John Trapp on Matthew 17:1-2

CHAP. XVII.

Verse 1. And after six [illegible: 1 word] ] LUke saith, about eight daies after. It comes all to one. ForLuk. 9. [illegible: 1 word]. Matthew puts exclusively those daies only that went between, and were finished: but Luke puts the two utmost daies also, [illegible: 1 word] the reckoning. Jesus [illegible: 1 word] Peter James and John] So Matth. 9. when he raised the damosell he took with him these three only: haply as best beloved, because bold: [illegible: 1 word], more zealous then the rest: or the better to fit them for further triall: great feelings oft precede great afflictions. Howsoever, it is no small favour of God to make us witnesses of his great works, and so let us take it. As all Israel might see Moses go toward the Rock of Rephidim: None but the Elders might see him strike it. That God [illegible: 1 word] his Sonne before us, that he fetcheth the true water of life out of the Rock in our sight, is an high prerogative. And no lesse surely, that we are [illegible: 1 word] transported in prayer, carried out of the body in divine meditation, and lost in the endlesse maze of spirituall ravishments; that we returne from the publike ordinances as Moses did from the mount, with our faces shining; that we are transfigured and transformed into the same image from glory to glory, and that the Angell of the covenant doth wondrously, during the time of the sacrifice, whiles Manoah and his wife look on, &c. These are speciall priviledges communicated to none but the communion of Saints. And bringeth them up into [illegible: 1 word] high mountain] The name of this mountain no [illegible: 2 words]: but by common consent it was mount Tabor (which Josephus calleth [illegible: 1 word] ) [illegible: 5 words] cap. 2. whereof Hierom writeth copiously and elegantly in his commentary upon the fifth of Hosea. Our Saviour, when he had some speciall work to do, went usually up into a mountain; to teach us to soar a [illegible: 1 word] in great performances especially, and to be heavenlyminded, taking a [illegible: 1 word] or two ever and anon, with Christ in mount Tabor, treading upon the Moon, with the Church, Rev. 12. 1. having our feet at least where other mens heads are, on things on earth, (Prov. 15. 24. The way of life is above to the wise) delighting our selves in high flying, as Eagles, never merry till gotten into the aire or on the top of trees, with the lesser birds. Zacheus could not see Christ till he had climbed the figtree. Nor can we see the Consolation of Israel till elevated in divine contemplation, till gotten up into Gods holy hill. The people tasted not Mannah, till they had left the leaven of Egypt. And was transfigured before them] This was whiles he was praying, as St Luke noteth. Prayer rightly performed, is a parling [non-Latin text not transcribed] [illegible: 1 word] [non-Latin text not transcribed] with God, 1 Tim. 2. 1. a standing upon Intergatories with him, 1 Pet. 3. 21. a powring out of the heart unto him, Psal. 62 8. a familiar conference with him; wherein the soul is so carried [illegible: 1 word] it self other whiles, [illegible: 1 word] ut caro est penè nescia carnis, as St [illegible: 1 word] In [illegible: 1 word]. sanct. speaks of certain holy women in his time, that they seemed in place only remote, but in affection to joyn with that holy company of heaven. So Dr Preston on his death-bed said, he should change his place, but not his company. Peter praying fell into a trance. [illegible: 1 word] praying saw heavenly visions. Mr Bradford, See the [illegible: 1 word] to his [illegible: 1 word] of Gods Attributes. a little before he went out of the Counter, praid with such plenty of tears and abundant spirit of prayer, that it ravished the mindes of the hearers. Also when he shifted himself in a clean shirt made for his burning, he made such a prayer of the wedding garment, that the eies of those present were as truly occupied in looking on Act and Mon. fol. 1458. him, as their ears gave place to here his prayer. Giles of Brussels [illegible: 1 word], was so ardent in his prayers, kneeling by himself in some secret place of the prison, that he seemed to forget himself. Being called many times to meat, [illegible: 1 word] neither heard nor saw them Ibid [illegible: 1 word]. 811. that stood by him, till he was lift up by the armes: and then gently he would speak unto them, as one awaked out of a deep sleep. Amor Dei est ecstaticus — sui nec se sinit esse juris. - -