all adversities in true godliness, & to overcome all evils.*gAfterward Matthew showeth, how the Lord Jesus himself, who only is commended & enjoined to the true preachers of God his word to be preached by them, disclosed himself, & made himself known to be the true Messiah, the only expected salvation of the world: which verily is the first & most sure foundation of all the Lord his preaching.h In the same place also is set forth the praise of John the Baptist, that is to say a most clear exam ple of a very good minister, proposed to all those, which are desirous to do their duty aright.i And forthwith is adjoined an excellent example of a sermon of the Lord. First, how he rebuked the stubborn unbelief of his own nation, & left a pattern of accusation & reproof to his ministers.k Then how he preached the kingdom of God to men of a better hope.l He showed that he hath the power of all things, & that he is the fountain of all goodness, which cannot be drawn dry, which is willing ⟨image 18⟩& desirous to be drawn,m and therefore he inviteth all men unto him, and promiseth to grant rest unto all men, in what distress so ever they be.*nThen doth he diligently handle the question of the religious keeping of the Sabbath, & admonishing by the way that bountifulness and the inward worshipping of God, is more allowed of God, than the outward keeping of the Sabbath.
to this ende verily, that they might afterwardes bring foorth into all the world the charge of common saluation, now conceiued & laid vp in their mindes.b And now they seemed sufficiently instructed in the rudiments and principles of faith and of Christiā religiō, therfore it was conuenient yt they shold be furder exercised therin, and by the meanes thereof prepared to greater matters:*cand therefore they are sent foorth of the Lorde him selfe to preach the Gospell now to the people of Israel only,d and are instructed in certaine commandements. For the Lord doth diligētly prescribe what they ought to do, & what their office is:e And he sheweth thē also what they shall suffer, yea how perilous a thing it is to be a minister of the ⟨image 18⟩worde in a corrupt & vnthankfull age.f Therefore he cōforteth his disciples worthily & finely with furnished talk, teaching them how they ought to continue constātly in all aduersities in true godlines, & to ouercome all euils.*gAfterward Matthew sheweth, how the Lorde Iesus himself, who only is cōmended & inioyned to the true preachers of God his worde to be preached by thē, disclosed himself, & made himselfe knowne to be the true Messias, ye only expected saluatiō of the world: which verily is the first & most sure foundatiō of all the Lord his preaching.h In the same place also is set foorth the prayse of Iohn the Baptist, that is to say a most cleere exā ple of a very good minister, proposed to al those, which are desirous to doe their duty aright.i And foorthwith is adioyned an excellent exāple of a sermon of the Lord. First, how he rebuked the stubborne vnbeliefe of his own nation, & left a paterne of accusation & reproofe to his ministers.
bFrom the 36. ver. unto the end of the chapter.From the 36. ver. vnto the end of the chapter.
*The 10. chap.
cFrom the 1. ver. unto the 7.From the 1. ver. vnto the 7.
dFrom the 7. ver. unto the 16From the 7. ver. vnto the 16
eIn the 16.17 & 18. verses.
fFrom the 19. verse unto the end of the chapter.From the 19. verse vnto the end of the chapter.
*The 11. cha.
gIn the 1. ver.
hFrom the 2. ver. unto the 16From the 2. ver. vnto the 16
iFrom the 16. ver. unto the 25From the 16. ver. vnto the 25
kIn the 25. & 26. ver.
lIn the 27. ver
mIn the 28.29. & 30. ver.
*The 12. cha.
nFrom the 1. verse unto the 9.From the 1. verse vnto the 9.
oMoreover that bountifulness, which lately he commended, he showeth to a certain miserable man very greatly afflicted with a withered hand, which he restored to him sound.p And because he could soften the hardness of the people of the Jews neither by any benefits, nor by any miracles, forsomuch as they did oftentimes conspire against him, he departeth from them for a time, practising nothing more bitter or more sharp against them, if peradventure they might be overcome with gentleness & long suffering, prescribing by the very same deed of his a form to his ministers, what they should do also in the like cases and with such manner of men. But he shrinketh not from his office, he leaveth not off to do good, neither forsaketh he the undertaken defence of the trueth, yielding no ⟨image 19⟩whit at all in these points to his enemies.q Therefore he delivereth from the Devil one possessed with a Devil, which was brought unto him, being blind and dumb, & restoreth unto him the use of his tongue and of his eyes:r and because the Pharisees did detract this divine deed, ascribing it to the working by the Devil,s the Lord taketh upon him the defence of the truth, & proveth by most strong arguments, that his miracles, works, yea and all his doings were wrought by the power of God & not of the Devil, and that therefore the kingdom of heaven was now come. And here doth he again most plainly set forth that, which lately we said was the chief point of our religion, namely, that Jesus is Christ.t And forthwith handling his adversaries, as they deserved, he rebuketh them most gravely. For he showeth at large their want of belief, or rather their ungodliness, & declareth what shall become of the contemners of the kingdom of God.v Lastly he putteth back his mother & his cousins, which were desirous to speak with him, by a somewhat hard answer, signifying thereby, that the least must not be yielded to carnal affections, so oft as the affairs of ⟨image 19⟩the kingdom of God are in handling.x In the three chapters last before going, Matthew hath entreated of the Ministers of God his word, and of certain chief points of our religion:y and now doeth there follow a more plentiful treatise of the word of GOD, of the virtue, fruit, and price thereof: which is fitly knit to the matter before going. For the ministry of the word of God is occupied in the very word of God.
oMoreouer yt bountifulnes, which lately he cōmended, he sheweth to a certaine miserable mā very greatly afflicted wt a withered hād, which he restored to him sound.p And because he could soften the hardnes of the people of the Iewes neither by any benefits, nor by any myracles, forsomuch as they did oftētimes cōspire against him, he departeth frō thē for a time, practising nothing more bitter or more sharpe against them, if peraduenture they might be ouercome with gentlenes & lōg suffering, prescribing by ye very same deed of his a forme to his ministers, what they should do also in the like cases and wt such maner of men. But hee shrinketh not from his office, hee leaueth not off to doe good, neither forsaketh hee the vndertaken defence of the trueth, yeeldyng no ⟨image 19⟩whit at all in these points to his enemies.q Therefore he deliuereth from the Diuell one possessed with a Deuill, which was brought vnto him, being blinde and dumbe, & restoreth vnto him the vse of his tongue and of his eyes:r and because the Pharisees did detract this diuine deed, ascribing it to the working by the Diuell,s the Lord taketh vpō him the defence of the truth, & proueth by most strong argumēts, yt his myracles, workes, yea and all his doings were wrought by the power of God & not of the Diuell, and that therefore the kingdome of heauē was now come. And here doth he againe most plainely set forth that, which lately wee said was the chiefe point of our religiō, namely, that Iesus is Christ.t And foorthwith hādeling his aduersaries, as they deserued, hee rebuketh thē most grauely. For he sheweth at large their want of belief, or rather their vngodlines, & declareth what shall become of the contēners of the kingdom of God.v Lastly he putteth backe his mother & his cousins, which were desirous to speake with him, by a somewhat hard answere, signifiing therby, yt the least must not be yelded to carnall affectiōs, so oft as the affaires of ⟨image 19⟩the kingdome of God are in handeling.
oFrom the 9. verse to the 14.
pFrom the 14. verse unto the 22.From the 14. verse vnto the 22.
qIn the 22. & 23. verses.
rIn the 24. verse.
sFrom the 25. ver. unto the 30From the 25. ver. vnto the 30
tFrom the 30. ver. unto the 46Frō the 30. ver. vnto the 46
vFrom the 46 ver. unto the end of the Chapter.From the 46 ver. vnto the end of the Chapter.
xA brief repetition of the 3. chapters last before going.A briefe repetition of the 3. chapters last before going.
yThe matter bandeled in the 2. chapters following.
