John Trapp on Matthew 11:12

Verse 12. And from the daies of Iohn, &c.] The Baptist is further commended from the good successe of his ministry: a sweet seal, but no sure signe of a sanctified preacher: sith many causes give that to others, that themselves have not. Thus the [illegible: 1 word] heaven gives life to diverse creatures, the dull whetstone sharpens Iron. A stinking breath may sound a trumpet, with great commendation, &c. Howbeit, the fruitfulnes of the people, is the preachers testimoniall, 2 Cor. 3. 2. and God delights to honour those of most sincerity, with most successe, as 1 Cor. 15. 10. The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence.] Men are resolved to have it, whatever pains or perill they [illegible: 1 word] thorow. As Gods Israel violently invaded and over-ran the promised land: So doe his elect lay hold on the promised inheritance. This true treasure [illegible: 1 word] hid, Rom 16. 26. is now discovered, and exposed to all that have a minde to it. Now therfore they are carried with all strength of affection after Christ: him they must have, whatever else they goe without: towards him they fly as a cloud: and as a flock of doves they scoure into the columbary, and [illegible: 1 word] into the windows, Isa. 60. 8. And the violent, &c.] The valiant, Isay calleth them, that break thorow all difficulties, as did Davids Worthies; and walk about the world as so many Conquerours: yea more then Conquerours they are, Rom. 8. 37. and what can that be but Triumphers? 2 Cor. 2. 14. Take it by force] Make a prey or a prize of it. Diripiunt as Hilary rendreth it, making it a metaphor, from a tower or town sackt and ransackt by the enemy. Cyprus is an Island so fruitfull and pleasant, that it was anciently called Macaria, that is, blessed. And of it Sextus Rufus writeth, that being famous for riches,Cyprus [illegible: 3 words] populi [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 2 words], [illegible: 1 word]. it thereby sollicited the poverty of the people of Rome, to seise upon it. This may be more fitly said of heaven, that habibitation of the happy ones, so eagerly and earnestly sought for by the Saints, that nothing else will satisfy them. Valdè protestatus sum me nolle sic a Deo satiari, said Luther, when great [illegible: 1 word] were sent unto him, and a Cardinalship offered him by the Pope: God, he said, should not put him off with those petty things, he breathed after better. Heaven is had by the violent, earth inherited by those that are meek, Matth. 5. 6. Where, though God would have his servants content with the least mercies, (as being [illegible: 1 word] then the very least) yet not satisfied with [illegible: 1 word] greatest things in the world for their portion, sith they are born to better. If they be, as most are, slothfull in seeking to [illegible: 1 word] themselves of Heaven: He chides them, as Ioshuah did the seven tribes, for their negligence, Iosh. 18. 2.