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.
And he teacheth of what manner were his testimonies, private, public, and given to the very messengers of Jerusalem, all verily of one kind, namely such as taught, that Jesus Christ is true God and man, sent into the world for sinners, to save them which believe in him, & that therefore we must believe in Christ.m Therefore doth he also send his Disciples unto him, and consecrateth them to Christ the Lord, showing undoubtedly by the very deed it self, that all his doctrine tendeth here unto, that we may believe Christ the only Saviour of all the world.n And because the Baptist preached Christ only, & in him only showeth all the points of godliness & life, passing over the matters of the Baptist, John the Evangelist maketh hast to describe the very matters of Christ,o and declareth first how he received them, which ⟨image 58⟩by the provocation of John the Baptist followed him:p also what the studies and works of the faithful be, namely to bring very many unto Christ.q There is briefly handled the calling of certain of the disciples, in whose examples we may learn, how men are called to the faith of the Gospel, and what manner of men they ought to be, which must be instructed in the doctrine of the Gospel.r The Lord instructeth his Disciples by words and signs. By plain words, witnessing that he is to them, which believe, the ladder and gate to a blessed life.*xFurthermore he showeth a worthy sign at a marriage, turning water into wine, that by that deed he might declare his power, that it is he, which by his word can do what he will, that they may boldly lean unto him, which trust in him. And these things did he as it were privately amongst his acquaintance and familiar friends.
But he came not to be made known in some one place only to a few, but in all Jury, yea and to all the world, therefore he goeth to Jerusalem the chief city and
⟨image 58⟩
head of the country, and maketh himself known to all men by a very great deed, and very fit for his purpose.
And hee teacheth of what maner were his testimonies, priuate, publike, and giuen to the verie messengers of Ierusalem, all verely of one kinde, namely such as taught, that Iesus Christ is true God and man, sente into the worlde for sinners, to saue them which beleeue in him, & that therefore we must beleeue in Christ.m Therefore doth he also send his Disciples vnto him, and consecrateth them to Christ the Lord, shewing vndoubtedly by the very deede it selfe, that all his doctrine tendeth here vnto, that wee may beleeue Christ the onely Sauiour of all the world.n And because the Baptist preached Christ only, & in him only sheweth all the points of godlinesse & life, passing ouer the matters of ye Baptist, Iohn the Euangeliste maketh hast to describe the very matters of Christ,o and declareth first how he receiued them, which ⟨image 58⟩by the prouocation of Iohn the Baptist folowed him:p also what the studies and workes of the faithfull be, namely to bring very many vnto Christ.q There is briefly handeled the calling of certaine of the disciples, in whose examples we may learne, how men are called to the faith of the Gospell, and what maner of men they ought to bee, which must bee instructed in the doctrine of the Gospell.r The Lorde instructeth his Disciples by words and signes. By plaine wordes, witnessing that hee is to them, which beleeue, the ladder and gate to a blessed life.*xFurthermore hee sheweth a worthie signe at a marriage, turning water into wine, that by that deede hee might declare his power, that it is hee, which by his woorde can doe what hee will, that they may boldly leane vnto him, which trust in him. And these thinges did hee as it were priuately amongst his acquaintance and familiar freendes. yBut hee came not to be made knowen in some one place only to a fewe, but in all Iurie, yea and to all the worlde, therefore hee goeth to Hierusalem the chiefe citie and ⟨image 58⟩head of the countrey, and maketh himselfe knowen to all men by a very great deede, and very fit for his purpose.
mIn the 35.36. & 37. ver.
nWhy the Evangelist briefly finisheth the history of the Baptist, and speedily cometh to the history of Christ himself.Why the Euangelist briefly finisheth the history of the Baptist, and speedily commeth to the history of Christe himselfe.
oThe 38.39 and 40 verses.
pIn the 41. ver
qFrom the 42. vers. unto ye 51.From the 42. vers. vnto ye 51.
rIn the last verse.
*The 2 chap.
xFrom the first ver. unto ye 13.From the first ver. vnto ye 13.
yFrom the 13 ver. unto the 18.From the 13 ver. vnto the 18.
For whereas he was come into the world the king, and Priest, and Messiah of all the faithful in the world, and because it appertained to the Messiah to purge religion from corruption, and to deliver his from tyranny and superstition, he went straight ways into the holy temple, and cast forth of it the buyers & sellers, purging religion, and so showing himself to be the expected Messiah. zBut the rulers of religion took this thing very grievously, requiring a sign, whereby he might prove, that he was he, whom he took upon him to be.a He reasoneth of his death and resurrection, although somewhat closely.b And not a few believed the Lord,c but some again cloaked their faith, following rather the corrupt affection of their mind, than the motion of the holy Ghost,d unto whom the Lord would not therefore commit himself, because he was not ignorant of the counsels and cogitations of their hearts, and kept himself for better affairs. ⟨image 59⟩These things are handled in the two first Chapters.e The Apostle doth diligently handle those things, which the Lord Jesus spake and did in the beginning of his preaching, that he might so rightly inform the judgement of the Church, to think very well of Christian religion, & of the principles thereof, the which, as else where often, so here also, are wont for the most part to be very hard.f He showed last before, what Jesus did publicly and openly in the temple of God, and what he reasoned of among the common people, what he spake and did,g and now will he show a certain private thing.*hFor the Lord useth private conference with Nicodemus a Doctor of the Law,i whom he instructeth soundly, fully, and simply in the foundation, as they call it, and in the first principles, knitting together the whole method of sincere doctrine, andk teaching, that he, which desireth to enter into the kingdom of God, must needs first be borne anew. Because our nature and our first nativity hath in it self no light or life.l
For whereas hee was come into the worlde the king, and Priest, and Messias of all the faithfull in the worlde, and because it appertained to the Messias to purge religion from corruption, and to deliuer his from tyrannie and superstition, hee went straight wayes into the holy temple, and cast foorth of it the buyers & sellers, purging religion, and so shewing himselfe to bee the expected Messias. zBut the rulers of religiō tooke this thing very greeuously, requiring a signe, whereby hee might proue, that he was hee, whome hee tooke vpon him to be.a Hee reasoneth of his death and resurrection, although somewhat closely.b And not a fewe beleeued the Lorde,c but some againe cloked their faith, following rather ye corrupt affection of their minde, than the motion of the holy Ghost,d vnto whom the Lord would not therefore commit himselfe, because hee was not ignorant of the counsels and cogitations of their heartes, and kept himselfe for better affayres. ⟨image 59⟩These thinges are handeled in the two first Chapters.e The Apostle doth diligently handle those thinges, which the Lorde Iesus spake and did in the beginning of his preaching, that he might so rightly informe the iudgemente of the Church, to think very wel of Christiā religion, & of the principles therof, ye which, as els where often, so here also, are wont for the most part to bee very harde.f Hee shewed last before, what Iesus did publikely and openly in the temple of God, and what he reasoned of among the common people, what hee spake and did,g and now wil he shew a certaine priuate thing.*hFor the Lord vseth priuate conference with Nicodemus a Doctour of the Law,
zIn the 18. ver▪
aFrom the 19. ver. unto the 22From the 19. ver. vnto the 22
bIn the 22 ver
cIn the 23. ver.In ye 23. ver.
dIn the 24. & 25. verses
eWhat the Evangelist treateth of.What the Euangelist treateth of.
fWhat went before.
gWhat followeth.