And this treatise is set forth in parabolical speeches and similitudes, that at the least by this means the minds of the godly might be stirred up to the searching forth of the trueth and mysteries of God.*zAnd the first parable, proposed touching him which sowed seed in the field, showeth that there be divers kinds of hearers of God his word, and that God doth not allow all the hearers of his word, but them only, in whom the seed prospereth until it bring forth due fruit.a Forthwith by an other parable, that is to say by the similitude of the tares, he pointeth forth as it were with the finger an other fault also and plague of tilled land, teaching in the mean season, how good seed ⟨image 20⟩may be preserved sound.b After this by two other similitudes, taken from the grain of mustard seed and from leaven, he showeth how great the power of the word of God is, and how evidently it worketh in them by whom it is received, although it seem to the world vile and contemned.c In the fourth place by two other similitudes, proposed touching a treasure hid in the field, and a most precious pearl, he signifieth that the price of God his word is so great, that in comparison hereof we ought to contemn all things in the world, although they be never so precious, yea that we ought, with the very loss of all our goods, to provide us the word of God.d Again in setting forth the similitude of the net cast into the sea, he showeth plainly what shall become of them especially, which intermeddle them selves in the assembly of the godly, and yet are hypocrites and counterfeit godliness, teaching the mean while that we must not lightly condemn any forthwith, but leave every one to his own judge.e When as he had set forth these things after this manner, he commandeth his ministers ⟨image 20⟩also diligently to way the similitudes, and for the plainer setting forth of the trueth, and of the glory of the kingdom of GOD, and for the profit of the Church, to use all the kinds of elocution and apt speech.f And although the Lord taught in such sort, that no man was able to accuse either his faithful dealing or his diligence, yet was he little regarded and accepted of his country men, which contemned and laughed to scorn the heavenly doctrine of godliness.
And this treatise is set foorth in parabolicall speaches and similitudes, that at the least by this meanes the mindes of the godly might be stirred vp to the searching forth of the trueth and mysteries of God.*zAnd the first parable, proposed touching him which sowed seede in the fielde, sheweth that there be diuers kindes of hearers of God his worde, and that God doth not allowe all the hearers of his worde, but them onely, in whom the seede prospereth vntill it bring forth due fruite.a Forthwith by an other parable, that is to say by the similitude of the tares, hee pointeth forth as it were with the finger an other fault also and plague of tilled land, teaching in the meane season, howe good seede ⟨image 20⟩may be preserued sounde.b After this by two other similitudes, taken from the graine of mustarde seede and from leuen, hee sheweth howe great the power of the worde of God is, and howe euidently it worketh in them by whome it is receiued, although it seeme to the worlde vile and contemned.c In the fourth place by two other similituds, proposed touching a treasure hidde in the fielde, and a most precious pearle, he signifieth that the price of God his worde is so great, that in comparison hereof we ought to contemne all thinges in the worlde, although they bee neuer so precious, yea that we ought, with the very losse of all our goodes, to prouide vs the worde of God.d Againe in setting forth the similitude of the net cast into the sea, he sheweth plainely what shal become of them especially, which intermedle them selues in the assembly of the godly, and yet are hypocrites and counterfeite godlinesse, teaching the meane while that wee must not lightly condemn any forthwith, but leaue euery one to his owne iudge.e When as he had set foorth these things after this maner, he commaundeth his ministers ⟨image 20⟩also diligently to way the similitudes, and for the playner setting forth of the trueth, and of the glorie of the kingdome of GOD, and for the profite of the Churche, to vse all the kindes of elocution and apt speach.
*The 13. cha.
zFrom the first vers. unto ye 24.From the first vers. vnto ye 24.
aFrom the 24 vers. unto ye 31.From the 24 vers. vnto ye 31.
bIn the 31.32 &. 33. verses. In the 34. and 35. verses is showed the cause why Jesus spake by similitudes. From the 36 unto the 44. verse christ repoundeth the parable of the tares.In the 31.32 &. 33. verses. In the 34. and 35. verses is shewed the cause why Iesus spake by similitudes. From the 36 vnto the 44. verse christ repoundeth the parable of the tares.
cIn the 44, 45 and 46. verses.
dFrom the 47 verse unto ye 51From the 47 verse vnto ye 51
eIn the 51 and 52. verses.
fFrom the 53. verse unto the end of the chapter.From the 53. verse vnto the end of the chapter.
But he bare this with a valiant mind, giving an example to all his ministers, that they may also take the matter patiently, if the world also little regard them.*gAnd then doth Matthew forthwith set forth the wonderful example of that very good man John the Baptist, who also was very evil rewarded of Herod for his faithful service, being most pitifully beheaded of him.h After this he fed in the wilderness by his divine power a great multitude of men, which with marvellous ferventness thirsted the preaching of the word: showing by the miracle, that the faithful followers of the word ⟨image 21⟩of God shall want nothing at any time, especially of those things which are necessary and not superfluous. And by the same fact he taught his disciples to help the faithful people having need.i Lastly he delivereth his disciples, which were in peril of the storms of the sea and of a great tempest, and which looked for nothing else but most present death: declaring so unto his, that he is he, which can deliver all from all perils, and can save all men by his power and grace, chiefly the ministers of his word. Therefore if the cruel and fearful example of John did any whit terrify them, these two great and goodly benefits of God do confirm and comfort them again.*kUnto the treatise of the word of God is fitly joined by Matthew the disputation touching the traditions of men, or the ordinances and constitutions of Fathers, as contrary to the word of God. Christ teacheth us manifestly to contemn them, if they tend to the contumely, derogation, and contempt of God his word. And because the Pharisees the patrons and defenders of mens traditions, were offended at this ⟨image 21⟩wholesome doctrine of the Lord, the Lord showeth forthwith, that no accounts at all ought to be made of such kind of offence, and of such kind of men: declaring the mean season, that man is not defiled with outward things, but rather with those evil things, which proceed out of the closets of the heart.l After that withdrawing himself from those indurate and unthankful men, he departed into the country of the Gentiles, where forthwith a woman of Syrophenissa being endued with a most strong faith made a most earnest request unto him: in whom there is set forth most manifestly both a marvellous example of true faith, and also the effect thereof.
