CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

First, The Benefit with the cause of it is to be considered, I have kept them: The Word is used sometimes for an outward violent detaining of a man in prison or other custody, Act. 12.5, 6. Thus the Jailors are called [Greek or Hebrew], Mat. 28.4. Heinsius understands the word [Greek or Hebrew] which we render observe, Herod observed John, in a corporal manner of keeping him in a safe hold, because Mar. 6.19. it is said Herodias would have killed him but could not: Sometimes the word is applied to an Obediential Observation of the Commands of God, Joh. 14.15, 21. Joh. 15.10. Hence also it is applied to the observing of the Sabbath, Joh. 6.16. Sometimes it is applied to the reservation of a thing, Joh. 2.10 Thou hast kept the best wine to the last; But in the Text it is applied to the preservation or custody that is vouchsafed to such as need it, as v. 11. and v. 15. So in this place: Now our Saviour by this expression I have kept them, signifieth that the Father had given them to Christ as so many precious Jewels and an excellent treasure, and that Christ did undertake to preserve them, insomuch that if any should be lost, the fault would be charged upon Christ, and he would be found blame worthy.

First, The Benefit with the cause of it is to be considered, I have kept them: The Word is used sometimes for an outward violent detaining of a man in prison or other custody, Act. 12.5, 6. Thus the Jailors are called 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, Mat. 28.4. Heinsius understands the word 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 which we render observe, Herod observed John, in a corporal manner of keeping him in a safe hold, because