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

Rh 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.

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, * 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

24. The sonne of man in earth.) By which act (* 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: 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?

28. Leaving al followed him.) The * 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.  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.

VI.

ND it came to passe on the Sabboth second-first, when he passed through the corne, his Disciples did pluck the eares, and did eate rubbing them with their hands. And certaine of the Pharisees said to them: Why doe you that which is not lawful on the Sabboths? And answering them, said: ″ Neither this have you read which David did, when himself Rh