But he bare this with a valient minde, giuing an example to all his ministers, that they may also take the matter paciently, if the world also litle regard them.*gAnd then doth Matthewe forthwith sette foorth the wonderfull example of that very good man Iohn the Baptist, who also was very euill rewarded of Herode for his faithful seruice, being most pitifully beheaded of him.h After this he fed in the wildernesse by his diuine power a great multitude of men, which wt merueylous feruentnes thirsted the preaching of the word: shewing by ye miracle, yt the faithful folowers of ye word ⟨image 21⟩of God shall want nothing at any time, especially of those thinges whiche are necessarie and not superfluous. And by the same fact he taught his disciples to helpe the faithfull people hauing neede.i Lastly he deliuereth his disciples, which were in perill of the stormes of the sea and of a great tempest, and whiche looked for nothing els but most present death: declaring so vnto his, that hee is hee, which can deliuer all from all perils, and can saue al men by his power and grace, chiefely the ministers of his worde. Therefore if the cruell and fearefull example of Iohn did any whitte terrifie them, these two great and goodly benefites of God do confirme and comfort them againe.*kVnto the treatise of the word of God is fitly ioyned by Matthewe the disputation touching the traditions of men, or the ordinances and constitutions of Fathers, as contrary to the worde of God. Christ teacheth vs manifestly to contemne them, if they tend to the contumelie, derogation, and contempt of God his worde. And because the Pharisees the patrons and defenders of mens traditions, were offended at this ⟨image 21⟩wholesome doctrine of the Lord, the Lord sheweth foorthwith, that no accomptes at all ought to bee made of such kinde of offence, and of such kinde of men: declaring the meane season, that man is not defiled with outwarde thinges, but rather with those euill thinges, which proceede out of the closets of the harte.
*The 14. cap
gFrom the first verse unto the 13From the first verse vnto the 13
hFrom the 13 verse unto the 22.From the 13 verse vnto the 22.
iFrom the 22. verse unto the end of the chap.Frō the 22. verse vnto the ende of ye chap.
*The 15. cha.
kFrom the 1. ver. unto ye 21.From the 1. ver. vnto ye 21.
lFrom the 21. verse unto the 29.From the 21. verse vnto the 29.
For after the reproof of false doctrine, which is the mother of false faith, there is set forth with great diligence in these 15, 16, and 17 chapters, as was also in the 8, and 9 chapters, true faith in the Lord, and the true nature of faith, and also in the same are opened the chiefest articles of our faith.m Moreover returning again into Galilee, he feedeth again the common people, which followed him, showing by this benefit also, that it is he, ⟨image 22⟩which can feed both the soul and the body, and that therefore this food must be sought for by faith only and most earnestly at the hands of the shepherd Christ.*nAfterwards he repelleth and putteth back the Pharisees requiring a sign, whereby he might prove himself to be the Messiah, by showing them the sign of his death & of his resurrection:o then doth he command his disciples to beware of the doctrine of the Pharisees & Sadducees: the which thing although he had taught in the beginning of the 15. chapt. yet both he here speak of it again in the 16 chapter, as a matter very necessary for the Church.p After that returning to the commendation of faith, he layeth the foundation of faith, buildeth the Church upon the foundation, and pointeth forth as it were with the finger, which is the true faith of the Catholic Church, & which is the true and right confession, showing also how the same may be planted.q Where unto he forthwith adjoineth a most manifest doctrine of his passion and resurrection, also of the denying of one his self and of the bearing of ⟨image 22⟩his cross after Christ, and of the judgement to come, that is to say, of the greatest articles of our faith, and of the holy duty of Christians, a doctrine altogether pertaining to the perfectness of faith.*rAgain least any should be offended at this sorrowful doctrine full of labours & pains touching the bearing of the cross, Matthew adjoineth here unto immediately the glorious transformation of Christ the Lord in the mountain, whereby he partly gave us a taste of what sort he should be in his glory, and what the manner of the glory to come is, which is prepared for them, which faithfully and patiently bear the cross of Christ: and partly he showeth also most evidently, that he is very Christ promised in the law and the prophets, that he might confirm the faith of all which believe in him.
For after the reproofe of false doctrine, which is the mother of false faith, there is set foorth with great diligence in these 15, 16, and 17 chapters, as was also in the 8, and 9 chapters, true faith in the Lorde, and the true nature of faith, and also in the same are opened the chiefest articles of our faith.m Moreouer returning againe into Galilee, he feedeth againe the common people, which followed him, shewing by this benefite also, that it is hee, ⟨image 22⟩which can feede both the soule and the bodie, and that therefore this foode must bee sought for by faith only and most earnestly at ye hands of the shepheard Christ.*nAfterwardes he repelleth and putteth backe the Pharisees requiring a signe, whereby he might proue himselfe to be ye Messias, by shewing them the signe of his death & of his resurrection:o then doth he commande his disciples to beware of the doctrine of the Pharisees & Sadduces: ye which thing althoug hee had taught in the beginning of ye 15. chapt. yet both he here speake of it againe in the 16 chapter, as a matter very necessary for ye Church.p After that returning to the commendatiō of faith, he layeth ye foundation of fayth, buildeth the Church vpon the foundation, and pointeth forth as it were with the finger, whiche is the true faith of the Catholike Church, & which is the true and right confession, shewing also howe the same may be planted.q Where vnto hee forthwith adioyneth a most manifest doctrine of his passion and resurrection, also of the deniyng of one his selfe and of the bearing of ⟨image 22⟩his crosse after Christ, and of the iudgement to come, that is to say, of the greatest articles of our faith, and of the holy duety of Christians, a doctrine altogether pertayning to the perfectnesse of faith.*rAgaine least any should be offended at this sorowful doctrine ful of labours & paines touching the bearing of the crosse, Matthewe adioyneth here vnto immediatly the glorious transformation of Christ the Lorde in the mountaine, whereby he partly gaue vs a tast of what sort he shoulde be in his glorie, and what the maner of the glory to come is, whiche is prepared for thē, whiche faithfully and paciently beare the crosse of Christ: and partly he sheweth also most euidently, that he is very Christ promised in the lawe and the prophetes, that hee might confirme the faith of all which beleeue in him.
mFrom the 29. verse unto the end of the chapter.From the 29. verse vnto the ende of the chapter.
*The 16. chapter.
nFrom the first verse unto ye 5.From the first verse vnto ye 5.
oFrom the 5. verse unto the 13.From the 5. verse vnto the 13.
pFrom the 13. verse unto the 21.From the 13. verse vnto the 21.
qFrom the 21 verse unto the end of the chapter.From the 21 verse vnto the end of the chapter.
*The 17. chapter.
rFrom the 1. ver. unto ye 14.From the 1. ver. vnto ye 14.