*The 3. chap.
hIn the 1, 2. & 3. verses.
iThe sum of the Lord his talk with Nicodemus.The summe of the Lord his talke with Nicodemus.
kIn the 3. verse.
lFrom the 4, ver. unto the 13From the 4, ver. vnto the 13
Moreover that this new birth consisteth in the renovation of the ⟨image 59⟩holy Ghost, by whose means he which is to be saved knoweth, that there is nothing in the strength of man, which can deserve justification and blessed life,m that those things are provided by an others deserving, namely by Jesus Christ,n whom the grace & love of God, & no desert of ours, gave unto us, yea and gave him to the most shameful death of the cross, that every one, which believeth in him, should not perish, but should have everlasting life.o There he teacheth that true faith in Christ worketh good works: and contrarily that incredulity and want of faith is the cause of all ungodliness, yea of damnation it self.p These things being finished, the Apostle handleth forthwith the question touching purifying, sprung up after the matters before going.q By occasion whereof he reporteth the fifth and most plain testimony of John the Baptist, whereby he witnesseth, that the faithful are fully purged through the grace of Christ. And that he is the true Messiah, in whom the Father hath given to the world, whatsoever appertaineth to true salvation, and that therefore they which believe in Christ are saved, & ⟨image 60⟩contrarily that they which believe not are damned.r Unto these things he knitteth, by a marvellous & a most wise devise, an other, and a new conference, and the same private also, between the Lord and a woman of Samaria. sHe received and instructed in the third chapter Nicodemus, a famous man, a Jew, learned, and a man of holiness not to be despised:t but now he receiveth & instructeth an obscure woman, a Gentile, unlearned, and very greatly defiled with heinous faults, to this end, least any should gather by the former example, that the Lord came into the world to save the godly only. For hereby we do understand, that he was borne to save sinners also, and that not only the Jews, but the Gentiles also, yea and the very Samaritans. The conference hath in it much pleasantness & sweetness. The Lord insinuateth himself into the mind of the sinful woman marvellously: notwithstanding he goeth about 2. things chiefly.*vFirst he showeth, that he is the fountain of goodness, and of all graces, of the which whosoever drink, may be most plentifully satisfied.x Then ⟨image 60⟩having confuted the false worshipping of GOD,y he teacheth which is the true worshipping:z
Moreouer yt this new birth consisteth in the renouation of the ⟨image 59⟩holy Ghost, by whose meanes he which is to be saued knoweth, that there is nothing in the strength of man, which can deserue iustification and blessed life,m that those things are prouided by an others deseruing, namely by Iesus Christ,n whom the grace & loue of God, & no desert of ours, gaue vnto vs, yea and gaue him to ye most shamefull death of ye crosse, that euery one, which beleeueth in him, should not perish, but should haue euerlasting life.o There he teacheth that true faith in Christ worketh good woorkes: and contrarily that incredulitie and want of faith is ye cause of all vngodlinesse, yea of damnation it selfe.p These things being finished, the Apostle handeleth forthwith the question touching purifying, sprong vp after the matters before goyng.q By occasion whereof hee reporteth the fift and most plaine testimonie of Iohn the Baptist, whereby hee witnesseth, that the faithfull are fully purged through the grace of Christ. And that he is the true Messias, in whom the Father hath giuen to the world, whatsoeuer appertayneth to true saluation, and that therefore they which beleeue in Christ are saued, & ⟨image 60⟩contrarily that they which beleeue not are damned.r Vnto these things he knitteth, by a marueilous & a most wise deuise, an other, and a new conference, and the same priuate also, betweene the Lorde and a woman of Samaria. sHe receiued and instructed in the third chapter Nicodemus, a famous man, a Iewe, learned, and a man of holinesse not to be despised:t but now he receiueth & instructeth an obscure woman, a Gentile, vnlearned, and verye greately defiled with heynous faultes, to this ende, least any shoulde gather by the former example, that the Lorde came into the worlde to saue the godlie onelie. For hereby we do vnderstand, that he was borne to saue sinners also, and that not only the Iewes, but the Gentiles also, yea and the very Samaritanes. The conferēce hath in it much pleasātnesse & sweetnesse. The Lorde insinuateth himselfe into the minde of the sinfull woman merueilously: notwithstāding he goeth about 2. thinges chiefly.
mIn the 13, 14, & 15. ver.
nIn the 16. verse.
oFrom the 17. ver. unto ye 22.From the 17. ver. vnto ye 22.
pFrom the 22 verse unto ye 26From the 22 verse vnto ye 26
qFrom the 27 vers. unto the end of the chap.From the 27 vers. vnto the end of the chap.
rWhat followeth.
sWhat went before.
tThe matter contained in the 4. chap.The matter cōtained in the 4. chap.
*The 4. chap.
vFrom the 1. ver unto the 20From the 1. ver vnto the 20
and therewithal he professeth by a most manifest confession, that he is the true Messiah. aForthwith the sinful woman becometh a preacher of the grace of GOD. For she calleth forth the Sycharenes or Sychimites to meet the Lord the king or the Messiah. bThe mean while the Lord disputeth among his disciples of the calling of the Gentiles & of the Apostleship to the Gentiles.c Verily the Samaritans receive the Lord.d But the Jews, especially the citizens of the town of Nazareth, do despise & cast him off:d Wherewith the Lord is so little offended, that he is nothing at all less bountiful unto the evil deserving Jews. For going to Cana a city of Galilee, he restoreth to health the servant of a certain ruler being at the very point of death, proving by that worthy deed, that he can save their life, which put their trust in him, being the author of life and of all goodness.e The notable instructions and disputations of Christ the Lord in true Christian religion hitherto had ⟨image 61⟩with Nicodemus and the woman of Samaria, were as it were private.f In the two next chapters follow public benefits of the same Christ our Lord, which minister occasion of public disputations, very notable, the which disputations do handle the same, that is to say, the greatest points of our faith.*gThe one benefit he doeth to a man being pitifully afflicted many years with a most grievous disease, whom he healeth most lovingly.h But because he had done this upon the Sabbath day, the Pharisees slander the benefit, and accuse the benefactor of breaking the sabbath.i The Lord defending his own cause, showeth, as it were by the example of his father the eternal God, that he brake not the Sabbath.k Forth of the which answer they pike a new matter of accusation laying unto the Lord his charge the crime of treason against God, and of blasphemy against God.l Whereupon he proveth by many, and the same most lively and most evident arguments, that God is his father, and that he is the Son of God by nature, and equal with the father in all things, being the true, the living, and eternal God.
and therewithall he professeth by a most manifest confession, that hee is the true Messias. aFoorthwith the sinfull woman becommeth a preacher of the grace of GOD. For shee calleth foorth the Sycharenes or Sychimites to meete the Lorde the king or the Messias. bThe meane while the Lord disputeth among his disciples of the calling of the Gentiles & of ye Apostleship to ye Gētiles.c Verily the Samaritanes receiue ye Lord.d But the Iewes, especially ye citizēs of ye towne of Nazareth, do despise & cast him off:d Wherwith the Lord is so little offended, yt he is nothing at all lesse bountifull vnto the euill deseruing Iewes. For going to Cana a citie of Galilee, he restoreth to health the seruant of a certayne ruler beeing at the very poynt of death, prouing by that woorthie deede, that hee can saue their life, whiche put their trust in him, beeyng the authour of life and of all goodnesse.e The notable instructions and disputations of Christ the Lord in true Christian religion hitherto had ⟨image 61⟩with Nicodemus and the woman of Samaria, were as it were priuate.f In the two next chapters follow publike benefites of the same Christ our Lorde, which minister occasion of publike disputations, verye notable, the which disputations doe handle the same, that is to say, the greatest pointes of our faith.*gThe one benefite he doeth to a man beyng pitifully afflicted many yeres with a most greeuous disease, whō he healeth most louingly.h But because he had done this vpon the Sabboth day, the Pharisees sclaunder the benefite, and accuse the benefactor of breaking the sabboth.i
aIn the 28, 29, & 30. ver.
bFrom the 31 ver unto the 39From the 31 ver vnto the 39
cFrom the 39. ver unto the 43From the 39. ver vnto the 43
dIn the 43, 44, & 45. verses.In ye 43, 44, & 45. verses.
dFrom the 46 ver. unto the end of the chapter.From the 46 ver. vnto the end of the chapter.
eWhat went before.
fWhat followeth.
