ANNOTATIONS
Chap. XXVIII.
The holy Sepulcher, and Pilgrimage therunto.1. To see the Sepulcher.) The devout women came to visit our Saviours sepulcher, and for their devotion first deserved to know the Resurrection, and to see him risen. The honour of the which Sepulcher, and the Pilgrimage thereunto in the Primitive Church, S. Hierom declareth in these wordes, In Ep. 17. Paulæ & Eustoch. ad Marcel. to. 1.The Jewes sometime honoured Sancta Sanctorum, because there were the Cherubs and the Propitiatorie, and the Arke of the Testament, Manna, Aarons rod, and the golden Altar. Doth not the Sepulcher of our Lord seeme unto thee more honorable? Which as often as we enter into so often doe we see our Saviour lie in the sindon and staying there a while, we see the Angel againe sit at his feet, and at his head the napkin wrapped togeather. The glorie of whose Sepulcher, we know was long prophecied before Joseph hewed it out, by Esay saying: Esa. 11.And his rest shal be honour: to wit, because the place of our Lordes burial should be honoured of al men. And at this present, notwithstanding the Turkes dominion, yet doe the Religious Christian Catholike men by Gods mighty providence keepe the holy Sepulcher, which is within a goodly Church, and Christians come out of al the world in Pilgrimage to it.
a The Catholike Church to be gathered of al Nations.19. Going therfore.) a Commission to baptize and preach to al Nations given to the Apostles, and grounded upon Christs soveraigne authority, to whom was given al power in Heaven and in earth.
b Christs continual protection of the same Church.20. With you al daies.) b Here Christ doth promise his concurrence with his Apostles and their Successours, as wel in preaching as ministring the Sacraments, and his protection of the Church never to cease til the worlds end: contrary to our Adversaries, saying that the Church hath failed many hundred yeares til Luther and Calvin.