And he proposed those things so manifestly to his disciples, that they did now plainly understand, that Jesus was Christ, and that therefore they did move the question of the coming of Elijah the messenger of the Messiah, where unto the Lord answering ⟨image 23⟩forthwith, affirmed plainly that he was the Messiah, & that John Baptist was Elijah. sLastly he restored a certain Lunatic man unto his father, which made suit for him, declaring again by the same benefit, that he is the king of his people, and the conqueror of the Devil:t showing also how great the power of faith is, and how great the evil of unbelief is, concluding that by temperance and abstinence proceeding from a true faith, the force of the Devil is chiefly broken.v And hereunto doth he forthwith adjoin the preaching and foreshowing of his death and passion, not without great and plentiful fruit.x Faith in the Lord Jesus being well taught, and the true knowledge of the kingdom of the Son of God being well obtained, whereof Matthew hath hitherto entreated at large, he passeth now wisely to those things, which almost stand in the outward conversation of man, and which notwithstanding pertain to the kingdom of Christ.y Of the which kind the question concerning the Magistrate is: What Christians owe unto him? The Lord showeth ⟨image 23⟩therefore by his own example, what we ought to do herein rightly.*zLike unto this is the question touching ecclesiastical preeminence: Who should be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Here the Lord withdraweth the minds of his disciples from ambition and from the disputations raised touching the primacy and chief authority, and teaching them most diligently humility.a Then doth he adjoin hereunto a profitable admonition for the avoiding of offence:b where he entreateth also of brotherly admonition,c of reproving offenders openly, andd of forgiving a trespass, wherein gravely persuading all men, he setteth forth a most goodly parable concerning the same matter.*eHaving finished these things, he disputeth of divorce: he restoreth and reformeth the old and holy institution of holy matrimony:f he reciteth the kinds of chaste men, showing that single life is the singular gift of God.g And because marriage was ordained of God chiefly for the procreation of children, he showeth next after the restitution of marriage, how children are esteemed of ⟨image 24⟩God.h
And hee proposed those thinges so manifestly to his disciples, that they did nowe plainely vnderstande, that Iesus was Christ, and that therfore they did moue the question of the coming of Helias the messenger of the Messias, where vnto the Lord answering ⟨image 23⟩forthwith, affirmed plainely that hee was ye Messias, & that Iohn Baptist was Helias. sLastly he restored a certaine Lunatike man vnto his father, which made sute for him, declaring againe by the same benefit, that he is the king of his people, and the conquerour of the Diuell:t shewing also howe great the power of faith is, and howe greate the euill of vnbeleefe is, concluding that by temperance and abstinence proceeding from a true faith, the force of the Deuill is chiefely broken.v And herunto doth he forthwith adioyne the preaching and forshewing of his death and passion, not without great and plentifull fruite.x Faith in the Lorde Iesus beyng well taught, and the true knoweledge of the kingdome of the Sonne of God being well obtayned, whereof Matthewe hath hitherto intreated at large, he passeth nowe wisely to those thinges, which almost stande in the outwarde conuersation of man, and which notwithstanding perteyne to the kingdome of Christ.y Of the whiche kinde the question concerning the Magistrate is: What Christians owe vnto him? The Lorde sheweth ⟨image 23⟩therefore by his owne example, what wee ought to doe herein rightly.*zLike vnto this is the question touching ecclesiasticall preheminence: Who should be the greatest in the kingdome of heauen? Here the Lorde withdraweth the mindes of his disciples from ambition and from the disputations raysed touching the primacie and chiefe authoritie, and teaching thē most diligently humilitie.a Then doth he adioyne herevnto a profitable admonition for the auoyding of offence:
sFrom the 14 verse unto the 19.From the 14 verse vnto the 19.
tFrom the 19 verse unto the 22.From the 19 verse vnto the 22.
vIn the 22. and 23. verses
xWhereof Matthew entreated last, and whereof he speaketh nextWherof Matthew intreated last, and wherof he speaketh next
yFrom the 24 verse unto the end of the cha.From the 24 verse vnto the ende of the cha.
*The 18. cha.
zFrom the 1. ver. unto ye 7.From the 1. ver. vnto ye 7.
aFrom the 7. vers. unto ye 15.From the 7. vers. vnto ye 15.
bIn the 15. and 16. verses
cFrom the 17. verse unto the 21.From the 17. verse vnto the 21.
dFrom the 21. verse unto the end of the chapter.From the 21. verse vnto the ende of the chapter.
*The 19. cha.
eFrom the first vers. unto ye 10.From the first vers. vnto ye 10.
fIn the 10.11 & 12. verses.
gIn the 13.14 and 15. verses.
hFrom the 16 verse unto the 21.From the 16 verse vnto the 21.
He bringeth forth also the example of a certain young man, to teach us thereby, that it belongeth to young men also to seek the kingdom of God, and that God his desire is, that youth be well brought up. And there is showed, which is the way to heaven:i Also what the use of riches is, and with what mind we must possess earthly wealth.k Moreover by occasion of the Lords talk, there riseth now an other disputation about the reward of virtues, and how modestly they ought to think of them selves, which look for rewards.*lAnd that he might fasten this more deeply in the minds of all men, he useth the similitude of a man that was an householder, which hired labourers into his vineyard, whereby he toucheth the Jews secretly, and doth somewhat shadow forth the receiving of the Gentiles.m Again least any, being puffed up with pride by the name of reward, should suppose that he is justified by his own works, the Lord preacheth diligently of his own death and resurrection, that we may understand that we are justified thereby.n⟨image 24⟩And although he often repeated these things with great gravity, yet doth the flesh, aspiring continually to honours, seek not those things which are of God, but which are of men. For the mother of zebedee his children, her sons not being ignorant thereof, asketh chief authority of the Lord for her sons.o Hereupon the other disciples envy them, and contend among themselves sharply and most ambitiously.p But the Lord reduceth all their minds to humility, drawing out that same most hurtful poison with most evident arguments.q Lastly he restoreth sight to the blind, which craved the mercy of God, to this end, that he might declare by all means, that he came into the world to help and save men.r Matthew described last before, what the Lord did hitherto in Galilee, and in his journey from Galilee, as he went up to Jerusalem, and now doth he show what he did in the holy and royal City it self.
He bringeth forth also the example of a certaine young man, to teach vs therby, that it belongeth to yong men also to seeke the kingdome of God, and that God his desire is, yt youth be well brought vp. And there is shewed, which is the way to heauen:i Also what the vse of riches is, and with what minde we must possesse earthly wealth.k Moreouer by occasion of the Lordes talke, there riseth nowe an other disputation about the rewarde of vertues, and how modestly they ought to thinke of them selues, which looke for rewardes.*lAnd that he might fasten this more deepely in the mindes of all men, he vseth the similitude of a man that was an housholder, which hired labourers into his vineyard, whereby hee toucheth the Iewes secretly, and doth somewhat shadow forth the receiuing of the Gentiles.m Againe least any, being puffed vp with pride by the name of rewarde, should suppose that he is iustified by his own works, the Lord preacheth diligently of his own death and resurrection, that we may vnderstand that we are iustified thereby.n⟨image 24⟩And although he oftē repeted these things with great grauitie, yet doth ye flesh, aspiring cōtinually to honors, seeke not those thinges which are of God, but which are of men. For the mother of zebedee his children, her sonnes not beeing ignorant thereof, asketh cheefe authoritie of the Lord for her sonnes.o Herevpon the other disciples enuie them, and contend among themselues sharply and most ambitiously.p But the Lord reduceth al their mindes to humilitie, drawing out that same most hurtefull poyson with most euident argumentes.q Lastly he restoreth sight to the blinde, which craued the mercie of God, to this ende, that he might declare by all meanes, that he came into the worlde to helpe and saue men.r
iFrom the 21. ver. unto ye 27.From the 21. ver. vnto ye 27.
kFrom the 27. verse unto the end of the chap.Frō the 27. verse vnto the ende of ye chap.
*The 20 chap
lFrom the 1. verse unto the 17.From the 1. verse vnto the 17.
mIn the 17.18. and 19. verses.In ye 17.18. and 19. verses.
nFrom the 20 verse unto the 24From the 20 verse vnto the 24
oIn the 24. verse.
pFrom the 25. unto the 29.From the 25. vnto the 29.
qFrom the 29 verse unto the end of the chapter.From the 29 verse vnto the ende of the chapter.
rWhereof Matthew spake before, and whereof he entreateth now.Wherof Matthew spake before, and wherof he intreateth nowe.
