CHAP. 1. VER. 1.

PAVL , an Apostle of Iesus Christ , by the will of God , to the Saints which are at Ephesus , and to the faithfull in Christ Iesus .

BEFORE the words be entred , it is fit to praemise some few words concerning , 1. the Occasion , 2. the Scope , and 3. the Method of this Epistle . First , the Occasion was the state of the Church , foreseene by Paul , Acts 20. it being the care of a faithfull Teacher to prouide that the things hee hath planted may stand , and take encrease after his departure , 2 Pet. 1.15 . 2. The Scope is to teach them the Doctrine of Gods most rich grace , and to stirre them vp to euery good duty , in way of thankfulnesse . The parts of the Epistle are three . 1. The Preface , in the two first verses . 2. The Matter or substance of the Epistle , which reacheth from the 3. verse , to the 21. of the sixt Chapter . 3. The Conclusion , thence to the end . In the Preface 3. things are contained . 1. The Authors name , who is described by his office , an Apostle , which is further amplified ; first , from the person to whom hee appertained , or for whom he was imployed : secondly , from the efficient cause by which hee was made an Apostle , the will of God : This answereth to our subscriptions , for we write our owne names vnder our letters . 2. The names of the persons to whom he writeth , who are first propounded more briefly , with the place they were at , Saints at Ephesus ; Secondly , it is expounded more clearely whom hee meaneth by Saints , not such as are written in the Popes Kalendar , hauing Diuine honor done them , but such as are faithfull in Christ . Againe , these words may seeme to lay downe persons , first , more specially , as the Saints at this place ; secondly , more indefinitely and generally , as true beleeuers on Christ euery where ; but the note of quantity wanteth to make this sence : for Paul would haue spoken in this manner , To the Saints at Ephesus , and to all that beleeue on Christ , if this had beene his meaning , as 1 Corin. 1. This part of the Preface answereth to our superscriptions wherewith wee endorse our letters ; for on the backe of our letters we vse to expresse the name of our friend to whom they are directed . The third thing in this Preface is his salutation . The words of this verse needing no further explication , Doctrines of the 1. verse . we will note out the chiefe instructions , which offer themselues to our obseruation , and so passe on to the second Verse .

Doct. 1 First , that Paul doth vse to set forth his calling , before hee entereth his matter with them , it doth teach that Ministers must inculcate to themselues , and such as they haue to deale with , their callings from God . S. Paul doth not text this foorth in the forefront of euery Epistle ; Paul , a seruant of Christ : Paul , an Apostle of Christ , but that he found it a fit thing to be proposed , both for his own sake , & theirs with whom hee had to doe : Euen as Ciuill Magistrates do giue out their Writs in the Kings name , with mention of the Office they beare vnder him , to the end that due respect might be giuen him of the subiect : So this great Church-officer doth mention what place hee held vnder Christ the King of his Church , that the things deliuered by him might be accordingly receiued : In a word , this is good for the Minister himselfe , & for the people : Reason 1 How can he speake the words of God , as the mouth of God , with reuerence and all authority , if he consider not that God hath commended to him this peece of seruice ? Doct. 2 2. The Ministry is a worke so weighty , that no man of himselfe is sufficient for it : Now what can more assure me that I shall be made able , then to looke at God , who hath called me to such an office ? Princes call not their Subiects to any seruice , but that they see them furnished with things requisite . Doct. 3 3. Lastly , whereas the difficulties and enmities which encounter faithfull Ministers are many ; how could they looke to be shielded against all , but by holding their eyes on him who hath called them ? For people this is behoofefull , for it maketh them sanctifie God in hearing , while they looke not so much at man , as at God teaching by man , Acts 10.33 . 1 Thes. 2.13 . 2. It maketh them obey those that are ouer them , when they haue conscience of this , that God hath sent them : as a seruant , when hee thinketh his Lord or Lady hath sent any to him , doth readily doe that hee is commanded .

Vse . The Vse of which is to stirre vp Ministers wisely to teach this , and lay it as a foundation : People likewise must willingly hear it ; for , to acknowledge Gods call in such as minister to them , is their great aduantage . When we harpe on this string any thing much , then people thinke it a spice of Pride and vaine-glory in vs , comming onely from hence that we thinke our selues not enough respected ; thus Paul himselfe might haue been misconstrued : What nothing but Paul an Apostle ; cannot Paul haue the office of Apostle , but all the towne must be of Counsell ? But as S. Paul feared not to prefixe this , howsoeuer his custome might be depraued ; so must we immitate the same , in prudent proposing the Ministry we haue receiued from God , though euill minded men misinterpret the fact , to their owne destruction .

