Original Douay–Rheims AnnotationsMatthew 10

Power.

Miracles were so necessary to the confirmation of their doctrine beginning then to be preached, that not only Christ himself did miracles, but also, he gave to his Apostles power to do them.

First Simon.

^[1] Peter the first, not in calling, but in preeminence, for (as S. Ambrose saith in 2. Cor. 12.) Andrew first followed our Saviour before Peter: and yet the Primacy Andrew received not, but Peter. Which preeminence of S. Peter above the other Apostles is so plainly signified in this word, First, by the judgement even of Heretics, that Beza ^[2], notwithstanding he confesseth the consent of all copies both Latin and Greek, yet is not ashamed to say that he suspecteth that this word was thrust into the text by some favourer of Peter's Primacy. Whereby we have also that they care no more for the Greek than for the Latin, when it maketh against them: but at their pleasure say that all is corrupted.

• 1 Peter's Primacy.
• 2 Beza in Annot. novi Test. 1556.

Do not possess.

Preachers may not carefully seek after the superfluities of this life, or any thing which may be an impediment to their function. And as for necessaries, they deserve their temporal living at their hands for whom they labour spiritually.

Peace be to this house.

^[1] As Christ himself used these words or this blessing often, Peace be to you, so here he biddeth his Apostles say the like to the house where they come: And so hath it been always a most godly use of Bishops ^[2] to give their blessing where they come. Which blessing must needs be of great grace and profit, when none but worthy persons (as here we read) might take good thereof: and when it is never lost, but returneth to the giver, when the other party is not worthy of it. ^[3] Among other spiritual benefits it taketh away venial sins. Amb. in 9. Luc.

• 1 Bishops' blessing.
• 2 * Aug. civit. li. 22. c. 8. Leo Imp. in vit. S. Chrys. Socrat. l. 6. c. 14.
• 3 It remitteth venial sins.

Shake off the dust.

To contemn the true preachers, or not to receive the truth preached, is a very damnable sin.

More tolerable.

Hereby it is evident that there be degrees and differences of damnation in Hell fire according to men's deserts. Aug. li. 4. de Bapt. c. 19.

Kings.

In the beginning Kings and Emperors persecuted the Church, that by the very death and blood of Martyrs it should grow more miraculously. Afterward when the Emperors and kings were themselves become Christians, they used their power for the Church, against Infidels and Heretics. Aug. ep. 48.

It shall be given.

This is verified even at this present also, when many good Catholics, that have no great learning by their answers confound the Adversaries.

How much more.

No marvel therefore if Heretics call Christ's Vicar Antichrist, when their forefathers the faithless Jews, called Christ himself Beelzebub.

Confess me.

^[1] See how Christ esteemeth the open confessing of him, that is, of his truth in the Catholic Church, for as when Saul persecuted the Church, he said ^[2] himself was persecuted: so to confess him, and his Church, is all one. Contrarywise, see how he abhorreth them that deny him before men. Which is not only to deny any one little article of the Catholic faith commended to us by the Church: but also to allow or consent to heresy by any means, as by subscribing, coming to their service and sermons, furthering them any way against Catholics, and such like.

• 1 Confessing of Christ and his truth.
• 2 Act. 9.

Not peace but sword.

Christ came to break the peace of worldlings and sinners: as when the son believeth in him, and the father doth not: the wife is a Catholic, and the husband is not. For to agree together in infidelity, heresy, or any other sin, is a naughty peace. This being the true meaning of Christ's words, mark that the Heretics interpret this to maintain their rebellions and troubles which their new gospel breedeth. Beza in no. Test. an. 1565.

More than.

No earthly thing, nor duty to Parents, wife, children, country, or to a man's own body and life, can be any just excuse why a man should do, or feign himself to do or believe any thing, against Christ or the unity and faith of his Church.

In the name.

Reward for hospitality, and specially for receiving an holy person, as Prophet, Apostle, Bishop, or Priest persecuted for Christ's sake, For by receiving of him in that respect as he is such an one, he shall be partaker of his merits, and be rewarded as for such an one, Whereas on the contrary side, he that receiveth an Heretic into his house and a false preacher, doth communicate with his wicked works. Ep. 2. Io.