John 9:16

Followeth the several proceedings of the Pharisees upon this matter; And first, They put the man aside a little, and enter into a debate among themselves about Christ; some do condemne Christ, as not sent nor approven of God, because he did these things on the Sabbath day; Others plead, that if he were such a one, he could not work such miracles: And the debate grows to that height, that it tended to a division, or, schisme. Whence learn, 1. Whatever boldnesse and resolution persecutors may seem to have, in prosecuting their bloody courses; Yet they have more vexations then every one knows, either among, or within themselves: Therefore, albeit the Pharisees appear very resolute in their dealing with others, yet here the Spirit drawes the curtain, and lets us see what differences and debates there are among themselves. 2. Persecutors will be so malicious and impudent in their calumnies, that no convincing arguments or apologies will satisfie them; for, albeit Christ had fully refuted this calumnie, Chap. 5. yet they maliciously urge it again, This man is not of God, because he keeps not the Sabbath day. 3. The malice of persecutors is nothing the more approven, that it is masked with a pretence of zeal; but is rather the more hateful, that so corrupt dispositions should be covered with such a pretence; for, this doth not excuse, but adde to the fault, that they should let out all their malice under this cover, he keeps not the Sabbath day 4. Christs enemies are so far from giving unto Christ his due glory, that they esteeme him the worst of any; for, they are so far from acknowledging him to be true God, that they will not so much as acknowledge him to be of God, that is, to be either a Prophet or Messenger sent of God or a good man approven of him; which is all one as to account him a vile sinner and an Impostor, as it followeth in the exception given in by others. 5. Some may be found, even in the Cabin-councils of persecutors, who think not so harshly of Christ and his followers as others do, and who would do more for him, if they had an opportunity; for, here, even in their Conclave, there are some to plead a word for him, either a Nicodemus, or some who had convictions, but went no further. 6. Christs miracles were such, as even enemies were convinced they could not be wrought by notorious sinners and deceivers; for, say they, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? Where, by a sinner, we are not to understand him that only hath sinne in him, but such a notorious sinner, & so eminent in a trade of it, as he may be better known by it, then by his name; And particularly, a notable impostor and deceiver in the matter of his calling and doctrine. And as we are not to conceive, that all these who plead for him, do believe him to be the spotlesse Lamb of God; So we need not dip into the strength of their Argument, nor clear how it is consistent with what is elsewhere recorded in Scripture, that Satan can work wonders, and that Antichrist shall come with signes and wonders; which though they be lying signes, in so far as they tend to the confirmation of a lie, yet some of them may be real in themselves, though not passing the reach of natural causes and so not real miracles. But we need not stand to justifie all their sayings and apologies, whereof God makes use to marre the present designes of enemies; and it sufficeth us to know, that Christs miracles were so far above the reach of nature, and so evidently free of jugglery, that his very enemies, and they who had power to dignosce upon delusions, could not but be convinced. See Joh. 3.2. 7. Albeit truth be the only best second to a man, and that which may make him stout; Yet nature is impudent and bold in maintaining errour, but if it be convinced of truth, it doth assert it but timoutously, so much may be gathered from their proceeding here. They who are against truth, are bold, and speak first; But the other party come in last, and propound the matter only by way of question. 8. Christ, when he pleaseth, can divide the very Conclaves and Councils of his enemies, and raise a schisme among them, that so he may put a stop to their violent proceedings; for, and there was a division, or, Schisme, among them, while none of the parties would cede to another.