Doct. 2 Paul an Apostle . Obserue more particularly , first the quality and degree of him , who bringeth the Doctrine of this Epistle to vs ; He is an Apostle , one of the highest degree , an Embassador of State , sent from Christ , for so the word signifieth . Looke as Kings haue their superiour and inferiour Magistrates , from the Chancellor , to the Constable ; so Christ , the glorious King of his Church , hath diuers orders of Ministers ; the order of Apostles being supreame , and most excellent aboue any other , Ephes. 4. And looke as Kings dispatch Lords Embassadours into other Countries , concerning important businesse ; so the Lord Iesus , now about to ascend , did send forth his twelue Apostles , to publish the Charter of the world , euen forgiuenesse of sinnes , and free acceptance to life eternall , to all such as would take their pardon forth , by a liuely beleefe . Many were the priuiledges of these Apostles . 1. Priuiledges of an Apostles , 5. They were immediately , no person comming betweene , designed by Christ . 2. They were infallibly assisted , so that in their office of teaching , whether by word of mouth , or writing , they could not erre . 3. Their commission was vniuersall , throughout all Nations , though the vsuall exercise thereof , Gal. 2. was limited and determined by Christ , doubtlesse for the greater edification of the Church . 4. They could giue by imposition of hands , the gifts of the holy Ghost , which Simon Magus would haue redeemed . 5. They were eye witnesses of Christ , and saw him ordinarily , and miraculously in the flesh , as Paul . Vse . That therefore a person of such quality , doth bring vs these things ; must stirre vs vp to seeke into them , and entertaine them accordingly . Should the King send his minde by the meanest messenger , we would receiue it dutifully ; but if my Lord Chancellour , or some great states-man should in person publish his pleasure , we would attend it more reuerently . The Atheisme of these times is much to be lamented : Our superstitious ancestors , if the Popes Nuncio or Legate came amongst them , bringing the Popes blessing , indulgences , reliques , such wares as were the mocke of the world ; Oh how were they receiued , how were their commodities ( if I may so call them ) entertained ? But our Atheisme is such , that we let these things lye by ; many of vs not asking after , nor vouchsafing to reade with deuotion these things which the true Legates of Iesus Christ haue brought vnto vs , and left published for our sakes .

Secondly . We see hence the firmenesse of all those things deliuered in this Epistle ; for , it was not so much the Apostle , as God in him , who indited these things : As when a lesson is sounded forth vpon an instrument , it is not so much the instrument , as his who playeth vpon it : So here , I Preach not my selfe , but Christ the Lord ; an Apostle of Christ , that is , an Apostle , whom Christ doth take and owne as his Apostle ; who is imployed about him , 2 Cor. 4. And indeede , this phrase doth import his being made by Christ , rather then include it ; and therefore , 1 Tim. 1. ve. 1. he is said an Apostle of Christ , by the commandement of Christ ; where an Apostle of Christ is an Apostle pertaining to Christ , now possessed of him , and imployed about him , hauing beene aduanced to this place by the ordination of God and Christ .

Doct. 3 Now Pauls fact holding out this as his glory , that he was Christs Apostle , doth teach vs ; that we are to account it our greatest dignity , that we belong to Christ . We see in earthly seruiters , their glory is so much the greater , by how much their Lords and masters are in greater praeeminencie : Hence it is that we sue for the cloath of Noble persons , espeally , who are great fauourites with the King : Reason . We see it so , and not without reason ; for it is a matter of countenance , of protection ; yea , if they be in good place about them , of great emolument : But how much more glorious is this , to retaine to the king of glory , and that not as a common seruitor , but in some speciall place , very neere him ? What greater honour had Moses , Abraham , Dauid , then that Gods name was called on them ; Abraham the friend of God , Moses my seruant , Dauid , Oh how thy seruant loueth thy statutes ? Psal. 119.

Vse 1 Againe , our duety that we owe to the name of our God , doth require , that we should truely confesse this , and boast of it , as our highest preferment , that he hath made vs his seruants . Let vs therefore who are Christians , reioyce and triumph in this , that Christ hath taken vs into his seruice . Men that belong to great persons , will beare themselues stout on it , and count it the height of their good fortunes ; yet who seeth not , that vnthankefulnesse creepeth into Noble breasts , or there could not be found a young Courtier , and an old beggar ? What shall be our sinne , if we hold not vp our heads with holy gladnesse of heart , that we are intertained by such a Lord , who is faithfull , whose largesse is , euen aboue all heart can thinke , to his true hearted seruants .

