John Trapp on Mark 11

CHAP. XI.

Verse 2. Whereon never man sate] AS if it had been done on set purpose. Here was a wheel within a wheel, Ezek. 1. the better to convince the stubborn Jewes of his Kingly office.

Verse 3. Say ye that the Lord hath need of him] See here six severall arguments of our Saviours Deity: 1. That he knew there was such an asse-colt. 2. That he sent for it. 3. Fore-saw thatPiscator. the masters of the colt would question them that fet it. 4. That he professeth himself the Lord of all. 5. That he could tell they would send the colt. 6. That accordingly they did so.

Verse 12. He was hungry] This, and that he knew not but that there were figs on the tree, declare him to be true Man.

Verse 13. The time of figs was not yet] viz. Of ripe figs; but if he could have found but green figs only, he would at that time have been glad of them. Hee looked for somewhat from that great shew of leaves. But the old Proverb became true, Great bruit, little fruit.

Verse 17. My house shall be called, &c.] He inveighs against the same fault with the same arguments, as before, Joh. 2.

Verse 21. And Peter calling to remembrance] So the fig-tree bare farre better fruit now that it was dryed, then when it was green and flourishing. [illegible: 1 word] nos Patres, tum docentes, tum labentes: Aug. The Saints teach us, as by their instructions, so by their infirmities.

Verse 25. And when ye stand, praying] Severall gestures in prayer are described, not prescribed in Gods Book. The word here rendred stand, importeth a presenting ones self before the [non-Latin text not transcribed]. Lord, whether he stand, sit, or kneel, &c.

Verse 30. From heaven, or of men, answer me] So when the enemies of Reformation demand what we mean by so doing, ask them what they think of that we doe? Is it from heaven, or of men? If from heaven, why doe not they approve it? If of men, why doe not they disprove it by the Scriptures? Bucer and Melancthon framed a form of Reformation according to the truth of the Gospel, with the approbation of the Peers and States of Cullen; Melch. Adam. in vit. [illegible: 1 word]. but the Clergy, though not able to contradict it by good reason, yet rejected it with slander, and said that they had rather chuse to live under the Turkish Government, then under a Magistrate that embraced that Reformation.