And the nearer he draweth to his cross and death, the more lively doeth he show his wholesome strength, & most holily setteth forth his worthy power & grace. ⟨image 25⟩*sFor entering now into the holy city with a very new and humble pomp, he showeth most clearly that he is the very king and deliverer of Israel looked for.t He is received with willing minds and honourably of the common people, that we also may learn thereby to receive the Lord truly and religiously.v And he did in the temple offices very kinglike & priestlike, whereat the Pharisees & priests almost burst in sunder for spite & hatred.
And the nearer hee draweth to his crosse and death, the more liuely doeth hee shew his wholesome strength, & most holily setteth forth his worthy power & grace. ⟨image 25⟩*sFor entering nowe into the holy citie with a very newe and humble pompe, hee sheweth most clearely that he is the verye kinge and deliuerer of Israel looked for.t Hee is receyued with wyllyng mindes and honourably of the common people, that we also may learne therby to receiue the Lord truely and religiously.v And he did in the temple offices very kinglike & priestlike, whereat the Pharisees & priests almost burst in sunder for spite & hatred.
*The 21. cha.
sFrom the 1 verse unto the 8.From the 1 verse vnto the 8.
tFrom the 8. verse unto the 12.From the 8. verse vnto the 12.
vFrom the 12. verse unto the 17.Frō the 12. verse vnto the 17.
For first purging the temple from filth, & reforming the holy worshipping of God, he thrust the buyers and sellers out of the temple: then taking care for the poor, he healeth the sick.x And when these things were happily accomplished he goeth forth of the city,y and curseth the fig tree, which brought forth no fruit, which forthwith withering, shadowed forth by a certain token, what was imminent to the holy city.z Although the Lord by occasion thereof doth teach his disciples true faith, and commend unto them faithful prayers.a And returning to the temple, as belonged unto his princely office, he taught diligently, and sharply contended ⟨image 25⟩with the enemies of true religion. For whereas they asked, by what authority the Lord did those things, which he did, he bridleth them with a contrary question, yea he doeth most gravely accuse them of disloyalty and impenitent life.b For unto this purpose doeth he bring forth a parable framed touching two sons, comparing his enemies unto Publicans and harlots, that he might show, that these were more religious and more blessed than they.c Here unto doth he forthwith adjoin an other similitude of an householder, which let out his vineyard to husband men or farmers, whereby he doeth lively paint forth the benefits of God and the peevish and shameless unthankfulness of the people of the Jews, whose punishment forth with he showeth, namely that the Jews should be cast off, and that the Gentiles should be received into their place.*dAnd unto the same purpose also pertaineth the similitude, which he put forth touching them that were bidden to the wedding, sharply reproving the disobedience and unbelief of the nation of the Jews, for the which they were to be cut ⟨image 26⟩off and to be forsaken.e These things being finished, Matthew goeth forward, and setteth forth plainly certain grave, sharp, and profitable questions or disputations handled between the Lord and the lawyers. First of this: whether tribute ought to be payed to Caesar? fThen, whether the dead rise again, and how they rise again?g Moreover, what the chiefest commandment in the Law is: what the end and matter of the law and of the Prophets is?h Afterwards, how Christ, for so much as he is the son of David, after the flesh, can be also his Lord?
For firste purging the temple from filth, & reforming ye holy worshipping of God, he thrust the byers and sellers out of the temple: then takyng care for the poore, he healeth the sicke.x And when these things were happily accomplished he goeth forth of the citie,y and curseth ye figge tree, which brought forth no fruite, which forthwith withering, shadowed forth by a certaine token, what was imminent to ye holy citie.z Although the Lord by occasion thereof doth teache his disciples true fayth, and commende vnto them faithfull prayers.a And returnyng to the temple, as belonged vnto his princely office, hee taught diligently, and sharpely contended ⟨image 25⟩with the enemies of true religion. For whereas they asked, by what authoritie ye Lorde did those thinges, which he did, hee brydleth them with a contrary question, yea he doeth most grauely accuse them of disloyalty and impenitent life.b For vnto this purpose doeth he bring foorth a parable framed touching two sonnes, comparing his enemies vnto Publicanes and harlottes, that he might shewe, that these were more religious and more blessed thē they.c Here vnto doth he forthwith adioyne an other similitud of an housholder, whiche let out his vineyarde to husbande men or farmers, whereby he doeth liuely paynt foorth the benefites of God and the peuish and shamelesse vnthankefulnes of the people of the Iewes, whose punishmēt foorth with hee sheweth, namely that the Iewes should be cast off, and that ye Gentiles shoulde bee receiued into their place.*dAnd vnto the same purpose also perteyneth the similitude, whiche hee put forth touching them that were bydden to the wedding, sharpely reprouing the disobedience and vnbeleefe of the nation of the Iewes, for ye which they were to be cut ⟨image 26⟩off and to be forsaken.
xIn the 17. verse.
yIn the 18, & 19. verses.
zIn the 20, 21 & 22. verses.
aFrom the 23 verse unto the 28.From the 23 verse vnto the 28.
bFrom the 28 ver. unto the 33From the 28 ver. vnto the 33
cFrom the 33 verse unto the end of the cha.From the 33 verse vnto the ende of the cha.
*The 22. chap
dFrom the first verse unto the 15.Frō the first verse vnto the 15.
eFrom the 15. verse unto the 23.Frō the 15. verse vnto the 23.
fFrom the 23 verse unto the 34.From the 23 verse vnto the 34.
gFrom the 34 vers. unto ye 41.From the 34 vers. vnto ye 41.
hFrom the 41. verse unto the end of the chap.Frō the 41. verse vnto the end of the chap.
All these things doth our Lord in respect of his priestly office expound most religiously, most learnedly, most plainly, and greatly to the profit of the faithful.
All these thinges doth our Lord in respect of his priestly office expounde most religiously, most learnedly, most plainely, and greatly to the profite of the faithfull.
*iLastly, when as he saw the Pharisees and the rest of the rulers of the people to be altogether blind, indurate, and uncurable, he inveigheth most sharply against them, accusing them of most grievous and unruly offences: he addeth the punishment of their mischievous deeds, & the most terrible destruction of the people and of the city. Al these things did our Lord openly, with great authority in the temple, instructing his Church hereby ⟨image 26⟩profitably, diversly, & in many points.k Our Lord hath hitherto by the way and yet often spoken of the overthrow of the people of the Jews and of the city Jerusalem: wherein he comprehended both the casting off of the Jews out of the fellowship of God, and also the profanation of the temple, of the priesthood, and of all the worshipping, after the ceremonial law *l▪ And because these things seemed strange and incredible, namely that God would profane and forsake that people descended from holy parents, and that place, and that worshipping, & that holy priesthood, he doth more fully expound unto his disciples, which inquired there of, the judgement and destiny hanging over the people and city, lively describing, what wonderful matters and strange tokens, what troubles, calamities, and miseries should go before that destruction: and of what manner, how cruel, horrible, and fearful that ruin should be. Forthwith by occasion of the destruction of the city, he reasoneth also of the destruction of the world, or of the finishing of the world, & of the glorious coming of the Son of man to judgement: ⟨image 27⟩mexhorting all men to sober and diligent watchfulness, proposing rewards to the watchful, and threatening punishment to the slothful & sleepy.*nWhich things forthwith he plainly showeth by most comely and most plentiful similitudes, handling as well the parts of the watchful as of the sleepy.o Lastly Matthew adjoineth a description, or as if it were a certain figure of the judge to come, and of his last judgement: wherein the last sentence is pronounced by the same judge against all man kind, joyful to the good, but most sorrowful to the evil. For this matter is thus concluded:p And these shall go away into everlasting pain: but the righteous into life eternal.