*The 5. cha.
gFrom the 1 ver. unto the 10From the 1 ver. vnto the 10
hFrom the 10 ver. unto the 17From the 10 ver. vnto the 17
iIn the 17. ver
kIn the 18. ver.
lFrom the 19. ver. unto the 40From the 19. ver. vnto the 40
mNotwithstanding in the end of his demonstration he falleth to chide or to expostulate the matter with the Jews,n and he openeth the causes of mans infidelity and treachery, namely the desire of glory, of riches, and of pleasure,o joining hereunto fearful threatenings, that God the revenger will once undoubtedly most sharply punish them.*pThe other benefit is most public. For he maketh a marvellous, and a very kinglike feast, unto certain thousands of men in the wilderness, declaring thereby most manifestly, that he is that Son to be honoured of the blessed GOD, by whose virtue and providence all living things are fed and nourished.q Now the people not understanding the just end of so great a benefit, according to their grossness, are willing to create the Lord the king of Israel.r But the Lord, which was not come to reign in humility, upon the earth, or in the country of the Jews only, or to receive a kingdom of men, but to be a king, crowned by GOD the Father him self, glorious, heavenly, ⟨image 62⟩in heaven and in all the earth together, and of all creatures visible and invisible, departeth▪ and hideth him self in a mountain alone.s The disciples, not knowing where the Lord lay hid, or whether he was fled, go by ship to Capernaum: tWhom the Lord following walked upon the waves of the Sea, as upon the main land,v and helped them being in peril in the lake,x setting forth unto them by this proof his divine power.y The next day the common people follow him also in ships,z ministering occasion unto him by their words, to reason openly in the school of Capernaum touching the abridgement and sum of our religion,a namely that he is the true Son of GOD, sent down from heaven from the father, to give life unto all mankind, and to conserve them in life, in that he was incarnate for us, in that he offered his flesh and his blood unto the death for us, that every one, which believeth in him, may have life everlasting.b And he proposeth this chief mystery of our faith by the continual ⟨image 62⟩similitude of bread or meat, and of drink, of eating and also of drinking, being hid in an allegory, that both spiritual things might more rightly be conceived by the similitude of bodily things, and also that they might the more firmly stick in the minds of men.c
mNotwithstanding in the end of his demonstration he falleth to chide or to expostulate the matter with the Iewes,n and he openeth the causes of mans infidelitie and treacherie, namely the desire of glorie, of riches, and of pleasure,o ioyning hereunto fearefull threatninges, that God the reuenger will once vndoubtedly most sharpely punishe them.*pThe other benefite is most publike. For hee maketh a marueilous, and a verie kinglike feast, vnto certayne thousandes of men in the wildernesse, declaring thereby most manifestly, that he is that sonne to be honoured of the blessed GOD, by whose vertue and prouidence all liuing thinges are fedde and nourished.q Nowe the people not vnderstanding the iust ende of so great a benefite, according to their grossenesse, are willing to create the Lorde the king of Israel.r But the Lorde, whiche was not come to raigne in humilitie, vppon the earth, or in the countreye of the Iewes onelie, or to receiue a kingdome of men, but to bee a king, crowned by GOD the Father him selfe, glorious, heauenlye, ⟨image 62⟩in heauen and in all the earth together, and of all creatures visible and inuisible, departeth▪ and hideth him selfe in a mountayne alone.s The disciples, not knowing where the Lorde laye hidde, or whether hee was fledde, goe by shippe to Capernaum: tWhom the Lorde following walked vppon the waues of the Sea, as vppon the mayne lande,v and holpe them being in perill in the lake,x setting foorth vnto them by this proofe his diuine power.
mFrom the 40. verse unto the 44.From the 40. verse vnto the 44.
nIn the 44 verse.
oIn the 45, 46, & 47 ver.
*The 6. chap.
pFrom the 1. ver. unto the 14From the 1. ver. vnto the 14
qIn the 14. verse.
rIn the 15. ver
sIn the 16, 17 and 18. ver.
tIn the 19. ver.
vIn the 20, 21. ver.
xThe use of the miracle.The vse of the myracle.
yIn the 22, 23 & 24. ver.
zIn the 25. verse.
aFrom the 26 ver unto the 30From the 26 ver vnto the 30
bFrom the 30 ver. unto ye 34From the 30 ver. vnto ye 34
But when as the Capernaites understood these things the wrong way and grossly,d the Lord expoundeth him self most clearly, declaring plainly, what he meant by that kind of speech.e And when as not a few forsook him,f he asketh those his disciples, whom he had called to the office of Apostleship, whether they also purposed to forsake him.g But blessed Peter in the behalf of all the Apostles made a right confession in all points, and comprehending all the sum of a true faith, leaving it to the Church, that she also in all troubles and heresies may so go on to confess Christ.h Thou hast therefore in these two last chapters, two miracles, the third and fourth, which Jesus did, and which John hath described: also ⟨image 63⟩two chief points of our faith, most copiously and learnedly handled, both that Jesus is true GOD, of one substance with the Father, and also that the same Jesus is true man, the food of the soul, and the conservation and life of every part of every man which trusteth in him with a true faith.i John hath hitherto plainly set forth the abridgement, sum, and scope of all the doctrine of the Gospel,k and now doeth he join hereunto certain peculiar points touching the doctrine and doctors of the Gospel,*lWhat their duty is:m what their doctrine ought to be:n how doctrines may be proved and known, whether they be of GOD:o that Christ the Lord committed none offence against the doctrine of the law:p also how the doctrine of the trueth being published is received of the world, and how great troubles are raised for the Gospel, whilst the world goeth about to oppress and cut of the Gospel, by hands, by threatenings, and by murder.q And yet in these troubles the Lord goeth on ⟨image 63⟩notwithstanding with a bold courage, bearing witness with the trueth,r admonishing also what evils are kept in store for the despisers of the Gospel,s and inculcating the same kind of doctrine continually, to wit, from whence salvation cometh, even from the only Son of GOD, if we believe in him, and what the force of faith is.t
But when as the Capernaites vnderstood these thinges the wrong way and grossely,d the Lorde expoundeth him selfe moste clearely, declaring plainly, what hee meant by that kynde of speache.e And when as not a fewe forsooke him,f hee asketh those his disciples, whom hee had called to the office of Apostleshippe, whether they also purposed to forsake him.g But blessed Peter in the behalfe of all the Apostles made a right confession in all poyntes, and comprehending all the summe of a true fayth, leauing it to the Churche, that shee also in all troubles and heresies maye so goe on to confesse Christ.h Thou hast therefore in these two last chapters, two miracles, the thirde and fourth, whiche Iesus did, and whiche Iohn hath described: also ⟨image 63⟩two chiefe poyntes of our faith, moste copiously and learnedly handeled, both that Iesus is true GOD, of one substaunce with the Father, and also that the same Iesus is true man, the foode of the soule, and the conseruation and life of euerye parte of euerie man whiche trusteth in him with a true faith.i Iohn hath hitherto plainely sette foorth the abridgement, summe, and scope of all the doctrine of the Gospell,k and nowe doeth hee ioyne heereunto certayne peculiar poyntes touching the doctrine and doctors of the Gospell,*lWhat their duetie is:m what their doctrine ought to bee:n how doctrines may bee prooued and knowen, whether they bee of GOD:o that Christ the Lorde committed none offence against the doctrine of the lawe:
dFrom the 35. ver. unto the 66.From the 35. ver. vnto the 66.
eIn the 66. verse.
fIn the 67. verse.
gFrom the 68 ver. unto the end of the chapter.From the 68 ver. vnto the end of the chapter.
hA brief rehearsal of the sum of the 2. last chap.A briefe rehearsall of the summe of the 2. last chap.
iWhat went before.
kWhat followeth.
*The 7. chap.
lFrom the 1. ver. unto the 14From the 1. ver. vnto the 14
mIn the 14, 15, & 16. vers.
nIn the 17, and 18. ver.
oFrom the 19 ver. unto the 25From the 19 ver. vnto the 25
pIn the 25, 26 & 27. verses.
qFrom the 28. ver. unto the 33From the 28. ver. vnto the 33
rFrom the 33 ver. unto the 37From the 33 ver. vnto the 37
As the godly do with great desire receive and embrace this doctrine,v so are the wicked more and more incensed thereby, endeavouring with taunts to deface it, and by all means to oppress it,x but the power of God is not overcome of the weakness of men, which without GOD always cometh to nothing, and vanisheth away mocked and shamefully confounded.*yAfter these things John putteth down a notable example of the goodness and mercy of GOD, whereby we may understand, how Jesus is the fountain of the water of life, watering the thirsty to everlasting life.z Again under the cover of a certain other similitude, comprehending the sum of sound ⟨image 64⟩doctrine, he teacheth, that he is the light and Saviour of all the world:a which doctrine of the truth the brawling Jews endeavouring to pollute, cavil much.b But the Lord doeth maintain and confirm the said doctrine gravely and firmly,c denouncing punishment to the contentious,d opening with all the causes of contention and of error,e and declaring often times most clearly that he is the Saviour of the world, which can save them, that believe in him, and which can condemn them that believe not in him: that his doctrine is certain, and infallible, the which by repeating often times he doeth inculcate. For this must be retained firmly in all contentions.