Vse . Againe , this must rebuke such white-hearted Christians , who are ashamed of their Master , and worke hee setteth them about ; if any prophane ones , be in presence , who shrinke in , and are afraid to be knowne whose men they are : How farre would these haue beene in the times of those first Christians , so full of persecution ? Should our seruants serue vs thus , we would pull their cloath ouer their eares , and send them packing .

Doct. 4 According to Gods will . ] Obserue hence , that it is the will of God which doth assigne to vs our seuerall callings ; for the Apostle doth acknowledge in this phrase , two things : First , The Prouidence . Secondly , The free grace of God . Ciuill men will set forth the wisdome and bountifulnes of their benefactors ; those that rise by the Kings fauour from one place to another , oh how they will extoll his Prince-like clemencie : So this heauenly minde of the Apostle , euery where is affected with the free grace of God , who did assigne to him such a high calling as this was : the truth is , it is Gods prouidence , and goodnesse , which doe designe vs to euery calling , Galla. 1.15 . Euen from his mothers wombe , did God set him a part , Ier. 1.5 . Before he was borne , did God decree him a Prophet ; yea , the Smith that bloweth in the coales , the Lord createth him , Esay 54.16 . No wise man doth make a thing , but he knoweth the ends to which he will vse it ; much lesse doth the Lord make any of vs , but he knoweth to what ends he will imploy vs ; and looke as a wise gouernor in the family , setteth one to this worke , in this place , a second to another , in a diuerse place ; so doth the Lord in this world , which is a peece of his houshold .

Vse 1 We must therfore hence be stirred vp to acknowledge the grace of God to vs , and prouidence ouer vs : If it reacheth to the haires of our head , much more to so great a benefit , as the allotting of our callings is . Vse 2 Yea , it must be a ground of contentation in euery state of life , & of setled perseuering in such callings in which we haue beene trained , remembring that who so changeth his place vnaduisedly , is like a Bird now from her neast , who may be well weather-beaten before she returne : Yet when God doth orderly leade vs to more free and comfortable conditions , wee are rather to vse them . 1 Cor. 7.21 .

Saints at Ephesus . ] Doct. 5 From this , that he calleth the members of this Church Saints ; Obserue , that all the members of the visible Church , are to be Saints . A Saint is inwardly a Saint , or by outward profession : Now Saint Paul was not ignorant , that there were bad fish , as well as good , Chaffe , as well as Wheate , in this visible Church ; neuerthelesse , he doth well call them Saints : Reason 1 First ; Because they were all by outward profession so , yea , and conformitie , for ought wee know : Reason 2 Secondly ; Because there were many true Saints : Now the better part , not the bigger , giueth the denomination . Wine and water is called wine ; Gold and Siluer Oare vnfined , is called gold and siluer , though yet much drosse be intermedled with it . Look how a ciuil vertuous man doth not like to haue in his house vnciuill rake shames so the most holy God will not allow any in his family , openly vnholy : Like master , like man , at least in outward conformitie ; and looke as no man can thinke well to haue Swine in his house , or Dogs and Swine come to bourd with the rest of his family ; So here , open sinners , who after their names giuen to Christ , returne to their vomit , they haue no allowance from God to be in his household : When wee see it otherwise , it is through sinfull neglect of due censures , and such as haue the power of them shall answere it . But here the Brownists must be answered , who reason thus ; Euery true visible Church standeth of visible Saints ; Our Churches standeth not of visible Saints ; Ergo , They are not true , and by consequent to be seperated from . The proposition hath a double sense : First , euery true Church hath in it some visible Saints , thus it is true ; but then the second part of the reason is false ; ours haue in them no visible Saints . The second sense is , euery true visible Church standeth , or hath in it onely visible Saints , standeth intirely of these , no others any way intermingled : Now it one vnderstand this de iure , viz. of what kind of persons the Church should stand , it is true ; but if it be vnderstood of that which through iniquity of some men , falleth out in the Church , then it is false ; For , the Church of Corinth was a true visible Church , while the incestuous person remained vncast forth , though he was of right to haue beene excommunicate : And how absurd is it that one sinner , by the negligence of some vncast forth , should degrade a thousand from the dignity of a Church ?