*iLastly, when as hee sawe the Pharisees and the rest of the rulers of the people to be altogether blinde, indurate, and vncurable, hee inuayeth most sharply against them, accusing them of most greeuous and vnruly offences: hee addeth the punishment of their mischiudus deedes, & the most terrible destruction of the people and of the citie. Al these things did our Lord openly, with great authority in the tēple, instructing his Church hereby ⟨image 26⟩profitably, diuersly, & in many pointes.k Our Lord hath hitherto by the way and yet often spoken of the ouerthrowe of the people of the Iewes and of the citie Hierusalem: wherein he comprehended both the casting off of the Iewes out of the felowship of God, and also the prophanation of the temple, of the priesthood, and of all ye woorshipping, after the ceremonial law *l▪ And because these things seemed strāge and incredible, namely that God woulde prophane and forsake that people descended from holy parents, and that place, and that worshipping, & that holy preisthoode, he doth more fully expounde vnto his disciples, which inquired there of, the iudgement and destinie hanging ouer the people and citie, liuely describing, what wonderfull matters and strange tokens, what troubles, calamities, and miseries shoulde go before that destruction: and of what maner, how cruell, horrible, and fearefull that ruine should be. Forthwith by occasiō of the destruction of the citie, he reasoneth also of ye destruction of the world, or of the finishing of ye world, & of ye glorious comming of the sonne of man to iudgement: ⟨image 27⟩mexhortyng all men to sober and diligent watchfulnes, proposing rewardes to the watchfull, and threatning punishment to the slouthful & sleepie.*nWhich things forthwt he plainly sheweth by most comely and most plentifull similitudes, handeling as well the partes of the watchfull as of the sleepie.
*The 23. chap
iFrom the 1. ver. of the chap. end of the same.
kA remembrance of those things which have bin spoken of before.A remembrance of those thinges which haue bin spoken of before.
*The 24. cha.
lFrom the first verse unto the 42.Frō the first verse vnto the 42.
mFrom the 42. verse unto the end of the chap.Frō the 42. verse vnto the ende of ye chap.
*The 25 chap
nFrom the first verse unto the 31.Frō the first verse vnto the 31.
oFrom the 31. verse unto the 46.Frō the 31. verse vnto the 46.
qAfter all these things there is placed, as the finishing & the most perfect accomplishing of all our salvation, the most holy, & most profitable history of the passion & redemption of Christ the Lord: wherein he fully executeth all the offices as well of a priest, as of a king, and in a brief sum doth propose his greatest force to be beholden of all men. For he teacheth diligently both by all his words and by all his deeds, he instituteth his famous sacrament, he prayeth most fervently, he sacrificeth ⟨image 27⟩for sin, he purgeth sinners, he delivereth, he pitieth, he defendeth his servants, and he treadeth down and punisheth the wicked, showing every where incredible humility, and declaring sometime no small glory, when as all the elements, being troubled at his death, showed most plain tokens as it were of their great sorrow. Matthew handleth all these things in a goodly order, & in a pure, plain, and lively stile.*rFor first he showeth the time wherein he suffered, and proposeth the sum of his passion.s Then he describeth some causes of the Lord his death, proceeding partly from the envy & malice of the Priests against Christ, and partly from the covetousness and horrible treason of Judas, which sold his Lord to the Senate of Bishops.t Having finished the causes, he cometh unto the description of his last supper: wherein above all things he foresheweth his Disciples both his death, and also that he should be both betrayed and sold of his own: Moreover he provoketh by many means the mind of Judas the traitor to repentance: but in vain.v After this he instituteth in it the renowned Sacrament of his body ⟨image 28⟩and blood, the remembrance of his death, wherein we may see the brief sum of our salvation & of all godliness.x When as he had supped, he went out with his disciples unto the mount of Olives,y In the way he foresheweth the great offence, with should rise among his disciples because of him. zBut they being bold enough and rash enough, and not acknowledging enough their own infirmity, do promise constancy and great faith, Peter specially, unto whom notwithstanding the Lord foretelleth his most filthy fall.a In the garden of the mount of Olives he is marvellously vexed, and pitifully tormented with the fear of death.b
qAfter all these things there is placed, as the finishing & the most perfect accomplishing of al our saluation, the most holy, & most profitable historie of the passion & redemption of Christ the Lord: wherein he fully executeth all ye offices as wel of a priest, as of a king, and in a briefe sūme doth propose his greatest force to be beholden of al men. For he teacheth diligently both by al his wordes and by al his deedes, hee instituteth his famous sacrament, hee prayeth most feruently, hee sacrificeth ⟨image 27⟩for sinne, hee purgeth sinners, he deliuereth, he pitieth, hee defendeth his seruants, and he treadeth downe and punisheth the wicked, shewing euery where incredible humilitie, and declaring sometime no small glory, when as all the elements, being troubled at his death, shewed most plaine tokens as it were of their great sorrowe. Matthew handeleth all these things in a goodly order, & in a pure, plaine, and liuely stile.*rFor first hee sheweth the time wherein he suffered, and proposeth the sūme of his passion.s Then he describeth some causes of the Lorde his death, proceeding partly from the enuie & malice of the Priestes against Christ, and partly from the couetousnesse and horrible treason of Iudas, which sold his Lorde to the Senate of Bishops.t Hauing finished the causes, he commeth vnto the description of his last supper: wherein aboue all things he foresheweth his Disciples both his death, and also that hee should bee both betrayed and sold of his owne: Moreouer he prouoketh by many meanes the mind of Iudas the traitour to repentance: but in vaine.v After this he instituteth in it the renowmed Sacrament of his body ⟨image 28⟩and blood, the remembrāce of his death, wherein we may see the briefe summe of our saluation & of all godlines.x When as hee had supped, hee went out with his disciples vnto the mount of Oliues,y
qA brief argument of that which followeth.A briefe argument of that which foloweth.
*The 26. chap.
rIn the 1. & 2 verses.
sFrom the 3. ver. unto the 1•From the 3. ver. vnto the 1•
tFrom the 17. ver. unto the 26Frō the 17. ver. vnto the 26
vFrom the 26 ver. unto the 30From the 26 ver. vnto the 30
In the mean season he prayeth earnestly and constantly, committing both himself and all his business to God and to his holy will.c Then doth he diligently waken his Disciples being a steep:d and whilst he was occupied therein, Judas the traitor cometh, bringing with him a rout of most wicked and most filthy varlets:e forthwith he kisseth his master, and with a kiss betrayeth his Lord to his most wicked enemies.f For the chief Priests ⟨image 28⟩servants fall upon the Lord, take him, bind him, & oppress him.g In the mean season Peter fighteth unhappily for his master, and is stayed by his master:h who also forthwith sharply reproveth the open, grievous, and most wicked reproach of the chief Priests servants then offered unto him.i And whilst these things were thus in doing, all the Disciples fly from the Lord.k But he is brought away to Caiaphas the high Priest into the consistory.l Two things were chiefly handled there. The Lord is accused before the Priests and the council, false witnesses are brought forth,m the Lord his cause is handled most unjustly,n and at the last he is condemned,o buffeted, and most unworthily spit upon.p And withal the filthy and shameful denying of Peter is plentifully described.*qAnd when as the sentence of condemnation was pronounced against him, he is brought forthwith from the Priests, and forth of the Consistory or hall of the high priest, into the judgement Hall, unto Pontius Pilate the Roman Deputy, unto whom he is delivered as the most ⟨image 29⟩wicked of all men, and as one having deserved a most vile death.r The mean while Judas the traitor examining himself more deeply, and weighing his most cruel and wicked offence more rightly, goeth into the temple, restoreth the traitorous money to the Priests, despaireth & most horribly hangeth himself.s The Priests with the bloody money buy the potters field to bury strangers in.t Moreover Pontius Pilate the deputy of the Romans inquireth diligently the cause, and the chief points of the accusation laid against the Lord by the Priests: and he understandeth forthwith, that the envy of the Priests was the cause: therefore he both pronounceth him innocent, and judgeth, that he ought to be set fully at liberty: whereupon he trieth sundry and many ways to let him loose, which had committed none evil.