As the godlye doe with greate desire receyue and imbrace this doctrine,v so are the wicked more and more incensed thereby, indeuouring with tauntes to deface it, and by all meanes to oppresse it,x but the power of God is not ouercome of the weakenesse of men, whiche without GOD alwayes commeth to nothing, and vanisheth awaye mocked and shamefully confounded.*yAfter these thinges Iohn putteth downe a notable example of the goodnesse and mercie of GOD, whereby we maye vnderstande, howe Iesus is the fountayne of the water of life, watering the thirstie to euerlasting life.z Againe vnder the couer of a certayne other similitude, comprehending the summe of soūd ⟨image 64⟩doctrine, hee teacheth, that hee is the light and Sauiour of all the worlde:a whiche doctrine of the truth the brawling Iewes indeuouring to pollute, cauill muche.b But the Lorde doeth maynetayne and confirme the sayde doctrine grauely and firmely,c denouncing punishment to the contentious,d opening with all the causes of contention and of errour,e and declaring often times most clearely that hee is the Sauiour of the worlde, whiche can saue them, that beleeue in him, and whiche can condemne them that beleeue not in him: that his doctrine is certayne, and infallible, the whiche by repeating often times hee doeth inculcate. For this must be retayned firmely in all contentions.
vIn the 41, 42, & 43. verses.In ye 41, 42, & 43. verses.
xFrom the 44 ver. unto the end of the chapter.From the 44 ver. vnto the end of the chapter.
*The 8. chap.
yFrom the 1 ver. unto the 12From the 1 ver. vnto the 12
zIn the 1•. ver.
aIn the 13, 19 22, & 25. ver.
bFrom the 14 ver. unto the 31From the 14 ver. vnto the 31
cIn the 21 vir
dIn the 14, and 15 ver Also in the 19, and 22. ver.
eFrom the 14. ver. unto the 31From the 14. ver. vnto the 31
fMoreover he instructeth more fully the faithful and holy, which believed him, what they should do, how they ought to continue in the known trueth, and what the freedom of the Sons of GOD is.g He confuteth again the wicked bragging of the Jews, boasting themselves to be the sons of God, and ⟨image 64⟩the seed of Abraham. hFor the Lord teacheth, who be the true sons of Abraham, iwhat the disposition of the sons of GOD,k and of the Devil is, also what the drift and works of the devil are,l and that the hearing of God his word is the most evident mark of the Sons of GOD.m The Jews receive this faithful and notable disputation of the Lord with taunts,n unto whom the Lord proposeth a new the sum of the true and sound doctrine, namely that the salvation and the life of the world is not obtained, but only by faith in Jesus Christ,o yea and that Abraham him self lived by faith in Jesus Christ the Son of GOD.p At the which doctrine, as at extreme blasphemy, they being stirred up, catch up stones, to punish forsooth the blasphemer: but he withdrew him self forth of the troublesome company.q Now this whole disputation of these two chapters do furnish us with a most beautiful example of a thing most necessary, namely how we ought in all troubles, persecutions, threatenings, disputations, brawls, reproaches, and taunts ⟨image 65⟩of this world, to have an eye only to Christ, and to the infallible word of his Gospel, as to the only ship-mans star in the tempestuous Sea, and to continue faithful in him most constantly.r The Apostle describeth most plentifully and most elegantly hereafter the fifth miracle of the Lord, or benefit bestowed upon a certain blind man.s Whereby the Lord Jesus as by a lively deed, confirmeth and declareth that, which he lately proposed to all the people in the temple, namely, that he is the light of the world, which came to lighten and quicken all believers.*tFor now by giving sight to him that was borne blind, he signifieth and proveth manifestly by the thing it self, that he is the giver of light.v Yea a little before the end of the history, extending this his deed most largely to all men, he addeth: I am come unto judgement in this world, that they which see not, might see: and that they which see, might be made blind:
fMoreouer he instructeth more fully the faithfull and holy, whiche beleeued him, what they shoulde doe, howe they ought to continue in the knowen trueth, and what the freedome of the Sonnes of GOD is.g Hee confuteth againe the wicked bragging of the Iewes, boasting themselues to bee the sonnes of God, and ⟨image 64⟩the seede of Abraham. hFor the Lord teacheth, who bee the true sonnes of Abraham, iwhat the disposition of the sonnes of GOD,k and of the Deuill is, also what the drift and woorkes of the deuill are,l and that the hearing of God his woorde is the moste euident marke of the Sonnes of GOD.m The Iewes receiue this faithfull and notable disputation of the Lorde with tauntes,n vnto whome the Lorde proposeth a newe the summe of the true and sounde doctrine, namely that the saluation and the life of the worlde is not obtayned, but onely by fayth in Iesus Christ,o yea and that Abraham him selfe liued by fayth in Iesus Christ the Sonne of GOD.p At the whiche doctrine, as at extreame blasphemye, they beeyng stirred vp, catche vp stones, to punishe forsooth ye blasphemer: but he withdrew him selfe forth of the troublesome company.q Nowe this whole disputation of these two chapters doe furnishe vs with a moste beautifull example of a thing moste necessarye, namely howe wee ought in all troubles, persecutions, threatnings, disputations, bralles, reproches, and tauntes ⟨image 65⟩of this worlde, to haue an eye onelye to Christe, and to the infallible worde of his Gospell, as to the onelye shippe-mans starre in the tempestuous Sea, and to continue faithfull in him moste constantly.
fIn the 31, & 32. verses.
gFrom the 33 ver. unto the 48From the 33 ver. vnto the 48
hIn the 39 ver
iIn the 42, & 43. ver.
kIn the 44, & 45. vers.
lIn the 46, & 47. verses.
mIn the 48 ve
nIn the 49, 50, & 51. ver.
oFrom the 52 verse unto the 57.From the 52 verse vnto the 57.
pFrom the 57 vers. unto the end of the chap.From the 57 vers. vnto the end of the chap.
qA necessary point of doctrine to be learned in these 2. chap.
rWhat followeth.
sThe use of the miracle.The vse of the myracle.
*The 9. chap.
tFrom the 1. ver. unto the 8.From the 1. ver. vnto the 8.
which is as it were the state, where unto we may refer the ⟨image 65⟩whole history.x The mean while, as upon a certain stage, is set forth to the show, a sharp contention of the godly and ungodly, about the matter of religion, and the trueth of the confession of the Gospel.y Here are also painted forth the manners and dispositions, not only of the enemies of the word of GOD,z but of simple Christians also, whose duty, frank confession,a and increase of faith are here described.b Therefore thou shalt see, as in a certain lively picture, the counsels and endeavours of the wicked, whereby they persecute the trueth, darken it, and endeavour to oppress it. Thou shalt see their marvellous slyness, their wrath, and envy not to be pacified, and their extreme cruelty. Thou shalt see again the faithfulness, simplicity, sincerity, patience, constancy, and trueth conquering in all things, which always overcometh by giving place.*cAfter these things he accuseth greatly the blind and unfaithful shepherds of the people of the Jews: and with all he showeth, that he is that ⟨image 66⟩true shepherd, which quickeneth his sheep with his death, redeemeth them by his power and care from all evils, and refresheth them with wholesome food. And in these things he setteth forth the example of the best shepherd for all faithful shepherds, instructing them what becometh them, and what their duty is: but chiefly he inculcateth that, which he useth to urge every where, that he is the Saviour of the world, which giveth life to the faithful through his death.d But there riseth a new business and a new dissension about this doctrine, some wilfully cavilling at the proposed truth, and other no whit the less maintaining and defending the same.e In the feast of the dedication the adversaries propose a question to the Lord, whereby they might take a new occasion to cavil. They demand: whether he be Christ, that blessed Son of almighty GOD, that is to say, the Messiah? and if he be, that he would confess it openly, plainly, and ⟨image 66⟩manifestly.f Therefore the Lord Jesus professeth, and not only professeth, but also proveth, that he is Christ the blessed, the Son of the blessed God.g By the which profession they being rather provoked, then instructed, are willing to stone Jesus as a blasphemer.h
which is as it were the state, where vnto wee maye referre the ⟨image 65⟩whole historie.x The meane whyle, as vppon a certayne stage, is sette foorth to the shewe, a sharpe contention of the godly and vngodlye, about the matter of religion, and the trueth of the confession of the Gospell.y Heere are also paynted foorth the manners and dispositions, not onely of the enimies of the woorde of GOD,z but of simple Christians also, whose duetie, francke confession,a and increase of fayth are heere described.b Therefore thou shalt see, as in a certayne liuely picture, the counsels and indeauours of the wicked, whereby they persecute the trueth, darken it, and indeuour to oppresse it. Thou shalt see their maruellous slinesse, their wrath, and enuie not to bee pacified, and their extreeme crueltie. Thou shalte see agayne ye faithfulnes, simplicitie, sinceritie, patience, constancie, and trueth conquering in all thinges, which alwayes ouercommeth by giuing place.*cAfter these thinges hee accuseth greatlie the blynde and vnfaithfull shepheardes of the people of the Iewes: and with all hee sheweth, that hee is that ⟨image 66⟩true shephearde, whiche quickeneth his sheepe with his death, redeemeth them by his power and care from all euilles, and refresheth them with wholesome foode. And in these thinges he setteth foorth the example of the best shephearde for all faithfull shepheardes, instructing them what becommeth them, and what their duetie is: but chiefly hee inculcateth that, whiche hee vseth to vrge euerye where, that hee is the Sauiour of the worlde, whiche giueth life to the faithfull through his death.d But there riseth a newe businesse and a newe dissention about this doctrine, some wilfully cauellyng at the proposed truth, and other no whitte the lesse mayntayning and defending the same.