Vse 1 This Doctrine then , that the members of the Church are to be Saints , doth let vs see the fearefull estate of many amongst vs , who like as they tell of Halifax Nuts , which are all shels , no kernels ; so these professe themselues Saints , but their ignorance , their idle courses , their riots , their blasphemies , proclaime that there is nothing within which belongeth to a Saint . Nay , many will not sticke to professe they are none of the holy brother-hood , to iest at such as indeauour to holinesse ; saying , that young Saints , proue old diuels : It is a wonder that such hellith ow●e● dare flye in the sunshine of so Christian a profession as is made amongst vs .

Vse 2 This letteth vs see what we must endeauour to , euen that we professe . We hate in ciuil matters , that any should take vpon him that he is not seene in , we count it a grosse kinde of counterfeiting : Let vs take heede of taking on vs to be members of Gods Church , and Saints , when we haue no care to know God , and get our hearts cleansed from all the filthy sinfull corruptions that raigne in them : The rather let vs doe it , for our pride , couetousnesse , iniustice , drunken sensualities , they are double iniquities , and make vs more abhominable then Turkes , and heathens . Whether is it more odious for a single Maide , or maried Wife , to liue in vncleannesse ? it is naught in both , but most lewd in the latter , she doth not onely defile her body , but violate her faith , which she hath giuen to man , and that in sight of God : Thus for vs who professe our selues Saints , married to God ; for vs to liue in the lusts of our owne hearts , doth exceede all Turkish and heathenish impiety ; They are loose and free ( as I may so say ) they haue not entred any couenant with the true God , in Christ .

Vse 3 We see the vanitie of many , who thinke they are not tyed so strictly as others , because they make not so forward profession : Warne them of an oath , of wanton dissolutenesse , they slip the collar with this , that they are not of the precise brother-hood ; yea , they allow themselues in that , for which they will be on the top of another , because they professe no such matter , as the other doth ; but this is their grosse ignorance ; Aske them whether they will be members of the Church ; they answer , yea , If thou wilt be a member of Gods Church , thou professest thy selfe a Saint , and what profession I pray thee can be more glorious ?

In Ephesus . ] This was a mother Citie , famous for Idolatry , Coniuring , as the Acts of the Apostles testifie ; so giuen to all riot , that it banished Hermodor , in no other consideration , but that he was an honest sober man . This people were so wicked , that heathens themselues did deeme them from their mouth , worthy to be strangled ; yet here God had his Church .

Doct. 6 Obserue then , that in most wicked places , God gathereth and maintaineth his people : Thus when the world was so wicked , that the patience of God would beare no longer ; the Lord had a Noah in it ; thus he had a Melchisedeck in Canaan , a Lot in Sodome , a Iob in Vz , a Church in Pergamus , where the Deuill had his throne : where God hath his Church , we say , the Deuill hath his Chappell : so on the contrary , where the Deuill hath his Cathedrall , there God hath his people . Looke as in nature , wee see a pleasant rose grow from amidst the thornes , and a most beautifull Lillie spring out of slimy waterish places . Looke as God in the darknesse of the night maketh beautifull lights arise ; so here in the darkest places he will haue some men who shall shine as lights , in the midst of a peruerse generation . This God doth first in regard of himselfe , that hee may display his mighty power and wisdome so much more clearely : Thus in the creation to bring the creature out of nothing , lights out of darkenesse , did display the riches of his almighty power , goodnes , and wisdome . In regard of the Saints , that they may more clearely discerne his great grace to them , who hath so separated and altered them from such , with whom they formerly conuersed . In regard of the wicked , that by the example of these , the world may be condemned in their vnbeleefe and vnrighteousnesse , and all other darknesse , which they chose rather then light ; as Noe is said to haue condemned the old world , while he builded the Arke , of the impenitency and carelesse vnbeleefe in which they lay , without respect to Gods threatning , Hebr. 11.7 .

Vse 1 The vse is , first , that we should not be discouraged if we liue amongst factious persons , in wicked townes , lewd families ; Being made by Gods grace new creatures , we must rather wonder at his power , wisedome , grace vnto vs ; and no doubt but that he who hath kept his in the wickedest places , will keepe vs also . Secondly , wee must thinke of our happinesse , if wee did vse it aboue these , they did dwell pell-mell , heathen and Christian vnder one roofe , whereas we liue with none but such , for the most part , as professe the Christian name , Ergo , in many regards our condition is farre easier .

Now hee commeth to explaine whom hee meaneth by Saints , describing them from their Faith in Christ : To the faithfull in Christ : ] For , these words are added , first , to point at the roote of sanctification , which is Beliefe ; Secondly , to distinguish Gods Church from the Synagogues of the Iewes , who professed faith towards God , but not in Christ Iesus ; Identicè , formalitèr . & he doth fitly note out the Saints by their faith in Christ Iesus ; for , whosoeuer is faithful is a Saint , and whosoeuer is a Saint , is faithfull ; though to be a Saint , and to be faithfull , are not properly and formally both one .

