Hence was it that our blessed Lord, while he walked in the valley of his Incarnation, exercised his Ministry most part among his kindred, relations, and neighbours; at Nazareth, Capernaum, Bethsaida, near the Sea of Tiberias, at Cana, and other Regions of Galilee, in which parts he had receive his Education Andrew when he understood the call of Christ the great Saviour of the world;1 he presently seeks ⟨p. 191⟩out his Brother Simon to bring him to the Messiah. Philip after the like, manifestation, looks out for Nathaniel, and in a great ecstasy of spirit;2 cries out [[Greek or Hebrew]] We have found him of whom Moses and the Prophets did write. There are many instances of this nature both in the Old and New Testament. Abraham and Joshua were famous in their Generation; for this work: they counted it their principal business, they made it their great care to instruct their families in the fear and service of the great God.3 David also engages to walk in his house with a perfect heart, that by his exemplary pattern he might gain over his family to the Lord.4 Matthew the Publican (we read) did invite all the Tribute-gatherers that were of his own Fraternity and Profession, to a great Feast, that they might sit down with Christ, and feed upon his heavenly Doctrine.5 The great man in the City of Capernaum brings in his whole family to the belief of the Truth.6 Cornelius the Roman Centurion, who was quartered at Caesarea, calls his Relations together, to hear the Doctrine of Faith and Repentance. The woman in the Gospel having found the lost groat, after great pains and diligence, calls in her friends and neighbours to rejoice with her.7 Crispus and the Jailer, and Lydia, and Stephanas, are eminent Examples of this duty; by whose conscientious care and procurement, it may be supposed, that their whole households came under the roof of Christ; because presently after that we have heard of their own personal Baptism, we find their families also washed in that sacred Layer.
Hence was it that our blessed Lord, while hee walked in the valley of his Incarnation, exercised his Ministry most part among his kindred, relations, and neighbours; at Nazareth, Capernaum, Bethsaida, neer the Sea of Tiberias, at Cana, and other Regions of Galilee, in which parts hee had receive his Education Andrew when hee understood the call of Christ the gret Saviour of the world;1 hee presently seeks ⟨p. 191⟩out his Brother Simon to bring him to the Messiah. Philip after the like, manifestation, looks out for Nathaniel, and in a great extasie of spirit;2 cries out [〈non-Latin alphabet〉] Wee have found him of whom Moses and the Prophets did write. There are many instances of this nature both in the Old and New Testament. Abraham and Joshua were famous in their Generation; for this work: they counted it their principal business, they made it their great care to instruct their families in the fear and service of the great God.3 David also ingages to walk in his house with a perfect heart, that by his exemplary pattern hee might gain over his family to the Lord.4 Matthew the Publican (wee read) did invite all the Tribute-gatherers that were of his own Fraternity and Profession, to a great Feast, that they might sit down with Christ, and feed upon his heavenly Doctrine.5 The great man in the City of Capernaum brings in his whole family to the beleef of the Truth.6 Cornelius the Roman Centurion, who was quartered at Caesarea, calls his Relations together, to hear the Doctrine of Faith and Repentance. The woman in the Gospel having found the lost groat, after great pains and diligence, calls in her friends and neighbours to rejoyce with her.7 Crispus and the Jaylor, and Lydia, and Stephanas, are eminent Examples of this duty; by whose conscientious care and procurement, it may bee supposed, that their whole housholds came under the roof of Christ; because presently after that wee have heard of their own personal Baptism, wee finde their families also washed in that sacred Layer.
- 1John 1.41.
- 2John 1.45.
- 3Psal. 101.2.
- 4Luke 5.29.
- 5John 4.53.
- 6Act. 10.24.
- 7Luke 15.9.