xFrom the 8. ver. unto the 35From the 8. ver. vnto the 35
But he reasoning friendly with them, showeth that he is the Son of GOD in deed, and that he sinned not at all against the majesty of his father.i But because no reasons can prevail with the gross, inflexible, and blind adversaries, leaving them again, and passing over Jordan, he returned unto that place, where John first began to baptise.k There he found not a few obedient sheep.l For many believed on Jesus there.m Hitherto we have heard great and divine things, and yet there follow after a sort greater and more divine things,*nand before all the rest, the raising again by Christ of Lazarus, having lain now four days in the grave and stinking.o The last day of Christ the Lord approached, wherein he offered ⟨image 67⟩him self, for the salvation of men, to GOD the father, to be an odour of a good smelling savour. And the nearer he drew unto his death, the more plainly doeth the force and fruit of the Lord his death show it self.p Certainly the Lord showeth most manifestly by this his sixth last sign or miracle, that he is the life of all the world, who although he dyed upon the cross, yet can he save the souls of the faithful in death, and raise up the dead. And because this thing is hard to be believed of flesh and mans reason, this history is handled both plentifully, and exactly, yea and evidently, so that thou mayest think, that thou beholdest all things with view of eye. In the mean season in Martha and Mary we are taught, what manner of faith ours ought to be. And the minds of the Godly are confirmed through all the history against the fear of death, the offence of the Cross is mitigated and utterly taken away,q and the cause of the hatred and envy ⟨image 67⟩of the Priests or Senators of the people of Israel is declared, wherewith they being blinded consult to kill Christ. That consultation is touched in few, but yet in evident words.*rNow hereunto pertaineth the feast solemnised in Bethany, sin the description whereof, the cause is showed whereby Judas being moved, purposed to sell and betray Jesus to the Priests.t In those things, which follow, John handleth those matters, whereby the glory and virtue of Christ appeared & shone oftentimes most clearly to the people of Israel:v
But hee reasoning friendly with them, sheweth that hee is the sonne of GOD in deede, and that hee sinned not at all against the maiestie of his father.i But because no reasons can preuayle with the grosse, inflexible, and blinde aduersaries, leauing them agayne, and passing ouer Iordane, he returned vnto that place, where Iohn first beganne to baptise.k There he found not a few obedient sheep.l For manie beleeued on Iesus there.m Hetherto wee haue hearde greate and diuine thinges, and yet there follow after a sorte greater and more diuine thinges,*nand before all the rest, the raysing agayne by Christe of Lazarus, hauing layne nowe foure dayes in the graue and stinking.o The last day of Christe the Lorde approched, wherein he offered ⟨image 67⟩him selfe, for the saluation of men, to GOD the father, to bee an odour of a good smelling sauour. And the nearer hee drewe vnto his death, the more plainelye doeth the force and fruite of the Lorde his death shewe it selfe.p Certaynelie the Lorde sheweth moste manifestlie by this his sixte last signe or miracle, that hee is the life of all the worlde, who although hee dyed vppon the crosse, yet can hee saue the soules of the faithfull in death, and rayse vp the dead. And because this thing is harde to bee beleued of fleshe and mans reason, this historie is handeled both plentifully, and exactly, yea and euidently, so that thou maiest thinke, that thou beholdest all thinges with viewe of eye. In the meane season in Martha and Marye wee are taught, what manner of faith ours ought to bee. And the myndes of the Godlye are confirmed through all the historye agaynst the feare of death, the offence of the Crosse is mittigated and vtterlie taken awaye,q and the cause of the hatred and enuie ⟨image 67⟩
iIn the 39, & 40. vers.
kIn the 41 ver
lIn the last ver
mWhat went before & what followeth.What wēt before & what followeth.
*The 11. cha.
nFrom the 1. ver unto the 46From the 1. ver vnto the 46
oWhy Christ wrought this miracle.Why Christ wrought this myracle.
pWhat we may learn by this miracle.What we may learne by this myracle.
qFrom the 46 ver. unto the end of the chapter.From the 46 ver. vnto the end of the chapter.
*The 12. cha.
rIn the 1, 2, 3, and 4. ver.
sFrom the 5. ver. unto the 12From the 5. ver. vnto the 12
tThe Evangelists purpose in the rest, which followeth.The Euangelists purpose in the rest, which followeth.
vFrom the 12. ver. unto the 19From the 12. ver. vnto the 19
& first, where as he entered into the city with regal pomp, he declareth, that he is the king & the deliverer of the people of God, whom the Prophets foreshowed to come.x This, grieved the Pharisees, who being overwhelmed with the greatness, power, and evidencie of Christ his doings, are constrained to despair of their own matters.y Hereunto this also is added, that the Greeks or Gentiles came to Jerusalem from coū tries very far distant to see and salute Jesus.z Whereby the Lord taketh occasion to speak of his death, of the fruit thereof, ⟨image 68⟩and of the great and far exceeding glory following his death immediately.a Also he prayeth, that the father would set forth his glory.b An oracle is given from heaven answering to the prayers of the Lord.c Thereupon the Lord teacheth again most clearly, what fruit shall come unto the faithful through his death.d Now when the people here upon moved a question, touching the eternity of the Messiah, eHe exhorteth them to faith.f The Jews notwithstanding continue in their unbelief,g the which thing John proveth that Isaiah foreshowed.h But to confirm the weak in faith, the Lord maketh a most vehement Sermon, wherein he gathereth a brief rehearsal of his doctrine, hitherto publicly proposed.i S. John hitherto hath set forth those things, which the Lord spake and did, privately and publicly, before his Passion, among those which were familiar with him, and in the presence of all the common people, as well by disputing as by preaching, both maintaining and delivering to the Church the most full and perfect doctrine ⟨image 68⟩of the Gospel:k but in those things, which follow, he describeth certain secrete and mystical, as well sayings as doings of the Lord, which he spake and did, in that his last and mystical Supper, before his Disciples. Here all things burn and glitter with a certain divine brightness. For here all the mysteries of our faith, and of the kingdom of God are proposed and opened, and the most dainty banquet of the soul and spirit, is most liberally furnished and set forth by the Son of God himself to the Church, so that the faithful hearer diligently considering these things, may seem to hear not a humane, but a very divine voice, and not to be at any earthly supper, but being admitted into heaven it self, to be a guest at God his table.
& first, where as he entred into the citie wt regal pompe, hee declareth, that he is the king & the deliuerer of the people of God, whome the Prophetes foreshewed to come.x This, greeued the Pharisees, who beeing ouerwhelmed with the greatnesse, power, and euidencie of Christ his doings, are cōstrained to despaire of their owne matters.y Hereunto this also is added, yt the Greekes or Gentiles came to Ierusalem from coū tries very farre distant to see and salute Iesus.z Whereby ye Lord taketh occasiō to speake of his death, of the fruite thereof, ⟨image 68⟩and of the great and farre exceeding glory following his death immediately.a Also he prayeth, that the father would set foorth his glory.b An oracle is giuen from heauen answering to the prayers of the Lorde.c Therevpon the Lorde teacheth agayne most cleerely, what fruite shall come vnto the faithfull through his death.d Nowe when the people here upon moued a question, touching the eternitie of the Messias, eHee exhorteth them to faith.f The Iewes notwithstanding continue in their vnbeliefe,g the which thing Iohn proueth that Esaias foreshewed.h But to confirme the weake in faith, the Lord maketh a most vehement Sermon, wherein hee gathereth a briefe rehearsall of his doctrine, hytherto publikely proposed.i S. Iohn hitherto hath set foorth those things, which the Lorde spake and did, priuately and publikely, before his Passion, among those which were familiar with him, and in the presence of all the common people, as well by disputing as by preaching, both maintaining and deliuering to the Church the most full and perfect doctrine
xIn the 19. ver
yIn the 20, 21 & 22. ver.
zFrom the 23. ver. unto the 27From the 23. ver. vnto the 27
aIn the 27, and 28, ver.
bIn the 28 and 29 ver.
cFrom the 30 ver. unto the 34.From the 30 ver. vnto the 34.
dIn the 34, verse.
eIn the 35, and 36. ver.
fIn the 37. verse.
gFrom the 38. ver. unto ye 44.From the 38. ver. vnto ye 44.
hFrom the 44. verse unto the end of the chap.Frō the 44. verse vnto the end of the chap.
