The rule of faith, or, An exposition of the Apostles Creed so handled as…

In the manner of the Apparition, observe both the circumstances and the words of Christ. The circumstances are reported, vers. 26. and are the same with the former Apparition, of purpose to help the faith of Thomas, when he should see it done as the Apostles had before told him. The words of our Saviour are directed either by way of salutation to all the Disciples, or by special appellation to Thomas: in the salutation he wisheth them peace as he did before, to show them that in this world, in doing their work, it was enough for them if they could possess a heart and conscience within that was at peace, though in all outward things they find trouble. In the words to Thomas, I observe what our Saviour said, and the effect in Thomas and ⟨p. 465⟩our Saviours reply. In his first words, to show that he knew all things, and heard every word Thomas had said in his absence, he calls to him to do according to the words of his own wilful limitation, but withal gives him a lash for his unbelief, vers. 27. It is the portion of wayward Christians, even when God doth most comfort them, to meet with secret jerks from God, and withal they may see, that though men would forget their wilfulness, yet Christ remembers it. And as appears by the reply afterwards, when they reform and do their best, yet their comfort is mixed with their dispraise. The effect in Thomas was an excellent confession, excelling the most confessions had been made before, expressing more than was in question, and much tenderness of heart, both in believing in Christ, and resolving to be ruled by him, when he said with such words, My Lord and my God. Which shows how Christ can glorify his power in making weak Christians sometimes to express more life of faith and knowledge than stronger Christians. In the reply our Saviour commends that faith most, that resteth least upon sense and feeling.

In the manner of the Apparition, obserue both the circumstances and the words of Christ. The circumstances are reported, vers. 26. and are the same with the former Apparition, of purpose to helpe the faith of Thomas, when hee should see it done as the Apostles had before told him. The words of our Sauiour are directed either by way of salutation to all the Disciples, or by speciall appellation to Thomas: in the salutation he wisheth them peace as he did before, to shew them that in this world, in doing their worke, it was enough for them if they could possesse a heart and conscience within that was at peace, though in all outward things they finde trouble. In the words to Thomas, I obserue what our Sauiour said, and the effect in Thomas and