In the meane season he prayeth earnestly and constantly, commiteing both himselfe and all his businesse to God and to his holy will.c Then doth he diligently waken his Disciples beeing a steepe:d and whilest hee was occupied therein, Iudas the traitour commeth, bringing with him a rowte of most wicked and most filthie varlets:e foorthwith he kisseth his master, and with a kisse betraieth his Lord to his most wicked enemies.f For the chiefe Priestes ⟨image 28⟩seruāts fal vpō ye Lord, take him, bind him, & oppresse him.g In the mean season Peter fighteth vnhappily for his master, and is stayed by his master:h who also foorthwith sharpely reproueth the open, greeuous, and most wicked reproch of the chiefe Priestes seruants then offered vnto him.i And whilest these things were thus in doing, all the Disciples flie from the Lorde.k But hee is brought away to Caiphas the high Priest into the consistorie.l Two thinges were chiefly handeled there. The Lorde is accused before the Priestes and the counsell, false witnesses are brought foorth,m the Lorde his cause is handeled most vniustly,n and at the last hee is condemned,o buffetted, and most vnworthily spit vpon.p And withal the filthie and shamefull denying of Peter is plentifully described.
cFrom the 40. verse unto the 47.From the 40. verse vnto the 47.
dIn the 47. verse.
eIn the 48. & 49. verses.
fIn the 50. verse.
gFrom the 51. ver. unto the 55From the 51. ver. vnto the 55
hIn the 55. verse.
iIn the 56. ver
kIn the 57. & 58. verses.
lIn the 59.60 and 61. verses
mFrom the 62 ver. unto the 65From the 62 ver. vnto the 65
nIn the 65. and 66. verses
oIn the 67. & 68. verses.
pFrom the 66. verse unto the end of the chapter.From the 66. verse vnto the end of the chapter.
*The 27 cap.
qIn the 1 and 2. verses.
rIn the 3.4. and 5. verses.
sFrom the 6. ver. unto the 11From the 6. ver. vnto the 11
tFrom the 11. ver. unto the 27From the 11. ver. vnto the 27
The priests are most wickedly earnest to the contrary, they accuse, they urge, they lye, they threaten, yea and they persuade and prick forward the common people, and at the last they overcome the judge being wearied with their importunate cries, to let ⟨image 29⟩them do with the Lord what they list, and to deliver him to his soldiers to be crucified.v The soldiers therefore most cruelly and most unworthily whip the Son of God with scourges, they crown him with a crown of thorns, they worship him in contempt, they laugh at him, and spit upon him: then they lay his cross upon his shoulders, and lead him being half dead unto the place of execution.x There they crucify him in the middest between two most wicked thieves, they part his garments as a certain spoil, and setting all pity and courtesy aside, they mock him suffering most bitter torments, as though he had bin deceived of his hope in God.y But he, in so many & so great reproaches and torments, continuing constantly in perfect faith and patience, and sacrificing most holily for the sins of all the world, crieth to God the father, unto whom also, at the last yielding up the Ghost, be committeth his most holy soul.z And forthwith, after he had given up the Ghost, the veil in the temple of Jerusalem is rent in two pieces, and certain strange wonders are wrought ⟨image 30⟩both in heaven and earth:a wherewith the Centurion an Heathen being moved, doth openly witness, that this Jesus, although he were crucified, was the true Son of God.b After this Joseph of Arimathea, a man of very great credit & dignity, cometh to Pilate, and entreateth, that the body of Jesus might be given to him, that he might bury it. Pilate granteth it willingly, therefore the body of the Lord is buried most worthily.c Moreover the chief of the Jews fearing that the Lord would rise again, request also of Pilate that a band of soldiers might be given them to watch the sepulchre: when they had received this band, they beset the grave most strongly, & least there might be any deceit wrought, they seal the stone or cover of the sepulchre, namely that they might retain & stay the living Lord among the dead.d Matthew describeth in this last chapter the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ the Lord from the dead.*
The priestes are most wickedly earnest to the contrary, they accuse, they vrge, they lye, they threaten, yea and they perswade and prick forward the common people, and at the last they ouercome the iudge being weeried with their importunate cries, to let ⟨image 29⟩them do with the Lord what they list, and to deliuer him to his souldiers to be crucified.v The souldierrs therefore most cruelly and most vnworthily whippe the sonne of God with scourges, they crowne him with a crowne of thornes, they worship him in contempt, they laugh at him, and spit vpon him: then they lay his crosse vpon his shoulders, and leade him being halfe dead vnto the place of execution.x There they crucifie him in the middest betweene two most wicked theeues, they part his garments as a certaine spoile, and setting all pitie and curtisie aside, they mock him suffering most bitter torments, as thoogh he had bin deceiued of his hope in God.y But he, in so many & so great reproches and torments, continuyng constantly in perfect faith and patience, and sacrificyng most holyly for the sinnes of all the worlde, cryeth to God the father, vnto whome also, at the last yeelding vp the Ghoste, be committeth his most holy soule.z And foorthwith, after hee had giuen vp the Ghoste, the vaile in the temple of Hierusalem is rent in two peeces, and certaine strange wōders are wrought ⟨image 30⟩both in heauen and earth:a wherewith the Centurion an Heathen being moued, doth openly witnesse, that this Iesus, although hee were crucified, was the true sonne of God.b After this Ioseph of Arimathea, a mā of very great credit & dignitie, commeth to Pilate, and intreateth, yt the body of Iesus might be giuen to him, that he might bury it. Pilate graunteth it willingly, therefore the body of the Lorde is buried most worthilie.c Moreouer ye chief of the Iewes fearing that the Lord would rise againe, request also of Pilate that a band of souldiers might bee giuen them to watch the sepulchre: whē they had receiued this bande, they beset the graue most strōgly, & least there might be any deceit wrought, they seale the stone or couer of ye sepulchre, namely that they might reteine & stay the liuing Lord among the dead.
vFrom the 27 ver. unto the 35From the 27 ver. vnto the 35
xFrom the 35. ver. unto the 45From the 35. ver. vnto the 45
yFrom the 45. ver. unto the 51.From the 45. ver. vnto the 51.
zFrom the 51. ver. unto yt 54.From the 51. ver. vnto yt 54.
aIn the 54, 55 & 56. verses.