Notwithstanding passing over those things, which the other three Evangelists handled both diligently and plentifully touching this last supper, John setteth forth most fully those things, which hitherto were not committed to writing, least the Church of Christ should want any thing, but that it might have a most full History of the affairs ⟨image 69⟩of her Saviour.*lTherefore in the beginning speaking somewhat in manner of a Preface,m he bringeth in forthwith the Lord washing the Disciples feet,n and commending by that deed, with certain words added thereunto, both humility, and the duties of charity, expounding also the effect or fruit of his passion.o After these things is placed a diligent and profitable disputation of Judas his treason.p When as Judas was departed forth of the holy banquet of the holy Apostles, that he might gather together cutters, which might take Jesus,q Jesus understood that his last hour now approached, he seeth also that his disciples, being oppressed with great sorrow, are diversly tempted and grieved,r therefore he maketh a worthy oration unto them with great deliberation, that he might thereby comfort his Disciples, and admonish them and fully instruct them in all his matters. For this are they wont to do, which are at the point of death, namely to comfort theirs, to instruct them in divers things, & gravely to warn them. For in such manner the Lord ⟨image 69⟩maketh a large and a most profitable oration unto his Disciples here put down in writing unto the 17. Chapter, which for the more plainness we have divided into two parts. The former part is comprehended in the latter end of thes 13 Chapter, and in the 14. Chapter throughout. The latter part is contained in the 15. and 16. Chapters. But the Oration or Sermon of the Lord is divers, neither is it referred to any one, and certain mark, except thou respect consolation & instruction. For all things tend hereunto, that the Disciples of Christ be not troubled, and that they may understand the mysteries of Christ, and know what they should do.t And first he entreateth of his death, which because it seemed unto the world to be shameful and infamous, he teacheth, that both the father and the Son is glorified through his death.v
Notwithstāding passing ouer those thinges, which the other three Euangelists handeled both diligently and plētifully touching this last supper, Iohn setteth foorth most fully those thinges, which hytherto were not committed to writing, least the Church of Christ should want any thing, but that it might haue a moste full Historie of the affayres ⟨image 69⟩of her Sauiour.*lTherefore in the beginning speaking somewhat in maner of a Preface,m hee bringeth in foorthwith the Lorde washing the Disciples feete,n and commending by that deede, with certaine wordes added thereunto, both humilitie, and the duties of charitie, expounding also the effect or fruite of his passion.o After these things is placed a diligent and profitable disputation of Iudas his treason.p When as Iudas was departed foorth of the holy banket of the holy Apostles, that hee might gather togeather cutters, which might take Iesus,q Iesus vnderstood that his last houre now approched, he seeth also that his disciples, beeing oppressed with great sorowe, are diuersly tempted and greeued,r therefore hee maketh a worthie oration vnto them with great deliberation, that hee might thereby comforte his Disciples, and admonishe them and fully instruct them in all his matters. For this are they wont to doe, which are at the point of death, namely to cōfort theirs, to instruct thē in diuers thinges, & grauely to warne them. For in suche manner the Lorde ⟨image 69⟩maketh a large and a most profitable oration vnto his Disciples heere put downe in writing vnto the 17. Chapter, which for the more plainenesse wee haue deuided into two partes. The former part is comprehended in the latter end of thes
*The 13. cha.
lIn the first verse.
mFrom the 2 ver. unto the 12From the 2 ver. vnto the 12
nFrom the 12. ver. unto the 18.From the 12. ver. vnto the 18.
oFrom the 18 verse unto the 30.From the 18 verse vnto the 30.
pIn the 30. ver
qIn the 31, & 32. verses.
rFrom the 33. verse unto the end of the chap.Frō the 33. verse vnto the end of the chap.
Then because he must leave them, least they should be ignorant how to behave themselves, and what laws they should keep one with another, he doth not overcharge them with many prescriptions, but commendeth ⟨image 70⟩unto them charity only.x Notwithstanding here the Lords talk is broken of a little, through the bold brag of Saint Peter, ywhich the Lord cooling, goeth forward in his purpose,*zand professeth openly that he is very God, that he may stay up the faith of his Disciples, wherein is the surest foundation of comfort.a He addeth that he therefore departeth hence and dyeth, that he may open the way for us into heaven.b Afterwards he showeth Philip and the rest more fully, that he is in all things coequal and of one substance with the Father: yea and that the Father cannot be known but by the Sonne.c And now also he exhorteth them to keep his commandments faithfully:d and promiseth an other comforter.e Moreover he useth many reasons, whereby he may both comfort their sorrowful minds, & stir them up to the vehement study of godliness.f And hereupon he reasoneth more plentifully of the comforter, or holy Ghost,g and saith most plainly that he must ⟨image 70⟩shortly be delivered into the hands of sinful men: but yet so that the world should be saved thereby.h Having finished the former part of the Lord Jesus Oration made after the Supper unto his beloved Disciples,i we come now to the latter part, which seemeth to be spoken in the journey toward the mount of Olives, and is comprehended in the 15. and 16. Chapters.k And it agreeth with those things, which went before in this manner: The Lord had oftentimes said, that he must depart forth of this world to the Father, the mean while least the Disciples should suppose, that they should utterly be forsaken, he added, that he with the father and the holy Ghost would come unto them, and abide with them, if they continue in keeping his precepts.*
Then because he must leaue them, least they shoulde bee ignorant howe to behaue themselues, and what lawes they shoulde keepe one with another, hee doth not ouercharge them with many prescriptions, but commendeth ⟨image 70⟩vnto them charitie only.x Notwithstanding heere the Lordes talke is broken of a litle, through the bolde bragge of Saint Peter, ywhich the Lorde cooling, goeth forwarde in his purpose,*zand professeth openly that hee is very God, that hee may stay vp the faith of his Disciples, wherein is the surest foundation of comfort.a He addeth that hee therefore departeth hence and dyeth, that hee may open the way for vs into heauen.b Afterwardes he sheweth Philip and the rest more fully, that hee is in all thinges coequall and of one substance with the Father: yea and that the Father cannot be knowen but by the Sonne.c And nowe also hee exhorteth them to keepe his commaundements faithfully:d and promiseth an other comforter.e Moreouer hee vseth many reasons, whereby hee may both comfort their sorowefull mindes, & stirre them vp to the vehemente studie of godlidesse.f And heereupon hee reasoneth more plentifully of the comforter, or holy Ghost,g and saith most plainely that he must ⟨image 70⟩shortly be deliuered into the handes of sinnefull men: but yet so that the world shoulde bee saued thereby.h
xIn the 36. & 37. ver.
yIn the 36.37, & 38. ver.
