Matthew

In this history written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the Spirit of God so governed their hearts, that although they were four in number, yet in effect and purpose they so consent, as though the whole had been composed by any one of them. And albeit in style and manner of writing they be divers, and sometime one writeth more largely that which the other doeth abridge: nevertheless in matter and argument they all tend to one end: which is, to publish to the world the favor of God toward mankind through Christ Jesus, whom the Father hath given as a pledge of his mercy and love. And for this cause they intitle their story, Gospel, which signifieth good tidings, forasmuch as God hath performed in deed that which the fathers hoped for. So that hereby we are admonished to forsake the world, and the vanities thereof, and with most affectioned hearts embrace this incomparable treasure freely offered unto us: for there is no joy nor consolation, no peace nor quietness, no felicity nor salvation, but in Jesus Christ, who is the very substance of this Gospel, and in whom all the promises are yea, and amen. And therefore under this word is contained the whole New testament: but commonly we use this name for the history, which the four Evangelists write, containing Christ's coming in the flesh, his death and resurrection, which is the perfect sum for our salvation. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are more copious in describing his life and death: but John more laboureth to set forth his doctrine, wherein both Christ's office, and also the virtue of his death and resurrection more fully appear: for without this, to know that Christ was born, dead and risen again, should nothing profit us. The which thing notwithstanding that the three first touch partly, as he also sometime intermeddleth the historical narration, yet John chiefly is occupied herein. And therefore as a most learned interpreter writeth, they describe, as it were, the body, and John setteth before our eyes the soul. Wherefore the same aptly termeth the Gospel writ by John, the key which openeth the door to the understanding of the others: for whosoever doeth know the office, virtue and power of Christ, shall read that which is written of the Son of God come to be the redeemer of the world, with most profit. Now as concerning the writers of this history, it is evident that Matthew was a Publican or custom gatherer, and was thence chosen of Christ to be an Apostle. Mark is thought to have been Peter's disciple, and to have planted the first Church at Alexandria, where he died the eighth year of the reign of Nero. Luke was a physician of Antiochia and became Paul's disciple, and fellow in all his travails: he lived fourscore and four years, and was buried at Constantinople. John was that Apostle whom the Lord loved, the son of Zebedeus, and brother of James: he died threescore years after Christ, and was buried near to the city of Ephesus.