As touching the exclamation following, it hath been racked and rent by divers expositions. The ancient Fathers abused this place to confute the Arians,1 who denied the eternal generation of Christ. But they should have contented themselves with plain and manifest proofs of the holy Scriptures, that so they might not have made themselves a scorn to heretics, who by this means oftentimes take occasion to grow the more impudent: for they might have replied, that the Prophet had no such meaning. Chrysostom refers it to Christs humanity, because he was miraculously conceived in the virgins womb, without the use of mans help: but he roves far off from the Prophets meaning.2 Some others think that the Prophet cries out upon them that crucified Christ. And some again refer it to the posterity which should succeed; to wit, that Christs linage or of-spring should greatly increase, though himself died. But seeing the word Dor, signifies Age, or lasting; I doubt not but he speaks of Christs age, namely, that notwithstanding the sorrows wherewith he was overpressed, he shall not only be freed from them, but shall also have a flourishing age, 3yea such a one as should endure for ever. For he shall not resemble those that are delivered from death, and yet must die nevertheless afterwards, because he rose again to live eternally. For as S. Paul saith, Rom. 6.9. He can die no more, 4death can have no more dominion over him. And yet we must remember that the Prophet not only speaks of Christs person, but comprehends under it, the whole body of the church, which must never be separated from her head.5 We have here then a notable testimony touching the perpetuity of the church: for as Christ lives for ever, so will he not suffer his kingdom ever to perish: John 14.19. In the next place we are to appropriate this immortality to every member in particular.
As touching the exclamation following, it hath been racked and rent by diuers expositions. The ancient Fathers abused this place to confute the Arians,1 who denied the eternall generation of Christ. But they should haue contented themselues with plaine and manifest proofes of the holy Scriptures, that so they might not haue made themselues a scorne to heretikes, who by this meanes oftentimes take occasion to grow the more impudent: for they might haue replied, that the Prophet had no such meaning. Chrysostom referres it to Christs humanitie, because he was miraculously cōceiued in the virgins wombe, without the vse of mans helpe: but he roues farre off from the Prophets meaning.2 Some others thinke that the Prophet cries out vpon them that crucified Christ. And some againe refer it to the posteritie which should succeede; to wit, that Christs linage or of-spring should greatly increase, though himselfe died. But seeing the word Dor, signifies Age, or lasting; I doubt not but he speakes of Christs age, namely, that notwithstanding the sorrowes wherewith he was ouerpressed, hee shall not onely be freed from them, but shall also haue a florishing age, 3yea such a one as should indure for euer. For hee shall not resemble those that are deliuered from death, and yet must die neuerthelesse afterwards, because hee rose againe to liue eternally. For as S. Paul saith, Rom. 6.9. Hee can die no more, 4death can haue no more dominiō ouer him. And yet we must remember that the Prophet not onely speakes of Christs person, but comprehends vnder it, the whole body of the church, which must neuer bee separated from her head.5 Wee haue heere then a notable testimony touching the perpetuity of the church: for as Christ liues for euer, so will he not suffer his kingdome euer to perish: Iohn 14.19. In the next place wee are to appropriate this immortalitie to euery member in particular.
- 1A•ians. Heretics must be convinced not with shows, but with plain evidenc s of truth.A•ians. Heretikes must be conuinced not with shewes, but with plaine euidenc s of truth.
- 2Chrysostom.
- 3Psal. 102.24.27.
- 4Christ can die no more.
- 5A note touching the perpe uitie of the Church.
