A commentary upon the three first chapters of the first Epistle general of St.…A commentary upon the three first chapters of the first Epistle generall of St.…

¹But the Gospel is said to be hid and concealed from ages and generations &c. Rom. 16.26. Eph. 3.5. Col. 1.26.

¹But the Gospell is said to be hid and concealed from ages and generations &c. Rom. 16.26. Eph. 3.5. Col. 1.26.

1. 1Object.

¹The text is, as it is now. It did appear, but not so clearly.

¹The text is, as it is now. It did appeare, but not so clearly.

1. 1Solut.

¹But how doth this doctrine of the Gospel differ from other Scripture, especially from the law?

¹But how doth this doctrine of the Gospell differ from other Scripture, especially from the law?

1. 1Quest.

1. 1Answ. How the Gospel differs from the law.Answ. How the Gospell differs from the law.

2. In the subject of doctrine: The Law tells us what we should be, but not how we can be so. Now the Gospel shows us a full and sufficient righteousness in Christ, that will be available. The Law saith, pay what thou owest, do this and thou shalt live: But the Gospel saith, believe the promise and thou shalt be saved.

2. In the subject of doctrine: The Law tels us what we should be, but not how we can be so. Now the Gospell shews us a full and sufficient righteousnesse in Christ, that will be availeable. The Law saith, pay what thou owest, doe this and thou shalt live: But the Gospell saith, beleeve the promise and thou shalt be saved.

¹3. In the continuance of the force of it. The gospel is an everlasting gospel, God will never alter his mind: whereas he hath changed his mind for the covenant of works.

¹3. In the continuance of the force of it. The gospell is an everlasting gospell, God will never alter his mind: whereas he hath changed his mind for the covenant of works.

1. 1Rev. 14.6.

¹But is it the Ministers duty only to publish the gospel, in that the Apostle saith, by them which preached?

¹But is it the Ministers duty onely to publish the gospell, in that the Apostle saith, by them which preached?

1. 1Quest.

¹It is chiefly: For to produce the effects before mentioned it is his calling, who hath commission from God to be his ambassador: yet private persons may comfort one another with these things.

¹It is chiefly: For to produce the effects before mentioned it is his calling, who hath commission from God to be his embassador: yet private persons may comfort one another with these things.

1. 1Answ.

¹But is the gospel only effectual when it is preached?

¹But is the gospell onely effectuall when it is preached?

1. 1Quest.

¹It is most effectual then, and that is the ordinary means God hath appointed, 1 Pet. 1. ult.

¹It is most effectuall then, and that is the ordinary meanes God hath appointed, 1 Pet. 1. ult.

1. 1Answ.

¹The Uses are,

1. 1Uses.Vses.

First for Ministers, and so

1. For consolation. For the excellency of the subject exalts the dignity of their calling, they are trusted with a very glorious embassage, Rom. 15.16, 17. & 16.26. therefore never be ashamed of it, Rom. 1.16. and this was taught by Christ himself, Mat. 4.13. and those Eph. 3.4.

1. For consolation. For the excellency of the subject exalts the dignity of their calling, they are trusted with a very glorious embassage, Rom. 15.16, 17. & 16.26. therefore never be ashamed of it, Rom. 1.16. and this was taught by Christ himselfe, Mat. 4.13. and those Eph. 3.4.

2. For Instruction: Therefore to serve God in their spirits, even with their whole hearts,¹ Rom. 1.9. and suffer all things rather then hinder the Gospel, 1 Cor. 9.12. Paul says, It is better for me to dye, then to make my glorying void.

2. For Instruction: Therefore to serve God in their spirits, even with their whole hearts,¹ Rom. 1.9. and suffer all things rather then hinder the Gospell, 1 Cor. 9.12. Paul saies, It is better for mee to dye, then to make my glorying void.

1. 11 Thes. 2 2. 1 Cor. 9.15.

Secondly, for the people.

1. For instruction.