Page:The New Testament of Iesvs Christ faithfvlly translated into English, ovt of the authentical Latin, diligently conferred with the Greek, & other Editions in diuers languages.pdf/162

of them was Peters, and that Christ went into that one, and sate downe in it, and that sitting he taught out of that ship: no doubt to signifie the Church resembled by Peters ship, and that in it is the chaire of Christ, and only true preaching.

Peters fishing.6. A great multitude of fishes.) Likewise by this significative miracle wrought about Peters fishing, is evidently forshewed what wonderful successe Peter should have in converting men to Christ, both Jewes and Gentiles: as when at one draught, that is to say, *Act. 2, 41. 4, 4. at one Sermon he drew into his ship, which is Christes Church, a great number of men, as he did now fishes: and so continually by himself and his Successors unto the worlds end.

Peters coadjutours.7. Beckened to their fellowes.) Peter had so much worke that he called for helpe and joyned unto him the other ship representing to us his Copartners in the preaching of the Ghospel, and the conjunction of the Synagogue and the People of Gentilitie unto Peters ship, that is, to the Church of Christ. Ambro. li. 4. in Luc. c. ult.

Peters preeminence in fishing for mens soules.10. Thou shalt be taking men.) That al this aforesaid did properly meane Peters travailles to come, in the conversion of the world to Christ, and his prerogative before al men therein, it is evident by Christs special promise made to him severally and apart in this place, that he should be made the taker of men, though to other he giveth also, as to Peters cooperatours and coadjutours, the like office. Mat. 4, 19.

Zeale of soules.19. Went up upon the roofe.) A strange diligence in procuring corporal health of and by Christ: and an example for us of the like or greater, to obtaine salvation of him either for our selves or our freinds, and to seeke to his Church and Sacraments with what extraordinarie paine soever.

The intercession of others.20. Whose faith.) Great is God (saith S. Ambrose) and pardoneth one sort through the merites of others. Therfore if thou doubt to obtaine forgivenesse of thy great offenses, joyne unto thy self intercessours, use the Churches help, which may pray for thee and obtaine for thee that which our Lord might denie to thy self. Amb. li. 5 in Luc.

Priests do remit sinnes.24. The sonne of man in earth.) By which act (In catena S. Thomas.* saith S. Cyril) it is cleere that the Sonne of man hath power in earth to remit sinnes; which he said both for himself and us. For he, as God being made man and Lord of the Law, forgiveth sinnes. And we also have obtained by him that wonderful grace. For it is said to his Disciples: Jo. 20, 23.Whose sinnes you shal remit, they are remitted to them. And how should not he be able to remit sinnes, who gave others power to doe the same?

Forsaking al, and following Christ.28. Leaving al followed him.) The Hiero. in Mt. 9.* profane Julian charged Matthew of too much lightnes, to leave al and follow a stranger, at one word. But indeed hereby is seen the marvelous efficacie of Christes Word and internal working, that in a moment can alter the hart of a man, and cause him nothing to esteeme the things most deere unto him. Which he did not onely then in presence, but also daily doth in the Church. Athan. in vit. S. Antony. August. confes. li. 8 c. 12. Bonav. in vit. S. Francisci.For so S. Antonie, S. Francis, and others, by hearing only the Word of our Saviour read in the Church, forsooke al and folowed him.

 

---

 

Chap. VI.

 

For reproving by Scripture and miracle (as also by reason) the Pharisees blindnes about the observation of the Sabboth, 11. they seeke his death. 12. Having in the mountaine prayed al night, he chooseth twelve Apostles, 17. and after many miracles upon the diseased, 20. he maketh a sermon to his Disciples before the people: proposing heaven to such as wil suffer for him, 24. and woe to such as wil not. 27. Yet with al exhorting to doe good even to our enemies also. 39. And that the Maisters must first mend themselves. 46. Finally, to doe good workes, because only faith wil not suffice.

Mt. 12, 1.
Mar. 2, 23.AND it came to passe on the ^[1] Sabboth second-first, when he passed through the corne, his Disciples did pluck the eares, and did eate rubbing them with their hands. ²And certaine of the Pharisees said to them: Why doe you that which is not lawful on the Sabboths? ³And Jesus answering them, said: ″ Neither this have you read which David did, when himself

1. S. Hierom (ep. 2 ad Nepotia.) writeth of himself, that being at Constantinople, he asked his maister Gregorie Nazianzene the famous Doctour, then Bishop there, what Sabboth this was. Who by his answer declared that it was very hard to tel; neither is it yet knowen to the best learned. Yet the Protestants are wont to say, Al is very easie.