bFrom the 57 verse unto ye 62From the 57 verse vnto ye 62
cFrom the 62 verse unto the end of the chapter.From the 62 verse vnto the end of the chapter.
dThe matter contained in the last Chapter.The matter conteined in the last Chapter.
eThe Angel of the Lord cometh down from heaven, he rolleth back the stone from the door of the grave, the earth shaketh with an earthquake, & the glorious body of the Lord restored to life cometh out forthwith.f Moreover because the ⟨image 30⟩angel did shine like lightning, the keepers being amazed, withstand not the Lord rising again, but think it best to provide for them selves by fleeing away.g The mean while come the women to see the sepulchre, bringing with them the sweet odours, which they had prepared. Unto them appeareth the foresaid angel of the Lord, & teacheth them that Christ was risen in deed, commanding them to depart forthwith, & to report the resurrection to the disciples.h Whilst they were going their way, the Lord himself met them, showing himself plainly unto them restored to life, & commanding them to declare his true resurrection unto his disciples.i Whilst these things were in doing, those soldiers the keepers of the sepulchre, whom lately we said left their standing & fled, came into the city, & declared to the chief Priests those things, which they had seen, how the Angel came down from heaven, & rolled back the stone: how Christ came forth alive again, & how bright & fearful the form of the angel was.k At with news yt priests & pharisees being astonied & raging, bribed the soldiers with money, who lying, as they were taught, spread abroad among the common people this foolish report, that whilst they slept, forsooth the disciples came and ⟨image 31⟩stole his body forth of the Sepulchre.l But the Lord Jesus offering himself to be beholden most manifestly of his Disciples in Galilee, confirmeth them in the truth of faith.m And because all things which hitherto have been declared in this book concerning the doctrine, the deeds, the death and the resurrection of Christ, do pertain to the common salvation of all mankind, therefore he sendeth forth his Disciples as messengers into all the world, commanding them to baptise and to preach the Gospel to every creature, promising the mean while that he, although in body he go up to heaven, will be with his, and with his holy Church continually and unto the end of the world.
eThe Angell of the Lord cōmeth downe frō heauē, he rolleth backe the stone frō the dore of the graue, ye earth shaketh wt an earthquake, & the glorious body of the Lord restored to life cō meth out forthwith.f Moreouer because ye ⟨image 30⟩angel did shine like lightning, the keepers being amased, wtstand not the Lord rising againe, but think it best to prouide for thē selues by fleeing away.g The mean while come the womē to see ye sepulchre, bringing with thē the sweet odours, which they had prepared. Vnto thē appeareth the foresaid angel of the Lord, & teacheth thē that Christ was risen in deed, cōmanding them to depart forthwt, & to report the resurrection to the disciples.h Whilest they were going their way, ye Lord himself met thē, shewing himself plainly vnto thē restored to life, & cōmanding thē to declare his true resurrectiō vnto his disciples.i Whilest these things were in doing, those souldiers ye keepers of the sepulchre, whō lately we said left their stāding & fled, came into the citie, & declared to ye chiefe Priestes those things, which they had seen, how ye Angell came down frō heauen, & rolled backe the stone: how Christ came forth aliue again, & how bright & fearful ye forme of ye angel was.k At wt newes yt priests & pharisees being astonied & raging, bribed the souldiers wt money, who lying, as they were taught, spread abrode among the common people this foolishe reporte, that whilest they slept, forsooth the disciples came and ⟨image 31⟩stole his body foorth of the Sepulchree.l But the Lorde Iesus offering himselfe to be beholden most manifestly of his Disciples in Galilee, confirmeth them in the truth of faith.m And because all thinges which hytherto haue beene declared in this booke concerning the doctrine, the deedes, the death and the resurrection of Christ, doe perteine to the common saluation of all mankinde, therefore he sendeth forth his Disciples as messengers into al the worlde, commaunding them to baptise and to preach the Gospell to euery creature, promising the meane while that hee, although in body he go vp to heauen, will bee with his, and with his holy Churche continually and vnto the ende of the worlde.
eIn the 1. and 2. verses.
fIn the 3. & 4. verses.
gIn the 5.6. & 7. verses.
hIn the 8.9. & 10. verses.
iIn the 11. verse.
kFrom the 12 ver. unto the 16From the 12 ver. vnto the 16
lIn the 16.17 & 18. verses.
mIn the 19. & 20. verses.
The author
Heinrich Bullinger 1504–1575
ReformersZurich
Zwingli's successor at Zurich; author of the Decades and the Second Helvetic Confession.
Then doth hee diligently handle the questiō of the religious keping of ye Sabboth, & admonishing by the way yt boūtifulnes and the inwarde worshipping of God, is more allowed of God, than the outwarde keeping of the Saboth.
and nowe doeth there followe a more plentifull treatise of the woorde of GOD, of the vertue, fruite, and price thereof: which is fitly knitte to the matter before going. For the ministerie of the worde of God is occupied in the verie word of God.
And although the Lord taught in such sort, that no man was able to accuse either his faithful dealing or his diligence, yet was he litle regarded and accepted of his cuntrey men, which contemned and laughed to scorne the heauenly doctrine of godlinesse.
After that withdrawing himselfe from those indurate and vnthankefull men, hee departed into the cuntrey of the Gentiles, where forthwith a woman of Syrophenissa being indued with a most strong faith made a most earnest request vnto him: in whome there is set foorth most manifestly both a merueylous example of true faith, and also the effect therof.
And because mariage was ordeyned of God cheefly for the procreation of children, he sheweth next after the restitution of mariage, how children are esteemed of
Matthew described last before, what the Lorde did hitherto in Galilee, and in his iourney from Galilee, as hee went vp to Hierusalem, and nowe doth he shewe what he did in the holy and royall Citie it selfe.
These things being finished, Matthewe goeth forewarde, and setteth forth plainely certaine graue, sharpe, and profitable questions or disputations handeled betweene the Lord and the lawyers. First of this: whether tribute ought to be paied to Caesar?
Lastly Matthewe adioyneth a description, or as if it were a certayne figure of the iudge to come, and of his laste iudgement: wherin ye last sentence is pronounced by the same iudge against al man kinde, ioyful to the good, but most sorowfull to ye euil. For this matter is thus concluded:
But they being bolde enough and rash enough, and not acknowledging enough their owne infirmitie, do promise constancie and great faith, Peter specially, vnto whome notwithstanding the Lorde foretelleth his most filthie fall.
And when as the sentence of condemnatiō was pronounced against him, he is brought forthwith from the Priestes, and foorth of the Consistorie or hall of the high priest, into the iudgemente Hall, vnto Pontius Pilate the Romane Deputie, vnto whome hee is deliuered as the moste
⟨image 29⟩
wicked of all men, and as one hauing deserued a most vile death.
The meane while Iudas the traitour examining himselfe more deepely, and waying his moste cruell and wicked offence more rightly, goeth into the temple, restoreth the traiterous money to the Priestes, despaireth & most horribly hangeth himselfe.
Moreouer Pontius Pilate the deputie of the Romans inquireth diligently the cause, and the chiefe pointes of the accusation laide against the Lorde by the Priestes: and he vnderstandeth foorthwith, that the enuie of the Priestes was the cause: therefore hee both pronounceth him innocent, and iudgeth, that hee ought to bee set fully at libertie: whereupon hee tryeth sundrie and many wayes to let him loose, which had committed none euill.