Doct. 7 Obserue then that he calleth those Saints whom here he describeth to be faithful ones in Christ , that is , faithfull ●nes , who are through faith vnited with Christ , so ●●at hee dwelleth in them , and they in him : Terminum non obiectum . for ( in ) Christ , noteth rather the effect of their faith , then the obiect . Obserue then who are the true Saints , viz. all who by faith are in Christ Iesus . Fides non formalitèr sed effectiuè sanctificat , Christum siquidem apprehendit per quem formalitèr iustificamur sanctificamur effectiuè . Saints , and faithfull ones , are caried as indifferent with the Apostle , Col. 1.2 . and elsewhere . For though the formall effect of faith be not to sanctifie , whence we are denominated Saints ; but to iustifie , whence we are called righteous , through forgiuenesse of sinne and adoption vnto life , yet faith effectually produceth our sanctification , whereupon wee haue the name of Saints . Three things goe to this : 1. The purifying of the heart : 2. The profession outward of holinesse : 3. Holy conuersation : Now Acts 15.9 . by faith our hearts are purified ; for , as a counter-poyson comming in the poyson that is weaker , is expelled : and as the Sun rising , the darkenesse of the night is expelled and vanisheth ; so Christ , the sunne of righteousnesse , by faith arising in our hearts , the ignorance and lusts of ignorance are despersed & flie before him .

Secondly , faith begetteth profession of holines ; Hauing the same spirit of faith , wee cannot but speake , saith the Apostle ; and beleeuing with the heart , & confessing with the mouth goe together . Thirdly , holy conuersation springeth from faith ; If you haue learned Christ as the trueth is in him , you haue so learned him as to put off the olde man , and to put on the new . Faith worketh by loue , euen as a tree hath both his leafe and fruit . And as if a tree should be changed from one kinde to another , the leaues and fruit should likewise be changed , as if a Peare tree should be made an Apple tree , it would haue leaues and fruits agreeing to the change made in it ; so man by faith hauing his hart purified , made a tree of righteousnesse , hee hath his leaues and fruit ; leaues of profession , fruit of action . So againe man as a new tree , set into , and growing out of Christ , beareth a new fruit ; hee conuerseth in holinesse and newnesse of life . Thus you see how those that are faithful , are also Saints , because by faith their heart is purified , their profession and conuersation are sanctified : wherefore such beleeuers , who are mockers of Saints , who will not be accounted Saint-holy , & such who are not changed into new creatures , walking in newnesse of life , they may well feare that their beleefe is not true , such as doth vnite them with Christ ; for whosoeuer is a true beleeuer , is a Saint ; whosoeuer is by faith in Christ , is a new creature . We would be loath to take a slip , or be deceiued with false commodities in a twelue pound matter : Let vs be here no lesse diligent , that wee take not an vngrounded fruitlesse presumption , for a true faith , which resteth on Gods word , made knowne , and is effectuall to the sanctifying of the beleeuer .

Vse 2 Secondly . Hence wee see the vanity of the Papists , in transferring and appropriating this name of Saints , to those whom the Pope hath put in his Kalendar , and to whom hee hath adiudged Diuine honors , holidaies , inuocation , candles , Churches , &c. these Saints were not heard of in Saint Pauls time : A man may be in hell who hath all such things performed about him . Saints are Triumphant or Militant ; Triumphant , such who now walke by sight , enioying the presence of God ; Angels , Spirits of the righteous departed , who haue now rested from al the labors of their militant condition . Militant , who walke by faith in holy profession and conuersation , holding Christ their head , by whose power , apprehended by faith , they are kept to saluation .

Vse 3 This may strengthen vs against temptations , from our imperfections , the Lord doth reckon of vs and hold vs as Saints ; he that by faith hath put on the Sunne of righteousnesse , is more cleare and bright then if hee were arrayed with the beames of the Sunne . Againe , though we haue sinnes too many , yet the better part giueth the name . Corne fields we see haue many weedes , yet we call them Corne-fields , not fields of weedes : so heere , yea Grace , though it seeme little ouer that sinne sheweth to be , yet it will in time ouercome it ; as Carloe is much higher then the Barly , yet the Barly getteth vp and killeth it : The spirit that is in vs from Christ ; is stronger then the spirit of the world .