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

TO The Christian READER.

The Evangelist John, because of that admirable, useful, and excellent matter, which he hath left on Record for the good of the Church, is dignified with some remarkable Titles; That which is the principal, and most to be observed, is the name Christ himself gave him, Mark 3.17 ^*He with his brother James are called, Sons of Thunder; When our Saviour changed Peters Name, there is the reason of that mutation expressed; but because here is none given, therefore the conjectures of Interpreters are various: As for the application of it to John, Some say, It was because of the greatness and vehemency of his voice, [Greek or Hebrew], but it is hard to prove that. Grotius thinketh our Saviour doth allude to that of Haggai chap. 2.6. Yet once it is a little while, and I will shake ([Greek or Hebrew], from which he makes Boanerges, though other Critics judge much otherwise) the Heavens and Earth, &c. This Promise was fulfilled in the great Mutation and Change, which was made by the Gospel, in which this Evangelist was an excellent Instrument: Some attribute it to the Secrecy and Sublimity of that matter which he delivereth, as having more familiarity with Christ, then others, for he used to lean on his Breast, and so might receive some peculiar instruction from Christ. Thus Heinfius making Thunder to be no more then the Hebrew Shechina, Gods Presence and Majesty, applying that place, Psal. 81.7. I have heard thee in the secret place of Thunder. But that which is most probable is, Because of the admirable gravity and weight in the matter delivered, as also the short and sudden expressions thereof. Those Sentences in the beginning of his first chapter, are like so many thunderbolts, insomuch that if you do regard the Matter and Manner of his expression, he might more truly be said [Greek or Hebrew], then Pericles in his Orations;