*The 14. cha.
zIn the 1 ver.
aFrom the 2. ver. unto the 8.From the 2. ver. vnto the 8.
bFrom the 8, ver. unto the 15From the 8, ver. vnto the 15
cIn the 15. ver
dIn the .16 and 17. verses.
eFrom the 18. ver. unto the 25From the 18. ver. vnto the 25
fFrom the 25 ver. unto the 30From the 25 ver. vnto the 30
gIn the 30 and 31, ver.
hWhat went before.
iWhat followeth.
kHow this which followeth, agreeth with that which went before.How this which foloweth, agreeth with that which went before.
lNow as it were repeating the same thing, & after a sort enlarging the same by bringing in the most elegant similitude of the vine & of the branches, he reasoneth most plainly of his remaining, that I may so term it, or of his presence in the ⟨image 71⟩Church, yea and of the true Communion of Christ and his Saints, I mean, in that he remaineth wholly in us, by his spirit, by his power, and by his evident operation, if we by faith and by love remain in him.m And verily for this cause he entreateth more copiously of brotherly love.n And by the way he reasoneth of the worthiness of the faithful, whom he calleth friends, and not servants.o Again least they should be proud, he addeth, that this is bestowed upon them through the free election of God, which hath chosen them, that they may go and bring forth plentiful fruit.p But the Disciples began forthwith to feel, what perils they should be in, and therefore were they not a little afraid of themselves. The Lord therefore confirming their minds, reasoneth much and diversly of the cross and of suffering,q and promiseth again the comforter, which should stir them up, encourage, and confirm them in troubles & persecutions.*rMoreover, he disputeth with much profit many things concerning the effects and strength of the comforter, showing ⟨image 71⟩how the holy ghost being given should recompense his corporal presence, which after his death should be no whit at all profitable upon earth, how by him he would prepare his Church in the world, and reign in it.s And yet doth he again put them in remembrance that he must first die,t and that hereupon his disciples should be oppressed with great sorrow: whom forthwith raising up again by comforting them, he assureth them that their sorrow shall not be long: but that the joy, which shall rise of his resurrection, and follow their sorrow, shall be everlasting.v And this doth he declare by the similitude of a woman travailing.x Moreover least they should be overmuch sorrowful through the departing of his body into heaven, he promiseth his disciples, that he will teach them all the secretes of the kingdom of God by his spirit, and that he will give them whatsoever they shall ask in his name, that is to say, in the name of Christ:y
lNow as it were repeating ye same thing, & after a sort inlarging the same by bringing in the most elegant similitude of the vine & of the branches, he reasoneth most plainely of his remaining, that I may so tearme it, or of his presence in the ⟨image 71⟩Church, yea and of the true Communion of Christe and his Saintes, I meane, in that hee remaineth wholy in vs, by his spirite, by his power, and by his euident operation, if wee by faith and by loue remaine in him.m And verily for this cause he intreateth more copiously of brotherly loue.n And by the way he reasoneth of the worthinesse of the faithfull, whome hee calleth friendes, and not seruants.o Againe least they should be proude, he addeth, that this is bestowed vpon them through the free election of God, which hath chosen them, that they may go and bring foorth plentifull fruite.p But the Disciples began foorthwith to feele, what perilles they shoulde bee in, and therefore were they not a little afraide of themselues. The Lorde therefore confirming their mindes, reasoneth much and diuersly of the crosse and of suffering,q and promiseth again the comforter, which shoulde stirre them vp, incourage, and confirme them in troubles & persecutions.*rMoreouer, hee disputeth with muche profite many things concerning ye effects and strength of the comforter, shewing ⟨image 71⟩howe the holy ghost being giuen shoulde recompence his corporall presence, which after his death shoulde be no whitte at all profitable vpon earth, howe by him he woulde prepare his Church in the world, and raigne in it.s And yet doth he agayne put them in remembraunce that hee must first die,t
lFrom the 1. ver. unto the 9.From the 1. ver. vnto the 9.
mFrom the 9. vers. unto 14.From the 9. vers. vnto 14.
nIn the 14, & 15. verses.
oIn the 16. ver
pFrom the 17 ver. unto ye 26.From the 17 ver. vnto ye 26.
qIn the 26 and 27, ver.
*The 16. cha.
rFrom the 1. ver. unto the 16▪From the 1. ver. vnto the 16▪
sFrom the 16 ver. unto ye 20.From the 16 ver. vnto ye 20.
tIn the 20 ver.
vIn the 21, and 22, ver.
xFrom the 23 ver. unto ye 28.From the 23 ver. vnto ye 28.
and with all he gathereth into a brief sum the whole matter of our redemption, desiring to fasten this deep in their hearts.z The which things ⟨image 72⟩when as the disciples received with great rejoicing, and commended, professing, that they did now believe, and plainly understand, that he was the Son of God,a he foretelleth them, that they shall forthwith forsake him, and every one provide for him self by flying away.b And in the end, concluding his whole talk continued hitherto from the thirteenth Chapter, and signifying whereunto all things must be applied, he saith: These words have I spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace, for in the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. cAfter that our Lord Jesus Christ had partly comforted his disciples by these very divine sermons, and partly informed and instructed them against the storm of evils imminent, because he had purposely warned them, that they must not put their trust in any humane things, but in the help of God, he doth moreover teach by his own example, that in their afflictions the look no whither else, but to the Father of heaven.d*Now therefore preparing him self to ⟨image 72⟩suffer his passion, he beginneth it with making his prayers unto the father, unto whom first he commendeth himself,e then his Apostles,f lastly all, which believe the doctrine of the Apostles, beseeching him, that he would glorify him, and that he would guide the Apostles, and the Church of the faithful, through this most unpure world, in the study of the trueth, of godliness, and of charity, and that he would join them unto him for ever.*gHaving finished his prayer, he goeth unto the mount of Olives, entering into a garden, where he might commend him self again to God by his prayers.h The mean while traitorous Judas had gathered together a band of most wicked varlets, and approacheth the innocent.i The Lord, that he might show that he suffered of his own accord and willingly, and that he was omnipotent, although he suffered him self to be chained, overthroweth often times the band in the garden, and afterwards committeth him self voluntarily unto the wicked to be bound. ⟨image 73⟩kThere Peter fighteth unhappily enough, and was rebuked of his master.l
and with all he gathereth into a briefe summe the whole matter of our redemption, desiring to fasten this deepe in their hearts.z The which things ⟨image 72⟩when as the disciples receiued with great reioycing, and commended, professing, that they did now beleeue, and plainly vnderstand, that he was the sonne of God,a he fortelleth them, that they shall forthwith forsake him, and euery one prouide for him selfe by fliyng away.b And in the end, concluding his whole talke continued hitherto from the thirtienth Chapter, and signifiyng whereunto all things must be applied, hee saith: These wordes haue I spoken vnto you, that in mee you might haue peace, for in the worlde yee haue tribulation: but bee of good cheare, I haue ouercome the worlde. cAfter that our Lorde Iesus Christ had partlie comforted his disciples by these verie diuine sermōs, and partly informed and instructed them against the storme of euilles imminent, because he had purposely warned them, that they must not put their trust in any humane thinges, but in the helpe of God, he doth moreouer teach by his owne example, that in their afflictions the looke no whither els, but to the Father of heauē.d*Now therefore preparing him selfe to ⟨image 72⟩suffer his passion, he beginneth it with making his prayers vnto the father, vnto whom first hee commendeth himselfe,e then his Apostles,f lastly all, whiche beleeue the doctrine of the Apostles, beseeching him, that hee woulde glorifie him, and that hee woulde guide the Apostles, and the Churche of the faythfull, through this most vnpure worlde, in the studie of the trueth, of godlinesse, and of charitie, and that he woulde ioyne them vnto him for euer.*
zIn the 29 & 30 verses.
aIn the 31, and 32 ver.
bIn the last ver.
cWhat went before & what followeth.What went before & what foloweth.
dFrom the 1. ver. unto the 6.From the 1. ver. vnto the 6.
*The 17. cha.
eFrom the 6, ver. unto the 20From the 6, ver. vnto the 20
fFrom the 20 ver. unto the end of the chap.From the 20 ver. vnto the end of the chap.
*The 18. cha.
gIn the 1.
hIn the 2. & 3. verses.
iFrom the 4. ver. unto ye 10.From the 4. ver. vnto ye 10.
They bring the Lord forthwith to Annas the high priest, and from him to Caiaphas, because he was placed that year in the chief dignity of priesthood.m Inquisition is made touching the doctrine of Jesus,n and whilst he went about to answer,o he is most unworthily beaten of a servant of the high priests.p Whilst these things were in doing, Peter denieth & abjureth the Lord most shamefully.q Christ is lead from the high priests court straight ways unto the deputies common hall of judgement, because he seemed worthy of death.r He is accused before Pilate, and the chief points of the accusation are discussed,t but Pilate finding no fault in him, goeth about by cunning too set him at liberty.v Which when it fell out unluckily,*xhe bringeth him torn with whips, and crowned with a crown of thorns, forth unto the common people a beast of many heads.y They cry out together, that he may be crucified.z But Pilate inquiring of many things,a yet at the last overcome with the wicked outcries of the ⟨image 73⟩Jews,b delivereth Jesus to be crucified. He is received of the soldiers,c and led forth into a place named of dead mens skulls unto execution.d There is he lifted up upon a cross in the middest between two thieves.e The title or cause of his death is put upon the cross by Pilate not without great reasoning and controversy.f Moreover the soldiers part the Lords garments, and cast lots for his coat, which was without seam, under the cross.g The Lord from the cross committeth his mother to John: hHe thirsteth,i and refuseth to drink vinegar offered him in a sponge,k and witnessing holily that all things were finished, and that the sacrifice was perfect, he gave up his ghost to God the father.l Afterwards the legs of the thieves are broken,m Jesus his side is opened, blood and water gusheth out of it.n John which saw it, doth holily witness the truth,o And lastly come godly & devout men, which take down the dead body of the Lord from the cross, and spice it most honestly, and bury it.p John, in this last part of his Gospel, reckoneth up, with great trust and diligence, ⟨image 74⟩the most manifest testimonies and proofs of the glorious resurrection from the dead of our Lord Jesus Christ, whereby he showeth fully and plainly, that he rose again from the dead truly with his true & lively body.
They bring the Lorde foorthwith to Annas the high priest, and from him to Caiphas, because he was placed that yere in the chiefe dignitie of priesthood.m Inquisition is made touching the doctrine of Iesus,n and whilest he went about to answere,o he is most vnworthily beaten of a seruant of the high priests.p Whilest these things were in doing, Peter denieth & abiureth the Lorde most shamefully.q Christe is lead from the high priestes court straight wayes vnto the deputies common hall of iudgement, because he seemed worthie of death.r He is accused before Pilate, and the chiefe pointes of the accusation are discussed,t but Pilate finding no fault in him, goeth about by cunning too set him at libertie.v Which when it fell out vnluckely,*xhe bringeth him torne with whips, and crowned with a crowne of thornes, foorth vnto the common people a beast of many heades.y They crie out together, that he may be crucified.z But Pilate inquiring of many things,a yet at the last ouercome with the wicked outcries of the ⟨image 73⟩Iewes,b deliuereth Iesus to be crucified. He is receiued of the souldiers,c
mIn the 19 ver
nIn the 20, and 21, ver.
oIn the 22.23, & 24 ver.
pIn the 15, 16 17, and 18. verses, also in the 25, 26, and 27. verses.
qIn the 28, verse.
rFrom the 29 ver. unto the 38From the 29 ver. vnto the 38
tIn the 38. and 39 verses.
vIn the last ver.
*The 19. chap
xFrom the 1 ver. unto the 6.From the 1 ver. vnto the 6.
yIn the 6. ver.
zFrom the 7, ver. unto the 12From the 7, ver. vnto the 12
aFrom the 12 ver. unto ye 16From the 12 ver. vnto ye 16
bIn the 16 ver
cIn the 17 ver.
dIn the 18 ver▪
eFrom the 19 ver. unto the 23From the 19 ver. vnto the 23
fIn the 23, and 24, ver.
gIn the 25, 26, & 27 ver.
hIn the 28 ver
i
The author
Heinrich Bullinger 1504–1575
ReformersZurich
Zwingli's successor at Zurich; author of the Decades and the Second Helvetic Confession.
whom he instructeth soundly, fully, and simply in the foundation, as they call it, and in the first principles, knitting together the whole method of sincere doctrin, and
teaching, that he, which desireth to enter into the kingdome of God, must needes first be borne anewe. Because our nature and our first natiuitie hath in it self no light or life.
Forth of the which answere they pike a new matter of accusatiō laying vnto the Lorde his charge ye crime of treason against God, and of blasphemie against God.
Whervpon he prooueth by many, and the same most liuely and most euident arguments, that God is his father, and that he is the sonne of God by nature, and equall with the father in all things, being the true, the liuing, and eternall God.
namelie that hee is the true sonne of GOD, sent downe from heauen from the father, to giue life vnto al mankinde, and to conserue them in life, in that hee was incarnate for vs, in that hee offered his fleshe and his blood vnto the death for vs, that euery one, whiche beleeueth in him, maye haue life euerlasting.
And hee proposeth this chiefe mysterye of our faith by the continuall
⟨image 62⟩
similitude of bread or meate, and of drinke, of eating and also of drinking, beeyng hidde in an allegorie, that both spirituall thinges might more rightlye bee conceiued by the similitude of bodily thinges, and also that they might the more firmely sticke in the mindes of men.
also howe the doctrine of the trueth beeyng published is receiued of the worlde, and howe great troubles are raysed for the Gospell, whilest the worlde goeth about to oppresse and cut of the Gospell, by hands, by threatninges, and by murder.
and inculcating the same kynde of doctrine continuallye, to witte, from whence saluation commeth, euen from the onelye Sonne of GOD, if wee beleeue in him, and what the force of faith is.
The Apostle describeth moste plentifullye and moste elegantly heereafter the fifte miracle of the Lorde, or benefite bestowed vpon a certayne blinde man.
Whereby the Lorde Iesus as by a liuely deede, confirmeth and declareth that, whiche hee lately proposed to all the people in the temple, namely, that hee is the light of the world, whiche came to lighten and quicken all beleeuers.
Yea a little before the ende of the historie, extending this his deede moste largely to all men, hee addeth: I am come vnto iudgement in this worlde, that they whiche see not, might see: and that they whiche see, might bee made blinde:
In the feast of the dedication the aduersaries propose a question to the Lorde, whereby they might take a newe occasion to cauill. They demaunde: whether hee bee Christe, that blessed sonne of almightie GOD, that is to say, the Messias? and if hee bee, that hee woulde confesse it openlye, plainely, and
of the Priestes or Senatours of the people of Israel is declared, wherewith they beeing blinded consulte to kill Christe. That consultation is touched in fewe, but yet in euident words.
In those things, whiche followe, Iohn handeleth those matters, whereby the glory and vertue of Christe appeared & shone oftentimes most cleerely to the people of Israel:
but in those thinges, which followe, hee describeth certaine secrete and mysticall, as well sayings as doings of the Lorde, which hee spake and did, in that his last and mysticall Supper, before his Disciples. Heere all thinges burne and glitter with a certaine diuine brightnesse. For heere all the mysteries of our faith, and of the kingdome of God are proposed and opened, and the most daintie banket of the soule and spirite, is most liberally furnished and set foorth by the Sonne of God himself to the Church, so that the faithfull hearer diligently considering these things, may seeme to heare not a humane, but a very diuine voyce, and not to be at any earthly supper, but being admitted into heauē it selfe, to bee a guest at God his table.
13 Chapter, and in the 14. Chapter throughout. The latter part is contained in the 15. and 16. Chapters. But the Oration or Sermon of the Lorde is diuers, neither is it referred to any one, and certaine marke, except thou respect consolation & instruction. For all thinges tend herevnto, that the Disciples of Christe be not troubled, and that they may vnderstande the mysteries of Christe, and know what they shoulde doe.
And first hee intreateth of his death, which because it seemed vnto the worlde to bee shamefull and infamous, hee teacheth, that both the father and the sonne is glorified through his death.
wee come nowe to the latter part, which seemeth to bee spoken in the iourney towarde the mount of Oliues, and is comprehended in the 15. and 16. Chapters.
And it agreeth with those thinges, which went before in this maner: The Lorde had oftentimes saide, that hee must departe foorth of this worlde to the Father, the meane while least the Disciples shoulde suppose, that they shoulde vtterly bee forsaken, hee added, that hee with the father and the holy Ghost woulde come vnto them, and abide with them, if they continue in keeping his preceptes.
and that herevpon his disciples shoulde be oppressed with great sorowe: whom forthwith raysing vp againe by cō forting them, he assureth them yt their sorrowe shall not be long: but that the ioy, which shall rise of his resurrection, and folowe their sorrow, shall be euerlasting.
Moreouer least they shoulde bee ouermuche sorrowefull through the departing of his bodie into heauen, hee promiseth his disciples, that he will teach them all the secretes of the kingdome of God by his spirite, and that hee will giue them whatsoeuer they shall aske in his name, that is to say, in the name of Christ:
The Lord, that he might shewe that hee suffered of his owne accorde and willingly, and that he was omnipotent, although hee suffered him selfe to bee chayned, ouerthroweth often times the bande in the graden, and afterwardes committeth hym selfe voluntarily vnto the wicked to be bound.
Iohn, in this last part of his Gospell, rekoneth vp, with great trust and diligence,
⟨image 74⟩
the most manifest testimonies and proofes of the glorious resurrection from the dead of our Lord Iesus Christ, whereby he sheweth fully and plainely, that hee rose againe frō the dead truely wt his true & liuely body.
In the 29 ver
kIn the 30 ver.
lIn the 31, and 32 ver.
mIn the 33▪ and 34. ver.
nIn the 35, 36 & 37 ver.
oFrom the 38 ver. unto the end of the chap.From the 38 ver. vnto the end of the chap.
